World of Firepower June-July PDF

ISSUE 3
JUNE/JULY 2013
U.S. $8.99 DISPLAY UNTIL: 7/02/13
FP_1304_COVER 3/26/13 12:50 AM Page US_C1
FP_1304_2 4/2/13 8:50 AM Page 2
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FP_1304_3 4/2/13 8:51 AM Page 3
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CONTENTS
FP_1304-4-5-TOC.CX 3/27/13 10:58 PM Page 4
25 Real Action Heroes
46 Range Officer
Springfield Armorys M1911
is a study in excellence.
Surgeon Rifles PSR, which has an

effective range of 2,000 yards,
goes for more than $11K.
Imagine. Youre secured by a

rope, and youre dropping out of
a helicopter high above the
ground while firing a weapon. If
youre a stuntman, theres no
imagining. This is your job.
By Terrill Hoffman
By Garrett Kim
FEATURES
32 Thunder In The Desert
SECTION: Adventure
A team from Firepower spent the

day with a USMC artillery team.
COVER STORY
54 LONG-DISTANCE
FIREPOWER
By Doug Jeffrey
19 Intro
20 Virtual Firepower
Its a 300-degree judgmental
use-of-force/small arms trainer
for law enforcement and youre
going inside.
By Wendy Wilson
4 WORLD OF FIREPOWER
By Chuck Taylor
I fired again as the grenade

blew up. Compellingly, Chris
Kyle takes you into the life of
a military sniper.
By Chris Kyle
50 High-Risk Operations
When it comes to optimal tactical
and breaching strategies, Tactical
Energetic Entry Systems makes
sure that nothing is left to
chance.
By Torrey Kim
SECTION: Snipers
67 The Devil Of Ramadi

The remarkable life story of U.S
military sniper Chris Kyle, who
tragically died at 38.
By Eric Kowal
69 M40
The USMCs unparalleled
sniper rifle.
By Eric Kowal
42 War On Crime
The next generation of law
enforcement armored vehicles
is very badass.
53 Intro
By Sean Cooper
I pushed my finger against the

trigger. The bullet leapt out.
I shot. The grenade dropped.
62 Evil In The Crosshairs
76 Safari Ready
Its adrenaline, its adventure,
it is high stakes its a hunting
trip to South Africa.
By Wendy Wilson
fp_1304-4-5-toC.CX 3/27/13 10:59 pm page 5
82 Dreaming Of Africa
SECTION: Military
If youre ready to live a dream and hunt

big game, this is everything you need to
know, including which rifles you need.
115 Intro
By Tom Tabor
116 The Fewest Of The Proud
88 LET IT RAIN
Their missions are considered a success if

no shots are fired. Go inside the world of
Recon Marines.
By Terrill Hoffman
96 Precision On A Budget
40 The Best In
Tactical Gear
72 Glasses
86 Accessories
113 Tactical Knives
6 First Shot
8 Just Photos
15 FRONT SIGHT
16 Law Enforcement
18 Maintenance Tips
28 Cool ATV
130 Parting Shot
By Eric Kowal
122 Unmanned, Unparallelled

Ground VEHICLE
Upgrade the standard Remington M700

so it shoots like a tactical precision rifle.
And do it on a budget.
Dig these numbers: zero to 60 in four

seconds, 2,000-pound payload capacity,
.50-caliber machine gun. Its the U.S.
Armys Ripsaw.
By Chuck Taylor
By Eric Kowal
104 The Great Garand
126 Unmanned Predators
Sit back and enjoy this read about the

M1 Garand, a rifle with a righteous
reputation.
They are deadly computerized war

combatants they are drones.
By Paul Hantke
COLUMNS
By Eric Kowal
Q&A
THE COVER
111 Creative Minds

Ever wonder how night vision
products are developed and
how much pressure is on the
company that makes them?
Questions answered here.
Main Image: Surgeon Rifles

Remedy PSR
Small Gun Image: Black Rain
Ordnance's BRO-PG2
Photos by Terrill Hoffman
Drone Image: U.S. Army
Designer: Eric Knagg
By Torrey Kim
weapon photos: terrill hoffman
Find a comfortable seat because youll

want to take a long, hard look at Black
Rains BRO-PG2.
BUYERS GUIDES
54 88
U.S. Marines, Japanese Self-Defense Forces Participate in Exercise Iron Fist 2013 on California Base.
U.s. marine Corps photo by sgt. Christopher oQUin
WORLD OF FIREPOWER 5
first words
FP_1304_6-EDIT.CX 3/31/13 11:23 PM Page 6
DEEP
IN THE
DESERT
Public affairs
officer Capt.
Nicholas
Mannweiler
BY DOUG JEFFREY
ISSUE 3 / June/July 2013

EDITORIAL
Editor: Doug Jeffrey
Editor At Large: Chuck Taylor
Consulting Editors: Paul Hantke, USMC retired,
Eric Kowal, veteran, military affairs specialist
Managing Editor: Jeffrey Rick
Art Director: Eric Knagg
CONTRIBUTORS
Sean Cooper, Erin Hatfield, Terrill Hoffman, T.J. Jackson,
Garrett Kim, Torrey Kim, Tom Tabor, J. Bruce Voyles,
Wendy Wilson
Photo by Gus Alonzo
ADVERTISING
FELT LIKE I WAS IN THE MIDDLE OF A

TRYOUT FOR CIRQUE DU SOLEIL.
Leaning way over while adding an upperbody twist to the motion allowed me to see out
of the windshield, but this position wasnt exactly
ideal for anything longer than a moment or two
nor was pulling the windowless flap over slightly so I
could observe where we had been. Visibility in the
back of this USMC Humvee just wasnt the greatest.
Determined to take in the entire experience, I slid
to the floor, just as the corporal found yet another
bump. I momentarily found myself lunging forward,
almost like a NFL wide receiver
preparing to dive for a lowthrown pass in the end zone.
Somehow I was able to get
one arm down and prevent
myself from rocketing into the
front seat.
Settling in and using the
perfectly-positioned body
armor as a cushion, I leaned
back against the bench and
watched as we headed farther and farther into the California desert.
Not wanting to get lost during the instruction,

I directed my attention back to the tanned instructor, who among other things, discussed the importance of considering any unexploded ordnance live.
He definitely had my attention.
DAYBREAK AT TWENTYNINE PALMS

When the Humvee was ready later that morning,
the captain told us to gear up.
I pulled the right flap of my vest across my chest
and immediately pulled the left flap over the right,
securing 35 pounds of body
armor. I made sure the vest was
secure, stepped up, swung my leg
over the railing and plopped
down onto the bench in the back
of the military vehicle. I slid to
the far end of the bench and
snapped my helmet strap in place
as our photographer, Gus Alonzo,
also geared up, took a seat.
It was slightly after 6:30 a.m.
on a mild Southern California
winter morning, and we were
moments away from heading
some 60 minutes straight into
the desert to observe the artillery training of the
3rd Batallion 11th Marine Regiment on its third day
of its four-day mission.
I PULLED THE RIGHT

FLAP OF MY VEST
ACROSS MY CHEST
AND IMMEDIATELY
PULLED THE LEFT FLAP
OVER THE RIGHT,
SECURING 35 POUNDS
OF BODY ARMOR.
SAFETY BRIEFING
Our day at the U.S. Marine Corp Air Ground
Combat Center in Twentynine Palms began before 5.
When 5:50 rolled around, public affairs officer Capt.
Nicholas Mannweiler walked us through the
darkness to another building on the base, where
we received our safety briefing.
As the instructor said good morning, he tossed an
orange business-sized card down on the table for us.
As the tall former Marine continued to talk, I
glanced at the 10 Commandments of Survival in
the Desert When Lost or Stranded.
Gabe Frimmel - Ad Sales Director

(714) 200-1930 - GFrimmel@Beckett.com
David Beckler - Outdoor Group Director
(972) 448-9173
Casey Clifford - Senior Account Executive
(717) 896-8956
Mark Pack - Senior Account Executive
(714) 200-1939
Gennifer Merriday - Ad Traffic Coordinator
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WORLD OF FIREPOWER 2013 by Beckett Media, LLC. All
rights reserved. Reproduction of any material from this issue in
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GRATEFUL TO THE MILITARY

BECKETT MEDIA, LLC
Observing the military up close and personal reinforces my appreciation for what they do. While you
go about your day, pause from what youre doing
and thank our military, especially the Marines at
Twentynine Palms. For it is their courage, skill and
talent that allow us to be free.
Live strong.
Nick Singh: Executive Director

Erin Masercola: Business Unit Editorial Director
Jen Kahn: Circulation Director
This magazine is purchased by the buyer with the
understanding that information presented is from
various sources from which there can be no warranty
or responsibility by Beckett Media, LLC as to the legality,
completeness or technical accuracy.
FP_1304_7 3/25/13 10:14 PM Page 7
Just Photos
FP_1304_8-13-PHOTOS.CX 3/27/13 11:02 PM Page 8
FP_1304_8-13-PHOTOS.CX 3/27/13 11:02 PM Page 9
FIVE-STAR
FIREPOWER
U.S. MARINES HAVE WHAT IT TAKES TO PREVAIL
HERES FIREPOWER, AND

THEN THERES U.S. MARINE
FIREPOWER. Always the first
to fight, Marines need to rely on unparalleled firepower: these soldiers
receive intensive training to adopt a

strategic warrior mindset, and they
have the weapons to back it up. Join
us for a look inside the U.S. Marines
impressive arsenal.
Weapons Company Marines fire an M2 heavy machine gun during field training. The
Weapons Company provides specialized firepower for Battalion Landing Team 3/1, the
ground-combat element of the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, part of the Makin Island
Amphibious Ready Group, a U.S. Central Command theater reserve force, providing
support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts.
(PHOTO BY STAFF SGT. CHANCE W. HAWORTH)
Just Photos
FP_1304_8-13-PHOTOS 3/22/13 12:18 AM Page 10
U.S. Marine
Corps Cpl. J.A.
Carlson, a machine gunner
assigned to
combined antiarmor team,
Fox Company,
2nd Battalion,
7th Marine
Regiment (Fox
2/7), provides
security prior to
conducting live
fire training
near Combat
Outpost Now
Zad, Helmand
Province,
Afghanistan.
(U.S. MARINE
CORPS PHOTO BY
CPL. ALEJANDRO
PENA/RELEASED)
FP_1304_8-13-PhotoS 3/22/13 12:18 aM Page 11
Austin B. Jasper-Martinez, an Infantry Automatic Rifle gunner with

Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 4th
Marine Regiment, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, provides suppressing fire during company-sized
assault training, as part of Exercise
Iron Fist 2013, at the Marine Corps
Air Ground Combat Center in
Twentynine Palms, California.
Marine Corps cannon crewmen endure

unforgiving heat as they fire more than
200 rounds from their M777 A2 155mm
Howitzers during an artillery live fire.
(Photo by Lance cPL. DaviD beaLL)
(U.S. Marine corPS Photo by Sgt.

chriStoPher oQUin/reLeaSeD)
FIVE-STAR
FIREPOWER
A Sabot round goes down at the Twentynine Palms

Combat Centers Range 500 during Company A, 1st
Tank Battalions annual gunnery qualification.
(Photo by cPL. Sarah Dietz)
Just Photos
FP_1304_8-13-PHOTOS 3/22/13 12:24 AM Page 12
FIVE-STAR
FIREPOWER
A Marine with Force Reconnaissance Platoon, Maritime Raid

Force, 15th Marine Expeditionary
Unit, fires at a target during a
range held on the flight deck of
the USS Peleliu.
(PHOTO BY CPL. JOHN ROBBART III)
A Marine with Echo Company, 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment,

refuses to allow a puddle of water from keeping him from completing his part of the job. Marines used a strategy known as buddy rushing while taking an enemy machine-gun nest at Shooting Range 6,
Feb. 11, 2013. Buddy rushing is when one Marine fires at enemy targets while another Marine runs ahead a few yards before stopping
and telling the first Marine to move forward while he fires at targets.
The live-fire exercise gave new Marines in the squad an opportunity
to learn their job and how the other Marines work together whenever completing a mission. Without unit cohesion the squad will
struggle to accomplish mission objectives while on deployment.
(PHOTO BY LANCE CPL. AUSTIN LONG/CAMP LEJEUNE, NORTH CAROLINA)
Cpl. David Lewis

and Lance Cpl.
Joshua Miller, assaultmen with
weapons platoon
Alpha Company,
1st Battalion, 3rd
Marine Regiment,
launch an 83mm
rocket from a
shoulder-mounted
assault weapon in
Ban Chen Kram,
Thailand.
(PHOTO BY CPL.
MATTHEW A.
CALLAHAN)
Cpl. Michael Oberley,

1st Battalion, 12th
Marine Regiment
section chief, and
Cpl. Kyle Beagle, 1st
Bn., 12th Marines
mortar gunner, fire a
round from a 120mm
mortar system creating a fire ring during
a training session for
Operation Spartan
Fury in Hawaii.
(PHOTO BY CPL.
JAMES A. SAUTE)
FP_1304_8-13-PHOTOS 3/22/13 12:19 AM Page 13
FP_1304_14 3/21/13 10:34 PM Page 14

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IN THE MEDIA
BUY GEAR.
GET C IN.
FIREARM EXCITEMENT
Gotta Love Discoverys Hit Show Sons of Guns
By T.J. Jackson
HE WEAPONS RANGE FROM BIG TO

SMALL AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN.
You will see them on the Discovery
Channels hit show Sons of Guns, which is
moving into its fifth season.
What sells the show is its
endearing cast, which includes Will Hayden,
Stephanie Hayden, Kris
Ford, Joe Meaux, Glenn
Harrison and Charlie Watson. This is, hands down,
the most entertaining, exciting and educational
show for firearms on TV.
Every time someone
brings in a firearm to repair or create, Will,
owner of Red Jacket Firearms LLC, gets this
sparkle in his eye, and you can see the wheels
turning in his old Marines gearbox. Then, the
sparkle in everyone elses eye as Will picks who
will fire it or work on it.
Red Jacket has built firearms for custom spy

cars, killing zombies, as well as World War II
flamethrowers, guns for major motion pictures
and they even nailed down a government
contract.
Red Jacket is always trying to
find ways to assist the military,
Coast Guard or police with
state-of-the art mounting and
weapons to get the job done
safely and efficiently, so the
bad guys get it and the good
guys get them off the streets or
water according to the
specifics. Sometimes the builds
are just for fun.
Regardless, you will have a blast watching
Sons of Guns and all their destruction on
Discovery for years to come.
T.J. Jackson is a firearms enthusiast who
contributes to a number of Beckett Media
publications.
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The name Red Jacket
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American Indian name
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Will once explained
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he must take care of
them as such.
Photos courtesy of theDiscovery channel
Front Sight
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Law Enforcement
FP_1304_16-17-POLICE 3/26/13 3:23 AM Page 16
HIGH-TECH
SURVEILLANCE
THE SWATSCOPE USES BASIC PERISCOPE PRINCIPLES TO
HELP MILITARY AND LAW ENFORCEMENT IMPROVE TACTICS
BY ERIN HATFIELD
NIPER AND SURVEILLANCE OPERATIONS PRESENT INHERENT

DANGERS FOR THE MILITARY AND LAW ENFORCEMENT.
In most cases, personnel are required to visually explore a location
by sticking their heads up or by knocking conspicuous holes in walls, often in
dangerous conditions such as hostile militarized zones. The practice potentially exposes team members to life-threatening enemy fire, as well as possibly discloses coalition force locations to the enemy.
But thats no longer the case.
SCOPE SPECS
Periscopes have long been used on submarines to enable observations
above the oceans surface. The simple mechanics behind periscopes are now
being applied on land to help save the lives of numerous deployed soldiers
and SWAT team members.
Recognizing the need for a simple solution for SWAT teams, Tony Leonti
developed the patented SWATSCOPE to help improve visual surveillance tactics. U.S. Army and Marine Corps members quickly adopted the device.
THE SWATSCOPE APPLIES A SIMPLE,

AGE-OLD SOLUTION TO A COMPLEX PROBLEM
FP_1304_16-17-POLICE 3/31/13 11:37 PM Page 17
The versatile camouflaged SWATSCOPE builds on basic

periscope principles to create a tool ideal for tactical surveillance, featuring a lightweight, handheld 22 -inch
periscope with a variable 4X to 9X power zoom.
The SWATSCOPE is constructed of a high-quality aluminum alloy, highly polished glass prisms and glass lenses.
The tool can be carried hands-free with a belt hook and is
shipped and stored, ready-to-use, in an aluminum protective case.
In addition to the basic periscope, SWATSCOPE also includes a flashlight/camera combination or infrared laser
attachment that can be used to clear buildings, as it provides an image back to a command center or paints a target up to 700 yards away, even in the dark, while
remaining out of harms way.
SWATSCOPE also offers a night-vision adapter that can
be used for additional devices such as rifle scopes and
spotting scopes. What further separates the universal
adapter from others on the market is that it doesnt require bushings, which enables quick and easy adaptations
in the field.
In many cases, military tool components require numerous connectors and piece-specific bushings that can be
difficult to locate and employ in hostile, highly active environments, says Leonti. With the night vision universal
adapter, users can easily add various optical devices to the
SWATSCOPE and quickly make adjustments in the field.
REDUCED CASUALTIES
The adoption of the SWATSCOPE by military and law
enforcement members has dramatically reduced casualties
while improving the ability to safely and easily visually explore an area.
Says a Colonel in the U.S. Army, Task Force 1-9, Iraq,
The SWATScope provides a perfect tool to overcome issues with walls and limited cover and concealment on
rooftops and other structures used by coalition forces for
observation in urban combat, for example windows and
jersey barriers. Currently, the coalition forces ability to
conduct observations from rooftop positions is greatly
limited due to exposure to sniper fire and harassing small
arms fire. However, in many occasions the best way for
leaders to develop situational awareness while in contact
is from an elevated position.
A WINNER
The SWATSCOPE applies a simple, age-old solution to a
complex problem and can potentially save hundreds of
lives of military and law enforcement personnel tasked
with protecting the lives of citizens worldwide.
Look A Little
Deeper
WEB
http://www.swatscope.com/
ADDRESS
21031 Cantebury Lane
Lake Forest, CA 92630
E-MAIL
swatscope@cox.net
PHONE
949-830-4300
Erin Hatfield is a freelance writer based in North

Carolina.
THE SWATSCOPE PROVIDES A PERFECT TOOL TO OVERCOME

ISSUES WITH WALLS AND LIMITED COVER AND CONCEALMENT
ON ROOFTOPS AND OTHER STRUCTURES
Fast Scope
Figures
22
In inches, the length

of the periscope
What It Does, What It Has

Allows tactical surveillance
Dramatically reduces casualties
Improves the ability to safely and
easily visually explore an area
Includes a flashlight/camera
combination or infrared laser
attachment that can be used to clear
buildings up to 700 yards away
Offers a night-vision adapter that can
be used for additional devices such as
rifle scopes and spotting scopes
4X
to 9X
Power zoom
700
The distance, in yards,

from which the
SWATSCOPE can
provide an image
Maintenance Tips
FP_1304_18-TIPS 3/22/13 2:12 AM Page 18
NO ELBOW
GREASE
NEEDED
The Lewis Lead Remover

from Brownell is an
efficient and effective
way to clean your barrel.
THE LEWIS LEAD REMOVER

CLEANS THOSE PESKY GUN BARRELS
TEXT AND PHOTOS BY PAUL HANTKE
F YOU FLING A LOT OF LEAD FROM

YOUR HANDGUNS (COWBOY SHOOTERS
COME TO MIND), HERES ONE GADGET
YOU SHOULD NOT BE WITHOUT.
Its called the Lewis Lead Remover, and its
probably the most efficient way Ive ever
discovered to clean up a pesky barrel thats
been subjected to a lot of lead bullets.
I got my first one not too long after I started
handloading back in 1971 because sometimes the
bullets I had purchased were not as hard as I
thoughtor maybe because the new guy was
running them too fast.
Whatever, it wasnt uncommon for me to spend
a good deal of time with a stiff bore brush,
solvents and elbow grease to dig out all the
deposits after a day of shooting.
The Lewis Lead Remover changed all that and
made it a snap to clean up my handguns.
SIMPLE BUT INGENIOUS

Like most ingenious inventions, the Lead
Remover is quite simple.
What appears to be a standard cleaning rod
holds a tapered rubber plug of approximately
the proper diameter for the caliber being
serviced. The plug itself is then sheathed in a
brass screen. As you tighten up the fixture, the
plug is expanded to give you the bite you need
to clean the lead out of the bore.
It normally only takes a couple of passes to
IT WASNT
UNCOMMON FOR ME
TO SPEND A GOOD DEAL
OF TIME WITH A STIFF
BORE BRUSH, SOLVENTS
AND ELBOW GREASE
TO DIG OUT ALL THE
DEPOSITS
get the job done, although Ive had to swap
out the brass screen for another fresh one on
occasion after really abusing a handgun with
soft lead bullets.
The Lead Remover is not just for the bore of
your handgun, as a couple of twists of the
handle before pulling it through the barrel will
spiff up your revolvers forcing cone.
Cylinder chambers are also a good place to
use the Lead Remover, especially if youre
shooting shorter cartridges in a revolver.38
Special in a .357 Magnum, .44 Special in a .44
Magnum and so forth.
The Lead Remover is not strictly for revolvers,
as it will clean up your semi-auto barrel as slick
as a whistle, and it will also dress out the
chamber of that barrel at the same time.
The Lead Remover is available in various sizes
to fit all popular bore sizes.
OL RELIABLE
If youve been spending too much time and
effort to clean your handguns after a day of
shooting lead bullets, you need one of these.
Like all good things for your guns, the Lewis Lead
Remover is a product from Brownells, one of, if
not the largest supplier of tools, equipment and
accessories for todays shooter.
Paul Hantke is U.S.M.C. retired, one of
Firepowers consultants and a regular contributor
to Beckett Media.
How To Find Them

PHONE
1-800-741-0015
WEB
www.brownells.com
Know This
The Lead Remover is available in various sizes to fit all popular
bore sizes.
adventure
FP_1304_19-ADV_INTRO 3/22/13 2:15 AM Page 19
ADRENALINE AT
100 MPH
GET DOWN WITH USMC HOWITZER TRAINING,

CRAZY ACTION STUNTS, ARMORED VEHICLES
PHOTO BY GUS ALONSO
Walter J. Mittys life was boring.

In the following pages, youre going
straight into a U.S.M.C. training session. And
if you survive that, youll step into a law enforcement training simulator. Youll also
have a chance to check out two of the
coolest (badass) vehicles known to man.
For good measure, youll find out how
Hollywoods real leading men handle stunts
with firearms.
We told ya Walters life was boring.
VIRTUAL
FIREPOWER
FP_1304_20-24-SIMULATOR.CX 3/28/13 1:13 AM Page 20
OFFICERS SHARPEN
THEIR SKILLS IN THE
INCREDIBLY LOUD,
WALL-SHAKING
USE-OF-FORCE
SIMULATOR
BY WENDY WILSON
MAGINE FIVE WRAPAROUND

SCREENS.
A nearly 360-degree, fully immersive training platform. A thumping, 2,000-watt audio system with
sub-surface transducers. Lifelike
video and CGI scenarios for virtual
on-screen realism. Fifteen firing
lanes with simulated electric-impulse
return fire.
And if thats not enough, the
training simulator also supports software that provides instructors with
tools to teach advanced shooting
skills as well as an extensive scenario
libraryincluding custom content.
WE WOULD TAKE A REAL WEAPON AND PUT

A DROP-IN RECOIL KIT INSIDE OF IT SO THAT IT
WOULD RECOIL AS IF YOU FIRED A LIVE ROUND.
AARON DECOURT, VIRTRA INC.
By The Numbers:
VirTra 300LE
5 Screens
300 Degrees of Views
15 Firing Lanes
2,000 Watts of Audio
$250,000 Price Tag
Theres a saying, Train as you fight; fight as you

train. Well, the VirTra 300LE judgmental simulator trains
law enforcement to be prepared for just about anything.
It brings to virtual life a variety of real-world scenarios,
including ambushes and active shooter situations.
We spoke with Aaron DeCourt, Vice President of Sales
for the Tempe, Arizona-based VirTra Inc., to learn more
about how these firearms training simulators work.
The future of virtual use-of-force training is here.
Most definitely.
World of Firepower: What is the VirTra 300LE?
Aaron DeCourt: Its a 300-degree judgmental use-offorce/small arms trainer. Incorporated in the product are
gunseverything from long guns to short gunsbut also
other types of use of force, including pepper spray and
tasers. Its a full judgmental use-of-force simulator.
WF: What kind of weapons does this simulator
support?
AD: The weapons are real; we just change the barrel and magazine. In the case of a firearm, we would
take a real weapon and put a drop-in recoil kit inside
of it so that it would recoil as if you fired a live
round; we also shoot the laser so we can track the
shots. We found in this business that if youre a highend SWAT guy, you have an affinity for your weapon.
You dont want to train on something else.
WF: How does it work?
AD: A trainer runs the system from behind the
scenes. For example, a police department puts its
firearms training instructor behind the desk of the
VirTra 300, and he or she begins to run officers
through scenarios. The instructor is in full control; if
the goal of that day is to teach taser trainingwhen
to use a taser versus when not to use a taserhe or
she has control over the branching scenarios. Based
on what the officers are doing, he or she can then go
down several branches.
ITS GOING TO BE INCREDIBLY LOUD. THEYRE GOING TO FEEL THE

SHAKE, THE REVERBERATIONS. AARON DECOURT, VIRTRA INC.
An Excellent Investment
The average VirTra 300LE runs
about $250,000
but its worth every
penny, reports
Aaron DeCourt,
VirTra Inc.s Vice
President of Sales.
Lawsuits are
expensive, too, DeCourt
says. Some law enforcement agencies have invested in the judgmental
use-of-force simulators as
a safeguard against
litigation.
Bullets are incredibly expensive, he says.

