TESTING NOSLERS FIRST CARTRIDGE

December 2014

The Worlds Oldest And Largest Firearm Authority

S&WS MODEL 69 .44 MAG

COMBAT
MAGNUM

Cold War K-Frames

AR 101: Field Positions

RUGER 10/22

CARBINE
Collectors Series
Packaged in a commemorative 50th Anniversary box with
Collectors Series box decal, these Ruger Collectors Series
10/22 Carbine rifles include, a Collectors Series pin, 10/22
50th Anniversary bumper sticker, a replica
of the original 1964 10/22 ad and a
limited edition Ruger Collectors
Series street sign.
In production for 50 years, the Ruger 10/22 has
become Americas favorite .22 LR rifle. With proven
performance, a legendary action and a renowned,
reliable rotary magazine, the 10/22 has inspired a
loyal following. The Ruger Collectors Series 10/22
Carbine commemorates a half-century of excellence.

Fiber Optic Front Sight and

Adjustable Rear Sight

One of a Kind, Limited Edition Collectible Sign Only Available with this Model!

The Ruger 10/22 Rifle 22 LR Fifty Years 1964-2014 Special

Receiver and 50th Anniversary Logo Bolt Markings

Includes One BX-25 * and

One BX-1 Magazine

*Some magazines are not available for sale in all states and locales due to laws and regulations limiting magazine capacity. Prior to purchasing, please check
your state and local regulations to verify that you may legally possess such magazines. (Model 21105 Ships with Three BX-1 Magazines)

RUGER.COM/10/22

2014 Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc.

100214

TABLE OF CONTENTS DECEMBER 2014

Volume 162, No. 12, 128th Year of Publication

Wayne R. LaPierre,
Executive Vice President

OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE NATIONAL RIFLE ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA

The NRA, the foremost guardian of the traditional American right to keep and bear arms,
believes every law-abiding citizen is entitled to the ownership and legal use of firearms, and that
every reputable gun owner should be an NRA Member.

features

NRA: Always At The Ready .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 18

Chris W. Cox

Election Day has passed. Come the first of the year, the political
landscape will have changed. What will not change in 2015 is the
energetic and well-funded resurgence of the gun control movement,
especially at the state level.

Photo by Forrest MacCormack

Combat Magnum Resurgence . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 42

Wiley Clapp

The full-size American revolver concept not only isnt dead, two new
Smith & Wesson Combat Magnumsthe Model 69 in .44 Mag. and
the revamped .357 Mag. Model 66are proof that the big wheelgun is
making a comeback.

Testing The .26 Nosler .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 46

John Barsness

46

Noslers new long-range cartridgethe first to bear the company

namedoes precisely what it was designed to do: shoot fast, flat,
and live up to the hype surrounding its ballistic performance.

AR 101: Shooting The General Purpose Rifle .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 50

Kyle E. Lamb

This month, we conclude our AR 101 series by focusing on field

shooting positions. Well also take a closer look at the ARs
performance-enhancing components.

Cold War K-Frames . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 56

Photo by Lukas Lamb

Timothy J. Mullin

After the defeat of Nazi Germany, Smith & Wesson K-frames were
pressed into service with German police agencies in the newly
occupied nation.

50

Photo by Timothy J. Mullin

56
THE COVER: No, this is not Dirty Harrys .44 Mag. On this months
cover is the new Smith & Wesson Model 69, a five-shot
stainless-steel revolver built on the mid-size L-frame. Smiths
engineers came up with the solution to make the smaller
frame stand up to the rigors of the .44 Mag. cartridge. Also,
there is an update to the classic Model 66 in .357 Mag.
For Field Editor Wiley Clapps report on the latest Combat
Magnums, turn to p. 42. Photo by Forrest MacCormack.
Design by David J. Labrozzi.

TESTING NOSLERS FIRST CARTRIDGE

December 2014

The Worlds Oldest And Largest Firearm Authority

S&WS MODEL 69 .44 MAG

COMBAT
MAGNUM
AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG

Official Journal of the National Rifle Association

Cold-War K-Frames
AR 101: Field Positions

MEMBER PROGRAMS: (800) 672-3888

America Remembers Presents

The Elvis Presley .45 Tribute Pistol

The left side features a trio of portraits including two of Elvis from his days as a
tanker with the Armored Division and a classic portrait of Elvis, the entertainer, an
image which brings back our cherished memories of this legendary singer. Featured in
bold letters is Elvis Presley, a name that thrilled audiences whenever it appeared on
posters, billboards, and marquees around the world. You'll also find the TCB logo on
both sides of the slide. Together with a lightning bolt, this logo translates to Taking Care
of Business in a Flash, an idea that encapsulates both the charisma and character of this
magnetic entertainer. TCB was an idea and credo that Elvis adopted and shared with his closest friends.

As a final touch, the

grip screws, slide stop,
hammer, safety lock,
magazine catch, and
barrel bushing are
all hand-polished
and decorated in
24-karat gold,
adding elegance
to the overall
design.

On the right side, you'll find two detailed portraits featuring the dashing young Elvis in his Army uniform, and an image of Elvis
playing the guitar. Displayed prominently across a banner is an authentic recreation of Elvis Presleys distinctive signature, a
legendary autograph coveted by his legions of adoring fans. Elvis was not only an unforgettable performer; he was a patriotic
American who answered the call to duty when he was drafted by the U.S. Army.

Caliber: .45 ACP Edition Limit: 500 Model: Colt Government Model
When you remember Elvis Presley, you certainly remember his music, the way he lit up the
big screen, and how he captured hearts with nothing more than a smile. When you remember
Elvis, you remember a superstar, a legendary performer who changed music, and will rule forever
as the undisputed King of Rock and Roll. Throughout his career, Elvis sold over one billion
records, starred in 33 films, and became an icon of 20th century pop culture.
Elvis Presley, the entertainer, loomed larger than life, but to the people who knew him the
best, there was nobody more down to Earth. He loved his parents. He was generous and loyal to
his friends. He cared deeply for his legions of fans around the world, and when it came to his
country, Elvis was proud to be an American.
As you probably know, Elvis popularity was unmatched at the time he received notice that
he had been drafted into the U.S. Army. Today, the photographs of his Army induction bring back bittersweet memories.
As his music career was skyrocketing, Rocks first and most enduring idol was transformed into Private, U.S. Army, serial
number 53310761.
On March 24, 1958, Elvis reported to the office of the Memphis Draft Board and was inducted into the U.S. Army.
Greeted by throngs of fans, reporters, and photographers, Elvis became center stage in what is probably the most famous
induction ever.
Now, to honor Elvis and his service to his country, America Remembers is proud to present a handsome limited edition
pistol officially authorized by Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc.: The Elvis Presley .45 Tribute Pistol. For this Tribute, we
have chosen a firearm that was an Elvis favorite, the classic Government Issue Colt .45 caliber service semi-automatic
pistol with artwork honoring the memory of Elvis and his service in the U.S. Army. The Colt .45 pistol was Americas
official military sidearm for more than 50 years, including the years that Elvis served in the Army.
Each working Colt Government Model .45 ACP pistol is crafted in blued steel and decorated with artwork in elegant
24-karat gold and gleaming nickel. Magnificent custom artwork is complemented by the faux ivory grips, emblazoned with
the iconic TCB logo. Both sides of the firearm are elegantly decorated with 24-karat gold banners and scrollwork in the
tradition of the finest presentation firearms.

Only 500 Available

Only 500 Elvis Presley .45 Tribute Pistols will be produced, including Tribute #1, which has been presented to
Graceland. Demand for this Tribute is expected to be very high and your prompt action is recommended. We will arrange
delivery of your working pistol through a licensed firearms dealer of your choice. If for any reason you are less than
satisfied with the Tribute, you may return it in original, unfired condition within 30 days for a full refund. Enthusiasm for
Elvis has not diminished since his debut in the fifties. Today, there are over 625 active Elvis fan clubs worldwide and his
popularity remains strong. Call today to ensure that you are among the privileged few who can claim ownership of this
limited-edition Elvis Tribute presentation firearm. The Tribute is sure to bring back your most cherished Elvis memories,
while preserving his legacy for generations to come.
There are few people in history who can truly be considered legends, but in the case of Elvis Presley,
the label rings true. He was a true American original. If you are an Elvis fan and appreciate fine-crafted
commemorative firearms, the Elvis Presley .45 Tribute Pistol is sure to take a position of honor in your
ABG EPE IP, LLC
Reg. U.S. Pat & TM Off. personal collection, but please don't hesitate in making your decision.

Display Case Available

An optional, luxuriously lined, custom-built wooden display
case is available for purchase.
AHL, Inc.

I wish to reserve ____ of the Elvis Presley .45 Tribute Pistol a

working Colt .45 pistol, at the introductory issue price of $1,995*. My
Tribute will be elegantly decorated in 24-karat gold and nickel, and
numbered within the edition limit of 500. My deposit of $195 per Tribute
is enclosed. I wish to pay the balance at the rate of $100 per month, with
no interest or carrying charges. Certificate of Authenticity included.
orders are subject to acceptance and credit verification
Thirty-day return privilege. *All
prior to shipment. Shipping and handling will be added to
each order. Virginia residents please add sales tax.
Please check one:
 Check enclosed for $______________.
 Charge payment of $________________ to:
 VISA  MasterCard  AMEX  Discover
No. ________________________________________ Exp. _________

Display Case
 I wish to reserve the optional, luxuriously lined, custom-made
display case with locking glass lid. My payment of $149* is
enclosed or add to credit card.
Name
Address
City/State/Zip
Daytime Telephone No. (

America Remembers

10226 Timber Ridge Drive, Ashland, Virginia 23005

www.americaremembers.com

To place your reservation toll-free call 1-800-682-2291

NRA PUBLICATIONS

TABLE OF CONTENTS DECEMBER 2014

official journal

Volume 162, No. 12, 128 Year of Publication

Wayne R. LaPierre,
Executive Vice President
th

The Armed Citizen . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 10

Special Reports
Standing Guard .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 12
Presidents Column .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 14
Political Report .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 16
Regional Report/Member Info & Benefits. .. .. .. 64
ILA Report . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 66
Programs & Services .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . 68

correspondence

The Keefe Report .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 8

Readers Write . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 22

news & notes

Lock, Stock & Barrel .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..

technical

Opening Shot, Product Previews, Rapid Fire,

American Rifleman Television, Essential Gear
and Books In Brief

Questions & Answers

Skeletonized Webley
U.S. Nomenclature

24

.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .36

Dope Bag: Data & Comment . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .60

Gamo Buckmasters Squirrel Terminator .177 Air Rifle
Tristar Raptor Semi-Automatic 20-Ga. Shotgun

American Rifleman 2014 Index .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .82

I Have This Old Gun .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .84
Colt Police Positive Special

24

60

84

Doug Hamlin
Executive Director
Lourdes F. Kite
Deputy Executive Director
Marshall J. Flemion
Director, Integrated Marketing
Evelyn Q. Kessler
Fiscal Operations Manager
Terri A. Wolfe
Executive Assistant
Rachel Carr
Sales & Fiscal Assistant

EDITORIAL
John R. Zent
Editorial Director
Mark A. Keefe, IV
Editor In Chief
Brian C. Sheetz
Senior Executive Editor
Ann Y. Smith
Senior Executive Editor, Digital
Aaron Carter
Managing Editor
Joseph L. Kurtenbach
Associate Editor
Justin McDaniel
Digital Managing Editor
Maureen A. Denfeld
Editorial Assistant
Gina Schmidt
Contributing Editor
Bruce N. Canfield, Wiley Clapp,
Rick Hacker, Jeff Johnston,
Bryce M. Towsley, Jim Wilson
Field Editors

ART
Harry Lloyd Jaecks
Creative Director
Susan K. Kilday
Art Director
David J. Labrozzi
Associate Art Director
Christine Petchenick
Digital Graphic Designer
Lloyd Hill
Photography Director
Peter Fountain
Photographer
Forrest MacCormack
Associate Photographer
American Rifleman (ISSN 0003-083X) is
published monthly by the National Rifle
Association of America, 11250 Waples Mill
Road, Fairfax, VA 22030-9400,
(703) 267-1000, for the benefit of its members. Membership dues (U.S. and possessions) $35 a year, $85 for 3 years, $125
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and a mailing label bearing the old one. In
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FLAT OUT.
LIGHTS OUT.

FLAT TO 415.

The drive to experiment. Push limits. Break barriers. Introducing 26 Nosler.

The fulfillment of John Amos Noslers legacy of innovation. Fast, flat and dead-on to 415 yards,
its not just a new cartridge, its a new breakthrough in ballistic performance.
26Nosler.com

800.285.3701

NRA PUBLICATIONS

ONLINE DECEMBER 2014

featured

The Ammunition Shortage Explained

Different day, same headline? Perhaps. So lets try again, with

one of the most detailed explanations to date. Its actually a
question of simple economics. Supply, demand and profitor
lack thereof, plus the kinds of guns Americans buy. Go to
AmericanRifleman.org/KeefeOn22 for more.

Pod People

Never shot a Pod? We hadnt either until recently when the

American Rifleman Television crew was at FN Herstal in Belgium. There we witnessed two .50-cal. FN M3P machine guns
firing at a combined rate of 2,200 rounds per minute. Learn more
and check out the video at AmericanRifleman.org/Pod.

stories

blogs

Still Soaring: The Desert Eagle

Thanks to its regular appearance on screen and in video

games, the Desert Eagle .50-cal. pistol enjoys a nearly universal level of recognition. Its long and colorful history still
generates plenty of curiosity. To find the answers to the top
nine questions about this beefy big-bore semi-automatic, go
to AmericanRifleman.org/DesertEagleFacts.

PRODUCTION & ADVERTISING SALES OPERATIONS

Michael J. Sanford
Director
Michelle E. Kuntz
Manager
James C. Handlon
Marketing Manager
Debra Oliveri
Senior Production Coordinator
Andrea C. Myers
Production Coordinator
Samantha Brown
Senior Coordinator, Ad Services
Tiffany Ngu
Coordinator, Ad Services
Eastern Sales Manager
Tony Morrison
(860) 767-9801
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Stan Yates
(850) 619-8148
Detroit Advertising Sales
Ken Glowacki
(313) 779-8504
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(910) 262-0913
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(303) 955-2194
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James ONeill
(530) 401-8607
Midwest Sales Executive
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(231) 360-6434
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Debbie OConnell
(805) 582-9856

Gun Of The Week

WEB OPERATIONS
Michael Pedersen
Manager
Tom Rickwalder
Senior Web Developer
Steve Dulco
Senior Web Designer/Video Editor

The Keefe Report

WARNING: All technical data in this publication, especially for handloading, reflect
the limited experience of individuals using
specific tools, products, equipment and
components under specific conditions and
circumstances not necessarily reported in
the article and over which the National Rifle
Association (NRA) has no control. The data
have not otherwise been tested or verified
by the NRA. The NRA, its agents, officers and
employees accept no responsibility for the
results obtained by persons using such data
and disclaim all liability for any consequential
injuries or damages. See asterisked (*).

Every week, a Rifleman editor gives you a video overview of a

new gunranging from the nimble Weatherby SA-08 28-ga.
autoloader to the retro Smith & Wesson Model 66 wheelgun
before heading to the range to wring it out.
American Rifleman Editor In Chief Mark Keefe checks in on
happenings with the magazine, the television show, industry
trends, and other firearm and shooting sports topics.

Clapp On Handguns

Field Editor Wiley Clapp shares more than a half-century of

experience and knowledge in the technical and historical
aspects of handgunning.

mobile

AmericanRifleman.org Mobile

insider

American Rifleman Insider

Designed to be accessible and easy to use, our mobile site is

now available on Apple or Droid operating systems as well as
BlackBerry. Check us out!

With our e-newsletter youll be the first to know when theres

something new at AmericanRifleman.org. No need to search
we deliver exclusive videos, articles and must-have products
straight to your inbox. So log on, sign up and start clicking.

also on

americanrifleman.org

* NO ADVERTISED ITEM IS INTENDED FOR

SALE IN THOSE STATES, OR IN THOSE AREAS WHERE LOCAL RESTRICTIONS MAY
LIMIT OR PROHIBIT THE PURCHASE, CARRYING OR USE OF CERTAIN ITEMS. CHECK
LOCAL LAWS BEFORE PURCHASING.
MENTION OF A PRODUCT OR SERVICE IN
ADVERTISEMENTS OR TEXT DOES NOT
NECESSARILY MEAN THAT IT HAS BEEN
TESTED OR APPROVED BY THE NRA.
OFFICIAL NRA POSITIONS ARE EXPRESSED ONLY IN STATEMENTS BYLINED
BY NRA OFFICERS OR IN ARTICLES IDENTIFIED AS SUCH.
THE EDITORS ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE
FOR UNSOLICITED MANUSCRIPTS OR
PHOTOGRAPHS.

IF YOU CAN LOAD,

YOU CAN DOWNLOAD.

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CORRESPONDENCE

KEEFE REPORT

Cloak Tuck 2.0

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DECEMBER 2014

AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG

ith the rise of the

Beretta, Glock, SIG
Sauer and Smith &
Wesson double-action or strikerfired semi-automatic pistols, the
era of the sixgun as the dominant
sidearm in American law enforcement came to a close. For nearly a
century, starting in the 1890s, the
double-action, swing-out cylinder
revolver dominated the holsters of
police officers. Two basic, yet similar, forms with similar operation
but different lockwork evolved,
as represented by Colt and Smith
& Wesson. With rare exception, if
you were a cop, one of those two
brands rode in your duty rig.
But by the 1990s, nearly every
major agency had either transitioned to a semi-automatic pistol
or was trying to decide which
one to adopt. And Colts manufacture of revolvers from the 1889
Navy Double Action, to the Police
Positive Special (this months I
Have This Old Gun) to the Python
was over. Magazine capacity had
much to do with law enforcement
adoption, but so did improvements
in semi-automatic pistol design
and reliability.
That law enforcement officers
no longer carry revolvers as their
primary service sidearms does
not mean they do not have a role to
play. They are a joy to shoot at the
range, offer simple operation, are
capable of impressive accuracy and
still are a viable choice for personal
protection. Too, there have been
new materials and manufacturing
techniques applied to revolvers,
as evidenced by the Ruger LCR,
the S&W Bodyguard and one of the
most unusual revolvers introduced,
the Chiappa Rhino.
Smith & Wesson and Ruger
still make a surprising number of
double-actions in the United States,
and Rossi and Taurus continue
to make huge numbers of them
in Brazil. There are others, such
as Dan Wesson, Italys Chiappa
and Germanys Herman Weirach

(imported as the EAA Vindicator).

Many of these guns are shortbarreled snubbies, but quite a few
are mid-size. They are what used to
be considered service revolvers
but are now often referred to as
house guns, as they have moved
from duty holsters to lock boxes.
And then there are the
big bores and the magnums.
Typically, the attribute revolvers retain over semi-automatics
is power. Although there are
pistols designed to fire revolver
cartridgesthe Desert Eagle,
Automag and Coonan come to
mindcartridges in the power
range of the .357 Mag., .41 Mag.
and .44 Mag. tend to reside firmly
in revolver territory. There are
times one just needs a big, powerful handgun. Few with sense
declare the 9 mm Luger the ideal
sidearm for bear country. The .44
Mag.? Well, thats a different story.
There is a nostalgic streak to
shooters, and the five-shot .44 Mag.
Model 69and its .357 Mag.
cousin the Model 66appeal to
it. You can read about those two in
Field Editor Wiley Clapps story
beginning on p. 42. There is something simply retro and cool about
the big stainless Smiths with their
fully lugged barrels. Legislation,
in particular in California, has led
to renewed interest in revolvers,
but for many of us they never went
out of style.
Sincerely,

OFFICIAL JOURNAL

IN THE NEWS

The Armed Citizen

rthur M. Lewis, 89, a decorated World War II veteran, was working at his jewelry
business around 3 p.m. when a man with a gun entered the store. Lewis quickly
grabbed the .38-caliber handgun he was carrying in his pocket. The would-be robber
exchanged gunfire with Lewis before fleeing the scene. He was later found at a local hospital
suffering from six gunshot wounds. After being treated, the assailant was arrested and now
faces charges of armed robbery, felon in possession of a firearm, aggravated battery with a
deadly weapon and armed burglary. Lewis left arm was grazed by a bullet, but he was otherwise unscathed. (The Palm Beach Post, Palm Beach, FL, 8/26/14)

arbara Haley, 52, awoke to the

sound of her barking dog around
2:40 a.m. She went to investigate
and noticed a few items out of place,
but when she did not see anyone, she
returned to bed. Then, after a loud
crash, she discovered an intruder had
taken refuge in her bedroom closet.
She retrieved her firearm and issued
the verbal warning, Dont move!
before calling 911. She then pointed
her .45-caliber handgun and kept the
24-year-old suspect at bay for 30 minutes
until police arrived. (Omaha World Herald,
Omaha, NE, 9/3/14)

im and Jim Fee, owners of Robs

Quick Stop, were suspicious when
a young man wearing a black
bandanna over his face entered the
store around 9:15 a.m. With firearm in
hand, the masked robber rounded the
counter and headed for the cash register.
Jim immediately drew his .380-caliber
handgun and aimed at the assailant.
Surprised to find a pistol aimed back
at him, the suspect fled. The suspect is
reportedly still at large, and no injuries
were sustained during the incident.
(Kitsap Sun, Bremerton, WA, 8/22/14)

hortly after 9 p.m., a gas station

clerk exchanged gunfire with three
masked, armed robbers using the
firearm he legally carried, thus protecting a
co-worker from harm. The clerk sustained
injuries to the hip and leg that were
determined to be non life-threatening.
Two of the 20-year-old suspects were
taken to the hospital and later died. The

10 D

ECEMBER

2014

AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG

third suspect is reportedly still being

sought by police, who are investigating
other convenience store robberies in the
area. (The Repository, Canton, OH, 9/14/14)

suspect was arraigned on charges of

armed robbery, and assault and battery
with a dangerous weapon. (Cape Cod
Times, Cape Cod, MA 9/12/14)

espite having a protective order

against him, Brandy Morenos
ex-boyfriend shattered a glass
door and entered her home just before
4 a.m. He attacked Moreno and stabbed
her. Morenos 11-year-old daughter,
Jayda, was home at the time of the
incident. When she witnessed the
attack, Jayda retrieved a handgun and
fired twice. The ex-boyfriend fled the
home, but was found just a few blocks
away. Both he and Moreno were taken
to a local hospital in serious condition.
Their current conditions are reportedly
unknown. I think shes a hero, Morenos
neighbor, Carolyn Marsee, said of Jaydas
actions. (The Oklahoman, Oklahoma City,
OK, 9/25/14)

hen a 20-year-old suspect

entered a convenience store,
confronted the owner and
attempted to pistol whip him, the
would-be victim retrieved his own gun,
called 911 and kept the suspect inside
the store until police could arrive. The

ames Jackson, a 73-year-old Air Force

veteran, was at home with his wife
and grandson when he heard the
sound of a picture window breaking. He
armed himself with his Taurus .380 ACP
handgun and investigated the noise.
Encoutering a strange man inside his
home, he fired a single round at the
29-year-old intruder. After being treated
at the hospital for a bullet wound, the
suspect was upgraded to fair condition.
Reportedly the suspect has not yet been
charged. Neither Jackson nor his family
were harmed. (Omaha World Herald,
Omaha, NE, 8/27/14)

n the early morning hours, a woman

called 911 to report that a man
had broken into her home. She
confronted the intruder with a firearm
causing him to flee before the police
could arrive. Police are linking the event
to other break-ins in the neighborhood
and a suspect is being sought. The
resident was not injured. (Fosters Daily
Democrat, Dover, NH, 9/10/14)

If you have a firsthand Armed Citizen experience,

call NRA-ILA PR/Communications at (703) 267-1193.
Studies indicate that firearms are used more than 2 million times a year for personal protection,
and that the presence of a firearm, without a shot being fired, prevents crime in many instances.
Shooting usually can be justified only where crime constitutes an immediate, imminent threat
to life, limb, or, in some cases, property. Anyone is free to quote or reproduce these accounts.
Send clippings via e-mail to armedcitizen@nrahq.org, or by mail to The Armed Citizen, 11250
Waples Mill Road, Fairfax, VA 22030-9400. For bonus features, visit The Armed Citizen Blog at
www.americanrifleman.org. View this column online at www.nrapublications.org.

OFFICIAL JOURNAL

SPECIAL REPORT

standing guard
By Wayne LaPierre, Executive Vice President

When Prosecution is Persecution

ood and evil. Right and wrong.

Those are two fundamental opposing concepts that define the nature
of humankind.
But for the gun-ban crowd, each
and every one of themwhen it
comes to private ownership of firearms
and armed self-defense, the very heart
of the Second Amendmentthere
is no such conflict. In their lexicon,

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firearms in the hands of private citizens

are inherently evil.
These zealots for disarming individual
Americans choose not to recognize the
basic notion that defines American freedom: the difference between a good guy
with a gun and a bad guy with a gun.
There is no better example of that
mindset than with the persecution of a
young woman named Shaneen Allen.
Her crime? Being honest in New Jersey.

Allen, a Philadelphia resident, mistakenly believed her Pennsylvania carry

permit was like her drivers license
universally recognized across state lines.
When she crossed the bridge into New
Jersey in October 2013, she entered a
gun-ban Twilight Zone that began with a
state trooper pulling her over for a minor
traffic infraction.
Allen acted properly when she volunteered that she possessed a lawful carry
permit and had a Bersa semi-auto in her
purse in the back seat. The handgun,
by the way, was locked and inoperable.
(In New Jersey, Right-to-Carry permits
are rarely issued, subject to the whim of
gun-ban public officials.)
Thus began a nightmare spun by
officials backed by the power of oppressive gun control lawsall hell-bent on
punishing this single, working mom for
making a simple mistake. With all the
talk about bullies among the chattering
classes, that is the only word to describe
New Jersey officials who dealt with Allen.
She was dragged out of her car
and handcuffed, charged with illegal
possession of a handgun and possession of illegal cartridgescommon
self-defense .380 hollow-points. A
second officer on the scene told Allen
that he would have sent her home to
Philadelphia to return to New Jersey
unarmedwith no one the wiser. Neither
that option, nor the U.S. Constitution,
moved the arresting officer.
Perhaps the best description of the
injustice done to her under New Jersey
gun laws was penned in a USA Today
analysis by renowned professor Glenn
Harlan Reynolds:
shes being punished for
something the Constitution saysand
the Supreme Court has agreedis a
constitutional right. And the superstiff penalties and abusive prosecution
shes experiencing are pretty clearly

intended to chill people from exercising that right.

The super-stiff felonies for which
she was arraigned are virtually one step
below penalties for violent crime in New
Jersey. Consequently, Allen spent 46 days
in jail awaiting trial.
Allen crossed paths with an even
bigger forceJim McClain, the prosecutor of Atlantic County, who could have
used discretion and simply declined to
pursue the charges. Or he could have
asked the court to place Allen in New
Jerseys Pretrial Intervention Program
(PTI), designed for first offenders like her
which would result in no criminal record.
McClain, a gun-ban zealot, refused
that option and offered Allen a plea deal
under which she would spend a minimum
of three years in prison, likely lose her two
young boys and have an employment
impediment that would stick with her for
the rest of her lifeconvicted felon. She
would also become a prohibited person
whose future possession of a firearm or
ammunition would be a federal felony.
Next we meet the assistant prosecutor, Deborah Hay, who defined Allens
crime as too serious to allow divergence, saying Allen going to prison
would serve as an example.
Example of what? Decent, peaceable
people exercising a constitutional right
who unknowingly commit a crime under
New Jerseys prohibitive statutes?
Oh yes, I almost forgot just before
pulling out all the stops to put this
young woman in prison and denying her
the second chance of diversion, prosecutor McClain gave that legal PTI timeout to Baltimore Ravens football star,
Ray Rice. His crime? Getting caught on
surveillance video bashing his girlfriend
unconscious with a vicious punch to her
face, then dragging her unconscious
body out of an elevator. Where McCain
was not prepared to make an example

Like us on Facebook at the National Rifle Association. View this column online at www.nrapublications.org.

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of a huge athlete beating a small woman

senseless, he was willing to throw the
book of mandatory penalties against
Shaneen Allen.
And where were the gun banners in
response to the civil rights abuse suffered by Allen? Just where you would
expect.
Try these smug words from Bryan
Miller, who heads the group Heeding Gods
Call: Fortunately, the notoriety of this case
will make it less likely Pennsylvanians will
carry concealed and loaded handguns in
New Jersey, thereby making them and the
Garden State safer from gun violence.
Safer from gun violence? Shaneen
Allen? While New Jersey is awash in violence committed by real criminals who
go unpunished?
The truth is Allens only connection
with gun violence was that she was
robbed twice in Philadelphiathe very
reason she bought a firearm for selfprotection and applied for and received
a carry permit.
Just a short time ago, it seemed that
there was no justice to be had in New
Jersey for Shaneen Allen. But public
outcry by gun owners across the nation
led by NRA memberscombined with
the work of her dedicated, skilled lawyer,
Evan Nappen (an NRA Benefactor member), reversed this injustice. New Jerseys
acting Attorney General, John Hoffman,
interceded and Allen was offered the
intervention program, after the nearly
year-long nightmare.
The notoriety of this case has
awakened Americans to the need for
enactment of the National Right-to-Carry
Reciprocity Act so lawful carry permit
owners can legally bear arms across state
lines so long as they are in compliance
with the laws of their home states.
I promise you that among NRAs top
initiatives for the new U.S. Senate and U.S.
House of Representatives in January will
be enacting this national law to prevent
the kind of injustice suffered by Shaneen
Allen and other victims under repressive,
prohibitive gun laws wherever these exist
in America.

