Precision rifle maker Volquartsen launched a new gun this week: the VT2 Takedown Rifle. This takedown model is an answer to the need for small-caliber truck guns, backpack-portability, and easy storage in general. The new rifle is designed with the gun maker’s usual attention to detail and includes features increasing its versatility.
The VT2 Takedown Rifle is being offered in two calibers, 22 WMR and 17 HMR. Perhaps the greatest feature of the gun is the takedown system itself, because no tools are needed. Disassembly is accomplished using a button and lever combination the manufacturer states is quick and easy to master. They also state there is no twisting or tightening necessary.
How does it work?
According to Volquartsen, the rifle is disassembled by depressing the takedown button and releasing the locking lever with a downward motion. Once you’ve done that, the barrel slides smoothly out of the receiver. At that point, the rifle is can be stored in a relatively small space or the barrels can be changed out to switch between the two available calibers: 22 WMR and 17 HMR.
To put the gun back together, all that needs to be done is to slide the barrel back into the receiver and push the locking lever upward to fasten the parts for use.
Lead Designer Kolby Pavlock had the following to say about the company’s latest rifle: “We wanted to build a takedown rifle like no other on the market. One that is modular and adaptable to the preferences of the shooter.”
The Volquartsen VT2 has a Magpul stock, 2.5 lb. trigger pull, 0 MOA Picatinny rail for mounting an optic. Volquartsen is offering 12-inch and 6-inch handguards with MLOK capabilities, as well as a 16-inch threaded barrel so you can use your suppressor.
Volquartsen President Scott Volquartsen made a few remarks regarding the rifle’s intended use and future potential models: “The VT2 Takedown Rifle is perfect for hunting trips, stowed away with gear, or tucked into a backpack for quick accessibility. We are also planning for a 22 LR model to be available later this year.”
The VT2 “is available in both 6” and 12” handguard lengths. Both handguards feature the M-LOK mounting system so you can mount your favorite rifle accessories, including bi-pods.
Respected manufacturer Federal Ammunition is taking the needs of all self-defense gun owners into consideration by expanding their Personal Defense lineup to include a pair of magnum loads: 327 Federal Magnum and 357 Magnum. The ammo maker is building what is one of their most popular lines of personal defense ammunition, giving shooters who use magnum loads a reliable and effective option for revolvers (and the occasional semi-automatic).
The latest addition to Federal’s Personal Defense line is 357 Magnum. Nickel-plates cases on the new magnum loads improve visibility in low-light situations. (Photo credit: Federal Ammunition)
Federal Ammunition Handgun Product Director, Mike Holm had this to say regarding the newest additions to the line: “When it comes to choosing a caliber for personal defense, the 357 Magnum and 327 Federal Magnum continue to be popular choices. A big reason for the continued popularity of these calibers is the preference to carry a revolver for everyday carry. We are excited to add these new loads to the already proven line of HST Personal Defense handgun ammunition.”
327 Federal Magnum is a new addition to the company’s Personal Defense line. (Photo credit: Federal Ammunition)
“Users that want to carry a magnum caliber for personal defense, want to utilize the full benefit of them. The specially engineered 104-grain 327 Federal Magnum and 154-grain 357 Magnum HST Jacketed Hollow Points were designed to take full advantage of magnum cartridges with consistent terminal performance,” continued Holm.” The bullet still has to perform well in personal defense scenarios. This is why the HST JHP was built to pass through a variety of materials without plugging up. The bullet jacket and core hold together to provide nearly 100-percent weight retention through common defensive barriers.”
Features of these latest additions include:
Significantly reduced felt recoil
Superior accuracy and overall ballistic performance
Nickel-plated case for heightened visibility in low-light situations
327 Federal Magnum was designed in 2007 by Federal Ammunition to create a more compact, larger-capacity revolver option for gun owners. The new 327 Federal Magnum load from the company is 85 grain with a jacketed hollow point bullet and manufacturer-tested 1400 feet per second muzzle velocity through a 4-inch barrel. Velocity drops to 1306 feet per second and 25 yards and 1221 feet per second at 50 yards. Muzzle energy is listed as 370 foot-pounds with a drop to 322 foot-pounds at 25 yards and 281 foot-pounds at 50 yards.
Energy results for 327 Federal Magnum from Federal Ammunition. (Photo credit: Federal Ammunition)
On the 357 Magnum side, the Personal Defense HST has a 130 grain jacketed hollow point and a manufacturer-tested muzzle velocity of 1410 feet per second. Their testing shows a 25-yard velocity of 1331 feet per second and a 50-yard velocity of 1258 feet per second. Muzzle energy is listed as 574 foot-pounds, dropping to 511 foot-pounds at 25 yards and 457 foot-pounds at 50 yards. As with the 327 Federal Magnum, Federal states ballistics testing was done with a 4-inch barrel.
