First Look: Ballista

ISSUE 1

P R E S E N T E D B Y F N H U S A & T H E C R E AT O R S O F

FN 15 ™

FIRST LOOK

PG.22

BALLISTA STA

™ HIGH DOLLAR,

HIGH PRECISION ON PG. 78

FNX-45 TACTICAL FOR THINGS THAT ™

GO BUMP IN THE NIGHT PG. 62

DEBRIEF: KEN PFAU HOW TO MOUNT A SCOPE SCAR ACCESSORY BUYER’S GUIDE SPEEDLOAD YOUR SHOTGUN LIKE THE PROS THE STORIED HISTORY OF FNH USA AN INSIDE LOOK AT FN MANUFACTURING ®

FNS-40 ™

LONGSLIDE COMPETITION-READY PG. 50

SCAR

®

16S ANEW GENERATION OF RIFLE PG.30

SLP Competition SL ti ™

FACTORY-FRESH RACE GUN

PG. 98

FNHUSA.COM ISSUE 1 / WINTER 2014

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Featured: FNSTM-9 Pistol FNSTM-40 Longslide

2013 NRA Golden Bullseye Award Winner, FNSTM-9 Pistol

THE

FNS SERIES ™

PROUDLY MADE IN THE USA

Manufactured in Columbia, South Carolina with pride in craftsmanship, the FNS™ Series delivers unmatched precision and exceptional ease of use. That’s quality you can trust, from a 100 year-old company who understands the importance of home-grown manufacturing. FOR MORE PRODUCT DETAILS, VISIT: FNHUSA.COM/L/PRODUCTS/HANDGUNS/FNS-SERIES

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FOR OVER A CENTURY, THROUGH TWO WORLD WARS AND THE COLD WAR, FN FIREARMS HAVE STOOD AT THE CROSSROADS OF HISTORY WITH AMERICA’S SOLDIERS. FNH USA PROUDLY SALUTES THE VETERANS, ACTIVE SERVICE MEN AND WOMEN AND THEIR FAMILIES FOR PROTECTING OUR FREEDOMS.

INK

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CONTENTS

COVER PHOTOS BY HENRY Z. DE KUYPER AND ©2013 BRIAN DRESSLER / DRESSLERPHOTO.COM

FEATURES

50 30

12

42

78

98

22 116 62

©2013 BRIAN DRESSLER / DRESSLERPHOTO.COM

12 HISTORIC RIFLE ROOTS

42 SCAR ACCESSORIES

78 THE BALLISTA IN .338 LAPUA.

With Its Past Intertwined with Belgium, Browning, and the Battle of the Bulge, FNH USA Proudly Carries on Its Storied Firearms Heritage

LEGOs for Adults

YOU WANNA PLAY, YOU GOTTA PAY

22 FN 15

50 LET IT SLIDE

First Look

Competition-Ready Alternative to the G34 or M&P Pro, the FNS Longslide Has Already Notched Up Several Race Wins

30 THE FN SCAR 16S:

62 THE FNX-45 TACTICAL

A NEW GENERATION OF RIFLE

For Taking Care of Things that Go Bump in the Night

Built From the Ground Up, This Semiauto Version of the Carbine Used by U.S. special operators Is a Future We Can Embrace

FNH USA’s Premium Long-Range Rifle is Chambered in $10 Bills, But Its Performance Is Worth the Price of Admission

98 BLUE IS COOL FNH USA’s FN SLP Competition Shotgun: A Factory Fresh Race Gun

116 SPEEDLOAD YOUR SHOTGUN LIKE THE PROS Keeping a Tube Gun Fed Is a Critical Skill When Seconds Count. Learn the Techniques to Shave Time Off Your Reload.

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Mark 6® 1-6x20mm

LE L EU UP POL OLD. D.® THE E MO OS ST TR TRU US STE ED N NA AM ME E IN TACT TACT TA CTICAL IIC CAL AL OPT TIC ICS S.. The ere’ re’ss a re re easo sso on tther her he h eerre are re mor moree Leup mo up pold old d® lo long nggg-rran ange e ttac ac ctti tic ic cal a opt al op ptics pt ccs at atop top op th the h w weeaapo po pons ons ns ooff U U..S U.S S. mili mili ilitar tary ta per p e son onnel ne nel e th el t an n any anyy ot an o her he h e brrand and: “dea ead ea d on” n” acc ac ura ac ura acy. cyy And nd n d th haat at’ t s reas reas easoon on eno en en no ou ugh gh h wh why Leu eup up u pold l cca an help p yo you oou be be yyo ou urr bes be estt.. Fro es om the he p pra pr rra acti ctice ran ctice ct a ge an g to o tthe he h hea h eat of eat of yoour ou u urr ne next xt 3 3-G - un un mat maattcch m ch, h, di h disc sco cco over ver th he bene ene enefi efifitt a Leup eupold eu old d ca an brin ring to your you ou ga our game. me B Ba acke c d by Ame meric m ica’s ic a s Op ptic cs Au uth th t ori or ty ty ®. Leupold is proud to support competitive shooting matches across the country, including 3-Gun Nation’s “Rumble on the Range” in Las Vegas.

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CONTENTS DEPARTMENTS

CATALOGS

8 COMMS

122 DEBRIEF

Editor’s Letter

Ken Pfau

10 OPENING SALVO

130 HOW TO

18 PRODUCTION

Scope Mounting

POWER

136 EDGE

An Inside Look at FN Manufacturing

What’s in Your Kitchen?

76 DROP ZONE

138 EYE RELIEF

New Gear

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26 CARBINES 38 FN SCAR 56 PISTOLS 88 RIFLES 104 SHOTGUNS

FIREARM SAFETY IS TOP PRIORITY ZEROED reminds you to be safe and always obey firearms safety rules: 1. Treat every gun as if it were loaded. 2. Always keep the gun pointed in a safe direction. 3. Keep your finger off the trigger until ready to fire. 4. Be aware of your target's foreground and background. All contents in ZEROED Magazine are professionally photographed in a closed studio or range. Do not attempt to recreate any photographs depicted in this magazine.

PRODUCT DISCLAIMER Prices and details for items featured in ZEROED are set by the manufacturers and retailers, and are subject to change without notice.

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Advertising. Group Publisher/ Mark Han Associate Publisher/ Danny Chang Advertising Operations Coordinator/ Kari Watters

Editorial. Editor/ Iain Harrison Senior Editor/ Patrick Vuong Managing Editor/ John Schwartze Associate Editor/ John Jarasa Senior Photographer/ Henry Z. De Kuyper Contributing Editor/ Steven Kuo Contributors/ Chris Cerino, Brian Dressler, Jacob Herman, Mike Landers, Erik Lund, Jorge Nuñez, Robb Pettorsen, Mike Searson, Shinnosuke Tanaka Special Thanks/ Jerod Johnson, Chen Lee, Brett Mayes Special Thanks to FNH USA Staff/ Mark Hanish, Jo Tarrant,

National Sales Offices. New York Office/ 212.915.4000 261 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10016 Los Angeles Office/ 310.531.9900 831 S. Douglas Street, El Segundo, CA 90245 Irvine Office/ 949.705.3100 1733 Alton Parkway, Suite 100, Irvine, CA 92606 Detroit Office/ 248.594.5999 4327 Delemere Court, Royal Oak, MI 48073 Chicago Office/ 312.396.0620 Tampa Office/ 813.675.3500 9036 Brittany Way, Tampa, FL 33619

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This magazine is purchased by the buyer with the understanding that the information presented is from various sources from which there can be no warranty or responsibility by Source Interlink Media, LLC., or the publisher as to legality, completeness and accuracy. Any submissions or contributions from readers shall be subject to and governed by Source Interlink Media’s User Content Submission Terms and Conditions, which are posted at http://privacy.sourceinterlinkmedia. com/submissions.html. REPRINTS Contact Wright’s Media at 877.652.5295 (281.419.5725 outside the U.S. and Canada) to purchase quality custom reprints or e-prints of articles appearing in this publication. BACK ISSUES To order back issues, visit www.simbackissues.com.

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EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS Editorial contributions are welcomed, but editors recommend that contributors query first. Contribution must be accompanied by return postage and we assume no responsibility for loss or damage thereto. Manuscripts must be typewritten on white paper, and all photographs must be accompanied by captions. Photo model releases required on all persons in photos. Recoil reserves the right to use material at its discretion, and we reserve the right to edit material to meet our requirements. Upon publication, payment will be made at our current rate, and that said payment will cover author’s and contributor’s rights of the contribution. Contributor’s act of mailing contribution shall constitute an express warranty that the material is original and no infringement on the rights of others. Mail contributions to: Recoil Magazine, 1733 Alton Parkway, Irvine, CA 92606. ADVERTISING INFORMATION Please call Recoil Advertising Department, (949) 705-3100. Related publications: Heavy Hitters, 4-Wheel & Off-Road, Four Wheeler, Jp, Truckin’, Diesel Power, 8-Lug, Mini Truckin’, Off-Road, 4Wheel Drive Magazine, Hot Rod, Car Craft, Muscle Mustangs & Fast Fords, Modified Mustangs & Fords, Vette, Chevy High Performance, Custom Classic Trucks, Rod & Custom, Popular Hot Rodding, GM High-Tech Performance, Lowrider, Lowrider Arte, Classic Trucks, Super Street, Honda Tuning, Import Tuner, European Car, Modified, Motor Trend, Truck Trend, Automobile, Sound & Vision, Stereophile and other specialty magazines. Printed in the USA Copyright © 2013 by Source Interlink Magazines, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

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FNHUSA.COM

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COMMS BY IAIN HARRISON

My first exposure to FNH products was way back in the sands of time, as a 20-year-old ROTC cadet who lugged around the Brit versions of the MAG 58 machinegun and FAL rifle, so I have to confess a certain nostalgic affection for Herstal’s designs. Fast forward a few years and the mid ’90s found me making some questionable choices in the Serbian capital of Belgrade while in the service of Her Majesty, with an ammo box full of cash and an illegal Hi-Power stuffed in an IWB holster. But that’s a story for a different campfire. One thing I was always confident of was that the guns would go bang at the right time, which for a serious end user is pretty much non-negotiable. This special publication is another milestone for RECOIL, marking our first collaboration with a firearms manufacturer, so I’m glad it’s with a company with whom I share a little history. While the guns in this special issue may not have received the usual RECOIL thrashing — after all, some of them are prototypes and may not be representative of production models — most of the articles here are from our usual merry band of writers, along with input from FNH USA’s marketing department. The FNH USA three-gun team has been at the forefront of both the sport and product development for this

008

is one that at first glance elicits more

ment to supply law-abiding citizens the

yawns than cheers — the FN 15.

same quality gear as those who go into

FNH USA is one of the big dogs in

harm’s way. Unlike some elitist manu-

fast-growing competition. Of course,

the firearms world, but its profile on

facturers who refuse to even consider

it helps if you can outfit your team

the U.S. gun scene has been smaller

making civilian-legal models of their

with all three guns necessary to win,

than some companies a fraction of its

military weapons, they take the re-

so we take a look at the guns selected

size. This has been due mainly to its

freshing approach of actually listening

for hard use on the three-gun circuit:

involvement in military procurement —

to their customers. And we like that.

the FN SLP Competition, the FN

if almost your entire output is going to

SCAR 16, and the FNS Longslide. The

the U.S armed forces, you don’t have

newest .338 Lapua sniper rifle also re-

much product to put into the civilian

ceives scrutiny, along with the FNX-45

market — but that is changing. De-

Tactical, both of which were developed

spite winning the M4A1 contract, the

for armed forces trials. Perhaps the

company is offering a civilian version

most significant firearm here, though,

of that carbine, adding to its commit-

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OPENING SALVO FNH USA’s tools of the trade.

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY HENRY Z. DE KUYPER

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HISTORIC RIFLE ROOTS WITH ITS PAST INTERTWINED WITH BELGIUM, BROWNING, AND THE BATTLE OF THE BULGE, FNH USA PROUDLY CARRIES ON ITS STORIED FIREARMS HERITAGE BY PATRICK VUONG IMAGES REPRINTED FROM THE HERSTAL GROUP’S ARS MECHANICA WITH PERMISSION. ALL OTHER PHOTOGRAPHY BY JORGE NUÑEZ AND ©2013 BRIAN DRESSLER / DRESSLERPHOTO.COM

012

We’ve all seen the news photos or

pretty much every conflict and in every

videos of our courageous troops wield-

major region around the globe for the

ing M4s and M249s in the “Sandbox”

past four decades. FNH USA supplies a

or other dangerous places throughout

huge majority of the small arms carried

the world. What you won’t see is FNH

by the U.S. Armed Forces and has done

USA’s roll-stamp on those guns. But

so with pride since the ’70s.

the fact is that, if an American service

“It’s one of FNH USA’s crowning

member is holding a firearm, it’s more

achievements to know we make prod-

likely than not to have been made by

ucts that give our soldiers and civilians

FNH USA. The U.S. military has been

a distinct advantage. That advantage

using the company’s small arms in

is in performance, reliability, and

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durability,” says Ken Pfau, senior vice

use the FN SCAR platform, designated

president of FNH USA’s commercial

the MK 16 and MK 17.

operations. “It’s very humbling to have

But the U.S. military isn’t FNH USA’s

a warfighter come back from service,

only customer. Law enforcement agen-

look someone up at a trade show, and

cies throughout the nation have ad-

thank them for making a product that

opted various FN handguns, precision

made a difference when they needed it

rifles, and carbines. It’s no surprise

the most.”

then that much of the free world wants

As a subsidiary of the world-

in on the action, too. Security agencies

My how times change. At left, in 1912, women machine parts in a forest of transmission belts and milling stations at FN in Belgium. At right, in fall 2013, a technician dips a rack of M16s in preservative oil in South Carolina.

men, soldiers, and anybody who carries a firearm. Paper targets don’t shoot back. We take our business very seriously because our customers do a very serious job.” FNH USA’s attention to quality, durability, and life-saving reliability stems from its 19th-century origins in Belgium, where its parent company FN

renowned Belgian firearms-maker FN

in 50 other countries have also adopted

Herstal started it all. But even then,

Herstal, FNH USA handles all market-

FN weapons and products, according to

the company’s European roots were en-

ing, commercial sales, and government

Benjamin Voss, an FNH USA product

twined with one particular American in-

relations in the United States out of

manager. He understands why, having

dustry pioneer: John M. Browning. Yes,

its McLean, Virginia, headquarters.

used the company’s products as a U.S.

that Browning. The iconic gun designer

It develops and produces — with the

Marine for 11 years before he joined

from Utah began his collaboration with

help of its South Carolina-based sister

the company.