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OFFICIAL JOURNAL

SPECIAL REPORT

presidents column
By James W. Porter II, President

Admitting to the Assault Weapons Myth

hen the New York Times published an op-ed thoroughly

exposing the Assault Weapons
Myth, the major players in the gunban movement blithely said they were
moving on, that a federal gun-ban was a
non-starter.
With that myth shattered, gun banners
have simply regrouped to concentrate on
their new big lieuniversal background checks.
The Times piece was surprisingly
accurate, with evidence from Justice
Department researchers and other
academics who long-ago concluded
the 1994 assault weapons bans effect
on crime was too small to measure. In
reality, the issue was a massive fraud.
In her September 14, 2014, analysis,
Lois Beckett of ProPublica accurately dissects what I would prefer to call a serial
lie that led to the passage of U.S. Sen.
Dianne Feinsteins and (then) U.S. Rep.
Chuck Shumers 1994 assault weapons
ban. It was, says Beckett, purely political
fiction, or as she put it, Democrats
created and then banned a category
of guns they called assault weapons. These firearms, she writes were
presented by the media as the gun of
choice for drug dealers and criminals
and which many in law enforcement
wanted to get off the streets.
None of that was true then, nor is it
true today.
Beckett in this and subsequent
pieces, validated NRAs truth about what
NRA OFFICERS
James W. Porter II, PRESIDENT
Allan D. Cors, FIRST VICE PRESIDENT
Pete R. Brownell, SECOND VICE PRESIDENT
Wayne LaPierre, EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT
Edward J. Land Jr., SECRETARY
Wilson H. Phillips Jr., TREASURER
R. Kyle Weaver, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR,
GENERAL OPERATIONS

Christopher W. Cox, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR,

INSTITUTE FOR LEGISLATIVE ACTION

has been a phony issue. My initial reaction was surprise, followed by anger.
Since all of this is and has been a
myth, what the hell has the last 30 years
expenditure of time, emotion and money
by millions of threatened Americans been
all about?
What about the loss of freedom of
peaceable individual citizens in states
like New York, Connecticut, Colorado,
California and Maryland where the assault
weapons myth led to real confiscatory
bans with Draconian criminal penalties?
What about all those formerly law-abiding
citizens who are now potential felons?
These good citizens are paying a heavy
price for a myth.
Beckett should go a few steps further
and put human faces on victims of the
Assault Weapons Myth.
Neither the Times, nor other major
media that consistently amplified the big
lie of assault weapons over decades,
even blinked over Becketts revelations.
Huge damage has been done to
countless citizens and the gun-ban
crowd wants to simply walk away saying,
Nevermind?
Not to take anything away from
Beckettwe hope she pursues the truth
furtherbut there is something else afoot
here. With the gun-ban crowds reaction
to take a walk on this issuetheyre now
admitting that the assault weapons ban is
a big rock tied around their necks and they
want to lose the loser.
From the get-go, the assault weapons issue was a self-fulfilling disaster for
the anti-Second Amendment crowd
simply because when it was enacted,
honest Americans went on a buying
spree that has never abated. In terms of
grassroots power alone, that changed the
dynamic.
The man initially responsible for the
assault weapons fraud, Josh Sugarmann,
who founded the venomous Violence
Policy Center, believed that banning

handguns was impossible because there

were just too many of them in private
hands. Assault weapons, he wrote, were
the perfect new topic because few
people can envision a practical use for
these weapons.
With your opposition and NRAs successful legislative action, the1994 federal
ban as passed included an automatic
sunset provision under which it would
vanish off the books after 10 years, unless
reenacted by Congress.
During that decade, which predictably saw no reduction in any crime, the
ban produced another resulta massive
consumer demand.
When the ban vanished off the federal
books in 2004, that demand was exponential.
Where in the early 1990s only a handful of companies produced the AR-15,
there are now thousands of companies
producing rifles, parts and accessories.
There has never been anything like the
aftermarket commerce for ARs, which has
become the most popular rifle in history.
With each acquisition over the years, the
firearm that few people can envision a
practical use for has become ubiquitous.
Because of the ban, because of
the big lie and because of the likes of
Dianne Feinstein on a national level,
Sugarmanns original fear about handgun ownershiptoo many in private
hands to bannow applies equally to
semi-automatic long guns.
As the new effort of the gun-ban
lobby to back away from their myth
expands, so will our opportunity to take
back lost ground. We must never let up
in our efforts to free all American gunowners from the tyranny of the assault
weapons big-lie in those states where
gun owners suffer against its anvil.

For news about your NRA, visit: www.nra.org and www.nranews.com View this column online at www.nrapublications.org

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OFFICIAL JOURNAL

SPECIAL REPORT

political report
By Chris W. Cox, NRA-ILA Executive Director

The Judiciarys Role in

Fundamental Transformation

n Nov. 21, 2013, on a near

party-line vote, the Democraticcontrolled United States Senate
eliminated the possibility of a filibuster
on confirmation votes for many federal appointments. The new rule allows
nominations for most executive positions
and all lower court federal judgeships to
move forward in the Senate with a simple
majority vote rather than the 60 votes
needed to end a filibustered nomination. Although he opposed an identical
proposal to change the Senate rules in
2005, President Obama was quick to take

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carry a firearm

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advantage of the new rule, now that it
could be used to his benefit. In a little
more than a year since this rule change,
its effect on the federal judiciary has
been significant. Nine of the 13 federal
courts of appeal now have a majority of
judges who were appointed by anti-gun
presidents.
While a presidents party affiliation
is not necessarily determinative of how
his judicial appointees will decide cases,
Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton and Barack

Obama were behind all the Democrat

appointments of currently active federal
judges. These presidents are no friends
of the Second Amendment, and Clinton
and Obama in particular adamantly pursue gun control. To assume this agenda
wouldnt influence their judicial appointments is dangerously nave.
Many gun owners understand the
importance of appointing Supreme
Court justices who will faithfully interpret
the Constitution, but the importance of
lower court appointments, especially
to the federal circuit courts of appeal, is
often overlooked. Because of the sheer
number of federal cases, lower court
decisions often set the tone of constitutional debates and establish the rules
under which people live for years. Lower
federal courts have decided cases on
important issues from whether the right
to bear arms applies outside the home
to the scope of protections provided by
federal interstate transportation of firearm laws. The total list of gun-law issues
currently pending before lower courts is
too long to list here, but these examples
illustrate the importance of keeping antigun partisans off the bench.
The Supreme Court itself illustrates
how a presidents viewpoint can resonate through his judicial picks. In 2010,
Justice Sonia Sotomayor joined the
dissent in the landmark McDonald case,
arguing that there is no constitutional
right to own a firearm. And earlier this
year, Justice Elena Kagan wrote an opinion affirming the conviction of a former
police officer for buying a firearm for his
uncle, even though both men successfully passed background checks before
receiving the firearm. Opinions such as
these from the high court only serve to
embolden anti-gun judges throughout
the federal judiciary.
Federal judges often serve as a legacy
for the presidents who appoint them and
the senators who confirm them. A federal

judgeship is essentially an appointment

for life, subject only to impeachment by
Congress. Judges often remain on the
bench for decades after the presidents
who appointed them have left office.
As an example of how long this can be,
several judges who were appointed by
President Kennedy remain in the federal
judiciary on senior status (i.e., in a semiretired role). These judges illustrate that
its entirely possible for a president to
have an impact on the legal landscape
for more than a half-century.
As Sen. Charles E. Schumer, D-N.Y.,
told the New York Times earlier this year,
the filling of judicial vacancies will affect
America for a generation, long after the
internecine battles on legislative issues
are forgotten. One of those internecine
battles that Schumer was likely referring
to was his failed attempt to pass a number of expansive gun control measures
out of the Senate last year. He clearly
sees the recent spike in appointments
thanks largely to the elimination of the
filibuster he supportedas a backdoor
opportunity to shape our nations gun
laws in a way that he has been unable to
accomplish through legislation. Antigun Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn.,
went even further, commenting on the
need to have people there that are of an
ideological like mind.
The midterm elections have now
been decided, but the struggle for
freedom continues. The appointment
of judges can, as much as anything,
contribute to President Obamas stated
goal of fundamentally transforming
the United States of America. This is yet
another reason gun owners must stay
informed, alert and involved. Now, more
than ever, your NRA is here to help you
understand where the battle for freedom
will be joined.

NRA-ILA: (800) 392-8683 NRA-ILA website: www.nraila.org View this column online at www.nrapublications.org

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FEATURE

ILA STORY

By Chris W. Cox
NRA-ILA
Executive Director

At The

Always
Ready

Photo by Lloyd Hill

lection Day has passed. Come the first of the year, the political landscape will have
changed, in some cases for the better, in others not. What will not change heading
into 2015 is the energetic and well-funded resurgence of the gun control movement, especially at the state level.
Unprecedented amounts of money and collaboration amongst new gun control
groups means more work for each of us, but we are always at the ready. NRA members and Second Amendment advocates are steadfast and united in purpose, and
NRA succeeds because of your activism and support every legislative session. The first
step to winning in 2015 is understanding where and how weve succeeded in 2014, as
well as being prepared for the critical battles ahead.
As Congress has continued to stalemate over a variety of issues, the focus of our
anti-gun opponents has turned sharply to the states. 2014 proved to be one of the
busiest years for NRA in state legislatures across the country. Yet despite the opposition and money aligned against us, NRA continued to succeed in many states with
the passage of critical legislation protecting and promoting our freedom. What follows are just a few highlights that NRA and its members can be proud of this year.
Georgia passed what is likely the most comprehensive pro-gun legislation in
its history. With the enthusiastic participation of Georgia NRA members, Rightto-Carry was reformed and expanded, privacy of Right-to-Carry licensees was
enhanced, and self-defense, hunting rights and state firearm preemption were all
strengthened significantly.
Idaho became the latest state to enact campus carry and now recognizes the
right of retired law enforcement officers and those with an enhanced concealedcarry permit to carry firearms on college campuses. This was an important victory in
the ongoing effort to protect the right to self-defense and to expand Right-to-Carry
protections for law-abiding citizens.
Kansas also passed an important and comprehensive pro-gun bill this year that
significantly strengthens state firearm preemption laws, expands open carry, limits
taxpayer funds for gun buybacks and facilitates lawful transfers of items regulated
under the National Firearms Act (NFA).

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ILA STORY
Michigan had a productive pro-gun year, and the positive
momentum continues into 2015 for Michiganders. The Firearms
Records Confidentiality package signed into law ensures that
information submitted to the state for purposes of firearms
licensing, registration and concealed carry permitting remains
confidential. Such information is exempted from disclosure
under the Freedom of Information Act and will only be available
to law enforcement officials for proper investigatory purposes.
Also signed into law were multiple NRA-backed bills promoting and preserving Michigans rich hunting heritage, as well as
eliminating bans on short-barreled rifles and shotguns. Even
now, many critical pro-gun bills continue to make their way
through Michigans legislature, including additional reforms to
the states Right-to-Carry laws.
Across the nation, many other states saw similar success
with at least 30 states enacting some form of pro-gun legislation in 2014. Right-to-Carry laws were greatly improved in
states such as Arizona, Indiana, Louisiana and South Carolina.
In addition, Louisiana and South Carolina lifted prohibitions
on carrying handguns in restaurants, and doing so is now legal
under at least some circumstances in all 50 states.
NRAs shall-certify legislation is an important pro-gun
reform that in 2014 was adopted by five pioneering states:
Arizona, Kansas, Kentucky, Oklahoma and Utah. Under
these laws, state officials whose sign-off is required under
federal regulations for the transfer of firearms or other items
regulated by the NFA must execute it in a timely manner,
provided the applicant is not legally prohibited from receiving the item.
Under current law in most states, such officials are not
required to act on an application for an NFA item, meaning that
a law-abiding applicant has no recourse when the official refuses
to consider the application or denies it for ideological, political
or other arbitrary reasons. Shall-certify legislation establishes
statewide standards for these decisions and ensures law-abiding
residents have access to legal firearms and firearm accessories.
It is also meant to counter plans by the Obama administration
to restrict access to NFA firearms by expanding the certification
requirement to situations in which it does not currently apply.
Hard work by many led to great gains in various states,
but not to be forgotten is the onslaught of anti-gun legislation that was thwarted but will require our ongoing vigilance.
Truth is, most people only become aware of a fraction of the
onerousand often ridiculouslegislation introduced in state
legislatures each year. Your NRA fended off bills in numerous
states that would have imposed gun registration, gun bans and
magazine restrictions. Of particular note was the New Jersey
legislation to restrict magazine capacity that was vetoed by
Republican Governor Chris Christie.
True to form, the California legislature continued its assault
on the Second Amendment. Dangerous legislation enacted in
California is precisely what Michael Bloomberg and like-minded
gun banners hope will serve as a model for all states. The nowinfamous AB 1014, signed into law by Governor Jerry Brown in
September, is among the most egregious anti-gun bills weve
seen to date. This law creates a gun violence restraining order
that family members may obtain against each other and that
may also be sought by police. Subjects of such orders would be
given no prior warning and no opportunity to be heard until

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after an initial restriction is issued. For some, the first indication

of the proceedings might be confiscation by police of their lawfully obtained firearms. Even those who prevail at later proceedings against extension of the orders will still suffer the expense
of fighting for their rights and, in many cases, bureaucratic
obstacles in reclaiming their seized property.
Unfortunately, with the continued meddling of ber-nanny
Bloomberg, this new and disturbing gun control innovation
as well as previously-vetoed or impassable restrictionsis
certain to reappear. Multiple gun control concepts that failed
in 2014 will be waiting for us again in 2015, not because the
American people support them but because a megalomaniacal
billionaire wants to remake the country in his image.
NRA and its educated and engaged members worked hard
this year to prevent movement of anti-gun legislation in their
states, but new tactics and strategies emerged, reminding us to
never rest on our laurels. One of those new strategies emerged
in the state of Washington with ballot Initiative 594.
While marketed as a bill to close loopholes in the states
firearm background check system, this measure presumptively criminalizes many ordinary activities of law-abiding gun
owners that involve their using or borrowing each others firearms. Its language expands the states handgun registration
scheme. Meanwhile, it ignores the fact that most criminals
have always obtained their firearms off-papersuch as
through theft, the black market and straw purchasesand
will continue to do so unimpeded by its provisions. Indeed,
the states largest law enforcement groups, the Washington
Council of Police and Sheriffs (WACOPS) and the Washington State
Law Enforcement Firearms Instructors Association (WSLEFIA),
opposed the 18-page gun control measure.
Unfortunately, these misleading and well-funded initiative
efforts wont end with Washington State. Mislabeled ballot
initiatives pushed in states by national gun control activists
will continue attempts to mislead, misinform and hoodwink
the American public. Nevada is the next battleground for
this concept. A 2016 ballot initiative petition seeks to require
government permission for nearly all firearm transfers in the
Silver State, with very limited exceptions. Just as with other
so-called universal background check legislation, the Nevada
proposal promises to be ineffective and unenforceable and to
turn traditional, innocent conduct into criminality. Your NRA
will be working non-stop to educate the public about the truth
and consequence of these types of measures.
The upcoming year will undoubtedly provide both legislative opportunities and challenges nationwide for gun owners.
Adverse efforts will continue to be fueled by Bloombergs antigun war chest. Yet while he is doling out millions upon millions
of dollars to defeat the NRA and to buy loyalties and influence,
NRAs already loyal, educated and engaged members will be
persistently resisting him at every turn. His money cannot outlast
the enduring commitment of millions of dedicated NRA members fighting for freedom.
With the mid-term elections now behind us, 2015 serves
as the focus for critical action in state legislatures. We have
the opportunity as gun owners and Second Amendment
supporters to control that agenda. We knew 2014 would be a
challenge. We were ready for success then, and we are ready
for it now.

Freedoms Future
By Wilson H. Phillips Jr., NRA Treasurer

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this valuable asset to work protecting and preserving our freedoms.
When you give a gift of real estate to
the NRA, youre not only helping defend
the freedoms we all hold dear, youll
also be realizing a number of personal
financial benefits.
Depending upon how you and the NRA
decide to structure your gift, you may be
eligible for tax advantages such as current

your gift of real estate can be used to

eliminate maintenance burdens, ownership expenses and prospective liquidation efforts and costs.
At the same time, by giving a gift of real
estate, you have the opportunity to benefit
the NRA program of your choice, plan for
the future in an estate plan or will, or even
fulfill the wish of a deceased loved one.
Many types of real estate qualify
for the program including personal
residences, vacation homes, commercial

Youre not only helping defend the freedoms

we all hold dear, youll also be realizing a
number of personal financial benefits.
income tax deductions, capital gains tax
savings and reduced estate taxes.
NRA member Ed Eklund donated
his 149-acre Missouri farm to the NRA
Whittington Center in 2011. NRA, in
turn, sold the property at auction. The
proceeds were used to fund a charitable
gift annuity that provided Eklund with a
tax deduction, immediate cash and an
income stream for the rest of his life.
This is just one example of how NRA
can help you meet your income needs
through a gift of real estate or other
charitable giving strategies. Additionally,

properties, hunting land, farms, ranches

and raw land.
If you choose to donate real estate,
NRAs Office of Advancement will work
closely with you to prepare real estate
gifts for sale. Through this process,
youll maximize market valuations and
compare the tax benefits of potential
gift arrangements. Gifts of real estate are
subject to certain conditions, including
a minimum value, marketability and
mortgage liability.
What will happen to your property
once it is donated to the NRA?

Its simple. We make every effort to

optimize your gift to the NRA. When we
receive a gift of real estate, we make a
determination of how best it may match
the donors interests with respect to
NRAs mission.
Sometimes its best to sell the property immediately, but in other cases the
property may be held to serve the NRAs
primary exempt purposes.
Real estate donations to benefit NRA
programs are an increasingly important
gift class. The fact that these gifts may
provide unique financial and other benefits to donors makes gifts of real estate
even more attractive.

For more information

on making a planned gift
of real estate to NRA, please
call NRAs Office of Advancement
toll free at

1-877-672-4483
or visit our website at

www.NRAGive.com
NRAs Tax Identification number is 52-1710886

Photos by NRA Staff

The National Rifle Associations Whittington Center

NRA acquired the property in 1973 through a real estate trade. At 52 square miles, the Whittington Center now hosts the worlds finest shooting facility.

CORRESPONDENCE

READERS WRITE

Beware Of Eager Riffs

always enjoy Garry James excellent articles, and his latestFrances Great War
Masterpiece: The 1886/93 Lebel (October
2014, p. 66)was of special interest. Whilst living
in England, I belonged to my hometowns Operatic
Society (Wood Green, North London). When it was
decided to perform Rombergs Desert Song, I
had the task of obtaining the police permit and
hiring 25 Lebel rifles for the Legionnaires. These
I obtained from Baptys, a London company that
supplied arms for stage presentations. Knowing
Photo courtesy of Robert Whiter
my experience with firearms (I was an armorer in
the British Army during World War II) I was given
the role of the French Legionnaire sentry, who whilst on sentry duty is
attacked by several Riffs (Arabs).
I was supposed to get off three shots before a Riff gets behind me
and knocks me out! I suppose it was the short length of the blank
cartridgesthey just wouldnt feed from the tubular magazineI had
to load them separately. That wasnt too bad, except the Riff was too
eagernot only did he not wait for all three shots, but he had picked up
the wrong club (it should have been a soft property one) and hit me
such a blow! I had a bump on my head for a week. Some friends attending the operetta told me afterwards how realistically Id fallen down.
ROBERT WHITER, CALIFORNIA

Vive Garry James!

have been reading American Rifleman for

more than 50 years, and I am very interested in the small arms of World Wars I
and II. I have shelves of notebooks filled with
articles on the subject. Garry James Lebel
story is a masterpiece of its kind. The article
authoritatively covers not only the technical
and historical aspects of the rifle, but also the
development and evolution of its cartridge.
The illustrations, especially the full-page photo of a very natty poilu
infantryman, are the icing on the cake. Kudos! Vive Monsieur James!
THOMAS L. ALLEN, VIA E-MAIL

Passing The Torch

ohn Zents article Passing The Torch (October 2014, p. 26) detailed
three guns from Purdy that exemplify the finest in the art of firearm
design and manufacture. A fair amount was said about the quality of
the finish and embellishment of the metalwork, but little was said about
the stocks. While the photographs were of small scale, it would appear
that Purdy has continued the practice (which at one time was common
with almost all gunsmiths) of very close fit between metal and wood and
a smooth transition between the two. This is very welcome in a world
where it seems that most stocks are left proud around the metal which,
I believe, is simply a way to disguise the poor fit and the fact that the
poorly aged wood will probably change dimensions over time.
JON A. OXLEY, VIA E-MAIL

22 D

ECEMBER

2014

AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG

Readers Write affords members an opportunity to comment on material published in

American Rifleman. Single-topic letters are preferred and may be edited for brevity.
Send letters to: Readers Write, NRA Publications, 11250 Waples Mill Road, Fairfax, VA 22030-9400
or e-mail us at publications@nrahq.org.

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NEWS & NOTES

OPENING SHOT

Brownells: 75 Years And Counting

he word legacy is often bandied about for the express purpose of conjuring up larger-than-life impressions of a particular business or individual, but for Frank R. Brownell, III, it is an
entirely appropriate term to use when describing the impact his personal and professional life have had on the firearm industry. His name,
after all, is synonymous with one of its most influential companies
one his late father, Bob, founded in 1939, the same year he was born.

COVER: Bob Brownell of

Montezuma, Iowa, made the
transparency of his son, Frank,
about three miles southeast
of Devils Tower, Wyo. He used
a Meridian 45B camera with
Schneider Angulon lens at 8,
1/50, with three flash extensions
and Ansco film. The rifle is a
Husqvarna with a Leupold scope.
[February, 1957]

24 D

ECEMBER

2014

AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG

 
  

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OPENING SHOT

The elder Brownell had already

cut his teeth in the retail trade working in his fathers small Montezuma,
Iowa, grocery store in the 20s and
30s. Eventually, his nascent gunsmithing hobby developed into a
trade for which there was virtually
no professional support. It was then
that Bob realized supplying parts
and tools to other gunsmiths could
be a trade all its own. In 1939 he
launched Brownells, advertising just
a few years later in The American
Rifleman. In 1947, he sent out catalog
Number One to customers. By 1951,
he had closed his gunsmithing shop
to concentrate full-time on providing
quality supplies to gunsmiths across
the country.He never forgot the principles of customer service learned
at his fathers neighborhood grocery
store and determined to incorporate
them into what would become his
companys operating philosophy:

unmatched Selection, unrivaled

Service and absolute Satisfaction.
Frank, having worked at
Brownells as a young boy and later
serving in the U.S. Navy, eventually
returned to work side-by-side with
his father, expanding the company
into gun parts sales. He became
president/chief executive officer in
1987 and chairman/chief executive
officer in 1991. Today, with more
than 50 years in the business, he
serves as chairman of the board.
Under his leadership, Brownells
(brownells.com) has evolved into The
World's Largest Supplier of Firearms
Accessories and Gunsmithing
Tools and also offers archery tackle,
ammunition and emergency preparedness supplies. The company
sponsors a Gunsmith Conference
and Career Fair and publishes a
variety of catalogs and videos.
Franks son, Pete, who became chief

Pete and Frank Brownell

executive officer of the company

in 2012, currently serves as second
vice president of NRA. Most recently,
Frank was named winner of the 2014
Golden Bullseye Pioneer Award by
NRA Publications for his contributions to the firearm industry.
It is an industry that, according to
Frank, has witnessed a sea change
since he began in the business.
There are fewer gunsmiths who
can make a part from scratch like
gunsmiths of my era, he said, but
added, Todays gunsmith is skilled
in problem diagnosis, precision
machining, fitting and modifying
parts and business development.
In addition, he said, The number of

Your SE ARCH IS OVER!

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26 D

ECEMBER

2014

AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG

AMERICA'S ULTIMATE SHOOTING SPORTS DISCOUNTER

products for gunsmiths and the hobbyist to purchase has grown exponentially. Ive seen our catalog go
from about 120 pages when I was in
high school, to a monster 696 pages
in the one for this year.
Recalling his familys and companys relationship with NRA, Frank
said, We were one of the three
exhibitors at the first NRA Annual
Meetings that welcomed exhibitors,
and we have shown at every Annual
Meetings and Exhibits since.I was
literally raised at those shows; that
was the way I made friends and
truly learned the business. My three
sons are all Life members and have
passion for the NRAs mission. Pete
and I have moved up to Benefactor.
We fully understand it is the NRA
who carries the big club on a
national level to work hard to keep
the Second Amendment strong
and from being trampled by the
anti-gun politicians. Its neat to see

how our family has grown alongside the NRAfrom a simple ad in

The American Rifleman to playing
key roles in developing The NRA
Foundation and Youth Ambassadors
program, to supporting Brownells/
NRA Day, the round-up program
I just couldnt be more proud of our
75-year relationship with the NRA.
Asked if he has any plans to
retire, Frank replied, My whole life
from about age seven has revolved
around my family and this business.I
love what I do, I love the friends I
have made on a national level, I love
watching or being a part of the great
success and growth Pete and his
team have brought to this company.
In 1964 after completing my tour
with the U.S. Navy, I was employee
number 11.Now we are over 400
what a joy for me as chairman to be
a part of this amazing growth.I tell
the guys I intend to go out of here
feet first on a gurney.

Bob Brownell

Brownells continues to uphold

its reputation for excellence
through an industry-exclusive,
100-percent Forever Satisfaction
Guarantee on every product sold.
Additionally, its professional gun
and archery techs are available
to answer customer questions on
virtually any firearm- or archeryrelated issue free of charge.
In the three-quarters of a century since his father started it, Frank
Brownells legacy has seen a family
hobby become a world-class, familyowned business that is both his
inheritance and a bequest to future
generations. brownells75th.com
BRIAN C. SHEETZ,
SENIOR EXECUTIVE EDITOR

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Powersports.honda.com UTILITY ATVs ARE RECOMMENDED ONLY FOR RIDERS 16 YEARS OF AGE AND OLDER. ATVs CAN BE HAZARDOUS TO OPERATE. FOR YOUR SAFETY, BE RESPONSIBLE, READ THE
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PRODUCT PREVIEWS

EDITORS CHOICE
Pocket Pro II Shot Timer

esides more ammunition, there are few

better firearm training aids than a good shot
timer, and the Pocket Pro II shot timer from
Competition Electronics definitely qualifies. Whether
working on speed and accuracy or trying to improve potentially life-saving reaction times, Pocket Pro II provides objective feedback to
help measure success and set new goals. Out of the box, all that is needed
is a 9-volt battery. When the unit is powered on, pressing the side-mounted
button activates the buzzer and timer. If no settings are changed, the timer
will measure and record the time from the buzzer to the first shot and the
time between consecutive shots. There are, of course, several modes of
operationinstant, fixed delay and random delayand different measurements can be displayed. Using the four-button control panel, functions and
settings, including buzzer volume, can be adjusted to suit training needs
and personal preference. As well, a robust clip allows for attachment of the
3"x5"x1" unit to a belt or pocket, and the 1/2"x2" display is backlit in blue,
making it easy to read in varied lighting conditions. Price: $130. Contact:
Competition Electronics (Dept. AR), 3469 Precision Drive, Rockford, IL 61109;
(815) 874-8001; competitionelectronics.com.
JOSEPH L. KURTENBACH, ASSOCIATE EDITOR

30 D

ECEMBER

2014

AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG

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CHAMBER-VIEWS AR/AK
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confirmation that a firearm is
unloaded and, by sealing the
ejection port, protects the gun
from the elements when not in
use. chamber-view.com

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AMERICAN RIFLEMAN TELEVISION

??

Reload On Gunsite And FTW

his season, our crew traveled to two of the top shooting schools
in the country. We filmed two shows at Gunsite Academy, where
we tried out guns and tactical ATVs. We also ventured to the
Texas Hill Country to attend FTWs Sportmans All-Weather, All-Terrain
Marksmanship school to wring out the Ruger SR-762 out to 1,000 yds.
in the wind and rain. Check your local listings, and tune in Wednesday
nights on the Outdoor Channel.

Wednesday, November 26
Feature. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .Long Range With Rugers SR-762
Rifleman Review .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Remington R51 9 mm Luger Pistol
I Have This Old Gun .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .FN Model 1910 Pistol
Wednesday, December 3
Feature. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..Shooting In Rain And Weather
Rifleman Review .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..Kimber Mountain Ascent .3006 Sprg. Rifle
I Have This Old Gun .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Egyptian Rasheed Carbine
Wednesday, December 10
Feature. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . Guns & ATVs At Gunsite, Part I
Rifleman Review .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .Leupold MK VI Riflescope
I Have This Old Gun .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Ruger 10/22: 50 Years
Wednesday, December 17
Feature. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Guns & ATVs At Gunsite, Part II
Rifleman Review .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .Smith & Wesson Model 66 .357 Mag. Revolver
I Have This Old Gun .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..German MP40 Submachine Gun

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Wright Leather Works

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Banshee IWB Holster Rocky Cornstalker Boots Rifle Rods

he Banshee is a pancake-style
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34 D

ECEMBER

2014

AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG

ith a near-legendary reputation in the hunting industry

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BOOKS IN BRIEF

The New AR-15

Complete Owners Guide
Saf T Lok Instant
Access Magazine Lock

lthough it is a fully functioning

ammunition magazine, the Saf T Lok
Instant Access Magazine Lock
is also designed to prevent unauthorized access to a semi-automatic pistol.
The device is completely mechanical
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components, stainless steel springs and
levers, case-hardened carbon steel,
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design means there are no keys to find
and no batteries to fail. In addition, it can
be deactivated by feeleven in the dark.
saftlok4guns.com

s Walt Kulecks interests have evolved from

19th-century guns to modern tactical rifles,
so have the topics of his books. Teaming with
Greg King, Kulecks seventh book The New AR-15
Complete Owners Guide is a valuable resource for
understanding, evaluating and selecting an AR-15.
Using a simple photo essay, Kuleck walks readers through the design
and history of the AR, specific components, popular accessories and his
predictions for the future of the platform. In his overview of the ARs history,
Kuleck uses vignettes authored by Armalite President Mark Westrom to
dicuss topics such as direct impingement versus piston operation.
Kuleck also discusses basic operation, maintenance and cleaning
including relevant parts and accessories. He includes interesting stories
about old-school and modern-day maintenance techniques and their
developmentsuch as how one determined hunter overcame mud in her
rifle by crafting a cleaning kit while sitting by her campfire. Her pocket-size
cleaning kit was dubbed The Whole Kit and Kaboodle and is known today
as the very successful OTIS cleaning kit. Kulecks tips and witty side notes, in
addition to his historical segment, make for a straightforward, well-organized
and entertaining reference. Price: $25. Contact: Scott Duff Publications
(Dept. AR), P.O. Box 414, Export, PA 15632; (724) 327-8246; scott-duff.com.