The new Federal Ammunition Personal Defense HST 357 Magnum and 327 Federal Magnum join an already proven line of Personal Defense HST loads including 30 Super Carry, 9mm Luger, 9mm Luger +P, 357 SIG, 40 S&W, 10mm Auto, 45 Auto, and 45 Auto +P.
MSRP for a 20-round box of either cartridge is $35.99.
One of the challenges of effectively running long guns is the need for a sling. This means not only finding a sling that works for you but somehow attaching it to your gun. Enter RISE Armament with their new QD (Quick Detach) M-LOK Sling Mount. The manufacturer is known for producing various firearms components, so this product is definitely in their area of expertise.
The new RISE Armament QD M-LOK Sling Mount is offered in three colors. (Photo credit: RISE Armament)
RISE Armament designed their new sling mount with a low-profile design to reduce snagging while simultaneously allowing shooters to easily customize the mounting position of their push-button sling. It’s made to be compatible with M-LOK handguards—arguably currently the most popular mounting system style—including the company’s own RA-902 or RA-905 handguards. The QD M-LOK Sling Mount has a streamlined, flush fit, so the mount attaches snugly to the handguard. It is precision machined from 6061 aluminum to maximize it’s being lighter weight and also overall durability.
The QD M-LOK Sling Mount facilitates the use of other M-LOK attachments thanks to its slim design. This means items such as lights, foregrips, and lasers will still have plenty of room on the shooter’s rifle. According to the manufacturer, it takes less than thirty seconds to install. The mount is ready for use the moment it’s removed from the package and attached to the handguard. To make things even easier on gun owners, RISE includes all the necessary tools for installation along with the mount.
RISE Armament’s new QD M-LOK Sling Mount is, as the name suggests, M-LOK compatible and has a pair of hex screws for mounting. (Photo credit: RISE Armament)
RISE Armament had this to say regarding this latest component:
“Just like our triggers, the RISE M-LOK Quick Detach (QD) Sling Mount is yet another example of how we’re vastly improving the shooting experience. Installing a secure, durable forward attachment point for a push-button QD sling has never been easier.”
The company went on to say, “The best part? It only takes 30 seconds to install and it’s ready to install as soon as it’s removed from the package. We even include all of the necessary tools for installation — Allen wrench, screws, and T-nuts — in the package. Add a touch of customization to your rifle‘s handguard and pick from one of three colors: Black, Foliage Green, or FDE. Our sling mount is 100-percent made in the U.S.A. and is backed by the RISE Lifetime Warranty.”
The back of the RISE Armament M-LOK QD Sling Mount. (Photo credit: RISE Armament)
Features of the sling mount include:
M-LOK compatible
Quick detach style for ease of use
Forward attachment point for push-button slings
Aluminum construction for lighter weight while maintaining durability
Black, FDE, or Foliage Green finish
Streamlined profile to reduce risk of snagging
Easy, quick installation
Includes Allen wrench, screws, and T-nuts
Precision machined from 6061 aluminum
Lightweight, durable design
Backed by the RISE Lifetime Warranty
Made in the USA
The QD M-LOK Sling Mount on an AR handguard. (Photo credit: RISE Armament)
Training is always ongoing, especially when it comes to firearms, as it is a perishable skill. I will be the first to admit that I do not get out enough to train as much as I want to. However, just because I am unable to attend live fire courses on the regular, doesn’t mean I can’t keep up by training with other methods. I do dry fire practice, read articles, or watch videos to increase my knowledge of gear, tactics, and methods. YouTube has a ton of great content on there with good information, depending on the source. Just remember, like anything else, consider the source and instructor to make sure they’re not blowing hot air.
I have been watching a lot of videos from the Tactical Rifleman [YouTube channel] over the years and I always learn something new there. Retired Sergeant Major Karl Erickson has over twenty-five years of experience in the US Army, eighteen of those with US Special Forces. In his videos, he goes over training points and explains it all very well in an easy-to-understand format. I just watched his video titled: How to shoot red dots at night.
I got into red dots on my pistols last year and have attended a few courses since then. There is definitely a learning curve to deal with but once you get some training in behind the red dot, the advantages over iron sights are quickly apparent. There are many things to consider running a red dot and in this Tactical Rifleman video, Karl goes over a lot of training points for using red dots in the dark or in night conditions.