FN in 1897, which helped give birth to

company, FN Manufacturing — various

“When I put the firearm into use and

an arsenal of groundbreaking weapons that would be imitated for a century.

families of military weapons: the M4A1,

applied it to my target, it did what it

M16, MK 46, MK 48, M240, and

was supposed to do every time,” Voss

M249. And let’s not forget that elite op-

says. “That’s what endeared it to me

at FNH USA’s proud lineage and its

erators in U.S. special-operation units

and what endears it to a lot of infantry-

history.

Follow along as we take a glimpse

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HISTORIC RIFLE ROOTS 1889: Rather than compete against each other for the Belgian government’s contract of 150,000 rifles, various arms manufacturers unite to fulfill the order by forming Fabrique Nationale d’Armes de Guerre (French for “National Factory of Weapons of War”) in the city of Herstal.

1902: FN manufactures Browning’s Auto-5, the first massproduced semiautomatic shotgun, which Remington and Winchester had turned down.

1892: FN officially delivers its first production rifle, a Mauser repeating rifle chambered in 7.65mm. (Flash forward by about 115 years: Officials at FN Manufacturing in South Carolina buy one of the original 150,000 Mausers online — for only $800.)

1896: FN expands into making chainless bicycles. (This version is used by Belgian troops at the borders and has a mount for a Mauser rifle.)

1910: FN rolls out the Model 1910, another innovative Browning design. It features a strikerfired mechanism with grip safety, can fire either .32 ACP or .380 ACP, and serves as the forbearer for such pistols as the Walther PPK and Makarov PM. The Model 1910 is used four years later by Gavrilo Prinzip, a Bosnian Serb who assassinates Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria and sparks World War I.

1897: FN sends its sales manager to learn about technical advancements in bicycling in the United States. While there, he meets John M. Browning. No surprise, FN quickly licenses Browning’s .32 ACP (7.65x17mm) blowbackoperated pistol, starting a long collaboration with the Utah-based gun designer.

1914: World War I consumes much of Europe. The German Empire invades and occupies neutral Belgium, seizing FN facilities. Several of FN’s board members are imprisoned for refusing to collaborate with the Germans occupiers. It would take an end to the war (1918) before FN could reorganize and rebuild from the ruins.

1901: The company launches the first of its motorcycles.

014

1919

1914

1910

1901 1902

1919: Working with Browning, FN produces a .30-caliber machine gun.

1899

1896 1897

1892

1889

1899: Continuing to diversify, FN begins building a two-cylinder automobile.

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1940: History repeats itself. Nazi forces invade Belgium. The FN facilities are bombed then seized by German occupiers. The company is integrated into the Nazi militaryindustrial complex. Employees are forced to work or are imprisoned for defiance, some for outright sabotage.

1921: FN begins selling the Browning Automatic Rifle, or BAR. It saw limited use three years earlier during World War I, where U.S. soldiers — including Browning’s son, Second Lieutenant Val Browning — found it to be highly effective. The BAR would later see extensive action in World War II and the Korean War.

1944: In September, American troops liberate Belgium. Soldiers from the U.S. Army’s Third Armored Division are greeted like celebrities.

1945: FN signs on to repair and rebuild more than 2 million small arms used by U.S. troops in Europe.

1947: Dieudonné Saive, now FN’s chief weapons designer, creates the prototype for the Fusil Automatique Léger (French for “Light Automatic Rifle”) or FAL. It’s later adopted by the armed forces in Belgium, England, Canada, and 100 other countries.

1950: FN develops the belt-fed, gas-operated FN MAG (Mitrailleuse d’Appui Général, which is French for “general purpose machinegun”). It combines the BAR’s action with a feeding mechanism similar to the German MG42.

1950 1951

1951: The Ardennes, a 4WD truck for the Belgian Army, debuts.

1940

1930

1926

1923

1921

1930: The Belgian government taps FN for tens of millions of rounds of ammo, thousands of BARs, 1,000 Hi-Powers, and more than 600 machineguns for fighter planes. Throughout the decade, FN would become world renowned for its .30-caliber belt-fed machineguns. Orders for the machineguns come in from everywhere, from Britain to China.

1947

1926: Browning, 71, suffers a fatal heart attack in his Herstal office. In three decades, he would make 61 roundtrips to Belgium at a time when transatlantic travel was in its infancy.

1944 1945

1923: Browning files for a patent on his 9mm Hi-Power pistol after FN commissions him to design a new military sidearm. The gun would be completed by his Belgian assistant Dieudonné Saive in 1935. (Above is a modern Browning Hi-Power with 24-karat gold pinstriping, blued finish, and walnut grips.)

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HISTORIC RIFLE ROOTS 1974: The 5.56mm-caliber FN MINIMI (short for Mini Mitrailleuse or “mini machinegun”) is unveiled.

1975: FN Viana opens in Portugal.

1954: FN produces jet engines for the Belgian and Dutch air forces.

1977: FN acquires Browning Arms Co., whose name had become so ubiquitous it could be found on sports equipment.

1957: NATO standardizes FN’s 7.62x51mm round for small arms among its members.

1977: The U.S. Army adopts the FN MAG, designating it the M240 and using it initially as a coaxial tank gun. In ensuing years it would be used in various roles by numerous military branches.

1978: Work begins on gun pods for helicopters and light aircraft.

1981: FN Herstal opens FN Manufacturing in Columbia, South Carolina, as a U.S. subsidiary to mass produce the M240.

1960: FN rolls out the AS24, a trike that can be parachuted for airborne troops.

1968: The 5.56mm-caliber Carabine Automatique Légère (or FN CAL) premieres.

1981 1982

1977 1978

1970

1968

1960

1957

1954

1974 1975

1982: The U.S. Army adopts the FN MINIMI and designates it the M249 Squad Automatic Weapon (SAW), which replaces the BAR.

1970: FN becomes Fabrique Nationale Herstal.

016

1982: NATO standardizes the 5.56x45mm cartridge among its nation members, selecting not the 55-grain M193 round used by the U.S. Army, but rather the 62-grain SS109 round originally developed by FN Herstal.

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1987: FN Herstal takes over U.S. Repeating Arms Co., owner of the Winchester rifle license.

1989: On its 100th anniversary, FN Herstal is sold to and becomes a subsidiary of a conglomerate called the Herstal Group. This parent company now oversees FN Herstal, FN Manufacturing, Browning, and Winchester, and has a partnership with Miroku, a Japanese company that makes Browning and Winchester rifles.

2004: Security services and law enforcement agencies around the world begin adopting the FN Five-seveN.

2007: The polymer-framed FNP-45 debuts. 2008: The award-winning FN SLP debuts.

2009: FNH USA introduces the FNX series — a lineup of double-action/ single-action handguns in 9mm, .40, and .45.

1989: FN Manufacturing wins the contract to produce the M16 for the U.S. military. 2010: The family of FN SCAR rifles — designated by the military as the MK 16, MK 17, and MK 13 — is operationally deployed by U.S. special-operations troops around the world.

2003: The FN SPR A3G rifle becomes available for law enforcement and is selected by the FBI.

1990: The futuristic FN P90 PDW hits the market. It later sees service in more than 40 countries.

2003: FNH USA expands the .50-caliber market with the FN M3M, giving rotary-wing aircraft some serious firepower at a range of out to nearly 1¼ miles.

2011: FNH USA launches the FNS series — a lineup of striker-fired polymer pistols in 9mm and .40.

1998: The Herstal Group opens FNH USA in McLean, Virginia, to handle all marketing, commercial sales, and government relations in the United States.

2013: The Ballista — a modular, multicaliber, bolt-action rifle — turns heads and drops jaws in its premiere.

2014: FNH USA will enter the AR market with the FN 15.

2013 2014

2007 2008 2009 2010 2011

2003 2004

2001

1998

1989 1990

1987

2001: The FN F2000 bullpup carbine and the FN 303 less-lethal launcher debut.

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PRODUCTION POWER AN INSIDE LOOK AT FN MANUFACTURING

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BY PATRICK VUONG PHOTOGRAPHY BY JORGE NUÑEZ

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1 - 2 Skilled technicians and millions of dollars’ worth of sophisticated machinery — from CNC drills to FANUC robotic arms — help transform thousands of stainless-steel blanks into barrels ready for cold hammer forging.

2

3 Looking for a mallet and anvil? Sorry, wrong type of hammer. This cold hammer forge needs just 90 seconds to complete one barrel.

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military. After clearing security, we had a perpetual grin from ear to ear the entire time. What shooter hasn’t looked at his or her weapon and asked, “I wonder how this gets made?” The privilege to witness the birth of a firearm was a beautiful thing, but to witness the birth of an entire army’s arsenal? That was mind-blowing.

LATHES, TUNGSTEN, AND BARRELS — OH MY! FN Manufacturing employs hundreds of Americans in a variety of departments. But, by far the biggest group

4 Once the barrels are cut to size, they’re milled to the right dimensions, leaving piles and piles of shavings. 4

Barrels are FN Manufacturing’s crown jewel.

is the operations department, which makes up the majority of the workforce. Here, more than two-thirds of the men and women perform tasks that require some serious training and education.

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They have to be highly skilled, considering the costs, complexities, and safety protocols of some of the equipment,

The entire process of designing, producing, and testing a firearm can all be done at FN Manufacturing, where parts are also surface coated. 6

5 It was like being in “gun heaven.” Ev-

Herstal Group, which includes FNH

erywhere we turned our eyes were met

USA in McLean, Virginia, FN Herstal in

with a sea of guns, gun barrels, gun

Herstal, Belgium, and Browning Arms

parts, or machinery that made guns.

Co. in Morgan, Utah. (Yep, Browning is

To our right, hundreds of brand-

a subsidiary of the Herstal Group.) While

spanking new M16s hung overhead and

they are a part of the same family, FN

were in the process of getting dipped

Manufacturing is its own corporation.

in preservative oil. Nearby, dozens of

And it’s where an arsenal of guns —

nearly complete M249s sat on racks

from the FNS and FNX series of pistols

awaiting final assembly. Just a few

to the FN SPR lineup of rifles — are

yards away, technicians assembled vari-

forged, assembled, heat-treated, and

ous rifle parts in rows of efficiently ar-

coated for the sister companies. It’s

ranged work stations. And all the while

also where the M16, light and medium

the whirl, hum, and hiss of millions of

machineguns like the M249 and M240,

dollars’ worth of sophisticated technol-

and other firearms are created for the

ogy filled the air.

company’s military contracts.

This was a firearm enthusiast’s wet dream. This was FN Manufacturing. “FN Manufacturing?” you might ask.

There are also milling machines, honing stations, and FANUC robotic arms, along with a plethora of handtools and inspection devices.

7 Highly trained technicians use a variety of visual, conventional, and computer checks to ensure all parts fall within the 0.0001-inch tolerances that FN Manufacturing must meet.

6

for all things FNH USA. Recently, we were granted a nearly all-access pass to FN Manufactur-

well almost, but no.

ing’s headquarters in Columbia, South

U.S.-based production arm of the

(CNC) lathes, grinders, and lasers.

Call it the one-stop, small-arms shop

“Don’t you mean FNH?” The answer is, FN Manufacturing is actually the

including computer numerical control

Carolina, which opened its doors in 1981 to produce the M240 for the U.S.

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FNHUSA.COM

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FNH’s reputation for making stellar belt-fed machineguns rests in large part on the fact that its barrels can not only hold up to, but also perform well under large volumes of rounds, consistently and repeatedly. During our tour, we watched as stainless-steel rods (destined to become barrels for FNS handguns) were fed into a $1.2-million KADIA gun-drill machine. In a sort of automated dance, a large robotic arm picked up a blank and moved it from lathe to drill while handling three other

8 - 11 Each bolt for the Mk 19 — a belt-fed, automatic grenade launcher — starts off as a 40-pound block of steel. Once milled, chromed, and phosphated, it comes out the other end as a 17-pound beauty. 12 The tunnels: The main facility has a four-lane range to test fire, record, and analyze its products. 13 This robotic arm is used to achieve inhumanly precise welds.

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14 The Winchester Room is a large executive conference room that’s lined with a million dollars’ worth of vintage firearms.

rods in various other stages. Then, the rods were reamed and honed. From

than just a barrel maker. Its

mer forging process.

185,000-square-foot campus contains

Unlike button rifling in which a carbide

everything needed to turn an idea on

“button” is pulled or pushed through the

paper into a fully functioning firearm.

bore, cold hammer forging is a pro-

For example, its research and develop-

cess in which the barrel is placed on a

ment division designed from the ground

tungsten carbide mandrel, which has the

up all of FNH USA’s handguns, with the

appropriate rifling pattern on its surface.

exception of the FN Five-seveN. R&D team uses the latest in software

four opposing hammers that literally

engineering, a model shop with 3D

pound the barrel into the mandrel’s pat-

printer, and three indoor firing ranges

tern, creating the final dimensions and

to draft, create, and test any product

grooves for the barrel’s bore.

they’ve dreamed up. Generally, it takes

we were impressed that the hammerforging machine needed only 90

020

two years for a weapon to go from inception to production. The ability to take a firearm from an

seconds to complete a barrel. Once

out-of-the-box idea to an in-the-box

finished, the barrel had actually grown

product all in one location makes FN

in length! That’s because the hammer-

Manufacturing exceptionally stream-

ing stretches out the steel and the rota-

lined, said Scot Fischer, director of FN

tion ensures the barrel stays perfectly

Manufacturing’s military operations.

cylindrical. From there, the barrels were

There’s very little outsourcing to wait

demagnetized and cut down to size.

on, aside from obtaining materials not

Each one can be sliced up to create

built in-house, such as the steel blanks.

either five 9mm barrels or four .45 bar-

In fact, the facility can — in addition

rels, depending on the machine.

to R&D and manufacture — heat treat,

“Cold hammer forging is simply the

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With a state-of-the-art setup, the

inserted and continually rotated between

As complicated as that might sound,

10

But FN Manufacturing is more

there, the barrels went to the cold ham-

Together, the barrel and mandrel are

9

MILITARY MIGHT

surface coat, and paint all products.

best method to make a rifle barrel,”

Fischer said FN Manufacturing is one of

said J.P. Reconnu, business unit man-

the few, if not the only, firearms manu-

ager for FN Manufacturing’s gun barrel

facturers certified to meet aerospace

operations.

industry standards.