If you put someone on
the range with live
ammo, that officer is
going to spend hundreds
of dollars in 30 minutes.
So being able to put a
lot of bullets downrange
in a virtual environment
and practice without actual bullets is incredibly
valuable, just from a
cost perspective.
The cities want to

prove to juries and
judges that they have
done the most they can
do to train their officers
the best that they could
for a shooting situation,
he explains. When
agencies dont provide
good judgmental use-offorce training, thats
when you find cities
losing lawsuits and paying out a lot of money.
WF: What do you

mean by branching
scenarios?
AD: The scenarios
are filmed in a way
that there are many
different outcomes
and many points
where the instructor
can reach in and say,
okay, Im going to
make my suspect
comply, or Im going
to make my suspect
go more hostile, depending on what my
officer is doing or
what I want to teach
them. The officer
might see seven minutes of a scenario,
but whats behind
that is 30 or 40
branches of different
outcomes. Its basically instructor-run,
based on what he or
she feels the officers
are doing or what
the point of the exercise is.
WF: What are officers seeing, hearing
and feeling inside
the simulator?
AD: Theyre in a
300-degree environment. Theyre typically standing on a
training stage with
transducers and
speakers underneath
them. So theyre
hearing directional
sound. Theyre feeling the sound, so if
gunfire erupts either
from them or from
the scenario, or if a
helicopter flies overhead, in their auditory mind, its going
to be exactly how it
is in the real world.
Its going to be incredibly loud.
Theyre going to feel
the shake, the

reverberations.
WF: What are the
benefits of this type
of training?
AD: Its a full situational awareness
simulator, so an instructor can make
threats or distractions come from anywhere, just like in
real life. By putting
the officers in a platform situation and
surrounding them,
and having them
feel, hear and participate in the 300-degree environment,
you get immersion.
You get real heart
rates up. You get
people who make
much more critical
decisions because
they realize, okay, I
can be ambushed
here. If I dont check
this doorway, if I
dont scan and assess, it might cost me
my life, so to speak,
in the simulator.
WF: What kinds of
programs or scenarios will officers be
exposed to?
AD: The content
ranges from domestic disputes inside
buildings to active
shooters in schools to
hostage rescue situations and downed
officers. So we provide an entire package of content thats
relevant to a law enforcement or military
agency.
WF: What is your
simulators most
popular training accessory?
BY PUTTING THEM IN A PLATFORM SITUATION,

SURROUNDING THEM AND HAVING THEM FEEL, HEAR
AND PARTICIPATE IN THE 300-DEGREE ENVIRONMENT,
NOW YOU GET IMMERSION. YOU GET REAL HEART
RATES UP. AARON DECOURT, VIRTRA INC.
LE versus MIL
VirTra Inc. makes two versions of the VirTra 300 use-offorce simulator: the LE serves
law enforcement, and the MIL
is for military applications.
A police department is primarily
concerned with good judgment, says
Aaron DeCourt, VirTra Inc.s Vice President of Sales. That might be, for instance, their officers ability to talk a
suspect out of violence. Every police
academy teaches that the greatest
weapon you have is your voice. So the
law enforcement scenarios are heavy
on the dialogue branches to let the officers engage using their voice before
having to use something from their
belt.
DeCourt points out that military
personnel require a different focus.
The military, more often than not,
is looking for marksmanship and
quick-fire decision-making types of
scenarios, he says. Its very different
from a law enforcement world.
AD: The biggest one is the

Threat Fire device. It is, in effect, a return-fire device.
Trainees wear it on their belts,
and if hostile fire hits them, it
will shock them. Its painful and
it allows them to have skin in the
game, so to speak.
WF: Is this the future of use of
force training programs?
AD: We obviously think so.
Think about the limitations of
live fire. If you put live bullets in
a gun, there are a lot of things
you cant do training-wise for
fear of a training accident. If you
train in small teams, if you train
in close-quarter battle with real
bullets, then you expose yourself
and your team to an accidental
discharge or something like that.
When you do simulated scenarios, theres no fear of being shot
or having an accidental
discharge.
Trainers can be up close and
personal and modify somebodys
shooting stance or their technique without fear of live bullets. But theres also the ability to
induce stress in the trainee; it really can only happen in this type
of environment. Some agencies,
for example, use our system as a
SWAT selector. Theyll take officers who are going through the
application process to become
SWAT and theyll use the VirTra
system to see how the officers
handled stress, how their marksmanship held up under duress,
that type of thing, which is super
difficult to do any other way.
Wendy Wilson is an
award-winning writer who
lives in Northern California.
FP_1304_25-27-ACTION.CX 3/27/13 11:07 PM Page 25
REAL ACTION
HEROES
The Impact
That Is CGI
Stunts may be safer today due
to CGI (computer generated
imaging), but there is still a
risk, says Peter Kent.
Among other factors, the risk
depends on the film and
director, he says.
STUNT PERFORMERS
EXPERIENCE HEAPING
DOSES OF PURE
ADRENALINE BY
PUTTING THEMSELVES
IN THE LINE OF FIRE
BY GARRETT KIM
Colin Follenweider performing

stunts in Spider-Man 3.
ALK ABOUT PURE,

100% UNADULTERATED ADRENALINE.
ITS THE LIFE OF A STUNTMAN.
Imagine rappelling off of a
helicopter high above the
ground while firing a weapon,
ensuring that you dont hit anyone whos hanging alongside
you.
Rappelling off a building, or
better yet, from a helicopter and
having to fire a weapon with
other performers next to you is
always tricky, says stuntman
Tom Dewier. Elements like timing, speed, rotor wash, make that
type of gig always a challenge.

Thats all in a days work for
stuntman and firearm expert
Dewier, who has performed
stunts in more than 100 films, including Iron Man 3, Gangster
Squad and G.I. Joe: The Rise of
Cobra, among others.
Dewier and other stunt performers stand in for actors in certain films and television
programs, risking their lives so
the actors arent in any actual
danger.
While not life threatening,
theres another element to the
work thats also critical.
Doppelgangers
Not Required
One preconceived notion
involving stunt work is that you
have to look identical to the actor
whose stunts youre performing.
True or false?
Yes and no, says Colin
Follenweider, stunt performer and
president of the Internayional
Stunt Association. There are
basically two types of stunt work:
doubling an actor and, what we
call ND or nondescript. When doubling
someone, it does help to look like that person.
It makes the directors job easier. They may not
have to cheat their camera angles as much
when filming stunt work.
However, he adds, resembling one of

the actors can help a stunt
performer get an edge on landing
a role.
Ive been fortunate enough to
double actors such as Shia LaBeouf in
Transformers 3 and Chris Evans in The
Losers, Follenweider says. In some of
the shots in both movies, you can see
my face if you hit pause. However,
I looked similar enough to the actors that it doesnt take the audience out of the story or the action.
Sometimes, a stunt coordinator may
have to hire a double that doesnt look anything like the actor. In those cases, it comes
down to the skill set. First and foremost, a
double needs to be able to get the job done.
SHIA LA BEOUF - SEAN GALLUP/GETTY IMAGES FOR PARAMOUNT,

CHRIS EVANS - JASON MERRITT/GETTY IMAGES
CREDIT: COLIN FOLLENWEIDER
FP_1304_25-27-ACTION 3/22/13 2:32 AM Page 26
Visit Adrenaline City

Peter Kents most thrilling
scene hes ever filmed?
The truck tanker scene in T2 for
sure, he says. Sixty-mph freehand run from the pickup to the
big rig. Adrenaline city!
r
er Pete
erform
ky
Stunt p orming a ris
erf
Kent p erminator 2.
T
scene in
T
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: PETE
CREDIT
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,
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THE
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ADVISO AIN
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SET TO
TORS
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UNT
AND ST
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PEOPLE N
TMA
STUN
EWIER
TOM D
When training an
actor on how to
shoot a gun, the
most important
aspect is aim,
since blanks
can be deadly.
No matter what the
film genrewhether
Western, military or
law enforcement,
actors must be
believable when
shooting firearms.
CREDIT:
THINKSTOCK.
CREDIT: THINKSTOCK.
AUTHENTICITY IS CRITICAL
Dewier knows that firearm enthusiasts are watching the
films and looking at the shooting style to ensure authenticity
and stresses how vigorously stunt performers train to please
their audiences.
While there are stunt performers who have shooting
backgrounds, either coming from military training or competitive shooting, many seek reputable tactical firearm training,
which seems to have become more common and more available than in the past, Dewier says. Also, depending on the
budget of the film, there may be a military or police/SWAT
advisor on set to train the actors and stunt people.

Not only do stunt performers like Dewier have to perform
stunts on their own, they often have to demonstrate the appropriate way to hold a gun to the actors for whom they are
doubling and where to aim.
While we use blanks, they are still deadly, says Dewier.
Therefore, we never point the gun directly at the person.
Using camera angles, we can cheat the shot to look like were
dead-on. So before any shooting happens in a scene, a safety
meeting is held where blocking off the scene is discussed and
clear zones are established for firing.
Resources
SCHOOL OF HARD KNOCKS
Peter Kent operates his own school for
aspiring stuntmen, Peter Kents School
of Hard Knocks.
Check it out at
www.peterhkent.com/1school.shtml.
MORE ON STUNTS
Check out the International Stunt
Association at www.isastunts.com.
FP_1304_25-27-ACTION 3/22/13 2:32 AM Page 27
Imagine shooting
a firearm while
hanging from a
helicopter
without hitting
the other people
rappelling nearby.
Thats all in a
days work for a
stunt performer
like Tom Dewier.
CREDIT:
THINKSTOCK.
Interested In Pursuing Stunts?
Arnold Schwarzenegger
and his stunt double,
Peter Kent, on the set
of Total Recall.
CREDIT: PETER KENT
RAPPELLING OFF A BUILDING AND HAVING TO FIRE

A WEAPON WITH OTHER PERFORMERS NEXT TO YOU
IS ALWAYS TRICKY. STUNTMAN TOM DEWIER
SAFETY ON THE SET

Although a stunt performers safety can
never be completely guaranteed, the field is
much safer than it used to be, says Peter
Kent, a performer best known for his work as
stunt double for actor Arnold Schwarzenegger in movies such as Terminator, Predator
and Terminator 2: Judgment Day.
Nowadays, theres a much greater use of
CGI, Kent says. Back in the day, you just
threw yourself into the fire, but now a lot of
it is less dangerous. However, it also depends
on the film and director.

The element of danger can lend itself to
some exciting pieces of film, as Kent notes
about the most difficult and thrilling scene
hes ever filmed.
The truck tanker scene in T2 for sure, he
says. Sixty-mph freehand run from the
pickup to the big rig. Adrenaline city!
All in a days work.
Garrett Kim is a freelance writer based in
North Carolina.
Although breaking
into the stunt field
isnt as simple as filling out a simple application, it can be done
with hard work and
perseverance.
As a stunt performer, we dont really
have agents and seldom have auditions,
says Colin Follenweider, president of the
International Stunt Association, who is also
well known for his
stunt work in films
such as Spider-Man 3
and Transformers: Dark
Of The Moon. The
way we get most jobs
is by reputation,
friendships and personal networking. Its
difficult to break into a
business where stunt
people already have
strong ties to other
stunt people. Its like
showing up to a party,
not knowing a soul
and trying to get a ride
home.
Sometimes, however, luck and self-promotion play a big part
in getting a role. When
asked how he man-
aged to start his career

with a blockbuster like
Terminator, Peter Kent
admitted that honesty
was not his first policy.
I lied when Jim
Cameron asked if I had
done stunts before
and then was lucky
enough to have several well-qualified
stuntmen take me
under their wings, he
says. Not the recommended method, for
sure!
If youre committed to pursuing a career in stunt
performing, know
what will be expected
of you.
It takes perseverance, commitment, talent and a little luck,
Follenweider says. In
addition, I find that
most stunt people are
friendly, helpful and
supportive of other
stunt people. I think
this is because we
have to trust each
other with our lives at
a moments notice,
and you never know
who youre going to
work with next.
SPICE UP YOUR OUTDOOR LIFE WITH THE YAMAHA GRIZZLY, RHINO TACTICAL OFF-ROAD VEHICLES
WILD ANIMALS
FP_1304_28-31-COOL 3/22/13 2:39 AM Page 28
BY TORREY KIM \
][|}{ | PHOTOS COURTESY OF YAMAHA
WHY NOT?
Youve already got a slew of tactical
gear, why not round out your supply
cache with a tactical off-road vehicle as
well?
Yamahas tactical Grizzly 700 and
Rhino 700 4x4 vehicles offer everything
you need for a trek into the deep
woods or along the beach, with an
easy-to-operate automatic transmission

and a push-button two-wheel drive to
four-wheel drive conversion. Both of
these off-road vehicles are made in the
companys United States manufacturing facility, bringing American quality
to Yamahas well-known sleek and
durable engineering.
The Grizzly (with its sleek tactical
black paint) is a classic ATV, which can

be used for all of your off-road needs
from sea level to 15,000 feet. The
Rhino, which comes standard with a
steel dump bed rated to haul 400
pounds of gear, allows for side-by-side
seating, so you and your hunting partner can scope out the terrain together.
Yeah, why not?
THE GRIZZLY
FP_1304_28-31-COOL 3/22/13 2:39 AM Page 29
Do The Math
THE RHINOS
NUMBERS
THE RHINO 700

4X4 VEHICLES OFFER
EVERYTHING YOU
NEED FOR A TREK
INTO THE DEEP
WOODS
$11,499-12,049
PRICE
686 cc
liquid-cooled
with fan,
four-stroke
ENGINE TYPE
153.5 inches
TURNING RADIUS
1,212 pounds
TOWING
CAPACITY
THE RHINO
FP_1304_28-31-COOL 3/22/13 2:39 AM Page 30
Other Cool Rhino Facts

Instrumentation:
Digital LCD
multi-function display, speedometer,
odometer, dual
trip, hour, clock,
fuel and gear
position
Drive Train:
Yamaha
On-Command
push-button with
three-way locking
differential; 2WD,
4WD, locked 4WD,
shaft drive
Front Tires:
AT25x8-12 NHS
Front and Rear

Brakes:
Dual hydraulic
disc; front has
twin piston
Rear Tires:
AT25x10-12 NHS
Transmission:
Yamaha
Ultramatic
V-belt with
all-wheel engine
braking
DONT FORGET
THE ACCESSORIES
Once you load up your Yamaha 4x4
with your favorite gear, you can also
add optional accessories to make
your next outing as comfortable and
functional as possible. Consider storage and cargo boxes, winches, plows,
camera mounts and additional lighting, based on when youll be riding
and what your needs are.
BUILD AND GO
Yamahas ATVs are ready to ride as
soon as you take ownershipjust
supply the gear and scenery, and
youll be on your way.
Build your Rhino at www.yamahamotor.com/outdoor/products/modelhome/590/0/home.aspx, and your
Grizzly at www.yamahamotor.com/outdoor/products/modelhome/540/0/home.aspx.
FP_1304_28-31-COOL 3/22/13 2:39 AM Page 31
FAST FACTS
The Grizzly
Instrumentation: Digital LCD
multi-function display,
speedometer, odometer, dual
tripmeter, hour meter, clock,
fuel gauge, gear position, EPS
and EFI function
THE GRIZZLY IS A CLASSIC ATV, WHICH CAN BE

USED FOR ALL OF YOUR OFF-ROAD NEEDS FROM
SEA LEVEL TO 15,000 FEET.
Transmission: Yamaha
Ultramatic V-belt with
all-wheel engine braking
Drive train: Yamaha OnCommand push-button with
three-way locking differential;
2WD, 4WD, locked 4 WD, shaft
drive
Front and rear brakes:
Dual hydraulic disc
Add These Up
The Grizzlys
Numbers
$10,099
PRICE
686 cc, four-stroke,

liquid-cooled single
ENGINE TYPE
126
IN INCHES, THE
TURNING RADIUS
1,322 pounds
TOWING CAPACITY
AT25x10-12 with
aluminum wheels
REAR TIRES
AT25x8-12 with
aluminum wheels
FRONT TIRES
FP_1304_32-38-ARTILLERY 3/24/13 10:58 PM Page 32
THE 3RD BATTALION 11TH MARINE REGIMENT, OUT OF TWENTYNINE PALMS,

TRAINS FOR COMBAT WITH THE 155MM HOWITZER BY DOUG JEFFREY
Photos by Gus Alonzo
N THE DESERT IT SITS.

Legs firmly entrenched in the dirt, its titanium body personifying power, it awaits its mission. In actual combat, that
is direct, reinforcing or general artillery fire support to maneuver forces all in the name of freedom.
When the command comes during training, its team flies into
motion. Coordinates are read, a shell is inserted and the beast
sends a round 18 kilometers through the hot, dry desert air, as the
sound booms off the mountains and canyon walls. Desert thunder. The message is unequivocally clear. Dont mess with the incomparable strength of the United States Marine Corps.
Welcome to a training session with the lightweight 155mm
Howitzer System and the crew that mans it.
BACKGROUND, BATTLE, BENEFITS

Both the Army and Marine Corps have deployed the
weapon to Iraq and Afghanistan, where its currently engaged in combat operations, officials say. The U.S. Marine
Corps will use the weapon as a direct support weapon, replacing all existing cannon systems. The U.S. Army will use
the LW 155 as a general support weapon in the light forces
and as a direct support weapon for the Light Cavalry Regiment, replacing the M198 155mm towed howitzer.
The extensive use of titanium in all its major structures
makes the M777A2 7,000 pounds lighter than its predecessor, the M198, with no sacrifice in range, stability, accuracy
or durability.
Plus, the M777A2s independent suspension, smaller
footprint, and lower profile increase strategic deployability
and tactical mobility. To get it into battle, it can be
dropped by parachute. The system uses numerous improvements to enhance reliability and accuracy, and significantly
increase system survivability.
The M777A2 is jointly managed; the Marine Corps led
the development of the howitzer, and the Army led the development of Towed Artillery Digitization, the digital fire
control system for the M777A2. Software upgrades incorporating the Enhanced Portable Inductive Artillery Fuze
Setter and the Excalibur Platform Integration Kit hardware
give the M777A2 the capability to program and fire the Excalibur precision-guided munition, officials say.
The Range
Maximum Range
The LW 155 indirect
fire maximum range
shall be at least 30 to
40 kilometers with
rocket-assisted U.S.
munitions (i.e.,
M549A1) and 22.5 to
30 kilometers with
unassisted U.S. munitions (i.e., M795,
M825A1 or XM898)
with the M203A1 propelling charge.
Minimum Range
The LW 155 high
angle indirect fire
minimum range, firing
the M107 projectile
and current propelling
charges, shall not be
greater than 3,700 to
2,700 meters.
ON A WARM DAY WHEN THE GUYS ARE IN ARMOR AND OPERATING IN

THE FIELD, IT TAKES GOOD OLD-FASHIONED MARINE CORPS TOUGHNESS.
CAPT. NICHOLAS MANNWEILER
THE SYSTEM USES NUMEROUS

IMPROVEMENTS TO ENHANCE
RELIABILITY AND ACCURACY
DONT MESS WITH THE

INCOMPARABLE STRENGTH
OF THE UNITED STATES
MARINE CORPS.
The
Price Tag
$2.4 million
Factors Affecting
Howitzer Accuracy
Wind
Rotation of the earth
Weight of the round
The frequency in
which the howitzer
was used during
a day
Temperature
INSIDE A SESSION
During USMC training with the howitzer, public
affairs officer Capt. Nicholas Mannweiler, stationed at Californias U.S. Marine Corps Air Ground
Combat Center in Twentynine Palms, says missions
for the battalion can last from four days to a
month. During the training, the intensity and
focus never subside.
Marines approach each mission with the
utmost importance and as if theyre preparing for

combat, says Mannweiler.
That critical mindset and approach comes
from Marine Corps leadership, says the 29-yearold officer.
Marines are not allowed to screw around, he
says. In training, someone could get killed because its a dangerous task. Every opportunity that
youre not prepared for combat makes you less
ready when combat comes. No time is wasted.

Every Marine carries that mentality every day.
Its just engrained in our culture here, says
the public affairs officer. Lessons are learned and
reminders passed down. Its up to the junior officers and the senior enlisted to keep the Marines
focused.
And that mentality remains steadfast, regardless of the conditions, which can run the gamut.
Five Requirements
For Accuracy
Battery location
Accurate target location
Accurate ammunition data: weight of
the round, propellant temperature and
propellant efficiency
Accurate meteorological data
Accurate computational procedures
The Specs
Emplace: Less than three minutes
Displace: Two to three minutes
Maximum Range: 30 kilometers
(rocket-assisted round)
Rate-of-Fire: Four rounds per minute
maximum; two rounds per minute
sustained
Ground Mobility: Family of medium
tactical vehicles, medium tactical vehicle replacement, 5-ton trucks

Air Mobility: Two per C-130; six per
C-17; 12 per C-5; CH-53D/E; CH-47D;
MV-22
155mm Compatibility: All fielded
and developmental NATO munitions
Digital and Optical Fire Control:
Self-locating and pointing, digital and
voice communications; self-contained
power supply
When The Call Comes

Marines can be deployed as a unit or individually.
As a Marine, if youre deployed anywhere for combat or a mission, going with someone you have close
bonds with or going with a unit is much more preferable than being sent out as an IA (individual augmentee) to join another unit.
As a Marine, you want to deploy. Its like going
to football practice twice a day all day long during
summer and never being able to play. Its the same
mentality why you want to deploy.
Capt. Nicholas Mannweiler
The Training Session

WHO
3rd Batallion 11th
Marine Regiment
WHAT
Training with the
155mm howitzer
WHEN
March 2013
WHERE
U.S. Marine Corps
Air Ground
Combat Center in
Twentynine Palms
WHY
To protect the
United States
of America
Marines are uniquely organized and trained

and equipped to be sent anywhere a mission
needs us, says Mannweiler. We are able to fight
in any climate. Its institutionalized within the
Marine Corps so there is a degree of mental
toughness, and training will help Marines adapt
and mentally cope with being in harsh environments.
On this particular day, though the calendar
said winter, the desert warmed to the mid-eighties by late morning. For the Marines, in full gear,
its all in a days work.
On a warm day when the guys are in armor
and operating in the field, it takes good old-fashioned Marine Corps toughness, says Mannweiler.
Armed with one badass howitzer.
EVERY OPPORTUNITY
THAT YOURE NOT
PREPARED FOR COMBAT
MAKES YOU LESS READY
WHEN COMBAT COMES.
CAPT. NICHOLAS MANNWEILER
Technical
Data
Special thanks
to www.fas.org
for the technical
data about the
howitzer.
FP_1304_39 3/21/13 11:09 PM Page 39
FP_1304_40-41-BG_TACTICAL 3/27/13 11:16 PM Page 40
COMBAT READY
THE VERY BEST IN TACTICAL GEAR
BY SEAN COOPER \ PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE MANUFACTURERS
O AHEAD. WE DARE YOU.