Karl states that he believes within four-five years, all combat pistols will come standard with red dots installed. I have to agree with that, red dots are the future, kind of like how they were put on rifles.
Karl discusses night shooting considerations with red dots.
Weapon Lights
He highly recommends a weapon light so that you can identify the target and decide whether it is a deadly threat or not. With a weapon light in play, it may make it difficult to see the reticle. If your red dot has auto-brightness, Karl suggests setting it to manual if you’re using your red dot pistol in home defense, combat, or everyday carry.
Presentation of Weapon Lights and Red dots
Karl prefers using a passive aiming set up with a red dot and utilizing a weapon light over a visible laser. With that in mind, Karl stresses a weapon light will compromise your position and to use it when you need to.
Using Red Dots with Night Vision
Karl going over binocular night vision and how to set them up for your red dot.
With Binocular or Quad tube night vision devices, Karl recommends that you set the tube over your dominant eye to be focused to see the dot clearly. Then set the other tube for distance so you can identify targets. If you’re running a PVS-7 with a single tube, he recommends setting it for distance. Even though the dot will be a bit blurry, you can see your target, which is more important.
For PVS-14’s, a single tube, Karl says it comes down to preference but he suggests running the tube over the non-dominate eye and setting it to infinity so you can see your target clearly while your dominant eye can see your red dot nice and clear. If you want to run it on your dominant eye, also set it for distance for the same reason, although your dot will be blurry. Karl states that you will still hit your target with a slightly blurry dot and that seeing your target is more important.
Karl with the PVS-14 and his preferences on setup with a red dot pistol.
Brightness Setting for Night Vision
When it comes to brightness settings on your red dot in conjunction with your night vision, Karl’s personal recommendation is to leave it bright enough for daytime in case you have the lights turned on. He says if that happens, just flip up your night vision tube and use white light and your dot because you won’t have time to adjust your dot’s brightness. I’d have to agree with him.
Tactical Rifleman in action with night vision using his red dot.
There are a lot of considerations covered in this video. And, as Karl points out, practice will make you more effective and this knowledge will be the best tool in a gunfight. I couldn’t agree more.
Big Horn Armory’s tagline is “half-inch holes,” and I think that’s absolutely fantastic. If you’re going to have a company built on building large-caliber rifle and pistol options, then you can’t have a better tagline. Big Horn Armory makes gleeful use of the 500 S&W cartridges in a variety of weapons, including lever guns and ARs. Well, sort of. You see, I got my hands on the Big Horn Armory AR 500 and a little 500 Auto Max ammo.
The 500 Auto Max
The AR 500 utilizes a cartridge known as the 500 Auto Max. Big Horn Armory created the 500 Auto Max because the 500 S&W Magnum’s rim doesn’t work well in semi-auto platforms. The 500 Auto Max packs the same punch as the 500 S&W Magnum, as well as the same versatility. However, it fits perfectly in box magazines and feeds well in semi-auto AR-type weapons.
5.56 looks cute next to a round of 500 Auto Max.
The 500 Auto Max hits hard and can take any dangerous animal on the planet. It’s a powerhouse of a round that can pack a punch with projectiles ranging in weight from 350 to 600 grains from the factory and well beyond by hand loaders. Big Horn Armory invented the AR 500 and 500 Auto Max, but it’s loaded by Steinel, Buffalo Bore, and Underwood in various power levels.
The mags come in five and nine-round variants.
The 500 Auto Max hits hard, but as you’d imagine, it’s a limited range caliber. Within 100 yards, a 350 grain round hits with over 2,000-foot-pounds of energy. At 200 yards, it drops to 1,600 foot-pounds, and the round drops about a foot ballistically. Within that speed spot from 0 to 150 yards, it will break bone, tear through muscle, and efficiently kill big animals.
Look at that big boy.
The 500 Auto Max cartridges fit into a proprietary magazine, and the AR 500 pistol ships with two five-round magazines. I also picked up a nine-rounder. The nine-round magazine is about the same length as a 20 round 5.56 magazine for perspective.
The AR 500 In Living Color
This AR 500 is an AR pistol that uses an upper and lower largely based on the AR 10 platform. That being said, it’s entirely its own thing. Everything about this bad boy is dummy thicc. The takedown pins, the mag well, the upper and lower, everything is beefy and capable.
It’s a pistol, technically, and it’s a huge pistol at that.
The bolt carrier group is massive! It’s a big beefy thing that dwarves a standard 5.56 BCG or even a .308 BCG. Honestly, everything about the gun is huge except the charging handle. It’s a dinky Mil-spec-style charging handle. You have barely any leverage to work the massive bolt against a rather heavy buffer.
