Scottevest Brad Thor Alpha Jacket

 

The Alpha Jacket by Scottevest, designed by author Brad Thor, contains enough pockets to carry your everyday-carry gear and then some.

By Steve Adelmann      

I spend most of my time building, shooting and writing about rifles but I am no stranger to handguns. I played around with revolvers and pistols as a teenager but I received my actual handgun education in the early ‘90s when I entered the world of Army Special Operations. There I relied on short arms in both overt and covert environments around the world. I have been a concealed handgun instructor for 16 years and I have carried concealed at every possible occasion since obtaining my permit 18 years ago. Handgun designs, tactics, ammunition and supporting equipment have evolved continuously over the years but one thing that has remained constant is the fact that regular concealed handgun carry requires patience, diligence and a willingness to bear physical punishment that sometimes rivals self-flagellation. If you live in a region where temperatures drop enough to require at least a mid-weight jacket, handgun concealment just got a lot easier thanks to best-selling author Brad Thor. Scottevest’s new Alpha Jacket was designed by Brad and is so well executed that they literally sold out a soon as the Alpha Jacket hit the market last fall.
 Before going into the details of this nifty carry-all coat, let’s consider the designer. Brad Thor has authored 13 action-packed thrillers that realistically detail modern-day battles between good and evil, with an emphasis on covert activities. You need only turn a few pages to get hooked and see that Thor draws on real-world experiences from a wide variety of military, law enforcement and other sources with specialized backgrounds. What does that have to do with concealed carry? Thor also happens to be a long time concealed handgun licensee and avid shooter. Just as he does with his works of “faction,” Thor poured experience-based effort into the design of the Alpha Jacket in order to provide a supremely utilitarian tool for anyone with a need to hide their personal gear in plain sight. But the Alpha Jacket is not just another coat with inside pockets or a loose cut to hide a belt-mounted hog leg, it is a system for carrying enough gear to help get you out of trouble, or better yet, to avoid it altogether.

                                           

The Alpha Jacket has somewhere in the neighborhood three dozen pockets but there may be more. It is actually hard to keep track of all the hiding places this urban “load bearing vest” actually has. The jacket’s webpage has a great diagram of the pockets as well as a manual explaining their recommended uses. It is set up to easily carry things like sunglasses, ballistic protective glasses, ballistic protective panels, ear protection, a laptop computer or tablet, a smart phone or other communications device(s), headphones (wired into nearly any pocket through wiring channels), wrist microphone and/or PTT switch, spike-type sleeve daggers, pens, ID/passport/credit cards, flex cuffs or handcuffs, medical kit, compass, handheld light and of course a concealed handgun and holster with several spare magazines. That’s just for starters. Other notable features include an RFID-protective inner pocket, multiple hidden pockets, a clear plastic cover that allows use of touch screen phones, “armor cut” sizing to accommodate soft body armor, removable logos, tricot linings for hook and loop attachments, a neutral colored, matte soft-shell finish to reduce nighttime signature and an IR-reflective inhibiting coating that will last for ten wash cycles. It is safe to say that should you need to carry something without looking ridiculously obvious (think photo journalist vest) this is your jacket. Even with pockets loaded down the Alpha Jacket looks amazingly sleek from the outside.

The hardest part of having a jacket with so many options for storage is remembering where everything went...

I have been wearing the Alpha Jacket for about two months. My only complaint is not the jacket’s fault but rather poor timing on my part. I am not exactly quick on the uptake when new products hit the market so by the time I ordered an Alpha Jacket for testing the only size available was medium. I would normally order a size large for my 5’8” frame but since these are cut for body armor I went ahead and got the medium, gambling that a large would be too big since I don’t plan to wear soft armor.

When I’m standing or walking normally the fit is perfect. In fact it looks like any other casual soft shell coat you would see on the street. But my chest and shoulders are wide enough that the sleeves are too short for over-the-head arm movement. It really is not much of a problem unless I need to traverse monkey bars or play lacrosse on my way to the gas station. I would get a large if I were going to order again. Beyond that, the coat is perfect for me.

Rapid Access Panels (RAPs) reveal very large pockets situated on either side of the wearer’s chest, allowing big and small items to be carried and accessed, well, rapidly. I stuck some hook side Velcro to the back of an old Kydex pocket holster and have been moving it around the Alpha Jacket’s cavernous interior to figure out where best to hide it within easy reach. Quickly drawing a handgun from concealment requires total efficiency of movement. The Alpha Jacket allows you to tailor your draw stroke so that no excess time or energy is wasted as you present the handgun. A great feature is that the RAP zippers have uniquely shaped and textured pulls. This is a critical feature because when a threat is right in your face, the last place you want your eyes is on your pocket as you search for the right pull. Worse yet is opening the wrong pocket while trying to rapidly get a defensive weapon into action. The RAPs’ pulls will tell you by feel whether or not you’re in the right place. They are very easy to find and open with practice. Another carry-friendly feature is a pair of side zippers that allow quick access to waist-level equipment. The sleeves also partially unzip to allow retrieval of items in the slim pockets contained just outside the inner cuffs. Small pockets for weights (change, bullets, etc.) are located inside larger side pockets to aid throwing the coat open and clear of a belt holster or reloads. I am much faster drawing from within the Alpha Jacket than with any other outer garment I have used.

I employ both a mirror and my wife’s eyes to make sure my handguns and gear don’t print. So far I’ve had no trouble with concealment using this coat. It allows me to carry a bunch of good-to-have items that would normally be left in my vehicle or at home. The biggest problem with the Alpha Jacket may just be that the wearer is able to carry so much gear they could forget what is where.

Again, practice finding critical items in a hurry will solve that problem. My covert days are long over so I keep my jacket’s contents to minimum: phone, handgun, magazine, light, small med kit, knife, pen, glasses and a couple other things I may have lost track of…

So what is not to like about this coat? Availability. They are currently sold out until sometime this spring. Scottevest placed a link on its website that allows one to request notification when the next batch of Alpha Jackets are in stock and ready to ship. My guess is the list is already pretty long.

The concealed-carry market has needed something like the Alpha Jacket for a long, long time. I have carried hidden guns and gear in environments ranging from 120 degrees F to 20 below zero. In most cases the decision to carry needed gear translated to an increased the risk of being compromised. An

Alpha Jacket would have made my life much easier in those days. I like to show my concealed carry students the carry gear that works for me and that which does not. The latter category consists of two large bins filled with concealment holsters, shirts, pouches and packs that I have tried and found lacking. The conversely small number of concealment devices that I actually trust and use regularly just went up by one.