Tell us that tactical gear isnt cool.
Yeah, we didnt think you could.
Check it out.
5.11 TACTICAL
www.511tactical.com
Model: TacTec Plate Carrier

Key Features: Maximum
breathability, adjustable,
the ultimate in protection
MSRP: $199.99
Description:
The 5.11 TacTec Plate Carrier
accommodates medium and large
NSN ceramic-armor plates with
secure plate retention. Eight rows of
EDITORS
CHOICE:
laser-cut lightweight web platform

across the top of the plate carrier
along with 10 columns of standard
MOLLE web platform across the
base allow for easy additional pouch
integration. A single-handed quickrelease pull ensures the plate carrier
can be removed in a matter of seconds by the wearer or medical personal for quick and thorough
self/casualty evaluation.
3
2
AMERICAN TECHNOLOGIES
Model: The Ultra Bright
Digital Night Vision Systems
(DNVM)
Key Features: Affordable,
ergonomic design,
high-quality optics
MSRP: $219
Description:
Darkness has set in. Sure,
you could invest in digital
night vision like the military
uses, but you cant afford
that, can you? Thats where
youre wrong.
The Ultra Bright Digital
www.atncorp.com
Night Vision Systems

(DNVM) is an affordable,
high-tech way to shoot in
the dark. If its good enough
for the military, law enforcement and security, its good
enough for you. Its ergonomic and compact design makes it perfect for a
variety of activities at night,
including shooting, camping, hunting and boating.
See with near-perfect clarity
in total darkness. Its so
great youll forget the sun
has set.
NAVELITE
Model: Compass
Key Features: Lightweight,
magnetic needle,
luminescent paint
MSRP: $79.99
Description:
Whether youre alone in
the forest or the battlefield,
its crucial to know where
youre going. NavELite Compass is your best friend at
night or in low visibility conditions where light is at a pre-
www.navelite.com
mium. This multi-purpose
compass is perfect for soldiers, hunters and hikers. The
compass shines, literally; its
magnetic needle and luminescent paints are easy to read
wherever you are. It has the
look and feel of wristwatch.
Strap it on, and enjoy its ergonomic feel and reliability.
The next time you go hiking
at night be sure to bring
along the NavELite Compass,
your night companion.
FP_1304_40-41-BG_TACTICAL 3/27/13 11:16 PM Page 41
Compass Vs. GPS

While compasses have been
guiding travelers for years,
is it worthwhile to invest in
a pricier GPS? Lets take a
look at the pros and cons of
each.
Compass
Pros
Lightweight, compact
and easy to carry
Relatively inexpensive
compared to GPS
Most operate on their
own without a battery
no power required
WEAVER
Model: Micro
Dot Sight
Key Features: Easily
mountable, compatible with all firearms,
adjustable brightness
MSRP: $108.45
Description:
Looking to improve your shooting
accuracy? Shoot like a
pro with the new
Weaver Micro Dot
Sight. Dont let its size
fool you this small
optic delivers big-time
fun. It easily mounts
www.weaveroptics.com
on any type of
firearm, including
handguns, shotguns
and AR-style firearms.
An adjustable brightness setting enables
you to shoot with
precision when darkness falls. Whether
youre looking to improve your shooting
skills or teach your
son or daughter to
shoot, theres no better aid. Youll be
shooting like a highly
trained marksman in
no time.
LASERLYTE
Model: Reaction Tyme Target
Key Features: Two Targets
with 2.5-inch diameter
shooting ring, dual modes
for reaction and training
MSRP: $159.95
Description:
Do you find it tough to
find spare time to visit the
shooting range due to your
hectic schedule? Now you
can train from the comfort of
your home with the new Reaction Tyme Target. This is no
ordinary gun training kit; the
www.laserlyte.com
unique dual-mode interactive target system lets you simultaneously train and
improve your reaction time.
Run a variety of training
modes with the systems two
targets. The first mode, Reaction, lets you fire at targets
appearing in three- to sevensecond intervals. The Training
mode tests your discipline
and shooting accuracy.
Whether youre a beginner
or an expert trainer, this is a
fantastic tool to improve
your shooting skills.
MESA TACTICAL
www.mesatactical.com
Model: Shotshell Carrier

System for Kel-Tec KSG
Shotgun
MSRP: $240 (carrier and
rail for Kel-Tec KSG
six-shell, 12-gauge, both
sides)
a replacement anodized
aluminum Picatinny
optics rail, which
supports one or two
machined shell carrier
yokes. Small aluminum
flanges on either side of
the main rail can accept
additional lengths of
Picatinny rail to support
weapon lights or
targeting lasers. A pair
of steel recoil blocks
featuring angled set
screws ensure the rail
assembly is securely
mounted to the
shotgun.
Description:
This new Shotshell
carrier systemoffered
in four-, six-, eight- and
12-shell configurations,
features accessory
mounting points for
on-gun weapon lights
and lasers. The SureShell
carrier system consists of
Cons
If youre sick or injured, a
compass doesnt bring
help
Without a map, a compass isnt that helpful
It can be difficult to read
at night or in low light
GPS
Pros
No need to carry tons of
maps your GPS will be
your guide
Monitor everything from
your location to your altitude
A lot more accurate than
a compass instantly
know your exact location
Cons
Youll need to carry
backup batteries you
dont want to be out of
power when you need it
most
A lot pricier than compasses; prices typically
start at $100
Similar to your mobile
phone, youll need a
strong signal dont
bother trying it in the
basement
The bottom line is its a
smart idea to carry both
you never know when
youll need your high-tech
GPS or your tried-and-true
compass.
FP_1304_42-45-ARMORED.CX 3/27/13 11:08 PM Page 42
WAR ON CRIME
THE LENCO BEARCAT G3 IS THE NEXT GENERATION OF
ARMORED VEHICLES
BY SEAN COOPER - PHOTOS COURTESY
OF LENCO ARMORED VEHICLES
ALK ABOUT A
COOL RIDE.
THE LARIMER COUNTY,
COLORADO SHERIFFS
DEPARTMENT HAS A NEW TOOL IN
ITS ARSENAL FOR KEEPING YOUR
NEIGHBORHOOD SAFE.
The Lenco BearCat is the next generation of armored response and rescue
vehicles. We were lucky enough
to check out Larimer Countrys
armored vehicle at the National
Shooting Sports Foundations
annual SHOT show.
In the following interview,
Lieutenant Mike Loberg of the
Larimer County Sheriffs Department takes us inside the world
of law enforcement and ex LT. MIKE LOBERG, LARIMER
plains how this impressive vehicle will be a great asset in the
COUNTY, COLORADO SHERIFFS
war on crime.
DEPARTMENT
UNDER THE HOOD

6.7L turbo diesel
IT PROVIDES A
ROLLING BARRIER
THAT WE CAN USE TO
INSERT IN DANGEROUS
AND DEADLY
CONFRONTATIONS.
Q: Why did you select this

vehicle?
A: We evaluated several companies
and felt as far as reputation, value and
history, the Lenco BearCat was the best
choice. The ability to have clearance was
very important. Four-wheel drive with
clearance is certainly one of those requirements. We purchased the G3 package (off-road variant for law
enforcement). Larimer County has a
wide variety of terrains, including badlands and up to 11,000 feet of snowy
mountains, which the vehicle can cover.
Q: What will it do for you?
A: The biggest thing is it will provide
a rescue vehicle thats capable of stopping most rounds on the market and
providing a level of safety to our citizens and officers. We have another armored vehicle; the BearCat will serve as
a secondary vehicle.
BUMPER
Ram bumper
CBRNE capabilities
FP_1304_42-45-ARMORED.CX 3/27/13 11:09 PM Page 43
THE ROOF
Features a rotating
roof hatch
10-12
Seating capacity
Watcha Got
BearCat?
WHAT
The Lenco BearCat
is a versatile armored vehicle that
provides the utmost in protection.
GUNPORTS
PROTECTION
It offers .50-caliber
armor protection
and can defeat
high-caliber assault
weapons, mortar
frag, grenade attacks and roadside
bombs AKA IEDs
(improvised explosive devices).
WHO USES
The G3 is primarily
used by SWAT
(Special Weapons
and Tactics) and
Special Ops teams
at high-security facilities for perimeter patrol and
security.
PROTECTION
.50-caliber armor
HOW MANY
This vehicle will intimidate criminals
by driving by its
large enough to fit
a fully armed tactical team of 10.
4x4
FP_1304_42-45-ARMORED 3/22/13 2:55 AM Page 44
Cant Stop This

Larimer County features badlands and
up to 11,000 feet of snowy mountains.
The BearCat will cover both.
What The BearCat Does

ONE
It provides a rolling
barrier, which allows
the department to
insert it in dangerous
and deadly
confrontations.
TWO
The department can
deliver officers to a
deadly situation and
extract officers from
danger areas.
FP_1304_42-45-ARMORED 3/22/13 2:55 AM Page 45
A RESCUE VEHICLE THATS CAPABLE OF STOPPING

MOST ROUNDS ON THE MARKET AND PROVIDING A
LEVEL OF SAFETY TO OUR CITIZENS AND OFFICERS.
$188,793
About six weeks
PRICE TAG
CONSTRUCTION TIME
LT. MIKE LOBERG, LARIMER COUNTY, COLORADO SHERIFFS DEPARTMENT
Dig Deeper
Cool Numbers
www.swattrucks.com/
Q: How can it help you?

A: It provides a rolling barrier that we can use to insert in dangerous and deadly confrontations. We can
deliver officers to a deadly situation and extract officers from danger areas.
Q: Where will you use it?
A: We will use it to augment both the cities and the
unincorporated areas. We will be able to use it anywhere within Larimer County. Other agencies that surround us will be able to call if they need to borrow
this type of equipment.
Q: What upgrades did you opt for?
A: We upgraded to the diesel engine because of
the mountain terrain. We wanted to have the horsepower to carry the vehicle up the mountain. We
opted for the 3G package, which get rids of the dual
rear end. We chose the four-door version to provide
access on multiple points of the vehicle. Our model includes an L-rad 300X, a speaker system that attaches
on the top of the vehicle, and a hydraulic ram on the
front for breaching doors and windows.
Q: Have you used it yet?
A: Its been here for like four weeks, and weve had
it out on calls four different times. We use it about
once a week.
Q: What are its biggest advantages?
A: When you have an armored vehicle, it enhances
the amount of things you can do during an operation.
It gives you a safe place to observe the target, direct
resources, provide communication with the L-rad, and
its a form of intimidation. It provides protection and
has a psychological influence on people inside the
house.
Sean Cooper is a freelance writer based in Canada.
FP_1304_46-49-GUNS3 3/22/13 3:02 AM Page 46
RANGE
OFFICER
SPRINGFIELD ARMORYS M1911 IS A STUDY IN EXCELLENCE

BY CHUCK TAYLOR
Photos by Chuck Taylor
Contact Springfield Armory at

420 West Main St., Geneseo, IL 61254;
www.springfield-armory.com; 800-680-6866.
Contact Dynamic Research Technologies at
420 West Main St., Geneseo, IL 61254;
www.drtammo.com; 660-564-2103.
FP_1304_46-49-GUNS3 3/22/13 3:02 AM Page 47
F IMITATION IS TRULY THE SINCEREST

FORM OF FLATTERY, THE VENERABLE,
MUCH-COPIED M1911 HAS TO BE THE
MOST COMPLIMENTED HANDGUN IN
EXISTENCE. At present, there are more
than a dozen companies manufacturing it in
one form or another, which is a remarkable
tribute to its status. Although Old Ugly is
now 100 years old and the veteran of a thousand battles, it has more than earned its reputation as king of the fighting handguns.
Of the many companies who manufacture
M1911s, none does it better than Springfield
Armory; SA has kept the M1911 pure and refrained from excessive (or trendy, if you will)
modification of its basic design. Designed by
John Browning, the M1911 needs no major
improvements, and its few weaknesses were
corrected way back in 1922. SA offers a number of M1911 configurations, all of which are
practical, simple, reliable and user-friendly.
Among the very
best of these configurations is the Range
Officer model, first introduced in 2009. Featuring a smooth, even,
matte gray finish,
fixed-barrel bushing,
standard-length recoil
spring guide rod, highvisibility adjustable
sights, beavertail grip
safety, skeletonized
burr hammer, beveled magazine well, checkered cocobolo stocks and a checkered, lockable mainspring housing, the RO M1911 is
not only an aesthetically attractive gun, but
an accurate and reliable one as well. Unlike
many manufacturers improvements, SAs
practical, tasteful modifications to the fundamental M1911 design to produce the RO
model greatly enhanced its efficiency.
My personal, out-of-the-box RO has functioned perfectly for more than 36,000 rounds
of various .45 ACP ammo, from 230-grain
hardball to 200-grain SWCs to 150-grain
FJHPs. Its feedway is polished, but not recontoured in any way, and the seven-shot magazines that came with it work flawlessly with
all the bullet shapes Ive used so far.
From my Ransom Rest, it shoots nearly any
kind of ammo into less than 3 inches at 50
meters, but it performs especially well with
the new Dynamic Research Technologies 150grain frangible JHP (1088 fps).
AS YOU
CAN SEE,
THE RO IS A
LOT OF GUN
FOR A VERY
REASONABLE
PRICE.
A sturdy hard case, belt-slide holster and dual magazine carrier also come with the weapon.
Springfield Armory Range Officer M1911

Caliber
Barrel
Sights
Trigger
Stocks
Weight
Frame
Slide
Height
Length
.45 ACP
5 inches, Stainless Steel
Rear, Low-Profile Adjustable Front-Serrated Ramp
Lightweight, Speed, 5.7 pounds
Cocobolo, checkered
40 ounces (empty magazine)
Forged steel
Forged steel
5.5 inches
8.5 inches
The RO M1911 is plenty accurate, too. Our test gun produced 1 inch
3-shot 25-meter groups with new Dynamic Research Technologies'
150-gr. FJHPs. The gun also shot exceptionally well with WCC-62 GI
Ball and Winchester 230-grain JHPs.
FP_1304_46-49-GUNS3 3/22/13 3:02 AM Page 48
2a
1. The big-bore stopping power of the .45 ACP has been

legendary for years, and SAs new Range Officer carries
on the tradition. A standard guide rod, plunger and bushing are utilized to make field-stripping easier.
2a,2b. Excellent high-visibility, low-profile, adjustable
sights enable the user to employ a full range of .45 ACP
bullet weights, from 155 to 250-grains.
3. A skeletonized hammer provides fast lock times, but
it's edge-free for easy manipulation.
4. The checkered mainspring housing provides good grip
control and includes a locking mechanism to render the
weapon inoperable for storage purposes.
5. The magazine release button, slide stop/release lever
and thumb safety are configured to allow fast, efficient
operation under stress.
6. A lightly beveled magazine translates to fast and easy
magazine insertion. Both mags included with the gun are
drilled and tapped to allow installation of a floorplate
pad.
7. A grip safety tang is shaped to avoid hammer bite and
provide a good grip index for fast presentations.
2b
FP_1304_46-49-GUNS3 3/22/13 3:02 AM Page 49
Well conceived
and executed, the
Springfield Armory
Range Office
M1911 represents
an exceptionally
nice package for a
more than fair price.
Accurate, functionally reliable and

from a terminal ballistic standpoint
devastatingly effective, the DRT/150 gr.
FJHP is my first choice for both defense
and hunting. Most of us are wary of
frangible ammunition; in its typical
form it lacks reliable penetration because it tends to disintegrate prematurely, especially if heavy muscle or
bones are struck. The trick to make
frangible ammo work is to control its
frangibility, thus preventing bullet disintegration prior to vital organ penetration. DRT has
successfully mastered these critical
criteria, making its
ammo highly desirable.
Ammunition
thats accurate,
functionally reliable
and tremendously
effective on living
organisms without
over-penetration or
serious ricochet potential is a huge
asset because it renders the gun in which its used considerably more effective. An added benefit
is that recoil, which is always an issue in
high-speed, tactical shooting, is so light
that its comparable to using .38 SPL
wadcutters in a .357 Magnum revolver.
Still, the DRT .45 ACP/150-grain FJHP
will penetrate automobile windshields
with ease and almost no bullet upset,
subsequently striking the target and
producing the remarkable wounding
effect for which it is becoming famous.
From the Ransom rest, two other
loads also shot especially well in my RO
M1911the military 230-grain hardball (WCC-62 vintage) and Winchesters White Box 230-grain JHP. Both
repeatedly printed groups in the 2-inch
range.
From the box, the trigger of my RO

M1911 weighed only 5.1 pounds, a
nearly perfect weight for most types
of serious shooting. It had few sharp
edges and the ones I found were not
severe, so wear and tear on concealment clothing and the shooting-hand
skin were not issues.
Though not actually necessary for
rapid magazine changes (correct
technique is what builds efficiency),
the ROs magazine well is lightly
beveled for easy magazine insertion.
While its magazines
not padded, its
floorplates are
drilled and tapped
for commercially
available pads if
you want to install
them.
Additional standout touches on the
RO are its nicely
checkered cocobolo
stocks (tastefully
stamped with the
Springfield Armory
logo) and its skeletonized burr hammer. Since Ive always carried my handguns concealed,
I prefer burr hammers that minimize
snagging concerns during fast
weapon presentations and prevent
tearing the lining of the concealment
garment itself.
As you can see, the RO is a lot of
gun for a very reasonable price. In
fact, its a heck of a deal. Its practical,
unobtrusive (a serious issue from a
civil liability standpoint), accurate, reliable and powerful. With DRTs new
150-grain FJHPs recoil is easily controlled, making high-speed shooting
far less of an issue. Without question,
its a big winner and worthy of a
place in the armory of any serious
tactical handgunner.
IF IMITATION
IS TRULY THE
SINCEREST FORM
OF FLATTERY, THE
VENERABLE, MUCHCOPIED M1911 HAS
TO BE THE MOST
COMPLIMENTED
HANDGUN IN
EXISTENCE.
Springfield Armory Range Officer M1911

.45 ACP Performance Specifications
Test Gun: Springfield Armory Range Officer model with 5.0-inch barrel.
*Ransom rest three-shot group accuracy of 1.5 inches or better at 25 meters.
Chronograph: Oehler Model 35P w/printer
Temperature: 67-degrees F.
Humidity: 48 percent
Barometer: 29.89
Altitude: 4,896 ft. ASL
MNFR
Dynamic Research Tech
Cor-Bon
Winchester-Western
Federal
Remington-Peters
Remington-Peters +P
Super Vel
CCI-Speer
Cor-Bon
Cor-Bon
Federal H/Shok
Remington-Peters
Winchester-Western
Federal
WCC-62 Mil BALL
TYPE
FJHP
JHP
JHP
JHP
JHP
JHP
JHP
JHP
JHP
JHP
JHP
FMJ
FMJ
FMJ
FMJ
WT (grs)
150
185
185
185
185
185
190
200
200
230
230
230
230
230
230
VEL (fps) KE (ft./lbs.)

1110
409
1133
528
876
315
901
334
914
343
1118
516
1025
443
1010
453
1034
475
943
454
840
360
797
324
800
327
801
328
799
326
The major evaluative criteria for any tactical handgun:

1. Mechanical Reliability 2. Accuracy
3. Human Engineering
The RO is a mega-winner in all categories, especially considering

its essentially a full house M1911 for a price in the $1,000 range.
FP_1304_50-51-TACPRO.CX 3/27/13 11:10 PM Page 50
HIGH-RISK O
TACTICAL ENERGETIC ENTRY SYSTEMS TRAINS LAW ENFORCEMENT,
BY TORREY KIM
PHOTOS COURTESY OF TACTICAL ENERGETIC ENTRY SYSTEMS
AW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS ARENT BORN

KNOWING TACTICAL AND BREACHING
STRATEGIESTHEY HAVE TO LEARN HOW TO
DO THESE DIFFICULT MANEUVERS.
And what better way to perfect these procedures than a
dedicated training facility with former law enforcement and
military personnel as teachers?
Our training procedures have been time-tested and operationally proven to meet the needs of teams that operate
in high-risk environments, says Alan Brosnan, president of
Tactical Energetic Entry Systems, LLC.
Tactical Energetic Entry Systems (TEES) was created to
offer such lessons to military, law enforcement and other
government officials who need to know the optimal tactical
and breaching strategies when nothing can be left to
chance.
CLASSES AND FACTS

The school works out of three facilities, which are custom-designed to offer proven techniques to officers who
have special operations responsibilities as part of their careers.
The classes are typically held in size ranges of 12 to 24
participants, says Brosnan. Participants need to bring their
SWAT personal protective equipment, and the school provides everything else necessary, including tools, shotguns
and explosives, when applicable.
The TEES school has training facilities in Ennis, TX,
Members of a TEES course attempt

to gain entry through a door using
manual breaching tools.
FP_1304_50-51-TACPRO.CX 3/27/13 11:10 PM Page 51
O PERATIONS
MILITARY PERSONNEL TO BE READY FOR THE WORST-CASE SCENARIO
A SWAT team effecting entry into a

structure using multiple breach points.
THEYLL KNOW HOW

TO HANDLE A MISFIRED
CHARGE AND HOW
TO GET THROUGH A
BARRICADED ENTRYWAYALL IN FIVE DAYS
OF INSTRUCTION.
Lincoln, IL, and Byhalia, MS, but if your

agency wants to train on-location at
your own site, the instructors can come
to you so you can practice on your own
turf.
Class topics range from Hostage Rescue to Dignitary Protection, and go deep
into the subject matter. For instance, participants in the Explosive Handlers and
Breaching Course will go from being
novices on the subject to being able to

recognize and safely handle explosive
compounds. Theyll know how to handle
a misfired charge, how to breach a wood
or metal door and how to get through a
barricaded entrywayall in five days of
instruction.
Torrey Kim, a North Carolina resident,
is a contributing editor.
A Typical Class
In the movies, when a criminal
barricades a door, the police charge
through it with brute force, needing
no tools whatsoever.
But the reality of that happening
in a standard law enforcement or
military operation is slim. In real life,
a shotgun, saw, or even explosives
might be required to breach a door.
Thats why Tactical Energetic
Entry Systems offers classes like its
three-day Mechanical, Thermal and
Ballistic Breaching Course, which
shows students how to
effectively breach
doors, windows,
TO
and soft wall tarThe typical
gets by learning
class sizes
the following skills:
12
Bring It
YOU BRING
SWAT personal protective equipment
THEY PROVIDE
Train Home or Away
Tools, shotguns and explosives
ENNIS, TX; LINCOLN, IL; BYHALIA, MS

Locations of the TEES training facilities
OR THEY WILL COME TO YOU
Instructors can come to you so you can practice
on your own turf
Quick Facts
ON THE WEB
www.energeticentry.com
BY PHONE
901-326-5223
WHEN
Classes are held all
year-round
LODGING
The company
can direct you
to lodging
accommodations
nearby the
facility
24
History of non-explosive
entry methods
Mechanical breaching for doors
opening both inward and outward
Mechanical window breaching
Defeating barricaded doors
Negotiating and defeating fences
Ballistic breaching (using a Remington 12-gauge shotgun)
Thermal breaching (using a
BROCO torch)
Quickee saw breaching
Tactics such as approach,
negotiating obstacles, and
actions at the breach point
Scenario-based training
A door is blasted off of the hinges as a result of an explosive breach.

FP_1304_52 3/21/13 11:19 PM Page 52
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95*
14
for 12 issues
SUBSCRIBE TODAY
& SAVE 75%
CALL 800-764-6278
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2:30 AM
snipers
SNIPER_INTRO 3/31/13 11:25 PM Page 53
AN ENEMYS
WORST ENEMY
STAFF SGT. CHANCE W. HAWORTH
TAKE A LOOK INTO THE WORLD OF SNIPERS
Particularly effective when

deployed in warfare, snipers are
trained marksmen who operate
alone, in a pair, or as part of a
team. Whatever the configuration, their goal is to maintain
close visual contact with the
enemy and engage targets from
concealed positions and/or distances that the enemy cannot
detect. With low-to-no combat
asset support from their parent
units, these teams operate independently, and highly specialized
training is necessary, as well as
high-precision rifles, optics and
communication assets. Military
snipers receive intensive training
in marksmanship as well as camouflage, reconnaissance, field
craft, infiltration and observation.
Read and learn more about this
elite and fascinating group of
accomplished marksmen.
FP_1304_54-60-LAPUA 3/22/13 3:18 AM Page 54
Combine the right

marksman and a quality
weapon for the ultimate
small arms Precision
Guided Weapon. The
trained sniper controls
the battlefield!
WORDS AND PHOTOS BY TERRILL HOFFMAN
LONG-DIS
FIRE
WITH AN EFFECTIVE RANGE OF ABOUT 2,000
YARDS, SURGEON RIFLES PSR PROVIDES A
REMEDY FOR BATTLEFIELD PROBLEMS
FP_1304_54-60-LAPUA 3/22/13 3:18 AM Page 55
BRITISH CORPORAL CRAIG

HARRISON SET A NEW RECORD
FOR THE LONGEST CONFIRMED
SNIPER KILL IN COMBAT USING
THE .338 LAPUA CARTRIDGE
AT A RANGE OF 2,707 YARDS.
S TANCE
E POWER
HERE ARE FEW

PROBLEMS
THAT CANT BE
CORRECTED BY A
WELL-PLACED SHOT.
History can be a cruel
teacher, yet we still often forget the lessons we learn from
experience. In this day of modern warfare, its all too easy to
recall watching the evening
news showing sanitized images of precision-guided
weapons totally destroying
their targets in a flash of light.
Its as if were constantly trying
to take the human element
out of the battlefield.
Howevereven in this modern agewars are still fought
by the single soldier and his
weapon. The wars in Iraq and
Afghanistan have proved once
more that technology cannot
replace boots on the
ground. No other element of
the military drives this point
home more than the sniper
teams.
FP_1304_54-60-LAPUA 3/22/13 3:18 AM Page 56
WHILE
TECHNOLOGY
MAY NOT
REPLACE A
SNIPER, IT CAN
ENHANCE HIS
ABILITY TO
PERFORM THE
TASK AT HAND.
The Remedy is a massive rifle with a

massive obligation: saving lives with
superior firepower.
Form follows function: a sniper must

merge as a single unit with his weapon.
The ability to add sections of Picatinny

rail and other accessories enhances the
versatility of the Surgeon Remedy.
Surgeon mates their largest action with the

stock system of Accuracy International to
create a true Precision Sniper Rifle.
FP_1304_54-60-LAPUA 3/22/13 3:18 AM Page 57
KEY NUMBERS
$11,625
2,707
1,910
The MSRP
In yards, the range at which a

sniper took out two Taliban
In yards, the rated effective

range of the Surgeon PSR
The sniper and his spotter distill

warfare down to man against man.
While technology may not replace a
sniper, it can enhance his ability to
perform the task at hand.
In 2012, the U.S. Special Operations Command requested submissions to replace the current sniper
rifle with a new Precision Sniper
Rifle (PSR). Surgeon Rifles, which
has long supported our military
(and even more, individual soldiers), began producing a customdesigned PSR package based on its
existing Surgeon Remedy .338
Lapua rifle. The Remedy carries the
concept of a rifle system to the ultimate level; its sole purpose is to increase the range and accuracy at
which the sniper can control the
battlefield.
THE REMEDY
The Remedy is no featherweight,

but that weight combined with a
forward rest such as the Harris
bi-pod provides a settled firing
platform.
The heart of the Surgeon PSR is

the 1591 XL action. This rifle action
starts as a single piece of 4140
chrome moly steel thats hardened
prior to machining (for consistency).
Next, Surgeon utilizes a wire EDM
process to cut the bolt bore and
raceways, ensuring the highest level
of accuracy.
The 1581 action is the largest in
the Surgeon line and comes with
both a full-length 30 MOA integral
1913 Picatinny rail and massive
.450-inch recoil lug. The bolt is ma-
chined from 4140 steel and features

an oversized bolt knob thats
grooved to prevent binding.
Once machined, the bolt is case
hardened using an ion nitride
process. The gun also features a
Jewell trigger system and a 26-inch,
Krieger stainless #14 contour barrel.
An anti-jam rail located in the middle of the left bolt raceway prevents a round from lodging in the
raceway when you single load the
rifle through the ejection port.
The right side of the action features a safety lever and the left side
has a bolt release mounted on it. A
Badger FTE muzzle brakedesigned to mate with a T.H.O.R. suppressorcaps the barrel.
Surgeon fitted the barreled action of the Remedy to an Accuracy
International AX folding stock system that features a full-length aluminum, self-aligning, bedding vee
block. The stock has a three-way
adjustable cheekpiece and a bolton butt pad you can fit with spacers
to adjust the length of pull. The AX
incorporates a new, improved external stock design, pistol grip and
forend rail system, which enables
the user to fit additional accessories
for optics, ranging or support.
The Remedy is fed with an Accuracy International five-round magazine. The AX provides a degree of
modularity and configurability that
surpasses traditional stock designs.
THERES NO REPLACEMENT FOR THE

AMERICAN SOLDIER, AND THE ROLE
OF THE MILITARY SNIPER WILL REMAIN
ESSENTIAL ON CURRENT AND
FUTURE BATTLEGROUNDS.
The design of the stock system combined with a Harris bi-pod provides a
stable three-point platform.
To some it may be a small

detail, but the Spuhr scope
mount plays a major role in
the complete PSR package.
FP_1304_54-60-LAPUA 3/22/13 3:19 AM Page 58
Looking
For More?
NAME
Surgeon Rifles, Inc.
The fluting on the bolt looks good but its

more for function than appeal. The same
can be said for the oversized bolt handle.
ADDRESS
48955 Moccasin Trail
Road
Prague, OK 74864
PHONE
405-567-0183
WEB
www.surgeonrifles.com
The AI Stock system can be adjusted

to fit the needs of any shooter. Once
fitted, you wont find a more stable
platform for your rifle.
THE CARTRIDGE
The .338 Lapua Magnum, designed for longrange precision shooting, is a rimless bottlenecked
centerfire cartridge. The loaded cartridge is 0.588
inches in diameter and 3.68 inches long, with a
rated effective range of about 1,910 yards (1,750
meters).
The muzzle velocity varies from 2,900 to 3,000
fps with a 250-grain projectile that provides approximately 4,813 ft-lb of muzzle energy. The .338
Lapua Magnum is rapidly becoming the go-to
round for military snipers, and in November of
2009, British Corporal of Horse Craig Harrison set a
new record for the longest confirmed sniper kill in
combat using it. At a range of 2,707 yards, Harrison shot not one, but two Taliban enemy combatants in Afghanistan with two consecutive shots.
THE BOTTOM LINE

Theres no replacement for the American soldier, and the role of the military sniper will remain essential on current and future
battlegrounds. Surgeon Rifles of Prague, Oklahoma, has done everything possible to provide
the ultimate sniper weapon, and its also available for citizens.
FP_1304_54-60-LAPUA 3/22/13 3:19 AM Page 59
A top-tier rifle demands quality optics.