Beyond that, the billeted upper and lower look fantastic. The magazine well has a nice funnel to it. The gun comes with an ambidextrous safety and ambidextrous bolt lock. However, the magazine release is standard righties only.
The weapon’s short, but not light at over 8 pounds.
The 10-inch barrel comes fitted with a big ole muzzle brake. Behind it sits a hefty M-LOK forearm with some rail tacked on for some basic accessorizing. Across the top, we got a huge optic rail perfectly suited for a red dot. At the opposite end, we have a blade-style brace. It’s adjustable via two bolts that use friction to keep the brace locked in place.
Ain’t nothing small about this gun, including the BCG.
While it’s short, it ain’t light. The AR 500 weighs 8.1 pounds empty without an optic. It’s a hefty beast, but what do you expect from what’s basically a 500 S&W Magnum AR?
At The Range
It’s rare I approach the range not knowing what to expect. I had some nerves fluttering around. I’d handled big-bore ARs like the 458 SOCOM, 450 Bushmaster, and similar guns. However, this was entirely new. I loaded up the two five-round magazines and a nine-rounder with a little 500 Auto Max and hit the range.
Lots of lead…in just a single round.
I knew to expect recoil, and I knew the brace wouldn’t be recoil friendly. Boy, was I right. There is some substantial recoil to this gun. It hits hard, and the brace certainly isn’t comfy. The brace makes it worse than it needs to be. It’s roughly the same recoil as a 3-inch 12 gauge magnum round. The brace beat me up and has since left me bruised and literally bloody.
Is the brake throwing the muzzle flash upwards? I don’t know, but I had a ton of fun.
But holy crap, was it fun! I like recoil and a challenge, and the Big Horn Armory AR 500 provides that. It’s everything my red-blooded American body loves! It’s loud, has a hint of muzzle flash, kicks hard, with some serious muzzle rise. Every shot gives you a thrill, and I had a blast, both literally and figuratively, with the AR 500 pistol.
Zeroing is usually boring, but it was thrilling with this gun. Since ammo is expensive, I did a very careful and methodical zero with tapes measures to get my 510C on target. After a 50 yard zero, I moved to 100 yards and tested for accuracy.
Straight Shooter
My group was about 1.5 inches. The gun doesn’t achieve MOA accuracy, but it’s dang near one big hole. I guess that’s what happens with half-inch holes. I achieved the group in a supported bench rest position with a simple red dot. Big Horn Armory seems to know their triggers, and the trigger was very smooth and fairly light. It takes a dedicated pull, but there is no take-up, and it’s super short with a very positive reset.
Holy crap does it hit hard…in both directions.
I will say the brake shoots lots of fire and gas downwards and that creates a rather dusty environment. Interestingly enough, if you focus, you can feel the massive bolt slamming rearwards and then running forwards. As a machine gunner, it reminded me of an open bolt gun firing the first shot. Part of your recoil impulse is the bolt slamming back forward, and with the big AR 500 bolt, you certainly feel it.
When you conduct a reload and hit the bolt release, you can most certainly feel that massive beast shoot forward and lock into place. Speaking of reloading, the magazine has to be inserted straight upwards and seems to have very little wiggle room. I had to pull the magazine forward a little bit partway up the magwell to get a smooth reload.
Big Horn Armory makes a damn fine firearm.
Also, the nine-round magazine would not insert fully loaded on a closed bolt without a seriously hard slap. Hard enough, I was a little scared of deforming the ammunition. I did love the ambidextrous bolt relief. I just needed to move my trigger finger up and hit the go button.
Does the AR 500 Run?
The ammo costs about two bucks per round, so I didn’t have hundreds and hundreds of rounds to test. I had 100 rounds, and I blew through it without issue. The gun never failed in that hundred rounds. It’s not much, but spending a grand on ammo isn’t in the budget!
It started with an AR 10, but got beefed up.
While the recoil might be stiff, you can still achieve those sweet double taps. Well, double tapp-ish. It’s more like a controlled pair after you take the recoil and muzzle rise into account. If I was hunting a big animal, I’d feel comfortable in being able to get a follow-up round on target quite quickly if I needed to.
If you need to hunt bears or semi-trucks this is the gun for you.
Put me within a hundred yards of a pack of hogs, and I will obliterate at least two of those bastards. The big, hard-hitting round leaves some room for a suboptimal shot. That shouldn’t be a goal, but a big, heavy, hard-hitting round rips and tears.