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TECHNICAL

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Skeletonized Webley

You asked if the cutouts on your Webley Mk I were done by the factory for use by a salesman. The answer is that, yes, in some cases these
sectionalized or skeletonized firearms were sometimes made by arms
manufacturers for use as salesmens samples, but their more common use
was as an instructional tool. Obviously, the cutouts were made to allow one
to see the functioning of the internal mechanisms. In some cases the arms
were made for use by military armorers in base workshops, but usually
arms manufacturers were their primary sources.
Unfortunately, modern-day workshops have also modified existing
arms to take advantage of the considerable collector interest in these
variations. However, your revolver appears to be a factory original.
Interestingly, Ronald D. Hayes and Ian D. Skennerton, in their The Hayes
Handgun Omnibus, A Catalogued Encyclopedia Of Collective Pistols &
Revolvers, illustrate a Webley that appears to be identical to yours that
is serial numbered 81245. Congratulations on finding an interesting and
rare revolver.
CHARLES W. PATE, CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

36 D

ECEMBER

2014

AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG

Sectionalized firearms were created to allow observation of how

the internal parts fit and worked
together. Most were intended to
train armorers on the internal
mechanisms of arms they would be
called upon to maintain or repair.

NRA member photo

I own a Webley Mark I, serial number

12XXX. As you can see from the accompanying photographs, it has very intricately machined cutouts that reveal
the inner workings of the revolver. Were these cutouts done by
the factory for a salesman or was there some other purpose?

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QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

U.S. Nomenclature

I noticed in the Forgotten Guns of

D-Day (June 2014, p. 42) that the boltaction Springfield rifle was designated
as the M1903 or M1903A3. But in
other articles, I have seen it called a
U.S. Rifle, Caliber .30, Model of 1903.
So why are there different names?

Before April 11, 1922, the U.S. Army

Ordnance Dept. named all types of
ordnanceincluding small arms
by identifying what is was, its ammunition and then the year of adoption.
For example, the 03 Springfield was
the United States Rifle, Caliber .30,
Model of 1903. In 1922, Ordnance
went to a new system that included
the name of the gun, the caliber and
then an M followed by the year of
adoption. Major changes would be
represented in Marks.
On July 30, 1925, the Ordnance
Dept. went to a briefer description
of the item, its chambering, then a
letter M and its number in order of
adoption. Thus, John Garands rifle
became the U.S. Rifle, Cal. .30, M1.
If a design was already in service,
it did not get a new number. Major
changes would get a suffix, i.e.,
Submachine Gun, Cal. .45, M1A1.
Experimental or developmental guns
were given a T prefix and an E
suffix, i.e., T3E2, until May 8, 1958,
when the prefix went to XM. If the
design was adopted, the X was
simply dropped.
MARK A. KEEFE, IV, EDITOR IN CHIEF

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38 D

ECEMBER

2014

AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG

From the thousands of questions and letters on

guns, ammunition and their use that American
Rifleman receives every year, it publishes the
most interesting here. Receiving answers to
technical and historical questions is a privilege
reserved to NRA members.
Questions must be in the form of letters addressed
to: Dope Bag, NRA Publications, 11250 Waples Mill
Road, Fairfax, VA 22030-9400; must contain the
members code line from an American Rifleman
or American Hunter mailing label or membership
card; must be accompanied by a stamped, self-addressed, legal-size envelope; and must be limited to
one specific question per letter. Non-members may
submit a question with a membership application.
We cannot answer technical or historical questions
by telephone, e-mail or fax, and we cannot place
even an approximate value on guns or other equipment. Please allow eight to 10 weeks for replies.
Questions & Answers is compiled by staff
and Contributing Editors: Bruce N. Canfield,
O. Reid Coffield, Garry James, Steve Johnson,
Charles Pate, Charles E. Petty, Matt Sharpe,
John M. Taylor and John Treakle.

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PRODUCT SAFETY NOTICE WARNING

WINCHESTER Model 94 Family of Lever-Action Rifles, Carbines,
and Muskets with Half-Cock Safety
Winchester Model 94 (including commemoratives); Winchester Model 1894; Winchester Model 9422
and Model 9422M; Winchester Model 55; Sears Model 54 and Ted Williams Model 100;
Winchester Model 64 and 64A; Winchester Centennial 66; Winchester Canadian Centennial 67
Olin Corporation, through its Winchester Division, is warning users of the above firearms that
when there is a live cartridge in the chamber, dropping, jarring or bumping the firearm may cause
an accidental discharge, which may result in property damage, serious personal injury or death
to the user or others:
 With the hammer in the full-down position, a slight impact to, or bumping the hammer can cause a discharge.
 With the hammer in the half-cock safety position, a hard impact to the hammer, such as from dropping the firearm,
can break the safety mechanism and cause a discharge.
 With the hammer in any position, a hard impact, such as from dropping or jarring the firearm, can cause a discharge,
even if the hammer is not impacted.

To reduce the risk of accidental discharge, follow safe firearm handling practices, including:
 Always maintain control of the firearm and keep your firearm pointed in a safe direction at all times.
 Never place the hammer in the full-down position when there is a live cartridge in the chamber.
 Never rely on the half-cock safety to prevent accidental discharge due to dropping or jarring the firearm,
or hard impacts to the hammer.
 When there is a live cartridge in the chamber, avoid activities that increase the risk of dropping or jarring the rifle,
such as running, climbing, crossing a fence, and taking the firearm up and down from a tree stand.
This is not an ammunition or firearm recall.
For Winchester firearm owners manuals please go to www.winchesterguns.com/customerservice/ownersmanuals
2014 Winchester Ammunition, 600 Powder Mill Road, East Alton, IL 62024-1273

FEATURE

COMBAT MAGNUMS

AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG/SW66

Smith & Wessons medium-size L-frame is the foundation of the

Model 69 Combat Magnum, a five-shot .44 Mag. rendered in
stainless steel. Changes to the cylinder, yoke and ejector rod
allow the gun to take the pressures of the .44 Mag. cartridge.
The gun makes use of a transfer bar and flat-nosed hammer.

42 D

ECEMBER

2014

AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG

Photos by Forrest MacCormack

Combat
Magnum

RESURGENCE
The full-size American revolver concept not only isnt dead, but two new Smith & Wesson Combat
Magnumsthe Model 69 in .44 Mag. and the revamped .357 Mag. Model 66are proof that
its actually enjoying a resurgence.

t was Mark Twain who once coined the phrase

... the report of my death was an exaggeration.
That pithy observation might also fit the state of
affairs with the traditional double-action/singleaction revolver from Smith & Wessonthe Hand
Ejector series. They have been making them up there
in Springfield, Mass., since the 1890s, but their popularity has declined in the wake of the current enthusiasm for black plastic pistols. Through the decades
of Hand Ejector production, there have been some
great milestonesthe Triple Lock of 1907, the service
.45s of 1917, the first Magnum in 1935 and many more.
Guns like those classics have been the visible manifestations of a sound design, but there are many, many
little things improved slowly and almost invisibly.
Things such as the hammer block safety of the 20s
and the bolt block of the 80s show the makers willingness to evolve.

BY WILEY CLAPP, Field Editor

Unquestionably, the revolver is no longer the daily
companion of those who protect our citizens as that
function is now served by some form of semi-automatic
pistol. Despite attempts to build a powerful pistol
for the sportsman, though, the big magnum revolver
remains his best choice. It is in that large revolver for
sportsmanas well as strong sales of small-frame
hideout revolversthat we see the logic of continuing
revolver production and development. Smith & Wesson
knows that, and the guns at hand are proof positive
that it still has a trick or two up its sleeves. The two
guns are an L-frame .44 Mag. called the Model 69 and
a re-work of an enduring police classic designated
the Model 66. Its really nice to see the new 66 as its
predecessor was my issue sidearm for many years as
a deputy sheriff. I will treat the updated Model 66 as a
separate entity in an adjacent sidebar. Both revolvers
come with 4" barrels to permit sales in Canada.
AMERICAN RIFLEMAN

DECEMBER 2014

43

COMBAT MAGNUMS

44 D

ECEMBER

The Model 69 (top) and the Model 66 (above) are proof that
Smith & Wesson is committed to breathing new life into revolvers.
The Model 66 in .357 Mag. is built on the K-frame, and its cylinder
capacity is six rounds (r.). The cylinder walls of the five-shot
Model 69 (far, r.) have been beefed up for the .44 Mag.
2014

AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG

SHOOTING RESULTS (25 YDS.)

.44 MAG
CARTRIDGE

SMITH & WESSON MODEL 69

VEL. @ 12'
(F.P.S.)

ENERGY
(FT.-LBS.)

GROUP SIZE IN INCHES

SMALLEST LARGEST AVERAGE

WINCHESTER
210-GR.
SILVERTIP JHP

1139 AVG.
14 SD

605

1.42

2.44

1.80

HORNADY
240-GR. XTP/HP

1195 AVG.
11 SD

761

1.64

2.02

1.78

FEDERAL
240-GR. JSP

1156 AVG.
19 SD

712

1.37

1.93

1.70

AVERAGE EXTREME SPREAD

1.76

NOTES: ACCURACY RESULTS BASED ON FIVE CONSECUTIVE, FIVE-SHOT GROUPS FIRED WITH THE
GUN IN A RANSOM REST. VELOCITIES MEASURED WITH AN OEHLER MODEL 35P CHRONOGRAPH
WITH SCREENS APPROXIMATELY 12 FT. FROM THE MUZZLE. TEMPERATURE: 76 F. ABBREVIATIONS:
JHP (JACKETED HOLLOW POINT), JSP (JACKETED SOFT POINT), SD (STANDARD DEVIATION),
XTP/HP (EXTREME TERMINAL PERFORMANCE HOLLOW-POINT).

MANUFACTURER: SMITH & WESSON

(DEPT. AR), 2100 ROOSEVELT AVE,

SPRINGFIELD, MA 01104;
(800) 331-0852; SMITH-WESSON.COM
CALIBER: .44 MAG. (.44 SPL.)
ACTION TYPE: DOUBLE-ACTION/SINGLEACTION CENTER-FIRE REVOLVER
FRAME: STAINLESS STEEL
BARREL: TWO-PIECE, 4"
RIFLING: 1:18"
CYLINDER CAPACITY: FIVE ROUNDS
SIGHTS: ADJUSTABLE REAR WITH WHITE
OUTLINE; RED RAMP FRONT

10-LB., 7-OZ.
3-LB., 6-OZ. PULL
OVERALL LENGTH: 9.75"
WIDTH: 1.57"
HEIGHT: 5.58"
WEIGHT: 37.2 OZS.
ACCESSORIES: LOCKABLE HARD CASE,
CABLE LOCK, MANUAL
SUGGESTED RETAIL PRICE: $849
TRIGGER:

DOUBLE-ACTION

PULL; SINGLE-ACTION

At just more than 38 ozs., the

classically styled Model 69 (above)
is light enough to carry, but recoil from
.44 Mag. loads will be more severe than
with a bigger, heavier N-frame.

The right side of the Model 69s barrel reads .44

MAGNUM and COMBAT MAGNUM in two lines. The
use of the combat terminology is an insight into why
the Model 69 is what it is. In the 50s, when S&W was
updating its catalog with a flurry of great new designs,
it began to use the name Combat Masterpiece for a
4", K-frame, .38 Spl. intended for police service. At
the urging of the late Bill Jordan, the company made
a slightly heavier and stronger K-frame chambered
for the .357 Mag. known as the Combat Magnum.
Both models enjoyed great popularity. The image was
that of a light and easily carried holster revolver with
target grade features and the strength to manage the
powerful and evolving ammunition of the post-World
War II era. As that was happening, Smith also offered
a large revolver on its N-frame and chambered it for
a new magnum cartridge, the .44 Mag. The .44 Mag.
was a brute of a handgun and really took off when
adopted by a certain fictional San Francisco police
detective named Harry Callahan, portrayed in film by

Clint Eastwood. The gun and caliber were a resounding success. At the same time, the lighter and smaller
Combat Magnum was doing even better in .357 Mag.
Eventually, .357 Mag. loads evolved toward lighter
bullets and greater velocity, which began to challenge
the longevity of the K-frame gun. By the late 70s, S&W
came up with a fix for its medium-frame magnum
situation. It was the Distinguished Combat Magnum,
built on an all-new foundation designated the L-frame.
Intermediate in size, between the smaller K-frame and
larger N-frame, the new L-frame was beefed up in several critical areas (mostly the cylinder) to take the hottest loads available by Sporting Arms and Ammunition
Manufacturers Institute specifications.
It was, literally, a revolver sized and built for the
.357 Mag. cartridge. The cops on the beat took to the
new gun with gusto, but by the time the gun was widely
distributed, police attention had shifted to the semiautomatic pistol. The L-frame .357s persist to date and
have seen a number of interesting innovations, such as
the use of a seven-shot cylinder in .357 Mag., a fiveshot cylinder in .44 Spl. and even a few .40 S&W six
shots (with moon clips). The L-frame is the all-purpose
continued on p. 70
AMERICAN RIFLEMAN

DECEMBER 2014

45

FEATURE .26 NOSLER

THE

TESTING
.26

NOSLER

AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG/26NOSLER

46 D

ECEMBER

2014

AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG

Photo by Forrest MacCormack

Noslers new long-range cartridgethe first to bear the company namedoes precisely what it
was designed to do: shoot fast, flat and live up to the hype surrounding its ballistic performance.

tyles change in anything made by humans,

whether it be clothing, vehicles, food or hunting
rifles. Half a century ago miniskirts were considered scandalous by high school principals,
suburbanites drove station wagons instead of minivans and SUVs, families ate TV dinners in their living
rooms, and rifle manufacturers were trying to steal
some of Roy Weatherbys magic.
Of course, technology often influences style.
Weatherby rifles became popular not just because their
stocks went nicely with tailfin Cadillacs, but because
Weatherby cartridges produced more muzzle velocity
than any other cartridges. Americas Interstate highway
system was spreading rapidly from coast to coast, and
our space rockets were aiming for the moon. We wanted
to go faster and farther in every way possible, and Roy
Weatherbys magnums helped hunters keep up.
Today faster and farther isnt quite what it used to be.
Many of our Interstates are over-crowded, nobody has
moved to the moon, and $200 laser rangefinders transformed mild little cartridges into long-range wonders.

BY JOHN BARSNESS, Field Editor

So why would anybody introduce a super-fast,
super-flat-shooting cartridge such as the .26 Nosler?
The answer lies in the fact that America is diverse.
Some hunters now feel 12-lb. rifles with blocky synthetic stocks and scopes resembling plumbing
fixtures are even sexier than camouflage pickup
trucks, especially when paired with a smartphones
ballistic app. Other hunters cling to more traditional
rifles, some with primitive walnut stocks, and still want
a cartridge that shoots flat enough to go computerfree in the wilderness. (Of course, traditionalists may
just be math-challenged, another trend in 21st-century
America, but thats another subject.)
Traditionalists also lean toward less specialized
hunting rifles than long-range rigs designed to be
shot primarily from prone or (in an emergency) sitting. This dictates an overall weight of less than 10 lbs.,
with a stock relatively friendly to offhand shooting.
Both the .26 Nosler cartridge and its rifles straddle the
two worlds, partly because 6.5 mm is the cutting-edge
caliber in modern hunting rifles.

The two Nosler factory loads

available for testing were the
129-gr. AccuBond Long Range
(l.) at 3400 f.p.s. and the 140-gr.
AccuBond (r.) at 3300 f.p.s. The
velocities were spot-on from
the Model 48 Patriot. There are
multiple Model 48 rifles offered
by Nosler in .26 Nosler, including the Heritage (opposite).

Photos by author

AMERICAN RIFLEMAN

DECEMBER 2014

47

.26 NOSLER

This group was

shot at 300 yds.
with the 129-gr.
load, after
sighting-in 2"
high at 100 yds.,
which, according to a ballistic
program, would
put it dead-on
at 300 yds.

While some long-range hunters use 6 mm, 7 mm,

.30- or even .33-cal. cartridges, none of their bullets
have quite the same combination of high ballistic coefficient (BC), sufficient weight, and moderate recoil as
6.5 mm. The high BC guarantees enough zip for bullet
expansion at the greater distances, and is less influenced by wind. (While laser rangefinders made flat
trajectory almost irrelevant, they dont help judge an
erratic breeze.) Tolerable recoil is desirable, even for
hunters who aim right on a big-game animals chest,
because longer-range shooting requires much practice,
and extended sessions at the range with a hard-kicking

rifle can make even American hunters flinch.

Nosler introduced its boattail, polymer-pointed
Ballistic Tip bullet in the 1980s, which made a noticeable difference in long-range trajectory and winddrift. I can still remember the prairie dog hunt where
several of us discovered the .223 Rem. was essentially transformed into a .22-250 Rem. by the use of
50-gr. Ballistic Tips. The same advantage occurred
with thicker-jacketed hunting Ballistic Tips, plus
the bonded version of the Ballistic Tip called the
AccuBondand, eventually, plastic-tipped bullets
introduced by other companies.
But with the laser-rangefinder revolution, many
hunters demanded even sleeker bullets. Some began
to lobby for a bonded Very Low Drag (VLD) bullet, and
in 2013 Nosler obliged with the AccuBond Long Range
(ABLR). The 6.5 mm ABLR weighs 129 grs., a traditional
European weight, with a listed G1 ballistic coefficient
of .561, and the initial .26 Nosler factory load starts the
129-gr. ABLR at 3400 f.p.s. from a 26" barrel.
According to the Point Mass Ballistic Solver computer program included with Bryan Litzs fine book
Applied Ballistics For Long-Range Shooting, when
sighted-in at 325 yds. with a typical scope height of
1.75" over the bore, the 129-gr. ABLR is 2.78" above
point of aim at 100 yds., 3.94" high at 200, still 1.31"
high at 300, and only 5.6" down at 400. And thats at
standard atmospheric conditions: sea level, 59 F. at
a barometric pressure of 29.92 mb. Change
the conditions to those typical during rifle
continued on p. 78

The Patriot model

features an aluminum
floorplate, which
shaves a little weight.

48 D

ECEMBER

2014

AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG

NOSLER M48 PATRIOT

MANUFACTURER: NOSLER, INC.

(DEPT. AR), P.O. BOX 671, BEND, OR

97709, (800) 285-3701, NOSLER.COM
CALIBER: .26 NOSLER
ACTION TYPE: BOLT-ACTION, CENTER-FIRE
REPEATING RIFLE

RECEIVER:

CARBON STEEL,

CERAKOTED

MATTE BLACK

BARREL: 26" PAC-NOR

STAINLESS,
CERAKOTED MATTE BLACK
RIFLING: FIVE-GROOVE, 1:8" RH TWIST
MAGAZINE: THREE-ROUND, WITH HINGED
FLOORPLATE

SIGHTS:

NONE; DRILLED AND TAPPED FOR

SCOPE BASES

TRIGGER PULL:

2 LBS., 11 OZS.

STOCK:

SINGLE-STAGE;

ALUMINUM PILLAR-BEDDED,

ARAMID-FIBER REINFORCED COMPOSITE,

PAINTED GRAY WITH BLACK WEBBING,

1" BLACK PACHMAYR DECELERATOR

1338";
DROP AT COMB, 1/2"; DROP AT HEEL, 0"
OVERALL LENGTH: 46"
WEIGHT: 7 LBS., 10 OZS.
SUGGESTED RETAIL PRICE: $1,695
WITH

SHOOTING RESULTS (100 YDS.)

.26 NOSLER
CARTRIDGE

VEL. @ 15'
(F.P.S.)

ENERGY
(FT.-LBS.)

GROUP SIZE IN INCHES

SMALLEST LARGEST AVERAGE

NOSLER
TROPHY GRADE
129-GR. ABLR

3397 AVG.
17 SD

3,298

0.86

1.25

1.02

NOSLER
TROPHY GRADE
140-GR.
ACCUBOND

3283 AVG.
19 SD

3,350

1.03

1.52

1.27

AVERAGE EXTREME SPREAD

1.15

VELOCITY MEASURED AT 15 FT. WITH AN OEHLER MODEL 35P CHRONOGRAPH. TEMPERATURE:

70 F. HUMIDITY: 35%. ACCURACY FOR FIVE CONSECUTIVE, FIVE-SHOT GROUPS AT 100 YDS.
FROM A CALDWELL FRONT REST AND REAR BAG. ABBREVIATIONS: ABLR (ACCUBOND LONG
RANGE), SD (STANDARD DEVIATION).

remote camera

RECOIL PAD: LENGTH OF PULL,

The author used Nosler's Model 48 Patriot rifle to test the

.26 Nosler, and was rewarded with excellent results.

The recoil of the .26 Nosler is not

overly harsh, even from the bench.
The author compares it to that of a
typical 160-gr. 7 mm Rem. Mag. load.

In a 1:8" rifling twist the 129-gr.

AccuBond Long Ranges listed ballistic coefficients are right-on.

The .26 Nosler is designed

for long-range shooting of
open-country game, ranging
from pronghorn to elk.
AMERICAN RIFLEMAN

DECEMBER 2014

49

FEATURE

AR 101 PART 3

By practicing shooting from

positions likely to be encountered
in the field, and by upgrading
a few key rifle components, an
AR owner can be prepared for
competition, personal defense
and hunting.

50 D

ECEMBER

2014

AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG

Photos by Lukas Lamb

AR 101

Shooting The
General Purpose Rifle
In the previous two parts of our AR 101 series, we
covered the basicsfrom safety and maintenance to
zeroing and trajectory. This month we hit the ground running
and work on field shooting positions. Well also take a closer
look at the ARs performance-enhancing components.
BY SGT./MAJ. KYLE E. LAMB, U.S. ARMY (RET.)

ve learned a lot about shooting positions, both from my

own experiences and through discussions with those of my
students who have been involved in actual shootings. Ive
found that, whether their background is with the military
or law enforcement, a pretty clear picture has emerged.
Around 93 percent of such encounters occur when the
shooter is in a position other than prone. That doesnt
mean we shouldnt practice prone; but rather it suggests there should
be some level of focus on other positions that are more likely to occur
in a real-world shooting incident. To reinforce the point, many hunters and competition shooters will attest that they are often forced into
non-standard shooting positions when practicing their craft. It may
also be true that getting steady in a less than optimal position will
require the use of support from a fence post, guard rail, parapet, corner of a building or the hood of a car.
Staying as close to the ground as possible is key to having sound
positions. In other words, dont stand when you can kneel, dont kneel
when you can sit, and dont sit when you can go prone.

AMERICAN RIFLEMAN

DECEMBER 2014

51

AR 101 PART 3

Sitting Position

When possible, using the standard sitting position should be

the goal, but understand that there may be times when you just
cant get into this position, maybe because of physical limitations
or your present environment. If you have a large waistline, you may
need to use a slightly modified position to get stable, comfortable
and be able to maintain the position as long as necessary. Likewise,
body armor may eliminate the possibility of your standard sitting
position. There are also terrain features that arent suitable for
shooting while sitting, for example sitting on a steep hill can feel
unstablelike you are about to start rolling on down.

KNEE UP

If you feel like the standard sitting position isnt going to work, you
may want to try lifting your front leg and using your knee for support.
This works very well if you are planning to shoot downhill as well. You
can use this position with an AR or a standard bolt-action with very
good results. This position is also very comfortable and allows the
use of bone-to-muscle and, sometimes, even rifle-to-bone supporta
huge plus for stability.
For a right-handed shooter, lift the left knee while trying to keep
the sole of your boot on the ground. For best stability the left foot
must be flat on the ground, this will also eliminate the sewingmachine shakes when you become fatigued. Granted, there are
times when you wont be able to do this, such as when sitting on a
steep hillside. I wrap my support arm around my left leg and support
the rifle either tight to my leg or actually rest the magazine and pistol
grip over my leg to help with recoil as well as stability.
If you are using a quick-adjust two-point sling, such as the VTAC,
you can reach back and pull the free running end to further cinch
down the rifle to your knee. Comfortably tight is how I employ this
setup. Try to stay somewhat tight on the rifle, as that will help with
follow-through for faster and more accurate fire.

MUSCLE-ON-BONE &
BONE-ON-MUSCLE

When you build your

position it is important
that there is no bone-onbone contact. This means
that your elbow should not
be directly on your knee.
You should drop your
elbow inside the crook of
your knee or lean even
farther forward and drop
your triceps to the front
of your knee. It may be
awkward trying to achieve
the right position, but do
what you can. Remember,
lower is better.

52 D

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2014

AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG

NATURAL POINT OF AIM

Be sure to acquire
a proper natural point
of aim; if you assume a
shooting position and
find you have to force
your sights onto the
target, then you are not
positioned correctly.
Make a few small adjustments to the orientation
of your lower body, then
try to get into position
again. It will take some
time to become proficient at simply dropping
into positions that are
aligned to your natural
point of aim.

Kneeling Position

The kneeling position is extremely hard to use correctly and

accurately, but it is a very frequently needed position. If you are having difficulty with it, spend a few hours on the range working on the
specifics as well as accuracy and, soon, comfort, or at least confidence,
will come. From the standard kneeling position I normally see shooters place their elbows on their knees, bone-on-bone. This isnt the best
technique. If at all possible, try to drop your elbow to the front of your
knee, triceps to knee. If that isnt comfortable you may try dropping the
elbow inside your knee and rolling the magazine and magazine well of
the carbine down to make contact. That should help with stability.

CARBINE ON KNEE

My favorite kneeling position,

which is also very non-standard,
is placing the rifle on my supportside knee. It will require that you
twist your body slightly or more
obliquely to the target to achieve a
good natural point of aim. I straddle
my knee with the magazine and
pistol grip of the rifle. I guarantee
that it will feel weird at first, but
with practice you will get used to
it. You should also see increased
sustainability with carbine-on-knee
position, as well as less movement
of your sights on target.
Dont forget to use your sling
when possible to add stability. Also
remember to drop your elbows;
that will increase stability while
offering less of a target to your
threat. I, for one, do not want to get
shot in the elbow.

KNEELING SUPPORTED

Ideally you will have something

to use for a support when getting
into the kneeling position. You may
even be lucky enough to have a
material that serves as cover, not
just concealment, which would be
even better.
Contrary to what is being taught
in many circles, I prefer to lift my
firing-side leg so as to use the knee
for support of the firing-side elbow. If executed correctly you will be
exponentially more stable and not expose any more of your body than
you would with other techniques.
If your cover or concealment is lower to the ground, you can even
go as far as dropping the elbow and triceps in front of the knee; putting pressure between the knee and triceps will add increased stability to the position while allowing you to get even lower to the ground.
You wont get comfortable with these positions without dry-fire and
live-fire training. Add this to your range time and you will quickly see
improvements in all of your shooting, not just positional work.

Range Bag Recommendations From A Pro

hen I head to the range I need to be efficient with my training as well as

provide my students with the training aids and safety equipment they
deserve from a professional shooting and tactics instructor. Therefore it is
necessary to include the gear that is always needed in a range environment. Here
Ive highlighted some gear that I carry to the range, every time.
MEDICAL KIT (TRAUMA) This includes a SOFTT tourniquet,
a nasal pharyngeal for establishing an airway and Quick Clot
Combat Gauze for treating a gunshot wound. I generally just
use Gorilla tape for small bandages.
SMALL TOOL KIT This has small screwdrivers,
tiny files, and a few punches. I also carry a
small adjustable wrench for tightening or
removing flash hiders and muzzle brakes.
An assortment of Allen wrenches is probably
the most used item, including the very small
ones used on scope turrets and triggers.
Continued on p. 55
AMERICAN RIFLEMAN

DECEMBER 2014

53

AR 101 PART 3

AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG/TARGET
AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG/AR101

Accessorizing Your AR
Now that we are training in a few new shooting positions, its worth
taking a look at a few of your rifles components that can greatly
enhance functionality. As you become more and more aware of the
great performance of the AR you will also start to appreciate the modularity of the system. There are hundreds, if not thousands, of accessories that are available to create the customized AR. I try to keep things
simple because gadgets, generally speaking, dont really enhance
the performance of your rifle. Instead, I want to detail the four minimal changes I would make to a factory carbine to get its performance
elevated to a new level.

FREE-FLOAT TUBE

All things being equal, the easiest way to improve performance

(accuracy-wise) is with the installation of a free-float tube system. What
does that do? It allows the barrel to be free from disturbances throughout the firing sequence, which in turn leads to better accuracy and
repeatability. Having a free-float rail system also gives you the extra
space in most cases to hang extra accessoriesvertical grip, backup
iron sights, a light, sling attachmentsor whatever else an AR owner
might need. Some systems do require gunsmith installation but there
are also several out there that dont. I use a VTAC/Troy Alpha Rail on
most of my carbines, as I helped to design the system with features that
I know will work. The stock barrel nut can be used, and it is a simple
matter of attaching and tightening three clips and screws. There is also
not a plethora of rail; we have removed all of the excess except on the
top of the tube while replacing the normal rail areas with slots that allow
you to attach rails where you want them, when you want them.
A free-float rail may not fulfill all of your precision-related needs, but
if you have a good barrel it will definitely improve accuracy
especially if you are resting your carbine against obstacles
for support.

SLING

A general-purpose AR just isnt complete without

a sling. If you plan to carry the rifle or stabilize it while
shooting, you must have a sling. I use a quick-adjust,
two-point type, the VTAC sling. It allows the user to
carry the carbine muzzle down as well as quickly
cinch the rifle tight to his chest or loosen it for
shooting or transitioning. The sling can be
slightly tightened while building a shooting
position to greatly increase stability. If you
choose to use a single-point or three-point
sling you will lose the ability to also have the
built-in shooting aid. The single-point lets
the rifle dangle, merely there in case you
have to transition to your sidearm. I find
that less-secure configuration may also
allow it to crack you in the family jewels or
on the knees, depending on the adjustment.

