Rifles

If you haven't noticed, what used to be called the AR-10 platform has made a comeback. Eugene Stoner's design in 308 Winchester (7.62x51mm NATO) has gone on to unprecedented popularity with military and civilian consumers. But many shooters prefer an even older military-style platform — a compact variation of the M1A rifle, with lineage credited to the John C. Garand M1 rifle. We recently tested two production rifles built on these different platforms, the $2200 Ruger SR-762 and the $1900 Springfield Armory Socom 16, to see which one we'd buy as a handy rifle for self defense, hunting, and all-round fun. Both had barrels around 16 inches long and used gas-piston mechanics to operate.

We began by breaking in each rifle using a variety of rounds featuring different bullet weights. We tried two different types of less-expensive 150-grain 7.62x51 NATO jacketed ball ammunition from MagTech and variety of rounds, such as Black Hills 175-grain boattail hollowpoints that have been known to excel in bolt-action rifles. We settled on three Black Hills rounds that shot the best, the company's 168-grain BTHP, 165-grain Gold Nosler Ballistic Tip, and 155-grain Gold Hornady A-Max ammunition.

For break-in and accuracy shooting, we used the same $310 Leupold FX-II 2.5X28mm IER (extended eye relief) Scout scope No. 58810 on both rifles. That was in part to accommodate the Socom 16, which offered only a short Picatinny rail above the forend. The Ruger SR-762 had a long top rail able to accommodate any type of scope. We could have added a receiver mount to the Socom 16, but, in our view, that would change the platform significantly. For accuracy, we fired five-shot groups from the 100-yard benches at American Shooting Centers in Houston.

Beyond accuracy and reliability we also compared the rifles based on practical handling. This included methods of loading and switching magazines as well as reviewing each gun's strengths and versatility.

We had the privilege of examining and shooting three double rifles from a private collection, all from the 19th century, and all being, for their time, reasonably powerful. They are that primarily because of their bore sizes. The test firearms were two 12-bore and one 14-bore double rifles, all by Scottish makers. The 14-bore was a Thomas Kennedy percussion rifle that took 500-grain balls, 14 of which make a pound. The other two were cartridge rifles, one by James Erskine taking a short 12-bore paper or brass case with a 0.735-inch ball, and the other by Alexander Henry, taking a 2.5-inch brass or paper case and a huge charge of powder behind a bullet of about 900-1100 grains, the bullet being either a grease-grooved bullet or one paper patched to fit the 0.770-inch bores. Prized collector's items, they have relatively high values as shown. Let's take a look at each in turn, oldest first.

Remington Outdoor Company has announced that several plants are being consolidated into Remingtons new facility in Huntsville, Alabama. Of particular interest is that Remingtons R1 1911 handgun production will be leaving the town of Ilion, New York, along with Bushmaster AR-15 production - both products are effectively banned by New Yorks stringent new gun laws.

In the April 2012 issue, Gun Tests magazine tested three semi-automatic rimfire rifles that showed promise of being more than just plinkers. They were the $325 Savage Arms model 64 TR SR V No. 45200 22 LR, CZ-USA's $465 model 512, and the $595 Remington 597 TVP. Following is an excerpt from that test, used with permission:

Thompson/Center Arms is currently offering mail-in rebates for consumers who purchase any new T/C Venture rifle. Where allowed by law, the mail-in rebate program will be available to consumers who purchase a T/C Venture rifle from January 25, 2014 through April 30, 2014 in the United States or Canada.

Savage has sold thousands of Model 110 rifles to hunters seeking an inexpensive rifle. Watch for several things when they need fixing.

GunReports.com issues a Special Report on the Ruger Model 77 repairs and improvements. Includes schematics for major areas of gun breakdown. Derived from American Gunsmith magazine, and AG's Gunsmithing the Rifle book. Ruger Model 77 rifles have been popular for years. Here are some things to watch for when one comes across your bench.

GunReports.com finds that it’s relatively easy to spot trouble in a simple bolt-action design, and the Browning A-Bolt is about as simple as they come. Adapted from American Gunsmith book series, Gunsmithing the Rifle.

GunReports.com relays information from Gunsmithing the Rifle about the much-praised and oft-maligned AR-15 rifle. An early model was dressed in green, and still had an Armalite logo on the side of the lower receiver. The ammunition designation was not 5.56mm, but the familiar .223 as manufactured by Remington. It was the summer of 1962.

In the April 2012 issue, Gun Tests magazine tested three semi-automatic rimfire rifles that showed promise of being more than just plinkers. They were the $325 Savage Arms model 64 TR SR V Savage, CZ-USA's $465 model 512, and the $595 Remington 597 TVP. Following is an excerpt from that test, used with permission:

SHOT Show Product Spotlight visits the Armalite booth to check out the company’s latest rifle, the AR-31, chambered in .308 Winchester. While there, Surgeon Rifles, a sister company of Armalite, showed off their newest rifle, the CSR Rifle (Concealable Sniper Rifle).

SHOT Show 2014 Product Spotlight went inside the Black Rain Ordnance booth to check out the company’s latest products.