ZeroTech Optics’ popular line of Trace Advanced Riflescopes has expanded to include the Trace ADV 3-18×50 FFP illuminated Long Range Hunger (LRH), a riflescope designed with long-range hunters and shooters in mind. Each feature is specifically designed to meet and exceed the expectations of demanding shooters to give them the ability to put rounds on target with speed, and most importantly, precision.
ZeroTech Optics has upped its line of Trace Advanced optics to include a 3-18×50 FFP illuminated Long Range Hunter (LRH), a scope designed for long-range hunters and shooters. (Photo courtesy of ZeroTech Optics Instagram)
The ZeroTech Optics Trace Advanced 3-18x50mm FFP LRH utilizes the company’s super robust one-piece main tube, crisp Precision Turret System with zero stop, and a precise parallax adjustment that will be sure to keep the shooter on target in even the harshest of conditions. The ZeroTech Trace Advanced range has a capped lower profile windage turret and is also mag ring throw lever compatible. Heavy Duty (HD) aluminum flip-up covers will protect lenses from dirt and debris that can be folded flat and rotated to open in any desired orientation.
The ZeroTech Optics LR Hunter scope is said to be a true hybrid. The combination of First Focal Plane (FFP) and adjustable illumination enables the LR Hunter to mimic traditional reticles on low magnification. Whilst at higher powers, a level of precision is on offer to help the shooter connect with the farthest targets.
The ZeroTech Trace Advanced 3-18×50 FFP LRH riflescope comes with heavy-duty flip-up covers for the front and the back with an installation tool, turret Allen key, three spare turret grub screws, cleaning cloth, reticle chart, and manual.
The illuminated FFP LRH reticle is unique to ZeroTech, designed in-house to meet the demands of long-range hunting and shooters alike. Whether holding elevation and windage for high speed, precision shots, or dialing the turrets for long-range targets, the LRH reticle is the perfect blend of precision and speed.
Features
LRH FFP reticle (illuminated)
30mm tube
HD alloy flip-up covers
Precision Turret System (PTS)
Capped windage turret
Zero Stop
92% Light Transmission
Glass etched reticle
Weathershield lens coating
Available in MRAD
The 3-18×50 FFP LRH riflescope from ZeroTech Optics has the company’s super robust one-piece main tube, crisp Precision Turret System with zero stop, and a precise parallax adjustment that will be sure to keep the shooter on target in even the harshest of conditions.
Specs
Focal Plane: First (FFP)
Magnification Range: 3-18x
Objective Lens Diameter: 50mm
Main Tube Diameter: 30mm
Zero Stop: Yes
Turret Index Value: 0.1 MRAD
Internal Elevation Adjustment: 26 MRAD
Internal Windage Adjustment: 20 MRAD
Parallax Adjustment Range: 25 Meters – Infinity
Exit Pupil Diameter: Low – 9.5mm, High – 2.8mm
Eye Relief: 100mm
Field of View @ 100 Meters: Low – 11.2m, High – 1.9m
Objective Outer Diamber: 57.5mm
Ocular Outer Diamter: 43.5mm
Weight: 825 grams
Available Reticles: LR Hunter
Illumination: Yes
Light Transmission: 92%
The ZeroTech Trace Advanced range has a capped lower profile windage turret and is also mag ring throw lever compatible. Heavy Duty (HD) aluminum flip-up covers will protect lenses from dirt and debris that can be folded flat and rotated to open in any desired orientation.
Each ZeroTech Optic product is designed, developed, and tested to rigorous standards in the company’s Australia facility and is backed by its AAA unconditional lifetime warranty. In the box is the set of heavy-duty flip covers with the tool, turret Allen key, 3 spare turret grub screws, cleaning cloth, reticle chart, and manual. The ZeroTech Optics Trace Advanced 3-18×50 FFP LRH riflescope has an MSPR of $1199.
Nosler is well known for producing high-quality loading components and ammunition, so it comes as no surprise that their ASP line of handgun ammo is solid. The Nosler ASP ammo and bullets adhere to the company’s strict standards for quality control and performance and are well worth a closer look. You might not have considered the ammo maker for supplying your handgun-related needs before, but it’s time you do.