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And to ensure quality, parts are

a large conference area — think long

inspected by highly trained techni-

executive table that seats 20 — with

cians using an assortment of gauges

walls lined by a million dollars’ worth of

and machines. For example, a sample

vintage Winchester rifles produced over

of four rifles out of every 1,000 will

the past century or so. (You guessed it

be pulled and tested, with each one

— Winchester Repeating Arms is also a

firing at least 6,000 rounds to ensure

part of the Herstal Group.)

functionality and accuracy. These tests

In fact, Winchester’s classic Model

are performed on a four-lane gun range

70 is assembled out of FN Manufactur-

(three 100-meter lanes for rifles and

ing’s commercial sales division, which

one for pistols), which is separate from

is just a short walk down the street

the range in the R&D department.

from its main facility. It expanded to

FN MANUFACTURING: BY THE NUMBERS

“cell” as they were called, a technician

185,000

two on the right put together the frame

While FN Manufacturing isn’t open

the growing public demand for FNH USA firearms. For example, the com-

to the public, tours are periodically

pany makes the same number of pistols

granted. For example, in 2009, during

in a month that it did in all of 2008,

the 65th anniversary of WWII’s Battle of

said Thierry Braquet, director of FN

the Bulge, the company played host to

Manufacturing’s commercial operations.

and honored numerous veterans of that

During our visit, we noticed his

battle. The war heroes toured the facili-

assembly lines weren’t set up in the

ty, which includes the Winchester Room,

typical linear fashion. In each row, or

and fire-control assembly. Those three

SQUARE FOOTAGE OF THE FACILITY

then passed their components to the

24,000

cian pieced together the parts into a

BARRELS PRODUCED A MONTH

center of the cell where a fourth technicomplete handgun. This outside-in process might seem unusual, but it has allowed them to rou-

20,000

tinely exceed their goal of 200 hand-

GAUGES USED

guns assembled per shift, said Scott Kramer, quality-assurance manager of

this second location in 2010 to meet

COMMERCIAL SUCCESS

on the left assembled the slide while

2,000

commercial sales. He added that they

M4A1 RIFLES PRODUCED A MONTH

continually review their protocols and

(ONCE PRODUCTION RAMPS UP)

1,000 M16A4 RIFLES PRODUCED A MONTH

sometimes do test runs using different cell configurations to see if they can increase their output and, naturally, their goals. High productivity is usually a symptom of employees believing not just

200+

in what they’re doing, but also what

PISTOLS ASSEMBLED PER SHIFT

FN Manufacturing has a low turnover

the company stands for. That’s why rate, well below the national average,

150+ PISTOL BARRELS PRODUCED PER SHIFT

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MK 19 GRENADE LAUNCHERS PRODUCED A MONTH (ONCE PRODUCTION RAMPS UP)

said Ralph Young, the company’s vice president of human resources. Most employees choose to work at FN Manufacturing for years, if not decades, and their wages are in the top 25 percent in the region’s manufacturing industry, he added. While large companies in the industry are moving out of states that have

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enacted laws hostile toward gun owners,

WORK SHIFTS A WEEK

it’s reassuring to know that in South

(TWO SHIFTS OF 10-HOUR DAYS FROM MONDAY THROUGH THURSDAY AND TWO SHIFTS OF 12-HOUR DAYS FROM FRIDAY THROUGH SUNDAY)

Carolina, FN Manufacturing will remain a significant part of not just the labor force, but also the state’s proud firearms tradition for decades to come.

3 PEOPLE NEEDED TO ASSEMBLE A SINGLE M16

0.0001 INCH IS THE TOLERANCES TECHNICIANS MUST WORK WITH

14

FN MANUFACTURING HEADQUARTERS:

Columbia, South Carolina FOUNDED:

1981 PRODUCES:

Tens of thousands of small arms a month for FNH USA

FNHUSA.COM

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PHOTOS: HENRY Z. DE KUYPER AND © 2013 BRIAN DRESSLER / DRESSLERPHOTO.COM

FN has been making variants of an

switched in 2009 to the upcoming

separate from the military model. FN is

AR-15 in its South Carolina factory

M4A1 carbine contract.

justifiably famous among the cognoscenti for the quality of its barrels — if

since 1989, which was originally set up in order to fulfill Uncle Sam’s 1976

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THE FN 15

your biggest moneymaker is belt-fed

order for the M240 machine gun. None

In 2014, FNH USA is launching its

machine guns, you tend to have a bit of

of us have ever seen Stoner’s gun with

own version of the storied AR platform,

experience in making barrels that hold

an FN rollstamp at our local dealer,

dubbed the FN 15. It’ll come out in

up well under a large volume of rounds.

however, because each and every one

two variants to start — the rifle (with a

On the range, the non-free-floating

of them has been destined for service

20” barrel) and the carbine (with a 16”

barrel on this particular sample held

in the U.S. armed forces. After quietly

barrel). In order to keep things legal,

1.25-MOA groups with match ammo.

producing more than 600,000 M16s

the FN 15 will be produced in parts of

Although we were limited in both

of various types, the company’s focus

the FN Manufacturing plant which are

time and range space, we noticed one

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PRESENTED BY FNH USA

like a mid-length gas system in fact — and it dropped spent cases at three o’clock and about 4 feet out. Without completely stripping the weapon it would be hard to determine why this might be, but we suspect the gas port was sized just right for the Samson M193 ball used in the function test.

particular aspect of our sample’s per-

violent when it comes to cycling

formance that was worthy of note. Most

the bolt carrier, usually due to

of the M4geries we’ve shot (like the

larger-than-necessary gas ports plus the

to most readers, just in case anyone

one we had in the back of the rig — we

high pressures at the chamber end. The

has been living under a rock for the

used it as a control that day) are fairly

FN 15, however, was smoother — more

past decade, the carbine as issued

Although the M4 should be familiar

FNHUSA.COM

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features a 14.5-inch barrel, collapsible stock and railed flat top upper receiver for easy mounting of optical sights. Just about every man and his dog are currently making a version of this design, with several touting them as Milspec. Just how Mil-spec they really are, given that meeting the actual speci-

THE FUTURE Although FNH USA has chosen

ers and consumers to ensure that its product and value proposition meets expectations.

fication requires a slew of expensive,

to introduce commercial versions of the

government-mandated gauges, fixtures,

M16 and M4 platforms to round out its

inspections, and record keeping is open

product lines, the story probably won’t

up to be good ones for the firearms

to debate. Having put in some time on

end there. After all, the beauty of the

owner. Ammo is becoming easier to

a factory floor and seeing first-hand

AR is its modularity, so there are plans

find, prices are dropping, and manu-

the high level of quality control needed

to quickly bring out others, building on

facturers are being forced to listen to

to produce a mil-spec M4, we can say

sales of the base models. FNH USA

consumers’ demands. When one of

there’s a lot more to it than screwing

conducted qualitative and quantita-

the world’s largest military companies

together a bunch of parts.

tive research among channel custom-

throws open its doors to the public, we

The next couple of years are shaping

all benefit from greater availability and selection. Whereas previously there was only one company offering a civilian version of a true M4, that number has now doubled.

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CARBINES

FN PS90® STANDARD The FN PS90® features a compact bullpup design that is chambered in the high-velocity 5.7x28 mm cartridge. It utilizes a closed-bolt, blowback operation and has a fixed barrel for greater accuracy and reliability. The carbine’s cold hammer-forged, chrome-lined Mil-spec barrel is equipped with an integrated muzzle brake to reduce recoil. The safety switch is located inside the trigger guard for easy access. Dual magazine latches, cocking handles, and an innovative synthetic thumbhole stock with a molded-in sling attachment point help make the FN PS90® fully ambidextrous. Available in semiauto only.

026

Located inside the trigger guard is the safety switch for easy access

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SPECS 100mm

MODEL FN PS90® Standard

90mm

CALIBER 5.7x28mm

80mm

OPERATION Semiautomatic closed-bolt, blowback operation BARREL LENGTH 16.1 inches

70mm

60mm

50mm

HEIGHT 8.3 inches WIDTH 2.3 inches OVERALL LENGTH 26.3 inches WEIGHT 6.61 pounds

5.7 X 28MM 40mm

30mm

20mm

TRIGGER PULL 4.5 to 7.87 pounds MAGAZINE 30 rounds TWIST AND DIRECTION 1:9-inch, right-hand PRODUCT # 3848950460

10mm

AVAILABLE IN THESE CALIBERS TH

FEATURES FEATURE RECEIVER 1 Bott Bottom ejection port 2 Alloy upper receiver and barrel support 3 MIL-STD 1913 accessory rail Blowback-operated action Backup iron sights

BARREL 4 Ported muzzle brake Cold hammer-forged, chrome-lined

OPERATING CONTROLS 8 Ambidextrous charging handle 9 Sliding trigger 10 Ambidextrous safety switch inside trigger guard 11 Enlarged trigger guard 12 Ambidextrous magazine release

STOCK 5 Synthetic thumbhole bullpup design 6 Forward handstop 7 Molded-in rear sling attachment point 3

13 12

MAGAZINE 13 Translucent polymer body

5

2

9 4 6

10 11

7

1

8

FNHUSA.COM

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ACCESSORIES 01 FN 5.7X28MM MAGAZINE

04 5.7X29MM OTIS CLEANING KIT

Magazines for the FN PS90®/ P90® come in 10-, 30-, and 50-round capacities.

Features a Memory-Flex cleaning rod, solid brass slotted tips, 100-percent cotton cleaning patches, bore brushes, and an all-in-one cleaner, lubricant, and preservative. A brass obstruction remover, brass scraper tool set, picks and endd brush also come standard. Alll packaged in a pocket-sized soft oft pack nylon case.

PRODUCT # 3810110093 (50-round) 3816101050 (30-round) 3816101040 (10-round)

02 FN PS90®/P90® MAGAZINE POUCH Designed to carry two magazines. Features custom-designed cups to secure and seal magazines from the elements. Cordura nylon leg and belt straps allow for a comfortable, secure fit with easy access and quick deployment. Cinch rivets allow for individual fit.

PRODUCT # 3819999997

PRODUCT # 3819999999

PRODUCT # 3849999998

03 FN PS90®/P90® BLACK RETICLE SIGHT

06 FN PS90®/P90® SIGHT ADJUSTMENT NT TOOL

Black reticle sight with screws for the FN PS90®/P90®.

PRODUCT # 3058490010

07 FN PS90®/P90® FIRED CASE COLLECTOR Wire-frame brass collector with fabric bag.

01

PRODUCT # 3819820010

05 FN PS90®/P90® BARREL SIDE RAIL Allows for the addition of optics, cs, sights, lights, and lasers to the he ® ® FN P90 and PS90 carbines..

02

PRODUCT # 3817100030

03

04 06 07 05 028

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09:23:41 AM__11/08/2013 Ad Insertion

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THE FN SCAR® 16S:

A NEW GENERATION OF RIFLE BUILT FROM THE GROUND UP, THIS SEMIAUTO VERSION OF THE CARBINE USED BY U.S. SPECIAL OPERATORS IS A FUTURE WE CAN EMBRACE BY JACOB HERMAN PHOTOGRAPHY BY JORGE NUÑEZ

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Working in the gun industry has its

the rifle and about the careful design

could have been like many European

perks. One of those perks is that you

and engineering that went into the

companies and completely snubbed

get to play with lots of cool new stuff

weapon. Instead of putting lipstick on

the American shooter, but they did not.

coming down the pipeline. Sometimes

the M16, FN designed from the ground

Instead, it released the SCAR 16S,

it’s a one-off prototype that will never

up what is, in my opinion, the best

which is perfectly legal for shooters in

see the light of day outside of closed

assault rifle on the world market today.

free states such as mine (Tennessee).

demonstrations. Other times you see

And I use the term “assault rifle” in its

The SCAR 16S is a semiauto-only

something that makes you want to whip

proper context, as all of the rifles we

rifle with a slightly longer barrel than

out your credit card on the spot.

shot that day were full-auto with short

the SCAR-L to avoid triggering the

barrels that would also fall under the

NFA. FNH USA made it as close to

National Firearms Act (NFA).

the original as possible — no funky

In 2008, I got my first introduction to the FN SCAR at the FN Manufacturing facility in Columbia,

The SCAR-L, as it was known,

receivers or special “anti-freedom”

South Carolina. The day was filled with

went on to be fielded with special-

magazines. A semiauto version of the

instruction on the SCAR from the FNH

operations units and the U.S. Army’s

military rifle for the freedom-loving

USA staff. We learned to break down

75th Ranger Regiment. Now, FN

American shooter.

FNHUSA.COM

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FOR GOOD GUYS GOING TO BAD PLACES TO FIGHT BAD PEOPLE So what makes the SCAR 16S so special? Well, for one the rifle works exactly as it was intended. I have never

be used. Gloves aren’t just for snow anymore. A monolithic anodized aluminum upper receiver carries the serial number

3,000 rounds. This is not a ton of

on the 16S. The barrel on the SCAR

rounds in the big scheme of things, but

16S is what you expect on a rifle made

compared to other completely new rifles

to be run hard every day — think 16

it is an accomplishment. I once tested

inches of hammer-forged, chrome-lined

a new design from a company that

steel, easily removed and free-floated.

touted it as the best thing ever created.

Hammer forging is a process whereby

The gun literally had parts falling off

a piece of steel is beaten around

at the range — during drills I’d have

a mandrel by high-speed machine

to pause afterward to pick up pieces

hammers. This results in an extremely

off the ground. The SCAR is the exact

durable and long-lasting barrel by work-

opposite. You load the rifle and simply

hardening the bore, further enhanced

run it till you have nothing but a pile of

by chrome plating.

The SCAR 16S has a polymer lower

032

is deeper than most so gloves can

had a malfunction after firing about

empty cases surrounding you.

Test gun was outfitted with the optional extended rail, giving more real estate to run it with the support hand well forward.

familiar M16 feel, but the trigger guard

The SCAR rifles were developed for Americans going to bad places to

receiver that is reminiscent of the old

fight bad people. While this rifle is not

FNC rifles. The lower doesn’t take

a sub-MOA range toy, the SCAR 16S

the stress that the upper half does,

will shoot a respectable 2-inch group

and being made of polymer means

all day long in the mud and snow. Try

it is faster to make and weighs less.

taking a heavy-barreled safe queen

Personally, I am a huge fan of things

and humping it up a mountain, then

weighing less. Right off the rack, the

let’s talk about groups. The SCAR’s

SCAR 16S has a big fat ambidextrous

barrel has a 1-in-7 twist, which will

safety. Almost all the switches and

stabilize any conventional bullet out

buttons on it are oversized and perfect

there, from 45-grain varmint loads

for stressful environments, and the bolt

through to 80-grain VLD’s, which is

handle can easily be placed on either

useful in a fighting gun. The barrel

side. For shooters who actually train

assembly can be changed out by the

weak handed, having ambi controls is

end user in about five minutes, using

a huge deal. The bolt release, however,

only a torque wrench. FNH USA has

is on the left side only. I very rarely use

mentioned plans to offer .300 Blackout

a bolt release on a SCAR, preferring

and 6.8 SPC conversions, but as of

to rack the charging handle, so this is

press date neither has been seen on

a moot point for me. The grip has a

the commercial market.