54 D

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2014

AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG

SIGHTING SYSTEMS

Perhaps the most controversial equipment choice for an AR

shooter is the optic that will top
the gun. I for one shoot much
better with a red-dot sight or
low-powered optic on the rifle. I
like to have backup iron sights for
emergencies, but I mostly focus
on the optic.
If you choose a red dot I would
recommend a co-witnessed setup,
meaning that if you flip up your
sights you will be able to put the
dot on the front sight with the
rear sight aligned. I prefer this
to the lower third setup that
some manufacturers push. The
best guidance I can give you in
choosing optics is the old addage
you get what you pay for. My
top choices would be the EO-Tech
XPS and the Aimpoint Micro T-1.
Both are fine sights, the XPS has
a larger screen to look through
and uses a CR-123 battery, the
Aimpoint uses a CR-2032 battery
and offers long run time without
the need for a change.
If you have visual impairments
or want an optic that helps when
shooting at extended range, a
low-power, magnified optic will
be good for you. There are many
to choose from, but high on my
list is the Leupold VX-6 1-6X and
the Trijicon ACOG. Both sights
are very rugged, the ACOG has
served with the U.S. military
for many years during the
global war on terror.
The Leupold VX-6 has
the added benefit
of dialing from 1X
for close range to
6X for extended
rangesthis is a
nice feature.
Dont be fooled
into thinking you
must have an optic either.
If this rifle will be thrown
in your vehicle for long
periods of time or set to
the side for emergency
use, iron sights may be
your perfect setup.

TRIGGER

Stock AR triggers normally leave

a lot to be desired, they are usually
very safe but have a very heavy pull
weight. I prefer to have a trigger
that is close to my pistols trigger
pull weights, which normally hover
between 3 lbs., 8 ozs. and 4 lbs.,
8 ozs. That gives me a safe trigger
even when wearing gloves, which
I wear most of the time when I am
conducting classes as well as when
I am running the AR hard and fast.
When you decide to choose a
trigger, you better hang onto your
hat because there are literally hundreds of them on the market. First
you should decide if you prefer a
single-stage or a two-stage system.
Single-Stage
A single-stage trigger should break
without an overabundance of movement. In other words, you will start
feeling the weight of the trigger
as soon as you apply pressure. I
personally prefer a single-stage
trigger on a .223 Rem./5.56x45 mm
AR. In my opinion, that type of trigger allows for quicker shooting than
a two-stage. I like the fact that when
the trigger resets it also stops right
there, no additional movement.
Two-Stage
A two-stage trigger has two distinct phases of the trigger pull
sequence. The first is just the
takeup of the trigger, loading with
just the weight required to get
the trigger to stop at the second
stage. It is normally very light, just
enough to let you know you are
touching the trigger. As you hit the
second stage, you will feel extra
weight and have to add pressure to
get the trigger to break. Two-stage
triggers work well on rifles that you

continued from p. 53

HANDHELD LIGHT Useful if your rifle or pistol mounted light

goes down. Also good for range cleanup in the dark.
EAR PROTECTION Electronic muffs that allow me to hear
range commands and my students questions are a must.
I also bring plugs in case someone forgets their ears
or I need to double up.
KNEE PADS AND GLOVES When you are on the range as
much as I am, a little protection goes a long way.
TIMER A reliable timer is vital to training, so I often carry two when
I travel. I like the ability to check times as well as splits between shots
quickly. Having a backlit screen is also good for night classes.
POLARIZED SUNGLASSES, CLEAR LENSES I require wrap-around,
ballistic eyewear with optional clear lenses for night operations.
AND MORE... In addition, I always have a pocket tool, spare batteries
for sights, lights and timers, appropriate head gear, sunscreen,
chapstick, a good cleaning kit and Rand CLPthe rod sections from
military-style kits are also great for clearing a stuck casetraffic
cones for movement drills, a stapler and staples, permanent markers,
Gorilla tape for fixing gear, and target tape for concealing bullet holes.
KYLE E. LAMB
are trying to get superb accuracy
from as well as rifles or carbines
that are precision-type guns. I like
a two-stage trigger in my .30-cal.
ARs but they are a little too slow for
me when shooting fast.
Because there are so many triggers available, it is important to
ensure that your safety functions
properly after installing one. Some
triggers allow you to place the
carbine on safe with the firing pin
forwardif this is the case you have
a problem.
There are also modular triggers on the market that can be
dropped into the rifle as one tuned
module, not separate parts. They
are great for ease of installation.
Nonetheless, even if you dont use
a modular system, a basic understanding of the ARs fire control
should enable you to install most
aftermarket triggers.

I have come to prefer triggers

that do not have built-in adjustment
mechanisms. If I do use one that
has adjustment screws, it usually
bites me when I get too much solvent on the fire control group. Once
the cleaning solvent dissolves the
Loctite used to secure the adjustment screws, the trigger is out
of whack, which is definitely not
good. Not only could this affect the
triggers pull weight, it may even
stop working altogethera very
unsafe situation.
These basic positions and rifle
components will get you headed in
the right direction. Theres no need
to go overboard and buy everything
you see on the web. Start simple
and see what works for you. Get on
the range and work with what you
have. You will soon see what is really
needed to make your carbine and
skill set more effective.
AMERICAN RIFLEMAN

DECEMBER 2014

55

FEATURE

COLD WAR K-FRAMES

After World War II, German

police were issued Smith &
Wesson K-frame Military &
Police Models, including this
.38/200 revolver, which was
made for British or Canadian
use. It is shown beside
a wooden crate of 1,248
rounds of Canadian-made
.380" DC MK IIZ
(nitrocellulose) ammunition.

56 D

ECEMBER

2014

AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG

Reiner Herrmann collection

With the defeat of Nazi Germany, there was a need to keep the peace and provide arms to
German police agencies in the newly occupied nation. In the American zone, Smith & Wesson
K-Frame revolvers were pressed into post-war service with German police.
BY TIMOTHY J. MULLIN
ine weeks after the unconditional German
surrender on May 8, 1945 (V-E Day), a
high-level conference was convened at
Cecilienhof, the home of Crown Prince
Wilhelm Hohenzollern in Potsdam. The conference lasted from July 17 to Aug. 2, 1945. Initially the
chief delegates were Joseph Stalin from the USSR,
Winston Churchill from the United Kingdom, and
U.S. President Harry Truman, although Churchill was
replaced during the conference by Clement Atlee,
who had been elected Prime Minister in the first
post-war British election.
Among the items on the agenda were the division of Germany and Austria, respectively, into four
occupation zones; the redrawing of Germanys eastern
border along the Oder-Neisse line, which effectively
reduced Germanys land area by about 25 percent
from its 1937 borders; war reparations; and the
destruction of Germanys industrial war potential.

Prior to the Potsdam conference the United States

had been allocated Bavaria, Hessen, all the states of
Baden and Wrttemberg, as well as the American
Sector of Berlin. It was decided at the conference that
the French should control two-thirds of the merged
states of Baden and Wrttemberg, with the United
States retaining the upper third, which was named
the new state of Wrttemberg-Baden. In addition,
at Potsdam the Americans negotiated for and were
granted a port, which they called the Bremen Enclave.
This area was received from the Canadians, who had
occupied the port after the end of the war.
Through post-war military assistance programs,
thousands of wartime Smith & Wesson Military &
Police revolvers, both .38/200s (which had been made
by Smith & Wesson for the British) and .38 Spl. Victory
Models procured by the Americans, were provided to
the police in the U.S. zone of occupied Germany.
continued on p. 74

Victory Model serial number V444417 (above , l.) has had its original police markings milled out and HEGE/SCHW-HALL
for gunsmith Wilhelm Hebsacker, Schwbisch Hall, added. The stamped circular legend STERREICH POLIZEI and
an inventory number 1202 (above, r.) are on the left of a Victory Model issuesd to Austrian police. The Victory Model
marked NR.131/POL.GELSENKIRCHEN has been reblued (below, l.). A Bremen Police revolver (below, r.) is marked to
Pol. Br. L. u. S. Bremen Police Land und Stadt; Rural and Municipal).

Photos courtesy of James Mock

AMERICAN RIFLEMAN

DECEMBER 2014

57

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TECHNICAL

DOPE BAG

AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG/GAMOVIPER

GAMO BUCKMASTERS
SQUIRREL TERMINATOR
W

ith .22-cal. rimfire

ammunition still in short
supply, and with pricing
of the once universally inexpensive cartridges inflated to historic
levels, many a plinker and smallgame hunter has had to resort
to scouring gun show tables and
online sources or standing in lines
at storesand some have been
sidelined altogether. For the frustrated masses seeking a solution to
their ammunition woes, one option
worth serious consideration is precision, high-powered air rifles.
To anyone who hasnt recently
walked the airgun aisle of their
local sporting goods store,
modern air rifles are not the BB
guns of Christmas Story fame.
Development by companies such
as Gamo, the largest airgun manufacturer in Europe and a leading
distributor of airguns throughout
the world, has brought these airpowered arms into the realm of
legitimate hunting tools. Indeed,
it is perhaps the need to cement
this modern reality in the minds of
American sportsmen that generated
the companys latest offering
the Gamo Buckmasters Squirrel

Terminator. Both by partnering

with Jackie Bushman and his wellknown hunting organization, and by
choosing the designation, Squirrel
Terminator, Gamo leaves no question as to its purpose; this is a gun
made for small-game hunting.
At a quick glance, the Squirrel
Terminator could be just another
large-caliber center-fire rifle in the
gun rack. The matte-black synthetic
stock with elevated cheek pad for
ambidextrous shooting, the Shock
Wave Absorberz (SWA) buttpad,
stout fluted barrel and 4X 32 mm
mounted Gamo optic give it a beefy
look that transcends the more common stripped down and simplistic
sculpturing of most air rifles. Unlike a
variable pump rifle that requires multiple pumps of the cocking device in
order to charge the gun, the Squirrel
Terminator is a break-barrel, singlecocking spring-piston model that
is charged by simply grasping the
pistol grip or fore-end in one hand
and swinging the end of the barrel
down and then back into battery. In
the hand, it feels like a true rifle. It
weighs a solid, but comfortable,
6 lbs., 1 oz., with a balance that compares to any quality long arm, either
center-fire or rimfire.
At the heart of the .177-cal.
Squirrel Terminators technological
advantages is the incorporation of

Gamos Turbo Stabilizing System.

The system is designed to bring
the spring to a controlled stop
within the chamber upon firing
and thus generate more velocity, less vibration, less recoil
and, ultimately, at least in theory,
better accuracy. In fact, the Turbo
Stabilizing System purportedly
generates an additional 25-f.p.s.
velocity to the flight of the pellet when compared to standard
spring-powered air rifles.
The Buckmasters Squirrel
Terminator is billed to deliver
1275 f.p.s. of velocity when shooting Gamos PBA Platinum Ammo.
(Gamo is also the largest manufacturer of pellets in the world.)
For some perspective, 1275 f.p.s.
compares to the muzzle velocities
produced by most .22 Long Rifle
loads and exceeds the velocities of
common .22 Short loads and even
many full-size handgun calibers.
Shooting this air rifle is a pleasure and, quite honestly, a lot of
fun. Gamo touts that it takes
32 lbs. of cocking effort to charge
the guna simple task for any
adult with average strength, but too
difficult for a child. This of course
is not designed to be a childs
airgun, though in the company and
guidance of an adult, and with that
adults help, its as great a training

The Buckmasters Squirrel Terminators adjustable, two-stage trigger broke

with a respectable 3-lb., 12-oz. pull. The safety is forward of the trigger.

60 D

ECEMBER

2014

AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG

SHOOTING RESULTS (50 YDS.)

.177-CAL.
PELLET

VEL. @ 10'
(F.P.S.)

ENERGY
(FT.-LBS.)

RWS 8.2-GR.
MEISTERKUGELN

929 AVG.
12 SD

15.7

2.12

4.50

3.50

GAMO PLATINUM
5.4-GR.
PBA RAPTOR
POWER

1100 AVG.
12 SD

14.5

1.25

4.50

2.90

943 AVG.
20 SD

14.0

3.25

6.25

5.13

GAMO 7.1-GR.
PBA COPPER
BULLET

AVERAGE EXTREME SPREAD

GROUP SIZE IN INCHES

SMALLEST LARGEST AVERAGE

3.84

NOTES: MEASURED AVERAGE VELOCITY FOR 10 SHOTS FROM AN 18" BARREL OVER A
CHRONOGRAPH AT 10 FT. ACCURACY RESULTS BASED ON FIVE CONSECUTIVE, FIVE-SHOT GROUPS
FIRED FROM SANDBAGS AT 50 YDS. TEMPERATURE: 82 F. HUMIDITY: 84%. ABBREVIATIONS:
SD (STANDARD DEVIATION).

arm as any rimfire and has the

added advantage of being permissible to shoot in most suburban
back yards.
The two-stage adjustable
Smooth Action Trigger (SAT)
is kept in check by a safety tab
mounted on the underside of the
receiver and inside the trigger
guard just in front of the trigger. It
is engaged by pulling the tab rearward and released with a simple
flick of the finger forward. The
trigger itself has about 1/4" of free
travel before building resistance
and then breaking cleanly. The
adjustable trigger is factory-set at
just under 4 lbs. of pull.
On the range, the Squirrel
Terminator was tested using three
different pelletsGamos Platinum

5.4-gr. PBA Raptor Power, Gamo

7.1-gr. PBA pellet and RWS 8.2-gr.
Meisterkugeln. The rifle was chronographed for velocity and tested
for accuracy at 50 yds., a distance
at which one would typically test
a firearm that boasted rimfire-like
abilities. And this is where the
comparison between rimfire and
air rifle destabilized a littlebut
just a little.
The flat-nosed Meisterkugeln
pellets, more typical of a standard
pellet, were predictably the slowest out of the Squirrel Terminator
with an average measured velocity
of 929 f.p.s. The PBA Copper Bullet,
a hunting-specific pellet designed
with a rounded nose and longer
skirt for more terminal impact on
squirrel- and rabbit-size game flew
at a slightly higher velocity at
943 f.p.s. Lastly, the Platinum
Raptor PBA pellets averaged
1100 f.p.s. with the highest

As with Gamos other air rifles, the

Buckmasters Squirrel Terminator is cocked
by applying 32 lbs. of downward pressure on
the barrel, which exposes the chamber.

GAMO BUCKMASTERS
SQUIRREL TERMINATOR
IMPORTER: GAMO USA (DEPT. AR),

3911 S.W. 47TH AVE., SUITE 914,

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL 33314,
(954) 581-5822, GAMOUSA.COM
CALIBER: .177
ACTION TYPE: SPRING-PISTON-POWERED,
BREAK-ACTION, SINGLE-SHOT AIR RIFLE
RECEIVER: STEEL
BARREL: 18"; FLUTED,

POLYMER-JACKETED

STEEL

RIFLING: TWO-GROOVE, 1:18" RH

SIGHTS: NONE; COMES WITH

TWIST

GAMO 4X 32 MM AIR RIFLE SCOPE

TWO-STAGE ADJUSTABLE;
3-LB., 12-OZ. PULL

TRIGGER:

STOCK: BLACK SYNTHETIC

OVERALL LENGTH: 45"
WEIGHT: 6 LBS., 1 OZ.
ACCESSORIES: OWNERS MANUAL
SUGGESTED RETAIL PRICE: $220

measurement in the strings tested

launching at 1111 f.p.s. and the
lowest at 1069 f.p.s., not quite the
1250 f.p.s. stamped on the barrel, but impressive nevertheless.
The standard deviation between
shots for the Platinums and the
Meisterkugelns was only
12 f.p.s., meaning this rifle is one
very consistent shooter.
Five, five-shot groups were
fired with each pellet type from
sandbags at the noted distance
of 50 yds. The tightest group fired
was 1.25" using the PBA Platinum
pellets, but that one was almost
an anomaly as the next smallest
groups fired were 2.5" with the
Platinums and a 2.12" group with
the Meisterkugelns. The largest
group recorded was a dismal 6.25"
with the PBA Copper bullet, which
as a whole shot the worst groups
of the three pellets with the tightest of that line being a 3.25" group.
Most of the groups overall fell in
the 3"- and 4"-realm, making this
gun too inconsistent for shooting
game reliably at 50 yds. Bringing
the targets in to 25 yds., however,
brought the groups closer to the
1" (Meisterkugeln) and 2" (PBA
Platinum) sizes. That should allow
for making accurate shots on
squirrel-sized game and enable this
latest offering from Gamo to live up
to its name.
AMERICAN RIFLEMAN

DECEMBER 2014

61

DOPE BAG

AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG/VIPERG2

TRISTAR RAPTOR YOUTH

M

ost shooters remember

their first shotguns. For
many they were used,
adult-size guns they were told
they would grow into. Of course,
such guns poor fit made learning
to shoot difficult, and they often
instilled bad shooting habits that
had to be replaced in adulthood.
Not so today, as young shooters
have the advantage of selecting
from among reasonably priced
and appropriately sized models,
such as the Tristar Raptor Youth
reviewed here.
Despite its modest price, the
gas-operated semi-automatic,
made in Turkey by Kral and
chambered for 3", 20-ga. shells,
is a solid shotgun in all respects.
Importantly, though, it is light, at
6 lbs., 2 ozs. Also, it has a 24" barrel that, combined with the 13"
length-of-pull stock, makes the
Raptor Youth easy to handle for
younger shooters.
The test gun arrived almost
devoid of lubrication, making pulling the bolt rearward difficult, but
some judiciously applied lubricant quickly eased that function.
Because the tester was an adult, a
stock boot was added to the stock

to bring the gun to somewhat

normal adult dimensions. One
thing lubrication didnt help was
the 9-lb., 4-oz. average trigger
pull, which could be lighter. Still,
an exuberant youth will likely not
notice. Too, on the range, the heavy
trigger pull was not a hindrance.
With the shortened butt stock
and short 24" barrel, the Raptor
handled very well. It balances
at the junction of the action and
barrel and has much the same
feel as an adult semi-automatic.
The 13" length of pull is dictated
by the action-return spring tube
located in the butt stock. When
fired, the action bleeds off gas
from the cartridge through ports
located in the barrel ring, and
excess gas is vented by two slots
cut into both sides of the fore-end
at the rear edge of the barrel ring.
The gas impinges on the piston,
which, in turn, drives the action
bar and attached bolt rearward,
extracting and ejecting the fired
shell. In order to return the bolt
to battery with a fresh round, it is
necessary to have a spring located
either about the magazine tube or
in the buttstock. Tristar chose the
latter arrangement that has been

The semi-automatic Raptor Youth shotgun, which is chambered in 20-ga.,

3", has a 13" length of pull to provide a better fit for shooters of smaller
stature, such as adolescents and women.

62 D

ECEMBER

2014

AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG

in use since John Brownings Auto

5 came on the market in 1903; a
solid, traditional arrangement.
The only drawback to this style of
action-return spring is that if the
action is too freely lubricated the
excess lubrication can drain into
the return-spring tube, and in cold
weather can cause the assembly to
become a shock absorber, inducing malfunctions.
The Raptor has a two-piece
carrier that does two things: When
in battery, the bolt can be pulled
rearward, ejecting the chambered
shell, and another shell of different
shot size or length can be quickly
substituted. Secondly, it allows
unloading of the magazine through
the bottom loading port without
the bolt being open. In order to
lock the bolt to the rear, the gun
needs to either be discharged or
a small, round release on the left
side of the trigger guard must be
pulled rearward to trip the carrier
so the bolt can be locked open.
The installed three-shot plug is
inserted into the magazine tube
just under the screw-on magazine
cap. Easily removed, it might also
be easily lost by a young shooter
who isnt fully aware of the law. That

SHOOTING RESULTS

TRISTAR RAPTOR YOUTH

AVERAGE OF 10 PATTERNS

To enhance sighting in diminished

light, the Tristar Raptor Youths
ventilated-rib barrel has a green
fiber-optic pipe (above). Capping the
buttstock is a 1"-thick rubber recoil
pad (below).

17

11

20

20

17

17

11

14

MANUFACTURER: KRAL (TURKEY)

IMPORTER: TRISTAR SPORTING ARMS

(DEPT. AR), 1816 LINN ST.,

NORTH KANSAS CITY, MO 64116;
(816) 421-1400; TRISTARARMS.COM
ACTION TYPE: GAS-OPERATED,
SEMI-AUTOMATIC SHOTGUN
GAUGE: 20-GA., 3" CHAMBER
TRIGGER: SINGLE-STAGE; 9-LB., 4-OZ. PULL
MAGAZINE: FIVE 2" SHELLS;
TWO-SHOT PLUG INSTALLED
BARREL: 24" WITH SCREW-IN BERETTATHREAD-PATTERN CHOKE TUBES
SIGHTS: VENT RIB WITH FIBER-OPTIC-STYLE

0.011" TUBE

FRONT BEAD

METAL FINISH: BLACK, MUDDY GIRL

= POINT OF HOLD
REMINGTON EXPRESS EXTRA LONG RANGE
20-GA., 2 34", 1 OZ., NO. 6 LEAD SHOT
AVERAGE PELLET COUNT: 218
MEASURED VELOCITY @ 3 FT.:
1205 F.P.S.
TOTAL HITS
21" INNER CIRCLE
30" OUTER RING

127 (58%)
74 (34%)
54 (24%)

CAMO (PINK AND GRAY) AND VISTA CAMO

SYNTHETIC PISTOL-GRIP WITH
MOLDED CHECKERING; LENGTH OF PULL,
13"; DROP AT COMB, 2716";
DROP AT HEEL, 2"
OVERALL LENGTH: 42"
WEIGHT: 6 LBS., 2 OZS.
ACCESSORIES: OWNERS MANUAL,
THREE CHOKE TUBES, CHOKE TUBE
WRENCH, LOCK
STOCK:

SUGGESTED RETAIL PRICE:

said, the action design is simple,

easily broken down for cleaning,
and not likely to cause the owner
trouble. Tristar warranties its shotguns for five years with few exceptionsabuse, firing with the barrel
obstructed, etc.so if theres a
problem, the company will fix it.
At the range, the Tristar Youth
digested both 2" and 3" shells
without a hitch. The recoil from
the 3" loads was more noticeable,
but probably not enough to upset
a youngster preoccupied with
shooting at a duck. Firing 1-oz.
field loads at the patterning board
was a pleasure. Recoil was light
due to the gas-operated action
spreading out the recoil sensation

and the 1"-thick recoil pad. Not

exactly a state-of-the-art pad, but
it took up some of the shock and
also provided a non-slip surface
when the gun is in a rack or duck
blind. At clays, despite the short
stock with boot, the Raptor Youth
handled well and did not seem
whippy as is typical with most
short-barreled shotguns.
We were especially impressed
with the quality of the patterns
shot with the provided choke tube
that measured 0.011" of constriction and marked with three Xs. Of
the other choke tubes, one was
marked with four Xs and measured 0.001" of constriction and
a single-X tube that measured

BLACK

$409 (TESTED); MUDDY GIRL CAMO

$459; VISTA CAMO $489

0.030. With these three chokes

one could easily shoot skeet,
doves, quail and turkey. The patterns shot with the 0.011" tube
averaged 58 percent, and were
very even without excessive
central thickening. Our Remington
2" field load had 218 No. 6 lead
pellets, and the box was marked
as having a velocity of 1220 f.p.s.
that averaged 1205 f.p.s. over the
chronograph on a warm day.
In this day of specialized shotguns for various game and claytarget sports, there is little reason
for a young shooter to attempt
to make do with a shotgun
designed for an adult. With a shotgun like the Tristar Raptor Youth,
the guns dimensions will more
closely match the smaller shooters
stature, imparting a big advantage
in the early stages of learning the
art of wingshooting.

The American Rifleman has used the phrase Dope Bag since at least 1921, when Col. Townsend
Whelen first titled his column with it. Even then, it had been in use for years, referring to a sack used
by target shooters to hold ammunition and accessories on the firing line. Sight dope also was a
traditional marksmans term for sight-adjustment information, while judging wind speed and direction
was called doping the wind.
WARNING: Technical data and information contained herein are intended to provide information based
on the limited experience of individuals under specific conditions and circumstances. They do not detail
the comprehensive training procedures, techniques and safety precautions absolutely necessary to
properly carry on similar activity. Read the notice and disclaimer on the contents page. Always consult
comprehensive reference manuals and bulletins for details of proper training requirements, procedures,
techniques and safety precautions before attempting any similar activity.

The Raptor Youths bolt features a

spring-powered extractor. The ejector
is located on the barrel extension.
AMERICAN RIFLEMAN

DECEMBER 2014

63

OFFICIAL JOURNAL

INSIDE NRA

regional report central

2015 NRA ANNUAL MEETINGS APRIL 1012 NASHVILLE, TN For
For hotel accommodations at the NRA Annual Meetings, visit

www.nraam.org

hether youre a hunter, competitive

shooter or just a proud gun
owner, Friends of NRA has something for
everyone. The format is simplefood,
fun, family and fundraising! At every
Friends of NRA banquet youll have the
opportunity to participate in games,
raffles, live and silent auctions, and
more. Youll also find many unique items
including limited edition firearms, wildlife
art, jewelry and outdoor gear. These
items are only available at Friends of NRA
events. To learn more about events in
your area, visit www.friendsofnra.org,
contact your local field representative or
call (800) 672-3888, ext. 1342.
Central Region DirectorChad Franklin

cfranklin@nrahq.org

IA, NETim Bacon

tbacon@nrahq.org

Northern ILMike Huber

mhuber@nrahq.org

Southern ILDonald Higgs

Art Piece of the Year: Fort McHenry Commemorative Flag Set

dhiggs@nrahq.org

INCraig Haggard

chaggard@nrahq.org

Northern MOTravis Scott

Southern MOGregg Pearre

WIScott Taetsch

KYJohn LaRowe

aherman@nrahq.org
staetsch@nrahq.org

Crime Prevention

gpearre@nrahq.org

jlarowe@nrahq.org

Member information & benefits

MEMBERSHIP ACCOUNT INFORMATION: (877) 672-2000
MEMBER SERVICE
(800) 672-3888
NRAstore.com
(888) 607-6007
MEMBER PROGRAMS
Hertz Car Rental CDP# 166609
(800) 654-2200
AVIS Car Rental AWD# A832100
(800) 225-7094
NRA Endorsed Insurance Programs
(877) 672-3006
NRA Endorsed Prescription Plan
(888) 436-3700
NRA Endorsed Check Program
(888) 331-6767
NRA VISA Card
(866) NRA-VISA
NRA Real Estate/Relocation Services (800) 593-2526
NRA Endorsed Moving Program
North American Van Lines
(800) 524-5533
Allied Van Lines
(800) 871-8864
INSTITUTE FOR LEGISLATIVE ACTION
Grassroots/Legislative Hotline
(800) 392-8683
OFFICE OF ADVANCEMENT
(877) NRA-GIVE
THE NRA FOUNDATION
(800) 423-6894

TRAINING

tscott@nrahq.org

MIAllan Herman

NRA Headquarters: (703) 267-1000

INTERNET ADDRESS: www.nra.org

GIFT PLANNING
EDDIE EAGLE GUNSAFE PROGRAM
FRIENDS OF NRA
WOMEN ON TARGET
REFUSE TO BE A VICTIM
INSTRUCTOR/COACH
COMPETITIVE SHOOTING
FIELD OPERATIONS/RANGES
GUN COLLECTOR PROGRAMS
NRA AFFILIATED CLUBS
HUNTER SERVICES
LAW ENFORCEMENT
NATIONAL FIREARMS MUSEUM
EDUCATION & TRAINING
MEDIA RELATIONS
YOUTH PROGRAMS
PROGRAM MATERIALS CENTER

(800) 672-4521
(800) 231-0752
(703) 267-1342
(800) 861-1166
(800) 861-1166
(703) 267-1500
(703) 267-1468
(877) 672-7264
(703) 267-1604
(800) NRA-CLUB
(703) 267-1500
(703) 267-1640
(703) 267-1600
(703) 267-1500
(703) 267-1595
(703) 267-1505
(800) 336-7402

The NRA Regional Report, a service for NRA members, appears in every issue of American Rifleman, American Hunter and
Americas 1st Freedom. The Regional Report is an up-to-date listing of NRA conducted and/or sponsored events scheduled
in your region for the current month. Call to verify event dates and locations before traveling.

64 D

ECEMBER

2014

AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG

RAs Refuse To Be A Victim program

provides men and women with
common-sense crime prevention and
personal safety strategies. The most
up-to-date schedule is available on the

areashoots
PISTOL
COLUMBUS, IN
HIGHLAND, IL
GEORGETOWN, IN

DEC. 6
DEC. 14
DEC. 20

SMALLBORE RIFLE
TREMONT, IL

DEC. 7

HIGH POWER RIFLE

TREMONT, IL
FREEDOM, IN

DEC. 7
DEC. 7

For more information, contact Shelly Kramer

at (703) 267-1459 or mkramer@nrahq.org. For a complete
listing, see www.shootingsportsusa.com.

Internet at NRAInstructors.org. Please

contact the instructor listed for more
information.
DEC. 11MURRAY, KY

(Seminar)
Brent Armstrong (270) 293-1233

DEC. 15SIOUX CITY, IA

(Seminar)
Aaron Iacino (877) 255-5485

DEC.ONLINE

(Instructor Development Workshop)

Visit NRAOnlineTraining.org for more
information

STATE ASSOCIATIONS

RA-affiliated state associations

promote and support the purposes,
objectives, policies and programs of the
NRA. For more information, contact your
state association listed here, or log on to
www.nrahq.org/clubs/index.asp.

Illinois State Rifle Assn

Richard Pearson, Executive Director

(815) 635-3198
executive@isra.org

Indiana State Rifle and Pistol Assn

Jerry Wehner, Executive Vice President

(812) 534-3258
vp@isrpa.org
Iowa State Rifle and Pistol Assn

Bill Besgrove, Secretary

(319) 626-2710

League of Kentucky Sportsmen, Inc.