Nosler ASP ammunition is a line of top-performing handgun ammo and bullets. (Photo credit: Shooting Illustrated)
The National Shooting Sports Federation released details of the Nosler ASP loads:
Nosler has developed some of the industry’s most iconic hunting bullets, including the Accubond, Partition, and Ballistic Tip. Now the company is hoping that their…ASP (Assured Stopping Power) projectile will be the new standard bearer in the defense-bullet sector. The ASP bullet is designed with one purpose in mind: neutralizing a threat. To accomplish this, the jacketed hollow point comes with skives that initiate expansion at a range of impact velocities. The jacket helps retains weight, creating a great deal of hydrostatic shock that is transferred to the target. Nosler is offering ASP ammunition in four calibers: 9mm Luger (115, 124, and 147 grain), .40 S&W (150 and 180 grain), 10mm (180 grain), and .45 ACP (230 grain). Subsonic loads will be available for the 9mm and .45 ACP, and ASP component bullets will be available as well.
Nosler ASP 9mm 115 grain JHPs are designed specifically with self-defense in mind. (Photo credit: Nosler)
Nosler ASP, which stands for Assured Stopping Power, is made for self-defense. The ammo maker created ASP to provide gun owners with reliable, superior-performing defense loads, and they also offer the bullets as a loading component. ASP is available in the following loads:
9mm 115 grain Jacketed Hollow Point
9mm 124 grain Jacketed Hollow Point
9mm 147 grain Jacketed Hollow Point
40 Smith and Wesson 150 grain Jacketed Hollow Point
40 Smith and Wesson 180 grain Jacketed Hollow Point
10mm Auto 180 grain Jacketed Hollow Point
45 ACP 185 grain Jacketed Hollow Point
45 ACP 230 grain Jacketed Hollow Point
Nosler ASP 45 ACP is offered in either 185 grain or 230 grain Jacketed Hollow Points. (Photo credit: Nosler)
Nosler provides details of their handgun line:
Nosler Assured Stopping Power (ASP) ammunition line combines match-grade accuracy with a reliable, effective, hollow-point bullet. Evolving from the Match Grade ammunition line, ASP ammunition is loaded with the same quality and attention to detail that Match Grade users have come to expect, with the addition of an expanding hollow-point bullet designed specifically for duty and defensive use. Loaded in Nosler headstamped brass, and utilizing quality components throughout, the ASP ammunition can be relied upon to perform in a wide variety of applications and ranges. Equally at home on duty or in a defensive role, Law Enforcement professionals and civilians alike can rest assured that ASP™ ammunition will perform when needed.
Dimensions of Nosler’s 9x19mm Parabellum. (Photo credit: Nosler)
Features:
Skived bullet jacket engineered for reliable expansion at a range of impact velocities
Controlled expansion and penetration for effective energy transfer
Jacket mouth designed for smooth, reliable feeding
Consistent performance and accuracy
Suppressor Ready offerings designed for reliable expansion at subsonic velocity
The Nosler ASP line promises to be a stellar defensive option for handgunners focused on self-defense. What do you think?
HUXWRX Safety Co. (formerly OSS Suppressors) has upped its suppressor game with its 3D-printed FLOW 556k suppressor. While this suppressor utilizes HUXWRX’s patented Flow-Through and Torque Lock technology, it also features the enhanced benefits of 3D printing which makes it a lighter, shorter, and quieter suppressor.
HUXWRX Safety Co, formerly OSS Suppressors, upped their game with the 3D-printed FLOW 556K suppressor. The FLOW 556K suppressor features HUXWRX’s patented Flow-Through and Torque Lock technology to produce a lighter, quieter, and shorter suppressor.
In addition to the stringent assessment and development undergone by HUXWRX, the FLOW 556k also participated in rigorous FBI Ballistic Research Facility testing. The results of which reportedly revealed the FLOW 556k as an unparalleled product when it came to weight, unsuppressed and suppressed flash, accuracy, sound suppression, reliability, and blowback mitigation.
HUXWRX Safety Co. is honored to have developed systems utilizing the advanced manufacturing techniques of 3D printing. This rapidly evolving technology allows for more efficient quality control, improved logistics, elimination of tolerance challenges, and improvements in the design and development cycle.
HUXWRX FLOW 556K suppressor with Torque Lock technology that locks the suppressor in place without tools and allows for a repeatable POI shift. The Flow-Through technology helps reduce the signature of the suppressor without impacting cycling or the service life.