A Schmidt & Bender 5-25 PSR scope with a
Spuhr mount complete the package. After
all, you cant shoot what you cant see.
The muzzle break on the Remedy

is designed to accommodate the
AWC T.H.O.R. suppressor.
Features At A Glance
1591 XL action
Full-length 30 MOA integral 1913
Picatinny rail
Massive .450- inch recoil lug
Oversize, grooved bolt knob
Jewell trigger system
26-inch, Krieger stainless #14
contour barrel
Anti-jam rail
A Badger FTE muzzle brake
Accuracy International AX folding
stock system
AI is noted for
their quality
magazines
and the Remedy mates
perfectly to
their AX stock
system.
The Specs
Manufacturer: Surgeon Rifles
Action Type: Bolt -Action
Caliber: .338 Lapua
Finish: Ceracote
Magazine: Five-Round Accuracy
International
Barrel: 26-inch Krieger stainless

Sights: None
Overall Length: 49.5 inches
Weight: 15 pounds, 8 ounces
Stock: Accuracy International AX
folding
: $11,625
MSRP
FP_1304_54-60-LAPUA 3/22/13 3:35 AM Page 60
If you desire the same accuracy and precision

available to our military snipers, Surgeon Rifles
Remedy PSR .338 Lapua is the place to look.
Terrill Hoffman is a North Carolina-based writer and
photographer with a decade of specializing in the field
of firearms and edged weapons. An avid hunter, he has
competed in small-bore and high-power NRA shooting
programs.
SURGEON UTILIZES A WIRE EDM PROCESS TO CUT THE

BOLT BORE AND RACEWAYS, ENSURING THE HIGHEST
LEVEL OF ACCURACY.
FP_1304_61 3/21/13 11:16 PM Page 61
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FP_1304_62-68-Excerpt_Chris 3/22/13 3:27 AM Page 62
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KYL
RIS
H
C
BY
CROSSHAIRST - THINKSTOCK PHOTO
ATE MARCH 2003. IN THE AREA OF

NASIRIYA, IRAQ, I LOOKED THROUGH
THE SCOPE OF THE SNIPER RIFLE,
SCANNING DOWN THE ROAD OF THE
TINY IRAQI TOWN. FIFTY YARDS AWAY, A
WOMAN OPENED THE DOOR OF A SMALL
HOUSE AND STEPPED OUTSIDE WITH HER
CHILD.
The rest of the street was deserted. The local
Iraqis had gone inside, most of them scared. A few
curious souls peeked out from behind curtains,
waiting. They could hear the rumble of the approaching American unit. The Marines were flooding up the road, marching north to liberate the
country from Saddam Hussein. It was my job to
protect them.
My platoon had taken over the building earlier
in the day, sneaking into position to provide
overwatchprevent the enemy from ambushing the Marines as they came through. It didnt
seem like too difficult a taskif anything, I was
glad the Marines were on my side. Id seen the
power of their weapons, and I wouldve hated to
have to fight them. The Iraq army didnt stand a
chance. And, in fact, they appeared to have abandoned the area already.
The war had started roughly two weeks before.
My platoon, Charlie (later Cadillac) of SEAL
PHOTO COURTESY OF HARPERCOLLINS
SHED SET A GRENADE.

I DIDNT REALIZE IT AT FIRST.
LOOKS YELLOW, I TOLD THE CHIEF,
DESCRIBING WHAT I SAW AS HE WATCHED
HIMSELF. ITS YELLOW, THE BODY
SHES GOT A GRENADE, SAID THE CHIEF.
THATS A CHINESE GRENADE.
TAKE A SHOT.
BUT
SHOOT. GET THE GRENADE.
THE MARINES!
Chris Kyle
Team 3, helped kick it off during the early morning of March 20. We landed on al-Faw Peninsula
and secured the oil terminal there so Saddam
couldnt set it ablaze as he had during the First
Gulf War. Now we were tasked to assist the
Marines as they marched north toward Baghdad.
I was a SEAL, a Navy commando trained in special operations. SEAL stands for SEa, Air, Land,
and it pretty much describes the wide ranges of
places we operate. In this case, we were far inland,
much farther than SEALs traditionally operated,
though as the war against terror continued, this
would become common. Id spent nearly three
years training and learning how to become a warrior. I was ready for this fight, or at least as ready
as anyone can be.
THE WEAPON
The rifle I was holding was a .300 WinMag, a
bolt-action, precision sniper weapon that belonged to my platoon chief. Hed been covering
the street for a while and needed a break. He
showed a great deal of confidence in me by
choosing me to spot him and take the gun. I was
still a new guy, a newbie or rookie in the teams.
By SEAL standards, I had yet to be fully tested.
I was also not yet trained as a SEAL sniper. I
wanted to be one in the worst way, but I had a

long way to go. Giving me the rifle that morning
was the chiefs way of testing me to see if I had
the right stuff.
We were on the roof of an old rundown building at the edge of a town the Marines were going
to pass through. The wind kicked dirt and papers
across the battered road below us. The place
smelled like a sewerthe stench of Iraq was one
thing Id never get used to.
Marines are coming, said my chief as the
building began to shake. Keep watching.
I looked through the scope. The only people
who were moving were the woman and maybe a
child or two nearby.
I watched our troops pull up. Ten young, proud
Marines in uniform got out of their vehicles and
gathered for a foot patrol. As the Americans organized, the woman took something from beneath her clothes and yanked at it.
Shed set a grenade. I didnt realize it at first.
Looks yellow, I told the chief, describing what
I saw as he watched himself. Its yellow, the
body
Shes got a grenade, said the chief. Thats a
Chinese grenade.
Take a shot.
But
More on
HarperCollins
WEB
/www.harpercollins.com/
FAST FACTS
HarperCollins expanded its digital content efforts to
reach new readers and further the work of its authors.
During the fiscal year, it launched programs like Harpercollins 360, Comprehensive Backlist Program, Avon Impulse and EpicReads.com. HarperCollins is growing rapidly
in the digital sphere with 68 e-originals and more than 80
enhanced e-books in the marketplace.
HITS
HarperCollins General
Books Group had 89 titles on
the New York Times bestseller
list, with four titles hitting
number one, including American Sniper by Chris Kyle with
Scott McEwen & Jim DeFelice.
Shoot. Get the grenade. The Marines!

I hesitated. Someone was trying to get
the Marines on the radio, but we couldnt
reach them. They were coming down the
street, heading toward the woman.
Shoot! said the chief.
I pushed my finger against the trigger.
The bullet leapt out. I shot. The grenade
dropped. I fired again as the grenade blew
up.
It was the first time Id killed anyone
while I was on the sniper rifle. And the first
time in Iraqand the only timeI killed
anyone other than a male combatant.
It was my duty to shoot, and I dont regret it. The woman was already dead. I was
just making sure she didnt take any
Marines with her.
It was clear that not only did she want to
kill them, but she didnt care about anybody
else nearby who would have been blown up
by the grenade or killed in the firefight.
Children on the street, people in the houses,
maybe her child . . .
She was too blinded by evil to consider
them. She just wanted Americans dead, no
matter what.
My shots saved several Americans, whose
lives were clearly worth more than that
womans twisted soul. I can stand before
God with a clear conscience about doing my
job. But I truly, deeply hated the evil that
woman possessed. I hate it to this day.
THE FIRST TIME YOU SHOOT SOMEONE, YOU GET A LITTLE NERVOUS. YOU THINK, CAN I REALLY SHOOT THIS
GUY? IS IT REALLY OKAY? BUT AFTER YOU KILL YOUR
ENEMY, YOU SEE ITS OKAY. YOU SAY, GREAT.
YOU DO IT AGAIN. AND AGAIN. YOU DO IT SO THE
ENEMY WONT KILL YOU OR YOUR COUNTRYMEN. YOU
DO IT UNTIL THERES NO ONE LEFT FOR YOU TO KILL.
THATS WHAT WAR IS. CHRIS KYLE
Savage, despicable evil. Thats what we

were fighting in Iraq.
Thats why a lot of people, myself included, called the enemy savages. There
really was no other way to describe what
we encountered there.
People ask me all the time, How many
people have you killed?
My standard response is, Does the answer make me less, or more, of a man?
The number is not important to me. I
only wish I had killed more. Not for bragging rights, but because I believe the world
is a better place without savages out there
taking American lives. Everyone I shot in
Iraq was trying to harm Americans or Iraqis
loyal to the new government.
SCOPE - THINKSTOCK PHOTO
SAVAGE EVIL
Kyle used a custom-prepared
Remington M700 .300 Win
Mag with U.S. Optics scope
for this event.
A Marine takes aim

with a .50 caliber
M82 Barrett.
U.S. MARINE CORPS PHOTO BY CPL. TIMOTHY R. CHILDERS
Chris Kyle: Through The Years

SEAL Team 3 Chief Chris Kyle (1974-2013) served
four combat tours in Operation Iraqi Freedom and
elsewhere. For his bravery in battle, he was awarded
two Silver Stars, five Bronze Stars with Valor, two
Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, and
one Navy and Marine Corps Commendation. Additionally, he received the Grateful Nation Award, given
by the Jewish Institute for National Security Affairs.
Following his combat deployments, he became
chief instructor for training Naval Special Warfare
Sniper and Counter-Sniper teams, and he authored
the Naval Special Warfare Sniper Doctrine, the first
Navy SEAL sniper manual. A native Texan, he served
as president of Craft International (www.craftintl.com), a world-class leader in training and security,
while devoting much of his spare time to helping disabled veterans.
Chief Kyle is survived by his wife and their two
children.
U.S. MARINE CORPS PHOTO BY CPL. TIMOTHY CHILDERS
A variety of both bolt-action and self-loading

precision rifles are used by Special Ops units
ranging in calibers from 5.56mm to .50 caliber.
SCOPE - THINKSTOCK PHOTO
MY JOB
I had a job to do as a SEAL. I killed the enemy
an enemy I saw day in and day out plotting to kill
my fellow Americans. Im haunted by the enemys
successes. They were few, but even a single American life is one too many lost.
I dont worry about what other people think of
me. Its one of the things I most admired about my
dad growing up. He didnt give a hoot what others thought. He was who he was. Its one of the
qualities that has kept me most sane.
As this book goes to print, Im still a bit uncomfortable with the idea of publishing my life story.
First of all, Ive always thought that if you want to
know what life as a SEAL is like, you should go get
your own Trident: earn our medal, the symbol of
who we are. Go through our training, make the
sacrifices, physical and mental. Thats the only way

youll know.
Second of all, and more importantly, who cares
about my life? Im no different than anyone else.
I happen to have been in some pretty bad-ass
situations. People have told me its interesting. I
dont see it. Other people are talking about writing books about my life, or about some of the
things Ive done. I find it strange, but I also feel its
my life and my story, and I guess I better be the
one to get it on paper the way it actually happened.
Also, there are a lot of people who deserve
credit, and if I dont write the story, they may be
overlooked. I dont like the idea of that at all. My
boys deserve to be praised more than I do.
The Navy credits me with more kills as a sniper
IT WAS THE FIRST TIME

ID KILLED ANYONE
WHILE I WAS ON THE
SNIPER RIFLE. IT WAS
MY DUTY TO SHOOT,
AND I DONT REGRET
IT. CHRIS KYLE
than any other American service member, past or

present. I guess thats true. They go back and forth
on what the number is. One week, its 160 (the
official number as of this writing, for what
thats worth), then its way higher, then its somewhere in between. If you want a number, ask the
Navyyou may even get the truth if you catch
them on the right day.
People always want a number. Even if the Navy
would let me, Im not going to give one. Im not a
numbers guy. SEALs are silent warriors, and Im a
SEAL down to my soul. If you want the whole
story, get a Trident. If you want to check me out,
ask a SEAL.
If you want what I am comfortable with sharing, and even some stuff I am reluctant to reveal,
read on.
Excerpted With Permission

The life of Chris Kyle was tragically cut short on a Texas gun
range when he was murdered in February, but Kyle's contributions to our nation's safety will carry on to symbolize the heroism
of this former Navy sniper. This story is an excerpt from American
Sniper: The Autobiography of the Most Lethal Sniper in U.S. Military History, by Chris Kyle, with Scott McEwen and Jim DeFelice.
Copyright 2012. Reprinted by permission of William Morrow, an
imprint of HarperCollins.
A U.S. trooper loads his M203 40mm grenade

launcher during a Middle East training exercise.
MY OWN ASSESSMENT
Ive always said that I wasnt the best shot or
even the best sniper ever. Im not denigrating
my skills. I certainly worked hard to hone them.
I was blessed with some excellent instructors,
who deserve a lot of credit. And my boysthe
fellow SEALs and the Marines and the Army soldiers who fought with me and helped me do
my jobwere all a critical part of my success.
But my high total and my so-called legend
have much to do with the fact that I was in the
shit a lot.
In other words, I had more opportunities
than most. I served back-to-back deployments
from right before the Iraq War kicked off until

the time I got out in 2009. I was lucky enough
to be positioned directly in the action.
Theres another question people ask a lot:
Did it bother you killing so many people in
Iraq?
I tell them, No.
And I mean it. The first time you shoot
someone, you get a little nervous. You think,
can I really shoot this guy? Is it really okay? But
after you kill your enemy, you see its okay.
You say, Great.
You do it again. And again. You do it so the
enemy wont kill you or your countrymen. You
do it until theres no one left for you to kill.
Thats what war is.

I loved what I did. I still do. If circumstances
were differentif my family didnt need me
Id be back in a heartbeat. Im not lying or exaggerating to say it was fun. I had the time of
my life being a SEAL.
People try to put me in a category as a badass, a good ol boy, sniper, SEAL, and probably
other categories not appropriate for print. All
might be true on any given day. In the end, my
story, in Iraq and afterward, is about more
than just killing people or even fighting for my
country.
Its about being a man. And its about love
as well as hate.
U.S, MARINE CORPS PHOTO BY LCPL MELVIN JOHNSON
MY HIGH TOTAL AND MY SO-CALLED LEGEND HAVE MUCH

TO DO WITH THE FACT THAT I WAS IN THE SHIT A LOT.
CHRIS KYLE
THE DEVIL
OF RAMADI
THE STORY OF AMERICAN HERO CHRIS KYLE
BY ERIC KOWAL
THE WORLD LOST A REMARKABLE MAN

ON FEBRUARY 2, 2013, WHEN FORMER
NAVY SEAL AND TRUE AMERICAN HERO
CHRIS KYLE WAS GUNNED DOWN ALONGSIDE HIS FRIEND CHAD LITTLEFIELD AT A
SHOOTING RANGE IN ERATH COUNTY,
TEXAS.
The pair had been
helping a Marine
Corps veteran suffering with post-traumatic stress disorder
when he turned and
allegedly shot them
at point-blank
range. The shooter
fled the scene, was
later captured and is
now awaiting trial.
U.S, MARINE CORPS PHOTO BY LCPL MELVIN JOHNSON
160
CONFIRMED
KYLE TARGETED THREE

INSURGENTS 1.2 MILES
AWAY, WELL BEYOND
THE USUAL RANGE OF
HIS LAPUA.
Kyle, 38, was considered the U.S. militarys deadliest

sniper, with 160 confirmed kills out of
255 claimed. He
served four tours in Iraq, where he became
known for protecting American troops while
perched on a rooftop with a bolt-action rifle.
Iraqi insurgents dubbed him the Devil of
Ramadi and offered a sizeable bounty for
his head. He was shot twice and involved in
six improvised explosive device (IED) attacks,
but it was here on the home front that he
died doing what he loved besthelping veterans.
Kyle helped create the nonprofit FITCO
Cares Foundation to aid veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder by providing them
with exercise equipment and counseling. A

former member of SEAL Team 3, Kyle had extensive combat experience in the arenas of
sniping, close-quarters battle, reconnaissance,
long-range desert patrols and personal security. The Chief Petty Officer was awarded two
Silver Star Medals (the
nations third highest
military decoration
for valor) and five
Bronze Stars, among
numerous other commendations.
Following his combat deployments, he
became Chief Instructor for training Naval
Special Warfare
Sniper and CounterSniper teams, and he
authored the first
Navy SEAL sniper
manual, the Naval
Special Warfare
Sniper Doctrine.
EARLY LIFE,
MILITARY LIFE
Kyle was born in Odessa, Texas, the son of
a Sunday school teacher and a Deacon. His father bought him his first gun when he turned
eight years old: a bolt-action .30-06 Springfield rifle. Later his father got him a shotgun
so they could hunt pheasant, quail and deer
together.
After graduating from high school, Kyle
became a professional bronco rodeo rider,
but that ended abruptly when he severely injured his arm. After his arm healed, he visited
a military recruiting office, interested in joining the Marine Corps.
REMEMBERING
THE NUMBERS
38
Kyles age at his untimely death
255
The number of claimed kills
Confirmed kills
160
3
PHOTO COURTESY OF 5.11, A TACTICAL GEAR AND EQUIPMENT COMPANY
A former member of SEAL Team 3

Chris Kyle is pictured on a training course for
Craft International, the company he started
after leaving the Navy.
A Navy recruiter told him about the SEALs

and Kyle signed up, but he was rejected because of the pins in his arm. Months later, he
received a call and was told he had the
chance to attend BUD/S (Basic Underwater
Demolition/SEAL school); he joined the
United States Navy in 1999. Little did anyone
know Kyle would become one of the most
iconic Servicemembers in the nations history.
Kyle made his first long-range kill during
the initial Iraq invasion, when he shot a
woman with a grenade in her hand as she
approached a group of Marines. He was ordered to open fire,
and he killed the
woman before she
could attack. In
2008, outside Sadr
City, Iraq, he accom CHRIS KYLE
plished his longest
successful shot
when he spotted an
insurgent with a rocket launcher near a U.S.
Army convoy at a range of 2,100 yards (1.9
km). He fired a shot from his .338 Lapua
Magnum chambered McMillan TAC-338
sniper rifle, killing the insurgent immediately.
One of Kyles most celebrated shots took
place on the banks of the Euphrates, west of
Fallujah, Iraq, in 2004. Kyle targeted three insurgents 1.2 miles away, well beyond the
usual range of his Lapua. Marines were
laughing at him as he took aim, insisting he
could never reach them. Kyle did a quick dis-
.30-06
His first gun was a bolt-action
.30-06 Springfield rifle
tance and elevation calculation and fired.

The moon, earth and stars aligned, he
later wrote in his autobiography. God blew
on the bullet, and I gut-shot the jackass.
Kyle served in every major battle in Iraq,
with a reported bounty on his head that
grew to more than $80,000.
2,100
The distance, in yards, of his
longest successful shot
THE BOUNTY
A reported bounty on his head that
grew to more than $80,000
AFTER THE SEALS

After 10 years of service, Kyle left the
Navy to spend more time with his wife and
two children.
He started Craft International, a company providing
military, law enforcement and civilian
training programs, as
well as private security
and protection services. The Texas native
dreamed of Craft when he completed his last
enlistment so he could continue to serve this
great nation by helping people stay out of
harm's way.
He also authored a The New York Times
number-one bestselling book American
Sniper: The Autobiography of the Most
Lethal Sniper in U.S. Military History. It has
been reported that Kyle never profited from
the sales of the autobiography but instead
donated proceeds to the families of two
friends and fallen SEAL members, Ryan Job
and Marc Lee.
A U.S. sniper sighting through

a telescopic sight on his Barrett
.50-caliber rifle.
THE DEVIL
OF RAMADI
U.S. MARINE CORPS PHOTO BY CPL. KOWSHON YE
GOD BLEW ON THE

BULLET, AND I GUTSHOT THE JACKASS.
FP_1304_69-71_RIFLE.CX 3/28/13 12:13 AM Page 69
THE USMCS
UNPARALLELED
SNIPER RIFLE
BY ERIC KOWAL - PHOTOS- U.S. ARMY
ONSIDER THE
PRECISION
REQUIRED OF YOU
IN YOUR DAILY LIFE,
AND THINK ABOUT THE TOOLS
YOU RELY ON TO ATTAIN IT.
Then imagine how many lifeor-death decisions are made based
on the precision of United States
Marine Corps snipers. These
dedicated men and women
cannot afford mistakesand
thats why they rely on the M40.
BOLT-ACTION
The M40 is a bolt-action sniper rifle with four variants
the M40, M40A1, M40A3 and M40A5. It was first introduced
in 1966 and a changeover to the A1 model was completed in
the 1970s, followed by the A3 in the 00s, and the A5 in
2009. The A1 model is the pioneer of the modern sniper
rifle.
Each M40 is built from a Remington 700 bolt-action rifle
and is modified by USMC armorers at Marine Corps Base
Quantico using components from a number of suppliers.
New M40A5s are being built, and A1s are upgraded to A3s
and A5s as they rotate into the armory for service and repair.
M40A1 Vs. M40A3

Differences
Weight
Overall Length
Barrel
M40A1
6.57 kg (14.45 lb)
1.117 m (44.0 in)
Hart
Lands and Grooves

Stock
6
McMillan HTG
M40A3
7.5 kg (16.56 lb)
1.124 m (44.25 in)
Schneider Match
Grade SS #7
6
McMillan Tactical A4
The Specs of the

M40A3 and M40A5
Development of the M40A3
began in 1996 and concluded in
2001, when it was placed into service during Operation Enduring Freedom. It served in Operation Iraqi
Freedom and other subsequent conflicts. Though its designation would
remain M40A3 until 2009, its exact
configuration varied with time.
Listed below is a description of the
components used in the M40A3.
Action: The M40 has always
been based on the Remington 700
short action with .308 bolt face, and
this is no different in the M40A3.
These actions are tuned by Marine
armorers; the trigger guard assembly is manufactured by the DD Ross
Company, though several M40A3s
use Badger Ordnance trigger guards.
In 2007, the Marine Corps began replacing the DD Ross trigger guard
assemblies with the M5 detachable
magazine trigger guard manufactured by Badger Ordnance.
Barrel: The barrel is a Schneider
610; 24-inch, 6-groove, 1:12"
match-grade heavy barrel.
Stock: All service M40A3s are
based upon the A4 Tactical Rifle
stock, a bench rest-style fiberglass
rifle stock made by McMillan Fiberglass Stocks and cast molded in an
Olive Drab (OD) green color. The action is glass bedded into the stock
with aluminum pillars, while the barrel is allowed to "float" (it is attached only to the action), ensuring
it is stress-free during operation. The
stock has adjustable length-of-pull
(through a butt stock spacer system)
and a Marine-manufactured adjustable saddle-type cheek piece.
The stock also has six mount flush
cups, two on each side front and
back and one each on the front and
rear underside. One bipod stud is located on the underside of the forearm.
Sling: The Model 1907 sling that
has been historically used on
M40A3s has been replaced with the
Quick Cuff Model Two-sling manufactured by Tactical Intervention
Specialists.
Bipod: The M40A3s use a six to
nine inch Harris notched swivel type
bipod with a KMW pod lock.
Day scope: The Scout Sniper Day
Scope is a Premier Reticles Heritage
3-1550mm Tactical. As of 2010,
IMAGINE HOW MANY LIFE-OR-DEATH

DECISIONS ARE MADE BASED ON THE
PRECISION OF UNITED STATES MARINE
CORPS SNIPERS.
this model replaced the Schmidt & Bender 3
1250 Police Marksman II LP rifle scopes. Previously, the M40A1 and M40A3 utilized the Unertl
MST-100 10 fixed day scope. This day scope is
mounted with Badger Ordnance USMC M40A3
34mm scope rings, which use a standard ring in the
rear and a wider MAX-50 ring in front. The standard front ring cap is replaced with a SPA-Defense
B634 34mm Male Dovetail, as a mounting platform

for the Simrad KN200 Night Vision Weapon Sight.
The scope and rings are mounted on a DD Ross 30
minute-of-angle lugged Picatinny rail
M40A5: The M40A5 designation superseded
the M40A3 in 2009, although the evolution between the two systems occurred gradually over a
longer period of time. The primary difference be-
tween the M40A5 and the M40A3 is the barrel.