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A DEAL-BREAKER OR TWO? One of my original complaints about the rifle has been fixed with an

on the three forward-mounted, userremovable rails to mount all the lights, lasers, and bipods you would need.

option from the factory. I am 6-feet-

The jury is still out on American

4-inches tall, and my preference is

shooters embracing the reciprocating

to run my support arm pretty far out

charging handle. This has never

on the fore-end. As issued, the SCAR

been a huge deal to me, but it is an

has a fairly short upper receiver, so to

issue to many end users. I moved

address this problem the factory has

my charging handle to the right side

released a rail extension that attaches

of the rifle and run it just like an

to the front of the monolithic upper.

AK-47 — I charge it underneath with

FN has really listened to the end user

the ejection port toward the deck. I

with this platform. Instead of taking

always preferred this method so that

the “this is the way it is” approach,

gravity will help clear any stoppages,

they innovate and develop products the

not that I’ve ever actually needed to

market actually wants. Even without the

clear one. As I’ve been shooting AKs

extension there is still plenty of room

since Polytech hit these shores in

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The SCAR’s stock is adjustable for length of pull and comb height.

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the ’80s, having the charging handle

the loops and attach my regular

on the right side actually made me a

slings to those. Problem solved.

little quicker with the rifle. I have yet

Maybe in the future FNH USA will

to meet anyone with any quality time

release a buttstock that has a QD

on the SCAR who thinks that the

socket. I would gladly give up some

charging handle is a deal-breaker.

of my rail space for a mount on the

About my only complaint about

034

front as well. I am sure that the sling

the SCAR is the sling mounts. I feel

rings are in response to someone in

every rifle should have QD sockets,

the government who decided it was a

and the 16S has none. FNH USA

good idea. I will also assume that the

provided its factory sling that has

last time said government guy ran a

HK-style hooks on each end. I am

sling was when it was attached to an

not a fan of hooks and have been

MP5. Once again, like the charging

using SOE slings for years. John

handle this is not a deal-breaker, and

Willis at SOE advised me to just run

numerous aftermarket accessories

some heavy-duty key rings through

are available to provide QD sockets.

Right: Reciprocating charging handle is conventionally placed for fast manipulation.

Offset Deltapoint is one of the fastest CQB optics available.

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FIGHTING OPTICS There are two things that I hate more than anything — poor-quality optics and worse-quality mounts. I don’t care what the space shuttle door gunner at Bob’s Beer and Bullets told you, buy the best optic you can afford and then SCAR field strips in a matter of seconds into its major sub-assemblies. An Imperial Stormtrooper donated his leg for this project!

put it in the best quality scope mount you can afford. When the 16S came in, I put a Leupold Mark 6 1-6x 34mm tube into the new KFS M.O.S.M. The Mark 6 is one of the best low-power variable scopes on the market. The knobs have a locking mechanism to keep them from being moved, but the release is still large enough to work with gloves. At close distances, I run the Mark 6 with both eyes open. At 1x with the illumination turned on, it’s hard to tell the difference between the Mark 6 and typical red-dot sights during fullspeed drills. When you need to reach out, just crank the dial. The 6x zoom coupled with the excellent front focal plane reticle means that if your bullet will travel that far, then you can hit it. The front focal plane reticle adjusts in size as you zoom the scope’s magnification up or down. This allows you to range targets and use your holdovers at any magnification setting. All of my fighting optics are front focal plane, and I love this combination on the 16S. FNH USA also thoughtfully included folding front and rear sights. The front sight lays flat on top of the gas block, out of the way of any type of aiming device you may be using.

FNHUSA.COM

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M16 magazines work more than they fail now, and when coupled with a reliable platform like the SCAR, they work great. The best thing is that a shooter doesn’t get hit with the expense of high-dollar magazines that can only be used in one platform. There are countless great modern sporting rifles that are compatible with M16 mags, which you can pick up for 10 bucks a piece. The new generation of rifles that are coming out suggests to me that perhaps it’s time that we hang the M16 The SCAR 16S, like its military

on the wall and embrace the future.

brother the SCAR-L, feeds from

Instead of always trying to retrofit and

standard NATO STANAG magazines. In

find workarounds, why not just start

America, we just call it the M16 mag.

with a fresh platform? The FN SCAR

Turns out the old aluminum disposable

16S is that platform. It is a durable,

unit that Stoner made back in the ’60s

well thought-out rifle. I am extremely

continues to live on. The magazine that

hard on rifles, and the FN SCAR 16S

ships with the 16S, like other modern

fitted with the Leupold Mark 6 scope

magazines, has an updated silicone self-

has proven to be a very durable and

lubricating follower and coated springs.

competent modern sporting rifle.

SPEC BOX FNH U USA A

FN SCAR AR® 16S CALIBER

5.56X45MM

MSRP

$ $2,995 5

BARREL LENGTH

16.25 INCHES

FEATURED D ACCESSORIES: RIES:

OVERALL LENGTH

LEUPOLD LD MARK 6 1-6X20 1-6X20MM LEUPOLD DELTAPOINT REFLEX R SIGHT SCAR TACTICAL FOREND EXTENSION

37.5 INCHES (FULLY EXTENDED) MAGAZINE CAPACITY

$2,440 40 $565 65 $265

PRICE AS FEATURED

$ $6,265

10 OR 30 WEIGHT UNLOADED

7.25 POUNDS

036

URL

www.fnhusa.com

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1CGJF?
#@@?=NCP?

1?=OL?

The Model 5198 holster from Safariland brings simplicity and effectiveness back to holsters. Built-in adjustable retention and a low-profile, body-hugging design help conceal the holster and weapon. Offered in a variety of most popular gun fits including the FNS and FNX models both with paddle and belt slide to allow for more versatility.

holsters.com I safariland.com/dutygear A BRAND OF THE SAFARILAND GROUP

Follow us at: 011013G

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13:47:55__11/11/13 Ad Insertion

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CARBINES

FN SCAR® 16S The FN SCAR® lineup is the semiauto-only version of the latest service rifle in use with U.S. special operators. Light, fast-handling, and quick shooting, this carbine

The muzzle device features compensation ports and four prongs for flash suppression

features a free-floating, cold hammer-forged Mil-spec barrel with chrome-lined bore. Operating on a short-stroke gas piston and a rotating, locking bolt, this carbine features fully ambidextrous operating controls to give the end user complete control in any shooting position. The receiver-integrated MIL-STD 1913 optical rail and three accessory rails lets one mount an assortment of scopes, sights, lights, and lasers. The telescoping, side-folding polymer stock is fully adjustable for comb height and length of pull, and is available in flat dark earth or matte black.

038

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100mm

90mm

80mm

70mm 70m

SPECS MODEL FN SCAR® 16S CALIBER 5.56x45 mm OPERATION Semiautomatic BARREL LENGTH 16.25 inches

60mm

HEIGHT 8 inches

50mm

WIDTH 2.75 inches

40mm

OVERALL LENGTH 37.5 inches (fully extended) WEIGHT 7.25 pounds

30mm

5.56X45MM 20mm

10mm

AVAILABLE IN THESE CALIBERS

TRIGGER PULL 6.25 pounds SIGHT RADIUS 15.75 inches SIGHTS Adjustable front-sight post; adjustable and detachable dual rear aperture (both foldable) MAGAZINE 30 rounds TWIST AND DIRECTION 1:7-inch, right-hand PRODUCT # 98521 (black) 98501 (flat dark earth)

FEATURES RECEIVER 1 Hard-anodized monolithic aluminum 2 MIL-STD 1913 accessory rails at the 3, 6, 9 and 12 o’clock positions 3 Adjustable folding front and folding/ removable rear backup iron sights Five sling attachment points

BAR BARREL 4 Compensator Cold hammer-forged, chrome-lined Fully free-floating

3

3 1

5

STOCK 5 Telescoping side-folding polymer stock 6 Adjustable cheek-piece 7 A2-style pistol grip

6

8

9

2

8

OPERATING CONTROLS 8 Ambidextrous safety lever and magazine release 9 Charging handle may be mounted on right or left side 10 Enlarged trigger guard for easier access when wearing gloves 11 Composite polymer trigger module MAGAZINE 12 Steel or aluminum body Low-friction follower

4 12 11

10

7

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CARBINES

FN SCAR® 17S Short-stroke gas piston operating system

The side folding stock is adjustable for length of pull and comb height

040

Magazine release and safety selector are ambidextrous

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100mm

90mm

80mm

70mm

SPECS MODEL FN SCAR® 17S CALIBER 7.62x51mm OPERATION Semiautomatic BARREL LENGTH 16.25 inches

60mm

HEIGHT 8 inches

50mm

WIDTH 2.75 inches

40mm

OVERALL LENGTH 38.5 inches (fully extended) WEIGHT 8 pounds

30mm

20mm

7.62X51MM

10mm

AVAILABLE IN THESE CALIBERS

TRIGGER PULL 6.25 pounds SIGHT RADIUS 16.75 SIGHTS Adjustable front-sight post; adjustable and detachable dual rear aperture (both foldable) MAGAZINE 20 rounds TWIST AND DIRECTION 1:12-inch, right-hand PRODUCT # 98561 (black) 98541 (flat dark earth)

FEATURES RECEIVER 1 Hard-anodized monolithic aluminum alumi 2 MIL-STD 1913 accessory rails at the 3, 6, 9 and 12 o’clock positions 3 Adjustable folding front and folding/ removable rear backup iron sights Five sling attachment points

BARREL 4 Compensator Cold hammer-forged, chrome-lined Fully free-floating

3

3 1

5

STOCK 5 Telescoping side-folding polymer stock 6 Adjustable cheek-piece 7 A2-style pistol grip

6

8

9

2

8

OPERATING CONTROLS 8 Ambidextrous safety selector and magazine release 9 Charging handle may be mounted on right or left side 10 Enlarged trigger guard for easier access when wearing gloves 11 Composite polymer trigger module MAGAZINE 12 Steel body Low-friction follower

4 12 11

10

7

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SCAR ACCESSORIES LEGOS FOR ADULTS BY STEVEN KUO PHOTOGRAPHY BY JORGE NUÑEZ

042

popularity of the SCAR has spawned a robust ecosystem of parts and accessories, both from FNH USA itself and companies large and small. Designed from the start to be modular, the FN SCAR field strips easily into its various components and readily accepts a variety of modifications and accessories. From extension rails at the business end, to charging handles and triggers in the middle, to buttstocks at the rear, there are many

The military refers to firearms as

great accessories available to custom-

weapon systems, and nowhere is that

ize your SCAR to fit your exact needs

moniker more appropriate than the FN

and preferences. We’d be willing to bet

SCAR. A thoroughly modern interpreta-

that a lot of our readers enjoyed LEGOs

tion of a fighting rifle, the FN SCAR

when they were kids (or even to this

truly is a system — a platform that

day), fitting blocks together to recreate

embodies versatility, modularity, and

the visions in your minds. With just a

flexibility. In hot demand with militar-

couple of simple tools, you can do the

ies, agencies, and civilians alike, the

same with your SCAR.

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FORE-ENDS 01 BRAND: Branham Tactical MODEL: SCAR Extension Rail WEIGHT: 0.41 pounds COLORS: Black MSRP: $150 URL: www.rainierarms.com

01

CNC machined in the United States, this kit from Branham Tactical extends the front rail by 2 inches on both sides and the bottom, shielding you from the gas block and providing additional real estate. It replaces the existing polymer side rails, but note that it does not preserve the ratcheting captured barrel screw feature of the SCAR.

02 BRAND: FNH USA MODEL: SCAR Extended Fore-end WEIGHT: 0.65 pounds COLORS: Black MSRP: $265 URL: www.fnhusa.com

02

The factory extension from FNH USA adds an additional 6 inches of fore-end, with rails on the top, sides, and bottom to attach accessories or extend your support hand farther forward.

03 BRAND: GG&G MODEL: SCAR Forward Accessory Rail WEIGHT: 0.145 pounds (0.2 pounds with QD sling swivel) COLORS: Black MSRP: $61 with QD swivel as shown ($49 without) URL: www.gggaz.com The SCAR comes with Picatinny rails on both sides of the hand-guard, and the GG&G Forward Accessory Rail replaces the existing polymer rail with a 6-inch-long 6061-T6 hardcoat anodized billet aluminum rail. It can be installed on either side, extending approximately 2 inches forward of the original rail and including a limited-rotation quick-detach socket. The GG&G rail preserves the ratcheting captured barrel screw feature of the SCAR. It is available with or without a QD sling swivel (standard or angular-shaped).

03

04 BRAND: Midwest Industries, Inc MODEL: SCAR Rail Extension WEIGHT: 0.77 pounds COLORS: Black, flat dark earth MSRP: $200 URL: www.midwestindustriesinc.com Midwest Industries’ SCAR Rail Extension adds another 6 inches of rail space on the sides and bottom and an additional top rail forward of the front sight, providing more room for accessories and your support hand. It also has two limitedrotation quick-detach sockets on the sides. Note that the rail extension includes one long bottom rail, which replaces the original bottom rail piece. Made of hard-coat anodized 6061 aluminum. Be sure to read the installation instructions carefully, as some of the torque specs differ from the original part.

04

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SCAR ACCESSORIES

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FORE-ENDS 05 BRAND: Midwest Industries, Inc MODEL: SSR SCAR Rail Extension WEIGHT: 0.84 pounds

COLORS: Black, flat dark earth MSRP: $225 URL: www.midwestindustriesinc.com

Midwest Industries’ SSR SCAR Rail Extension provides a full-length monolithic top rail, at the expense of removing the existing front sight. The bottom rail is also one piece. Providing more real estate for accessories and forward hand placement, it adds another 6 inches of rail space on all four sides and two limited-rotation quickdetach sockets. Made of hard-coat anodized 6061 aluminum, it is straightforward to install though the front sight is a bit tricky to remove. Be sure to read the installation instructions carefully, as some of the torque specs differ from the original part.

05

06 BRAND: Primary Weapons Systems MODEL: SRX (SCAR Rail Extension) WEIGHT: 0.5 pounds

COLORS: Black MSRP: $200 URL: www.primaryweapons.com

The PWS SRX provides a quad-rail extension, adding 5 inches of Picatinny rail on the sides and bottom and an additional top rail forward of the front sight. Quick-detach sockets are positioned on either side to attach a sling, and the extra rail space can accommodate various accessories or forward hand placement. The extension installs securely by replacing the stock barrel yoke.

06

07 BRAND: TangoDown MODEL: FN SCAR Extended Side Rails WEIGHT: 0.17 pounds

COLORS: Black MSRP: $120 URL: www.tangodown.com

The Extended Side Rails from TangoDown replace the existing side rails. While they do not have any more Picatinny slots than the factory rails, they are made of 7075 aluminum instead of polymer and provide integral quick-detach sockets at the front and rear. They also preserve the ratcheting captured barrel screw feature of the SCAR. Comes in a set of two rails, one for each side.