Specs
Weight: 9-12.9 oz
Length: 5 in
Diameter: 6 in
Ultimately, we have created a product that enables development and production efficiencies unavailable with traditional CNC manufacturing. The 3D-printed FLOW 556k is only the beginning for the next generation of technologically advanced suppressor systems to come from HUXWRX.
The Flow-Through and Torque Lock technology of the suppressor is designed to reduce signature without negatively impacting cycling or service life. It reportedly delivers superior toxic fume exposure mitigation, flash reduction, sound reduction, recoil reduction, and repeatability. HUXWRX encourages suppressor maintenance to be performed to increase the service life of the FLOW 556K suppressor.
The FLOW 556K has a fully-welded outer body made of 17-4 heat-treated stainless steel coated with C-series high-temperature black Cerakote. The FLOW 556K with Flow-Through technology redirects expanding gases forward allowing us to use 17-4 stainless steel deflectors and internal Grade 5 Titanium coils.
The HUXWRX Torque lock is a patented, tool-less locking system that ensures the suppressor will stay securely mounted onto the muzzle device, even in full auto. The FLOW 556K is engineered so that the mounting interface is precise and consistent, resulting in a repeatable and minimal POI shift.
The design of the FLOW 556K suppressor also does not require any modifications to the bolt, gas tube, buffer, or recoil springs. Or modifications to any other items within the host weapon. The suppressor mounts on the QD flash hider, but is compatible with both the Muzzle Brake-QD 556 and the Flash Hider-QD 556.
The FLOW 556K suppressor was designed with minimal length in mind. The suppressors are engineered and tested to meet the highest military accuracy specifications worldwide. The suppressor also meets current military specifications for sound pressure levels at the shooter’s ear.
The FLOW 556K is full-auto rated and is compatible with 5.56, 17HMR, and 5.7 platforms. The suppressor ships with a flash hider QD 556 threaded 1/2×28. The FLOW 556K has an MSRP of $1245.
C&H Precision Weapons offers a full line of adaptor plates for mounting red dot optics to pistols. These plates allow users to change from a standard mounting option to an uncommon mounting or to a preferred optic. Given the long history of C&H’s work with DoD, many plates are offered for the V4 MIL/LEO cuts.
C&H Precision Weapon (CHPWS) has a full line of adapter plate offerings for mounting red dot optics. These plates are made in-house by the family-owned Georgia company and provide flexibility in mounting options for shooters.
Some of the more common mounting options are for MIL/LEO, Aftermarket RMR, and factory slide cuts. Plates allow for attachment of various Vortex, Aimpoint, Leupold, Trijicon, SIG, and Holosun optics to uncommon or non-standard slide cut designs a user’s preferred optic. There are over 120 choices available, they can be sorted by manufacturer, optic or gun type. A complete list of adaptor plates and optic options can be found on C&H’s site.
The C&H Precision plates are designed, manufactured, and shipped from our small family-owned business in Coastal Georgia. Each plate is precision machined in-house to the tightest tolerances on HAAS CNC machines and each plate goes through multiple quality checks before shipping to CHPWS customers.
The plates available on the site can be sorted by firearm manufacturer, optic, and optic manufacturer. The most popular options for C&H Precision Weapons are MIL/LEO, Aftermarket RMR, and factory slide cuts, which all are made from 6061 aluminum materials.
These plates open the doors for users to continue to employ their pistol with an optic of choice. C&H Precision has allowed shooters to mount a broad range of red dots to a sole firearm. Additionally, many firearms can be adapted to different optics depending on the use without much modification. A simple red dot change is a quick removal and reinstallation of a new plate and optic. From plinking and competition to training novice shooters or duty setups, C&H Precision Weapons has an adaptor plate.
The C&H Precision Weapons plates allow users to take the existing firearm and use the optic of their choice. The plates allow shooters to mount a huge variety of red dots on just one firearm, given the correct plate is used. Minimal modification is required in many cases.
Most of C&H Precision Weapon’s plates feature a patented stainless steel T-Nut which provides an industry-leading six to seven threads of engagement. Since all the mounting hardware is replaceable, if any mounting hardware is damaged it can be replaced without replacing the entire plate.