The A3's target crown has been replaced with a
threaded muzzle and straight tapered barrel to
allow the installation of a Surefire muzzle brake
and sound suppressor. All M40A5s are fitted with
a Badger Ordnance detachable magazine system
and a forward rail mount for the AN/PVS-22 night
vision optic.
Four Versions
THESE DEDICATED MEN

AND WOMEN CANNOT
AFFORD MISTAKES
AND THATS WHY THEY
RELY ON THE M40.
The M40 is a bolt-action sniper

rifle with four variantsthe M40,
M40A1, M40A3 and M40A5.
1966
The year the M40 was first introduced.
View through M40
SPECIFICATIONS
Length
Barrel length
Wounded warrior
uses prosthetic
leg as support
for firing M40
Cartridge
Action
Muzzle velocity
Effective range
Feed system
Sights
M40A1: 6.57 kg (14.48 lb)

M40A3: 7.5 kg (16.5 lb)
M40A1: 1,117 mm (43.97 in)
M40A3: 1,124 mm (44.25 in)
610 mm (24 in) (1:12 right hand twist)
M40A1: Hart (6 lands and grooves)
M40A3: Schneider Match Grade SS #7 (6 lands and grooves)
7.6251mm NATO
Bolt action
777 m/s (2,550 ft/s) (w/175 gr. M118LR)
900 m (1000 yd)
5-round integral box magazine (M40,M40A1,M40A3)
10-round removable box magazine (M40A5)
Scout Sniper Day Scope (SSDS) Premier Reticles Heritage
3-1550mm Tactical.
VARIATIONS AND MODIFICATIONS

Over the years, the rifles have had many sub-variations in telescopic
sights, as well as smaller user modifications. The M40A5 incorporates a
detachable magazine and a threaded barrel to allow for the use of a
sound suppressor or other muzzle device.
The original M40 was a military type-classified version of the Remington 700; it was factory-made, and had a one-piece wooden stock.
The M40A1 and A3 switched to fiberglass stocks made by McMillan,
with new scopes. The trigger pull on both models (M40A1/A3) is between three and five pounds.
Owing to its age, the M40 sniper rifle has been used in most major
combat zones involving the U.S. military over the past five decades, including Vietnam, Grenada, Lebanon, the Balkans, Iraq and
Afghanistan. The U.S. Army also uses Remington 700 rifles as the basis
for its own sniper rifle known as the "M24 Sniper Weapon System."
During the Vietnam War, the Marine Corps determined that it required a standard sniper rifle. After testing several possibilities, they
ordered 700 Remington Model 40x rifles (target/varmint version of
the Model 700 bolt-action rifle), and gave them the M40 designation.
Most had a Redfield 39 power Accurange variable scope mounted.
With time, certain weaknesses (primarily warping of the all-wood
stock) became apparent.
Sometime in the early 1970s, the USMC armorers at MCB Quantico
began rebuilding the original M40s into M40A1s. The process involved, among other improvements, replacing the original wood
stocks with McMillan A1 fiberglass stocks, as well as replacing the
original Redfield scopes with Unertl scopes.
M40
Weight
FP_1304_72-74-BG_EYE 3/27/13 11:27 PM Page 72
IN YOUR
TECHNOLOGY IN SUNGLASSES IS RED HOT
ECHNOLOGY.
Every time you turn the corner it
seems like every product under the
sun has improved by leaps and
bounds. And you can add sunglasses to the

list of products that keep getting hotter
and hotter.
Whether youre firing on a range or hunting
in the wilderness, make sure you grab a pair

of these durable frames before you head out
the door.
Gotta love technology.
EDITORS
CHOICE:
WILEY
Model: Black OPS
WX Saint
Key Features: Meets
toughest U.S. military ballistic standards for combat
protective eyewear
MSRP: $75
Description:
These glasses,
which are part of
Wileys Changeable
Series, feature a
matte black frame
with neutral smoke
gray lenses. The
www.wileyx.com
BLACK OPS
WX SAINT
lenses are shatterproof, and the

frames are virtually
indestructible. The
unique half-frame
is designed to be
lightweight and
comfortable, providing sharp vision and
protection that
never quits. The
range of optional
lenses maximize
performance in
changing light
conditions and
environments.
FP_1304_72-74-BG_EYE 3/27/13 11:27 PM Page 73
SIGHTS
2
RUDY PROJECT
Description:
Looking for all-purpose eyewear
protection? Look no further than
Rudy Project Zyon. These brilliant

sunglasses are designed so youll always perform at your highest level.
Not only are these sunglasses great
for shooting, theyre also perfect for
hiking, cycling and everyday use.
Zyons unique selling feature is its removable side shields, which protect
Protective eyewear is a
lot more high-tech
than your run-of-themill reading glasses.
Here are some of the
best features to look
for when youre on the
prowl for a new pair:
Frame: Youll be shooting
in different climates, so
its a good idea to get
eyewear with a sweat
guard. Youll also want
comfortable frames that
are lightweight.
ZYON
Model: Zyon
Key Features: Removable side
shields, comfortable, adjustable
MSRP: $234.99
Protective Eyewear
Features
www.e-rudy.com
your eyes from the suns rays. Zyon is

perfect for all weather conditions
whether youre shooting during the
heat of summer or hiking in the
mountainsyour vision will remain
clear. One size fits all, making these
adjustable sunglasses comfortable
for everyone.
Spring Hinges: Shooting

glasses need to be
durable. Look for eyewear
with springe hinges that
allow them to move without breaking.
Nose Pad: You dont
want your glasses to slip
off your face as youre
taking a shot. Nose pads
ensure your eyewear stays
firmly in place.
Bridge: Shooting accuracy is important, so youll
want to invest in eyewear
with a bridge. This allows
you to optimize your eyewear for a shot.
NOYZ
RUDY PROJECT
Model: Noyz
Key Features: Adjustable temples
and nosepiece, quick-change
lenses, Rx program
MSRP: $234.99
www.e-rudy.com
Description:
The Rudy Project Noyz eyewear is worth every
penny. Offering the highest level of comfort,
these lightweight lenses will ensure that youre
always shooting at your best. Noyz is a hybrid of
all the best Rudy Project innovations in one
brilliant pair of sunglasses: lightweight Grilamid
chassis, QuickChange interchangeable lenses,

Ergonose IV fully adjustable nosepiece and
adjustable temple tips in hypoallergenic Megol.
Do you require glasses when youre not shooting? No need to worry. Rx inserts allow you to
quickly slide in your lenses with ease, so youll
be firing at 20/20 vision no matter what.
FP_1304_72-74-BG_EYE 3/27/13 11:27 PM Page 74
IN YOUR SIGHTS
ZULU
BOBSTER
Model: Zulu
Key Features:
Anti-fatigue,
smoked lenses,
100% UVA and UVB
protection
MSRP: $49.98
Description:
Dont let the price
tag fool you at
$50, Zulu ballistic
sunglasses are an absolute bargain. The
last thing you want
to do is strain your
eyes when shooting,
so these anti-fatigue
lenses ensure youll
www.bobster.com
fire with precision.
Zulu offers 100-percent UVA and UVB
protection and
smoke lenses, so
your eyes will be
fully protected from
the suns deadly rays.
This model is military-grade durable,
so you wont have to
worry about dropping and breaking
the eyewear, but
theyre also light
and comfortable, allowing you to forget
youre even wearing
them.
SMITH OPTICS
tModel: Aegis Eyeshield
Key Features: Maximum coverage,
anti-fog, scratch resistant
MSRP: $95
Description:
Aegis Eyeshield provides best-inclass eyewear protection for serious
shooters. Whether youre shooting
WHISKEY
BOBSTER
www.bobster.com
Model: Whiskey
Key Features: Exceeds
ballistic requirements,
anti-fog, smoked lenses
MSRP: $99.98
Description:
Whiskey provides your
eyes with the highest
level of protection. For
just less than $100, you
get a sunglass-cleaning
cloth, zippered hard carry
case and one fantastic
pair of protective sunglasses. The lenses exceed
the ballistic impact requirements of the new
MCEPS standard, letting
you concentrate on your

shooting while the
Whiskey frames handle
the responsibility of eye
safety. While most eyewear gives you a
headache when you wear
it for extended periods of
time, thats not the case
with Whiskeythe
frames are flat and
smooth, leading to optimal comfort. In addition,
the 8-base wrap design
provides excellent peripheral vision, meaning that
no person or animal will
be able to sneak up behind you.
AEGIS
EYESHIELD
www.smithoptics.com
for fun or training for the Army,

Aegis Eyeshield will keep your eyes
out of harms way. This fantastic eyewear offers maximum coverage and
protection for high-impact environments. Backed by a lifetime warrantee, this eyewear is guaranteed to
last for many years.
Aegis Eyeshield rests comfortably
on your face thanks to the soft nose

and protects your eyes from the suns
rays with 100-percent UVA/UVB/UVC
protection. If you need glasses, no
worries, as the eyewear is fully compatible with the Smith Elite Interchangeable Rx system. Next time you
go hunting, dont leave home without Aegis Eyeshield.
Its All About

The Lens
In addition to a
sturdy and comfortable frame,
youll want to ensure that your
eyewear has a
durable lens. Here
are some important features to
consider.
Lens:
Lenses are crucial
for protective eyewear because youll
be firing a gun in
close proximity to
your eyes. Look for
lenses that are
made of durable
Polycarbonate.
Impact
Resistance:
Impact resistance
answers the all-important question:
Will your eyes be
protected if an accident were to occur?
Look for ANSI
Z87.1+ certified for
the utmost in protection.
UV Protection:
Seek out eyewear
that offers 100-percent UVA and UVB
protection to avoid
damaging your
eyes.
Lens Coverage:
This is especially important for shooting
eyewear. If youre
unsure of how
much coverage you
need, consult with
your local firing
range consultant,
who can offer
expert advice.
FP_1304_75 3/21/13 11:02 PM Page 75
ENEMIES
CLOSE,
WEAPON
CLOSER
VICKERS COMBAT APPLICATIONS SLING
TM
Smarter design and superior materials improve your performance.

And with over 100,000 trusted in battle, this is the sling you deserve.
blueforcegear.com / vcas
FP_1304_76-81-ZULANI 3/22/13 3:51 AM Page 76
THE HUNTING ADVENTURE OF A LIFETIME AWAITS IN SOUTH AFRICA
ELEPHANT - THINKSTOCK PHOTO
BY WENDY WILSON - PHOTOS COURTESY OF ZULANI SAFARIS
FP_1304_76-81-ZULANI 3/22/13 3:51 AM Page 77
Africa, offer hunts for the Big Fiveand more.

Heres what Zulani owner and Zambia-born Gordon Brace and his wife, Elizabeth, have to offer.
PRIME HUNTING DESTINATION

South Africas eastern cape is a growing hunting destination for both Big Five and plains game,
says Brace, who has access to nearly 50,000 acres
of hunting ground in the country and beyond.
South Africa is by far the best place for plains
game both in quantity and amount of different
species offered, he says.

But he notes that the countrys northernmost
province of Limpopo offers the best hunting
thanks to its temperate weather, minimal insects
and varied terrain.
Most hunts are in our winter, and the weather
here in Limpopo is far more pleasant, he says.
Our days are typically sunny, warm to hot with
cool to cold in the evenings. We hardly ever get
the cold fronts that the cape can get in the winter.
There are no insects, and the leaves have dropped
so visibility is a lot better for hunting.
ELEPHANT - THINKSTOCK PHOTO
HE BIG FIVE.
YOU KNOW WHAT WERE TALKING ABOUT: THE LION, ELEPHANT, BUFFALO, LEOPARD AND RHINOCEROS.
These magnificent animals, found in Africas
southernmost countries, including Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, South Africa and
Mozambique, are among the most difficult prey
to huntand the most prized trophies of biggame hunters.
Are these beasts on your bucket list? If so,
guide services like Zulani Safaris in Limpopo, South
FP_1304_76-81-ZULANI 3/22/13 3:51 AM Page 78
Best Hunting
And Zulani is unique in that it offers different types of terrain, like

thorn veld, bush forest, thick bush
and wide-open plains, Brace adds.
Located in this prime game area,
Zulani Safaris caters itself to the
plains game hunter, he says.
We have 25 different species hunted on
Zulani, he says. The game here is abundant
and some great trophies have been taken. I
can honestly say that in the 10 years that
weve owned it, we have never had anyone
go away unhappy yet.
The countrys northernmost province of Limpopo

offers the best hunting
thanks to its temperate
weather, minimal insects
and varied terrain.
TROPHIES APLENTY
Zulani Ranch offers luxurious

accommodations, such as
this room in the lodge, as
well as more rustic options.
ORYX AND KUDU

ARE THE MOST
CHALLENGING
KUDU ISNT CALLED
THE GREY GHOST
FOR NOTHING!
GORDON BRACE,
ZULANI SAFARIS
LION - THINKSTOCK PHOTO
Magnificent
lions can be
seen roaming
the bush.
Though the Big Five may be a big-game

hunters ultimate prize, most first-timers to
Africa hunt plains game, Brace says.
The most popular are kudu, oryx, waterbuck, impala, blue wildebeest, zebra and
warthog, depending on the rains, the time of
year and how thick the bush is, he says.
Oryx and kudu are the most challenging
kudu isnt called the grey ghost for nothing!
More advanced shooters go for the really
big game, hunting the Big Five, hippo and
crocodile, Brace says.
The buffalo is by far the single-most
sought after of them all, he says.
Experienced or not, hunters have plenty of
opportunity in the continents lower veld,
Brace says.
But it takes a mixture of experience,
knowledge, opportunity and some luck! he
says. The shot can happen around the bend
or it can come down to some serious stalking
and patience.
FP_1304_76-81-ZULANI 3/22/13 3:51 AM Page 79
I HAVE SAT AROUND THOUSANDS OF CAMPFIRES AND LISTENED TO

THE DEBATES ON RIFLE CALIBERS AND PERFORMANCE. IN MY MIND, IT
COMES DOWN TO THE MAN BEHIND THE GUN. GORDON BRACE,
ZULANI SAFARIS
Look Deeper
For more information,
visit ZulaniSafaris.com.
Add These Up
25
The number of different
species hunted on Zulani
10
The time span in which
they have owned Zulani
0
The number of people
who have gone away
unhappy
Many hunters take time from the bush to

enjoy an eco-safari to the stunning Blyde
River Canyon in Mpumalanga, South
Africa. It measures 16 miles in length and
an average of 2,500 feet deep.
And when it does, hunters can preserve their prize by

either hiring a local taxidermist to mount the trophy
there, or dipped and shipped home, Brace says.
We have a local well-known professional taxidermist
who we introduce to our hunters, Brace says. They can
inspect their work and either have their trophies done
by them, or packed and sent to their own taxidermist.
LION - THINKSTOCK PHOTO
FIREPOWER PLUS
When traveling to South Africa to go on safari,
hunters can bring their own rifles, typically with assistance from the safari company, Brace says. He recommends packing the one theyre most comfortable with
as most rifles today do the job, he says.
I have sat around thousands of campfires and listened to the debates on rifle calibers and performance,
he muses. In my mind, it comes down to the man behind the gun.
Whats in
a Name?
The name
Zulani comes
from an old
Zulu legend. It
means wise
wonderer.
Cape buffalo
are the most
popular
trophies from
among the
Big Five.
FP_1304_76-81-ZULANI 3/22/13 3:52 AM Page 80
.458 LottCartridges
Plains Game
Trophies
Here are just some of the
plains species hunted in
South Africa:
Blesbuck
Hartebeest
Impala
Kudu
Oryx (Gemsbuck)
Steenbuck
Waterbuck
Warthog
Wildebeest
Zebra
.416 Big Game

Cartridges
Red Tip
30-06 Bullet
Zulani Safari owners Gordon and

Elizabeth Brace are no strangers to
the African bush.
clients into the bush when I was 14.

He then traveled the worldand
visited more than 60 countries,
Gordon was born
including Denmark, where
and raised in Zambia
he met Elizabeth. A natu-
and has a passion for
ral hostess and skilled
hunting.
guide, Elizabeth has
As a boy and
lived most of her adult
young man, I spent most
life in the African bush.
of my time in the African
After countless safaris all
bush, he says. I started hunting at the
over southern Africa, she feels more at
age of 9 with a well-known hunter in
home here than her place of birth,
the region supplying meat to the mine
Gordon says.
Kudu are the most

challenging prey,
says guide and
Zulani Safari owner
Gordon Brace.
SOUTH AFRICA IS
BY FAR THE BEST
PLACE FOR PLAINS
GAME BOTH IN
QUANTITY AND
AMOUNT OF
DIFFERENT SPECIES
OFFERED. GORDON
towns. And I took my first hunting
BRACE, ZULANI SAFARIS

In addition to hunting plains game, visitors to Zulani Safari can
track down one of the Big Five, including this African elephant.
As for ammo, Brace says that for hardskinned game like buffalo and hippopotamus, hunters will need a
minimum .375.
My personal favorite for big game
are .458 Lott, .450 Ackley and .416
Rigby, he says. For plains game, the
.300 Winchester Magnum is quite popular with Americans. And as an all-around
bullet, I personally like the 30.06. Its
good for both bushveld and open plains
areas, and has a range of differentgrained bulletsthough a 180 grain
does just about all plains game.
MORE THAN A HUNT

Of course, part of the safari adventure includes sightseeing and accommodationsand Zulani Safari prides itself in both, Brace says.
In addition to offering eco-safaris of the South
African bush, Brace and his team offer tours to Kruger
National Park, Blyde River Canyon, various mountain
and waterfall sites, as well as extended treks to countries
north of them, right up to Victoria Falls on the border of
Zimbabwe and Zambia.
Guests are welcome, too, he says.
For the past five years, more hunters bring their
wives, partners or friends than not, Brace says. Our
guest book is full of compliments saying how glad they
RED TIP BULLET, ELEPHANT - THINKSTOCK PHOTO
Passion for Hunting
RED TIP BULLET, ELEPHANT - THINKSTOCK PHOTO
FP_1304_76-81-ZULANI 3/22/13 3:52 AM Page 81
were that they came despite having reservations at first. Most have returnedeither to
hunt or just for photo safaris.
At Zulani Ranch, guests and hunters can
enjoy one of three different accommodations:
the deluxe lodge with pool, bar, sports courts
and sundeck overlooking a watering hole; the
chalet bush camp with pool, bar, Jacuzzi and
views of the Soutpansberg Mountains; or the
rustic African Rondawel village, which is lit only
by bush lamps and a roaring fire.
Non-hunters and companions can use the
facilities at any time or a take a game ride on
the one of the cycles or horses, Brace says.
From here we also organize sight-seeing trips

and eco-safaris.
ADVENTURE AWAITS
If youre ready to head to the African bush,
Zulani Safaris offers several different safari
packages as well as personalized adventures
that combine hunts with eco-safaris, Brace says.
Without exception, hunters arrive as clients
and go away as life-long friends, he says.
Wendy Wilson is an award-winning writer
based in Northern California.
One of the more

popular trophies is
Gemsbuck. This
beauty sports
42-inch antlers.
FP_1304_82-84-FIRST 3/22/13 3:59 AM Page 82
GOING ON A SAFARI TO THE DARK CONTINENT

IS MORE ACCESSIBLE THAN YOU REALIZE
BY TOM TABOR - PHOTOS COURTESY OF TOM TABOR
FP_1304_82-84-FIRST 3/22/13 3:59 AM Page 83
Factors To Consider
In pay-as-you-go safaris, trophy fees
can range from less than $100 to
thousands of dollars.
If you take your own firearms, comply
with both the airline restrictions and
the in-country rules.
You will be charged to bring your trophies home; the shipment must be
treated and certified as insect- and
disease-free.
The U.S. charges fees for the shipment to come into the country.
Safari hunting is an experience like no other.
WITH A LITTLE PLANNING, AND POSSIBLY LESS MONEY THAN YOU

MIGHT THINK, YOU COULD FIND YOURSELF ON SUCH AN ADVENTURE.
MBARKING ON AN AFRICAN
HUNTING SAFARI IS A
DREAM SHARED BY MANY.
Unfortunately, some sportsmen never turn that dream
into reality.
But, with a little planning,
and possibly less money than
you might think, you could
find yourself on such an adventure.
TYPES OF SAFARIS
There are basically two types of hunting safaris.
The package deal typically includes accommodations during the hunt,
transportation, licenses and trophy fees for a select number of animals. In
most cases, you can still hunt other species, but trophy fees would apply. This
type of trip can be less expensive than others, but you need to make sure the
animals on the list are the ones you want to hunt.
The pay-as-you-go safari involves a daily rate that covers the same elements as the package deal with the exception of the trophy fees; however,
you are obligated to pay trophy fees only for the animals you shoot. Trophy
fees can range from less than $100 to thousands of dollars in a few cases.
FP_1304_82-84-FIRST 3/22/13 3:59 AM Page 84
CHOOSING A COUNTRY
For the first-time safari hunter theres no better location than South Africa; it provides an extremely diverse game population and usually
costs less than many other African nations.
Namibia and Zimbabwe are possibilities, but
South Africa offers a larger variety of game animals than Namibia and is safer than Zimbabwe
due to its current political unrest.
GETTING THERE
2
The most common destination airport for

South Africa is Johannesburg, and recent flights
have been listed for as low $1,000 round trip
from some major U.S. cities. Its common for your
professional hunter/guide to meet you at the airport and drive you to camp, and there may or
may not be a fee associated with this service.
If you plan to take your own firearms, you
must comply with both the airline restrictions
and the in-country rules; information regarding
rules and regulations can be found on many airline websites or obtained from the South African
Consulate Office or the safari company. If you
used a booking agent for the trip, he or she can
also provide the information.
ADDITIONAL COSTS
You will be charged to bring your trophies
home, and the shipment must be treated and certified as insect- and disease-free by a local taxidermist.
Aside from the taxidermy and shipping fees,
the U.S. also charges fees for the shipment to
come into the country. The costs for these services
will vary depending on the type of animals being
imported and the weight of the shipment.
Tom Tabor is a columnist for Gun World Magazine.
The Types Of Safaris
1. Safari hunting requires a

substantial number of workers
and good equipment. This huge
eland actually wound up breaking
the professional hunters winching
system, which required hand
loading of the big animal.
2. Zebras can be one of the most

difficult of all African animals to
get within range for a shot.
3. Some consider the kudu Africas
elk and it frequently tops the list
of many safari hunters desirable
species.
4. Exotic animals are frequently

encountered on safari.
5. The warthog: one of the ugliest
animals on safari, but definitely
one of the most interesting.
The Package Deal

Includes accommodations
during the hunt, transportation, licenses and trophy
fees for a select number of
animals.
In most cases, you can still
hunt other species.
This type of trip can be less
expensive than others, but
make sure the animals on
the list are the ones you
want to hunt.
Pay-As-You-Go
Involves a daily rate that
covers the same elements as
the package deal with the
exception of the trophy fees.
You are obligated to pay trophy fees only for the animals
you shoot.
Trophy fees can range from
less than $100 to thousands
of dollars.
FP_1304_82-84-FIRST 3/22/13 3:59 AM Page 85
.
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HOW TO SELECT YOUR WEAPON

BY TOM TABOR
Which rifle and caliber you choose to take on safari should be based on what types of
game you intend to hunt, your own personal preferences as to the type of action and what
your professional hunter recommends.
If your hunting is strictly limited to plains game and you choose to take only a single rifle, I
dont believe theres a better cartridge available anywhere than a .300 Winchester Magnum,
which could be in either a single-shot action, like a Ruger #1, or a bolt action.
If you intend to take some of the smaller game species, like duikers, steenbok, etc., its nice
to have a second smaller caliber along. In this case, a hunter would be hard pressed to find
better cartridges than the .223, .243 or a 6mm.
On the other hand, if your safari will include any of the dangerous game species, I would
consider the .375 as the minimum. But a larger caliber is certainly appropriate when going
after critters that have a propensity to eat, stomp or otherwise abuse their adversaries. In this
case, one of the big .458s, or even a .500 caliber, is certainly not considered too much gun.
The .375 Magnums are

frequently considered to
be the minimum when it
comes to dangerous
game. A couple of Toms
favorites consist of (L-R):
Rugers new Guide Gun
chambered in .375 Ruger
and equipped with a
Leupold Vari-X II 3-9x
scope and a Winchester
Model 70 chambered in
.375 H&H Mag. with a
Leupold Vari-X II 2-7x
scope mounted with
Leupold QRW (quick
release) mounts.
A very fine dangerous

game rifle is the Kimber
Caprivi, which is available
in a couple of different bigbore choices. Tom found
this Caprivi chambered in
.458 Lott to be a terrific rifle
and fully capable of going
after these sometimes
treacherous beasts.
When Tom
went after eland,
the largest antelope in the world,
he decided to take
along his .375
H&H Magnum
Winchester Model
70 rifle.
FP_1304_86-87-BG_ACCESSORIES 3/22/13 4:03 AM Page 86
HOT ADDITIONS
FROM WEAPONS CASES TO TRAINING CARTRIDGES TO HOLSTERS AND MORE
CHEDULES ARE TIGHT.