The 500 Auto Max
The AR 500 lays down some serious thrills. It’s powerful, hard-hitting, and a ton of fun to shoot. It’s certainly accurate enough to hunt and dominate inside of 150 yards or so. It’s a big beefy gun with a real niche use. Sure, the recoil hits hard, and the blade-like brace is most certainly a blade, but you can’t expect less. My only real complaint is the tiny charging handle. Everything about this gun is beefy, so why would you leave out a big beefy charging handle?
Luckily, it’s an easy fix. The AR 500 pistol gives hunters a very capable close-range weapon designed to hit hard and kill any big, dangerous animal that crosses your path. Big Horn Armory clearly knows how to make a damn fine rifle. It’s capable and very well made. Now I need to save my pennies for some more ammo!
Comp-Tac Holsters recently announced the addition of a highly sought-after accessory to their lineup, the Kydex Single Point Drop Leg. It is crafted from aircraft-grade Kydex and is strategically molded to comfortably fit around the thigh of the user. A nine-hole system allows for the mounting of various holsters and products, allowing the user to adapt to multiple types of mission requirements.
Comp-Tac recently announced the addition of the Kydex Single Point Drop Leg to their accessories line-up.
The drop leg comes with an adaptor plate that makes this holster compatible with the Comp-Tac CT3 Level III holster, the CT2-A Level II holster, the International and QB level I holster. The Kydex Single Point Drop Leg secures to the user at the waist with a hook and loop strap and around the thigh with an elastic strap equipped with a heavy-duty buckle.
The Kydex Single Point Drop Leg attaches to the belt of the user and the leg with an elastic and rubber grip material and side release buckle for a secure fit.
“With the development of the CT3 Level III holster, we have been looking into more varied mounting capabilities,” explained Gordon Carrell general manager of Comp-Tac. “The Kydex Single Point Drop Leg is the solution for both military and law enforcement customers who need to carry their firearm in a different position to help meet the needs of their situations.”
Key Features
Kydex material provides a rigid base for a holster or other equipment
Attachment point compatible with the CT3, CT2-A, CT2-H, International, and QB Holster
Attachment point also compatible with SQR and other quick disconnect systems
Adjustable VELCRO Belt Loop
Adjustable elastic leg strap with rubber grip material integrated and heavy-duty side-release buckle
The Kydex Single Drop Leg is compatible with the CT3, CT2-A, CT2-H, International, and QB Holsters from Comp-Tac or other holsters via a nine-hole system for mounting.
The ability to connect multiple types of mounts and holsters to the Kydex Single-Point Drop Leg makes it unique and unlike any of its kind on the market. The Kydex Drop Leg has a retail price of $50.
Patti Miller is one of the most awesome females in the tactical/firearm (or any) industry. Imagine a tall, hawt, dangerous Laura Ingalls Wilder type with cool hair and a suppressed blaster and you’ll be getting the idea. What’s interesting is that in addition to being a willing brawler and intrepid adventuress, she’s also an Ent/Ogier level gardener and a truly badass baker.
After years of shooting, observation, and dryfire, Edgar Sherman set out to solve the problems he observed and experienced first-hand. With the expertise of Patrick Law from BP Knives, they began the development of the first ESD Glock Gen 5 magwell. This is the first pistol magwell design that understands human ergonomics and motion. A magwell in a class of its own that not only looks like a Ferrari but it performs like one too, according to ESD.
ESD recently announced the first run of the new Glock Gen 5 Magwell. The magwell is intentional and goes along with their drive to enhance the shooter’s capabilities using a human-centered design.
Every curve, every angle, every feature on the ESD magwell is intentional and aligns with their mission to enhance a shooter’s capabilities using human-centered design. Featuring symmetrical side cutouts for stripping magazines, the ESD magwell allows for easy removal of flush-fitting magazines as well as those that have an extension. Additionally, a third cut-out is located on the front of the ESD magwell.
The ESD Magwell has symmetrical side cutouts for stripping out magazines and flush fits on those extended magazines.
This third cut-out is especially useful in low light/ no light conditions and serves as a reference point for the shooter which allows them to focus on the task at hand rather than worrying about fumbling a magazine during a reload. The angles on the inside of the magwell allow for a greater margin of error when inserting mags and will “course correct” if they are ever inserted at an off-angle.
The ESD Magwell is manufactured with the help of Parker Mountain Machine in New Hampshire. ESD wanted to support American manufacturing as well as their local community at every opportunity, so this partnership was a no-brainer. For ESD, it is important to not only source a quality product but also work with a company they trust to maintain strict quality standards at every step of the manufacturing process.
The third cutout on the Magwell is for low light/no light conditions for easy orientation of the magazine for faster reloads.