Specs for Plates
Thickness: V4 MIL / LEO Plates are .095″ to .099″ thick
Material: Plates are made from 6061 aluminum. All mounting hardware is Stainless Steel
Finish: Plates are MIL-SPEC Type III Hard Anodized – Black
Replaceable 416 Stainless Steel T-Posts for the maximum thread engagement
C&H Precision Weapons parts feature a patented stainless steel T-Nut which has six to seven threads of engagements, and is an industry leader. If any of the hardware is damaged, parts are easy to replace without having to replace the entire plate.
I love the Predator. Well, the first film at least, and I admit I enjoy the second film too. After that, well, it’s not great, at least film-wise. Predatorswas okay; The Predator (the latest one with Boyd Holbrook) was not so great. The Predators vs. Aliens movies kind of suck, but the comics are great. So, when they announced the Prey movie, I was cautious. I liked the idea and thought the prequel would be a refreshing take on the idea of the Predator. It’s also a bit of a follow-up from the second film (1990, Danny Glover as Lt. Mike Harrigan) in a few ways.
Anyway, as I type this, I’m about four beers deep and just finished the film, so let’s dive in.
Prey is a Predator movie prequel. It takes place in 1719 (early 18th century) and is filmed in remote parts of Alberta, Canada.
Predator: Prey Movie
The film goes back about 300 years to the early 1700s. We are dropped into a village of Comanches and introduced to a young lady named Naru. We instantly see she is quite skilled with a tomahawk and throws it like a pro. She lives in the shadow of her brother, Taabe, a skilled hunter. Naru wishes to be a hunter and wants to complete what seems to be some sort of rite of passage, something called kühtaamia.
Naru likes her tomahawk.
Kühtaamia is explained to be a hunt in which she has to hunt an animal capable of hunting her in turn. This leads through the series of events where Naru tries to prove herself to her tribe, to herself, and even to the Predator.
As the movie takes place in early in the eighteenth century (1719), we get some gorgeous shots of North America. The woods, the rivers, and landscapes, all of it is breathtaking. The Prey movie was filmed in Alberta, Canada, particularly the Exshaw and Stoney Najoda First Nation regions. “Moose Mountain” and the Elbow River both feature prominently. With just a few cinematic exceptions, the movie is bright and shot clearly, so you can see almost everything without any issue.
If you haven’t seen Prey, then let’s end your part of this article now. I will tell you it’s worth the watch. It’s a solid, entertaining movie that can be a little slow in the first half. However, it’s only my second favorite Predator film. The first still owns a part of my heart.
Anything beyond this will be spoilers.
It’s obvious that pretty much any of our Saturday Night at the Movies articles might contain spoilers but we’re posting another warning just in case!
Into the Prey Movie
The film Prey starts a little slow. We are introduced to Naru, her brother Taabe, and her mom. We also begin to see her motivations. Her father has passed and she wants to be a hunter and warrior like her brother. She rejects her role as a gatherer and expert in medicine. As this unfolds, the film meanders a bit at the beginning with bits of the Predator shown and how he interacts with the dangers of North America.
The main problem here is that it’s not interesting. The idea invokes the first film. If you recall the first Predator, the movie in the first act is about an elite Black Ops team killing the enemies of democracy. The film follows a similar route with Naru trying to become a hunter. There is a subplot with a mountain lion instead of communists.
The Predator has to take on the Comanche
Even after Naru begins tracking the Predator, the film moves slowly. We do get to see the Predator deal with a rattlesnake, a wolf, and even a badass fight with a bear. About the time the Predator fights with a grizzly bear, the film starts moving.
When it starts moving, it gets ultra-violent. Lots of action, tons of blood, decapitations, and the disassembly of people limb from limb, and we see our hero grow and learn. Prey isn’t about super commandos with 24-inch arms fighting an alien. It’s about a young Comanche who has to outthink the Predator.
She has to be smart, and that’s how she survives. There are a lot of little setups that pay off in unexpected ways, and I appreciated it greatly.
Its a new Predator
A New Age for Prey
Setting the movie in the 1700s changes the dynamics and the weaponry all around. Obviously, Ole Painless wouldn’t make much sense in this film. This brings us to what appears to be fairly authentic weapons for the Comanche. This includes bows, spears, knives, and tomahawks made from stone. It might be one of the only movies to show a character sharpen their blade and constantly perform maintenance.
