Rifle July-August 2024

Adaptive Tactical Tac-Hammer RM4 Rifle Stock for Ruger 10/22 Rifles ...Read More >

In my opinion, one of the most maligned and underrated American military shoulder arms is the carbine version of Springfield Armory’s Model 1873 45-70 Government (nicknamed the Trapdoor). Most of this ill-repute stemmed from one particular battle. That was the Battle of the Little Bighorn (June 25, 1876), wherein the U.S. 7th Cavalry was pitted against a host of warriors from Sioux, Cheyenne and Arapaho tribes. Not only was that battle the largest one in which M1873 carbines were used but it was the largest ever between the U.S. Army and plains Indian tribes. ...Read More >

There was a time when all serious riflefolk had a project or two in the planning stages. These could be as simple as recutting a chamber to an “improved” version of a standard cartridge or installing a receiver sight. More involved projects could be the rebarreling or the replacement of a stock with one of the 95 percent shaped and inlet varieties from Bishop, Fajen or Herters. Often, these projects took months or even years to complete. After all, planning is half the fun! ...Read More >

My initial interest in Zero Compromise Optic (ZCO) stemmed from the fact they are a local company near me with U.S. operations based in Orofino, Idaho. I had a project involving a long-range precision cartridge/rifle and was looking for a high magnification, top-quality system to aid in achieving maximum accuracy. ...Read More >

What is an accuracy guarantee worth in real terms? Exactly nothing. There, I’ve said it. ...Read More >

Straight-walled hunting cartridges are nothing new. Yet, Michigan’s Natural Resources Commission helped breathe new life into these old-fashioned designs after introducing regulations in 2014 that allowed .35-caliber or larger straight-walled cartridges measuring a minimum of 1.16 inches and a maximum of 1.80 inches long (which eliminated the 2.105-inch 45-70 Government) to be used for deer hunting in southern regions normally restricted to shotgun slugs. The impetus was the promise of increased safety in populated areas while also allowing the use of centerfire rifles. Other states, such as Iowa, Indiana, Pennsylvania and Ohio (where the 45-70 is legal), perhaps others at this point, quickly followed suit. This in turn, spawned the appearance of rounds such as Winchester’s 350 Legend and 400 Legend, which created more economical and shooter-friendly alternatives to rounds like the 450 Bushmaster. ...Read More >

It seems like new cartridges appear every day! From small game to larger animals, if there is a void, someone will fill it. Along with streamlined bullets, new powders and technology, everyone wants to have bragging rights at the club or in the field for the fastest, the most accurate cartridge or rifle around bar none. ...Read More >

On April 10, 1868, a small British force under the command of Lieutenant General Sir Robert Napier climbed onto a plateau in central Abyssinia to face the army of Emperor Theodore II. The British were exhausted, having just completed a grueling two-month, 400-mile journey from the sea over some of the most forbidding terrain on Earth. ...Read More >

During the 1940s, Roy Weatherby developed several magnum cartridges that were based on the 375/300 H&H Magnum belted case but necked accordingly and blown out to increase powder capacity. Next, he began building rifles on Mauser Model 98, Winchester Model 70, Schultz and Larsen, Brevex Magnum, Mathieu (left-hand) and other actions, but in 1957, he ultimately designed his famous Mark V rifle that was large, strong and easily housed large cartridges up to the 460 Weatherby Magnum. ...Read More >

“Shoot!” Not that it was my call, but Alan’s buffalo was suddenly a shared project. It had come from the side, fast through thin grass, screened by thorn a barrel-length away. Forty yards. Thirty-now-twenty! The 375 bellowed. Its chest centered; the animal missed a step. Then on it came. Alan’s follow-ups and cracking limbs echoed faintly as my 9.3 bucked twice, the beast now turning, stumbling… ...Read More >