Tom Mansfield, NRA Liaison

(859) 858-0135
thomasjmansfield@gmail.com

Michigan Rifle and Pistol Assn

Leo Cebula, President

(269) 781-1223
lcebula@hotmail.com

Missouri Sport Shooting Assn

Kevin Jamison, President

(314) 440-3811
kljamisonlaw@earthlink.net

Nebraska Marksmanship Assn

Bill Keil, President

(402) 933-4881
hpinne@cox.net

Wisconsin Firearm Owners, Ranges, Clubs

and Educators

Jeff Nass, Executive Director

(920) 687-0505
jeff@wisconsinforce.org

gunshows
DEC. 5-7
COUNCIL BLUFFS, IA
Westfair Fairgrounds, Marv Kraus Productions
(563) 608-4401
DEC. 5-7
WAVERLY, IA
The Centre Hall, Marv Kraus Productions
(563) 608-4401
DEC. 5-7
ROCK ISLAND, IL
Rock Island Auction Company (800) 238-8022
DEC. 5-7
OSHKOSH, WI
Sunnyview Expo, Bob and Rocco Gun Shows
(608) 752-6677
DEC. 6-7
KANKAKEE, IL
Kankakee County Fairgrounds, Kankakee Gun
Collectors Assn (815) 939-7573
DEC. 6-7
SPRINGFIELD, MO
Ozark Empire Fairgrounds, RK Shows (563) 927-8176

DEC. 14
WEST BRANCH, MI
Quality Inn, PJS Promotions, LLC (989) 798-8709
DEC. 14
ST. CHARLES, IL
Kane County Fairgrounds, Kane County Sportsman
Show (815) 758-2773
DEC. 19-21
HILLSBORO, WI
Hillsboro Firemens Community Center, Gun Buyer
Show (608) 548-4867
DEC. 19-21
ALTOONA, IA
Adventureland Park, Midwest Arms Collectors
(660) 341-7908
DEC. 19-21
FRANKLIN, WI
Milwaukee County Sports Complex, Bob and Rocco
Gun Shows (608) 752-6677

DEC. 6-7
ASHLAND, KY
El Hasa Temple, RK Shows (563) 927-8176

DEC. 19-21
TAYLOR, MI
Taylor Town Trade Center, Old Time Gun Shows
(313) 295-6901

DEC. 6-7
SEYMOUR, IN
Indiana National Guard Armory, Tri-State Gun &
Knife Shows, LLC (812) 521-9367

DEC. 19-21
EVANSVILLE, IN
Indiana National Guard Armory, Tri-State Gun &
Knife Shows, LLC (812) 521-9367

DEC. 6-7
LAFAYETTE, IN
Tippecanoe County Fairgrounds, Central Indiana
Gun Shows (765) 855-3836
DEC. 6-7
KALAMAZOO, MI
Kalamazoo Fairgrounds, Sport Shows
Promotions, Inc. (517) 676-4160
DEC. 7
LOVES PARK, IL
Forest Hill Lodge, Freedom Firearms (414) 430-7617
DEC. 12-13
MARSHFIELD, WI
Central Wisconsin State Fairgrounds, Marshfield
Gun Shows (715) 676-3972
DEC. 12-13
ADRIAN, MO
Adrian Optimist Community Building, Jim Binkley
(816) 297-8882
DEC. 12-14
JEFFERSON, WI
Jefferson County Fair Park, Marv Kraus Productions
(563) 608-4401
DEC. 12-14
WAUKESHA, WI
Waukesha Expo Forum, Bob and Rocco Gun Shows
(608) 752-6677
DEC. 13-14
MAMMOTH SPRING, MO
George D. Hay Music Hall, Hayes Gun and Knife
Shows (501) 412-3610
DEC. 13-14
COLLINSVILLE, IL
Gateway Center, Egyptian Collectors Assn
(618) 495-2572
DEC. 13-14
PACIFIC, MO
Eagles Club, Midwest Arms and Armor Society
(314) 631-2799
DEC. 13-14
SALINE, MI
5055 Ann Arbor Saline Rd., Huron Gun
Collectors, Inc. (517) 605-0624
DEC. 13-14
EVANSVILLE, IN
Vanderburgh County 4-H Center, Central Indiana
Gun Shows (765) 855-3836
DEC. 13-14
MONROE, MI
Monroe County Fairgrounds, Sport Shows
Promotions, Inc. (517) 676-4160

DEC. 20-21
CROWN POINT, IN
Lake County Fairgrounds, Central Indiana Gun
Shows (765) 855-3836
DEC. 20-21
NOVI, MI
The Suburban Collection Showplace, Sport Shows
Promotions, Inc. (517) 676-4160
DEC. 20-21
SOMERSET, KY
The Center, RK Shows (563) 927-8176
DEC. 20-21
KANSAS CITY, MO
KCI-Expo Center, RK Shows (563) 927-8176
DEC. 21
CRYSTAL LAKE, IL
Holiday Inn Convention Center, Don Cichoski
(815) 385-1982
DEC. 26-28
WATERLOO, IA
National Cattle Congress, Midwest Arms Collectors
(660) 341-7908
DEC. 26-28
ST. CHARLES, MO
St. Charles Convention Center, RK Shows
(563) 927-8176
DEC. 26-28
GREEN BAY, WI
Brown County Hall, Bob and Rocco Gun Shows
(608) 752-6677
DEC. 27-28
EFFINGHAM, IL
Thelma Keller Convention Center, All-American
SHO Show (217) 821-8311
DEC. 27-28
MUNCIE, IN
Delaware County Fairgrounds, Central Indiana
Gun Shows (765) 855-3836
DEC. 27-28
GRAND RAPIDS, MI
28th Street Showplace, Sport Shows
Promotions, Inc. (517) 676-4160
DEC. 28
ANTIOCH, IL
Veterans of Foreign Wars, Lake County Gun Shows
(847) 548-0433

Dates and locations subject to changecontact the show before traveling. Discounted NRA membership sold through NRA
recruiters. *Some shows may offer free admission for new membership and renewals. To become an NRA Recruiter call (703) 267-3776.

DECEMBER 2014 AMERICAN RIFLEMAN

65

OFFICIAL JOURNAL

INSIDE NRA

regional report east

2015 NRA ANNUAL MEETINGS APRIL 1012 NASHVILLE, TN For
For hotel accommodations at the NRA Annual Meetings, visit

www.nraam.org

hether youre a hunter, competitive

shooter or just a proud gun
owner, Friends of NRA has something for
everyone. The format is simplefood,
fun, family and fundraising! At every
Friends of NRA banquet youll have the
opportunity to participate in games,
raffles, live and silent auctions, and
more. Youll also find many unique items
including limited edition firearms, wildlife
art, jewelry and outdoor gear. These
items are only available at Friends of NRA
events. To learn more about events in
your area, visit www.friendsofnra.org,
contact your local field representative or
call (800) 672-3888, ext. 1342.

Eastern Region DirectorBryan Hoover

bhoover@nrahq.org

Northern OHMarc Peugeot

mpeugeot@nrahq.org

Southern OHAndrew Root

aroot@nrahq.org

ME, VT, NHBrian Smith

Art Piece of the Year: Fort McHenry Commemorative Flag Set

bsmith@nrahq.org

NJ, MA, RI, CT, Southern NYJim Reardon

Western PATom Baldrige

NYJay Rusnock

Eastern VA, Eastern MD, DCDavid Wells

Eastern PA, DEKory Enck

Western VA, Western MD, WVJim Kilgore

jreardon@nrahq.org

jrusnock@nrahq.org
kenck@nrahq.org

dwells@nrahq.org

jkilgore@nrahq.org

Member information & benefits

MEMBERSHIP ACCOUNT INFORMATION: (877) 672-2000
MEMBER SERVICE
(800) 672-3888
NRAstore.com
(888) 607-6007
MEMBER PROGRAMS
Hertz Car Rental CDP# 166609
(800) 654-2200
AVIS Car Rental AWD# A832100
(800) 225-7094
NRA Endorsed Insurance Programs
(877) 672-3006
NRA Endorsed Prescription Plan
(888) 436-3700
NRA Endorsed Check Program
(888) 331-6767
NRA VISA Card
(866) NRA-VISA
NRA Real Estate/Relocation Services (800) 593-2526
NRA Endorsed Moving Program
North American Van Lines
(800) 524-5533
Allied Van Lines
(800) 871-8864
INSTITUTE FOR LEGISLATIVE ACTION
Grassroots/Legislative Hotline
(800) 392-8683
OFFICE OF ADVANCEMENT
(877) NRA-GIVE
THE NRA FOUNDATION
(800) 423-6894

TRAINING

tbaldrige@nrahq.org

NRA Headquarters: (703) 267-1000

INTERNET ADDRESS: www.nra.org

GIFT PLANNING
EDDIE EAGLE GUNSAFE PROGRAM
FRIENDS OF NRA
WOMEN ON TARGET
REFUSE TO BE A VICTIM
INSTRUCTOR/COACH
COMPETITIVE SHOOTING
FIELD OPERATIONS/RANGES
GUN COLLECTOR PROGRAMS
NRA AFFILIATED CLUBS
HUNTER SERVICES
LAW ENFORCEMENT
NATIONAL FIREARMS MUSEUM
EDUCATION & TRAINING
MEDIA RELATIONS
YOUTH PROGRAMS
PROGRAM MATERIALS CENTER

(800) 672-4521
(800) 231-0752
(703) 267-1342
(800) 861-1166
(800) 861-1166
(703) 267-1500
(703) 267-1468
(877) 672-7264
(703) 267-1604
(800) NRA-CLUB
(703) 267-1500
(703) 267-1640
(703) 267-1600
(703) 267-1500
(703) 267-1595
(703) 267-1505
(800) 336-7402

The NRA Regional Report, a service for NRA members, appears in every issue of American Rifleman, American Hunter and
Americas 1st Freedom. The Regional Report is an up-to-date listing of NRA conducted and/or sponsored events scheduled
in your region for the current month. Call to verify event dates and locations before traveling.

64 D

ECEMBER

2014

AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG

Crime Prevention

RAs Refuse To Be A Victim program

provides men and women with

areashoots
PISTOL
NEW CASTLE, DE
CANTON, OH

DEC. 6-7
DEC. 7

ACTION PISTOL
GERRARDSTOWN, WV

DEC. 13

HIGH POWER RIFLE

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA
NEW TRIPOLI, PA
GRAFTON, VA
MONTPELIER, VA

DEC. 6
DEC. 7
DEC. 20
DEC. 27

SILHOUETTE
MONTPELIER, VA
SUFFOLK, VA
SUDLERSVILLE, MD

DEC. 13
DEC. 20
DEC. 20

For more information, contact Shelly Kramer at

(703) 267-1459 or mkramer@nrahq.org. For a complete
listing, see www.shootingsportsusa.com.

common-sense crime prevention and

personal safety strategies. The most up-todate schedule is available on the Internet
at NRAInstructors.org. Please contact the
instructor listed for more information.
DEC. 1ELYRIA, OH

(Seminar)
Roger Dorsey (440) 822-7241

DEC. 4MANCHESTER, VT

(Instructor Development Workshop)

Brian Kukon (802) 293-5986

DEC. 6PEEKSKILL, NY

(Seminar)
Steven Donahoo (914) 471-5632

DEC. 7CHARLES TOWN, WV

(Seminar)
Dennis Stoika (732) 620-2311

DEC. 7WOODLAND PARK, NJ

(Instructor Development Workshop)

Anthony Colandro (888) 486-3674

DEC. 13PEEKSKILL, NY

(Seminar)
Steven Donahoo (914) 471-5632

DEC. 13EASTON, PA

(Seminar)
Robert Magill (484) 548-0773

DEC. 20ASHAWAY, RI

(Seminar)
Lyd Neugent (401) 377-8184

DEC. 20PEEKSKILL, NY

(Seminar)
Steven Donahoo (914) 471-5632

DEC. 27PEEKSKILL, NY

(Seminar)
Steven Donahoo (914) 471-5632

DEC. 27MANCHESTER, VT

(Seminar)
Brian Kukon (802) 293-5986

DEC. 29LAGRANGE, OH

(Instructor Development Workshop)

Roger Dorsey (440) 822-7241

DEC.ONLINE

(Instructor Development Workshop)

Visit NRAOnlineTraining.org for more
information

LAW ENFORCEMENT

gunshows
DEC. 5-6
BELLE, WV
Belle Town Hall, Old Dominion Gun Shows
(276) 238-1343
DEC. 6
MONROE, OH
Treasure Aisles Event Center, Patriot Gun and Knife
Show (513) 638-8688
DEC. 6-7
LIMA, OH
Allen County Fairgrounds, Tri State Gun
Collectors, Inc. (419) 647-0067
DEC. 6-7
MAUMEE, OH
Lucas County Recreation Center, Maumee Valley
Gun Collectors Assn (419) 893-1110
DEC. 6-7
COLUMBUS, OH
Westland Mall, C&E Gun Shows (540) 953-0016

DEC. 13-14
DALE CITY, VA
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1503, Old Dominion
Gun Shows (276) 238-1343
DEC. 14
MOUNT BETHEL, PA
Mount Bethel Volunteer Fire Company, Harry
Nasatka (610) 588-7538
DEC. 19-21
MILWOOD, WV
Jackson County Armed Forces Reserve Center, Old
Dominion Gun Shows (276) 238-1343
DEC. 19-21
OAKS, PA
Philadelphia Expo Center at Oaks, Eagle Arms
Productions (610) 393-3047

DEC. 6-7
AKRON, OH
Summit County Fairgrounds, Ohio Gun Shows
(330) 539-4247

DEC. 20
MONROE, OH
Treasure Aisles Event Center, Patriot Gun and Knife
Show (513) 638-8688

DEC. 6-7
CLARENCE, NY
Event Building, Niagara Frontier Gun Shows
(716) 542-9929

DEC. 20-21
WILMINGTON, OH
Roberts Center, C&E Gun Shows (540) 953-0016

DEC. 6-7
WARMINSTER, PA
SMG Sports Plex, Valley Forge Gun Show
(610) 975-0877

DEC. 20-21
DAYTON, OH
Hara Arena, Bill Goodmans Gun and Knife Show
(502) 538-3900

DEC. 6-7
ALLENTOWN, PA
Allentown Fairgrounds, Forks of the Delaware
Historical Arms Society, Inc. (610) 438-9006
DEC. 6-7
STEVENSVILLE, MD
Kent Island American Legion, Appalachian
Promotions (717) 697-3088
DEC. 6-7
WINCHESTER, VA
Winchester Sportsplex, SGK Gun Shows
(757) 483-5385
DEC. 6-7
MANASSAS, VA
Prince William County Fairgrounds, SGK Gun Shows
(757) 483-5385
DEC. 13
MONROE, OH
Treasure Aisles Event Center, Patriot Gun and Knife
Show (513) 638-8688
DEC. 13-14
SCRANTON, PA
Ice Box Arena, Jaeger Arms Promotions
(570) 470-6404
DEC. 13-14
HARRISBURG, PA
Farm Show Complex, Mid Atlantic Arms Collectors
(570) 679-2250*
DEC. 13-14
FREEPORT, NY
Freeport Recreation Center, Long Island Antique
Historical Arms Society (631) 722-3248
DEC. 13-14
SHARONVILLE, OH
Sharonville Convention Center, Bill Goodmans Gun
and Knife Show (502) 538-3900
DEC. 13-14
CHILLICOTHE, OH
Ross County Fairgrounds, Front Sight
Promotions, LLC (740) 667-0412
DEC. 13-14
MEDINA, OH
Medina County Community Center, Conrad and
Dowdell Productions (330) 948-4400
DEC. 13-14
MAUMEE, OH
Lucas County Recreation Center, Maumee Valley
Gun Collectors Assn (419) 893-1110

DEC. 20-21
YORK, PA
York Fairgrounds (Memorial Hall), Appalachian
Promotions (717) 697-3088
DEC. 20-21
NILES, OH
Eastwood Mall Expo, Ohio Gun Shows (330) 539-4247
DEC. 20-21
MONTPELIER, OH
Williams County Fairgrounds, D&K Enterprises
(419) 737-2801
DEC. 20-21
WELLINGTON, OH
Lorain County Fairgrounds, Bill-Mar Promotions
(440) 986-5004
DEC. 20-21
FREDERICKSBURG, VA
Fredericksburg Expo Center, SGK Gun Shows
(757) 483-5385
DEC. 20-21
WINCHESTER, VA
Winchester Sportsplex, SGK Gun (757) 483-5385
DEC. 20-21
SALEM, VA
The Salem Civic Center, C&E Gun Shows
(540) 953-0016
DEC. 23
NASHUA, NH
Radisson Hotel, Northeast Expositions (603) 621-0700
DEC. 27
MONROE, OH
Treasure Aisles Event Center, Patriot Gun and Knife
Show (513) 638-8688
DEC. 27-28
ALLENTOWN, PA
Econolodge, Eagle Arms Productions (610) 393-3047
DEC. 27-28
PAINESVILLE, OH
Lake County Fairgrounds, LG & CB Firearms
Productions (440) 465-7289

DEC. 13-14
FISHERSVILLE, VA
Augusta Expoland, C&E Gun Shows (540) 953-0016

DEC. 27-28
HILLIARD, OH
Franklin County Fairgrounds, Buckeye Gun
Shows, LLC (614) 302-0357

DEC. 13-14
ANNAPOLIS, MD
National Guard Armory, Appalachian Promotions
(717) 697-3088

DEC. 27-28
COLUMBUS, OH
Westland Mall, C&E Gun Shows (540) 953-0016

(SIG Sauer P Series Pistol Armorer)

DEC. 13-14
DOSWELL, VA
Farm Bureau Center at Meadow Event Park, SGK
Gun Shows (757) 483-5385

DEC. 27-28
CUYAHOGA FALLS, OH
Emidio Expo Center, Front Sight Promotions, LLC
(740) 667 0412

Contact Tim Cole at tcole@nrahq.org

Dates and locations subject to changecontact the show before traveling. Discounted NRA membership sold through NRA
recruiters. *Some shows may offer free admission for new membership and renewals. To become an NRA Recruiter call (703) 267-3714.

TUITION-FREE COURSES
(sworn law enforcement only)
DEC. 2-4FAIRFAX, VA

(Simunition Instructor & Safety

Certification Course)

DEC. 16-17FAIRFAX, VA

DECEMBER 2014 AMERICAN RIFLEMAN

65

OFFICIAL JOURNAL

INSIDE NRA

regional report midwest

2015 NRA ANNUAL MEETINGS APRIL 1012 NASHVILLE, TN For
For hotel accommodations at the NRA Annual Meetings, visit

www.nraam.org

Northern TXChris Griffin

DEC. 13COLORADO SPRINGS, CO

cgriffin@nrahq.org

hether youre a hunter, competitive

shooter or just a proud gun
owner, Friends of NRA has something
for everyone. The format is simple
food, fun, family and fundraising! At
every Friends of NRA banquet youll
have the opportunity to participate in
games, raffles, live and silent auctions,
and more. Youll also find many unique
items including limited edition firearms,
wildlife art, jewelry and outdoor gear.
To learn more about events in your area,
visit www.friendsofnra.org, contact
your local field representative or call
(800) 672-3888, ext. 1342.

Midwest Region DirectorTom Ulik

tulik@nrahq.org

ARErica Willard

ewillard@nrahq.org

(Seminar)
Paul Pucci (719) 332-1949

Southern TXLiz Foley

efoley@nrahq.org

DEC. 14COLORADO SPRINGS, CO

(Instructor Development Workshop)

Paul Pucci (719) 332-1949

Western TXJack Cannon

jcannon@nrahq.org

DEC. 17DALLAS, TX

TRAINING
Crime Prevention

RAs Refuse To Be A Victim program

provides men and women with
common-sense crime prevention and
personal safety strategies. The most
up-to-date schedule is available on the
Internet at NRAInstructors.org. Please
contact the instructor listed for more
information.

DEC. 1EL PASO, TX

COBrad Dreier

bdreier@nrahq.org

KSRick Chrisman

rchrisman@nrahq.org

NMPeter Ide

pide@nrahq.org

OKDarren DeLong

ddelong@nrahq.org

(Instructor Development Workshop)

Ken Lewis (210) 737-7233

DEC. 4NORTH RICHLAND HILLS, TX

(Seminar)
Richard Balestrieri (817) 307-3101
(Seminar)
Ken Lewis (210) 737-7233

MEMBERSHIP ACCOUNT INFORMATION: (877) 672-2000

MEMBER SERVICE
(800) 672-3888
NRAstore.com
(888) 607-6007
MEMBER PROGRAMS
Hertz Car Rental CDP# 166609
(800) 654-2200
AVIS Car Rental AWD# A832100
(800) 225-7094
NRA Endorsed Insurance Programs
(877) 672-3006
NRA Endorsed Prescription Plan
(888) 436-3700
NRA Endorsed Check Program
(888) 331-6767
NRA VISA Card
(866) NRA-VISA
NRA Real Estate/Relocation Services (800) 593-2526
NRA Endorsed Moving Program
North American Van Lines
(800) 524-5533
Allied Van Lines
(800) 871-8864
INSTITUTE FOR LEGISLATIVE ACTION
Grassroots/Legislative Hotline
(800) 392-8683
OFFICE OF ADVANCEMENT
(877) NRA-GIVE
THE NRA FOUNDATION
(800) 423-6894

NRA Headquarters: (703) 267-1000

INTERNET ADDRESS: www.nra.org

GIFT PLANNING
EDDIE EAGLE GUNSAFE PROGRAM
FRIENDS OF NRA
WOMEN ON TARGET
REFUSE TO BE A VICTIM
INSTRUCTOR/COACH
COMPETITIVE SHOOTING
FIELD OPERATIONS/RANGES
GUN COLLECTOR PROGRAMS
NRA AFFILIATED CLUBS
HUNTER SERVICES
LAW ENFORCEMENT
NATIONAL FIREARMS MUSEUM
EDUCATION & TRAINING
MEDIA RELATIONS
YOUTH PROGRAMS
PROGRAM MATERIALS CENTER

(800) 672-4521
(800) 231-0752
(703) 267-1342
(800) 861-1166
(800) 861-1166
(703) 267-1500
(703) 267-1468
(877) 672-7264
(703) 267-1604
(800) NRA-CLUB
(703) 267-1500
(703) 267-1640
(703) 267-1600
(703) 267-1500
(703) 267-1595
(703) 267-1505
(800) 336-7402

The NRA Regional Report, a service for NRA members, appears in every issue of American Rifleman, American Hunter and
Americas 1st Freedom. The Regional Report is an up-to-date listing of NRA conducted and/or sponsored events scheduled
in your region for the current month. Call to verify event dates and locations before traveling.

64 D

ECEMBER

2014

AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG

DEC. 18DALLAS, TX

(Instructor Development Workshop)

Dan Graeber (817) 220-8999

DEC.ONLINE

(Instructor Development Workshop)

Visit NRAOnlineTraining.org for more
information

STATE ASSOCIATIONS

RA-affiliated state associations

promote and support the purposes,
objectives, policies and programs of the
NRA. For more information, contact your
state association listed here, or log on to
www.nrahq.org/clubs/index.asp.

Arkansas Rifle and Pistol Assn

Ann Fairless, Secretary/Treasurer

(501) 327-4702
aekfairless@sbcglobal.net

DEC. 13 EL PASO, TX

Member information & benefits

(Seminar)
Dan Graeber (817) 220-8999

areashoots
SMALLBORE
PINE BLUFF, AR
BELLVILLE, TX
AMARILLO, TX

DEC. 6
DEC. 20
DEC. 21

HIGH POWER RIFLE

CARTHAGE, TX
WICHITA FALLS, TX
TERRELL, TX
DONNA, TX
BRAZORIA, TX

DEC. 6
DEC. 6
DEC. 13
DEC. 14
DEC. 20

SILHOUETTE
EL PASO, TX
HALTOM CITY, TX
ERIE, CO
AURORA, CO

DEC. 7
DEC. 13
DEC. 21
DEC. 28

For more information, contact Shelly Kramer at

(703) 267-1459 or mkramer@nrahq.org. For a complete
listing, see www.shootingsportsusa.com.

Colorado State Shooting Assn

Tony Fabian, President

(720) 283-1376; pres@cssa.org

Texas State Rifle Assn

David Stroud, President

(512) 615-4200; sass332@windstream.net

Kansas State Rifle Assn

Patricia Stoneking, President

(913) 608-1910
pstoneking@ksraweb.org

New Mexico Shooting Sports Assn, Inc.

Leonard Stans, Vice President

(505) 821-6356; vicepresident@nmssa.org

Oklahoma Rifle Assn

Charles Smith, Executive Director

(405) 324-8498; okgun@cox.net

LAW ENFORCEMENT
Training

ublic and private officers interested

in becoming firearm instructors
should attend one of NRAs Law
Enforcement Firearms Instructor
Development Schools, designed

to enhance the instructors firearm

knowledge and handling skills, as
well as prepare them to develop
effective training programs, instruct
in a professional manner, and conduct
practical training exercises.Restricted to
law enforcement officers only.
DEC. 1-5SAN ANTONIO, TX

(Handgun/Shotgun)

Contact Mary Shine at (703) 267-1628 or

mshine@nrahq.org

gunshows
DEC. 6-7
DENVER, CO
Denver Merchandise Mart, Tanner Gun Shows
(303) 756-3467

DEC. 13-14
TOPEKA, KS
Kansas Expocentre, US Weapon Collectors
(563) 927-8176

DEC. 20-21
BELTON, TX
Belton County Expo Center, The Real Texas Gun
Show (713) 724-8881

DEC. 6-7
OVERLAND PARK, KS
Overland Park International Trade Center,
US Weapon Collectors (563) 927-8176

DEC. 13-14
ALBUQUERQUE, NM
Expo New Mexico, Silver Spur Trade Shows
(806) 253-1322

DEC. 20-21
BURLESON, TX
SPJST Lodge, Whipp Farm Productions (817) 929-1816

DEC. 13-14
MAMMOTH SPRINGS, AR
George D. Hay Music Hall, Hayes Gun and Knife
Show (501) 412-3610

DEC. 20-21
FREDERICKSBURG, TX
Gillespie County Fairgrounds, Silver Spur Trade
Shows (806) 253-1322

DEC. 6-7
CONWAY, AR
Faulkner County Fairground, G&S Promotions
(918) 659-2201
DEC. 6-7
TULSA, OK
Tulsa Fairgrounds, Grand American Arms Show
(405) 612-0223
DEC. 6-7
ABILENE, TX
Taylor County Fairgrounds, Silver Spur Trade Shows
(806) 253-1322
DEC. 6-7
GLEN ROSE, TX
Somerville County Expo Arena, GGA Shows
(817) 659-9249
DEC. 6-7
HOUSTON, TX
George R. Brown Convention Center, High Caliber
Gun & Knife Show (281) 331-5969
DEC. 6-7
IRVING, TX
Irving Convention Center, Tier 1 Gun Shows
(214) 341-2895
DEC. 6-7
MESQUITE, TX
Big Town Event Center, Premier Gun Shows
(817) 732-1194
DEC. 6-7
ORANGE, TX
Orange County Expo Center, Real Texas Gun Show
(713) 724-8881

DEC. 13-14
SEARCY, AR
White County Fairgrounds, G&S Promotions
(918) 659-2201
DEC. 13-14
DEWEY, OK
Washington County Fairgrounds, Badshot Gun
Show (405) 503-3665
DEC. 13-14
DURANT, OK
Bryan County Fairground, Sportsman Gun Show
(580) 230-8185
DEC. 13-14
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK
Oklahoma State Fair Park, RK Shows (563) 927-8176
DEC. 13-14
DRIPPING SPRINGS, TX
Ranch Park, SAXET Shows (361) 289-2256

DEC. 20-21
FORT WORTH, TX
Will Rogers Center, Lone Star Gun Shows
(214) 635-2009
DEC. 20-21
GLEN ROSE, TX
Somerville County Expo Arena, Whipp Farm
Productions (817) 929-1816
DEC. 20-21
PASADENA, TX
Pasadena Convention Center, High Caliber Gun &
Knife Show (281) 331-5969
DEC. 20-21
SEGUIN, TX
Knights of Columbus- Seguin, Wild Weasel
Productions (210) 827-6302

DEC. 13-14
HOUSTON, TX
Reliant Center, High Caliber Gun & Knife Show
(281) 331-5969

DEC. 26-28
WICHITA, KS
Kansas Coliseum, US Weapon Collectors
(563) 927-8176

DEC. 13-14
MESQUITE, TX
Mesquite Rodeo Convention Center, Tier 1 Gun
Shows (214) 341-2895

DEC. 27-28
JACKSONVILLE, AR
Former Wal-Mart Building, RK Shows (563) 927-8176

DEC. 13-14
NEW BRAUNFELS, TX
Civic Center, Liberty Gun Show (210) 708-6645

DEC. 27-28
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK
Oklahoma City Fairground, Metcalf Gun Show
(918) 272-1119

DEC. 6-7
SAN ANTONIO, TX
San Antonio Events Center, SAXET Shows
(361) 289-2256

DEC. 13-14
PASADENA, TX
Pasadena Convention Center, Premier Gun Shows
(817) 732-1194

DEC. 27-28
CORPUS CHRISTI, TX
Richard M. Borchard Fairground, SAXET Shows
(361) 289-2256

DEC. 6-7
TYLER, TX
Harvey Hall Convention Center, Lone Star Gun
Shows (214) 635-2009

DEC. 13-14
SAN ANTONIO, TX
Freeman Coliseum, Premier Gun Shows
(817) 732-1194

DEC. 27-28
FORT WORTH, TX
Will Rogers Center, Premier Gun Shows
(817) 732-1194

DEC. 6-7
WICHITA FALLS, TX
Wichita Falls Multi Purpose Event Center, Texas
Collectors Gun Show (940) 692-3766

DEC. 20-21
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK
Oklahoma City Fairground, Oklahoma City Gunshow
(405) 842-3277

DEC. 27-28
MCKINNEY, TX
Landing at Meyers Park, The Real Texas Gun Show
(713) 724-8881

DEC. 13-14
COLORADO SPRINGS, CO
Freedom Financial Service Expo Center, Gun Show
of the Rockies (563) 927-8176

DEC. 20-21
SHAWNEE, OK
Heart of Oklahoma Expo Center, G&S Promotions
(918) 659-2201

DEC. 27-28
DENVER, CO
Denver Merchandise Mart, Tanner Gun Shows
(303) 756-3467

Dates and locations subject to changecontact the show before traveling. Discounted NRA membership sold through NRA recruiters.
*Some shows may offer free admission for new membership and renewals. To become an NRA Recruiter call (703) 267-3776.