Brad Thor has demonstrated that he is every bit as much an action guy as he is a great fiction writer. I plan to pay closer attention to products bearing his name in the future. Maybe we’ll see a Bravo Hat or Charlie Speedos before too long. On second thought, the Alpha Jacket is good enough for me…

Hazard4 Battle Axe Discreet Rifle Case

 

Live in an area unfriendly to firearms? Don't want people knowing that you're transporting a rifle? The Hazard 4 Battle Axe may be just what you need.

By Jay Grazio 

For those of us who live in, shall we say, less than gun-friendly areas, our periodic trips to the range can be fraught with peril. What if that nosy neighbor spots the rifle case? What if I stop for gas and someone glances inside my minivan? Even in gun-friendly places, there are plenty of reasons to be a little extra careful when transporting long arms—for many of us, our rifles are a serious investment. Having a case that doesn’t scream “RIFLE” is a distinct advantage whether you’re transporting a firearm in Massachusetts or simply stopping for gas in Texas.

                                                     

Enter the Battle Axe discreet rifle case from Hazard 4, California. Its distinct guitar-like shape is intended to stand out from the traditional black or stainless gun case. While folks in the know will immediate figure out something is up with the attachment straps and hook-and-loop closures, to the average person on the street it looks like a soft-sided guitar case. Certainly no need for alarm, unless you’re a fan of El Mariachi. There’s even a shoulder strap available separately that attaches to two “D” rings if you want to sling it over your back for easier transport (or just heightened irony).

The case is well-made, with stitching doubled in stress spots and generally sports a solid feel. The handle is padded and extra thick, so it does not to cut into your fingers even with a heavy load—and more importantly, not give away that there is something other than a light guitar in the case. There are three zipper-closed pockets on the front of the case, perfect for extra magazines, a couple boxes of ammunition and eye and ear protection; basically everything you need for a quick jaunt to the range.

With a rifle securely fastened inside, the case is easy to carry and doesn’t leave scratches if you accidentally brush it against your truck.
The inside of the case is Spartan, with two hook-and-loop straps that can be moved to accommodate any rifle configuration. An AR-15 with a collapsible stock and a 20-inch barrel would fit, as did a Bushmaster XM15-E2S carbine with a 16-inch barrel and a fixed stock.

 The straps can be moved to any number of slots for a perfect fit, and additional straps could be purchased to really hold your favorite rifle tight. I found the straps didn’t really work on the barrel alone, but that’s not a serious problem, since they slide out of the holders easily and can be repositioned in seconds around the handguard, where they can be tightened easily.

The bag has other little touches that really help it stand out. Corners and edges—particularly on the bottom of the case if it is standing upright—have reinforcements so the bag itself isn’t directly on the ground. No need to worry if it starts raining while you’re on the range, the bag will stay dry if you put it on the wet ground before transferring it to your trunk. There are double zippers on all three pockets, and the two zippers for the main part of the bag are molded for a lock, which means you can at least comply with the spirit of the law for a “locked case” (check your local laws, of course, if you live in an area that requires locked transport).
Covert cases are certainly nothing new, but the Battle Axe brings discreet carry to a new level.
Rather than force you to take the rifle down into component pieces like some discreet cases, the Battle Axe allows you to transport your carbine in plain sight. While AR-15 pattern rifles come apart easily, other rifles don’t fit into smaller cases without modification.

The Battle Axe allows any carbine-length rifle to be carried intact, in plain sight, without drawing unwanted attention.

At an MSRP of $199, it’s a sturdy case for single rifle transport. If you’re looking for something that will fly under the radar, yet still haul a rifle without takedown, the Battle Axe is a solid choice. It has plenty of room for everything you need for a day at the range with your favorite carbine, and it won’t alert the entire world to the fact you’ve got a rifle with you.

AR-15 Barrels 101

 

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by Jerry Kraus
    

One of the biggest differences in cheap versus high-end AR-15s is the quality of the barrels. We are going to cover the pros and cons of Mil-Spec chrome molly steel chrome-lined barrels versus match-grade stainless steel, non chrome-lined barrels and help you make an educated decision on which is right for the intended purpose of your next AR-15.

Although it is unlikely that most of us will ever “shoot out” a barrel; chrome-lined barrels handle extensive shooting and adverse weather much better.

Most AR barrels fall into one of two categories: either they are made of chrome molly steel with a chrome-lined bore and chamber, or they are made of stainless steel, which typically does not have chrome lining in the bore or chamber.

First, let me say that if the bore (barrel) is chrome-lined, the chamber will be as well and likewise, if the bore is not chrome lined, the chamber will not be either. Chrome molly steel is harder than stainless steel but our main focus is going to be on the chrome lining vs. non-chrome lining aspects because that is what will have more effect on AR-15 shooters.

The Pros and Cons of Chrome Molly Steel Barrels

M16/M4 Mil-Spec barrels are made of chrome molly steel with chrome lined bores (and chambers). So let’s detail the pros of chrome molly steel barrels that have chrome lined bores and chambers first.

The Pros of Chrome-Lined Barrels

The military loves chrome-lined barrels because of:

1. Corrosion Resistance.This is especially important in wet and saltwater environments. When the military issues M16s to our troops in Vietnam, it was initially issued without a chrome lined chamber, or chrome lined barrel, and without a cleaning kit. This, combined with a very corrosive powder and the wet jungle environment of Vietnam, caused countless deaths to our own troops mainly because of failures to extract the spent round in the chamber during combat. The only way to clear a failure to extract is to run a rod down the barrel and knock the spent round back out. According to the article “Defense Under Fire” in Time magazine dated 9 June 1967; “We left with 72 men in our platoon and came back with 19. Believe it or not, you know what killed most of us? Our own rifle. Practically every one of our dead was found with his [M16] torn down next to him where he had been trying to fix it.” —Marine Corps Rifleman, Vietnam. Though eventually remedied, it illustrates the value of chrome-lined barrels and chambers.
2. Extended Barrel Life.This is the biggest reason the military uses chrome-lined barrels. Every round down range creates heat in the barrel from the hot gasses that the powder creates and the friction of the round, both of which result in barrel erosion over time. The higher the velocity of the round, the hotter the barrel gets resulting in even more barrel erosion. The faster the rounds fire in succession, such as on full auto in the military, the hotter the barrel gets and stays hotter, longer, all resulting in drastically more barrel erosion thus substantially shortening the barrel’s life, commonly referred to as “shooting out” the barrel. An AR-15 with a Mil-Spec barrel identical to the Mil-Spec barrel of the M16 will last roughly twice that of the M16 barrel. This is largely due to the fact full auto rates of fire are exponentially detrimental on barrel life. Non chrome-lined barrels wear out even faster with full auto fire, this is the biggest reason the military uses chrome-lined barrels. Most people, however, will not be able to “shoot out” a chrome-lined AR-15 barrel in their lifetime, and if you do, you should consider yourself very fortunate to be able to shoot this much! “Shooting out,” or wearing out the barrel, will become evident when you can visibly see your chrome disappearing in your bore and your groups keep getting bigger and bigger.
3. Ease of Cleaning.This is a definite side benefit of chrome-lined barrels and chambers. Some people think this is only slightly easier to clean, however my experience is that it is substantially easier and faster to clean. So, in short, chrome-lined barrels protect you from erosion and corrosion and easier cleaning is a bonus!