07

08 BRAND: VLTOR Weapon Systems MODEL: CASV SCAR Handguard WEIGHT: 0.56 pounds COLORS: Black, patriot brown

MSRP: $250 URL: www.vltor.com

Perfect for those who like a low-profile slick handguard, VLTOR’s SCAR Handguard replaces the existing bottom and side rails, providing a smooth surface all around. It is octagonally shaped, with seven sides on which you can attach pieces of Picatinny rail exactly where you need them (one 2-inch rail section is included). Integrated into the handguard are two quick-detach sockets and a heat shield. Note that QD swivels will rotate freely in the sockets, and the original ratcheting captured barrel screws in the front will be replaced during installation. Be sure to mind the screws during installation — VLTOR warns in its instruction sheet that the screws securing the handguard to the side plates may contact some receivers. Sure enough, as we only skimmed the directions like most red-blooded men, this happened on our test gun, marring the receiver. Made of 6061-T6 aluminum.

08

09 BRAND: VLTOR Weapon Systems MODEL: CASV SCAR Handguard Extender WEIGHT: 0.22 pounds

COLORS: Black, patriot brown MSRP: $80 URL: www.vltor.com

09

VLTOR’s SCAR Handguard Extender attaches to its SCAR Handguard to add another 3 inches of length to affix additional accessories or place your support hand farther forward. Also octagonal in shape, you can use all eight surfaces to mount attachments. Made of 6061-T6 aluminum.

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PANELS 01

02 - 04

05

BRAND: TangoDown MODEL: 2-Inch SCAR Panel Set WEIGHT: 0.02 pounds COLORS: Black, flat dark earth, foliage MSRP: $13 URL: www.tangodown.com

BRAND: TangoDown MODEL: 4.125-inch SCAR Panels (Plain, SureFire Pocket, and ITI Pocket) WEIGHT: 0.04 pounds COLORS: Black, flat dark earth, foliage MSRP: $14 (plain), $26 (with pocket) URL: www.tangodown.com

BRAND: TangoDown MODEL: 6-inch SCAR Panel WEIGHT: 0.02 pounds COLORS: Black, flat dark earth, foliage MSRP: $14 URL: www.tangodown.com

Made from high-strength polymer, TangoDown’s SCAR panels are slim with a textured surface and locking tabs to secure to Picatinny rails. They are impact resistant and protect against barrel heat. Set comes with two panels.

Made from high-strength polymer, TangoDown’s longest SCAR panel is slim with a textured surface and locking tabs to secure to Picatinny rails. It is impact resistant and protects against barrel heat.

TangoDown offers 4.125inch SCAR panels in three variants. All have a nicely textured surface and locking tabs to snap onto Picatinny rails. One version is plain, and the other two have integral pockets for SureFire and Insight Technologies pressure switches.

01

02

03

04

05

MAGAZINES 01

02 - 05

BRAND: FNH USA MODEL: 10-round magazine WEIGHT: 0.39 pounds COLORS: Black MSRP: $38 URL: www.fnhusa.com

BRAND: Molon Labe Industries MODEL: SCARmag 10, 15, 20 and 25 WEIGHT: 0.3, 0.33, 0.43, 0.5 pounds COLORS: Black, dark earth MSRP: $70 URL: www.molonlabeindustries.com

This factory magazine for the FN SCAR 17S is chambered in 7.62x51mm. Its body is constructed of steel with a black Parkerized finish. The magazine follower is steel with a chrome silicon spring, and the floor plate is constructed of black polymer.

The SCARmag is a polymer magazine for the SCAR 17S that is significantly lighter than factory magazines. It features a low-friction zero-tilt follower, and the magazine body is constructed of a tough proprietary polymer that also has a reduced infrared signature. SCARmags are a bit longer than equivalent factory magazines (5⁄8 inch longer for the 10-rounders and ½ inch for the 20-rounders).

01

02

03

04

05 FNHUSA.COM

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SCAR ACCESSORIES

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LOWER RECEIVERS 01

02

BRAND: Cavalry Arms MODEL: SCAR-H Aluminum Billet Lower WEIGHT: 0.87 pounds (lower only) COLORS: Black MSRP: $389 URL: www.cavalryarms.com

BRAND: Handl Defense MODEL: SCAR25 WEIGHT: 0.78 pounds COLORS: Black, flat dark earth MSRP: $420 (black), $450 (tan) URL: www.rainierarms.com

The Mil-spec hard-coat anodized aluminum billet lower from Cavalry Arms replaces your SCAR 17S lower, allowing you to use PMAGs and similar SR25-compatible magazines. It will accept all original parts and also features an enlarged trigger guard.

The SCAR25 7075-T6 billet aluminum lower for the SCAR 17S platform replaces the original polymer lower with one that accepts SR25/M110 magazines. All original parts install readily into the lower, and it will accept most AR pistol grips without modification. A flat dark earth coating is available to match the original color.

02

01

GRIPS

SELECTORS

01

01

BRAND: ERGO Grip MODEL: ERGO 2 SCAR Grip WEIGHT: 0.18 pounds COLORS: Black, coyote brown MSRP: $30 URL: www.ergogrips.net

BRAND: Magpul MODEL: SSG Selector Set WEIGHT: n/a COLORS: Black MSRP: $20 URL: www.magpul.com

Designed specifically to fit the SCAR, this grip features the SUREGRIP texture that ERGO is known for. It has finger grooves and a tang extension on the rear of the grip. The grip is hollow and will accept many accessories designed for the standard A2 AR pistol grip. It can be installed on AR lower receivers as well without any modification.

Magpul’s SSG selectors easily replace the original parts, which are secured with a set screw. They are constructed of polymer and the set includes one for each side, one longer than the other.

01

02

Most standard AR pistol grips don’t fit the FN SCAR without modification, and Hi-DesertDog modifies Hogue Beavertail grips accordingly. The popular Hogue grips feature over-molded soft rubber, an extended beavertail, and finger grooves.

02

046

02

02 - 04 BRAND: Tactical Empire MODEL: Thor’s Hammers WEIGHT: 0.01 pounds COLORS: Black MSRP: $35 URL: www.tacempire.com

BRAND: Hi-DesertDog MODEL: SCAR 16/17 Hogue Beavertail Grip WEIGHT: 0.17 pounds COLORS: Black MSRP: $45 URL: www.hi-desertdog.com

01

These replacement selectors were designed by a former U.S. Army Ranger after years of working with shooters of all shapes and sizes at Naval Special Warfare. The Thor’s Hammer selectors are available in small, medium, and large sizes to fit your needs, whether you have giant meat puppets or short stubby thumbs and fingers. Made of 6061-T6 aluminum and hard anodized black, the selectors install easily with the existing set screw. Left-handed sets are available to ensure the set screw hole orients upward.

03

04

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TRIGGERS

02 BRAND: ShootingSight MODEL: SCAR Trigger WEIGHT: 0.19 pounds COLORS: n/a MSRP: $250 URL: www.shootingsight.com

01 BRAND: Geissele Automatics MODEL: Super SCAR Trigger WEIGHT: 0.18 pounds COLORS: Black MSRP: $325 URL: www.geissele.com The stock single-stage trigger on our test SCAR is a bit gritty and breaks at 6 pounds. The Super SCAR Trigger from Geissele is a two-stage, drop-in replacement trigger. Once you try it, you won’t want to go back to the stock trigger. Geissele rates it at a 4.5-pound trigger pull, but ours measured 3.75 pounds. The first stage is smooth and light, followed by a crisp break in the second stage with no overtravel. The reset was distinct and positive, resetting to the middle of the first stage, sometimes bouncing back to the second stage. All components are black oxide coated to protect against corrosion.

03 BRAND: Timney Triggers MODEL: SCAR Trigger WEIGHT: 0.22 pounds COLORS: n/a MSRP: $333 URL: www.timneytriggers.com

Designed by an engineer from MIT who competes in High Power matches, the ShootingSight trigger is a drop-in replacement and a marked improvement over the 6-pound stock trigger. The ShootingSight trigger is designed to reduce lock time and ensure reliable ignition. An adjustable two-stage design, it has a smooth first stage and a crisp second-stage break that can be dialed in to your preference. We dialed it down to 4 pounds and up to 7 pounds. Not surprisingly, we preferred the lower setting. The reset, like the Geissele, is positive but also resets to the middle of the first stage. Machined from heat-treated plate tool steel, it features a rubber-coated trigger bow, which may turn out to be a love-hate thing with end users.

Timney is well-known for its drop-in trigger assemblies, and worked its magic again for the SCAR 16S and 17S. The stock 6-pound trigger was no match for the self-contained Timney modules. Our test units provided single-stage triggers with a clean break at 3.3 pounds for the 16S and 3.75 pounds for the 17S. Trigger reset was distinct and relatively short, and the 17S trigger had a hint of over-travel. The 17S variant also has a heavier hammer spring to ensure reliable ignition. The housing is made from 6061-T6 aluminum, and the hammer is EDM machined from S7 tool steel. Other components are EDM cut from A2 tool steel and heat treated, and the hammer is Nickel Teflon coated.

CHARGING HANDLES 01

02

03

04

BRAND: GG&G MODEL: SCAR Enhanced Charging Handle WEIGHT: 0.04 pounds COLORS: Black MSRP: $30 URL: www.gggaz.com

BRAND: Hi-Desert Dog MODEL: HDD Spec-Ops Angled Charging Handle WEIGHT: 0.05 pounds COLORS: Black MSRP: $94 URL: www.hi-desertdog. com

BRAND: Impact Weapons Components MODEL: SCAR Charger WEIGHT: 0.02 pounds COLORS: Black MSRP: $35 URL: www.impactweapons components.com

BRAND: TangoDown MODEL: FN SCAR Angled Charging Handle WEIGHT: 0.02 pounds COLORS: Black MSRP: $60 URL: www.tangodown. com

The HDD Spec-Ops replacement charging handle features an angled design to clear optics and mounts, as well as a larger and knurled handle. It easily replaces the stock handle on either side, and is constructed of a Parkerized steel inner piece and an anodized 7075-T6 aluminum handle.

Like the other replacement charging handles, IWC’s SCAR Charger is angled to prevent the user from banging into optics and mounts. It differs, however, in providing a large but relatively thin vertically oriented handle. Think about how you manipulate the charging handle on your SCAR, and you may determine that this design is for you. It is easily installed on either side, angled up or down, and is CNC machined from 4140 steel and treated with a tough Melonite finish.

GG&G’s Enhanced Charging Handle is angled downward to clear optics mounting hardware (especially those with quick-detachable levers) that might otherwise hit your knuckles. Just like the original part, it is easily installed on either side and can be configured to angle upwards as well if you so desire. It is manufactured from 3130 ordnance steel and manganese phosphate coated as per Mil-spec.

TangoDown’s charging handle is angled, so users will not bash their fingers or knuckles on optics or mounts. Its design is flat and wide, oriented horizontally. It is easy to install on either side of the weapon, and can also be angled upwards if so desired. Machined from 4340 steel, heat treated, and manganesephosphate coated.

01

02

03

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SCAR ACCESSORIES

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BUTTSTOCKS AND ACCESSORIES 01 BRAND: Hi-DesertDog MODEL: SSR Sniper Stock Assembly WEIGHT: 2.04 pounds COLORS: Black, flat dark earth MSRP: $320 URL: www.hi-desertdog.com Hi-DesertDog fabricates a 7075-T6 aluminum stock mount that slides right onto your SCAR in place of the existing stock. Attached is a Magpul PRS buttstock with adjustable length of pull and cheek-pad height. The assembly no longer folds, but it is solid as a rock. The stock adapter is anodized matte black, but the PRS is available in black or flat dark earth.

02

01

BRAND: VLTOR Weapon Systems MODEL: SCAR Stock WEIGHT: 0.5 pounds COLORS: Black, patriot brown MSRP: $100 URL: www.vltor.com With its SCAR Stock, VLTOR brought features from its popular, battle-proven buttstocks to the SCAR platform. There is a lot of storage space in the stock, the butt-pad has a negative pitch to aid in transitions to and from the ready position, and quick-detach sockets allow you to easily attach slings. The stock is a straight replacement for the existing part, installing and functioning exactly the same.

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BRAND: VLTOR Weapon Systems MODEL: SCAR Receiver Extension / Stock Adapter WEIGHT: 0.67 pounds COLORS: Black, patriot brown MSRP: $170 URL: www.vltor.com Made of 6061-T6 aluminum, the VLTOR SCAR Receiver Extension and Stock Adapter is a direct replacement for the existing buttstock assembly. It accepts all standard AR collapsible stocks and adjusts for length of pull like on an AR. It doesn’t fold, but is quite rigid and can be adjusted up and down to suit the user and optic configuration. It has quick-detach sockets on both sides of the stock adapter.

04 BRAND: TangoDown MODEL: FN SCAR Aluminum Stock Latch WEIGHT: 0.03 pounds COLORS: Black MSRP: $63 URL: www.tangodown.com

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TangoDown’s aluminum stock latch is an exact replacement for the SCAR’s stock latch, which is made of polymer. TangoDown’s variant is machined from 7075 aluminum and hard-coat anodized to make sure your SCAR is bombproof.

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MISCELLANEOUS

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BRAND: GG&G MODEL: SCAR Quick Detach Rear Sling Attachment WEIGHT: 0.03 pounds (0.08 pounds with QD sling swivel) COLORS: Black MSRP: $41 URL: www.gggaz.com

BRAND: Molon Labe Industries MODEL: Titanium Firing Pin WEIGHT: 0.01 pounds COLORS: Titanium MSRP: $45 URL: www.molonlabeindustries.com

BRAND: ShootingSight MODEL: SCARbon Scraper WEIGHT: 0.12 pounds COLORS: Black MSRP: $110 URL: www.shootingsight.com

BRAND: Sinclair International MODEL: SCAR 16 Rodd Guide G ide WEIGHT: 0.26 pounds COLORS: n/a MSRP: $30 URL: www.sinclairintl.com

This replacement firing pin is manufactured from Grade 6 Titanium. Approximately 40-percent lighter than typical steel, it provides a faster lock time (the time that elapses between the sear surface releasing the hammer and the cartridge primer igniting after being struck by the firing pin) for greater precision.

The SCARbon Scraper is a reproduction of FNH’s carbon scraper tool. It is designed to make short work of cleaning the piston, gas cylinder, and gas plug. With the SCAR’s piston-driven system, this is where the carbon residue builds up. The scraper is made of tool steel with a black oxide finish, but they are not heat treated in order to reduce any risk of scratching the rifle.