With family and work, finding the time to
browse through the Net to check out the coolest
gear and ammunition doesnt always happen.
Thats why were here for you.
Every issue.
EDITORS
CHOICE:
1
2
VOODOO TACTICAL
www.voodootactical.com
Model: 36-Inch Deluxe Padded

Weapons Case
Key Features: Pistol and mag pouches have
locking zipper pulls, padded weapons
pockets for protection and more.
LASERLYTE
Model: LT-223 .223
Training Cartridge
Key Features: Realistically train anywhere,
firing-pin activated
switch, built-in snap cap
MSRP: $139.95
Description:
Beginners and expert
marksman can benefit
from LaserLytes newest
innovation in training
cartridges to improve
their shooting skills. Realistically train anywhere
with the LT-223 .223
Description:
Rugged ballistic pack cloth construction,
heavy-duty locking zipper pulls with padlocks
for security, wrap and carry handles, closedcell foam padding, plus 2-inch padded
www.laserlyte.com
Training Cartridge. This
cartridge is perfect for
practicing tap, rack,
bang and malfunction
drills. How do these fantastic cartridges work?
The cartridge includes a
fire-pin activated switch
and shows shot impact
with a bright red laser
dot. Want to take your
training to the next
level? The cartridges are
fully compatible with the
LaserLyte Trainer Targetyoull be an expert
marksman in no time!
interior perimeter lip with padded divider to

keep your weapons safe. Fits tactical
weapons not more than 36 inches.
It weights 4.39 pounds.
FP_1304_86-87-BG_ACCESSORIES 3/22/13 4:03 AM Page 87
THE REVOLUTIONARY LOCKING

MECHANISM ALLOWS YOU TO DRAW
WITH A SIMPLE PRESS OF A BUTTON.
BLACKHAWK
Model: Epoch LightBearing Holster
Key Features: Highquality material, thumbactivated pivot guard,
auto lock thumb release
MSRP: $76.99 - $107.99
Description:
How would you like
a holster that not only
looks good, but lets you
draw at lightning
speed? The Epoch LightBearing Holster from
Blackhawk is the
GUNSLICK
Model: Molded Hard
Case34-Piece Gun
Cleaning Kit
Key Features: Compact, cleans a variety
of firearms, durable
MSRP: $54.99
Description:
Similar to your car
or furnace, a firearm
is piece of machinery.
Proper care and
maintenance is key
to ensure it lasts for
many years to come.
Gunslick offers everything youd ever
need to clean and
www.blackhawk.com
newest way to securely
carry your handgun.
What sets this holster
apart from the competition is its ability to get
into action fastthe
revolutionary locking
mechanism allows you
to draw with a simple
press of a button. The
holster comes in a variety of models to fit the
most popular handguns, including most
Smith & Wesson and
Glock models.
www.gunslickpro.com
maintain your
firearm. This handy
set contains universal
components that
quickly and effectively clean a host of
firearms, including
shotguns, rifles and
handguns. The
molded hard case is
compact and lightweight, protecting
your cleaning supplies. This fantastic
kit includes tips,
mops, brushes,
patches and lube
youll have a clean
firearm in no time!
SKB CASES
Model: The iSeries 3614
M4/Short Rifle Case
Key Features: Ideal for M4
and shorter rifles, waterproof,
durable
MSRP: $209.99
Description:
Looking for a high-quality
rifle case to protect your beloved
M4 and the shorter guns in your
collection? Look no further than
the iSeries 3614 M4/Short Rifle
www.skbcases.com
Case, the newest innovation

from SKB Cases. Not only is it
lightweight (it weighs less than
20 pounds), this case is highly
durable. Its made of ultra highstrength polypropylene copolymer resin. Did we mention its
waterproof, dustproof and resistant to corrosion and impact
damage? The molded-hinge
means its easy to open and
close; easily apply a padlock to
keep your rifle safe and sound.
FP_1304_88-95-BlackRain 3/22/13 4:14 AM Page 88
LET IT
RAIN
YOULL ALWAYS BE PREPARED WITH
BLACK RAIN ORDNANCES BRO-PG2
WORDS AND PHOTOS BY TERRILL HOFFMAN
The situation can go

downhill in seconds;
make sure you come
out on top. Black
Rain has done their
part to give you a
fighting edge.
HEN YOURE EQUIPPED

BY BLACK RAIN ORDNANCE, IT DOESNT MATTER HOW BAD THINGS
GET, OR WHAT THEY
THROW AT YOU, YOURE PREPARED.
Black Rain Ordnance, Inc., founded in
January, 2009, may be a relatively young
company, but this new kid on the
block is carving out its place in the
firearm industry. Specializing in rifles
based on the AR-15 platform, the company took on the hard-core name of
Black Rain (radioactive fallout), represented it with their biohazard logo, and
came on strong with a hard-as-nails attitude.
Most may question the wisdom of entering the saturated AR market, but
Black Rain Ordnance realized one major
factor to business: its only crowded if
youre at the bottom looking up. Start at
the top, and your path is clear. If you
want to climb the food chain of business,
produce a quality product and constantly
improve upon it.
THEY USE
QUALITY AMERICAN
METALS, FASHIONED
BY SKILLED
AMERICAN
WORKERS, TO
PRODUCE A
QUALITY AMERICAN
PRODUCT.
Sights, optics, or lasers; theres room on

the forward handguard for all of them.
Once coupled with a Leupold

VX-R 1.25-4 scope, the Black
Rain rifle is fitted out for CQB
or extended range.
Black Rains flash hider has an

ominous look from any angle.
This is one view you never
want to see.
KEY NUMBERS
$2,339
16
7 and 4
The MSRP
Barrel length
in inches
The total weight, pounds and

ounces, respectively
PG2 AR-15
The PG2 AR platform offers the

user a slim profile coupled with
substantial firepower.
Magpuls UBR
buttstock may be
adjustable but it
still offers a solid
cheekweld. The
storage area and
sling attachment
points are just
icing on the cake.
Dig A Little Deeper

NAME
Black Rain Ordnance
Black Rain currently has 16 separate models of the AR in both

5.56 NATO and .308 Winchester.
Most models also come in a variety
of finishes giving the consumer
enough combinations to find just
the right rifle for their needs.
While there may not be a standard model, the BRO-PG2 is a
good representative of their product line. The PG2, chambered in
the 5.56 NATO/.223, starts with
milled upper and lower receivers
that create a unique look and feel
of quality over that of casted
units. The barrel is 16 inches, standard weight with a 1-in-8 twist
and is fluted from the gas block
forward.
The rifle can be ordered with either a direct-gas or piston operating system. The sample model
came in with the direct-gas system
and in a Digi Tan water-dipped
transfer camouflage finish. The
bolt and carrier group are supplied
with a nickel-boron coating, which
provides a smooth surface, harder
WEB
www.blackrainordnance.com
ADDRESS
P.O. Box 1111
Neosho, MO 64850
PHONE
888-836-2620
Add a scope
and a 30-round
magazine and
you still have a
short and handy
package.
BLACK RAIN
Anti-walk pins are a nice touch on a high-end rifle, as is the pictorial safety selector.
Sorry, guys, it may show a spot for three-round burst, but semi-auto is the best we can get.
than chrome and eases carbon cleaning.

Mated to the upper receiver is a Black Rain 9inch railed, free-floating handguard. This unit is
relieved of all excess metal in a triangular pattern for lightness and fully covers the Black Rain
low-profile gas block and gas tube.
A new item on the PG2 is Black Rains drop-in
trigger module. On the sample rifle, it provided
a crisp break at 4 pounds with very little take-up.
A small, but elegant, feature is the non-rotating,

Rain chooses to gain more control over quality
anti-walk pin set holding the trigger module in
and materials by incorporating these parts in their
place. Black Rain Ordnance started with the
own production.
milled receivers but has gradually worked toward
The butt stock on the PG2 is a Magpul UBR
producing all of the metal parts
(Utility/Battle Rifle), which
of the AR platform in-house.
provides a comfortable cheekFast Fact
Where more and more compaweld, and eliminates the wobBlack Rain has 16 separate
nies have taken the approach of
ble common to most
models of the AR in both 5.56
NATO and .308 Winchester.
farming out production, Black
adjustable stocks.
BLACK RAIN CHOOSES TO

GAIN MORE CONTROL OVER
QUALITY AND MATERIALS BY
INCORPORATING THESE PARTS
IN THEIR OWN PRODUCTION.
The gas tube and gas

block are well protected
tucked under the forward handguard.
Field stripping an AR is
as easy as it gets. Push
one pin and pull it apart.
There are seven positions to this

stock, and it also has a small storage
area for extra batteries or cleaning
gear.
The Magpul MOE pistol grip is textured to improve the grip and extends up the lower receiver to
provide support for the web of the
hand. Theres also another storage
area inside the pistol grip. A 30round PMAG is included with the
rifle.
The need for an improve trigger
guard is eliminated because its
milled into the receiver. With the
stock in its shortest position, the rifle
has an over-length of 33 inches and a
weight of 7 pounds, 4 ounces.
The Specs
Manufacturer: Black Rain
Ordnance
Action Type: Direct Gas Impingement
Caliber: 5.56 NATO/.223
Magazine: 30-Round PMAG
Barrel: 16 inches, 1-8 twist
stainless steel
Sights: None
Overall Length: 33 inches (butt
stock collapsed)
Weight: 7 pounds, 4 ounces
Stock: Magpul UBR
MSRP:
$2,339
The bolt and carrier group have a nickel boron coating for surpassed strength and ease of cleaning.
Problem: Finding a
good trigger for an
AR-15. Solution:
Make your own. The
Black Rain trigger unit
provides a crisp 4pound pull.
You have the choice of seven positions with the UBR stock but the
cheekpiece stays in the same place
for consistency.
If youre going to
make an AR, make
all of it. Black Rain
is bringing all
metal production
in-house for quality assurance.
ALL ABOUT QUALITY

Along with complete rifles, Black Rain will also sell various AR parts. If you spot the biohazard logo, rest assured
that whatever that part is, its made to the same standard
as their completed rifles. If you own one of their 5.56 or
.308 rifles, its the best Black Rain Ordnance could produce.
They use quality American metals, fashioned by skilled
American workers, to produce a quality American product.
Terrill Hoffman, a North Carolina resident, is a long-time
gun enthusiast.
The fluted barrel cuts weight,

while the handguard offer several sling mounting positions.
THE COMPANY TOOK

ON THE HARD CORE NAME
OF BLACK RAIN, REPRESENTED IT WITH THEIR
BIO-HAZARD LOGO AND
CAME ON STRONG WITH A
HARD-AS-NAILS ATTITUDE.
FP_1304_96-103-TACTICAL 3/22/13 4:25 AM Page 96
BY CHUCK TAYLOR
HERES CERTAINLY NO QUESTION

THAT THE MODERN TACTICAL PRECISION RIFLE REPRESENTS A HIGH POINT
IN THE HISTORY OF ACCURACY.
The rifles accuracy level is unmatched by anything of its predecessors, and with ammunition
tailored to its specific needs, it can achieve mindboggling precision.
A tactical precision rifle can hit an aspirin at 100
meters, a tennis ball at 600 and a coffee cup
saucer at 1,000, all while its operator remains

covert. Its capabilities are so well known that recent novels and films have even featured snipers
using it.
As a weapon/operator system, the tactical precision rifle is the most cost-effective and efficient
model in history: statistical data shows that an
average of 1.4 rounds is expended per enemy
soldier eliminated. Considering the number of
rounds of small arms ammo expended to elimi-
nate an enemy soldier in WW1 was 9,000, in

WW2 was 18,000, in the Korean War was 26,000
and in Vietnam was 57,000, that number is phenomenally low.
Although the modern tactical precision rifles
technology is well conceived, it is unfortunately
too expensive for many individual shooters and
even some of the smaller law enforcement agencies. These days, its pretty tough to find a good
tactical precision rig for less than $3,000, and
PRECISION ON A
BUDGET
HOW THE STANDARD REMINGTON M700S PERFORMANCE CAN
BE UPGRADED TO SHOOT LIKE A TACTICAL PRECISION RIFLE
many aspiring TPR shooters are looking for a

less costly alternative. Is there a less-expensive
alternative or is the cost issue unavoidable?
Fortunately, there is a way to get tactical
precision rifle performance without the large
price tag.
THE CONVERSION
If you use a solid standard rifle as a base and
get a good tactical scope, you can make a few
minor modifications (while paying careful attention to load development) that will enable the
modern bolt-action hunting rifle to shoot nearly
as well as an expensive tactical precision rig. Of
course it wont shoot quite as accurately as a
super-precise, -MOA capable, high-dollar rig,
but it will definitely deliver accuracy levels beyond the marksmanship capabilities of all but the
most highly skilled shooters.
To accomplish the conversion, first we must
select the standard rifle to use, which is an easy
decision: Remingtons M700 BDL is without a

doubt the best bolt-action hunting rifle currently being produced.
Purchased new, it costs around $900, but good,
clean used ones can be found for $500-600. The
M700 BDL has been the hunters bolt-action
choice for many decades, and it serves as the basis
for most precision rifles as well, making it easy to
find in both new and used configurations.
After a little scouting at the local gun shops, I
was able to buy a clean, 10-year-old M700 BDL in
FP_1304_96-103-TACTICAL.CX 3/27/13 11:12 PM Page 98
Total Cost For The Test Rifle
$500
With only a few inexpensive modifications and careful scope and ammo selection,
the standard Remington M700 BDL is indeed capable of precision rifle performance.
The first step is to replace the wooden stock with a Remington synthetic stock.
Clean, used Remington

M700 BDL
$110
New Remington camouflage
finished synthetic stock
$35
New Leupold STD steel 1-piece
scope base with 25mm
steel rings
$500
New, discontinued Leupold Mk4
PR 3-9x40mm tactical scope
$35
New Butler Creek flip-up
objective and ocular lens caps
$30
New Mounting Solutions Plus
Anti-CANT device
$120
New Sniper Tools Design
Company Angle Indicator
$10
Single Weaver-type scope ring
to mount #6 to scope tube
$30
Optional adjustable nylon
camouflage sling
$1,370
The total cost
Once the best load was selected, the rifle was

zeroed for 200-meters, then calibrated in 25meter increments to 700-meters and a range
card created and mounted to the stock for
handy field reference. Note that because of the
cheek piece on the left side of the buttstock, the
card was mounted upside down for handier use.
.30-06 Spgfld for a mere $400. Note: the time of year is influential upon the prices of used guns; the worst time to buy is
late summer or early fall, just before the big game hunting
seasons. After the hunting seasons end and the holidays are
over, gun shops are typically more willing to deal, so the
chance of finding a good M700 for a relatively inexpensive
price is better from January to May.
If you use this rifle, the first item of business is to give it a
good cleaning, including removing all copper fouling from
the bore. Commercial nitro-cellulose solvents are fine for removing powder fouling and general grime, but a good copper solvent like Sweets 7.62 Bore Cleaner or Barnes CR-10 is
Picatinney Rail base is popular, rugged and versatile, but is

substantially more costly than a standard steel 1-piece base.
GLISTENING STOCKS ARE A HUGE
unbeatable for actual copper removal. Removing copper

fouling might take some time and effort, particularly if the
rifle is an older model, but its absolutely essential since copper fouling is accuracys deadliest enemy. Use only brass,
bronze or nylon bristle brushes to clean the bore; theyre
softer than the barrel steel and wont leave scratches. Avoid
stainless steel brushes because theyre harder than the bore
steel and theyll cause damage that compromises accuracy.
You can retain the factory wooden stock, but you must
eliminate its shiny polyurethane finish. Glistening stocks are
a huge tactical liability in the field and must be dulled out
with a little commercial paint-stripping compound and some
The Time To Buy Used

WORST
Late summer or early fall, just
before the big game hunting
seasons.
BEST
After the hunting seasons end
and the holidays are over, gun
shops are typically more willing
to deal, so the chance of finding
a good M700 for a relatively inexpensive price is better from
January to May.
FP_1304_96-103-TACTICAL.CX 3/27/13 11:12 PM Page 99
Start Here
Remingtons M700 BDL is without a doubt the best
bolt-action hunting rifle currently being produced.
Purchased new, it costs around $900.
Good, clean used ones can be found for $500-600.
Compare The Costs

$1,370
The cost of upgrading the
Remington M700
$2,000 to $5,000
The tariff of a factory or
custom-built precision rig
One of the most important modifications

is to free float the barrel to allow consistent harmonic vibration and cooling.
Author Taylor mounted a now-discontinued Leupold Mk4 PR 3-9x40mm tactical scope that he had on hand, but
there are a number of relatively inexpensive tactical scopes available. For finite zeroing and range calibration,
as well as precise shooting in the field, the scope must have positive click-adjustable windage and elevation
turrets. Steel Leupold STD 1-piece base and rings are inexpensive, strong and easily obtainable.
TACTICAL LIABILITY IN THE FIELD AND MUST BE DULLED OUT

elbow grease.
Once the finish is removed, apply a coat or two
of walnut stain and then some oil to darken the
wood and even out its coloration. Youll end up
with a dull finish that isnt unattractive and that
will repel moisture, protect the wood from the elements and prevent light reflection.
If the look doesnt appeal to you and you dont
mind spending $110 instead, Remington offers a
synthetic stock in both black and camouflage that
at worst requires only minor fitting (most rifles simply drop in easily). I chose this particular option
and experienced no significant problemsit required only minor fitting in a few places around
the trigger assembly.
You might wonder why I chose to spend $110
for a synthetic stock on a project designed to produce the most accurate rifle for the least amount
of money. I figured since it would be used in all
kinds of weather that a high-quality synthetic
stock would justify its cost in the long run. Regardless of how well theyre sealed, wooden
stocks can warp significantly from changes in
temperature and humidity, whereas synthetic
stocks do not. Warping changes the rifles bedding pressures, negatively affecting accuracy and
virtually destroying consistency.
I also installed Remingtons new recoil-reducing
LimbSaver Recoil Pad on my synthetic stock; it fits
perfectly on all Remington wood and synthetic
stocks to reduce felt recoil. By choosing the synthetic stock, I reduced the rifles weight by a little
more than a pound, which meant that while it was
easier to carry in the field, it also produced heavier
recoil, especially with bullets weighing more than
150 grains. For a nominal expense, the LimbSaver
FP_1304_96-103-TACTICAL.CX 3/28/13 2:57 AM Page 100
STUDY THESE NUMBERS
To protect the scope lens

coatings, Butler Creek flip-up
lens caps are a must.
100
METERS
The distance at which
a tactical precision
rifle can hit an aspirin
600
METERS
rifle can hit a tennis
ball
1,000
METERS
rifle can hit a coffee
cup saucer
Scopes: Start Here
Most tactical scopes now feature larger, exposed

elevation and windage turrets for easier operation under field conditions. Of these, Leupold offers the most diverse array, with scopes for
nearly any tactical purpose.
Burris
www.burrisoptics.com
pad was a great addition.

Whether you retain the factory wooden stock
or replace it with a Remington synthetic model,
you need to determine if the rifles barrel is free
floated. As most old-timers will tell you, you can
simply wrap a piece of paper around the barrel
and slide it up the barrel channel to find out. If it
slides all the way to the front of the receiver with
no resistance, the barrel is free floated; if you feel
some resistance, its source must be eliminated.
Typically, resistance is a sign that something in
the stocks barrel channel is touching the barrel, so
be very careful during removal. Barrels that touch
the stock provide erratic accuracy, especially after
For best performance, -MOA

clicks are the best choice.
you fire a couple of shots and it begins to heat up

a bit, so make sure you remove any contact points
completely.
You can also glass bed the action into the stock;
although its not a costly expense, it takes a bit of
time to apply and is a rather messy process. I decided to forego this option on my test rifle and
still got good results, but glass beddingif properly applieddoes significantly enhance accuracy.
You can easily make adjustments to a precision
pull weight on the M700s adjustable trigger with
couple of small screwdrivers and a bottle of fingernail polish to lock and seal the three adjustment screws. One screw controls the amount of
HAND, TENNIS BALL, COFFEE CUP - THINKSTOCK PHOTOS
Leupold
www.leupold.com/tactical/scopes
A variable scope is not necessary, provided it is of at least

9X, but due to the popularity of variable-magnification
scopes these days, most scopes are of that type.
For up or downhill
shooting, an Angle
Indicator from
Sniper Tools, Inc.
provides exact data
to obtain slant range
scope settings.
Inadvertant
canting of
the rifle is
widespread
and is a
major contributor to
inconsistent
performance. AntiCANT Device
(ACD) from
Mounting
Solutions,
Plus corrects
the problem
instantly, allowing precise zero and
range calibrations.
HAND, TENNIS BALL, COFFEE CUP - THINKSTOCK PHOTOS
IT WILL DEFINITELY DELIVER ACCURACY LEVELS BEYOND THE MARKSMANSHIP

CAPABILITIES OF ALL BUT THE MOST HIGHLY SKILLED SHOOTERS.
sear engagement, another the pull weight and the

last the trigger travel. All are important, but the
amount of sear engagement is critical because it
translates to a safety issue (inadvertent discharge
when the bolt is closed, anyone?), so make sure
you have sufficient engagement to slam the bolt
home hard without any of the sear releasing. The
idea is to balance the settings of the three screws;
just test them by slamming the bolt hard until you
realize the lightest SAFE trigger pull (2-3 pounds).
Once youve accomplished this, seal the adjustment screws with the fingernail polish (do not use
Loctite; it will penetrate the trigger assembly and
cause problems) and youre finished. If youre not
comfortable making all of these modifications, you

can always take the rifle to a competent gunsmith;
the fee will likely be minimal and might be worth
the peace of mind!
You can also have the barreled action sandblasted and reblued to eliminate any shine, but
again, thats a question of how much you want to
spend. A sandblast/reblue will cost around $150; an
alternative would be to simply paint the rifle some
earthy or camouflage color or perhaps wrap burlap
around the barrel. For my test rifle, I went for minimal expense and left the original finish intact.
Next, select a steel scope base (preferably onepiece) with steel rings and mount it to the receiver.
The Picatinney Rail base is considered the best

choice, but its considerably more expensive than a
standard 1-piece base and really no more rigid. The
purpose behind the Picatinney Rail is to provide the
military with a universal mounting platform for a
variety of optical sights, including standard telescope, night vision, thermal imaging and even
lasers. For a single, non-military operator, none of
these devices is relevant, so the much less expensive
standard base will work just fine.
Weve all heard that a rifle is no more accurate
than the scope mounted on it, and Ive found that
to be true, so its crucial to select a good tactical
scope. Decent, inexpensive tactical scopes are avail-
The Evolution
of Precision
Cartridge selection
is also important.
Though many wildcat cartridges offer
superb performance, factory available cartridges are
also accurate and
less expensive to
obtain in appropriate loadings. In addition, remember
that magnum cartridges generate
more recoil, especially in a relatively
light rifle like the
standard M700 BDL.
1.4
As a weapon/operator system, the
tactical precision
rifle is the most
cost-effective and
efficient model in
history: data shows
that an average of
1.4 rounds is expended per enemy
soldier eliminated.
The author
chose a used
Rem M700 BDL
.30-06 and
after a detailed
evaluation
process, found
several custom
loads that performed particularly well.
9,000
The number of
rounds of small
arms ammo expended to eliminate
an enemy soldier in
WWI
18,000
The number of
rounds of small
arms ammo expended to eliminate
an enemy soldier in
WWII
The three most accurate 150-grain factory loads in the test rifle were the Winchester Ballistic Silvertip, Federal FMJ and Hornady Interbond Light
Magnum. All produced accuracy in the -MOA range or better.
Federal Premium Gold Medal
Match 168-gr. FMJBT is also highly
accurate, but not being an expanding bullet, produces limited
terminal ballistic performance.
26,000
In the Korean War,
the number increased to this
number
57,000
The number jumped
to this in Vietnam
Cor-Bon 168-gr. DPX with Barnes Triple Shock bullet, and Winchester 168-gr. Ballistic Silvertip were
perhaps the most accurate in their category. With them, the test rifle consistently produced groups
of well-under -MOA.
able from Leupold, Burris and other makers, so it

should be fairly easy to find one. I happened to
have a new-in-the-box (now discontinued) Leupold Mk4 PR 3-9x40mm tactical with a 2-inch
objective lens shade and Butler Creek flip-up lens
caps. You can easily find this scope or a similar
one for around $500.
The Mk4 PR is an excellent scope that was discontinued because Leupold switched to a modernized manufacturing process that enabled it to
produce a 1-piece scope tube. The Mk4 PR utilizes older, 2-piece technology, but features the
same fine lenses as its more modern counterparts. I added an Anti-CANT Device (ACD) from
Mounting Solutions Plus and an Angle Cosine Indicator (for serious up and downhill shots) from
Sniper Tools Design Company to effectively resolve my scope issue.
FACTORY, CUSTOM LOADS