Additionally, I know very little about how the Comanches fought or used their weapons, so I dived into it. From my research, it seemed like the film did a good job of showing how the Comanche fought and used their weapons. This occurs down to how they retract the firing arm of their bow and how they retain their spears when blasting through arrows.
Look at her hand position, it’s authentic for the time.
The hero in Prey, Naru, is exceptionally skilled with her weapons, even if it doesn’t mean a whole lot. One of the parts of the movie I thought was a bit cheesy is her parkour abilities. It’s just a bit too much to make her like some kind of fantasy ninja.
There are some guns thanks to some French trappers who become easy fodder for our beast of a Predator. I’m not ultra knowledgeable about weapons of this period, but a Frenchman describes the method of firing one, and it’s accurate.
We even see a very familiar 18th-century pistol that Predator fans will most certainly enjoy seeing. With that said, Prey couldn’t have a traditional Predator.
A New Predator
Our new, or well, old Predator is a bit different than what we are used to. It hardly seems fair for a Predator to use a laser weapon against people with muskets, early rifles, bows, and tomahawks. Luckily this Predator prefers to get hands-on. He likes a spear and his claw, and we even see a few new weapons. This includes a shield and arrow launching weapon guided by his familiar laser aiming device.
The new Predator still has the famous heat vision but wears what appears to be an older mask, maybe one made from bone. The Predator is also a bit different in design. We get the mandibles, but he looks different and lacks dreadlocks. He’s vicious, violent, and acts like a monster.
The three dots make a comeback!
Predator is one of those creatures where less is more, and while we get some gratuitous shots, we also earn them. We get teases throughout the film, but for the majority of it, he wears the cloak and clicks away in the background.
Worth the Watch
The film is streaming on Hulu, and since I subscribe to Hulu, it’s tough for me to say it’s not worth the watch. I remained entertained throughout the film; even the slow parts are worth watching. Prey surprised me, and I was happy to be surprised.
Plate carriers are designed to give the wearer some degree of protection against specific calibers of bullets. The High Speed Gear Core Plate Carrier is a popular design that’s trusted by many, but there are those who would like an extra layer of protection on their sides. This is where the Core Side Plate Carrier Cummerbund comes in because it gives the wearer the ability to add on to their existing plate carrier for even greater coverage.
High Speed Gear’s Core Plate Carrier is available with a cummerbund. (Photo credit: High Speed Gear)
High Speed Gear released the following details of their Core Side Plate Carrier Cummerbund:
…[this is] an additional accessory to the Core Plate Carrier. The Core Side Plate Cummerbund integrates with the Core Plate Carrier, providing four columns of MOLLE attachment area on the sides of the torso, and holds hard side plates for added protection. The cummerbund is built from lightweight durable laser-cut laminate. Webbing straps with integrated elastic allow for a comfortable, precise fit. Side-release buckles allow for quick don/doff.
The Core Side Plate Cummerbund features five rows and four columns of laser cut MOLLE, built from a durable
Cordura nylon laminate. Webbing straps with integrated elastic, allow for precise body fit for most users. Side plates are
stored in integrated pockets which adjust to fit most plates in the 6×6” to 6×8” range.
Working on your gun, whether for repairs or upgrades, tends to require tools. Some tasks require a greater number of tools than others, and certain things need very specific tools, which is how you end up with piles of gun-related gear everywhere. If your gun toolbox is overflowing, Multitasker Tools has a product out to reduce it a little: the Multi-Tasker M:4, a multi-tool created for the M4 platform. (The M4 being, of course, the military’s name for their full-auto rifle, which has a design like that of the AR-15, although the AR-15 doesn’t have the awesome selector switch.)
One tool to rule them all? Not quite, but the Multitasker Tool M:4 can handle a variety of tasks on your M4 pattern rifle. (Photo credit: Multitasker Tools)
Multitasker Tools provided the following details regarding their M:4 tool:
The M:4 [patent number 11,092,405] is a 1-piece multi-tool for the M4 carbine designed and manufactured by MultiTasker® in conjunction with B5 Systems, makers of the SOPMOD and SOPMOD-Bravo buttstocks.
The M:4 is precision machined from solid barstock using wire-EDM/CNC and fits discreetly with no visible footprint inside a specially inletted buttpad made by B5. Easily accessible without tools simply by pressing the release tabs on the buttpad. Dot coded to indicate functions.