Custom-designed for the SCAR 16S, Sinclair’s rod guide makes it easy and quick to clean your SCAR without worrying about causing any damage to the chamber or throat with errant cleaning rods. The tube is aluminum with machined Delrin end pieces and an O-ring. The rectangular bolt collar fits into the receiver.

This accessory from GG&G is perfect for those who like to use quick-detach swivels on their slings and want an attachment point at the butt-end of the receiver. Manufactured of 6061-T6 hard-coat anodized billet aluminum, it installs easily and provides a rotation-limited QD swivel socket. You can install it on either side of the weapon, but note that if you place it on the right side, it will interfere with folding your buttstock. It comes with either a standard heavy-duty QD swivel or an angular-shaped version (for an additional $3).

05 BRAND: TangoDown MODEL: SCAR Armorer’s Block Set WEIGHT: 1.3 pounds

COLORS: Black MSRP: $173 URL: www.tangodown.com

The official SOCOM-issue armorer’s block set for the FN SCAR weapon system. The fivepiece set can be utilized to complete all major service procedures, including barrel service, trigger module repair, and bolt disassembly/reassembly for both 5.56mm and 7.62mm. Made of injection-molded nylon to prevent scratching the rifle.

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Because I have been involved with FNH USA for the past two years, I was lucky to be one of the first people to own and shoot the FNS pistol line. Having been impressed with the other weapons in its portfolio, I wondered a few years ago why the company had not previously entered the striker-fired pistol market. There are so many positives to a striker-fired system, and I questioned why FNH USA was not producing one. I had the opportunity at the 2011 Bianchi Cup to spend time with Ken Pfau, who is not only a member of FNH USA’s pro shooting team, but also the company’s senior vice president of commercial sales. When I asked him why FNH USA hadn’t jumped into the striker-fired pistol game, Ken flashed a devious smile and began to educate me on the history of FNH USA and its striker-fired guns. FNH USA actually produced the first striker-fired guns in the industry, starting way back in the late 1800s.

BY CHRIS CERINO PHOTOGRAPHY BY HENRY Z. DE KUYPER AND MICHELLE CERINO

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T SLIDE COMPETITION-READY ALTERNATIVE TO THE G34 OR M&P PRO, THE FNS™ LONGSLIDE HAS ALREADY NOTCHED UP SEVERAL RACE WINS

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Since that first look at the FNS lineup, I’ve become the proud owner of no less than five of these soon-to-befamous pistols. My safe contains the FNS-40 and four FNS-9 pistols, one of which is the 5-inch-barreled, longslide version. These are no gun safe queens. The FN Browning M1900 (a single-ac-

FNS grip is aggressively textured and features removable backstraps.

I’ve run them in training classes for

tion, semiautomatic pistol) was designed

military, law enforcement, and civilian

around 1896 by John M. Browning for

students from coast to coast and in

FN. It was produced in Belgium at the

almost every conceivable environment.

turn of the century and was the first

In addition to these multi-thousand-

production handgun to use a slide and

round training sessions, I have pushed

internal striker system. Another, the FN

the FNS models to their limits on the

Model 1910, incorporated the standard

three-gun and action-shooting scenes,

Browning striker-firing mechanism

from the dusty lands of Texas to the red

and a grip safety, together with both a

muck of Kentucky. It’s been my experi-

magazine safety and an external safety

ence that if something can go wrong

lever (known as the “triple safety”) in a

in a training course or competition, it

compact package. Offered in both .380

invariably will — but these pistols have

ACP and .32 ACP calibers, it remained

proven themselves to be as reliable as

in production until 1983. In fact, hav-

anything I’ve ever shot.

ing been used by Bosnian Serb Gavrilo Princip to assassinate Franz Ferdinand, sparking WWI, it may well have been the

striker-fired polymer gun that enters the

handgun ever produced. FNH USA may

market needs to have certain qualities

have been slow to join the modern strik-

and features. As a competitor and in-

er-fired pistol market, but the company

structor, I have time-tested preferences

was certainly not new to the design.

and standards, which the FNS handily meets. The model sent to me for this

moved to a safe handling area where he

review is the newly released FNS-40L,

displayed one of the very first FNS-9L

a 5-inch, 14+1-capacity model, sans

pistols ever created. His particular hand-

the formerly standard ambidextrous

gun was the 5-inch version, which has

manual safety.

only recently hit the market. Feeling hon-

RECS-130051-FNSLONG.indd 52

To be a contender today, any new

most historically significant striker-fired

After my history lesson, Ken and I

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F’N GOOD DESIGN...

Fully ambidextrous in operation, the

ored, I handled that preproduction pistol

FNS line has more than just a mag

and immediately took a liking to it.

release that can be switched out — it’s

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fully operable from either side and with

of numerous times and am pleased

either hand. The slide lock/release is

to report that it works well with any

a perfect size, texture, and location

Picatinny 1913-type fitting. On the left

for my beefy booger hooks and can be

side and forward of the slide release

used easily for either function. The le-

is the takedown lever, which functions

ver is small enough not to interfere with

like most others by rotating 90 degrees

general operation when shooting, but

down after locking the slide open.

profiled so it can be easily used to drop

Takedown is simple, but does require

a slide for a quick reload or locked open

you to pull the trigger when letting the

for unloading, making safe or clearing

slide forward in order to remove it from

malfunctions.

the frame.

Also ambidextrous is the optional

One standout feature is that the

manual safety. All my personal guns

stainless slide, which features cock-

have this feature, so I’m familiar with

ing grooves fore and aft, is specifically

both the function and its pros and cons.

configured and cut for the caliber of

Located at the rear of the pistol’s frame,

the pistol — so the 9mm is noticeably

it is easily operated on and off with

lighter than the .40-caliber version.

your strong thumb in similar fashion to

After handling numerous examples of

a 1911 safety. But is it necessary? Not

handguns where the .40 sibling was

at all. Consider that Glock and Smith &

simply a 9mm with a wider breech

Wesson’s offerings both lack a manual

face, it’s great to see a company mak-

safety and, in fact, FNH USA offers the

ing specific slides for each caliber,

pistol with this feature deleted at the

rather than taking a one-slide-fits-all

have many good things to say about the

request of several major police depart-

approach that might have repercussions

trigger, which on many examples has

ments. If you grew up around 1911s, it’s

on long-term reliability. Also aiding

proven to be its biggest downfall. The

a comforting option to have, and even

reliability are generously proportioned

trigger on this particular 40L is smooth

though my guns all have the manual

stainless-steel framerails at both front

and breaks cleanly at just under 6

safety, I’ve yet to experience an occasion

and rear, replaceable should the need

pounds. I’ve pulled a lot of FNS triggers

where it was accidentally engaged when

ever arise.

and some of them outright suck while

I didn’t want it to.

One of the safest designs available,

others, like this latest one, are quite

Any decent polymer-framed pistol

the FNS has four passive safeties to ac-

pleasant. If you’re shopping for an FNS,

should have some form of interchange-

company the optional manual safety. An

my suggestion would be to have your

able grips, palm swells, or backstraps in

articulated trigger safety, a striker block,

dealer bring out several pistols and

order to fit the widest number of users

a trigger bar safety in the fire control

dry-fire them all before making a final

— as unlike a steel-framed gun, there’s

unit to prevent the pistol from discharg-

decision. Because the FNS is the new

no option to swap out grip panels. The

ing unless the trigger is pulled, and an

kid on the block, aftermarket acces-

FNS goes the backstrap route, offering

out-of-battery safety. The downside to

sories are currently thin on the ground,

both a flat and humped replacement.

stuffing all of this engineering inside

though there are rumors of several shops

The ergonomics and size of the FNS

the confines of a handgun frame is that

developing trigger kits, fiber-optic sights,

pistol frames is as close to a one-size-

the internal workings of the FNS are the

and extended magazine base-pads.

fits-all gun as I have yet seen. While

most complex of any striker-fired pistol I

Speaking of sights, the ones on top of

neither backstrap makes a huge differ-

have disassembled. The striker assembly

this longslide feature crisp edges and a

ence to the overall size of the weapon,

itself is not a captured one-piece system

generous rear-sight notch. Early offer-

many users seem to favor the humped

like most, and I would caution all but the

ings came standard with night sights,

version. Many also find the checkering

handiest folks to avoid complete disas-

but FNH USA has begun offering a

to be too aggressive, though for my

sembly without formal training. Alterna-

less expensive, white-dot sight version.

purposes they work just fine.

tively, you should have FNH USA’s parts

The dots are large and easy to acquire,

department on speed dial.

though if you’re like me, you’ll probably

The frame’s dust cover sports an accessory rail for mounting lights or lasers, which I’ve taken advantage

I have to admit that until receiving the FNS-40L for this review, I didn’t

end up coloring in the dots on the rear sight with a permanent marker.

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One empty in the air and muzzle is already back on target. FNS-40 Longslide is smooth and controllable.

RANGE IMPRESSIONS Having shot the FNS extensively in .40 and 9mm and in both standard and longslide versions, I am confident addressing the handgun’s functionality and feel. The design is easy to grip, shoot, and manage even in .40 caliber, due in large part to the gun’s exceptionally low bore axis. It’s no secret that I’m no fan of the .40 S&W round, but this pistol is undoubtedly the softest-shooting .40 I’ve run, short of competition race guns. I’ve finally found a pistol to burn up my stockpile of .40-caliber ammo accumulated over years of shooting with various police departments.

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SPEC BOX

FNH USA

FNS™-40L CALIBER

.40 S&W BARREL LENGTH

5 INCHES OVERALL LENGTH

8.25 INCHES MAGAZINE CAPACITY

MSRP

$ $749

14+1 WEIGHT UNLOADED

URL

1.86 POUNDS

www.fnhusa.com

It’s a testament to the pistol’s

showed me that the gun will do its job.

With its longer sight ght radius and low boree axis, the FNS-40L is ready to race.

cleaning, as they’re simply tools which

ergonomics and controllability that my

At a recent three-gun match in Oregon,

wife, who is admittedly not someone

I brought my 5-inch FNS-40L, along

who particularly enjoys shooting,

with a full case of Federal FMJ ammu-

preferred running the FNS-40L over

nition. In a pre-match practice session,

months many thousands of rounds are

other comparable polymer pistols at

my fellow competitors and I took turns

routinely fired through my FNS pistols

a recent course we conducted for law

burning it up, blasting steel at 30 feet

with nothing more than a little lube on

enforcement instructors. As a trainer

and dumping magazine after magazine

the barrel, recoil spring, guide rod, and

of everyone from military operators

without fail. Somehow, with only a cou-

rails. And yet they continue to run.

to school teachers, I’ve experienced

ple of boxes of ammo remaining, this

great success with the combination of

drill morphed into 100-yard shots at a

enforcement in mind, the FNS meets

females and FNS pistols. Believing that

C Zone IPSC steel target, with everyone

the needs of most users. It is light

no single gun is perfect for everyone, I

wanting to see how many hits out of

and easy to tote all day long by CCW

offer a variety of striker-fired pistols as

10 they could make. A record of seven

permit holders, competitive shooters,

loaner guns at my classes. Many ladies

stood for some time until I plunked that

or cops. It offers great accuracy and

prefer the FNS above any of the other

chest plate nine out of 10 times with

reliability coupled with a wide range

options, finding the controls convenient

an extremely dirty pistol. Everyone ac-

of choices when it comes to caliber,

to manipulate, the sights quick to find

knowledged that the pistol shot better

grip, and controls. In my opinion, it’s

and align, and the slide easy to operate.

than any of us mere mortals.

the most versatile handgun lineup

Out-of-the-box accuracy is above

Guns that I bet my life or a competi-

are used and abused by hundreds of students a year. Ridden hard and put away wet, it’s safe to say in some

Although originally created with law

currently available. Which probably

what’s expected. Shooting offhand and

tion on get pampered. Work guns in

explains why there’s so many of them

cleaning plate racks from 25 yards

my everyday job get minimal care and

in my gun safe...

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HANDGUNS

BLACK/BLACK

70mm

60mm

50mm

FNS LONGSLIDE ™

40mm

9mm

.40 S&W

30mm

The FNS™ line of handguns offers the simplicity of double-action, striker-fired operation combined with the proven ergonomics of the FNX™ platform. The slide-stop levers and magazine release are fully am-

20mm

bidextrous for ease of use with either hand and from any firing position. Both the slide and the barrel are stainless steel, and the checkered polymer frame has two interchangeable backstraps with lanyard

10mm

eyelets. A MIL-STD 1913 mounting rail on the underside accepts tactical lights and lasers. In addition to the Longslide versions featured here, this handgun lineup also includes FNS™ models with manual safety levers, which are fully ambidextrous.

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SPECS

The FNS™ line of handguns features ambidextrous controls

MODEL

MODEL

FNS™-9 Longslide

FNS™-40 Longslide

CALIBER 9mm

CALIBER .40

OPERATION Double-action, striker-fired

OPERATION Double-action, striker-fired

BARREL LENGTH 5 inches

BARREL LENGTH 5 inches

HEIGHT 5.5 inches

HEIGHT 5.5 inches

WIDTH 1.35 inches

WIDTH 1.35 inches

OVERALL LENGTH 8.25 inches

OVERALL LENGTH 8.25 inches

WEIGHT 1.66 pounds

WEIGHT 1.86 pounds

TRIGGER PULL 5.5 to 7.7 pounds

TRIGGER PULL 5.5 to 7.7 pounds

SIGHT RADIUS 6.9 inches

SIGHT RADIUS 6.9 inches

SIGHTS Fixed three-dot

SIGHTS Fixed three-dot

MAGAZINE 17 rounds (x3)

MAGAZINE 14 rounds (x3)

TWIST AND DIRECTION 1:10-inch, right-hand

TWIST AND DIRECTION 1:16-inch, right-hand

PRODUCT # 66725 (black/black) 66726 (black/stainless)

PRODUCT # 66729 (black/black) 66730 (black/stainless)

Fixed three-dot sights The FNS™ Longslide’s cold hammer-forged stainless steel barrel length is 5 inches long

FEATURES SLIDE 1 External extractor with loadedchamber indicator 2 Front and rear cocking serrations Stainless-steel construction

OPERATING CONTROLS 6 Fully ambidextrous slide-stop levers 7 Fully ambidextrous magazine release

BARREL Cold hammer-forged stainless steel Polished chamber and feed ramp

MAGAZINE 8 Polished body with low-friction follower and polymer base Three magazines

FRAME 3 Two interchangeable backstraps with lanyard eyelets 4 MIL-STD 1913 accessory mounting rail 5 Serrated trigger guard Polymer with replaceable steel frame/slide rails

2

6

2 1

5 4

7 3

8

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HANDGUNS

BLACK/STAINLESS

70mm m

600mm

BLACK/BLACK

50mm

™

40mm

9mm

.40 S&W

™

FNS -9/ FNS -40

30mm

FNS™ COMBINATION KIT

20mm m

If you’re choosing between 9mm and .40, the FNS™ Combination Kit can put tthe debate to rest by giving you both. The kit comes with a pistol — either the

10mm

F FNS™-9 or the FNS™-40 — along with two 9mm magazines, two .40 magazines, and a complete top-end of the other caliber. This allows you to change the caliber without otherwise modifying the handgun.