DECEMBER 2014 AMERICAN RIFLEMAN

65

OFFICIAL JOURNAL

INSIDE NRA

regional report south

2015 NRA ANNUAL MEETINGS APRIL 1012 NASHVILLE, TN For
For hotel accommodations at the NRA Annual Meetings, visit

www.nraam.org

hether youre a hunter, competitive

shooter or just a proud gun owner,
Friends of NRA has something for
everyone. The format is simplefood,
fun, family and fundraising! At every
Friends of NRA banquet youll have the
opportunity to participate in games,
raffles, live and silent auctions, and
more. Youll also find many unique items
including limited edition firearms, wildlife
art, jewelry and outdoor gear. These
items are only available at Friends of NRA
events. To learn more about events in
your area, visit www.friendsofnra.org,
contact your local field representative or
call (800) 672-3888, ext. 1342.

Southern Region DirectorAl Hammond

ahammond@nrahq.org

LAChad Bowen

cbowen@nrahq.org

AL, MSGene Newman

Art Piece of the Year: Fort McHenry Commemorative Flag Set

snewman@nrahq.org

Northern FLBret Eldridge

peldridge@nrahq.org

Southern FLTom Knight

tknight@nrahq.org

GABrad Ward

bward@nrahq.org

Eastern NCLloyd Edwards

mwebb@nrahq.org

Western NCDoug Merrill

rmerrill@nrahq.org

LAW ENFORCEMENT

SCCharles Johnson

cjohnson2@nrahq.org

Member information & benefits

MEMBERSHIP ACCOUNT INFORMATION: (877) 672-2000
MEMBER SERVICE
(800) 672-3888
NRAstore.com
(888) 607-6007
MEMBER PROGRAMS
Hertz Car Rental CDP# 166609
(800) 654-2200
AVIS Car Rental AWD# A832100
(800) 225-7094
NRA Endorsed Insurance Programs
(877) 672-3006
NRA Endorsed Prescription Plan
(888) 436-3700
NRA Endorsed Check Program
(888) 331-6767
NRA VISA Card
(866) NRA-VISA
NRA Real Estate/Relocation Services (800) 593-2526
NRA Endorsed Moving Program
North American Van Lines
(800) 524-5533
Allied Van Lines
(800) 871-8864
INSTITUTE FOR LEGISLATIVE ACTION
Grassroots/Legislative Hotline
(800) 392-8683
OFFICE OF ADVANCEMENT
(877) NRA-GIVE
THE NRA FOUNDATION
(800) 423-6894

TNMike Webb

ledwards@nrahq.org

Police Competition

NRA Headquarters: (703) 267-1000

INTERNET ADDRESS: www.nra.org

GIFT PLANNING
EDDIE EAGLE GUNSAFE PROGRAM
FRIENDS OF NRA
WOMEN ON TARGET
REFUSE TO BE A VICTIM
INSTRUCTOR/COACH
COMPETITIVE SHOOTING
FIELD OPERATIONS/RANGES
GUN COLLECTOR PROGRAMS
NRA AFFILIATED CLUBS
HUNTER SERVICES
LAW ENFORCEMENT
NATIONAL FIREARMS MUSEUM
EDUCATION & TRAINING
MEDIA RELATIONS
YOUTH PROGRAMS
PROGRAM MATERIALS CENTER

(800) 672-4521
(800) 231-0752
(703) 267-1342
(800) 861-1166
(800) 861-1166
(703) 267-1500
(703) 267-1468
(877) 672-7264
(703) 267-1604
(800) NRA-CLUB
(703) 267-1500
(703) 267-1640
(703) 267-1600
(703) 267-1500
(703) 267-1595
(703) 267-1505
(800) 336-7402

The NRA Regional Report, a service for NRA members, appears in every issue of American Rifleman, American Hunter and
Americas 1st Freedom. The Regional Report is an up-to-date listing of NRA conducted and/or sponsored events scheduled
in your region for the current month. Call to verify event dates and locations before traveling.

64 D

ECEMBER

2014

AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG

ublic and private officers interested in

becoming firearm instructors should
attend one of NRAs Law Enforcement
Firearms Instructor Development Schools,
designed to enhance the instructors
firearm knowledge and handling skills,
as well as prepare them to develop
effective training programs, instruct
in a professional manner, and conduct
practical training exercises.Restricted to
law enforcement officers only.

DEC. 1-5PALM BAY, FL

(Handgun/Shotgun)

DEC. 1-5FLORENCE, AL

(Handgun/Shotgun)

gunshows

areashoots
PISTOL
BLOUNTSTOWN, FL
JACKSONVILLE, FL
WEEKI WACHEE, FL

DEC. 13
DEC. 21
DEC. 28

SMALLBORE RIFLE
ORLANDO, FL
FAYETTEVILLE, NC
RIDGEVILLE, SC

DEC. 6
DEC. 20
DEC. 20

HIGH POWER RIFLE

PALM BAY, FL
SUNRISE, FL
LAKELAND, TN
CHARLOTTE, NC
HOOVER, AL

DEC. 6
DEC. 6
DEC. 13
DEC. 13
DEC. 28

SILHOUETTE
ANDERSONVILLE, GA
CHULUOTA, FL
PEARLINGTON, MS
WARE SHOALS, SC

DEC. 13
DEC. 14
DEC. 20
DEC. 28

For more information, contact Shelly Kramer

at (703) 267-1459 or mkramer@nrahq.org. For a complete
listing, see www.shootingsportsusa.com.

DEC. 6-7
DOTHAN, AL
National Peanut Festival Facility, Collectors
& Shooters Club (704) 499-8249
DEC. 6-7
BROOKSVILLE, FL
Herando County Fairgrounds, Herando Sportsmans
Club (352) 597-9931

DEC. 13-14
COLUMBIA, SC
South Carolina State Fairgrounds, Mike Kent Shows
(770) 630-7296

DEC. 6-7
DELAND, FL
Volusia County Fairgrounds, Florida Gun & Knife
Shows (321) 777-7455

DEC. 13-14
EUSTIS, FL
Lake County Fairgrounds, Florida Gun & Knife
Shows (321) 777-7455

DEC. 6-7
BOSSIER CITY, LA
Bossier City Civic Center, Classic Arms Productions
(985) 624-8577
DEC. 6-7
NASHVILLE, TN
Tennessee State Fairgrounds, Bill Goodman Gun
Shows (502) 538-3900
DEC. 6-7
GRAY, TN
Appalachian Fairgrounds, RK Gun Shows
(563) 927-8176
DEC. 6-7
GREENVILLE, NC
Greenville Convention Center, S&D Gun Shows
(252) 745-5647

DEC. 8-12PEARL, MS
DEC. 8-12AUTRYVILLE, NC

DEC. 6-7
FRANKLIN, TN
Williamson County Agricultural Center, Mike Kent
Shows (770) 630-7296

(Handgun/Shotgun)

Contact Rudis Amaya at (703) 267-1636

or ramaya@nrahq.org

TRAINING
Crime Prevention

RAs Refuse To Be A Victim program

provides men and women with
common-sense crime prevention and
personal safety strategies. The most
up-to-date schedule is available on the
Internet at NRAInstructors.org. Please
contact the instructor listed for more
information.

DEC. 4FORT MYERS, FL

(Instructor Development Workshop)

Alecs Dean (239) 357-3437

DEC. 6ORLANDO, FL

(Seminar)
Kenneth Geis (407) 227-2001

DEC. 20FORT MYERS, FL

(Instructor Development Workshop)

Alecs Dean (239) 357-3437

DEC.ONLINE

(Instructor Development Workshop)

Visit NRAOnlineTraining.org for more
information

DEC. 13-14
CHARLOTTE, NC
Metrolina Expo Center, Dixie Gun & Knife Shows
(919) 781-1287

DEC. 6-7
MORGANTON, NC
Foothills Higher Education Center, North Carolina
Gun Collectors Assn (704) 408-6987

DEC. 6-7
CHARLESTON, SC
Charleston Area Convention Center, South Carolina
Arms Collectors Assn (803) 463-9377

(Precision Rifle)

DEC. 13-14
HUNTSVILLE, AL
Cahaba Shrine, VPI Gun Shows (256) 381-0506

DEC. 20-21
CLANTON, AL
Clanton Conference Center, VPI Gun Shows
(256) 381-0506
DEC. 20-21
TALLAHASSEE, FL
North Florida Fairgrounds, Florida Gun Shows
(407) 275-7233
DEC. 20-21
WEST PALM BEACH, FL
South Florida Fairgrounds, Florida Gun & Knife
Shows (321) 777-7455
DEC. 20-21
KENNER, LA
Pontchartrain Center, Great Southern Gun & Knife
Shows (865) 671-4757
DEC. 20-21
BILOXI, MS
Cost Coliseum, Classic Arms Productions
(985) 624-8577

DEC. 6-7
CAPE CORAL, FL
German American Social Club, Lee County Gun
Collectors (239) 223-3370

DEC. 20-21
VALDOSTA, GA
Rainwater Conference Center, RK Gun Shows
(563) 927-8176

DEC. 6-7
ATLANTA, GA
Atlanta Expo Center, RK Gun Shows (563) 927-8176

DEC. 20-21
RALEIGH, NC
North Carolina State Fairgrounds, C&E Gun Shows
(540) 953-0016

DEC. 6-7
FORT WALTON BEACH, FL
Northwest Florida Fairgrounds, Florida Gun Shows
(407) 275-7233
DEC. 6-7
CLAYTON, GA
Clayton Civic Center, Gem Capitol Shows
(828) 524-2064

DEC. 20-21
WHITE PINE, TN
Great Smoky Mountain Expo Center, RK Gun Shows
(563) 927-8176

DEC. 6-7
FAYETTEVILLE, NC
Crown Coliseum, C&E Gun Shows (540) 953-0016

DEC. 20-21
GREENVILLE, SC
TD Convention Center, South Carolina Arms
Collectors Assn (803) 463-9377

DEC. 13-14
WILMINGTON, NC
National Guard Armory, S&D Gun Shows
(252) 745-5647

DEC. 20-21
PHILADELPHIA, MS
Neshoba County Coliseum, Big Pop Fireworks
(601) 498-4235

DEC. 13-14
LAFAYETTE, LA
Lafayette Event Center, Classic Arms Productions
(985) 624-8577
DEC. 13-14
GERMANTOWN, TN
Agricenter International, RK Gun Shows
(563) 927-8176
DEC. 13-14
PALM BAY, FL
Palm Bay Regional Park Center, Patriot Productions
(866) 611-0442
DEC. 13-14
FORT MYERS, FL
Lee Civic Center, Suncoast Gun Shows (941) 543-8368

DEC. 20-21
MORRISTOWN, TN
Greater Smoky Mountains Expo Center, RK Gun
Shows (563) 927-8176
DEC. 26-27
KNOXVILLE, TN
Chilowee Park & Expo Center, RK Gun Shows
(563) 927-8176
DEC. 26-27
MELBOURNE, FL
Melbourne Auditorium, Florida Gun & Knife Shows
(321) 777-7455

DEC. 13-14
KNOXVILLE, TN
Expo Center, RK Gun Shows (563) 927-8176

DEC. 26-27
MARIETTA, GA
Jim Miller Park, Eastman Gun Shows (229) 425-9881

DEC. 13-14
JACKSON, MS
Trade Mart Building, Great Southern Gun & Knife
Shows (865) 671-4757

DEC. 26-27
HICKORY, NC
Hickory Metro Convention Center, C&E Gun Shows
(540) 953-0016

Dates and locations subject to changecontact the show before traveling. Discounted NRA membership sold through NRA
recruiters. *Some shows may offer free admission for new membership and renewals. To become an NRA Recruiter call (703) 267-3772.

DECEMBER 2014 AMERICAN RIFLEMAN

65

OFFICIAL JOURNAL

INSIDE NRA

regional report southwest

2015 NRA ANNUAL MEETINGS APRIL 1012 NASHVILLE, TN For
For hotel accommodations at the NRA Annual Meetings, visit

www.nraam.org

hether youre a hunter, competitive

shooter or just a proud gun
owner, Friends of NRA has something
for everyone. The format is simple
food, fun, family and fundraising! At
every Friends of NRA banquet youll
have the opportunity to participate in
games, raffles, live and silent auctions,
and more. Youll also find many unique
items including limited edition firearms,
wildlife art, jewelry and outdoor gear.
These items are only available at Friends
of NRA events. To learn more about events
in your area, visit www.friendsofnra.org,
contact your local field representative or
call (800) 672-3888, ext. 1342.

Southwest Region DirectorJason Quick

jquick@nrahq.org

AZWinston Pendleton

wpendleton@nrahq.org
Art Piece of the Year: Fort McHenry Commemorative Flag Set

Mid CABob Anderson

randerson@nrahq.org

Central CAPaul Rodarmel

Southern CAMike Davis

NVSteve Wilson

Eastern CACole Beverly

Northern CADan Wilhelm

UTJohn Kendall

prodarmel@nrahq.org
swilson@nrahq.org
dwilhelm@nrahq.org

cbeverly@nrahq.org
jkendall@nrahq.org

Member information & benefits

MEMBERSHIP ACCOUNT INFORMATION: (877) 672-2000
MEMBER SERVICE
(800) 672-3888
NRAstore.com
(888) 607-6007
MEMBER PROGRAMS
Hertz Car Rental CDP# 166609
(800) 654-2200
AVIS Car Rental AWD# A832100
(800) 225-7094
NRA Endorsed Insurance Programs
(877) 672-3006
NRA Endorsed Prescription Plan
(888) 436-3700
NRA Endorsed Check Program
(888) 331-6767
NRA VISA Card
(866) NRA-VISA
NRA Real Estate/Relocation Services (800) 593-2526
NRA Endorsed Moving Program
North American Van Lines
(800) 524-5533
Allied Van Lines
(800) 871-8864
INSTITUTE FOR LEGISLATIVE ACTION
Grassroots/Legislative Hotline
(800) 392-8683
OFFICE OF ADVANCEMENT
(877) NRA-GIVE
THE NRA FOUNDATION
(800) 423-6894

STATE ASSOCIATIONS

mdavis@nrahq.org

NRA Headquarters: (703) 267-1000

INTERNET ADDRESS: www.nra.org

GIFT PLANNING
EDDIE EAGLE GUNSAFE PROGRAM
FRIENDS OF NRA
WOMEN ON TARGET
REFUSE TO BE A VICTIM
INSTRUCTOR/COACH
COMPETITIVE SHOOTING
FIELD OPERATIONS/RANGES
GUN COLLECTOR PROGRAMS
NRA AFFILIATED CLUBS
HUNTER SERVICES
LAW ENFORCEMENT
NATIONAL FIREARMS MUSEUM
EDUCATION & TRAINING
MEDIA RELATIONS
YOUTH PROGRAMS
PROGRAM MATERIALS CENTER

(800) 672-4521
(800) 231-0752
(703) 267-1342
(800) 861-1166
(800) 861-1166
(703) 267-1500
(703) 267-1468
(877) 672-7264
(703) 267-1604
(800) NRA-CLUB
(703) 267-1500
(703) 267-1640
(703) 267-1600
(703) 267-1500
(703) 267-1595
(703) 267-1505
(800) 336-7402

The NRA Regional Report, a service for NRA members, appears in every issue of American Rifleman, American Hunter and
Americas 1st Freedom. The Regional Report is an up-to-date listing of NRA conducted and/or sponsored events scheduled
in your region for the current month. Call to verify event dates and locations before traveling.

64 D

ECEMBER

2014

AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG

RA-affiliated state associations

promote and support the purposes,
objectives, policies and programs of the
NRA. For more information, contact your
state association listed here, or log on to
www.nrahq.org/clubs/index.asp.
Arizona State Rifle & Pistol Assn

Noble Hathaway, President

(623) 687-4251; president@asrpa.com
California Rifle & Pistol Assn, Inc.

John Fields, Executive Director

(714) 992-2772; jcfields@crpa.org
Nevada Firearms Coalition

Don Turner, President

(702) 373-5935; don@nvfac.org
Utah State Rifle & Pistol Assn

Elwood Powell, President

(801) 394-1900; 1dpowell@sisna.com

TRAINING
Crime Prevention

RAs Refuse To Be A Victim program

provides men and women with
common-sense crime prevention and
personal safety strategies. The most up-todate schedule is available on the Internet
at NRAInstructors.org. Please contact the
instructor listed for more information.

DEC. 1GILBERT, AZ

(Seminar)
Gerard Violette (480) 244-6315

DEC. 13RAMONA, CA

(Seminar)
Peter Schultz (760) 789-0987

DEC. 21GILBERT, AZ

(Seminar)
Gerard Violette (480) 244-6315

DEC.ONLINE

(Instructor Development Workshop)

Visit NRAOnlineTraining.org for more
information

LAW ENFORCEMENT
Police Competition

RA Police Pistol Combat competition

is intended to be used as an
extension of an officers training. See

gunshows

areashoots
PISTOL
SLOUGHHOUSE, CA
SACRAMENTO, CA
ESCONDIDO, CA
DULZURA, CA

DEC. 7
DEC. 14
DEC. 14
DEC. 27

ACTION PISTOL
PHOENIX, AZ

DEC. 15

HIGH POWER RIFLE

JAMESTOWN, CA
SEELEY, CA
BAKERSFIELD, CA
YUMA, AZ
TUCSON, AZ
CASTIAC, CA
SILHOUETTE
GONZALES, CA
SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA
PHOENIX, AZ
TUCSON, AZ
MESA, AZ

DEC. 6
DEC. 7
DEC. 20
DEC. 21
DEC. 27
DEC. 30-31
DEC. 6
DEC. 7
DEC. 14
DEC. 21
DEC. 21

For more information, contact Shelly Kramer

at (703) 267-1459 or mkramer@nrahq.org. For a complete
listing, see www.shootingsportsusa.com.

PPC Rulebook (Rule 2.4) for eligibility

requirements.

DEC. 5-7
PHOENIX, AZ
Arizona State Fairgrounds, Crossroads of the West
(801) 544-9125
DEC. 6-7
BULLHEAD CITY, AZ
Bullhead City Chamber of Commerce, Bullhead
City Kiwanis Morning Club (928) 201-2333
DEC. 6-7
FRESNO, CA
Fresno County Fairgrounds, Central Coast Gun
Shows (805) 481-6726
DEC. 6-7
VALLEJO, CA
Solano County Fairgrounds, Code of the West
(530) 676-8762
DEC. 12-14
SPARKS, NV
Bourbon Square Casino, Silver Sage Promotions
(775) 287-3951
DEC. 13-14
KINGMAN, AZ
Mohave County Fairgrounds, High Desert Events
(928) 279-5406
DEC. 13-14
TUCSON, AZ
Tucson Expo Center, McManns Roadrunner
(602) 843-5303
DEC. 13-14
DEL MAR, CA
Del Mar Fairgrounds, Crossroads of the West
(801) 544-9125

(Tactical Shooting)

DEC. 13-14
PASO ROBLES, CA
Paso Robles Event Center, Central Coast Gun
Shows (805) 481-6726

Contact Mary Shine at (703) 267-1628 or

mshine@nrahq.org

DEC. 13-14
WOODLAND, CA
Yolo County Fairgrounds, Upper Ridge Gunworks
(707) 489-6238

DEC. 1-5SAN DIEGO, CA

DEC. 13-14
LAS VEGAS, NV
Sports Center, Oklahoma City Gun Show, Inc.
(405) 842-3277
DEC. 13-14
RENO, NV
Reno-Sparks Convention Center, Crossroads of the
West (801) 544-9125
DEC. 20-21
YUMA, AZ
Yuma Civic Center, Yuma Territorial Gun Shows
(928) 920-0837
DEC. 20-21
ROSEVILLE, CA
Placer County Fairgrounds, Code of the West
(530) 676-8762
DEC. 20-21
VENTURA, CA
Ventura County Fairgrounds, Crossroads of the
West (801) 544-9125
DEC. 20-21
LAS VEGAS, NV
Cashman Field Center, Crossroads of the West
(801) 544-9125
DEC. 20-21
LAS VEGAS, NV
South Point Casino, Rocky Mountain Gun Shows
(801) 589-0975
DEC. 27-28
PROVO, UT
Utah Valley Convention Center, Utah Valley Gun
Show (385) 201-7403
Dates and locations subject to changecontact the show
before traveling. Discounted NRA membership
sold through NRA recruiters. *Some shows may offer free
admission for new membership and renewals.
To become an NRA Recruiter call (703) 267-3784.

DECEMBER 2014 AMERICAN RIFLEMAN

65

OFFICIAL JOURNAL

INSIDE NRA

regional report west

2015 NRA ANNUAL MEETINGS APRIL 1012 NASHVILLE, TN For
For hotel accommodations at the NRA Annual Meetings, visit

www.nraam.org

hether youre a hunter, competitive

shooter or just a proud gun owner,
Friends of NRA has something for
everyone. The format is simplefood,
fun, family and fundraising! At every
Friends of NRA banquet youll have the
opportunity to participate in games,
raffles, live and silent auctions, and
more. Youll also find many unique items
including limited edition firearms, wildlife
art, jewelry and outdoor gear. These
items are only available at Friends of NRA
events. To learn more about events in
your area, visit www.friendsofnra.org,
contact your local field representative or
call (800) 672-3888, ext. 1342.

Western Region DirectorBrad Kruger

bkruger@nrahq.org

MNBrad Kruger

bkruger@nrahq.org

ND, SDClay Pederson

cpederson@nrahq.org
Art Piece of the Year: Fort McHenry Commemorative Flag Set

Northern AKJosh Toennessen

jtoennessen@nrahq.org

Southern AKGreg Stephens

OR, HIMike Carey

IDSteve Vreeland

WAJim Windrem, Jr.

MTJoe Crismore

WYDave Manzer

gstephens@nrahq.org
svreeland@nrahq.org
jcrismore@nrahq.org

Training

jwindrem@nrahq.org

dmanzer@nrahq.org

Member information & benefits

MEMBERSHIP ACCOUNT INFORMATION: (877) 672-2000
MEMBER SERVICE
(800) 672-3888
NRAstore.com
(888) 607-6007
MEMBER PROGRAMS
Hertz Car Rental CDP# 166609
(800) 654-2200
AVIS Car Rental AWD# A832100
(800) 225-7094
NRA Endorsed Insurance Programs
(877) 672-3006
NRA Endorsed Prescription Plan
(888) 436-3700
NRA Endorsed Check Program
(888) 331-6767
NRA VISA Card
(866) NRA-VISA
NRA Real Estate/Relocation Services (800) 593-2526
NRA Endorsed Moving Program
North American Van Lines
(800) 524-5533
Allied Van Lines
(800) 871-8864
INSTITUTE FOR LEGISLATIVE ACTION
Grassroots/Legislative Hotline
(800) 392-8683
OFFICE OF ADVANCEMENT
(877) NRA-GIVE
THE NRA FOUNDATION
(800) 423-6894

LAW ENFORCEMENT

mcarey@nrahq.org

NRA Headquarters: (703) 267-1000

INTERNET ADDRESS: www.nra.org

GIFT PLANNING
EDDIE EAGLE GUNSAFE PROGRAM
FRIENDS OF NRA
WOMEN ON TARGET
REFUSE TO BE A VICTIM
INSTRUCTOR/COACH
COMPETITIVE SHOOTING
FIELD OPERATIONS/RANGES
GUN COLLECTOR PROGRAMS
NRA AFFILIATED CLUBS
HUNTER SERVICES
LAW ENFORCEMENT
NATIONAL FIREARMS MUSEUM
EDUCATION & TRAINING
MEDIA RELATIONS
YOUTH PROGRAMS
PROGRAM MATERIALS CENTER

(800) 672-4521
(800) 231-0752
(703) 267-1342
(800) 861-1166
(800) 861-1166
(703) 267-1500
(703) 267-1468
(877) 672-7264
(703) 267-1604
(800) NRA-CLUB
(703) 267-1500
(703) 267-1640
(703) 267-1600
(703) 267-1500
(703) 267-1595
(703) 267-1505
(800) 336-7402

The NRA Regional Report, a service for NRA members, appears in every issue of American Rifleman, American Hunter and
Americas 1st Freedom. The Regional Report is an up-to-date listing of NRA conducted and/or sponsored events scheduled
in your region for the current month. Call to verify event dates and locations before traveling.

64 D

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2014

AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG

ublic and private officers interested

in becoming firearm instructors
should attend one of NRAs Law
Enforcement Firearms Instructor
Development Schools, designed
to enhance the instructors firearm

areashoots
PISTOL
BOISE, ID

DEC. 21

HIGH POWER RIFLE

PORT TOWNSEND, WA

DEC. 14

SILHOUETTE
BOISE, ID
PUYALLUP, WA
MACHIAS, WA
CHUGIAK, AK

DEC. 6
DEC. 14
DEC. 20
DEC. 27

For more information, contact Shelly Kramer

at (703) 267-1459 or mkramer@nrahq.org. For a complete
listing, see www.shootingsportsusa.com.

gunshows
DEC. 5-6
ROCHESTER, MN
Armed Forces Center, Zumbro Valley Arms
Collectors (507) 289-2520
DEC. 5-7
HAMILTON, MT
Ravalli County Fairgrounds, Sports Connection
(406) 633-2206
DEC. 5-7
KALISPELL, MT
Flathead County Fairgrounds, Up In Arms Gun
Shows (208) 241-4005
DEC. 6-7
CANBY, OR
Clackamas County Farigrounds, Collectors West
(800) 659-3440
DEC. 6-7
KLAMATH FALLS, OR
Klamath County Fairgrounds, Jefferson State
Shooting Assn (541) 880-3870
DEC. 6-7
MONROE, WA
Evergreen State Fairgrounds, Washington Arms
Collectors (425) 255-8946

knowledge and handling skills, as

well as prepare them to develop
effective training programs, instruct
in a professional manner, and conduct
practical training exercises. Restricted to
law enforcement officers only.
DEC. 1-5LAS VEGAS, NV

(Precision Rifle)

Contact Mary Shine at (703) 267-1628 or

mshine@nrahq.org

Police Competition

DEC. 6-7
SPOKANE, WA
Spokane County Fair & Expo, Lewis Clark Trader
(208) 746-5555

STATE ASSOCIATIONS

RA-affiliated state associations

promote and support the purposes,
objectives, policies and programs of the
NRA. For more information, contact your
state association listed here, or log on to
www.nrahq.org/clubs/index.asp.

Alaska Outdoor Council, Inc.

Rod Arno, Executive Director

(907) 264-6645
aoc@alaskaoutdoorcouncil.org

Hawaii Rifle Assn

DEC. 20ARLINGTON, WA

Idaho State Rifle and Pistol Assn

RA Police Pistol Combat competition

is intended to be used as an extension
of an officers training. See PPC Rulebook
(Rule 2.4) for eligibility requirements.
(Approved)

Contact Tiffany King at (703) 267-1621

or tking@nrahq.org

Harvey Gerwig, President & Director

(808) 306-7194; hghawaii@gmail.com
Neill Goodfellow, President
(208) 452-0293
president@idahosrpa.org

Minnesota Rifle and Revolver Assn

TRAINING
Crime Prevention

RAs Refuse To Be A Victim program

provides men and women with
common-sense crime prevention and
personal safety strategies. The most up-todate schedule is available on the Internet
at NRAInstructors.org. Please contact the
instructor listed for more information.

DEC.ONLINE

(Instructor Development Workshop)

Visit NRAOnlineTraining.org for more
information

George Minerich, President

(320) 968-6898; mrrapresident@gmail.com

Montana Rifle and Pistol Assn

Jamey Williams, President

(406) 868-4181; jameydan@gmail.com

North Dakota Shooting Sports Assn

Eric Pueppke, Executive Officer

(701) 967-8450

Oregon State Shooting Assn

Nelson Shew, President

(541) 409-3358; bnshew@centurylink.net

South Dakota Shooting Sports Assn

Dan Anderson, Secretary

(605) 428-5488; dan@sdshootingsports.org

DEC. 12-14
BOZEMAN, MT
Gallatin County Fairgrounds, Weapons Collectors
Society of Montana (406) 277-4485
DEC. 13
VANCOUVER, WA
Clark County Square Dance Center, Arms
Collectors of Southwest Washington (360) 263-7511
DEC. 13-14
COEUR D ALENE, ID
Kootenai County Fairgrounds, Sports
Connection, Inc. (406) 633-2206
DEC. 13-14
GRANTS PASS, OR
Josephine County Fairgrounds, Collectors West
(800) 659-3440
DEC. 13-14
RICKREALL, OR
Rickreall Fairgrounds & Events Center, Polk County
Fairgrounds and Event Center (503) 623-3048
DEC. 13-14
PUYALLUP, WA
Western Washington Fairgrounds, Washington
Arms Collectors (425) 255-8410
DEC. 13-14
ST. PAUL, MN
RiverCentre, Minnesota Weapons Collectors Assn
(612) 721-8976
DEC. 19-21
PORTLAND, OR
Portland Expo Center, Collectors West
(800) 659-3440
DEC. 19-21
CASPER, WY
Central Wyoming Fairgrounds, Up In Arms Gun
Shows (208) 241-4005
DEC. 21
PORTLAND, OR
Jackson Armory, Oregon Arms Collectors
(503) 254-5986
DEC. 27-28
EUGENE, OR
Lane County Fairgrounds, Collectors West
(800) 659-3440
DEC. 27-28
BLOOMINGTON, MN
Bloomington Armory, Crocodile Productions
(763) 754-7140
DEC. 27-28
BROOKLYN PARK, MN
Brooklyn Park Armory, Crocodile Productions
(763) 754-7140
DEC. 27-28
MEDFORD, OR
Medford Armory, Wes Knodel Gun Shows
(503) 363-9564
Dates and locations subject to changecontact the show
before traveling. Discounted NRA membership
sold through NRA recruiters. *Some shows may offer free
admission for new membership and renewals.
To become an NRA Recruiter call (703) 267-3784.