The Cons of Chrome-Lined Barrels

The biggest disadvantage of chrome-lined barrels is long-range accuracy. When a barrel is chrome lined, even with the best technology available today, it is not perfectly even. Because it is not perfectly even on the inside of the barrel, there are very slight high points that obviously will negatively affect the accuracy of the bullet. However, this is only noticeable at long ranges. There are plenty of chrome-lined barrels out there that will give you sub-MOA accuracy, which means a three-round group in less than one-inch at 100 yards.

People will disagree as to the ranges it becomes noticeable, but it is the author’s opinion that it is beyond 300 yards—beyond three football fields. Just to be very clear, the average soldier or civilian with some training should be able to hit a man-sized silhouette target at 300 yards with an AR-15/M16 that has chrome-lined barrel.

Even with a chrome-lined barrel, the biggest factor holding back the shooter’s accuracy beyond 300 yards is going to be shooter error, lack of training, or practice for probably 90 percent of the shooters out there.

The Pros and Cons of Stainless Steel (Match Grade) Barrels

Match grade barrels offer few advantages at ranges below about 300 yards, but at that distance and especially beyond, the accuracy difference becomes obvious. This makes stainless steel, match grade barrels and absolute must for long-range target shooters.

The second major category for AR barrels are stainless steel barrels, which are typically not chrome lined in the bore or chamber, and these are known as “Match Grade” barrels.

The Pros of Stainless Steel Barrels

Extreme benchrest shooters, NRA High Power Long Range shooters and Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) shooters all demand “match grade” barrels—meaning barrels made of stainless steel that are NOT chrome lined. “Match grade” barrels are more accurate and the longer the range, the more apparent this becomes.

The Cons of Stainless Steel Barrels

The cons of match-grade barrels are that they wear out faster, they are harder to clean and they don’t resist corrosion as well as a chrome-lined barrel. Again, let’s clarify that most shooters will not wear out even a match grade barrel in their lifetime. As far as cleaning goes, if the barrel is broken in or “shot in” correctly, the barrel will have a burnishing that minimizes fouling and subsequently makes the barrel much easier to clean; however, still not as easy to clean as a chrome-lined barrel.

Which Barrel is Right for You?

So you’re probably wondering which is right for you, right? An AR-15 rifle is merely a tool, a tool for doing a job. Which job do you want your AR to do?

The Ideal Barrel for defense or Plinking-to-Medium Range Target Shooting

If you are like most people you are you picking out a tool that would be ideal for you to defend your family, your ranch or your home with and maybe do some plinking to medium-range target shooting.

On the other hand,  maybe you want an AR for the commie invasion of the USA or the total collapse of society? Or even, as my younger friends ask me, “What AR do I want for the zombie apocalypse?”

If the answer is yes to any of these questions, then I would choose an AR-15 with a chrome-lined barrel and chamber. These are very common and is the same barrel configuration the military uses. I wouldn’t care if it was cold hammer forged or not, and if so, that would be a bonus.

The good news is ARs with these features are very affordable. There are two I like for under $900 from www.CheaperThanDirt.com – Armalite M15A4 and the Bushmaster Optics Ready Carbine (OBC).

I would also encourage you to get one for your wife or girlfriend when you can afford it as well. If the unimaginable happens, you will wish she had one and knew how to use it.

The Ideal Barrel for Extremely Long Distance Shooting or CMP Matches

Let’s face it fluted barrels just look cool. More importantly, the fluting reduces weight and dissipates heat at a much quicker rate than straight stock barrels.

I know what you are thinking, “What if I want a gun that can shoot accurately at extreme distances because maybe I am thinking about participating in state or national CMP matches?”
What you want is an AR with a stainless steel non chrome-lined match-grade barrel, cold hammer forged would be a bonus. In this category, www.CheaperThanDirt.com offers an AR I like for under $1300 – the Rock River Arms (RRA) LAR-15 National Match A4. Rock River Arms is a high quality manufacturer and they won the contract to supply the DEA with AR-15s.

Now you have a better understanding of AR barrels and chrome lining and what will work for your needs. Next we will cover .223 chambers versus 5.56mm chambers and more!

Until then, shoot safely and shoot often!

LaRue Tactical Optimized Battle Rifle (OBR)

 

The LaRue Tactical OBR features the same rugged construction we’ve grown to expect from the company, and the performance to match.

By Steve Adelmann              

Austin Precision Products is not exactly a household name in the shooting industry. However the company’s more-familiar brand—LaRue Tactical—is well known in military, law enforcement, competition and basement-commando circles. Wear a LaRue hat for a few days, and you’ll be surprised at the diverse group of folks familiar with the name. I’ve had store clerks, doctors, teachers and even a Baptist minister recognize the LaRue brand. Over the past few years, shooters have come to expect three things from the capable and patriotic folks headquartered near Austin, TX: ingenuity, quality and products that are backed to the ends of the Earth.
 Like many military snipers, I became familiar with Mark LaRue’s work in the mid 1990s through his company’s Upchuck self-resetting targets. They made the cumbersome task of setting up steel for unknown-distance field shooting worth the pain of the inevitably bruised shins and smashed fingers.  Few shooters will complain about watching a hunk of freshly shot steel drop like a rock, then slowly rise, ready for more copper-jacketed lead thrashings.

                          

Several years ago, the U.S. Department of Defense became aware of lightweight, durable, tactical riflescope rings made by LaRue. Previously, only steel rings had been made to stand up to the rigors of combat while remaining reasonably sized. Steel is heavy. Heavy sucks when you live on your feet and survive by remaining mobile. The lucky recipients of LaRue’s rings were impressed with their sleek profile, high strength and requisite light weight. Several years and untold combat operations later, LaRue Tactical is a permanent fixture on the armaments map, with products ranging from simple mounting bases to complete rifles.

Though it looks like a mildly tacticalized AR-10 on the outside, the OBR sports a host of upgrades designed for the most demanding shooters.