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SPECS

The FNS™ has four major integral safety systems — a trigger safety, striker block safety, drop safety and out-of-battery safety

Fixed three-dot sights (three-dot night sights are also available)

MODEL FNS™-9

MODEL FNS™-40

CALIBER 9mm

CALIBER .40

OPERATION Double-action, striker-fired

OPERATION Double-action, striker-fired

BARREL LENGTH 4 inches

BARREL LENGTH 4 inches

HEIGHT 5.5 inches

HEIGHT 5.5 inches

WIDTH 1.35 inches

WIDTH 1.35 inches

OVERALL LENGTH 7.25 inches

OVERALL LENGTH 7.25 inches

WEIGHT 1.58 pounds

WEIGHT 1.72 pounds

TRIGGER PULL 5.5 to 7.7 pounds

TRIGGER PULL 5.5 to 7.7 ounces

SIGHT RADIUS 5.9 inches

SIGHT RADIUS 5.9 inches

SIGHTS Fixed three-dot

SIGHTS Fixed three-dot

MAGAZINE 17 rounds (x3)

MAGAZINE 14 rounds (x3)

TWIST AND DIRECTION 1:10-inch, right-hand

TWIST AND DIRECTION 1:16-inch, right-hand

PRODUCT # 66752 (black/black) 66753 (black/stainless) 66925 (manual safety, black/black) 66926 (manual safety, black/stainless) 66927 (manual safety, black/black, night sight) 66928 (manual safety, black/stainless, night sight)

PRODUCT # 66760 (black/black) 66761 (black/stainless) 66940 (manual safety, black/black) 66941 (manual safety, black/stainless) 66942 (manual safety, black/black, night sight) 66943 (manual safety, black/stainless, night sight)

Ambidextrous manual safety lever version available

FEATURES SLIDE 1 External extractor with loadedchamber indicator 2 Front and rear cocking serrations Stainless-steel construction BARREL Cold hammer-forged stainless steel Polished chamber and feed ramp FRAME 3 Two interchangeable backstraps with lanyard eyelets 4 MIL-STD 1913 accessory mounting rail 5 Serrated trigger guard Polymer with replaceable steel frame/slide rails

OPERATING CONTROLS 6 Fully ambidextrous safety levers (manual safety versions) 7 Fully ambidextrous slide-stop levers 8 Fully ambidextrous magazine release

2

7

1

2

6

MAGAZINE 9 Polished body with low-friction follower and polymer base Three magazines

5 4

8

3

9

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HANDGUNS

BLACK/BLACK

70mm

60m mm

50mm

40mm

9mm

.40 S&W

30mm

BLACK/STAINLESS

FNX -9 / FNX -40 ™

™

The FNX™ line features double-action/single-action, hammer-driven pistols optimized for 20mm

the 9mm, .40, and .45 calibers. Its manual safety/decocking lever, slide-stop lever, and magazine release are all fully ambidextrous and accessible from any firing position. The

10mm

checkered polymer frame has two interchangeable backstraps with lanyard eyelets, as well as a MIL-STD 1913 mounting rail on the underside for lights and lasers. The slide and barrel are made of stainless steel.

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SPECS

Double-action/single-action operation with manual safety/decocking levers

MODEL FNX™-9

MODEL FNX™-40

CALIBER 9mm

CALIBER .40

OPERATION Double-action/single-action

OPERATION Double-action/single-action

BARREL LENGTH 4 inches

BARREL LENGTH 4 inches

HEIGHT 5.45 inches

HEIGHT 5.45 inches

WIDTH 1.55 inches

WIDTH 1.55 inches

OVERALL LENGTH 7.4 inches

OVERALL LENGTH 7.4 inches

WEIGHT 1.37 pounds

WEIGHT 1.53 pounds

TRIGGER PULL 8.8 to 12.1 pounds (double-action), 3.96 to 5 pounds (single-action)

TRIGGER PULL 8.8 to 12.1 pounds (double-action), 3.96 to 5 pounds (single-action)

SIGHT RADIUS 6 inches

SIGHT RADIUS 6 inches

SIGHTS Fixed three-dot

SIGHTS Fixed three-dot

MAGAZINE 17 rounds (x3)

MAGAZINE 14 rounds (x3)

TWIST AND DIRECTION 1:10-inch, right-hand

TWIST AND DIRECTION 1:16-inch, right-hand

PRODUCT # 66822 (black/black) 66826 (black/stainless) 66823* (black/black, night sight) 66827* (black/stainless, night sight) *Limited edition

PRODUCT # 66852 (black/black) 66856 (black/stainless) 66853* (black/black, night sight) 66857* (black/stainless, night sight) *Limited edition

Optional Trijicon night sights (threedot fixed sights are standard) The included backstraps come in two sizes

FEATURES SLIDE 1 External extractor with loadedchamber indicator 2 Front and rear cocking serrations Stainless-steel construction BARREL Cold hammer-forged stainless steel Polished chamber and feed ramp FRAME 3 Two interchangeable backstraps with lanyard eyelets 4 MIL-STD 1913 accessory mounting rail 5 Serrated trigger guard Polymer with replaceable steel frame/slide rails

OPERATING CONTROLS 6 Fully ambidextrous decocking/ safety lever 7 Fully ambidextrous slide-stop levers 8 Fully ambidextrous magazine release

2

2

7

1

6

MAGAZINE 9 Polished body with low-friction follower and polymer base Three magazines

5 4

8 3

9

FNHUSA.COM

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Whenever the hated and heated debate of 9mm versus .45 ACP comes up in shooting circles (and please, let’s not go there — we all have better things to do with our time), the nine usually wins

The FNX-45 Tactical model was an

best part of all is that, even with a

outgrowth of the company’s submission

double-stack 15-round magazine, the

to the U.S. Joint Combat Pistol Pro-

grip frame is barely wider than that of a

gram, and everything about the FNX-45

single-stack 1911 pistol.

reflects that heritage. The pistol fea-

Ergonomically and aesthetically, the

tures a veritable laundry list of tactical

FNX-45 Tactical is superb. The barrel

and practical features: a 15-round mag-

and slide are stainless steel. Our test

azine, polymer frame, fully supported

pistol was flat dark earth in color and

chamber, interchangeable backstraps to

the texturing on the grip frame allows

better fit the shooter’s hand, a lanyard

for a solid hold, while its contours and

of the .45 ACP round. But before you

ring, two interchangeable mounting

angle allow the pistol to point naturally

conclude that there’s not much anyone

plates for the shooter to install an optic

in the hand. The pistol’s low bore axis

can do about it, wrap your hand around

(like the Trijicon RMR on the slide), a

makes shooting it a true pleasure and

the grip of the FNX-45.

threaded barrel to attach a suppressor,

when the time comes to reload, its

taller sights to see over the suppressor,

magazines have large basepads to as-

with FNH USA. The company and its

tritium inserts to allow those sights to

sist in slamming them home.

Belgian counterpart have been building

glow in the dark, a rail to attach lights

quality semiautomatic pistols continu-

or lasers, an adjustable trigger, and

FNH USA’s line of pistols has to be

ously for more than 113 years and is re-

ambidextrous safety, magazine release,

the extreme level of modularity the

sponsible for a multitude of some of the

and slide release.

company has built into their platforms.

the capacity argument. Handguns holding in excess of 10 rounds of .45 ACP are nothing new, but to most shooters they have the ergonomics of a brick. This is a casualty of the larger diameter

Readers of RECOIL should be familiar

greatest and most innovative fighting

064

The FNX-45 came with three 15-round standard capacity magazines. Its nylon case has pouches to hold the FNX, two extra mags, suppressor, two different size backstraps, and tool and spacer for mounting optics.

Field-stripping the weapon is

One of the keys to the success of

Every accessory we thought of was put

firearms — from the Browning-designed

extremely simple and “grunt proof”

on this pistol, and none of it required

GP35 Hi-Power and the M249 SAW to

— just rotate the takedown lever and

gunsmithing of any kind, including

the P90 and the FN SCAR.

remove the slide from the frame. The

installation of an optic on the slide.

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THE CAN: ADVANCED ARMAMENT CORPORATION’S EVOLUTION-45 Having a pistol with a threaded barrel and no sound suppressor is like having an off-road truck without four-wheel

the piston using the included tool and screw in the new one, and you can transition from one platform to the next in a matter of minutes. More than just a quick-change

drive. It is not maximizing the potential.

option, the ASAP works as a Nielsen

Luckily, we had a suppressor on hand

Device, which is essential to reliable

to try on the FNX-Tactical.

operation in a Browning-type, recoil-

It may not be the latest and greatest

operated pistol. The ASAP is spring-

can from AAC, but the Evolution-45

loaded in the cap, and the sprockets

still performs well. The .45 ACP round

of the piston interlock into the rear of

is subsonic to begin with, resulting in

the suppressor tube, creating a tight

greatly reduced sound signature. The

and consistent lockup. The ASAP also

best part about the AAC Evolution is

allows the suppressor to be adjusted

the fact that it uses interchangeable

to minimize any shift in the point of

pistons known as the ASAP (Assured

impact relative to the point of aim.

Semi Automatic Performance). The

To adjust for any shift in impact, the

shooter can quickly change from one

suppressor is pulled forward away from

thread pattern to another, whether the

the pistol and rotated. This causes the

FNX’s 0.578x28 tpi right-hand or HK’s

spring to re-index and lock the tube

metric 16x1 left-hand. Simply unthread

against the sprocket.

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With a 110-degree grip angle like the 1911 and many other pistols, the FNX-45 points very naturally. The size and shape of the grip are manageable for average-sized hands.

All the controls (magazine release, slide-stop lever, safety/decocking lever) are ambidextrous. Their size, position, and spring tension are well executed. They are large enough to manipulate with gloves, yet not so big to be accidentally activated. FNH USA made them just right for a tactical pistol.

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Shooting the FNX-45 Tactical with the AAC Evolution was originally disappointing. We experienced numerous failures to eject when using a proven can and a proven lot of ammunition with this same suppressor, PMC 230-grain Full Metal Jacket. Without

THE LIGHT AND LASER: SUREFIRE X400 ULTRA

the suppressor, the pistol ran like a raped ape. We had high hopes for this handgun and were slowly turning

When it came time to put a light on

against it on this principle. After taking the pistol home, we cleaned and oiled it. We were tempted to try another brand of ammunition (Federal 230-grain FMJ), but decided to try the

Above: Optic mounting plates for Docter and Trijicon red-dot reflex sights.

PMC again, and whaddya know? The pistol ran flawlessly for three full magazines. Apparently the FNX-45 just needed a little more love and attention.

Below: The FNX-45 is like your favorite truck — it just keeps going.

Mounting an optic on a pistol used

the rail of the FNX-45, SureFire came

to mean sending it off to a gunsmith

to mind immediately. The company

who would install a mount on the

supplied its latest and greatest laser-

frame. As red-dot and reflex-type sights

and-white light combination: the X400

got smaller and lighter, they could be

Ultra. This module runs on two CR123

mounted on the slide, and more often

batteries and produces 500 lumens of

than not, installation required milling of

blinding white light, with an integral red

the slide. In keeping with the modular

laser that is extremely visible in almost

concept of the FNX-45 Tactical, the

all lighting conditions.

slide is milled at the factory to accept a

Plus, it’s quick to install. Simply open up the mount of the light,

red-dot or reflex type of sight. FNH USA realized that when it comes

insert the lock bar into the rail, swivel

to a quality sight to install on the slide of

upwards, and tighten it up. A bonus of

a semiautomatic pistol, it is tough to beat

this laser-and-light combo is that it can

the hard-charging Trijicon RMR (Rug-

be removed in less than two minutes

gedized Miniature Reflex) sight. So one of

and run on a carbine with an included

the two mounting plates included with the

Picatinny rail adapter.

pistol is compatible with the RMR.

Running the light at night shows how

066

THE REFLEX SIGHT: TRIJICON RMR

Target acquisition with the Trijicon

impressive 500 lumens can be. This

RMR, especially with follow-up shots,

is searchlight quality emanating from

is quicker than having to align the

a pistol-mounted light. The downside

sights. The eye is drawn to the dot

to this much power is a reduced total

immediately. Shooters who are familiar

runtime of two hours.

and adept with a red-dot or holosight

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on a long-gun will naturally take to an

a factory soft case and three 15-round

RMR should they find themselves in

magazines

a situation where their long-gun is out

Aside from some problems feeding

of action. The test version of the RMR

and extracting with just the factory lube

that we received was the LED model,

while using a suppressor, the pistol

powered by a single battery rather than

was trouble free. When running with a

relying on Trijicon’s typical coupling of

suppressor of any kind it is advisable to

tritium and fiber-optic.

lubricate the FNX-45 with a light coat

A great feature about the RMR

of Break-Free, Frog Lube, Beaver Lube,

mounted on the FNX-45 Tactical is that

or whatever your favorite flavor of lubri-

the pistol’s sights are tall enough for the

cant may be. And, you know, actually

shooter to see over a mounted suppres-

break the sucker in.

sor, which also allows the shooter to co-witness the sights and the dot.

Right: The magazine is well made and holds 15 rounds of .45 ACP. The large magazine bumper makes it easier to extract the magazine from tight duty-style mag pouches, and helps to ensure the mag gets seated securely in the gun.

Dimensionally, the FNX-45 Tactical runs a bit on the large size for concealed carry purposes, unless you are built like

FINAL THOUGHTS As an out-of-the-box pistol, the

a linebacker and have a selection of trench coats in your closet. Realistically,

FNX-45 Tactical provides a lot of bang

it was developed as a specialized duty

for the buck. The takedown is simple,

pistol for military personnel, but it makes

everything is ambidextrous, and accu-

for an ideal home-defense handgun with

racy is on par with its competitors. The

its excellent ergonomics, night sights,

modularity of the base handgun makes

and ability to quickly and easily attach a

it a complete system that requires no

light, laser, or powered optic. And when

gunsmithing or buying adapters of any

it comes down to it, would you rather

kind or any special fitting — it is liter-

have 16 rounds of .45ACP or 9mm?

ally “plug and play.” Plus, it comes with

Thought so.