DECEMBER 2014 AMERICAN RIFLEMAN

65

OFFICIAL JOURNAL

INSIDE NRA

ILA report:

Latest legislative news from inside the NRA Institute for Legislative Action

New Jersey AGs Intervention Spares Shaneen Allen

Prison Time, but Federal Reform is Still Needed

ach year, we hear tales of traveling

gun owners who accidentally run
afoul of the law because they fail to
understand the intricacies of interstate
reciprocity for concealed carry permits.
This is why one of NRAs primary legislative
goals in Congress is the passage of the
Right-to-Carry Reciprocity Act of 2013. This
legislation would offer those carrying a
concealed firearm pursuant to a lawfullyissued license or permit the same freedom
to move interstate that is enjoyed by
licensed drivers, by ensuring that each
state recognizes the concealed carry
licenses or permits issued by the others.
Few cases have illustrated the need
for this legislation more vividly than that
of Shaneen Allen. Allen, a single mother
from Philadelphia, faced felony prosecution after misunderstanding that her
Pennsylvania concealed carry permit,
valid in over 30 states, was nevertheless
not recognized in neighboring New Jersey.
Embodying the State of New Jerseys
contempt for the Second Amendment,
Atlantic County Prosecutor Jim McClain
threw the book at Shaneen Allen, insisting
in his plea offer that she complete at least
3 years of a possible 10-year prison
sentence without chance of parole.
Allens case shocked the conscience
of a broad range of Americans, particularly given the disparate treatment
McClains office had recently provided
to professional football player Ray Rice.

Rice was caught on video knocking

unconscious his then-fiance with a
punch, but McClain still approved him for
New Jerseys Pretrial Intervention Program
(PTI), which allows first time offenders to
avoid criminal conviction after a period of
supervised rehabilitative efforts. Meanwhile, McClain refused to show Allen the
same leniency, even though the Atlantic
CountyPTI Director had agreed to accept
Allen into the PTI program.
In Septembernearly a year into
Allens ordealacting New Jersey Attorney
General John Hoffman issued statewide
guidance to county prosecutors clarifying
the application of New Jerseys mandatory sentencing scheme to certain minor
firearm violations. Only then did McClain
relent. In applying the factors set out in
the [attorney generals] clarification, he
stated, I determined that the defendant
in this case should be offered the opportunity to be admitted into the Atlantic
County PTI Program. These developments mean that not only will Allen and
her children be spared the ordeal of her
facing a felony conviction and lengthy
prison term but that other travelers
who unwittingly violate New Jerseys
harsh laws gun laws may also avoid a
similar nightmare.
Indeed, the mitigating factors the
attorney generals memorandum counsels
prosecutors to consider closely parallel
the circumstances of Allens case. First, she

lawfully owned the firearm and would

have been lawfully able to carry it in her
state of residence. Once in New Jersey, the
firearm apparently never left her vehicle.
She was otherwise law-abiding, and police
only discovered the gun because of a
routine traffic stop. Allen volunteered the
presence of the firearm even before being
asked about it, and police immediately
took it into custody. Finally, Allen was honestly unaware that her Pennsylvania concealed carry permit did not apply in New
Jersey. As the attorney general recognized
in his memorandum: [I]n most of these
cases, imprisonment is neither necessary
nor appropriate to serve the interests of
justice and protect public safety.
Although Allens case appears to be
headed for a positive resolution, true
legal reform is still needed, including
enactment of Shaneens Law in New
Jersey and the Right-to-Carry Reciprocity Act now pending in Congress. In the
meantime, Allen joins such pivotal and
largely unsung civil rights heroes as Otis
McDonald and Mary Shepard, whose
personal struggles achieved greater
recognition of the Second Amendment
for their fellow citizens. As Allens attorney
Evan Nappen noted, these victories were
not achieved in isolation but with the
aid of untold numbers of Second Amendment supporters who ensured that these
struggles did not go unnoticed. Every NRA
member should be proud, Nappen said.

IL A G rassro o ts : (8 00 ) 39 2- 8 68 3 NR A- I L A : ( 703) 267-1170 NR A- I L A web s i te: w w w. nr aila. org

ILA CONTRIBUTIONS

(The following contributed $1,000 or more to the NRA Institute for Legislative Action during August 26, 2014 September 24, 2014.)
Tract Clark, Midland, TX; Horton Spitzer, Wilson, WY; Harriet Van D. Spitzer, Wilson, WY; Howard Wulforest, Reno, NV; Jon Madsen, McAllen, TX; Lee-Ann
Ledbetter, Burgess Norman, OK; Russell Viering, Groton, CT; P. Paul Pappalardo, Greenwich CT; C. Barbaccia, San Jose, CA; Gary Zimmerman, Redondo Beach,
CA; Ronald Greisen, Anchorage, AK; Stanley Cornett, Kingwood, TX; Paul Creegan, New York, NY; Robert Kane, Smithtown, NY; David Sipos, Youngsville, LA;
Philip Fry, Ortonville, MI; Thomas Peterson, Allendale, NY; Philip Bender, Reno, NV; Henry Keck, Enid, OK; Dale Thackett, Coffeyville, KS; P. Dale Rubikam,
Philadelphia, PA; Lawrence Edwards, Brick, NJ; Elisha Hubbard, Juniper, FL; Timothy Dermer, Mesa, AZ; James Cannon, Richmond, TX; June Knabusch-Taylor,
Monroe, MI; John Knight, Calhan, CO; Wesley Noe, Midland, TX; Hal K. Sullivan, Blue Creek, OH; Frank Byrne, Philadelphia, PA; Edward McDermott, Polvadera,
NM; Mathew Reno, Gillette, WY; Thomas Guzzo, Sharpsburg, GA; Alwyn Browne, West Gardiner, ME; Marc Hart, Southlake, TX; Walter Obermeier, Cranberry
Township, PA; James Matthews, Sarasota, FL; Paul Graf, Reddick, IL; Kenneth Williamson, Iowa City, IA; Francis Savard, Intervale, NH; Neal Woods, Ottawa, KS;
Brian Calihan, Plant City, FL; Ruth Brewer, Platteville, CO; Karen Lien, Perkasie, PA; David Myers, Boulder, CO; Skip Morse, Sutton, MA; Mitchell Walker, Bellevue,
CO; Glenn Adams, Evergreen, CO; Jeff Adams, Boise, ID; Alan Mossberg, Tierra Verde, FL; Jerald Zierdt, Colbert, WA; Anthony Phelan, Fort Myers Beach, FL;
James Cannon, Richmond, TX; Kent Esgar, McCloud, OK; Edward Lye, Akron, CO; Bruce Ross, Paso Robles, CA; Mark Gruss, Deadwood, SD; John Jordan, Cook
MN; Evelyn Morgan, Bradford, PA; John Place, Yakima, WA; Fred Sawyer, Saint Louis, MO; Greg McNece, Davis, CA; John Hughes, Lake Havasu City, AZ; Tom
Becker, Kirkwood, MO; Regis Synan, Export, PA; John Hill, Centreville, VA; John Myers, Mountain Grove, CO; Richard Daniels, White Plains, MD; Russell Tilton,

66 D

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2014

AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG

ountry artist Granger

Smith continues to
reinvent the face of
traditional country music.
His consistency in providing powerful, heartfelt,
blended hits have made
him a fan and critic favorite
over the years. His ninth
studio album, Dirt Road
Driveway, debuted at
Number One on the iTunes
Country chart and went on
to become the bestselling
independent country album
in digital sales of 2013.
NRA Countrys Vanessa Shahidi recently talked with Smith
about his love of all things outdoors.
VS: How would you spend a week off in Mother Nature?
GS: This time of year I would head to the Rockies. Pack in, take
a six-day trail, turn off the phone and soak up the mountain air.
Can I have an elk tag in this scenario, too?

VS: What is your

favorite personal
firearm?
GS: For sentimental
reasons, I love my Remington 870 12-ga. Wingmaster. Its been
part of the family since before I was born.
VS: Please share your favorite hunting trip memory.
GS: The one that comes to mind is my first buck. I was about
13 years old hunting with my dad in northwest Texas. Opening
morning, we didnt see anything. By sundown, a nice 10-point
appeared in the brush. Dad whispered the two words that can
be the most exciting and most terrifying words a young hunter
can hear, Take him. The buck ran about 10 yards and dropped.
It was a perfect heart shot and a perfect memory that I carry
with me still today.
NRA Country is a lifestyle and a bond between the country
music community and hard-working Americans everywhere.
Its powered by pride, freedom, love of country, respect for the
military, and the responsibilities of protecting the great American
way of life. For more information visit www.nracountry.com,
follow on twitter @NRACountry, and NRA_Country on Instagram
and Pinterest.

Photo by Paul De La Cerda

Granger Smith is

United Nations Arms Trade Treaty to Enter Into Force December 24

merican gun owners are set to receive a proverbial lump

of coal this Christmas. On September 25, a handful of
countries declared their ratification of the United Nations
Arms Trade Treaty (ATT), raising the number of states that have
done so to more than 50. The threshold is significant, as the
ATT enters into force 90 days after 50 countries have ratified
it. This means that the treaty is binding on the initial group of
countries to ratify it starting on December 24, and binding on
later adopters 90 days after they submit ratification. As of press
time, 121 countries have signed the treaty, with 54 of those
having ratified it.
The treaty will not be binding on the United States after
it enters into force or at least not officially. In order for
the U.S. to ratify the treaty, it would need to be consented to
by two-thirds of the Senate. Thus far, NRA has succeeded in
ensuring significant Senate opposition to the treaty. However,
this does not mean that the ATT does not pose a threat to
American gun owners.
A goal of the United Nations, and international governance
more broadly, is to establish international norms in an array

of policy areas. The ATT is the UNs avenue for furthering these
norms in the realm of arms control. In fact, in a document outlining the treatys signature and ratification procedures, the UN
refers to the treatys requirements as basic norms.
The right to keep and bear arms is a right shared by all
peoples. Unfortunately, the explicit protection of that right,
expressed in the United States by the Second Amendment to the
Constitution, is decidedly not an international norm. Countries
who fail to meet the international norms outlined in the treaty,
regardless of whether they ratify it, could face foreign pressures
to conform. Further, Barack Obama or a future anti-gun president
could use ATT and international norms compliance to rationalize
enacting gun control policies through executive actions, especially in the import and export realms.
The threat posed by the ATT, much like the concept of
international law itself, may seem more nebulous than threats
posed by domestic legislation or administrative regulation. It is
no less real, however, and will require constant vigilance on the
part of gun owners, especially as countries begin to implement
the treaty and give substance to its hazy language.

Owings, MD; Mark Pretzat, Alexandria, VA; Carlos Garcia, Miami, FL; Jonathan Goldstein, Narberth, PA; Michael Zech, Whitewater, CO; Milan Turk, New Canaan,
CT; Mark Loyd, Saint Louis, MO; Penn Rooker, Kennesaw, GA; George Elgin, Fort Myers, FL; James MacDonald, Sarasota, FL; Loren Rice, West Lake Hills, TX; Lee
McGill, Denver, CO; Mial Shauberger, Lawrenceburg, IN; Richard Swenson, Las Vegas, NV; Richard Thevenet, Lenox, MA; Albert Amado, Tucson, AZ; Walter
Davis, Conroe, TX; Davidsons, Prescott, AZ; Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc., Southport, CT; Google, Inc., Mountain View, CA; Brownells, Inc., Montezuma IA;
Cape Radiology Group, Cape Girardeau, MO; and Remington Arms/Freedom Group, Madison, NC.

IN MEMORY NRA-ILA CONTRIBUTIONS

(August 26, 2014 September 25, 2014)

David L Weist, Silver City, NM (from Laura Weist); Kenneth Naylor, Tilden, TX, (from Janice Naylor); M.R. Mahaffey, Osage, IA (from Elaine Mahaffey); R. Douglas
Pinkney, Mansfield, PA (from Janice Pinkney); Kenneth Princiotta, Princeton Junction, NJ (from Marion Princiotta); Don Moore, Smithville, MO (from Vicky Moore
and Dale Moore); Donald Briggs, Jr., Mayville, NY (from Janice & Steve Bittinger and Garys Carstar); Telford (Ted) Proffer, Jr. Vassar, MI (from Albert Hess); Thomas
Golba, Temperance, MI (from Keith & Carol Taylor, James & Esther Suszka and Thea & Stanley Kirkwood); William Schwartz, Pittsburgh, PA (from E.K. Landefeld);
Merlyn Duncan, Toulon, IL (from Bert & Donna Sweat); William Northrop, Plymouth, MA (from Laura & Robert Jed); Jim Groseclose, Ellensburg, WA (from Gloria
Sharp); Bill Randall (O-Dark-30), Okanogan, WA (from Richard & Bonnie Coppock); Everett Vannier, Council Bluffs, IA (from Kim Schlatz); James Shaw, (from
Chickasaw Shooting Sports Assn); Woody Dixon, (from White Oak Shooting Club, Inc.); George Bragg, (from Dundee Sportsmans Club); Michael Saporito, Winter
Springs, FL (from Seminole County Gun and Archery Assn); Richard Davis, Modesto, CA (from Modesto Rifle Club, Inc).

DECEMBER 2014 AMERICAN RIFLEMAN

67

OFFICIAL JOURNAL

INSIDE NRA

programs & services

board spotlight
Curtis Jenkins

MEMBER BENEFITS
Save On Insurance
NRA Endorsed Life, Health, Property,
Casualty for members and businesses

1-877-672-3006
www.nraendorsedinsurance.com

High Limit Lifeunderwritten

Insurance Central
1-800-756-6452 x9037
www.icinsure.com/nra

MetLife Auto and Home

1-877-491-5087
www.locktonrisk.com/nrains/auto.htm

Save On Medical Needs

NRA Hearing Benefits

1-866-619-5889
www.NRAHearingBenefits.com

Life Line Screening

Preventive Screening Services

1-866-651-7926
www.LifeLineScreening.com/NRA

Prescription Drug Discounts

1-855-881-5685 www.nrarx.com

For a complete list of Members Only Savings, go to

http://membership.nrahq.org/affiliates.asp

urtis Jenkins likes to joke that his

early dedication to the Second
Amendment battle and subsequent interest in serving on the NRA
Board of Directors resulted from having been born on Bill of Rights Day,
December 15. Growing up shooting
and hunting with his father, brothers
and cousins, he became an NRA Junior
Member at age 13 and a Life Member
four years later.
In college, Jenkins began speaking for
gun owners rights before state legislative committees. After earning degrees
at Georgia Tech and Mercer Universitys
law school, his interest in politics continued and he was soon elected to the
Georgia legislature.
Jenkins authored the nations first law
prohibiting frivolous lawsuits against
firearm manufacturers, versions of which
were afterwards adopted by 33 states
and Congress, with the federal version,
the Protection of Lawful Commerce in
Arms Act, being signed by President
Bush in 2005. At that time, cities around
the country were filing lawsuits against
firearm manufacturers seeking to bankrupt them.

A third term NRA Board member,

Curtis serves on the Legislative Policy,
Legal Affairs (Vice Chair), Hearings (Chair)
and Finance committees and the NRA
Civil Rights Defense Fund. We have made
significant progress in recent years, with
crucial victories in Congress and the courts,
including Heller, but we cannot afford to let
up, Jenkins emphasized.
A Benefactor member, Jenkins is a NRA
referral attorney and a certified shooting
instructor. He is also a member of NRA
affiliates in several states and of the Board
of Governors of the State Bar of Georgia.
Jenkins practices law in Forsyth, Ga.,
where he was born and still resides with
his wife, Carol, and their two children.
Over the years, Jenkins helped facilitate
young shooter training through Boy
Scouts and family field days sponsored by
the Monroe County Sportsmans Federation. However, he points out that without
a strong NRA protecting our Second
Amendment rights, future generations
freedoms stand to be jeopardized, so every
gun owner should be an NRA member.

Friends of NRA Announces Daniel Defense as Corporate Sponsor

he National Rifle Association is proud to announce Daniel

Defense as the Exclusive Guardian Corporate Sponsor of
Friends of NRA, a grassroots fundraising program that
fosters community involvement to organize and plan community events for firearm enthusiasts. Created in 2011, the
National Corporate Sponsor program takes Friends of NRAs
support of the shooting sports to a national scale.
Jordan Hunter, Daniel Defense Director of Marketing, said,
NRA does such a great job supporting our industry, so we want
to do anything and everything we can to support it. Were always
looking for creative ways to do that, andFriends of NRAhas been
really great about providing those opportunities.
All net proceeds from Friends of NRA events are allocated
to The NRA Foundation, the leading charitable organization in
support of the shooting sports. NRA Foundation grants provide
equipment, training materials, range improvements and more
to qualified local, state and national programs.
We are grateful to have such generous support from
Daniel Defense, a leader in support of the firearms community,

68 D

ECEMBER

2014

AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG

said Director of Volunteer Fundraising Sarah Engeset. Their

commitment as Friends of NRA [Exclusive] Guardian Sponsor
has helped raise funds for The NRA Foundation and shooting
sports programs across the country.
Learn more about Friends of NRA at www.friendsofnra.org. If
you are interested in becoming a sponsor, contact Director of
Industry Partnerships John da Silva at jdasilva@nrahq.org or
(703) 267-1356.

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OQ[THQT
.KHG.QEM5VCPFCTFTMUGTXKEGQTOQ[THQT.KHG.QEM#FXCPVCIGTMUGTXKEGQTOQ[THQT.KHG.QEM7NVKOCVG2NWUTMUGTXKEG#NNRTKEKPIKPENWFGUCRRNKECDNGUCNGUVCZ;QWECPECPEGNCP[VKOG
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COMBAT MAGNUMS
continued from p. 45

medium-size revolver. But sportsmen want more power

for defense afield and even for some types of mediumgame hunting. Until now, their best bet was the larger
N-frame in .41 or .44 Mag. These are six-shot revolvers
built on frames big enough to take the magnum recoil,
but rather heavy for most shooters to carry. How about
a five-shot .44 Mag. on the smaller and lighter L-frame?
Would that be feasible or practical?
Well, yes and yes. This is what this story is all about
Smith & Wessons all-new Model 69. It is a great new
wheelgun that needs to be examined in detail. First, lets
look at how the designers were able to build enough
strength into the gun. The weak part of the system is
the yoke that supports the cylinder, particularly at the
instant of firing. The traditional Hand Ejector series had
a center pin that ran through the ejector rod, locking the
column of parts at the rear end of the cylinder, and into a
lug under the barrel at the front. It works, but is not really
strong enough for the five-shot .44 Mag. S&W engineers
dispensed with the center pin running through the ejector rod in favor of a solid rod. The forward-most locking point is now right at the yoke. There is a sturdy ball
bearing in the yoke, powered by a strong spring, and the
ball indexes into a V-shape notch in the side of the barrel
continued on p. 72

A CLASSIC UPDATED:
S&Ws MODEL 66 REDUX

hen I received that first Model 66 back in the 70s,

I was one happy camper. It was a durable, rustresistant, accurate service revolver that I carried
for years as a patrolman. Not surprisingly, I was eager to see
what S&W was going to do with its much-heralded upgrade of
the original. Outwardly, there is not much change, except for
the shape of the receiver to accommodate the key lock. But
there are several interior changes that are important. First,
take everything I said about the Model 69 and apply it to the
Model 66. On the medium K-frame, the cylinder is a six-shot
no change there. But all the original K-frame .38s and .357s
had a design flaw in the shape of the barrel shank. It had a flat

PRODUCT SAFETY NOTICE WARNING

WINCHESTER Slide-Action Shotgun Models 1200, 1300, 120, and 2200; SEARS Slide-Action
Shotgun Models 200 and Ted Williams 200; WINCHESTER Semi-Automatic Shotgun Models 1400,
1500, 140, and 2400; SEARS Semi-Automatic Shotgun Models 300 and Ted Williams 300
Olin Corporation, through its Winchester Division, is warning users of the above shotguns to
follow owners manual instructions to fully open the action before moving the safety to the
ON position and to only use shotgun shells of 2-3/4 inch or 3 inch length.
Under certain conditions it may be possible to move the safety to the ON position while the shotguns
action is partially open, placing the hammer under control of the safety and not the trigger. Operating
the safety in this manner is improper and contrary to the instruction manual. It has come to our attention
that short length shotgun shells, including those known as minishells, can be manually placed in the
firearms chamber while the action is partially open. With the hammer controlled by the safety and with
a shotgun shell in the chamber, closing the action and moving the safety to the OFF position may
accidentally fire the shotgun without a trigger pull. Accidental firing may result in property damage,
serious personal injury or death.
IN THE WINCHESTER AND SEARS SHOTGUNS NAMED ABOVE, PLEASE
 FULLY OPEN THE ACTION BEFORE MOVING THE SAFETY TO THE ON POSITION,
 ONLY USE SHOTGUN SHELLS OF 2-3/4 INCH OR 3 INCH LENGTH, and
 DO NOT USE MINISHELLS.
This is not an ammunition or firearm recall. No other firearms are subject to this warning.
For Winchester firearm owners manuals please go to www.winchesterguns.com/customerservice/ownersmanuals
2014 Winchester Ammunition, 600 Powder Mill Road, East Alton, IL 62024-1273

70 D

ECEMBER

2014

AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG

SHOOTING RESULTS (25 YDS.)

.357 MAG.
CARTRIDGE

VEL. @ 12'
(F.P.S.)

ENERGY
(FT.-LBS.)

GROUP SIZE IN INCHES

SMALLEST LARGEST AVERAGE

SPEER 125-GR.
GOLD DOT JHP

1301 AVG.
20 SD

470

1.65

2.44

1.85

FEDERAL 140-GR.
HI-SHOK JHP

1177 AVG.
17 SD

431

0.94

1.81

1.28

REMINGTON
180-GR. JHP

1069 AVG.
17 SD

457

0.67

1.81

1.72

AVERAGE EXTREME SPREAD

1.61

NOTES: ACCURACY RESULTS BASED ON FIVE CONSECUTIVE, FIVE-SHOT GROUPS FIRED WITH THE
RANSOM REST. VELOCITIES MEASURED WITH AN OEHLER MODEL 35P CHRONOGRAPH
WITH SCREENS APPROXIMATELY 12 FT. FROM THE MUZZLE. TEMPERATURE: 75 F. ABBREVIATIONS:
JHP (JACKETED HOLLOW POINT), SD (STANDARD DEVIATION).
GUN IN

spot at the 6 oclock point, necessary to allow the yoke to swing into place. If the
gun didnt like the high-pressure ammunition you were feeding it, that was usually
where it failed. Indeed, that is what pushed the L-frames into production.
In the interests of putting an end to this K-frame problem, S&W re-designed the
K-frame to get a slightly larger revolver with more metal at critical points. The size
difference is almost unnoticeable, but the gun is a little larger, particularly in height.
It has no effect on performance. When I put the new 66 on paper, I was pleasantly
surprised. I fired the American Rifleman protocol of five consecutive, five-shot
groups with each of three different loads. Thats 15 groups (75 rounds). Those
groups averaged 1.61", with two groups less than an inch. That is excellent accuracy for a revolver of any era, new or old.
WILEY CLAPP, FIELD EDITOR

SMITH & WESSON MODEL 66

MANUFACTURER: SMITH & WESSON

(DEPT. AR), 2100 ROOSEVELT AVE.,

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71

COMBAT MAGNUMS
continued from p. 70

underlug. That change simplifies and strengthens the

cylinder mechanism. The company also departed from
the traditional one-piece barrel in favor of the two-piece
system developed for several smaller revolvers. While
there are a few other upgrades, this is the heart of the
system and the means of answering the feasibility questionthe answer to which is yes.
How about practical? Well, .44s kick, and we all know
it. A carry-size N-frame six-shot .44 Mag. with 4" barrel
weighs 44.1 ozs. while an even easier carrying L-frame
five-shot .44 Mag. with 4" barrel weighs 37.2 ozs. The
latter figure is 6.9 ozs. less than the former. Therefore, a
Model 69 is less than a half-pound lighter than a Model
629. That makes it roughly the same as a Colt M1911,
and you may recall Americans have carried those
pistols all over the globe. Certainly, the lesser weight
is easier to pack, but it also kicks more when you fire it.
The question is whether the added recoil is bad enough
to be a pre-occupying factor. I can only put this in perspective subjectivelyit is severe, but bearable. I used
to shoot long-barreled .44s all afternoon, but I wouldnt
want to do that with a 69. If you want to enhance the
enjoyment of shooting your Model 69, I would strongly
advise a set of Trooper stocks from Herretts. They are
the best things I have ever used when it comes to managing heavy recoil in a double-action revolver.
It is obvious that S&W gave the 69 a classic

appearance. The shroud portion of the two-piece barrel

is shaped like the heavy, short-underlugged barrels of
the mid-1950s. Stocks are finger-grooved rubber that the
purists will not like. But I am pleased to see the topstrap
of the revolver finished like the earlier guns, with the lateral serrations running the complete distance between
the sights. It has that attractive dull sheen of stainless
steel and traditional red ramp and white outline sighting
system. It is a very nice gun that shoots as well as it looks.
At the range, I tried three different loads with
results as tabulated nearby. The sample revolver
worked through five, five-shot groups with all three.
When all the brass was in the old bleach jug and
groups measured, the overall average was 1.76"
excellent. I did not shoot in double-action mode more
than a few shots, but the trigger action was very heavy.
So was the single-action trigger, but it was crisp.
Although time must pass and many more rounds
must be in the butts before we know for sure, it appears
that the Model 69 is another milestone. I am assured
S&W did all its stress testing, and the new system holds
up well. It promises to be one of those guns that begets
a string of variations in the months and years to come.
It would easily be a better choice for the outdoor types
who need powerful handguns as they go about their
work in the wild. Dirty Harry must have retired from
SFPD by now, but it would be just the gun for him, too.

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COLD WAR K-FRAMES

continued from p. 57

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According to arms historian Jim

Henwood,[S]ome Victory Models
were furnished to civilian police
establishments in the U.S. zone of
occupied Germany at wars end,
[although] in view of the rather limited presence of U.S. Naval aviation
in Europe, as well as the restricted
Army use of this arm, it would appear
unlikely that there were enough
Victory Models immediately
available for this purpose. It is more
probable that, in the interests of standardization, .38/200s were acquired
from the British for issue to German
police in the U.S. zone.
James Mock, well known to collectors of the U.S. carbine for his
expertise regarding the post-war
distribution and use of U.S. military carbines in foreign lands, has
kindly provided information that
deals specifically with the issue
and marking of S&W M&P revolvers of wartime manufacture by the
various police units in the U.S. zone
of occupied Germany. As Henwood
correctly guessed, both ex-British
.38/200s and .38 Spl. U.S. Victory
Models were involved.
The military governor of the
Office of Military Government,
American Occupation
Zone (OMGUS) was the U.S.
Commander-in-Chief, Europe.
He appointed a military governor
for each of the five areas of the
American Occupation Zone, which
were as follows: Bavaria; Berlin
Sector; Bremen Enclave; Hessen;
and Wrttemberg-Baden
Allied Control Council Directive
No. 16, dated Oct. 10, 1945, allowed
the occupation governments in each
of the four occupation zones (British,
French, Russian and American) to
arm the city police with handguns,
and the rural police and the new
frontier police with carbines. This
directive also stated that all arms
provided to the German police in
all occupied zones had to be of nonGerman origin and marked to identify the agency to which they were
assigned. However, neither the exact
manner in which the arms were to
be marked, nor the location of the

markings on each gun, was specified, leaving this up to each occupying nations military government.
In the OMGUS area of control,
the decision regarding the makeup
and location of the markings was
passed on to the military governors in each of the five districts,
and each, predictably, ordered
something a little different.
OMGUS named the new German
police agencies using American
law enforcement terminology, not
the names the Germans themselves had chosen for their police.
All of the German states later purchased the arms provided to them
by the Western Allies, and eventually sold them to other German
states or to private gun brokers.
OMG Bavaria (OMGB) ordered
the word Bavaria, followed by
either Municipal Police or Rural
Police, to be marked on the left
side of the frame of each of its
revolvers. Bavaria was the only
jurisdiction in West Germany to
use those names on its arms.
On Jan. 7, 1946, the Chef des
Sicherheitswesens, Polizeiprsidium
Munchen (Chief of the Security
Branch, Munich Police Department),
not the Waffenamt (Weapons Office),
was ordered to do the actual marking on the guns. After they were
marked, the Waffenamt distributed
them to the various branches and
districts throughout Bavaria.
During the U.S. occupation, if
one agency within Bavaria had no
further need for a revolver, it was
issued to another agency, and the
markings were changed appropriately. After the end of the occupation in 1955, the markings were no
longer required.
On February 9, 1948, OMGB
transferred control of all the U.S.made firearms to the Bavarian
government. On April 25, 1948, the
Waffenamt conducted an inventory
of its arms, which was included in
the semi-annual inventory report
as of June 30, 1949, submitted to
the OMGUS Civil Administration
Division in Bad Nauheim.
continued on p. 76

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INTRODUCING

COLD WAR K-FRAMES

THE 1911 MAG

WITH LASERWELDED
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continued from p. 75

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The OMG Hessen abbreviated

the name Hessen to RE, to be followed by either M for Municipal
or R for Rural Police (H-M or
H-R) to be stamped on the backstraps of its revolvers. By June, 1949,
the Hessen Polizei had received
2,458 M1 carbines and 4,590
handguns from the U.S. Military
Government (OMGUS), Hessen.
The OMG WrttembergBaden abbreviated the name
Wrttemberg-Baden to WB,
followed by S for Stadt Polizei
(Municipal Police) or LP for
Landespolizei (Rural Police), also
to be stamped on the backstraps.
Revolvers marked WB-LP were
also given a four-digit inventory
number, reading for example
WB-LP-0123, while the municipal police marking WB-S was
followed by an abbreviation of
the name of the city in which the
particular revolver was issued,
reading for example
WB-S-STG (Stuttgart),
with an inventory number.
By June, 1949, the German police
in Wrttemberg-Baden had received
3,743 M1 carbines and 4,226
handguns from the U.S. Military
Government, Wrttemberg-Baden.
The Stuttgart police modified
about five .38 Spl. Victory Models
in their arms repair shop for use in
target shooting. The modifications
included a large square-bladed
front sight pinned into a longitudinal slot cut in the forged sight base
on the barrel, plus a bracket for
a windage-adjustable rear sight,
which provided an extended sight
radius. Since this bracket hung
out to the rear, obstructing the
hammer and making it difficult to
cock the revolver for single-action
shooting, the hammer spur was cut
off and fitted with a unique wing,
which protruded from each side,
where it was easily grasped by the
thumb of either hand.
Revolvers in the Bremen
Enclave were stamped Pol.
Br. on the left side of the frame,
along with the added marking
L.u.S. (Land und Stadt; Rural

and Municipal). The cities within

the enclave were policed by the
Bremen Stadt Polizei, while the surrounding countryside was policed
by the Bremen Landespolizei.
By June 1949, German law
enforcement within the Bremen
Enclave had received 1,044 M1 carbines and 1,721 handguns from the
U.S. Military Government, Bremen.
The police in the U.S. Sector of
Berlin are not known to have carried American revolvers. Berlin
being considered a special case,
they were issued FN pistols from
1945 to about 1958, at which time
they switched to the French-made
Manurhin P-1 (P.38).
No detailed documentation
has come to hand, but it appears
that the British followed suit and
issued their surplus .38/200
revolvers to the police in the
British zone of occupied Germany.
Regardless of whether they were
chambered in .38/200 or .38 Spl.,
the post-war Polizei revolvers
make for an interesting snapshot
in time and add to the colorful
history of the worlds most widely
produced wheelgun.