When I heard LaRue was gearing up to build a 7.62 NATO sniper-grade rifle based on its 5.56 NATO platform, I began laying the groundwork to test one. Many firearm manufacturers hold back sample rifles from first production runs to ensure writers get to evaluate them. True to the company’s very dedicated missions to get a product right before releasing for sale and to ensure military and LE needs are taken care of first, LaRue’s new Optimized Battle Rifle (OBR) didn’t exactly jump into writers’ hands overnight. That was OK with me—I’ll wait as long as need be to ensure the folks laying their lives on the line get what they need before I ever see a sample.

My test rifle finally arrived in June 2010 in a padded hard case, complete with two of LaRue’s excellent 20-round magazines. I’ve already written about the high quality and reliability of these mags, and they continue to have an excellent track record with all .308 Win. ARs into which I feed them. One unique OBR mag feature is a nifty (and patent-pending) modification that aids in feeding.

Anyone who has unloaded high-capacity rifle magazines by hand knows it’s a pain and the larger the cartridge, the bigger the pain. AR .308 Win. mags have a nasty habit of grabbing cartridge rims in several places along the way as rounds are pushed forward, such as when feeding or stripping by hand. As near as I can tell, this is caused by the vertical ribs stamped into the magazine body.

Where a numbskull like me considers this a nuisance, a smart guy like LaRue knew this also somewhat retards cartridge feeding. His solution is a horizontal bridge between the two rearmost ribs at the top of the magazine, and the result is a much smoother feed and strip.

Part of the rifle light weight is attributed to the SureFire FH762 flash hider/suppressor adapter.

My sample gun wore an 18-inch barrel, although 16.1- and 20-inch variants are available. LaRue offers many OBR furniture options, mostly from Magpul. Mine arrived with a standard A2 stock and grip. Shooters familiar with LaRue products know it doesn’t build anything with light duty in mind.

The OBR remains true to this mindset—robust, rugged and yet very comfortable in hand. The free-floated fore-end is bolted to the company’s proprietary upper receiver, creating an ultra-rigid mounting platform that includes a continuous top rail running the length of the handguard. The rail has 20 MOA of slope built in to preserve enough adjustment to allow dialing in long ranges when using optics with limited internal elevation movement. The tube’s gripping surfaces are sleek and smooth. So smooth, the non-railed area refused to accept an adhesive hook-and-loop fastener when I tried to mount an ATPIAL tape switch. It wasn’t my rifle, so the usual blob of contact cement wasn’t an option.

Unlike most free-floated barrels, side rails are limited to a 3-inch section, located toward the front at the 3- and 9-o’clock positions. This makes sense to me, as most lights and lasers tend to be mounted forward, but some shooters may find it limits their options. Threaded holes along the bottom allow add-on modular rails with a 3-inch rail coming standard at the 6-o’clock position. The upper receiver has an ejection-port cover and integral brass deflector, but does not have a forward-assist assembly.

The gas block incorporates LaRue’s Port Selector Technology; using an easily adjustable, two-position regulator that allows normal gas flow for unsuppressed firing and a restricted setting for suppressor use. I’m a big believer in adjustable gas regulators. LaRue’s rifle uses an ingenious system to adjust gas flow. Instead of the usual method of opening or closing the gas pathway by impeding it with a screw or plug, the OBR has two gas ports. Setting the regulator to the left position opens both ports for unsuppressed firing while the right position closes one of the ports.

A very stout PRI M84 Gas Buster charging handle ensured easy manipulation of the chrome-plated bolt-carrier group, while directing some of the receiver gasses away from my face. The OBR’s stainless steel firing pin incorporates a captive spring, preventing firing pin/primer contact when a round is chambered or in the event of a hard impact at the muzzle.

PRI’s M84 Gas Buster charging handle eases operation of the bolt and directs gasses away from the shooter’s face.

Both receivers are CNC machined from 7075-T6 billet; the latter incorporating an integral trigger guard large enough to permit the use of gloves. Both the bolt and magazine releases are semi-shrouded to prevent inadvertent activation. The magazine well accepts Knight’s Armament, DPMS, Remington, Magpul, C Products and Brownells standard .308 Win. AR magazines.

I have never fired, tested, built or come into contact with an AR that has the OBR’s tight tolerances. The upper receiver tang doesn’t just fit into the lower’s rear tang slot, it mates with it. The rifle’s halves were harder to get apart than a pair of barnyard goats. In the gun world, that sort of fit is a good thing, on the farm…not so much.

Range Work

My initial firing impression of the OBR was it was a bit jumpy on the front end when fired prone. I attribute this partially to its light-for-caliber overall weight, as well as the SureFire FH762 flash hider/suppressor adapter. SureFire’s muzzle device tames flash effectively and helps manage recoil to a small degree. But it really shines in terms of both flash and recoil control when mated to a suppressor. For non-tactical shooters who prefer better
braking, but do not want the hassle of more ATF paperwork, the 5⁄8-24 threads of the OBR’s muzzle permit mounting a dedicated muzzle brake. I mounted a SureFire Scout light with a KM2 IR lens and an M93 throw-lever mount with an Insight Technology ATPIAL IR aiming laser on the front rails before assuming a good bipod-supported prone position. The Geissele Automatics Super Semi-Automatic, two-stage match trigger measured in at 2.5 pounds for the first stage and 2 pounds for the second stage, allowing a smooth pull and clean break for each shot.

Once I settled into the gun, the shooting session went very smoothly. The rifling’s slower rate of twist preferred lighter projectiles in the 150- to 168-grain range. The test target that accompanied my rifle showed a .735-inch five-shot group using Federal 168-grain ammo. My results largely mirrored this target, with averages slightly higher, but tighter groups with three out of the four loads tested. LaRue guarantees the OBR will shoot less than 1 MOA, and my test sample certainly exceeded that goal.

Overall, I put 205 rounds through the rifle with no hiccups. The machined, free-float tube remained cool throughout the test, in spite of the Carolina heat.

A chrome-plated bolt-carrier group enhances reliability by minimizing the effects of fouling.

LaRue Tactical has turned out a well-engineered, finely crafted implement. The OBR will fit into several categories, depending on barrel and stock configuration. Whether intended as a carbine-length battle rifle, a designated marksman platform, a hunting partner or a long-range tool, LaRue’s .308 ought to hold up its end of the bargain in terms of accuracy and reliability. Knowing the quality of this company’s work, I feel safe in predicting anyone in possession of an OBR can count on handing it down for generations.

For a look at the OBR in action, click here.