To complete my project, all I needed to do was
determine which factory and custom loads performed best.
After preliminary zeroing at 200 meters, I undertook a week of benchrest shooting on the
range, employing a wide variety of loads to determine which performed best in the test rifle. Many
hours and 3-shot, 100-meter groups later (in the
150-grain bullet range), I found that Hornadys
Light Magnum, Federals FMJ and Winchesters
Ballistic Silvertip proved highly accurate and produced groups of -MOA or better. The Black Hills
Gold 155-grain A-Max was just as accurate and
printed groups of -MOA or better. Remingtons
165-grain Nosler AccuTip and Cor-Bons 168-grain
were equally precise.
The most accurate factory load was Cor-Bons
168-grain DPX, which utilizes the Barnes TripleShock X Bullet. My test rifles accuracy was exceptional, with consistent groups of well under
-MOA. With 3-shot, 100-meter groups also under
-MOA, Federals Match 168-grain BT was highly
accurate, but as an FMJ is intended to shoot paper
and thus exhibits poor terminal ballistic qualities
on living organisms, particularly at long range, rendering it inappropriate for serious tactical needs.
The most accurate custom-load, and the one I
eventually selected for the test gun, consisted of
Combined Technologys 150-grain Ballistic Silvertip
bullet, 58.0-grains of Hodgdons H-414 powder
and Remingtons #9- primers, loaded in carefully
prepared virgin Winchester cases. From the test
M700s 22-inch barrel, it produced 2,905 fps, with
a mere 17 fps extreme spread and sub--MOA accuracy. Recoil was light and terminal ballistics on
living organisms was excellent.
100-meter 3-shot target shot with test rifle and custom

load of Combined Technologies 150-grain Ballistic Silvertip, 58-grs. H-414, Remington #9 primer and Winchester
Virgin cases. Velocity from 22-inch barrel was 2905 fps,
with a 17 fps extreme spread. This is perhaps the best
overall custom load.
Accuracy Facts
Black Hills Gold 155-gr. 150-grain

A-Max was also exceptionally
accurate, consistently printing
3-shot 100-meter groups of less
than -MOA.
Custom Load
The most accurate custom-load,
and the one the author eventually selected for the test gun,
consisted of Combined Technologys 150-grain Ballistic Silvertip
bullet, 58.0-grains of Hodgdons
H-414 powder and Remingtons
#9- primers, loaded in carefully
prepared virgin Winchester cases.
From the test M700s 22-inch
barrel, it produced 2,905 fps,
with a mere 17 fps extreme
spread and sub--MOA accuracy.
Factory Load
The most accurate factory load
was Cor-Bons 168-grain DPX,
which utilizes the Barnes TripleShock X Bullet. Thew authors
test rifles accuracy was exceptional, with consistent groups of
well less than -MOA.
www.shopcorbon.com/
Remington 165-gr. w/Nosler Accu-Tip

and Federal Vital Shok w/Nosler
Ballistic Tip are also highly accurate,
producing groups in the -MOA range.
Five shots at 100-meters with Cor-Bon 168gr. DPX; an excellent

overall load with fine
terminal ballistics,
moderate recoil and
superb accuracy. Velocity was 2803 fps,
with a 21 fps extreme
spread.
SAVE, PERFORMANCE
IF THE CURRENT
ECONOMIC CLIMATE HAS
PUT TOO MUCH OF A
DENT IN YOUR WALLET TO
AFFORD A SUPER-COOL,
HIGH-END TACTICAL
PRECISION RIFLE, THINK
LONG AND HARD
ABOUT THIS OPTION.
Can the standard Remington M700 BDL

be modified to satisfy tactical precision rifle
specifications?
With bit of careful thought and a full understanding of the limitations, absolutely. A good
M700 BDL with a free-floated barrel; a 2-3pound crisp trigger; a properly mounted, goodquality tactical scope and carefully selected
ammunition can consistently produce accuracy
of -MOA or better, making it more precise
than all but the most skilled shooter is capable
of utilizing.
In the accompanying sidebar, youll see that
it adds up to a mere $1,370, as compared with
the whopping $2,500-$5,000 tariff of a factory
or custom-built precision rig. Granted, the economical rig of our project isnt quite as accu-
rate, but its darned close and more than

accurate enough to meet tactical precision
rifle requirements.
Even if you have a gunsmith do the trigger,
the expense wont increase by more than $35,
and even if you have to sandblast the barreled
action and reblue it ($150), and glass-bed the
action ($50), the total cost is still less than
$1,500. Even if you buy a new M700 BDL for
$900, the total cost remains less than $2,000.
And that, boys and girls, is a deal in any l
anguage.
So if the current economic climate has put
too much of a dent in your wallet to afford a
super-cool, high-end tactical precision rifle,
think long and hard about this option.
Carefully thought-out and executed, it can
indeed be the alternative you seek, with little
real sacrifice in efficiency.
FP_1304_104-110-GARAND 3/22/13 4:37 AM Page 104
THE GREAT
GARA
A RIFLE WITH A RIGHTEOUS REPUTATION
BY PAUL HANTKE
HE M1 GARAND: IF THERES ANY

OTHER GENERAL-ISSUE BATTLE
RIFLE THROUGHOUT HISTORY THATS
BEEN MORE APPRECIATED AND RESPECTED, I CERTAINLY CANT THINK OF IT.
I have spoken with many veterans who relied
upon the rifle in several different wars and other
conflicts, and each one commented on its incredible reliability.
From the frigid, snow-covered battlefields of
Europe and Korea to the steaming jungles of the

South Pacific, Burma and Vietnam, the Garand has
proved its worth.
THE HISTORY
The US Rifle, Cal .30, M1 was invented and developed by John C. Garand (hence its nickname),
introduced in 1938 and used in general service
until 1958; some units used the Garand up until
1965, when the transition to the M14 was completed.

For a long time, it was the mainstay of U.S.
ground troops all over the world, and its still used
today by honor guards and drill teams, including
the famous United States Marine Corps Silent Drill
Platoon.
Approximately 6.5 million Garands were produced, and after being phased out in the U.S.,
many were loaned to dozens of countries
FP_1304_104-110-GARAND 3/22/13 4:37 AM Page 105
BESIDES BEING STURDY AND POWERFUL,

THE GARAND IS ALSO AN INHERENTLY
ACCURATE RIFLE
RAND
The rear sight is adjustable for
windage and elevation. A Match
sight is pictured, which includes
the smaller, hooded eyepiece.
My personal rifle
has the desirable
Springfield Armory
cartouche stamped
into the stock, indicating it was refurbished and certified
by the arsenal.
FP_1304_104-110-GARAND 3/28/13 2:54 AM Page 106
Sturdy steel "ears" protect

the solid-post front sight.
Formerly known as the DCM

(Director of Civilian Marksmanship), the CMP was originally chartered by Congress as part of the
1903 War Department Appropriations Act. The original intent was to
train a nation of riflemen who
would be ready to serve in time of
war. How times have changed!
The large safety is

easily operated, even
while wearing gloves.
The hole in the tab
allows you to secure a
single firearm with a
padlock; when the
rifles are "racked" a
long steel rod locks
them all.
FROM THE FRIGID,

SNOW-COVERED
BATTLEFIELDS OF EUROPE
AND KOREA TO THE
STEAMING JUNGLES OF
THE SOUTH PACIFIC,
BURMA AND
VIETNAM,
THE GARAND
HAS PROVED
ITS WORTH.
around the world where they continued to get the job

done.
The rifle was originally chambered in a .276-caliber cartridge that was shelved for the .30-06 Springfield; this
change was due to availability and ammo compatibility
with the older 1903 Springfield bolt action and the various versions of the Browning light machine guns already
in service.
The Garand is a gas-operated semi-automatic with a rotating bolt that uses a true clip featuring a block sheet
metal carrier that holds eight rounds. The sights are
sturdy, front-post types guarded by a pair of steel ears
The Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP)
The Garand is fed from a true clip,

not a magazine. The standard clip
holds eight rounds, but there is a
five-round clip for hunting and a tworound clip for match competitions.
The CMP still runs many different programs, including various

rifle and pistol competitions such
as the famous Camp Perry Match.
Its also a source for some great old
firearms, including the 1903 Springfield, 1917 Enfield, M1 Carbine and
M1 Garand. These guns are available for purchase by law-abiding
U.S. citizens whove qualified by
shooting in a least two authorized
matches. All you have to do is fill
out your paperwork, including a full
application with a fingerprint card
certified by your local law enforcement agency, send it all in with
your check and prepare to wait, because it will take a while. I acquired
one many years ago, and it was
well worth the wait.
A bonus: Its not unusual for a
buyer to receive a rare or highly
sought after version of the gun he
or she has ordered.
One of my most treasured
memories about this rifle is the day
it arrivedby mail. We had a substitute mail carrier that day who
knew nothing about me, and he
had some questions.
and a rear peep fixture thats adjustable for windage and

elevation.
At 43.5 inches long (with a 24-inch barrel) and approximately 9.5 pounds, this weapon is not a small shoulder
arm, but the weight helps mitigate felt recoil when fired.
With the bayonet attached, the user gained sufficient
stand-off room, and the solid wood stock meant there
wasnt much chance of breaking it when administering
the well-known front butt stroke during close-quarter,
hand-to-hand fighting.
The rifles weight and size did render it harder to carry
than todays lightweight, chopped assault rifles, and some
Do you mind my asking whats

in the box? was his opening, Lt.
Columbo-like line. Not at all, I
replied, Its a rifle. At this point
he pulled the box away, stepped
back and said, Its illegal to mail a
firearm. I had to laugh and explain to him that it wasnt illegal if
youre the U.S. Government and I
pointed out the labeling on the
box: U.S. Government Arsenal, Anniston, Alabama.
He handed me the package, but
I could see he was still reluctant, so
I told him that he obviously had my
address if a follow-up was needed,
but I was sure his supervisor would
confirm my information. I never
heard back from him, and Ive been
shooting this neat old rifle for almost 20 years now.
FP_1304_107 3/21/13 11:03 PM Page 107
FP_1304_104-110-GARAND 3/28/13 2:51 AM Page 108
Good Source For Parts

To purchase items such as an
erosion gauge, call Brownells at
800-741-0015
You can also visit them online at
www.Brownells.com
"The greatest battle

implement ever devised"
- General George S. Patton
Before You Buy

The good news is
that there are rifles
available, as opposed
to the AR and its variants, which have been
sold out since the last
election.
The first thing you
have to check is the
weapons general condition. You can tell a lot
about a firearm with a
close overall look, and it
will be visually apparent if the gun has been
over-used or abused.
Next, take a look
down the bore; because
the Garands receiver is
closed at the rear; youll
need to slip some white
paper into the receiver
to reflect light down it
or utilize a fiber optic
tube that transmits
light. Its important to
get a good look at all
the surfaces, and if you
have access to an erosion gauge its valuable

to evaluate the condition of the barrel throat
ahead of the chamber.
These items can be ordered from Brownells,
800-741-0015,
www.Brownells.com.
If the seller allows
you to field strip the
rifle, notice how securely the trigger group
housing latches and the
fit of the action in the
stock. Pay particular
attention to the operating rod, as firing the
rifle with over-pressure
ammunition will often
bend or bow this part.
Of course, the best
way to assess a rifle is
to fire it, which will ensure its reliability and
give you a feel for its
accuracy. Feed it some
good Match ammo, do
your best and make
your decision.
Jim Kemerer is 95 today, but he

remembers carrying a Garand all
the way across France and into
Munich during World War II.
criticize it for the weight of the

ammunition itself, its eightround capacity, and the fact
that it cannot
be topped off
until the clip is
emptied and ejected.
That said, the .30-06
cartridge is a powerhouse that
will shoot through light cover
and drop a man like a bad
habit. While it holds only
eight rounds, the German KAR
98 holds five and the British Enfield holds 10; but keep in mind
that those are both bolt actions
and the Garand is a semi-auto.
(There are also five-round clips
available that make it legal for
hunting in jurisdictions with
those restrictions as well as
two-round units for use in
high-power matches that require a reload on some 10round stages.)
In addition, with practice,
the Garand takes only a few
seconds to re-charge, and that
includes clearing your hand
from the action to avoid the
dreaded M1 thumb (if the

bolt catches your thumb youll
sorely regret it). Just hunker
down, align the sights and fire
away for those eight rounds.
The absence of a magazine
protruding underneath the
rifle also makes it more compatible with a prone position.
There are those who claim
that the distinctive ping of
the clip ejection, and the sound
of it clattering on the ground
would alert your foe that you
were reloading, at which point
they would rush your position;
some guys would even keep
empty clips at hand and throw
them on the ground to lure the
enemy into a trap.
Although Ive never carried
a Garand in combat, Ive been
in dozens of firefights and I
can tell you this: If you can
hear the sound of a clip being
ejected or hitting the ground
in the middle of all the chaos
that takes place during a battle, you have better hearing
than Rin Tin Tin.
FP_1304_109 3/21/13 11:04 PM Page 109
FP_1304_104-110-GARAND 3/22/13 4:40 AM Page 110
FAST FACTS
The US Rifle,
Cal .30, M1
This was invented and
developed by John
C. Garand
ACCURACY
Besides being sturdy and powerful, the Garand is also an
inherently accurate rifle and can be made more so with the
proper preparation.
There were two Sniper versionsthe M1C and M1Dthat
utilize a side-mount telescopic sight to allow top loading,
and Garands are still seen today on the 1,000-yard line at
Camp Perry and other matches.
My Garand has Match sights and has been tuned and bedded by my old friend Jim Sarge McGriff, but it still wears
what turned out to be a brand-new barrel from 1946 (when
it was refurbished and then canned for long-term storage).
When I first got it, the Sarge brought out his erosion
gauge, dropped it in the chamber and told me to just shoot
it the way it was before we worried about rebarreling it. This
turned out to be good advice, and I used it at a high-power
competition to put 10 rounds into a 5 -inch group at 500
yards using iron sights.
Granted, this involved slow-fire from the prone position
and accidents will happen, but it still illustrates my point. I
probably couldnt duplicate that now, but Im certain that in
the right hands my grand old Garand could do it again.
1938
The year it was
introduced
1958
The gun was used in general service until this year
YEARS
The Garand was the
mainstay of U.S. ground
troops all over the world,
and its still used today
by honor guards and
drill teams
6.5 MILLION
Approximately how many
Garands were produced
ORIGINALLY
The rifle was chambered
in a .276-caliber cartridge
Jim Kemerer (L) shows his little brother Wade (R) a few features on the
Garand. Both are World War II vets; while Wade (88) was a show-off fighter
pilot and flew his guns, Jim (95) carried an M1 all the way across France to
Munich and beyond.
Paul Hantke, retired U.S.M.C., is a consultant for

Firepower Magazine.
FP_1304_111-112-QA 3/28/13 2:35 AM Page 111
CREATIVE
MINDS
D-730 3.7X
NIGHT VISION
TWEAPON SIGHT
AT NIGHT OPTICS USA, NEW PRODUCTS

RESULT FROM INTERACTION WITH USERS,
TINKERING AND DREAMING
NS-520
GENERATION 2
NIGHT VISION
WEAPON SIGHT
BY TORREY KIM
PHOTOS COURTESY OF NIGHT OPTICS, USA
BLACK BACKGROUND - THINKSTOCK PHOTO
OT EVERY COMPANY CREATES A

PRODUCT THAT CAN MEAN THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN LIFE AND DEATH.
Night Optics USA does. And they understand the gravity of that responsibility.
For some 20 years, the company has been making
high-quality night vision products that allow military,
law enforcement and civilians to see clearly.
We sat down with Rolando Petit, director of
marketing with Night Optics USA, to discover the real
story behind some of Night Optics best-selling
products.
Firepower: Give us a brief history of the
company.
Rolando Petit: Night Optics USA has been an

innovative industry leader for more than 20 years.
The company started at a time when night vision was
not really a readily available consumer product here in
the U.S.
From a garage, the company began marketing a
small line of Night Vision products sourced from
Europe until the capital could be built up to start
investing in research and development. Since its
inception, Night Optics USA has grown to be one of
the most highly respected night vision manufacturers
in the world.
In 1998, Night Optics USA launched its first website
and by the early 2000s the company had established a
The Future Of Night Optics

As the company moves forward, Night Optics USA
intends to continue its goal of developing innovative
products that people enjoy
owning and using.
We will also be
working even
To see the entire line
harder in social
of Night Optics USA
settings to enproducts, visit the
hance
our availabilcompanys website at
ity to our customers,
www.nightoptics.com.
Petit says. More video
content and how-tos, new
packaging, manuals, promotions
and giveaways. There are a lot of new things going
on and our future looks brighter than ever.
Find Out More
FP_1304_111-112-QA 3/28/13 2:36 AM Page 112
CREATIVE
MINDS
TM-X 160X120
THERMAL
CAMERA WITH
25MM OBJECTIVE
TB-336 336X288
THERMAL BIOCULAR
WITH 75MM OBJECTIVE
FEW MONTHS
Sometimes it can take
as little as a couple of
months to build and
test prototypes.
SIX MONTHS
OR MORE
More involved projects
can take longer.
Through The
Years
1998
The year Night Optics
USA launched its first
website
2000
The company had
established a fully
functioning e-commerce
presence
2010
The year the company
ventured into the world
of social media
2011
The year Bushnell
Outdoor Products
acquired Night Optics
USA
fully functioning e-commerce presence. In

2010, Night Optics USA began a new campaign pressing forward with a more mature corporate image as well as
venturing into the world of social
media. Our goals are to provide more
support to our vast dealer network,
raising brand awareness and engaging
loyal end-users that enjoy our products
in social spaces like Facebook and
Twitter. On September 1, 2011 Night
Optics USA was acquired by Bushnell
Outdoor Products.
Firepower: When creating a new
product, do you confer directly with
law enforcement and military members to find out what innovations are
needed in the field, or do you come
up with everything in-house?
MANY OF OUR
PRODUCTS WILL
BE USED BY
PEOPLE WHO
CANNOT AFFORD
FAILURE. IN SOME
CASES, LIVES WILL
DEPEND ON THE
PERFORMANCE OF
OUR PRODUCTS.
base of satisfied customers, who in turn provide valuable feedback to improve future
products even further.
Firepower: Once you have an idea for a
new product, about how long does it take to
get that to market?
Petit: The time required to take a product
from concept to completion varies sharply on
a several factors. Sometimes it can take as little as a couple of months to build and test
prototypes, and up to six months or longer
for more involved projects. Component cost
and availability are extremely important to
development time, but we also analyze the
market to ensure that we are competitive.
Petit: We observe our competitors

Firepower: How are new products tested
ROLANDO PETIT,
and market trends, but real innovabefore becoming available to the general
DIRECTOR OF MARKETtions come from our interactions with
public?
ING, NIGHT OPTICS USA
end users and individuals looking for
something that does not yet exist to
Petit: We understand that many of our
fill a need. We also tinker and dream
products will be used by people who cannot
up cool things that our customers would want to own and use
afford failure. In some cases, lives will depend on the performas often as possible.
ance of our products, so its something that we take seriously.
Night Vision is a niche market, but by creating products on
When we are preparing a product for general consumption,
every pricing level, which are useful to more than just law enthe primary goals are to test optics quality and performance,
forcement and military customers, we are able to expand our
durability and usability in real world conditions.
BLACK BACKGROUND - THINKSTOCK PHOTO
From Concept
To The Market
FO_1304_113-114-KNIVES 3/22/13 4:47 AM Page 113
SIX OF
THE BEST
BY J. BRUCE VOYLES
PHOTOS BY MANUFACTURERS
HE GOAL?
Find the standout
tacticals at the
2013 SHOT Show.
And there were many.
Believe us.
Following is the result.
TOP TACTICALS SHOWCASED AT THE SHOT SHOW
SPARTAN
www.spartanbladesusa.com
Model: SpartanBreed Fighter/

Dagger
MSRP: Basic model
is $385
Description: With 43
years combined experience as Infantry
and Special Forces,
the Spartan team of
Curtis Lovito and
Mark Carey bring a
lot to the table for
combat knife design.
Its not surprising
that their latest knife
design would
be a collaboration
between Spartan
and retired Green
Beret knifemaker
Kim Breed. This 11inch fixed blade is
ground from 3/16-
inch steel and is

available in black or
green canvas Micarta.
SPECS:
Designer: Kim Breed
Overall: 11 inches
Blade: 5.5 inches
Blade Thickness: 3/16
inch
Steel: CPM S35VN
Coating: SpartaCoat,
black PVD, tungsten
DLC or Flat Dark
Earth - ZrN
Handle Material: 3D
contoured CE canvas
Micarta black or
green
Weight: 8.13 ounces
Comment: This knife
is available in a variety of handle choices
and blade coatings.
WITH 43 YEARS COMBINED EXPERIENCE AS

INFANTRY AND SPECIAL FORCES, THE SPARTAN
TEAM BRINGS A LOT TO THE TABLE FOR
COMBAT KNIFE DESIGN.
BUCK
www.buckknives.com
Model: Reaper
MSRP: $90
SPECS:
Overall: 11 inches
Blade: 6.75 inches
Blade Thickness: .15 inches
Steel: 420HC
Blade Finish: Black traction
coating
Handle: Injection molded
nylon
Weight: 8.5 ounces
Made in the USA
Comment: Available in two
different handle finishes.
Description: Bucks 620

Reaper features an 11-inch
length with a 6 -inch
blade. Handle choices are
offered in Reaper Black
camo or a Viper Snakeskin
pattern; the 420HC droppoint blade features a nonreflective coating.
FO_1304_113-114-KNIVES 3/22/13 4:48 AM Page 114
COLUMBIA
RIVER KNIFE
& TOOL
3 4
www.crkt.com
Models: Ryan Johnson

designed breaching axes
MSRPS: $185
SPECS:
Chogan
Overall: 14 inches
Length: 2.93 inches
Steel: SK5 carbon steel
Handle: Glass-filled nylon
Weight: 1 pound, 8 ounces
Retail: $185
Kangee
Overall: 13.75 inches
Length: 2.93 inches
Steel: SK5 carbon steel
Handle: Glass-filled nylon
Weight: 1 pound, 8 ounces
Retail: $185
Comment: Both come
with a Kydex sheath.
Description:
Ryan Johnson is well
known for his
breaching axes
and combat
tomahawks.
This year he has
brought two
such designs to
Columbia River
Knife & Tool,
the Chogan and
Kangee.
COLUMBIA
RIVER KNIFE
& TOOL
www.crkt.com
Model: CRKT
Jim Hammond FE-7
MSRP: $350
Description:
On the tactical front, Jim
Hammonds FE series
fighter features finger
groove handles and an
impressive go-getem
blade design.
SPECS:
Overall: 12.5 inches
Blade: 7.38 inches
Steel: 01 tool steel
Handle: Black G10
Weight: 12.5 ounces
Retail: $350
Comment: Also
available in a 9-inch
version for $375
BROWNING
www.browning.com
Model: Trip Wire
MSRP: $393
Description:
Another new knife
in the tactical line is
called the TripWire,
and it has a unique
built-in wire cutter.
SPECS:
Blade: 6 inches
Steel: N690Co
Handle: Ribbed G10
Retail: $393
Comment: Built-in
wire cutters.
U.S. MILITARY
FP_1304_115-MILITARY_INTRO 3/22/13 4:50 AM Page 115
THE SUPER
POWER
THE U.S.
MILITARY
Photo by Dave Alan
It has an indomitable spirit. Its formidable

and powerful. Its sophisticated, and its the
most successful team known to mankind.
Its the U.S. military, and youre about to
enter its world.
FP_1304_116-121-RECON 3/22/13 4:55 AM Page 116
THE
FEWEST
OF THE
PROUD
X
HEAVILY ARMED, RECON MARINES GO BEHIND

ENEMY LINES TO GATHER INTELLIGENCE
BY ERIC KOWAL
U.S. Army Photos
In our last issue, we introduced you to an elite group of warriors known as United States Army Rangers.
In this issue, you will meet the Recon Marines.
FP_1304_116-121-RECON 3/22/13 4:55 AM Page 117
FORCE RECON MARINES ARE

FULLY TRAINED IN DIRECT-ACTION
MISSIONS AND ARE CAPABLE OF
PERFORMING IN COMBAT
SITUATIONS
ECON MARINES ARE OFTEN COMPARED WITH

NAVY SEALS.
In reality, a SEALs purpose is to kill the enemy, while a
Recon Marines main purpose is to gather intelligence.
A Force Recon mission is considered a success if absolutely no shots are fired; although Force Recon Marines
are fully trained in direct-action missions and are capable
of performing in combat situations, its not their primary
role.
FORECON (Force Reconnaissance) is responsible for operating independently behind enemy lines to perform unconventional special operations that support conventional
warfare. The unit's various methods of airborne, heliborne,
submarine and waterborne insertions and extractions are
similar to those of the Navy SEALs, Army Special Forces,
United States Army Rangers and Air Force Combat Controllers, but Force Recon missions and tasks focus on supporting Marine expeditionary and amphibious operations.
FP_1304_116-121-RECON 3/22/13 4:56 AM Page 118
Understanding
The Differences
FORECON (Force Reconnaissance) should not be confused with
MARSOC (United States Marine
Corps Special Operations Command).
MARSOC is USSOCOMs (Special
Operations Command) newest unit,
and Force Recon is considered a
Special Operations Capable unit
that belongs exclusively to the
Marine Corps.
When USSOCOM was institutionalized in 1987, the Corps chose not to
include its own Force Recon. The
USMC felt at the time that every
Marine is an elite rifleman and
refused to label some soldiers as
more special than others.
MARSOC was formed after
September 11, 2001, when the Corps
realized its elite forces were not being
sent into Afghanistan via SOCOM.
Since the Corps had declined inclusion in SOCOM and was not being
tasked with high-risk, early-entry
missions, it formed MARSOC to gain
inclusion.
A FORCE
RECON
MISSION IS
CONSIDERED
A SUCCESS IF
ABSOLUTELY
NO SHOTS
ARE FIRED.
THEIR ROLE
U.S. Marine Corps Reconnaissance
units are responsible for providing
the commander of a larger force of
Marines with information about an
operational area. Missions usually
focus on specific information requirements that, due to their changing or unique nature, cannot be
obtained by means other than putting a soldier on the ground to observe and report. Recon Marines are
inherently capable of independent
action in support of the larger unit's
mission.
Within a Marine Air/Ground Task
Force there exist two separate Recon
units. The Ground Combat Element
Commander has a platoon of Recon