The S&W Phenomenon

Timothy J.
Mullins The S&W
Phenomenon is
an impressive
two-volume set on
S&Ws most iconic
revolvers. The first
is Magnum and covers .357 Mag. Smiths from first
Registered Magnums right up to contemporary .357s from the S&W Custom
Shop. The second volume, The K-Frame
Revolver covers all aspects of the
K-frameincluding the guns described
in the accompanying articleand is
extremely well illustrated. The first
volume is 282 pps. and is priced at $70,
while the second is 520 pps. at $90.
Contact: Collector Grade Publications
(Dept. AR), P.O. Box 1046, Cobourg,
Ontario, K9A 4W5, Canada;
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78 D

ECEMBER

2014

AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG

season in the Montana mountains

where I live, say 7,000 ft. above
sea level and at 35 F., and the
load shoots even flatter. Of course,
that assumes our hunter can hold
correctly for the wind, but with a
10-m.p.h. full-value breeze, drift is
only 8" at 400 yds.
Interestingly, Nosler designed
its new cartridge to fit in a so-called
.30-06 Sprg.-length action, with a
maximum cartridge overall length
of 3.34". This is also the length of
the former fastest 6.5 in America,
the .264 Win. Mag., introduced in
1959 to compete with the Weatherby
cartridges. Back then a .30-06
Sprg.-length magnum was a smart
idea, because a seemingly endless supply of 98 Mauser and 1903
Springfield actions could be had
for a few bucks. It probably still isnt
a bad move today, partly because
the long version of Noslers own
action has a .30-06 Sprg.-length
magazine, and if somebody decides
to build a custom .26 Nosler on a
longer action there will be plenty of
room to seat high-BC bullets out a
little moreanother trend in longrange rifles.
Of course, as soon as the .26
Nosler was announced, shooters
started speculating about every
possible detail, especially on the
Internet, the mother-ship of people
who dont know much and arent
afraid to go public. One guy said
it was obvious that the .26 Nosler
would fry barrels in short order,
because everybody knows
thats true of the .264 Win. Mag.
Another said the cartridge would
be useless for woods hunting,
because a shorter barrel would
reduce the velocity to .270 Win.
levels. Another said he didnt see
any need for yet another factory
cartridge, because the wildcat
.300 magnum he uses produces
much more powerful long-range
ballistics. Some, of course, questioned both Noslers listed muzzle
The .26 Nosler (l.) is designed to fit
in an action and magazine suitable
length-wise for the .30-'06 Sprg. (center), just like the .264 Win. Mag. (r.).

velocities and the 129-gr. ABLRs

ballistic coefficient.
Lets look first at the ballistic
coefficient. Bryan Litz continually
researches long-range ballistics
by actually firing bullets in actual
rifles, and has come to the conclusion that the 129-gr. ABLRs ballistic coefficient is exactly as Nosler
claimsbut only when shot from
a barrel with a 1:8" rifling twist.
Litzs latest research, detailed in his
new book Modern Advancements
In Long Range Shooting, indicates
that high-BC bullets lose about 3.2
percent of their ballistic coefficient
for each .1 reduction in gyroscopic
stability factor (Sg) below 1.5".
A barrel with a 1:8" twist gives
the 129-gr. ABLR an Sg of 1.62 at
standard sea-level atmospheric
conditions, and Litzs tests indicate
Noslers BC is basically spot-on.
(These days the G7 BC is considered more accurate for long-range
bullets, and Nosler lists it at .285.)
In mid-summer of 2014 I extensively tested a Nosler Model 48
Patriot rifle chambered in .26 Nosler.
The Patriot is Noslers lowest-priced
rifle, but still features the same
Oregon-made actions and the
Pac-Nor barrels used on all Model
48s. This particular Pac-Nor is what

Have
a Dillon
Christmas!

continued on p. 80


 



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DECEMBER 2014

79

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AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG

continued from p. 79

Section of the CFC booklet

in the Combined Federal Campaign!

CFC #10006
www.nradefensefund.org

.26 NOSLER

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Nosler calls a magnum contour,

measuring 0.632" at the muzzle,
and is 26" long with a 1:8" rifling
twist. An examination through my
Hawkeye bore scope showed a very
smooth bore, with the beginnings of
each of the five lands at exactly the
same point in front of the chamber.
The trigger broke cleanly at an
average pull-weight of 2 lbs., 11 ozs.,
and the pillar-bedded synthetic
stock was painted gray with black
drizzles, and included a 1"-thick
Pachmayr Decelerator pad.
The scope used was my own
10X 40 mm Leupold Mark 4, in
Precision Reflex mounts attached
to steel Picatinny-type bases. This
scope has proven totally reliable
on a bunch of rifles during the past
several years, and features precise
1/4 minute-of-angle (m.o.a.) adjustments. The scope and rings brought
the rifles total weight to 9 lbs.,
12 ozs., which is actually considered
a little light by some long-range
hunters. For more conventional hunters, a typical 1"-tubed 3.5-10X in
Talley Lightweight rings would drop
the weight a half-pound or so.
The pair of Nosler Trophy Grade
factory loads tested featured the
129-gr. ABLR at a listed 3400 f.p.s.
and the 140-gr. AccuBond at 3300
f.p.s., and both velocities were
essentially right-on when shot over
an Oehler 35P chronograph on a
70-degree July morning. The rifle
turned out to prefer a dirty bore:
The first five-shot group with the
129-gr. ABLR measured slightly
larger than 2", but the five subsequent groups averaged a tad larger
than an inch. For modern hunters
used to three-shot groups, this converts to three shots in less than 3/4",
probably well under. (The Nosler
website says that shooters can
expect sub-m.o.a. three shot groups
at 100 yards with Trophy Grade
ammunition in the Patriot rifle.)
Recoil seemed to be slightly
less than that of a 7 mm Rem. Mag.
with 160-gr. bullets, though obviously felt recoil is affected by stock
fit. The very straight stock fit my
short neck and square shoulders

CLASSIFIEDS

pretty well, and the recoil calculator in the Sierra Infinity computer
program agreed with my shoulder.
During the test-firing the rifle was
sighted-in 2" high at 100 yds. with
the 129-gr. ABLR load. According to
the Litz ballistic program this would
put it dead-on at 300 yds.
A few days later, on another
calm morning at very close to the
same temperature, I drove out to
several sections of Bureau of Land
Management country broken by
several long coulees, and shot three
rounds at a target 300 yds. away.
The group measured slightly less
than 2", centered right around the
aiming point. I then ranged a few
distant targets on handy cutbanks,
cranked the Leupolds elevation
knob the appropriate amount, and
drilled every target at ranges out to
around 550 yds., the bullets seeming to arrive almost instantly after
pulling the trigger. Yes, the listed
ballistic coefficient of the 129-gr.
ABLR is correct, and the .26 Nosler
shoots very fast and flat.
By the end of the testing, well
more than 100 rounds had zipped
through the barrelmany while
shooting five-round groups without
much time between the shots. The
bore scope revealed a little erosion at the corner of the throat,
right in front of the neck of the
chamber, but the beginning of the
rifling, perhaps 1/8" in front of the
chamber, was still pristine. Unless
somebody decides to take their
.26 Nosler prairie dog shooting,
my educated guess is that the barrel will remain accurate for at least
1,000 rounds, and 1,000 shots takes
in a lot of big-game hunting.
Just before finishing the testshooting, a freshly printed Montana
pronghorn tag arrived in the mailbox, for an area just north of the
small town where I live. An exceptional buck had already staked out
his breeding territory on some
big flats in the northern end of the
tags area. He should still be there
in early October when the season
opens, which sounds like another
fine test for the .26 Nosler.

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2014 ANNUAL INDEX

AMERICAN RIFLEMAN, VOLUME 162

Handguns, Description and Performance

A Perfect 10? SIG Sauers P227, April, p. 56

Combat Magnum Resurgence, Dec., p. 42
Dual Citizenship: The Rock Island Armory Story,
May, p. 76
Exploded View: Colt Python Revolver, March, p. 80
Exploded View: The Tokarev Pistol, Aug., p. 66
Exploded View: U.S. Pistol, M9 Beretta
Model 92FS, Feb., p. 46
Fidelis: The Colt Marine Pistol, Jan., p. 70
Re-Ignited: Para USA Is Back, Feb., p. 54
Scouting Report 2014, April, p. 74
Size Matters: Springfields XD(S) 4.0, Sept., p. 76
Springfields Range Officer M1911s, Oct., p. 56

Shotguns, Description and Performance

Bill Rugers Red Label: An American Classic Reborn,

Aug., p. 48
Double Down: The UTS-15 Shotgun, Feb., p. 60
Poetry In Motion: Benellis Ethos, March, p. 58
Scouting Report 2014, April, p. 74

Rifles, Description and Performance

AR 101: Getting Started, April, p. 70

AR 101: Hitting Your Target, Aug., p. 60
AR 101: Shooting The General Purpose Rifle, Dec., p. 50
Bargain Hunting Rifles, June, p. 52
Extend Your Effective Hunting Range, July, p. 58
Garage Doors, Golf, And Guns: The Making Of
Daniel Defense, Oct., p. 60
German Resurgence: Mauser 12 & Sauer 101,
March, p. 72
Heavy Metal: Rugers SR-762, July, p. 44
Henrys Classic Henry, April, p. 66
Lacking Nothing: Kimbers Mountain Ascent, May, p. 64
The Light Fiftys Baby Brother: Barretts 98B, Oct., p. 76
Properly Loading A Henry, Aug., p. 35
Rimfires For The Next Generation: Rugers
American Rimfires, March, p. 68
Rugers 10/22: One Of The Best Things For
50 Years, Nov., p. 70
Scouting Report 2014, April, p. 74
Thoughts On The Home-Defense AR, Sept., p. 70
Upgunned: Smith & Wessons M&P10, Nov., p. 76
Utility Rifles: Mossbergs MVP, Sept., p. 56

Ammunition and Reloading

10 Ways To Manage Recoil, Oct., p. 72

20-Round-Capacity M1 Carbine Magazines?, April, p. 92
A .243 Win. Load For Carbines And Handguns,
March, p. 55
A Bit Old, A Tad New: .45-70 Govt, Nov., p. 54
A Few Great Wildcat Cartridges That Went Legit,
March, p. 46
Ammunition In A Fire, April, p. 48
A Potent Oldie: .450-400 NE 3", Oct., p. 54
Barnes X: 25 Years Of Premium Performance, Nov., p. 80
Bettering The .270 Win., June, p. 40
Clips Vs. Magazines, May, p. 60
Following Suit: 7x57 mm Mauser, Feb., p. 43
For The Big Ones: .338 Win. Mag., Jan., p. 54
It Has To Be Green: Testing The Armys M855A1
Standard Ball Cartridge, June, p. 58
Loading The 6 mm Lee Navy, Nov., p. 44
Mastery Of Metals: Federals HST & Guard Dog, Jan., p. 80
Maximizing Its Potential: .30-06 Sprg., Sept., p. 50
North American Special: .35 Whelen, May, p. 59
Nosler AccuBond Long Range Bullets, Sept., p. 42
Old School Cool! .30-06 Sprg., July, p. 38
One Gun, Two Loads: Winchesters Train And Defend,
Aug., p. 36
Scouting Report 2014, April, p. 74
Steel-Cased 7.62x39 mm In Ruger Mini Thirtys?,
July, p. 36
Testing The .26 Nosler, Dec., p. 46
The .221 Remington Fireball Fits, May, p. 50
The Enduring .35 Remington, April, p. 50
Why Weve Had An Ammunition Shortage, Jan., p. 84
Winchester Elite Long Beard XR Turkey Loads,
July, p. 40

82 D

ECEMBER

2014

AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG

Optics and Accessories

Early Adopter: Remingtons 2020 System, Jan., p. 64

Scouting Report 2014, April, p. 74
Thoughts On The Home-Defense AR, Sept., p. 70
Vintage Riflescope Repair, April, p. 46

Historical & Antique Arms

A Lady Competitors Colt, Oct., p. 52

A Pair Of Colt 1860 Revolvers, Oct., p. 48
Chicago Air Rifle Markhams Patent, Jan., p. 48
Cold War K-Frames, Dec., p. 56
Colt 3rd Generation Signature Series 1851 Navy,
July, p. 88
Colt Model 1860 Army, April, p. 112
Colt Police Positive Special, Dec., p. 84
Colt Third Model Dragoon, Sept., p. 112
Enfield No. 2 Mk I Revolver, March, p. 116
Enfield No. 5 Mk 1 Jungle Carbine, Oct., p. 112
Fmr Model 1937, May, p. 128
Garand Clips, March, p. 45
Garand Winter Safety, Jan., p. 50
H&R Model 195 Single Shot Pistol, June, p. 84
Harrington & Richardson Model 1904, June, p. 38
Model 1873 Springfield Carbine, Aug., p. 88
Pinned And Recessed Smith & Wessons, Nov., p. 52
S Prefix Smith & Wessons, March, p. 44
Santa Fe Special Enfield & Golden State Arms,
Feb., p. 38
Skeletonized Webley, Dec., p. 36
Smith & Wesson .38/44 Heavy Duty, Feb., p. 92
U.S. Nomenclature, Dec., p. 38
U.S. Model 1841 Mississippi Rifle, Jan., p. 128
The Vickers K Gun And D-Day, Sept., p. 52
Winchester Model 1876, Nov., p. 120

Biography & History

A Veteran Of D-Day: Mac Evans, American

Rifleman, April, p. 62
Better Late Than Never: The M1C Garand Sniper
Rifle, Sept., p. 80
Frances Great War Masterpiece: The 1886/93 Lebel,
Oct., p. 66
Guns Of The Battle Of Blair Mountain, March, p. 64
Icon Of An Empire: The Martini-Henry, Nov., p. 86
Investigation Of A Legend: The Graf Spee &
The Ballester-Molina, Feb., p. 64
Not A Matter Of Great Urgency: 7.62x51 mm NATO
U.S. Navy Garand Rifles, Jan., p. 74
Press ... Dont Squeeze: A Writers Journey, Sept., p. 62
Seemed Like A Good Idea ... Firearm Ideas That
Failed, May, p. 70
The FN Browning 1910 Pistol & The Great War, Sept., p. 66
The Forgotten Guns Of D-Day, June, p. 42
The Guns Of 1864, May, p. 92
The Hedgerows Of Normandy, June, p. 48
Transcendent: The FG-42 Fallschirmjgergewehr,
July, p. 50

Legislation and Laws

Anti-Gunners Use Brady Bill Anniversary To Ramp Up

Universal Checks Rhetoric, March, p. 18
Every Vote, Every Seat, Every Year, Sept., p. 18
Hold The Phone! 2014: Whats At Stake, May, p. 18
Is Chaos At Our Door? Nov., p. 56
Michael Bloomberg Will Haunt You In The Afterlife,
June, p. 18
Neither SAFE Nor Sorry: New Yorks Gun Control
Saga Demonstrates The Necessity Of Political
Action, April, p. 18
NRA: Always At The Ready, Dec., p. 18
Racing Toward Election Day, Oct., p. 20
Stand Your Ground: Extreme Charges Made,
Refuted at U.S. Senate Hearing, Feb., p. 18
The Big Prize For Gun Owners In 2014: The United
States Senate, Nov., p. 20
The Blame Flame, Aug., p. 44
The Only Truth Obama Fears, Feb., p. 48
Vote To Save Us All, Nov., p. 64
You Cant Afford To Sit Out This Fight, Jan., p. 18
Your Vote Can Stop It, Nov., p. 61

NRA Official

2014 Director Nominations, Feb., p. 78

Accessibility Offers Possibility, March, p. 76
American Marksman: Midway USA/NRA Bianchi Cup
2014, Oct., p. 80
Among Friends (Friends of NRA), Jan., p. 88
Camp Perry 2013, Jan., p. 56
Getting Involved And Making A Difference, Part I,
July, p. 18
Getting Involved And Making A Difference, Part II,
Aug., p. 18
NRA Is In The Fight ... And In The Race, July, p. 56
NRAs Great American Outdoor Show, May, p. 88
Scouting Report 2014, April, p. 74
The 2014 American Rifleman Golden Bullseye
Awards, May, p. 82
The Race To Freedom, NRA Annual Meetings,
Aug., p. 52

Dope Bag

Alexander Arms AAR-17, Oct., p. 84

Browning A5 3" Shotgun, April, p. 86
Browning T-Bolt Varminter .22 WMR, Left Hand,
Aug., p. 68
BSA TW30RDLL, April, p. 90
Bushnell Legend Ultra HD 20-60X 80 mm,
Sept., p. 91
Cabelas/Pedersoli .54-Cal. Percussion Longrifle,
March, p. 84
Chiappa M9-22 Standard, May, p. 100
Colt Mustang XSP, Oct., p. 86
CVA Hunter, Sept., p. 88
Diamondback DB FS Nine, Nov., p. 96
Gamo Buckmasters Squirrel Terminator,
Dec., p. 60
Gamo Whisper Fusion Pro Air Rifle, Feb., p. 70
Just Right Carbine, Jan., p. 94
Kahr Arms CW380 .380 ACP Pistol, July, p. 62
Leupold Mark 8 3.5-25X 56 mm Scope,
Aug., p. 70
Magnum Research Mark XIX Desert Eagle 10"
.44 Mag., Feb., p. 68
Meopta 6X 42 mm Riflescope, July, p. 64
Mepro M21 Reflex Sight, May, p. 102
Nightforce 15-55X 52 mm Competition, Oct., p. 88
Remington R1 Carry Commander .45 ACP Pistol,
June, p. 64
Rockola M14F, Nov., p. 94
Ruger Hawkeye Guide Gun, Sept., p. 86
ShotKam, Aug., p. 72
Simmons Predator Quest 6-24X 50 mm Riflescope,
March, p. 87
Smith & Wesson Model 351C, April, p. 88
Stag Arms 3TM Rifle, June, p. 66
Stoeger Longfowler, Nov., p. 92
TriStar Raptor Youth, Dec., p. 62
Turnbull M1911, Oct., p. 82
Walther PPX 9 mm Luger Pistol, March, p. 82
Weatherby SA-08 Deluxe 28 Gauge, Jan., p. 92
Weatherby Vanguard Series 2 Back Country,
May, p. 98
Weaver Kaspa Tactical 2.5-10X 44 mm,
Jan., p. 96
Zeiss 3-9X 40 mm Terra Riflescope, March, p. 86
Zeiss Terra ED 10X 42 mm Binocular, Sept., p. 90

From The Bench

Winchester Elite Long Beard XR Turkey Loads,

July, p. 40

In Memoriam

John Fasano, Nov., p. 30

Tom Houghton, Nov., p. 30

Authors

Barsness, John
German Resurgence: Mauser 12 & Sauer 101,
March, p. 72
Loading The 6 mm Lee Navy, Nov., p. 44
Testing The .26 Nosler, Dec., p. 46

Bilby, Joseph
The Guns Of 1864, May, p. 92
Canfield, Bruce N.
Better Late Than Never: The M1C Garand Sniper
Rifle, Sept., p. 80
Not A Matter Of Great Urgency: 7.62x51 mm NATO
U.S. Navy Garand Rifles, Jan., p. 74
Carter, Aaron
Mastery Of Metals: Federals HST & Guard Dog,
Jan., p. 80
Clapp, Wiley
A Perfect 10? SIG Sauers P227, April, p. 56
Combat Magnum Resurgence, Dec., p. 42
Fidelis: The Colt Marine Pistol, Jan., p. 70
Size Matters: Springfields XD(S) 4.0, Sept., p. 76
Springfields Range Officer M1911s, Oct., p. 56
Cox, Chris W.
Anti-Gunners Use Brady Bill Anniversary To Ramp Up
Universal Checks Rhetoric, March, p. 18
Every Vote, Every Seat, Every Year, Sept., p. 18
Getting Involved And Making A Difference, Part I,
July, p. 18
Getting Involved And Making A Difference, Part II,
Aug., p. 18
Hold The Phone! 2014: Whats At Stake, May, p. 18
Michael Bloomberg Will Haunt You In The Afterlife,
June, p. 18
Neither SAFE Nor Sorry: New Yorks Gun Control
Saga Demonstrates The Necessity Of Political
Action, April, p. 18
NRA: Always At The Ready, Dec., p. 18
Racing Toward Election Day, Oct., p. 20
Stand Your Ground: Extreme Charges Made,
Refuted at U.S. Senate Hearing, Feb., p. 18
The Big Prize For Gun Owners In 2014: The United
States Senate, Nov., p. 20
Vote To Save Us All, Nov., p. 64
You Cant Afford To Sit Out This Fight, Jan., p. 18
Your Vote Can Stop It, Nov., p. 61
Hacker, Rick
Colt Model 1860 Army, April, p. 112
Colt Third Model Dragoon, Sept., p. 112
Smith & Wesson .38/44 Heavy Duty, Feb., p. 92
Winchester Model 1876, Nov., p. 120
Haviland, John
Nosler AccuBond Long Range Bullets, Sept., p. 42
The .221 Remington Fireball Fits, May, p. 50
The Enduring .35 Remington, April, p. 50
Hunter, Stephen
Transcendent: The FG-42 Fallschirmjgergewehr,
July, p. 50
James, Garry
Colt Police Positive Special, Dec., p. 84
Enfield No. 2 Mk I Revolver, March, p. 116
Fmr Model 1937, May, p. 128
Frances Great War Masterpiece: The 1886/93 Lebel,
Oct., p. 66
Henrys Classic Henry, April, p. 66
Model 1873 Springfield Carbine, Aug., p. 88
U.S. Model 1841 Mississippi Rifle, Jan., p. 128
Johnston, Jeff
Bill Rugers Red Label: An American Classic Reborn,
Aug., p. 48
Keefe, Mark A., IV
Anatomy Of A Move, Nov., p. 26
Exploded View: Colt Python Revolver, March, p. 80
Exploded View: The Tokarev Pistol, Aug., p. 66
Exploded View: U.S. Pistol, M9 Beretta
Model 92FS, Feb., p. 46
Poetry In Motion: Benellis Ethos, March, p. 58
Kurtenbach, Joseph L.
Dual Citizenship: The Rock Island Armory Story,
May, p. 76
Garage Doors, Golf, And Guns: The Making Of
Daniel Defense, Oct., p. 60
Heavy Metal: Rugers SR-762, July, p. 44
Re-Ignited: Para USA Is Back, Feb., p. 54

Lamb, Kyle
AR 101: Getting Started, April, p. 70
AR 101: Hitting Your Target, Aug., p. 60
AR 101: Shooting The General Purpose Rifle, Dec., p. 50
LaPierre, Wayne
Is Chaos At Our Door? Nov., p. 56
The Blame Flame, Aug., p. 44
The Only Truth Obama Fears, Feb., p. 48
Lohman, Chip
American Marksman: Midway USA/NRA Bianchi Cup
2014, Oct., p. 80
Mann, Richard
Extend Your Effective Hunting Range, July, p. 58
Rimfires For The Next Generation: Rugers American
Rimfires, March, p. 68
One Gun, Two Loads: Winchesters Train And Defend,
Aug., p. 36
McDaniel, Justin
NRA Is In The Fight ... And In The Race, July, p. 56
Miniter, Frank
Why Weve Had An Ammunition Shortage, Jan., p. 84
Morgan, Martin K.A.
A Veteran Of D-Day: Mac Evans, American
Rifleman, April, p. 62
The Forgotten Guns Of D-Day, June, p. 42
Mullin, Timothy J.
Cold War K-Frames, Dec., p. 56
NRA Staff
Scouting Report 2014, April, p. 74
Olmsted, J. Scott
Lacking Nothing: Kimbers Mountain Ascent, May, p. 64
Parker, Michael J.
Investigation Of A Legend: The Graf Spee &
The Ballester-Molina, Feb., p. 64
Plaster, Maj. John L.
It Has To Be Green: Testing The Armys M855A1
Standard Ball Cartridge, June, p. 58
Shadel, Bill
The Hedgerows Of Normandy, June, p. 48
Sheetz, Brian
Brownells: 75 Years and Counting, Dec., p. 24
Rugers 10/22: One Of The Best Things For
50 Years, Nov., p. 70
Simpson, Layne
10 Ways To Manage Recoil, Oct., p. 72
A Few Great Wildcat Cartridges That Went Legit,
March, p. 46
Seemed Like A Good Idea ... Firearm Ideas That
Failed, May, p. 70
Smith-Christmas, Kenneth L.
Guns Of The Battle Of Blair Mountain, March, p. 64
Icon Of An Empire: The Martini-Henry, Nov., p. 86
Snyder, Emily
Accessibility Offers Possibility, March, p. 76
Thor, Brad
Press ... Dont Squeeze: A Writers Journey, Sept., p. 62
Towsley, Bryce
Double Down: The UTS-15 Shotgun, Feb., p. 60
Early Adopter: Remingtons 2020 System, Jan., p. 64
Vanderlinden, Anthony
The FN Browning 1910 Pistol & The Great War,
Sept., p. 66
Vanderpool, Bill
The Light Fiftys Baby Brother: Barretts 98B,
Oct., p. 76
Wood, J.B.
H&R Model 195 Single Shot Pistol, June, p. 84
Wormley, Jr., Stanton L.
Thoughts On The Home-Defense AR, Sept., p. 70
Zent, John
Among Friends: Friends Of NRA, Jan., p. 88
Barnes X: 25 Years Of Premium Performance, Nov., p. 80

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TECHNICAL

I HAVE THIS OLD GUN

...
AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG/DFRAME

GUN: POLICE POSITIVE SPECIAL

MANUFACTURER: COLT
CONDITION: NRA EXCELLENT

(MODERN GUN STANDARDS)

CALIBER: .38 SPL.

MANUFACTURED: 1923
VALUE: $400-$450

Colt Police Positive Special

D

espite its renown for producing some of the first and

best single-action revolvers,
for some reason Colt had a difficult
time coming to terms with doubleaction. Such formative self-cockers
as the Model 1877 Lightning,
Model 1878, Model 1889 Navy (and
follow-on New Army and Navys),
while successful with regard to
sales, all had significant mechanical flaws that ultimately limited
their effectiveness.
But when the company got it
right, it really got it right. The
New Police model, which was
introduced in 1896, was a superb
revolver. Though following the
general outline of the 1889 Navy,
it had considerably improved
internals. Fortunately for Colt, this
.32 DA was quickly adopted by the
New York Police, giving the gun an
official seal of approval.
Still, the internals were not perfect, a situation that was remedied
in 1905-1907 with the introduction the Police Positive. The new
guns works incorporated the Colt
Positive Lock, an internal safety
device that prevented the hammer
from moving completely forward
until the trigger was drawn fully to
the rear. This meant the gun would
not discharge if dropped or otherwise mishandled.

84 D

ECEMBER

2014

AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG

Modernized externally, the initial

.32 Police Positive serial numbers
picked up where those of the New
Police left off. Offered in a number
of chamberings, barrel lengths and
even a heavy frame target
model, ultimately some 199,000
.32 Police Positives were manufactured between 1907 and 1943. As
well, a Police Positive chambered in
.38 Colt Police Positive and .38 S&W
appeared, which was numbered
in its own sequence. Early Police
Positives had checkered hard rubber stocks with fleur-de-lis designs
and the Colt name in an oval. The
panels were changed to checkered
walnut in 1924.
The formative .32 and .38 Police
Positives took off like rockets and
rapidly became law enforcement
favorites as well as civilian
staples. They were (and are) also
widely seen in motion pictures
especially in Depression-era
gangster movies and film noir.
As good as it was, it was felt that
the Police Positive could be made
even more effective, so in 1908 the
revolver was altered by extending
the frame and cylinder slightly
to handle the longer, more powerful Smith & Wesson Special and
.32-20 Win. cartridges. Of course,
as Colt reminded its potential buyers, other cartrtridges, such as the

.38 Short and Long Colt, .38 S&W

and .38-44 could also be accommodated in the more capacious
chambers. Barrel lengths ranging
from 1" to 6" were available, as
were different finishes, with blue
being considered standard.
According to Colt literature
of the 1930s, the Police Positive
Special was, Adopted as standard
by many large and hundreds of
smaller city Police Departments
due to its accuracy and hardhitting qualities. Popular among
Express messengers, paymasters,
Watchmen, and Special officers. It
is also the choice for Home, Store,
Motoring and camping protection.
For once the advertising wordsmiths werent exaggerating. To say
the gun became a phenomenon is
something of an understatement, as
it was ultimately produced in several
series in the hundreds of thousands.
It spawned the famed Detective
Special, and its frame size was chosen for the Colt Cobra in 1950.
The example above, which is
chambered in .38 Spl. and has a 4"
barrel, was made in 1923. Being
in NRA Excellent (Modern Gun
Standards) conditionexhibiting
only light wear at the muzzle and
on a few high pointsits worth
between $400 and $450.
GARRY JAMES
Photos by Jill Marlow

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2013, Kimber Mfg., Inc. All rights reserved. Information and specifications are for reference only and subject to change without notice.