Manufacturer: LaRue Tactical; (512) 259-1585
Caliber: 7.62 NATO
Action Type: Semi-automatic, direct-gas-impingement system
Capacity: 10 or 20 rounds
Barrel: 16.1 inches, 18 inches (tested) and 20 inches; LW50 blackened steel
Sights: None; continuous Picatinny rail for mounting optics
Rifling: 4 grooves; 1:11.25-inch RH twist
Stock: A2-style buttstock and pistol grip (tested), numerous other options
Trigger Pull: Two-stage; 2.5 pounds first stage; 2 pounds second stage
Overall Length: 37.5 inches
Weight: 9 pounds, 11 ounces
Accessories: Two, 20-round magazines, hard case
MSRP: $2,995 (with A2 flash hider)

Cool vs. Tool

Is that high-speed accessory hanging off your tactical shotgun a useful tool or a cosmetic enhancement to impress your friends?                          

By Chad Adams

The “Black Gun Revolution,” the explosion in popularity of all things black, semi-automatic and tactical—fueled by the growing abundance of AR-15-style rifles—has had a tremendous effect on shotguns as well. More companies than ever offer some sort of tactical or home-defense shotgun, both pump and semi-automatic. Whether black or some pattern of digital camo, many of these shotguns come direct from the factory with a wide array of what were once exclusively aftermarket accessories.
  And aftermarket accessories have continued to flourish, since shotgun owners never tire of finding new ways to hang seemingly anything and everything off their scatterguns. But for anyone taking their first foray into the tactical-shotgun market, some accessories have more practical merit than others. Here’s a quick rundown of some common shotgun accessories, weighing their tactical benefit versus their flat-out coolness.

                       

Tacticool: Heat Shields

I know you’ve seen these on old Winchester 97s and Model 12s from World War I, therefore many of you believe they are a necessity, as if use by our doughboys makes them divine. However, in my years as a Marine, whether in the field or aboard a ship, I never saw a shotgun fitted with a heat shield. Moreover, nobody puts as many rounds through a shotgun as do practical-shooting competitors—they don’t use them, so you don’t need one.

A crew-served, belt-fed machine gun is a great place for a heat shield. A shotgun is not. But hey, they look pretty righteous on your Mossberg 500, so if it’s all about the cool, I say go for it.

Tactical: Shell Carriers

Few objects look as mean as a line of 00 buckshot riding like a row of gnarly teeth on the receiver of a tactical shotgun. And few things are as useful. While we may gear up with all sorts of ammo holders when we go to the range, the fighting shotgun is the one gun above all others where you “fight with what you got.” That means the ammunition you have in and on the shotgun is all you can reasonably expect to use under stress.

There are several makes and models on the market that can collectively more than double the payload you carry into a fight. And if 16 or more rounds of buckshot don’t solve your problem, well, you’re probably in the “Red Dawn” remake. But don’t worry; you never have to reload in the movies.

Tacticool: Pistol Grips

I can see some of you physically recoil at the ludicrous notion of a pistol grip being anything but the most tactical of enhancements to a shotgun. But here’s the deal, unless you are law enforcement or active-duty military on a door-kicking entry team and use a pistol-gripped pump gun with a stand-off device to bring the pain, then you really don’t need a pistol grip. The simple fact is this: Pistol-gripped shotguns are more difficult to shoot well. Our accessories should enhance accuracy, not diminish our ability to hit the target.

However, there are some exceptions for civilians. If you have a reason to stow a shotgun in a small space or work in wilderness country where toothy critters roam and you’ve determined this is the size you need, then for you, the pistol grip is still very much a tool. But if you’re like me and your pistol-gripped 870 is relegated to obliterating soda cans with your buddies, then you have a tacticool shotgun my friend. Like Fonzie said, “Be cool,” and rock that pistol grip by shooting from the hip on your next range day.

Tactical: White Light

While it’s one of the most tacticool accessories you can add, it also happens to be the best decision-making aid. A high-output white light is, in my opinion, the best accessory you can add to any defensive firearm.

“In 1986 SureFire introduced the first light designed specifically for mounting on handguns,” said Derek McDonald, SureFire’s vice-president of marketing in a recent statement. “This light (equipped with remote switching) was quickly adopted by SWAT teams, including LAPD’s D-Platoon.”

Since then, we’ve seen the weaponlight portrayed on TV attached to pistols, carbines and shotguns.

More importantly, countless police officers, military personnel, training academies and tactical schools have codified the skills and doctrine that enable the white light to deliver a decided advantage against an adversary. Despite any reports to the contrary, until we all have night observation devices, the white light is here to stay.

So What?

It’s hard to argue civilians absolutely need a bayonet lug, stand-off device, pistol grip or seemingly miles of Picatinny rail. But the kicker is this: Who makes that decision? While I may subjectively question the merit of any one of these items for home defense, I will happily admit to owning guns with all of these accessories and more.

The point of this article is not to shame any one device, rather to get us thinking intelligently about the purposes for which our firearms and accessories are used. That makes us smarter consumers and therefore better advocates for firearms in general. While we may not “need” a bayonet lug, when is the last time you heard about a crime being committed at bayonet point? What is so “evil” about pistol grips and Picatinny fore-ends and the like? And if I want any one of those items, I believe the Second Amendment protects my right to have one.

Remington Debuts 2020 Digital Scope

 

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by CTD Woody
    

Looking for a new rifle optic that immediately improves your accuracy? The Remington 2020 Digital Optic System may be your answer. This system bundles numerous devices and technologies together in a single device allowing you to accurately fire in any conditions at distances of up to 500 yards.

Looking through the Remington 2020 Digital Optic System, you see a Heads-Up Display (HUD) over your field of view. The HUD visualizes system information as well as variables effecting accuracy.

 

Created in collaboration between Remington Arms and TrackingPoint, an applied technology company in Austin, Texas, the Remington 2020 Digital Optic System revolutionizes long-range accuracy by combining digital optics and target tracking technology into a seamlessly integrated shooting system.

The Remington 2020 Digital Optic System allows you to designate the location of a shot and have an internal ballistic calculator generate a firing solution that accounts for range, ammunition, and all environmental and system factors. You can then adjusts your point of aim to bring the reticle on target. This is accomplished through a shooting sequence referred to as Tag, Track and React (TTR).

 

The sequence begins by aligning the dot in the HUD with the target and pressing the “Tag” button located atop the scope, which locks a digital tag on the target up to 500 yards away.

 

The ballistic computer calculates a firing solution—Tracks—for all the factors effecting that shot and the blue reticle instantaneously offsets to indicate actual point-of-impact for that shot. This firing solution is updated 54 times per second, which allows accuracy even on moving targets.

