Special Purpose

(GunReports.com) -- In the world of 308 Win./7.62 NATO auto-loading rifles, the M14 and its look-alikes reign just about supreme. They have it all, looks, power, function, capacity, plus a great variety of stock and accessory configurations from wood to all manner of polymer that can convert an M14 or M1A into just about any configuration you might want, particularly if you have deep pockets. Gun Tests recently tested the Springfield Armory M1A, $1739. We tested with three types of ball ammunition, the only type recommended in these firearms. It was Federal Gold Medal match, Magtech 150-grain ball from Brazil, and mixed lot of recovered ammunition purchased in bulk with headstamps from Israel, Italy, Belgium, and Canada, which we used unsorted. Here’s what we found.

The bulk of our evaluations at Gun Tests consist of head-to-head match-ups of like weaponry. However, every once in a while we come across firearms that occupy such a small niche, that competing products are hard to find. The best that we can do is match them up by job function, and see which product we prefer.The job this month is long-gun self defense. The Kel-Tec SU-16 is, for all intents and purposes, a lightweight AR-15 that folds in half.

We also had access to a carefully built, match-grade Garand. It easily and consistently put eight shots (not just three) of the mil-surplus ammo into groups smaller than 2.5 inches. With military-surplus match ammo, we put six into a group that measured 1.7 inches, on a bad-light day. The most obvious differences about this rifle were its excellent trigger (5.25 pounds) and smooth-as-glass bolt operation. The rear sight had been bushed to give a smaller…

In our first review of handguns suited for the SASS Wild Bunch category—named in deference to the Sam Peckinpah movie, The Wild Bunch—we covered five traditional GI-type handguns from Springfield Armory, High Standard, and Colt. Prices ranged from $500 to $1000, a fairly large spread. In the 'modern' class of 45s we tested, quite a few SASS members probably already own such a handgun, and interested shooters from other disciplines may jump in to shoot Wild Bunch matches. In this class, we tested the Springfield Loaded Model PX9109LP 45 ACP, $1035, which was more than a GI pistol with good features.

(GunReports.com) -- The South Korean government, in an effort to raise money for its military, wants to sell nearly a million antique M1 rifles that were used by U.S. soldiers in the Korean War to gun collectors in America.The Obama administration approved the sale of the American-made rifles last year. But it reversed course and banned the sale in March – a decision that went largely unnoticed at the time but that is now sparking opposition from gun rights advocates.

Tactical bolt-action rifles are pretty easy to spot. Typically, they utilize a composite stock with pronounced pistol grip, oversize bolt handle and fire from a heavy barrel. The military models are camouflage or earth tone in color, and the law-enforcement models are usually black. Accuracy, strength, and simplicity are key attributes. Can a tactical rifle serve as a hunting rifle? Were not saying one cant. Its just that a tactical rifle typically weighs more than a hunting model. The heavy barrel enhances the ability to maintain accuracy throughout repeat fire and excessive heat.

In addition, tactical rifles tend to be more suitable for longer distance shots and offer ergonomics that favor the prone position or other means of support. Compared to hunting rifles that feature adornments such as engravings or fancy wood, the tactical rifle is stark and businesslike. In this test, we evaluated a 308 Winchester aimed at the law-enforcement market and the $1899 Steyr Arms SSG69 PII 308 Winchester.

So, with all this interest in the 1887, we wanted to see which one we’d buy for fun shooting. The Armi Chiappa 1887 Fast Load 930.004, which we found selling under the Puma name by Legacy Sports International for $1229, had 12-gauge barrels chambered for 2.75-inch modern shells.

Tactical bolt-action rifles are pretty easy to spot. Typically, they utilize a composite stock with pronounced pistol grip, oversize bolt handle and fire from a heavy barrel. The military models are camouflage or earth tone in color, and the law-enforcement models are usually black. Accuracy, strength, and simplicity are key attributes.Can a tactical rifle serve as a hunting rifle? We’re not saying one can’t. It’s just that a tactical rifle typically weighs more than a hunting model. The heavy barrel enhances the ability to maintain accuracy throughout repeat fire and excessive heat.

Winchester exhibition shooter Patrick Flanagan completes a World Record of shooting 7 handthrown clay targets in one toss, shot separately with ONE hand, from the hip.

GunReports.com posts this Viking Tactics video on The Triple Threat drill, designed to really dial in on CQB-type shooting. It requires a great mix of both speed and accuracy. Start this one at about 5 yards. If you routinely make all of your shots on this one, it's time to speed up!

(GunReports.com) -- The new Bushmaster ACR redefines the term 'modular' with the extraordinary ability to change calibers, barrel lengths and stock configurations in minutes without the use of tools. It was born of a collaborative effort between Bushmaster, Magpul, and Remington to create the ultimate military combat weapons system. Built specifically for law-enforcement and commercial markets. From top to bottom, stock adjustments, front end disassembly, firing sequence, bolt disassembly.

On GunReports.com, the 'History of the Gun' online video series produced by site sponsor Ruger looks at the progression of firearms technology. Part 1 examines the Hand Cannon.