Rifle July/August 2017

There has been a lot of chatter on various blogs since the .375 Ruger was introduced awhile back. Most of the chatter is directed at how that case might be necked down to .30, 7mm or 6.5 calibers in an effort to build a super-zapper for big game or long-range target work. Overall, most of the projected assumptions regarding velocity with various bullet weights are overly optimistic – some wildly so. ...Read More >

Given an increasing interest in Bergara rifles, as noted by queries from readers, not to ignore questions from hunting buddies and from perfect strangers at the local public shooting range, it seemed appropriate to dig into a subject that, in some ways, can be a little confusing. The trouble with asking questions that are sometimes difficult to respond to is that many manufacturers in the firearms business often are unwilling to divulge certain information, or “trade secrets,” for public consumption. This is not an uncommon situation in many industries, even though most, if not all, information eventually becomes available over time. Employees change employers a lot in the firearms trade. ...Read More >

A pack mule once stepped off the trail in an effort to pass other animals of the pack string, only to have the rocks give way, causing it to fall and slide down the steep, rugged Salmon River Wilderness mountainside. The problem was that my rifle was on its pack. I watched the event in what seemed like slow motion, as the mule rolled over the panniers and rifle scabbard. Visions of a bent barrel, splintered stock and shattered scope raced through my mind. If lucky, perhaps it would only break the scope, and the rifle’s iron sights could be used for the remainder of the hunt. ...Read More >

The term “trapdoor” is a generic name for several models of U.S. Army rifles, starting with the little-known Model 1865 .58 Rimfire, then the Model 1866, and eventually the Models 1868 and 1870. Those last three were all chambered for .50 Government (1.75-inch case), commonly called .50-70 today. By 1873 the essential trapdoor idea was remodeled for use on the Models 1873 and 1884. These were chambered for .45 Government (2.10-inch case), known today as .45-70. ...Read More >

In the last issue, the major work was completed on a nifty, little plinking rifle built on a Model 91 Mauser action rebarreled to .45 ACP. This time the final details on shooting are covered. ...Read More >

Hunting license holders, as a percentage of the U.S. population, have dropped by nearly half since 1960. It’s estimated that gun owners outnumber hunters five to one. These folks want to shoot their rifles, and an increasing number of them are taking up target shooting, specifically long-range shooting. This popularity is signified by all the tactical “chassis” rifles manufacturers have introduced in the last few years and sniper-style competitions around the country, like the Precision Rifle Series. ...Read More >

The .243 Winchester is a favorite cartridge. My father was probably most responsible for this; his deer rifle was a Winchester Model 100 .243. He used it for groundhogs and deer; it was about all the rifle he needed. I’ve probably killed more game with a .243 than any other cartridge. Given an affinity for it, and the fact that my wife and son both have .243s, I’m always on the lookout for good factory ammunition options. ...Read More >

Long established as a premium shotgun manufacturer, Fausti also builds fine double rifles. Both side-by-side and over/under versions are now available. Individually handmade, signed by the artisan and finely finished, cartridge options are wide, and a “two-gun” set with shotgun and rifle barrels is an option. ...Read More >

I have two old hunting rifles made before 1914. One is a Haenel-Mannlicher made in Germany; the other is a Ross M10 manufactured in Canada to London standards. Each, in its way, is a superb rifle – carefully thought out and beautifully made. The Ross, however, is a masterpiece of simplicity, while the Haenel exemplifies the German gunmaker’s mania for complication. ...Read More >

Beginning in 2011, Mossberg introduced the MVP (Mossberg Varmint Predator) bolt- action rifle series available in .204 Ruger and 5.56 NATO/.223 Remington, with varying barrel lengths and weights. It was designed specifically for this family of cartridges. In firing multiple rifles extensively, in the field and at home, I was pleased with the function and accuracy. ...Read More >

Forty years is a good, long time. It’s about the length of a normal man’s career, and in terms of technology, it’s an epoch. In the life of a rifle – especially a military rifle – 40 years is practically unheard of, especially these days when new designs seem to tumble off the assembly line almost daily. ...Read More >

It has been no secret that I hold M1 .30 Carbines dear. In 1965, one of the 250,000 or so sold by the DCM to NRA members for $20 was my first centerfire. It coincidentally arrived right at my sixteenth birthday as a gift from my father. Many more have passed through my hands since, there being two M1s, a counterfeit M1A1 and an M2 (select fire) here now. ...Read More >

Thompson/Center now offers bolt-action rifles at three price levels: the Dimension, Venture and Compass. The Compass is intended to compete with the increasing number of budget-priced bolt actions that have lately entered the market. The Compass comes with a guarantee to shoot one-inch, three-shot groups at 100 yards. That’s a tall order for a rifle with a suggested retail price of $399. ...Read More >

The first smokeless rifle powder appeared in the 8mm Lebel cartridge in 1886, and shooters continue to feel the effects more than a century later – partly through a fixation on sheer muzzle velocity as the primary source of hunting rifle “magic.” This is particularly common among varmint hunters who shoot the abundant burrowing rodents of the West. ...Read More >

Winchester recently introduced its XPR Hunter with a Mossy Oak stock. This rifle is certainly geared to the all-weather hunter. Keep in mind this is not a Model 70, but it has the Winchester feel all over. In short, this is part of an emerging group of rifles seen from all manufacturers that combines modern CNC technology with a reasonable price tag and great features. ...Read More >