Marines in his support that focuses
on the ground forces area of interest. This platoon is commonly referred to as the "Battalion" or
"Division" Recon platoon because
the Marine Division is the parent
command.
The MAGTF (Marine Air-Ground
Task Force) Commander also has a
platoon of Recon Marines that focuses on the MAGTF area of interest.
This platoon typically assumes responsibility for the "special operations" missions that draw the
imagination of Recon hopefuls while
retaining the mission of general reconnaissance support to the Force
A Recon Marine
engages a target
with sound-suppressor equipped
5.56mm M4.
Commander. The group is commonly

referred to as the "Force" Recon platoon because the Marine Expeditionary Force is the parent
command.
With the addition of MARSOC
in SOCOM, the Marine Special Operations Battalions (MSOB) provide
force reconnaissance and direct action to the Department of Defense
(DOD). Basic training paths for Reconnaissance Marines in these
units are similar; while more advanced training focuses on a platoon's likely missions while
deployed, individual and unit
training paths diverge as a deployment nears.
QUALIFICATION PROCESS,
TRAINING
The Recon enlistment option is
designated UZ, and the best chance
of getting into Recon is to enlist with
a UZ enlistment option contract. The
contracts are available on a limited
basis, and once the quota is filled, a
hopeful must wait for another fiscal
year.
Qualifications for this enlistment
option include (but may not be
limited to):
A GT of 105 or higher
No moral waivers
No drug waivers
Eyesight correctable to 20/20
Recon Marines Weaponry
M4 Carbine
The M4 is a direct gas impingement rifle that fires the NATO 5.56.
The standard M4 barrel length is 14.5, but it can be outfitted with
different barrel length uppers.
M249 SAW (PARA)

The M249 Para SAW (Squad Automatic Weapon) is a belt-fed, light
machine gun chambered in 5.56 NATO. The PARA version of the
machine gun features a shorter barrel and a collapsible stock.
M110 SASS
The M110 SASS is a semi-automatic, magazine-fed sniper rifle that
fires the 7.62 round. Its manufactured by Knights Armament.
FP_1304_116-121-RECON 3/22/13 5:07 AM Page 119
MEU (SOC) 1911

The 1911 is a semi-automatic pistol that fires the .45 ACP round. The
original MEU (SOC) 1911 was assembled by the Marine Corps Precision Weapons Shop from various manufacturers match-grade parts.
With the current higher-quantity demands, the Marine Corps is looking for a suitable off-the-shelf replacement.
M40A5
The M40A5 is a bolt-action sniper rifle chambered in 7.62mm, built
with a Remington 700 action and a McMillan fiberglass stock. These
rifles are built with parts from various manufacturers by Marine
Corps Armorers.
65
15.5
In days, the length of

the Basic Reconnaissance Course (BRC).
In hours, the
average length of
a training day.
M82A3 SASR
The Barrett M82A3 is a magazine-fed, semi-automatic rifle that fires
the .50 BMG round, featuring a max effective range of about 1,800
meters.
forcerecon.com
Training By Numbers
FP_1304_116-121-RECON 3/22/13 4:56 AM Page 120
Not colorblind
The ability to obtain a
secret clearance
A Successful
Mission
Force Recon Marines are fully
trained in direct-action missions
and are capable of performing in
combat situations. However, a
Force Recon mission is considered a success if absolutely no
shots are fired.
In addition to the requirements

above, the applicant must:
Complete boot camp
Pass 1st Class PFT
Score Expert in rifle
qualification
Upon graduation of boot
camp, the Marine must attend
the School of Infantry (SOI);
after SOI, the Marine must take
the Basic Reconnaissance Course
(BRC), which is 65 days long
with an average training day of
15.5 hours. BRC introduces the
students to the amphibious reconnaissance environment and
enables them to gain working
knowledge of the reconnaissance doctrines, concepts and
techniques that emphasize
ground and amphibious reconnaissance missions.
They also learn the fundamentals of all types of weapons
(air, sea and land) that are employed in supporting arms, including calling and adjusting
naval gunfire, artillery and close
air support.
Students practice day and
night learning to operate behind enemy lines and conducting immediate action drills.
They receive training in surveillance and reconnaissance techniques, including using field
and underwater cameras and
conducting field sketching and
range estimations.
After successful completion
of this school, the Marine will
be assigned the Primary Military
Occupational Specialty (MOS) of
0321, which translates to Basic
Reconnaissance Marine. If a Marine fails any of the steps along
the way, his or her contract is
modified from UZ to UH (the
designation for enlisting in the
infantry). For recruits contracted
with the UH enlistment option,
its also possible to volunteer for

Recon while attending SOI.
Students will get attached to
a Recon Battalion, where they
form a platoon and train on:
Area Reconnaissance
Route Reconnaissance
Landing Zone Reports
Hydrographic Surveys
Small Scale Raids and
Ambushes
Pre-Raid Reconnaissance
Battle Damage Assessments
ITG (Initial Terminal Guidance)
of Rotary Wing Aircraft
Drop Zone Reports
Students will also work on
insertion and extraction
techniques, including:
Static Line Parachute Insert
HAHO (High Altitude/High
Opening) Static Line Parachute Insert
CRRC (Combat Rubber Raiding
Craft AKA Zodiac) Inserts
Helo Casting (Soft Duck when
Zodiac is used)
Water Landing Parachute
Insert (Rubber Duck when
Zodiac is used)
Over the Horizon CRRC Inserts
SPIE Rigging
Fast Roping
Rappelling
Closed-Circuit Diving
(Rebreather)
Once the platoon is formed,
students have the option of
taking additional training
courses, including:
USMC Scout/Sniper School
USMC Advanced Sniper
Course
USMC Assault Climber Course
Jump Master School
Dive Supervisor Course
HRST Master Course
U.S. Army Ranger School
Various Foreign Special
Operations Courses
FP_1304_116-121-RECON 3/22/13 4:56 AM Page 121
Force Reconnaissance
Missions
WHAT
They operate independently behind
enemy lines to perform unconventional special operations that support
conventional warfare.
WHY
Units are responsible for providing the
commander of a larger force of
Marines with information about an
operational area. Missions usually
focus on specific information requirements that, due to their changing or
unique natures, cannot be obtained by
means other than putting a soldier on
the ground to observe and report.
HOW
The unit's various methods of airborne, heliborne, submarine and waterborne insertions and extractions are
similar to those of the Navy SEALs,
Army Special Forces, United States
Army Rangers and Air Force Combat
Controllers.
MARINE EXPEDITIONARY UNIT

Once the training is completed, a group of seasoned Recon Marines evaluates the student. If
deemed ready, the student then receives a six-toeight-month deployment with a Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU). A Marine also has the option of
joining Force Recon.
The majority of Marines assigned to Force Recon
comes from the ranks of Recon Battalion. As Recon
Marines become Non-Commissioned Officer (NCOs)
and gain experience, they may be moved over to

Force. Depending on personnel levels at the Force
Company, they may offer a try-out test (INDOC) for
NCOs outside of the Reconnaissance community.
Traditionally, Force Recon operators are a bit older
and have more experience than their Battalion
counterparts, in addition to being NCOs. The training cycle for Force is the same as Battalion; in order
to get the Recon MOS designation, regardless of
what unit the Marine is assigned, he or she must
complete the Basic Reconnaissance Course.
Training at Force is pretty much the same as the

Battalion level but at a quicker pace; it includes:
Deep Reconnaissance
Direct Action
Raids and Ambushes
HVT (High Value Target) Hits
GOPLAT (Gas & Oil Platform) Operations
CQB (Close Quarters Battle)
When done, they are among the elite.
Eric Kowal is one of Firepowers consultants.
FP_1304_122-124_VEHICLE 3/22/13 5:14 AM Page 122
UNMANNED, UNPARALLELED
THE U.S. ARMYS RIPSAW TAKES TECHNOLOGY TO THE ULTIMATE LIMITS
BY ERIC KOWAL
U.S. ARMY PHOTOS
Although the Howe brothers have developed prop vehicles for movies, the Ripsaw (above) is not
one of them. This is the militarys prized unmanned ground vehicle and the worlds fastest tank.
UTSIDE THE BOX.

THATS HOW TWIN BROTHERS
GEOFF AND MICHAEL HOWE
THINK.
These inventors, military contractors, actors and entrepreneurial businessmen first
gained notoriety in 2001 with the development of
the Ripsaw, an unmanned ground vehicle (UGV)
designed for the U.S. military and the worlds
fastest tank. At 31, the brothers Howe became the
youngest duo to ever receive a U.S. Military contract, working with the U.S. Army developing a
weaponized version of Ripsaw, which is capable of
manned and unmanned operation.
And others have noticed.
In 2009, Popular Science Magazine named Rip-
saw MS1 Invention of the Year and in 2010 the

Guinness Book of World Records awarded Howe
and Howe Tech another record breaker as developers of the Worlds Smallest Armored Vehicle, the
Badger.
This is the road they traveled.
BADASS BLACK OPS BROTHERS

Mike and Geoff are no strangers to the entertainment world.
They quickly amassed a cult-like following
after starring in their own reality television show
titled Howe and Howe Tech: Black Ops Brothers, and have custom-built prop vehicles for
several production companies.
Howe and Howe Technologies are accustomed

to creating vehicles that were never thought possible, making them the obvious choice to develop
prop vehicles for major motion pictures. From extreme robots to extreme vehicles, Howe and Howe
Technologies is where Badass meets form and
function.
"WE DID THIS TO SAVE

THE LIVES OF THOSE
FIGHTING FOR OURS
PLAIN AND SIMPLE.
GROUND VEHICLE
ORIGINAL RIPSAW
The original Ripsaw Unmanned Ground Vehicle
(non-militarized) prototype could hit 50 mph in
about 3.5 seconds, because it was lighter, but it
wasnt as strong or rugged. The original speed
goal for Ripsaw was approximately 80 mph, but
the Howe brothers have discovered that driving
UGVs remotely can get scary and precarious at
speeds above 50 mph. According to Geoff, 50 mph
is scary enough, and they dont see a tactical need
at present to go faster with a UGV, although that
decision would ultimately be up to the U.S. military if they adopt it.
The Ripsaw MS1 or Military Specification 1, UGV
large-format tracked tactical robot can move at
relatively high speed over all terrains with a lot of
power and authority, due to a number of design
aspects/factors. One of these is its unique lightweight, rugged tubular chassis construction. The
Cant Stop This

This bad boy has M5 Modular Crowd
Control Munitions (MCCM) charges
mounted on a belt around the vehicle.
Why?
Howe brothers got the

tubular-chassis-construction idea from NASCAR
racecars.
"The most unique thing about Ripsaw MS1
UGV is that its the same technology thats used in
NASCAR or monster trucks, says Geoff.
The Ripsaw MS-1 UGVs specialized suspension
system is mated to custom tracks, which are, according to the Howes, a "key ingredient" that enables the Ripsaw to perform as well as it does.
The tracks feature a shark-fin aspect that
helps keep them attached to the drive system in
even the most adverse terrain at high speeds, so
the Ripsaw is resistant to throwing a track. In
designing this aspect, the Howes drew inspiration
from chainsaws, which, for obvious reasons, have
to be highly resistant to throwing their chains,
even though the chain is revolving at extremely
high speed while cutting through wood.
The Ripsaw MS1 drive system/track setup is so
tough that you can throw a rectangular chunk of
wood (lumber) into the drive system so that it gets
GEOFF HOWE,
CO-INVENTOR OF THE RIPSAW
between the drive sprocket and the track, and the

drive system will rip the wood apart, eject the broken pieces from the action and just keep going,
hence the name "Ripsaw."
The Ripsaw MS1 tactical UGV utilizes a powerful oversized and customized 650-horsepower Duramax 6.6L V-8 diesel engine that delivers 900 ft-lb
of torque. Factory horsepower for the engine is
375 hp, so the Howe brothers have upped it a
good bit. The engine fits inside a 33-foot space in
the chassis.
The remote command center/drivers station allows the operator to drive/control the vehicle as if
he were in it, even though hes controlling it from
the inside of a control van. Eventually, the system
will allow the driver to remotely operate the vehicle from many miles away.
The remote drivers station appears to be fairly
immersive, allowing the driver a fairly wide field
of view. The vehicle responds to the drivers movements virtually instantaneously, thanks to the Ripsaws radio-controlled, on-board Remote Control
Drive System.
Relying on this deterrent weapon, Ripsaw can break into

crowds employing the MCCM's flash-bang effect or use the
non-lethal rubber bullets to repel hostiles from approaching
the vehicle.
Ripsaw 2s Missions
Its a full-sized IED defeat vehicle
Perimeter defense
Surveillance
Rescue
Border and crowd patrol
Explosive ordnance disposal
How Cool
The remote weapons system allows users to change between
lethal and non-lethal projectiles.
Full Vision
The Ripsaw uses multiple cameras to gain continuous, 360-degrees coverage. This means the
operator has full situational awareness.
The Ripsaw MS2

has been tested
with both 7.62mm
and .50 caliber
machine guns for
combat use.
RIPSAW 2: MILITARY USE,

WEAPONIZATION
Ripsaw MS4 was developed in 2008 specifically
to fulfill a contract with the U.S. Army for a fullsized IED defeat vehicle.
"We did this to save the lives of those fighting
for oursplain and simple, says Geoff.
For the convoy-protection/force-protection role,
a little weaponization is perhaps in order. So, the
Ripsaw UGV will also have a gunner to operate
the Ripsaws wireless remote weapon station
(RWS). Beyond the convoy support mission, Ripsaw
has other potential missions, including perimeter
defense, surveillance, rescue, border patrol, crowd
control and explosive ordnance disposal roles.
The Ripsaw uses multiple cameras to gain continuous, 360-degree coverage, providing the operator an always on full situational awareness.
Furthermore, the vehicle is large enough to support an effective perimeter
defense system which can

stop anyone from getting
close. This active self-protection system utilizes multiple
M5 Modular Crowd Control
Munitions (MCCM) charges
mounted on a belt around
the vehicle. Relying on this
deterrent weapon, Ripsaw
can break into crowds employing the MCCM's flashbang effect or use the
non-lethal rubber bullets to
repel hostiles from approaching the vehicle.
Ripsaw MS2 has already
QUICK
STATS
RIPSAW MS2
60 MPH
The Ripsaw can
accelerate to this
speed in about four
seconds.
9,000
Its weight
HEIGHT
70 inches
ENGINE
6.6 Duramax diesel
750
Horsepower
1,000
FT-LB
Power and weight
2,000
In pounds, the
payload capacity
RIPSAW MS2 HAS ALREADY BEEN TESTED WITH

THE 7.62MM AND .50-CALIBER MACHINE GUNS.
been tested with the 7.62mm and .50-caliber machine guns. The remote weapons system allows
users to change between lethal and non-lethal
projectiles depending on the situation.
Ripsaw MS2 was designed to be bigger, faster
and more modular than the MS1. The MS2 can
take significant damage in combat and still be rapidly repaired in the field. The Howes say the MS2 is
unlike other vehicles that are usually damaged beyond repair by mine blasts or IEDs, as a damaged
Ripsaw could be cannibalized in the field and
assembled into a fully capable vehicle overnight.
Outside the box, 100 percent.
Eric Kowal is an editorial consultant on
Firepower.
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FP_1304_126-129-DRONES 3/22/13 5:38 AM Page 126
UNMANNED
DRONES, WHICH CAN

ACCURATELY DELIVER
THOUSANDS OF POUNDS
OF BOMBS, ARE DEADLY
COMPUTERIZED WAR
COMBATANTS
BY ERIC KOWAL
U.S. Army Photos
ECHNOLOGY IS SEEMINGLY
CHANGING EVERYTHING.
Even the way wars are
fought on the battlefield are
forever evolving with this increase in technology. Gone are the days
of fixed bayonets and hand-to-hand
combat. Here today, often times war
fighters never even see their enemy because advances in warfare have allowed
combatants to do battle at great distances.
These increases in development prove
beneficial in that service member lives
are being saved. While you cannot put a
price tag on the life of veterans, you can
put a price tag on their replacements. For
example, the MQ-1 Predator, an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), commonly
known as a drone, has a worth of

roughly $4.03 million per unit.
Lets look at how they operate, their
accuracy and more.
INSIDE THE DRONE

A UAV or drone is an aircraft without
a human pilot on board. Autonomous
computers in the vehicle or a pilot on the
ground or in another vehicle control its
flight via remote control.
Drones change the nature of modern
aerial combat. Controllers of drones are
in no immediate danger, unlike jet pilots.
As an advanced use of robots in war,
drones also prompt fundamental questions about the relationship of warriors
to war and soldiers to their weapons.
FP_1304_126-129-DRONES 3/22/13 5:38 AM Page 127
ONCE A TARGET IS
PAINTED, THE MQ-1
CAN UNLEASH ITS OWN
MISSILES TO DESTROY
THE TARGET.
UAV
DEFINED
A UAV IS AN
UNMANNED AERIAL
VEHICLE COMMONLY
KNOWN AS A DRONE.
Drones are being used heavily

by the U.S. military overseas and
civilian equivalents are becoming
more prevalent for law enforcement use, search and rescue missions, and they can be beneficial
for farmers, ranchers and power
companies.
Drones can carry facial recognition cameras, license plate scanners, thermal imaging cameras,
open WiFi sniffers and weaponry.
There are all sorts of drone
shapes and sizes that war fighters
can deploy on the battlefield, some
of which are small enough to fit in
a backpack. British troops recently
released a drone small enough to
fit in the palm of a human hand.
The 4-inch drone, called the Black
Hornet Nano Unmanned Air Vehicle and made by Norway-based
Prox Dynamics, flies silently for up
to 25 minutes and zips around at
speeds up to 22 miles per hour.
Equipped with costly cameras, this
mini-drone is valued at approximately $125,000.
Then there is the MQ-9 Reaper
combat drone manufactured by
Northrop Grumman. The Reaper
has a maximum take-off weight of
7,000 pounds, including up to
3,000 pounds of bombs, missiles
and other armaments.
MQ-1 Predator UAVs armed
with Hellfire missiles are increasingly used by the U.S. as platforms
for hitting ground targets. Armed
Predators were first used in late
2001 from bases in Pakistan and
Uzbekistan, mostly aimed at assassinating high-profile targets inside
Afghanistan.
Since then, there have been
many reported cases of such attacks taking place in Afghanistan,
Pakistan, Yemen and Somalia. The
advantage of using an unmanned
vehicle, rather than a manned aircraft, in such cases is to avoid a
diplomatic embarrassment should
the aircraft be shot down and the
pilots captured, since the bombings
take place in countries deemed
friendly and without the official
permission of those countries.
FP_1304_126-129-DRONES 3/22/13 5:38 AM Page 128
Heavy Hitters
MQ-9 Reaper
This has a maximum take-off weight of 7,000
pounds, including up to 3,000 pounds of bombs,
missiles and other armaments.
MQ-1 Predator UAVs
These are armed with Hellfire missiles
WEAPONS ACCURACY
Flying Beyond The Military
The accuracy of weapons employed from a drone is nominally less

than 10 feet compared to the accuracy of a 155mm howitzer, around
1,000 feet, and mortar accuracy,
which ranges from 200 to 800 feet.
Replacing the camera array with
the Multispectral Targeting System
(MTS) and loading the Predator with
two Hellfire missiles transforms this
battlefield spotter into a deadly automated combatant. The MTS includes the AGM-114 Hellfire missile
WHO
Civilian equivalents of drones are
becoming more prevalent for law
enforcement, search and rescue
missions, and for farmers, ranchers
and power companies.
WHAT
Drones can carry facial recognition
cameras, license plate scanners,
thermal imaging cameras, open WiFi
sniffers and weaponry.
targeting system, electro-optical infrared system, laser designator and

laser illuminator. All of these components give the Predator and its operators multiple ways to acquire a
target in any combat environment.
The Predator fires a laser or infrared beam from the MTS ball located near the nose of the plane.
This laser can be used in two ways:
The beam lands on the target
and pulses to attract the laser
seekers at the end of each Hellfire
missile.
The on-board computer uses

the beam to make calculations
about trajectory and distance.
Sensors bundled in the MTS also
calculate wind speed, direction and
other battlefield variables to gather
all of this data into a firing solution.
This process is known as "painting
the target." Once a target is
painted, the MQ-1 can unleash its
own missiles to destroy the target
or send the firing solution to other
aircraft or ground forces so they
can destroy it.
Painting
A Target
Sensors bundled in the
Multispectral Targeting
System calculate wind
speed, direction and
other battlefield variables to gather all of
this data into a firing
solution. This process is
known as "painting
the target."
Drone
Endurance
Records
336 HOURS
The Zephyr holds the
official endurance
record for an
unmanned aerial
vehicle.
Compare The Accuracy
MORTAR
Accurate from
200 to 800 feet
155MM
HOWITZER
About 1,000 feet
DRONE
Nominally less
than 10 feet
FP_1304_126-129-DRONES 3/22/13 5:38 AM Page 129
UAV Types
LOADING THE
PREDATOR WITH
TWO HELLFIRE
MISSILES TRANSFORMS THIS BATTLEFIELD SPOTTER
INTO A DEADLY
AUTOMATED
COMBATANT.
Target and Decoy

These provide ground
and aerial gunnery a target that simulates an
enemy aircraft or missile
Reconnaissance
Provide battlefield
intelligence
Combat
Provide attack capability
for high-risk missions
(see Unmanned Combat
Air Vehicle)
Research and
Development
Used to further develop
UAV technologies to be
integrated into field-deployed UAV aircraft
Civil and
Commercial UAVs
UAVs specifically designed
for civil and commercial
applications
THE WORLDS SMALLEST DRONE?

WHO
British troops
SIZE
4 inches and small
enough to fit in the
palm of a human
hand
FLYING TIME
Because UAVs are not burdened with the
physiological limitations of human pilots,
they can be designed to stay in the air longer
than traditional aircraft.
The maximum flight duration of unmanned, aerial vehicles varies widely. The
endurance of internal-combustion engine
aircraft depends strongly on the percentage
of fuel burned as a fraction of total weight
and so is largely independent of aircraft size.
The Zephyr holds the official endurance
record for an unmanned aerial vehicle for its
flight from July 9 to July 23, 2010, lasting 336
hours and 22 minutes (two weeks/14 days).
NAME
The Black Hornet
Nano Unmanned Air
Vehicle
FLIGHT
DURATION
25 minutes
SPEED
22 miles per hour
COST
$125,000
equipped with
costly cameras
The simple and lightweight design of the

RQ-1 Predator's fuselage allows it to carry a
payload of up to 450 pounds (204 kg) in addition to the weight of its 100-gallon (378.5liter) fuel tank. This large fuel tank and the
great gas mileage afforded by the Predator's
light weight are great assets for a reconnaissance aircraft. The Predator can stay in the
air monitoring enemy positions for up to 24
hours fully loaded.
Technology, indeed, has played a huge
role.
Eric Kowal, a regular contributor, is on
World of Firepowers advisory staff.
final shot
FP_1304_130_CLOSING 3/22/13 5:41 AM Page 130
LOCKED ON
Photo by Cpl. Kowshon Ye
U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Eric Doerrer targets an

enemy position with an FGM-148 Javelin shoulderfired anti-tank missile during Operation Bullseye in
Kajaki Afghanistan's Helmand Province. Doerrer, an
anti-tank missileman, is assigned to the 2nd Battalion,
7th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 7.
FP_1304_C3 3/21/13 11:05 PM Page C3
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World of Firepower June-July PDF

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World of Firepower June-July PDF

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ISSUE 3

FP_1304_COVER 3/26/13 12:50 AM Page US_C1

FP_1304_2 4/2/13 8:50 AM Page 2

RUGER LIGHTWEIGHT, COMPACT HANDGUNS

Ruger offers lightweight, compact handguns

The LCP is incredibly compact at only .82'' wide.

Chambered in 9mm Luger and sized just slightly larger

FP_1304_3 4/2/13 8:51 AM Page 3

2013 Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc.

FP_1304-4-5-TOC.CX 3/27/13 10:58 PM Page 4

25 Real Action Heroes

Surgeon Rifles PSR, which has an

Imagine. Youre secured by a

32 Thunder In The Desert

A team from Firepower spent the

I fired again as the grenade

67 The Devil Of Ramadi

I pushed my finger against the

62 Evil In The Crosshairs

fp_1304-4-5-toC.CX 3/27/13 10:59 pm page 5

If youre ready to live a dream and hunt

116 The Fewest Of The Proud

Their missions are considered a success if

122 Unmanned, Unparallelled

Upgrade the standard Remington M700

Dig these numbers: zero to 60 in four

104 The Great Garand

126 Unmanned Predators

Sit back and enjoy this read about the

They are deadly computerized war

111 Creative Minds

Main Image: Surgeon Rifles

weapon photos: terrill hoffman

Find a comfortable seat because youll

FP_1304_6-EDIT.CX 3/31/13 11:23 PM Page 6

ISSUE 3 / June/July 2013

Photo by Gus Alonzo

FELT LIKE I WAS IN THE MIDDLE OF A

Not wanting to get lost during the instruction,

DAYBREAK AT TWENTYNINE PALMS

I PULLED THE RIGHT

Gabe Frimmel - Ad Sales Director

GRATEFUL TO THE MILITARY

Nick Singh: Executive Director

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U.S. MARINES HAVE WHAT IT TAKES TO PREVAIL

HERES FIREPOWER, AND

receive intensive training to adopt a

FP_1304_8-13-PHOTOS 3/22/13 12:18 AM Page 10

FP_1304_8-13-PhotoS 3/22/13 12:18 aM Page 11

Austin B. Jasper-Martinez, an Infantry Automatic Rifle gunner with

Marine Corps cannon crewmen endure

(U.S. Marine corPS Photo by Sgt.

A Sabot round goes down at the Twentynine Palms

FP_1304_8-13-PHOTOS 3/22/13 12:24 AM Page 12

A Marine with Force Reconnaissance Platoon, Maritime Raid

A Marine with Echo Company, 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment,

Cpl. David Lewis

Cpl. Michael Oberley,

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