The M:4 tool from Multitasker Tools is designed to fit inside the buttpad of the B5 stock, so it’s right there when you need it. (Photo credit: Soldier Systems)
The individual tools that have been combined into the M:4 tool include:
1/4 inch slotted screwdriver
Dual lug castlenut spanner wrench
1/2 inch hex ring for scope rings
Bolt override malfunction clearance tool
With this multi-tool, users can take care of basic fixes and adjustments without having to dig through a pile of tools or leave the range to go home for tools. The M:4 fits neatly inside the buttpad of the B5 Systems stock, although of course you don’t have to have a B5 Systems stock to get the tool itself.
The Multitasker Tools M:4 tool is small enough to fit in the palm of your hand and so convenient it fits in the buttpad of B5 stocks. (Photo credit: Multitasker Tools)
The B5 Systems buttpad the tool is designed to fit inside is described by the manufacturer as follows:
Direct replacement buttpad for lost or damaged B5 Systems SOPMOD, Bravo, and Bravo-C buttstocks. Buttpad features a no slip cushioned surface with recoil reducing properties. M4 Tool sold separately.
FEATURES
Manufactured from heat and chemical resistant material.
Internal compartment for MultiTasker M:4 tool (not included).
Toolless installation.
Available in all standard colors.
SPECS
Weight: 1.90 ounces
Length: 4.90 inches
Width: 1.50 inches
As you can see, the buttpad for the B5 Systems stock is designed to fit the Multitaskers Tools M:4 tool. (Photo credit: B5 Systems)
Would you use this multitool on your rifle? Why or why not? Would you put it on your gun?
Tell us what you think in the comments section below.
Anyone who has owned a 10/22 and changed parts on it has likely had to deal with the V-Block. This was an easy method to attach barrels to the Ruger 10/22 receiver but is finicky and doesn’t lead to the ultimate accuracy you can achieve. Grey Birch Manufacturing said hell no with that garbage and decided to do what the big bore rifles do and have a threaded barrel and barrel nut.
The darker receiver uses the V-Block while the Fusion has the new barrel nut design.
We had previously talked about the LaChassis as it is called now and it had the V-Block version of their barrel and receiver in it. They have since discontinued these items despite the great accuracy we had on our sample. Now they only offer what they call the Fusion LDR in both a 16.1″ carbon fiber wrapped barrel or fatty steel barrel. We picked up the carbon fiber version and got to check out their new bolt at the same time.
The Grey Birch Fusion in the LaChassis has a nice profile.
Precision Bolt
You can see the difference between a standard bolt profile and the Precision Bolt here.
We will start off by talking about the new bolt since this removed my main frustration with assembling a 10/22—getting the bolt and cocking handle assembly into the receiver. I find this process overly complicated for what it needs to be. Some people have mastered the cheat code for installing these, but not this guy.
The Grey Birch Manufacturing Precision Bolt simplifies this by attaching the cocking handle to the bolt itself. On a normal Ruger bolt, you have to slot the cocking handle into the top of the bolt with a delicate balancing act. To install this bolt you just unscrew the cocking handle and put the spring guide rod and recoil spring into the corresponding hole in the bolt. Then all you have to do is push back and tilt in. I did this with two rifles as you can see in the picture and the Precision Bolt was infinitely easier to install. The extractor and firing pin are also much cleaner parts than what you get with Ruger.
I did have one issue with this bolt compared to a stock Ruger one and that was a Timney 10/22 trigger that caused a load of light strikes. After doing some research, a lot of people have talked about how the trigger has light strikes, so the Timney trigger seems to have a weak hammer spring. So instead, I did what I had planned to do for a long time—get a bunch of Tandemkross parts into a Ruger BX trigger pack. I tested with both a stock BX trigger and the upgraded one and both had proper strikes every time. I like this bolt so much that I will be buying one for my wife’s 10/22 due to how easy it is to remove and install.
Looking down the side of the rifle you can see the Fusion Receiver with Carbon Fiber Barrel and the Precision Bolt.
Fusion System
Now that we have talked about the new bolt it is time to get into the hotness that is the Fusion System. The Fusion Systems barrel nut means that your barrel can be consistently torqued on giving consistent results. The only thing is you would need to make sure is the extractor slot is timed right. The Fusion System does come with the barrel factory installed into the LDR receiver and with 22lr it will take a long time to shoot out the barrel.