 

When the blue reticle is aligned with the tag, it will turn red, indicating the point of aim is on-target. The shooter can now make the shot, or React.

 

 

 

From the moment the “Tag” is placed until a preset time after the shot is taken, the 2020 records both audio and video, through a built-in microphone, to internal memory. This generates an mp4 file, which can be downloaded via Wi-Fi to any Apple iOS and Android tablet and smartphone.

 

The system’s integrated Wi-Fi server that allows for streaming of the HUD to any Apple iOS and Android tablet and smartphone. This provides opportunities for spotters to guide, teach, coach or simply see what the shooter is seeing and doing.

The firing solution accounts for a number of inputs and an unprecedented number of factors affecting the bullet’s flight and eliminates the need to adjust turrets, estimate holdover for range, wind, or lead on moving targets.

 

The 2020’s hardware houses a number of elements that automate the process. The only information that is manually input by the shooter is wind.

 

Toggle controls allow adjustments to zoom, focus and move from advanced mode to traditional mode if that is preferred. There are two batteries providing up to three hours of continuous use that can be changed without powering down the unit.

 

The Remington 2020 Digital Optic System is currently available in 30-06 SPRG, 308 WIN, 223 Remington.

Redfield CounterStrike

 

 

Yes, you can get a decent green/red-dot sight for about $200. Plus, this one comes with a laser.

By Jay Grazio                     

Redfield introduced the CounterStrike green/red-dot scope with laser sight at SHOT Show this past January, immediately creating quite the buzz. An optic—with a laser—for around $200? From a trusted brand? The CounterStrike is one of the rare cases where it might sound too good to be true, but it really is what it seems.

                           

I received one of the highly sought-after models a few weeks ago, and was quite impressed by the level of quality and workmanship Redfield puts into what other manufacturers would consider an entry-level sight. The controls are obviously well-designed and intuitive—it didn’t take much to figure out how everything worked. The finish on the unit is top-notch, the glass is clean and clear, and the scope is waterproof and fogproof. What’s more, the lens covers are all tethered, so you won’t lose them.

The CounterStrike takes a single CR123A battery and claims 5,000 hours of run time on the lowest setting and 500 on the highest (although there’s no run time provided for the laser). It comes with Redfield’s “No Excuses” warranty—two years on the electronics and lifetime coverage on the rest of the optic. It has an integral MIL-STD 1913/Picatinny rail mount and a single-point mounting screw. (Since it’s a single-point mount, it will work on a Weaver rail as well.)

The CounterStrike's 4-MOA dot displays in either red or green.

One of the first things I noticed was the CounterStrike is not designed for the standard AR-15 front sight. I had to swap the A2-style gas block for a low-profile version to allow the laser to reach the target without interference. Using the scope on a flattop rifle shouldn’t be a problem, but check the clearance to be certain. On ARs with flip-up sights or elevated mounting rails, installation is as simple as turning a screwdriver.

Once installed—and the single mounting piece makes installation an absolute breeze—the sight stays firmly in place. It held zero during repeated range trips. The adjustments are made in .5-MOA clicks, which can be dialed with either a screwdriver or a dime, depending on what’s more handy. The clicks are well-defined and audible, even with hearing protection on, and move the point of impact precisely as expected.

Dialing in the CounterStrike took less than one full magazine, and changing the zero distance from 25 yards to 50 yards required a minimum of testing. Any difficulties in zeroing the sight at either distance were easily explained as operator error, and in the end yielded a very satisfying 1.5-inch, five-shot group at 50 yards. That’s 3 MOA right there, using steel-case, bargain ammunition shot out of a 16-inch-barreled carbine.

Controls on the CounterStrike are intuitive and simple to use. The dot is turned on by pressing the power button, and its color can be switched between red and green by a quick press of the same.

Changing intensity is as simple as pressing and holding the clearly marked “+” or “-” buttons, and the unit powers off by holding the power button for a few seconds. If there’s anything I’d change or add, it would be some sort of indication when the limit of intensity on either end is reached—while the lower end is pretty clear (you can’t see the dot any more), the upper end gets brighter and brighter until it doesn’t—so it would be nice to have some sort of reference here.

Controls on the optic are simple to understand and easy to use. The integral laser sight has separate elevation and windage adjustments, meaning it can be zeroed at a different distance than the dot to provide a second point of aim.

The laser has its own controls, with elevation on top of the laser unit and windage to the side. Knobs for elevation and windage are locked in place with set screws that need to be loosened before making adjustments and then tightened once finished. The laser comes dialed in pretty much spot-on with the green/red dot. Once the green/red dot was zeroed at 50 yards, the laser was visible about an inch or so below the dot at close range (25 to 50 feet). One of the benefits of having the option of both a red and green dot is the dot color can be changed to contrast with the red laser’s dot on the target.

While the red laser is not meant for bright, sunshiny days, it was still visible on target in the July sun at 25 yards. That’s pretty darn good by any measure. In low-light situations, it’s visible for pretty much as far as you can see. Indoors, the dot is visible out to at least 25 yards (I couldn’t find an indoor range with a greater distance).

The dot and laser can be zeroed for different ranges. In my case, I opted for 50 yards with the dot and 50 feet with the laser. Anything more than 50 yards, and my eyes start needing magnified optics, while anything inside of 50 feet is covered just fine by the laser.

Overall, I think the CounterStrike is a real winner. It is a solid, mid-level green/red-dot sight at an entry-level price. It mounts securely and easily to common rails, and adjustments come in precise, clear increments. The dot is very easy to see and place on target in either red or green mode, and it delivered accuracy at least as good as promised. It’s a nice piece of versatile hardware at a price that won’t break the bank.

Specifications
Manufacturer: Redfield; 877-798-9686, redfield.com
Magnification: 1X
Objective Lens Diameter: 30 mm
Adjustability: 90 MOA
Reticles: Red or green 4-MOA dot
Illumination: 11 settings, including two night-vision capable
Eye Relief: Unlimited
Tube Diameter: 30 mm
Laser: Class 3A; 5 mW red beam
Length: 5.9 inches
Weight:  14.8 ounces
MSRP: $224.99

Para Bellum - Preparing For the Worst

                                              

 

Are you prepared, gun-wise, for a societal breakdown?

By Steve Adelmann     

Have you seen the movie “Something Wicked This Way Comes?” Unfortunately, I have, but aside from bad acting, ’80s clothing, a weak plot, terrible special effects and the 94 minutes it sucked out of my life, the movie had one thing going for it: a catchy title.

 

That phrase is on my mind more and more these days, except it is not an evil (and cheesy) carnival owner who threatens us, it is genuine trouble on a global scale.                               