The magwell is made of high-quality 6061-T6 aluminum and anodized black. The ESD Magwell is currently available for Glock Gen 5 double-stack 9mm and .40cal pistols, with support for other handguns coming in the future. The current MSRP for the ESD Magwell is $110.
Concealed carriers and fans of Sig Sauer’s line of handguns will be interested to get a closer look at the newest pistol to launch in the gun maker’s line: the P210 Carry. According to the manufacturer, the Sig Sauer P210 Carry design maintains the features of its full-size Swiss predecessor while offering new, compact options for gun owners focused on personal defense.
The P210 Carry was created with concealed carriers in mind. (Photo credit: Sig Sauer)
Knowledge of the Sig Sauer P210 Carry’s eventual arrival on the market has been swirling around the gun industry since SHOT Show 2020, when a prototype pistol was being shown at the gun maker’s booth. Now that it’s officially launched, it appears the P210 Carry will not disappoint those who appreciate the full-sized model and may bring in new fans as well.
The P210 Carry has a lightweight alloy frame and checkered G10 grips. (Photo credit: SIG Sauer)
Tom Taylor, Chief Marketing Officer and Executive Vice President, Commercial Sales, Sig Sauer, Inc., had the following to say about the manufacturer’s launch of the new gun: “The Sig P210 is regarded as one of the most legendary, reliable, and accurate firearms in the world; the P210 CARRY pays homage to the foundational craftsmanship of its forerunner while maintaining the features, weight, and balance of an ideal carry pistol. The alloy frame lightens the weight, the slim low-profile grips with wrap-around checkering allow for an ideal purchase, and the shortened slide features the hallmark P210 signature reverse rail design bringing the premium P210 shooting experience to a carry gun.”
The Sig Sauer P210 Carry is chambered in 9mm. (Photo credit: Sig Sauer)
Sig P210 Features
Sig Sauer designed the 9mm P210 Carry with an alloy frame to cut its overall weight—it weighs 29 ounces, empty—with a stainless steel slide and carbon steel barrel. The barrel is 4.1 inches, which is almost a full inch shorter than the P210 Target‘s barrel length and just over half an inch shorter than that of the original P210.
Every P210 Carry ships with SIGLITE night sights, an excellent factory feature for any gun but especially useful on a gun meant for personal defense. Both the frame and slide sport a Nitron finish; Nitron is a ferritic nitrocarburizing process that gives the firearm a hard finish for the purpose of protecting it from excessive wear and damage. It has a left-sided, lever thumbs safety. Forward and rearward cocking serrations come standard. The gun has an 8-round capacity (+1) and ships with two magazines.
The aggressive checkering on the P210 Carry grips reinforces a firm grip even with sweaty hands. (Photo credit: SIG Sauer)
Specifications
Manufacturer: Sig Sauer
Model: P210 Carry
Size: Carry
Caliber: 9x19mm
Capacity: 8 +1
Sights: SIGLITE Night Sights
Overall Length: 7.75 inches
Overall Width: 1.44 inches
Height: 5.63 inches
Barrel Length: 4.1 inches
Threaded Barrel: No
Weight: 29 ounces, empty
Sight Radius: 5.6 inches
Accessory Rail: No
Trigger Action: SAO (Single Action Only)
Trigger Type: Standard Curved
Grip Type: Black, Checkered G10
Barrel Material: Carbon Steel
Frame Finish: Nitron
Frame Material: Lightweight Alloy
Slide Finish: Nitron
Slide Material: Stainless Steel
Ships With: (2) 8-round magazines
MSRP: Unknown. Online retailers are currently listing as approximately $1300.00.
Cleaning your firearms seems to be approached in two ways. It’s either seen as a relaxing time or one to be avoided at all costs. Whether you believe in cleaning your gun with every use or only break out the tools and lubes when it becomes unavoidable, you do need to have the right things for the job at hand. With this in mind, Breakthrough Clean Technologies created the Modern Sporting Rifle Carbon Removal Tool. If you have an AR-15 platform rifle or pistol, this particular tool is meant for you.
The Breakthrough Clean Technologies Modern Sporting Rifle Carbon Removal Tool. (Photo credit: Breakthrough Technologies)
Breakthrough Clean Technologies describes the tool on its website: “[Our] Carbon Removal Tool easily removes Carbon build-up from hard-to-reach areas on your firearm. With its integrated handle and double ended blade tools, removing stubborn carbon has never been easier. To use, push forward on the lever on the back side of the handle, grab and pull the tool blade end out until it clicks. To retract, push the round button down, and push the tool blade in until flush with the handle.”