There is a small but easily remedied issue with the barrel nut. Most stocks are not designed with the added girth in this area of the barrel so minimal work with a file or sandpaper is needed to relieve this area. If you buy a current model of the LaChassis it comes with this area set up for the barrel nut.
You can see the barrel nut runs pretty tight with the chassis.
Rail
The rail on the top of the rifle is a 20 moa rail giving you some extra elevation in your scope. This is much needed when shooting 22lr at range due to the heavy drop of the slow-moving chunk of lead. The receiver itself is made from 6061 T6 aluminum and anyone who has worked with 7000 series aluminum can understand why (ask me how I know). The receiver has a clear hard anodized finish which has held up well so far and gives the rifle a unique look showing off the tumbled aluminum below.
We will be ditching the thread protector for a ReddNobb Tuna Can in the near future to see how much more we can dial in the Standard Plus or Rifle Match.
Barrel
The barrel comes with an anodized blue thread protector and is made from well-machined carbon fiber and 416 stainless steel. The chamber of the barrel is a Bentz chamber made for match ammo and we can certainly say this rifle makes some nice small holes.
I recently took the rifle to the range and forgot to bring a bipod. So I said screw it, I will shoot off the Game Changer bag. I had several types of ammo with me and at 50 yards the Remington Target Rifle made by Eley shot a single-hole group. The next two best consistent five-shot groups came from the RWS Rifle Match along with the SK Standard Plus. Both of these were easily making .300″ groups when the wind picked up a bit so likely on a bipod in calmer conditions this could be dropped further.
Of the five different types of ammo I shot, each was used for a five-shot group five separate times to rule out trigger mistakes. The rifle performed pretty well with CCI Standard Velocity but it was obvious the Bentz chamber preferred match rounds. Currently, we have shot just under 600 rounds of 22lr through this rifle and will update this article later if anything changes or we find a better round for the rifle.
The combination of wood, clear hard anodized aluminum, and carbon fiber sure makes for a fancy-looking package.
Now on to the fun part. I keep seeing American friends and other people ask where to get these rifles and parts in the states. Up until now, the rifles had to have loads of paperwork done on them, the sun and moon had to properly align, and then it finally got into the states.
Well, Grey Birch Manufacturing will be doing the big move south of the border to one of the freest (that word looks odd to write) states—Florida—so expect these things to be readily available over the next year. We are excited to see where Grey Birch Manufacturing goes as they continue to release new products in the rimfire world like a stock for the 10/22 Takedown, Tikka T1 or the CZ 457, or even their rumored 10/22 trigger group they are working on.
Primary Weapons Systems, PWS, joins the suppressor realm with its BDE (Bravo Delta Echo) suppressor line. The BDE 762 is the first suppressor manufactured by PWS and the first to be released in the BDE line.
Primary Weapons System has joined the suppressor world with the Bravo Delta Echo, or BDE, line of suppressors. The first in the line is the BDE 762 modular rifle caliber suppressor made of lightweight titanium components.
This suppressor is constructed of lightweight titanium alloy, commonly used in high-strength components in medical, motorsport, and aerospace applications. Its modular design allows for easy customization, shipping with four removable baffles as well as two wrenches for quick configuration.
The baffles are constructed on a state-of-the-art 3D printer at PWS, then finished on in-house CNC machines. The 3D printing allows for a more effective, complex, and lighter-weight construction of aerospace-grade titanium than traditionally machined titanium parts.
The PWS BDE 762 is a modular suppressor that ships with 4 removable baffles and necessary wrenches so the end user can adjust the overall length, weight, and noise reduction of the suppressor.
Features
3D Printed Titanium allows for lighter and stronger components
Modular design that ships with removable baffles enabling modification by the end user.
Compatible with most suppressor mounts on the market with universal thread.
Anodized & Cerakoted for a durable outside finish
Taper-threaded baffles to prevent carbon locking and loosening between baffles.
Accuracy increased with symmetrical internal baffle notches and exterior textures reduce mirage
The BDE 762 is made from 3D printed aerospace-grade titanium and finished in-house on CNC machines for an overall lighter and stronger suppressor than traditional methods.