                                                     

A quick scan of news headlines, market trends or simply paying attention to the nearest protest yields multiple red flags. Attitudes and conversations with just about anyone tell me I am not alone in my thoughts. I have no idea how the country will be doing when this column is printed, but I am positive things will not be any better than they are as I write it. Actually, they may be much worse.

 

So what should you do about it? Prepare. In this case I am talking about preparing your firearm game plan for a sustained societal breakdown—imagine a violent mob or gang is within a half-mile of your residence, intent on taking whatever or hurting whomever they want, and then plan accordingly.

 

Like most other folks, a handgun is my go-to choice for dealing with an immediate threat in the home or at close range on the street. But, I will choose the rifle’s ability to keep bad things as far away as possible if I see them heading my way. If trouble is inevitable, make use of any warning to be as well armed as possible. Get your go-to gun out of mothball storage and have it within arm’s reach at all times. Deployed troops learn to live with rifles strapped to their bodies, always. The practice is now taught in Basic Training, which makes a lot more sense than some of the idiotic parade stuff we did a quarter-century ago. There is no handier place for your primary fighting tool than across your body or in your hands. Plop down $40 for a decent tactical sling and get used to it. Consider that gun an extension of your arms and don’t get caught without it when the heat is on.

Fodder
 

The U.S. military’s switch to the new “green” ammunition has resulted in excellent prices on surplus 5.56 NATO M855 ball ammo. M80 ball overruns have pushed more surplus 7.62 NATO FMJ ammo to the market, too. Both are good general-purpose rounds to keep on hand in case the premium stuff becomes scarce. AK ammo—particularly in 7.62×39 mm—is very cheap and still available in sealed tins. The 40 rounds of .308 Win. my local hardware store keeps in stock will be scarfed up during the first 5 minutes of a crisis, so I know better than to rely on purchasing ammo around here.

 

Several retail outlets offer bulk deals on ammunition in the most common rifle chamberings, so stock up—now—on what your rifle will digest. Be sure to store ammo in a location that is temperature and humidity controlled. Old ammo cans with intact rubber seals make good containers, but place desiccant packs inside each one, and avoid leaving them in extreme heat or cold. Buy as much spare ammo as you can afford and store safely. Some is better than none, and a lot is better than a little.

 

Properly cared for ammo will last for many years, so if things get all rosy again, have fun with it at the range or will it to your heirs. Ammunition has real value, unlike the dollar, so it will be useful for barter, too.

 

You may not convince your neighbors to have gun or caliber commonality, but consider doing so within your family. Logistics will be much simpler if your family firearms are the same—anyone will be able to pick up another’s rifle or spare ammo in a pinch. Remember to plan for spare magazines, including extras to replace those lost or damaged during a protracted emergency. Think months, not days.

 

During a protracted and potentially violent crisis, your primary arm cannot be too close. A simple, inexpensive and effective combat sling like this B-Sling from Sheriff of Baghdad will be indispensable.

 

Gun Gear

A wide variety of equipment is available to carry extra ammunition and/or magazines. Find something comfortable enough to wear for at least a few hours at a time, handy enough to get on quickly and able to carry extra personal gear like medication, a light, knife, etc. If you have never had to live in, run with or go prone while wearing a military-style assault vest, borrow one, fill it up and try these tasks before you spend a week’s pay on the latest “rack” system. Many models were designed by people who meant well, but never fought while wearing a full vest. Less bulk and greater simplicity equal more agility, comfort and the ability to wear for longer periods.

 

A spare parts kit is also a good idea. At a minimum, extra faster-wearing parts like extractors, firing pins and springs are good to have around. Maintain a set of critical parts for each rifle you plan to have in someone’s hands during a crisis. I recommend at least one spare bolt for each rifle type, too.

It will never expire, so if the worst never happens, you have a part that will be useful down the road.

 

Think about a backup plan for optics, too: iron sights, a backup scope—something that allows you to aim the rifle if your primary sighting system is damaged when there is no way to get a replacement.

 

Training

The best rifle is not worth a lick if you cannot use it fluently under stress. Practice practical shooting.

 

Shoot at partially exposed targets at or beyond the distances your house/yard/property may present. Shoot in hasty, uncomfortable positions and in low light, if possible. Learn to shoot from cover and understand the ballistic differences between cover and concealment. Ensure someone else in your family is able to implement the home-defense plan without you present—you may not be there when trouble strikes, or you may need help.

 

The concept of a zombie apocalypse used to get a passing laugh. It is no longer a joke. Such talk is now thinly veiled code for a violent, man-made catastrophe. Do not be complacent with your approach to defending your family when—not if—things turn nasty. The rifle in your hands may well become the great equalizer you need to keep bad people away from you and yours. I truly hope I am wrong about where we are headed, but I will be ready if I am right. I hope you will be, too.

Sling Up!

A sling is a must-have accessory for your self-defense rifle or shotgun, but you must know how to prevent it from getting caught and slowing your movement.                         

By Kenan Flasowski 
   May 13, 2013                                         

If you have a long gun for self-defense, the first thing you should mount on it is a good light. The second thing is a good sling. While my personal preference for ARs is a two-point sling like those from Viking Tactics or the Vickers Combat Applications Sling from Blue Force Gear, I think single-point slings are fine for shotguns. No matter which type you prefer, you need to think about what to do with the sling when the gun is not in your hands.

Most of you probably keep your long gun stored in a safe, closet or behind the door. Some keep one in their vehicle (most law enforcement officers have one in the trunk or in a rack). When something happens that requires you to grab the gun, the last thing you want is for the sling to get caught on something and slow your movement. This can also be a concern when you are moving or trying to take a standing shot.

A simple solution is to run a couple of heavy retainer bands (rubber bands) over the sling near the buttstock. Then “S” fold the sling loop and tuck it under the bands. This will keep the sling tight against the side of the gun. It won’t interfere with the operation, but it will prevent hang ups as you pull the gun out of storage. When it is time to “sling up,” simply grab the sling and pull—the S-folded excess will come out of the retainer bands and you can slip it over your head and support arm.

For single-point shotgun slings, I put the bands over the stock and tuck the sling against the stock opposite where my cheek goes, so when I get time, I can deploy the sling and slip it over my head and arm.

This only takes a second or two for either an AR or a shotgun, and it really pays dividends when you have to move and/or engage quickly as soon as you pick up the gun. It also prevents those embarrassing hang-ups on gear shifts, door knobs and all the other things out there waiting to grab loose straps and gear.

At the first opportunity, sling up and continue.