Removing carbon buildup on your AR can be a challenge, and this tool is designed to make it easier for you. (Photo credit: Breakthrough Technologies)
Carbon build-up on AR-platform rifles and pistols is unavoidable, and it can lead to feeding and cycling malfunctions. The last thing you want to happen to your gun, whether it’s a duty rifle, target gun, or hunting set up, is for it to fail you when you need it most. It’s up to you if you work at removing carbon at low or high round counts, but no matter what, you’re going to find yourself attempting to scrape residue off your components. Breakthrough Clean Technologies Modern Sporting Rifle Carbon Removal Tool was designed for ease of use, to make the cleaning process simpler and more straightforward.
A visual example of how to use the Carbon Removal Tool on your AR’s bolt face. (Photo credit: Breakthrough Clean Technologies)
The Breakthrough Technologies Modern Sporting Rifle Carbon Removal Tool has a number of benefits to recommend its use, including:
It simplifies scraping carbon buildup from hard-to-reach components such as the bolt carrier group and bolt and firing pin.
Proper cleaning with the Carbon Removal Tool minimizes fouling-related malfunctions.
The ergonomically-designed handle offers a firm, no-slip grip to facilitate the removal of tough carbon build-up.
The tool is double-ended with blades that retract into the handle for storage and safety.
It has a compact design, so it doesn’t take up much storage space.
It is portable and easy to carry in a range bag.
Cleaning the bolt carrier using the Carbon Removal Tool. (Photo credit: Breakthrough Clean Technologies)
Failing to maintain your AR-platform rifle or pistol properly can do more than create fouling-related failures, it can shorten the life of your components. Breakthrough Clean Technologies doesn’t think the cleaning process has to be frustrating and drawn-out, though, which is why they offer not only the Modern Sporting Rifle Carbon Removal Tool but also bore brushes, solvents, and lubricants.
Ian McCollum is back with what may be the most well-thought-out bullpup design in the world. Yeah, I know, Tavor and all that, but take a look at the HS Produkt VHS-2 and then see what you think. For the two videos you’ll find below, Ian makes use of his extensive secret contacts in the French Defense establishment to examine and shoot two rifles that went through the French Army testing when they were looking to replace the FAMAS. While the Heckler & Koch 416 eventually got the nod, the VHS-2 came in second to an already proven and outstanding rifle.
Ian McCollum of Forgotten Weapons checks out the HS Produkt VHS-2 bullpup rifle.
First, a little background. HS Produkt is a small arms manufacturer in Croatia which, after the Balkan Wars of the 1990s and early 2000s, felt the need for a domestic arms production capability. HS Produkt designed and manufactures the HS 2000 pistol, known in the United States as the Springfield Armory XD Series, which Springfield imports from Croatia. The VHS-2 is the successor of the VHS-1, a bullpup reminiscent of the FAMAS, but with all the growing pains of a company’s first outing with a new type of firearm. HS Produkt learned from the VHS-1 and the new design shows the benefits of that experience.
The charging handle is just one of the many well thought out ambidextrous features on the VHS-2
Features
Ian says right up front that HS Produkt has “done a pretty sweet job on this rifle.” Let’s do a quick rundown of the features and specs and then talk about it a little:
The VHS-2 rifle is fully ambidextrous. Note the mag release and bolt release on the bottom of the rifle behind the interchangeable mag well.
Right or Sinister? Totally Up to the Shooter
Many guns claim to be ambidextrous, and they are, to a point. That claim usually applies to the controls but not the internals. The VHS-2 is as truly ambidextrous as any gun in the world. The charging handle is similar to the FAMAS, but it flips out to either side with no adjustment. The fire selector is the same on both sides. The mag release and bolt release are on the bottom of the rifle and intuitively operated during and after a mag change. Both are reminiscent of the AK release lever, just easier to operate. There are lots of sling attachment points, QD and otherwise, on both sides of the rifle.
The ambidextrous ejection system allows the dust cover on the opposite side to be easily pinned shut
The most interesting ambi feature is the ability to set the rifle up to eject to whichever side the shooter prefers. There are ejection ports on both sides of the rifle. The dust cover on the side not in use is easily pinned shut. When the bolt assembly is removed, the shooter can turn the AR-18 style bolt to set the extractor to the desired side. The cantilevered cam pin is then inserted, keeping the bolt set to that side. Ian points out that it’s far easier than switching a Tavor or a Steyr AUG, both of which require a different receiver.
The bolt assembly is removed by taking off the butt pad
The necessity of a right-handed shooter to sometimes shoot lefty, and vice versa, has also been considered. The stock’s cheekpiece includes brass deflectors on both sides, ensuring the shooter doesn’t catch an ejected cartridge case in the face. Ian notes that he gets the slightest breeze on the beard when shooting with his off hand, but that’s it. It’s really a well-thought-out and rather ingenious design.