The entrance chamber, being the serialized component, features a universal 1.375×24 TPI pattern allowing for compatibility with a variety of existing suppressor mounts. Each baffle is taper-threaded to minimize carbon locking as well as loosening, both problems commonly seen on suppressors. The internal baffle notches are symmetrically designed to ensure accuracy is not impacted, while the non-modular baffles allow gas to be diverted to lower the back pressure.
The exterior design of the suppressor has been engineered for both form and function, to dissipate heat mirage and help keep the line of sight clear. All components receive a titanium anodizing treatment for a nonporous and anti-galling surface, followed by high-temperature Cerakote application on the exterior for a sleek finish.
Making it useable with many mounts on the market currently, the BDE 762 ships with a universal thread mount, threaded 1.375×24 TPI. Additionally, the outside design isn’t just aesthetics; it dissipates the heat signature mirage and keeps the line of sight clear.
BDE 762 Specs
Weight: 12.7 – 17.4 oz
Length: 6.5 – 8.2 in
Diameter: 1.75”
Caliber: up to 300 WIN MAG
“One of the things I’ve always admired about PWS has been the ability to innovate. The addition of additive manufacturing (3D printing) capabilities to our Boise facility will further accelerate that commitment,” says CEO Nate Treadaway. “We feel confident that the BDE 762 has versatility and performance characteristics that simply can’t be replicated with traditional suppressor manufacturing processes.”
The BDE 7.62 suppressor is designed and ships with removable baffles that allow the length and noise reduction to be adjusted by the end user. The suppressor is rated up to 300 WIN MAG and has an MSRP of $1,099.95.
Federal Premium offers a number of 380 ACP self-defense loads ranging from light-for-caliber options from the new 85 grain Punch to the long-established 99 grain Hydrashock. The Federal Micro HST resides in the same territory as the Hydrashock on the heavier end of the spectrum. These heavier loads have the extra vital mass needed for deep penetration but often at the expense of expansion. To see how the HST stacks up, I decided to put it to the test.
The Load
The Micro HST is a line of ammo engineered around shorter-barreled handguns that ordinary folks like you and me use for concealed carry. The 380 Micro HST is a 99 grain jacketed hollow-point with an advertised muzzle velocity of 935 feet per second.
Aesthetically, some thought was put into this load. Given how finicky some 380 pistols are with some ammunition, the use of corrosion-resistant nickel cases and a rounded bullet profile seems to be a smart idea to ensure smooth feeding where a wider-mouthed conical design might not. On the other hand, a flat-nosed conical design might upset readily on target. To compensate, the HST’s jacket is shivved almost to the case mouth. I ran two boxes of this ammunition through my Ruger LCP without issues and saved a third to test velocity and terminal performance.
The Test
The full wound tracts of three Federal HST rounds in gelatin.
I started by running a quick five-shot string over my Caldwell chronograph from a distance of ten feet. Out of my 2.75-inch barreled LCP, the HST Micro clocked with an average velocity of 959 feet per second—marginally higher than what Federal advertises and faster than quite a few loads I have seen in the 100-grain bullet range. Needless to say, I was optimistic when I shot three rounds into my denim-backed 10% Clear Ballistics gelatin blocks.
That extra velocity and mass translated into good penetration but the four layers of denim (to simulate heavy clothing) clogged the hollow-point cavities, preventing them from expanding.
However, all three rounds tumbled the 6-14 inch marks, shedding fabric as they went. Two rounds landed base-first at the 16-16 1/2 inch marks respectively. The third round settled at the 18 1/4 inch mark, between two blocks. On retrieving that round, it was packed with denim. Reviewing the wound tracts, it appeared that the first two rounds tumbled twice, while the last round only once.
Three HST projectiles, suspended in gelatin.
On a hunch, I removed my denim barrier, stepped back to ten feet, and took another shot into bare gelatin. With no resistance, the HST expanded just as advertised along the shives in the jacket, reaching a depth of eleven inches—just below the FBI’s arbitrary 12-18 inch guideline for duty-handgun performance in gelatin. The expanded projectile miked at .588 inches.
Parting Shots
The 380 Micro HST is characteristic of other heavier 380 loads that have plenty of penetrating and tumbling ability, although often at the expense of penetration through anything of substance. Yet even though heavy cloth, this load does quite well. On the other hand, the HST might be the load of choice in warm weather when cotton t-shirts are appropriate attire.