Law Tactical Gen 2 AR Folding Stock Adapter

 

A folding stock on a direct-gas AR? Yup. And it works.

By Steve Adelmann                     
                        

Innovation is cool, but when it caters to my particular wants or needs, it rocks. AR enthusiasts have long lamented side-folding stocks do not get along with the traditional direct-gas-impingement (DGI) operating system due to the need for bolt carriers and buffers to operate behind their receivers. Over the years, a small number of specialty manufacturers have developed work-arounds to the problem, but they have fallen short of offering a drop-in aftermarket option to convert existing DGI ARs to side-folders—until now.
The Law Tactical Folding Stock Adapter is a 90-percent solution to the problem. The only thing stopping it from being a full-on conversion unit is the fact that it is not designed to allow firing with the stock folded. I carried folding-stock carbines and submachine guns during my Army days, and the circumstances where I needed to be able to fire them without first deploying the stock were limited to a handful of times involving extreme environments or circumstances. Even on my wildest day my civilian life is a bit tamer, so I can handle this limitation to the stock’s utility.

All that is needed to convert your existing AR to the Law Tactical system is the ability and tooling to remove the buttstock and buffer assemblies. Tutorials abound with step-by-step instructions for this procedure, so I won’t go into it here. The process will be smooth if you apply proper tools and attention to detail. Once the stock and recoil assemblies are removed, the included instructions clearly explain the process of installing Law Tactical’s hardware. The removal and installation procedures only used up 20 minutes of my day.
 

Simple tools and good instructions are all you need to add the folding stock adapter to your direct-gas AR.

After installation of the Law Tactical kit, the stock retains its original fixed or collapsible nature, but also folds to the left side with the press of a conveniently-located and protected spring-loaded button.

The stock does not lock in the folded position, but hinge tension is easily adjusted with a hex key to keep it folded. It is easily deployed/extended by simply unfolding until it locks open. The latch is stout, and there is no doubt when it locks to full extension. Time to deploy the stock is faster than to extend a stock that has been collapsed to its shortest length for storage. A collapsible stock’s original endplate and castle nut are retained for use with the Law Tactical system, so any sling attachment points located either on the endplate or the stock remain usable. The kit will work on mil-spec and commercial receiver extensions, A1 or A2 fixed stocks and on both 5.56 NATO- and .308 Win.-sized AR platforms.

If there is a glitch in this system, it is in the way the designers have tackled the problem of filling in the inch-plus space between the rear of the bolt carrier and the front of the recoil buffer once the folding system is installed. The adapter creates a gap between the rear of bolt carrier and the buffer’s front. An included bolt-carrier extension must be attached to the rear of the carrier to fill this space and maintain contact with the buffer. This is easily accomplished with a flathead screwdriver and wrench, effectively making the bolt carrier longer to fill the gap. Without the extension in place, the bolt carrier would damage the gun and cause it to malfunction while reciprocating.

As it currently exists, however, the carrier extension must be removed in order to separate the upper and lower receivers for maintenance or repair. While I never plan to remove my bolt carrier in the heat of a gunfight, there are some serious malfunctions that do require opening the rear takedown pin—with the Law Tactical setup in place, tools are required to make that happen. If I were to change one thing on this kit it would be to make the bolt-carrier extension removable without use of tools.

With the adapter installed to permit folding, the author’s AR had its storage length reduced by 6.5 inches, making stowing his emergency carbine easier than ever. Stock deployment can be accomplished in the blink of an eye.

The included manual clearly states this system should never be fired with the stock folded. The intent of this kit is to provide a more compact means of storing your AR, not firing it from the hip. A spring-loaded finger locks into the bolt-carrier extension when the stock is folded, preventing it from moving rearward should the gun be fired in this configuration. Law Tactical has tested both 5.56 NATO and .308 Win. ARs with this system to verify they could withstand being fired with the stock folded, and in both cases the bolt carriers were effectively retained, but the Law Tactical hardware was damaged and unsuitable for further use.

I added the Gen 2 AR Folding Stick Adapter to my 5.5-pound Hoplite, bringing weight up to 6.25 pounds and stretching overall length by 1.25 inches. The biggest change can be seen in terms of storage space needed for the little gun. My carbine measured 32.5 inches long with the stock collapsed in the original configuration. After installation, overall length with the stock folded was shortened to just 26 inches.

I fired 150 rounds of 55-grain FMJ and surplus 62-grain M855 “green tip” through my gun with the Law Tactical adapter installed. Function was flawless, and though my length of pull was longer, the collapsible stock allowed me to easily remedy that problem out for a normal eye-to-sight distance. I checked the screw affixing the bolt carrier extension after every 10 rounds for the first 60 shots to see if it would loosen, then I fired the rest of the ammunition and checked again to ensure it stayed tight. The carrier extension was properly aligned and the screw was as tight as when first installed each time I inspected it.

We live in an age of utility through modularity. Selling for $199 (web) to $219 (MSRP), the Law Tactical Gen 2 AR Folding Stock Adapter adds yet another page to the practicality chapter in the book of America’s favorite rifle.

DPMS Tac-2

 

The DPMS Tac2 combines the longer gas system of a rifle with the shorter barrel of a carbine to make a strong case for the AR platform’s adaptability.

By Adam Heggenstaller (RSS)
December 13, 2012

Thanks to its building-block modularity, you can pretty much equip an AR for any situation—bad guys at 5 yards, prairie dogs at 500, zombies everywhere in between—limited only by your imagination. (With all the apocalyptic talk lately, perhaps “preparation” is a better word.) There is, however, one little detail that gets in the way: that fun-stifling thing known as your budget. Swap too many components and accessories around, and you will have thrown enough coin at one AR to have two.
 So in the interest of both economy and practicality, it makes good sense to have a single AR that can tackle a variety of tasks without having to change a thing about it. Avid students of the AR may already have such a rifle, but it likely took them several years of thinking and tweaking, buying and selling before arriving at the “ultimate.” The rest of us should simply check out the new DPMS Tac2, as it highlights the AR platform’s flexibility—with no parts swapping required.

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Extended Benefits

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

The Magpul ACS buttstock includes three compartments for storing essentials.

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

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

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

Reaching Out

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

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

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

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

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

Naysayers claim a rifle-length gas system is too long for a 16-inch barrel. On the Tac2, it’s just right.

The carbine digested nearly 500 rounds of six different loads having bullet weights of 55 to 75 grains without a single failure to feed or function. Reliability is paramount whether your carbine is intended for personal protection or for competition. The Tac2 would excel at either of these missions because it’s both reliable and versatile.

It’s smart planning to have iron sights on your long gun and to know how to use them effectively.

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


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