The bolt can be aligned to place the extractor on the desired side for ejection. The cantilevered cam pin (left) holds in in place.
Other Cool Stuff
The length of pull is fairly long, but the VHS-2 comes with interchangeable butt pads and a collapsible stock anyway. The sights are mounted on the long carry handle, which is also equipped with a full-length Picatinny rail. The rear sight is a metal flip-up design with different apertures for different ranges. The front sight, also metal and flip-up, is a hooded post, adjustable for elevation. Ian says that even if you chose not to mount an optic on that top rail, the iron sights are very good, and the rifle would perform well.
The VHS-2 has a nice set of flip-up iron sights
The coolest stuff, for me anyway, is near the front of the rifle. Behind the birdcage flash hider are a bayonet lug and a rifle grenade support. Removing the carry handle assembly, easily done with push pins, reveals the short-stroke gas piston and gas block. The gas block only has one port and two settings. One, obviously, is fire and the other is for rifle grenades. There is no port at all for that setting.
The VHS-2 has a short-stroke gas piston setting. There is only one port on the gas block, though there is a setting for rifle grenades with no port.
But rifle grenades aren’t the only firepower upgrade for the VHS-2. The handguard is removed with a push pin, whereupon the rifle can take the business part of the stand-alone HS Produkt 40mm grenade launcher, which has the exact same attachment system as the handguard. It can literally be attached to the rifle in less than a minute and be ready to roll. Just swing out the barrel of the launcher, load her up, and you’re suddenly a grenadier.
The VHS-2’s handguard is interchangeable with the business part of HS Produkt’s 40mm grenade launcher. How cool is that?
The mag well is cool because it can be easily removed to accept either standard AR-15 mags or the G36 mags used by the Croatian military. HS Produkt even created a special mag well for the French Army trials that took FAMAS mags. That’s a nice feature to have.
The recoil spring and fire control group are easily removed through the stock
Finally, the rifle has an all-metal and easily removed fire control group similar to the FAMAS and the Steyr AUG. Ian believes this modularity lends itself to trigger upgrades should some enterprising company decide to make the effort.
How Does it Shoot?
Ian shot two versions of the rifle. Both had semi-automatic fire, while one had full auto and the other was limited to two round bursts, a request from the French police, who were also testing the rifle. He fired the guns on all three settings.
The barrel is on the same plane as the center of the buttstock, and the shooter’s shoulder, all but eliminating the tendency to climb as it recoils.
“Overall,” Ian tells us, “It is a remarkably pleasant, comfortable, easy rifle to shoot.” In another instance, he says the VHS-2 is “a quite nice rifle. A big reason for that is the design that locates the barrel and chamber on the same plane as the center of the buttstock, and by extension, the shooter’s shoulder. This arrangement all but eliminates any tendency to climb as it recoils.
“Excuse me while I whip this out:” the grenade launcher, that is. Note the flip-up sight and swing-out barrel for easy loading.
Ian shot the guns right and left-handed and had no problems with “eating brass” when firing from the non-dominant side. The rate of fire, on paper, is about a thousand rounds per minute, though Ian says he got the impression that the full-auto rate of fire was just a little slower than the two-round burst. He does say that his perception may be entirely subjective. He also notes that, though he’s not sold on the utility of two-round bursts, they are certainly controllable. “It is,” he says again, “quite comfortable.”
Grenade launchers are fun!
Finally, Ian whips out the grenade launcher and attaches it to the rifle in place of the handguard. Since he’s working on an indoor range, he fires rubber riot grenades, but the effect is still pretty cool, evidenced by the elated expression on his face after firing.
You Can Have One Too. Sort of.
All in all, the VHS-2 looks to be a very nice rifle. Personally, I’ve never really been attracted to bullpups, but this one is tempting. If you feel the same, you can pick up the civilian version of the VHS-2 — the Hellion, which was just unveiled by Springfield Armory who, as we noted before, imports HS Produkt guns into the US. There are some modifications to make them legal with the Feds, most notably the M-LOK handguard and the pistol grip. Also, they are semi-automatic and don’t have the capability to mount a bayonet or fire rifle grenades. And no grenade launcher attachment either. Sigh. But, if you’re interested, here’s a gun with only cosmetic changes that has experienced the trials and errors of production and done well in full-on military trials. Might be worth a look since we aren’t likely to get a shot at the real thing.
What do you think? Is this the beginning of a new kind of bullpup? Are you thinking about picking up a Hellion? Let us know in the comments.