SPEC BOX

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FNH USA

™

FNX -45 TACTICAL CALIBER

.45 ACP BARREL LENGTH

5.3 INCHES OVERALL LENGTH

7.9 INCHES MAGAZINE CAPACITY

FEATURED ACCESSORIES:

ADVANCED ARMAMENT CORPORATION EVOLUTION 45 $650 SUREFIRE X400 ULTRA $595 TRIJICON RMR LED $644

MSRP

$ $1,299 PRICE AS FEATURED

$ $3,188

15 + 1 WEIGHT UNLOADED

2.1 POUNDS

URL

www.fnhusa.com

FNHUSA.COM

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HANDGUNS

70mm

60mm

50mm

40mm

.45 ACP 30mm

BLACK/STAINLESS

20mm

10mm

AVAILABLE IN THESE CALIBERS

FNX -45 ™

BLACK/BLACK

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SPECS MODEL FNX™-45 CALIBER .45 ACP OPERATION Double-action/single-action BARREL LENGTH 4.5 inches HEIGHT 6.33 inches WIDTH 1.58 inches OVERALL LENGTH 7.87 inches WEIGHT 2.08 pounds TRIGGER PULL 8.8 to 12.1 pounds (double-action), 3.96 to 5 pounds (single-action) Trigger pull: 8.8 to 12.1 pounds (double-action), 3.96 to 5 pounds (single-action)

SIGHT RADIUS 6.4 inches

Slide and cold hammer-forged barrel are stainless steel

SIGHTS Fixed three-dot MAGAZINE 15 rounds (x3) TWIST AND DIRECTION 1:16-inch, right-hand PRODUCT # 66960 (black/black) 66962 (black/stainless) 66964 (flat dark earth/black)

Fixed three-dot sights

FEATURES SLIDE 1 External extractor with loadedchamber indicator 2 Front and rear cocking serrations Stainless-steel construction BARREL Cold hammer-forged stainless steel Polished chamber and feed ramp FRAME 3 Two interchangeable backstraps with lanyard eyelets 4 MIL-STD 1913 accessory mounting rail 5 Serrated trigger guard Polymer with replaceable steel frame/slide rails

OPERATING CONTROLS 6 Fully ambidextrous decocking/ safety lever 7 Fully ambidextrous slide-stop levers 8 Fully ambidextrous magazine release

2

2

7

1

6

5

MAGAZINE 9 Polished body with low-friction follower and polymer base Three magazines

4 8 3

9

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HANDGUNS

70mm

60mm

50mm

40mm 40m

.45 ACP 30mm

FDE

20mm

10mm

AVAILABLE IN THESE CALIBERS

BLACK

FNX -45 TACTICAL ™

Developed for the U.S. Joint Combat Pistol Program, the FNX™-45 Tactical offers a unique package of .45 ACP performance with the latest in advancements in handgun engineering that few others can match. The checkered polymer frame has enhanced operator controls that are fully ambidextrous and a low bore axis to reduce felt recoil. Interchangeable backstraps come standard to quickly customize the grip. The cold hammer-forged, stainless-steel barrel has a threaded muzzle to accept sound suppressors, compensators, and other accessories, while the slide has night sights and includes two mounting bases to accept multiple styles of optional red-dot electronic sights.

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SPECS MODEL FNX-45™ Tactical CALIBER .45 ACP OPERATION Double-action/single-action BARREL LENGTH 5.3 inches HEIGHT 6.7 inches WIDTH 1.58 inches OVERALL LENGTH 8.64 inches WEIGHT 2.1 pounds TRIGGER PULL 8.8 to 12.1 pounds (double-action), 3.96 to 5 pounds (single-action) SIGHT RADIUS 6.4 inches Nylon carrying case included

SIGHTS Fixed three-dot night MAGAZINE 15 rounds (x3) TWIST AND DIRECTION 1:16-inch, right-hand PRODUCT # 66966 (black/black) 66968 (FDE/FDE)

Suppressor height fixed three-dot night sights Cold hammer-forged, stainless-steel barrel features threaded muzzle

FEATURES SLIDE 1 External extractor with loadedchamber indicator 2 Front and rear cocking serrations Stainless-steel construction BARREL Cold hammer-forged stainless steel Polished chamber and feed ramp FRAME 3 Two interchangeable backstraps with lanyard eyelets 4 MIL-STD 1913 accessory mounting rail 5 Serrated trigger guard Polymer with replaceable steel frame/slide rails

OPERATING CONTROLS 6 Fully ambidextrous decocking/ safety lever 7 Fully ambidextrous slide-stop levers 8 Fully ambidextrous magazine release

2

7

2 1

6

5

MAGAZINE 9 Polished body with low-friction follower and polymer base Three magazines

4 8 3

9

FNHUSA.COM

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HANDGUNS

BLACK

7 70mm

60mm

FDE 50mm

40mm

30mm

FN Five-seveN® The FN Five-seveN® auto-loading pistol was originally developed as the sidearm component of the integrated 5.7x28mm system for allied forces. Today it is the sibling firearm

20mm

to the FN P90®/PS90® bullpup carbines. The polymer-framed FN Five-seveN® offers single-action operation and is chambered in 5.7x28mm, producing low felt recoil. The bar-

5.7 X 28MM 10mm

rel is cold hammer-forged and chrome-lined for extended service life. It comes standard with three 20-round magazines and is equipped with an ambidextrous, forward-mounted manual safety lever and an accessory rail that accepts tactical lights and lasers.

AVAILABLE IN THESE CALIBERS 072

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SPECS MODEL FN Five-seveN® CALIBER 5.7x28mm OPERATION Single-action BARREL LENGTH 4.75 inches HEIGHT 5.77 inches WIDTH 1.34 inches OVERALL LENGTH 8.19 inches WEIGHT 1.44 pounds TRIGGER PULL 4.5 to 7.87 pounds SIGHT RADIUS 7 inches SIGHTS Adjustable three-dot

Forward-mounted manual safety lever

MAGAZINE 20 rounds (x3) TWIST AND DIRECTION 1:9.1-inch, right-hand PRODUCT # 3868929300 (black) 3868929350 (flat dark earth)

Adjustable three-dot sights Front cocking serrations

FEATURES 2

SLIDE 1 Polymer cover 2 Front and rear cocking serrations Steel slide

OPERATING CONTROLS 6 Fully ambidextrous safety lever 7 Reversible magazine release

BARREL Cold hammer-forged Chrome-lined chamber and bore

MAGAZINE 8 Polymer body with low-friction follower and polymer base Three magazines

FRAME 3 Checkered grip 4 MIL-STD 1913 accessory mounting rail 5 Serrated trigger guard Polymer construction

1

6

2

5 4

7 3

8

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ACCESSORIES 01 FNS™-9 MAGAZINE Features a polished, darkened steel body, low-friction follower, and polymer base pad. PRODUCT # 66330-2 (17-round) 66330-4 (10-round)

03 FNS™-40 / FNX™-40 MAGAZINE

05 FN Five-seveN® MAGAZINE

07 5.7X29MM OTIS™ CLEANING KIT

Features a polished, darkened steel body, low-friction follower, and polymer base pad.

Features a polymer body, low-friction follower, and polymer base pad.

Features a Memory-Flex cleaning rod, solid brass slotted tips, 100-percent cotton cleaning patches, bore brushes, and an all-in-one cleaner, lubricant, and preservative. A brass obstruction remover, brass scraper tool set, pics and end brush also come standard. All packaged in a pocket-sized soft pack nylon case.

PRODUCT # 47695-2 (14-round) 47695-4 (10-round)

02 FNX™-9 MAGAZINE Features a polished, darkened steel body, low-friction follower, and polymer base pad. PRODUCT # 47694-2 (17-round) 47694-4 (10-round)

01

074

Features a polished, darkened steel body, low-friction follower, and polymer base pad. PRODUCT # 66322-5 (15-round, black) 66322-1 (10-round, black) 66322-6 (15-round, flat dark earth) 66322-2 (10-round, flat dark earth)

02

06

04 FNX™-45 MAGAZINE

03

PRODUCT # 3866100030 (20-round) 3866100320 (10-round)

06 FNS™ / FNX™ NIGHT SIGHT SET Direct replacement sights with three-dot tritium vials.

PRODUCT # 3819999997

PRODUCT # 66111 (9mm) 66112 (.40) 66113 (.45)

04

05

07

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09:16:56 AM__11/08/2013 Ad Insertion

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DROP ZONE 01

02

03

04

Pants need to do more than just cover your naughty bits. They have to hold up in harsh (sometimes hostile) environments, but allow you freedom of movement. The Original MultiCam Tactical Pants combine those much-needed qualities while letting you blend in, too. They’re lightweight and durable thanks to a cotton-nylon ripstop blend. The knees are articulated and reinforced, the crotch gusseted, and the waistband stretchable — all for increased mobility and comfort. Plus, there are plenty of pockets to house AR magazines, pistol mags, a knife, a wallet, a smartphone, and more.

With autumn a fading memory and winter an inevitability, you’ll want to keep warm when you’re shooting without having to wear a suffocating parka. The all-weather Tactical Gale Force Jacket could fit the bill. It features a loose-fit cut for full range of motion and Under Armour’s patented coldgear fabric, which wicks moisture yet circulates body heat. It’s also water resistant and windproof. There are five zippered pockets, including one on the upper left arm that contains flag and call-sign patching. Plus, the shoulder panels are made of nylon ripstop for added durability against the elements and your sling rubbing against you. Available in black and dark navy blue.

The iSeries 1209 Custom Single Pistol Case is a heavy-duty, waterproof container for a handgun and accessories. The exterior is made of high-strength polypropylene copolymer resin, which is resistant to UV rays, solvents, fungus, and corrosion. Inside, high-density foam keeps things safe and cutouts allow you to fit up to 25 different types of pistols, along with additional accessories like magazines or a flashlight. There are also two padlock locations for secured storage and a rubber grip handle for easy carry.

The MBUS Pro lineup is Magpul’s latest offering for rifle sights, and it’s impressive. Made of corrosion-resistant steel, the back-up front sight is quite strong without being bulky and its elevation can be adjusted without a tool. Meanwhile, the backup rear sight has both large and small apertures and can be adjusted for windage with a low-profile knob. Both sights sit at standard AR sight heights with positive detents and lie inconspicuously when folded down. Both fit on all Picatinny rails.

BRAND Vertx MODEL Original MultiCam Tactical Pants

BRAND Under Armour

URL www.skbcases.com

MSRP $150

URL www.wearvertx.com

MODEL iSeries 1209 Custom Single Pistol Case MSRP $110

MODEL Tactical Gale Force Jacket

MSRP $95

BRAND SKB Cases

BRAND Magpul MODEL MBUS Pro MSRP $85 (front), $105 (rear) URL store.magpul.com

URL www.underarmour.com

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03 04 076

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05

06

07

08

While this pair of sunglasses might not be made for shooting, the Costa Del Mar Hatch does feature 100-percent polarized plastic lenses to keep out reflected glare and reduce eyestrain. Plus, the lenses are lightweight and impact- and scratch-resistant, in addition to offering 100-percent UV protection. The co-injected nylon frames come in five colors, including silver, matte black, and Mossy Oak’s Shadow Grass Blades camo (for an extra $10). Available with glass lenses for greater clarity.

Warne Scope Mounts is helping to lighten your load. Its SKEL Mount — now available in a variety of colors — is made of skeletonized 6061 aluminum body and rings, shaving off 30 percent of the weight of Warne’s standard RAMP mount without sacrificing performance or reliability. The cantilever forward design provides additional eye relief while steel fasteners with threaded inserts prevent stripping. Available in black, blue, dark earth, and red, and in 1-inch, 30mm, and 34mm tube sizes.

Safariland is now offering its 7378 7TS ALS Paddle Holster with its Quick Locking System (QLS), one of the most versatile mounting platforms available. The QLS allows your holstered gun to be quickly mounted to and unmounted from any QLS receiver plate, be it on your belt, thigh rig, MOLLE vest, desk, or vehicle. It’s compatible with a variety of models for Beretta, Glock, and Smith & Wesson. Available in black and flat dark earth.

SportEAR recently released ProSounds, ear protection that offers the capabilities of amplified electronic head muffs but in the size of foam earplugs. This model can amplify sounds up to eight times while having a noise-reduction rating of 25 to 30 decibels. Like all SportEAR hearing protection, ProSounds has 100-percent digital compression functions that instantly reduce gunfire and other loud noises down to 85 decibels. Available in black, orange, and white.

BRAND Costa Del Mar MODEL Hatch

MODEL SKEL Mount

MSRP $169 URL www.costadelmar.com

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BRAND Warne Scope Mounts

BRAND Safariland MODEL 7378 7TS ALS Paddle Holster with QLS MSRP $87 ($52 without QLS)

MSRP $130

BRAND SportEAR MODEL ProSounds MSRP $350

URL www.safariland.com

URL www.sportear.com

URL www.warnescopemounts.com

08

05

06 07

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THE

™

BALLISTA IN .338 LAPUA YOU WANNA PLAY, YOU GOTTA PAY

FNH USA’S PREMIUM LONG-RANGE RIFLE IS CHAMBERED IN $10 BILLS, BUT ITS PERFORMANCE IS WORTH THE PRICE OF ADMISSION BY IAIN HARRISON PHOTOGRAPHY BY HENRY Z. DE KUYPER

The USSOCOM Precision Sniper Rifle (PSR) project started in 2009 and solicited bidders to supply a modular sniper rifle with the ability to effectively engage targets out to 1,500 yards, an accuracy requirement at that distance of 1 minute of angle (MOA) for a 10-round group, and the ability to switch calibers in the field. No upper limit to caliber was specified, but it’s a testament to the abilities of the .338 Lapua round that it was picked by every manufacturer who tried their hand at submitting a contender.

FFNNHHUUSSAA. .CCOOMM

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The usual heavy hitters such as Ac-

process conjures up images of $600

requirements of size, weight, and

curacy International, Barrett, Rem-

hammers. In this case, however, the

modularity. So FNH’s staffs from South

ington, and Sako submitted rifles for

price-to-performance ratio is a little

Carolina and Virginia were given the

evaluation. FNH USA partnered with a

more reasonable, and while $7,000 is

task of bringing it up to speed. The

relatively unknown German company

not exactly cheap, you get a lot of rifle

finished product is a result of this col-

to develop the Ballista as its entry into

for the money.

laboration, which is manufactured in

the competition, eventually being beat

Europe and then distributed stateside

out of the race by Remington. Its loss is

and manufactures the TPG-1 bolt-

by FNH USA’s commercial division. We

our gain, as this fully developed, multi-

action rifle, which forms the basis for

got to spend some quality time with

the Ballista. While an excellent rifle

a preproduction sample of the .338

in its own right, it wasn’t sufficiently

Lapua variant.

caliber, special forces sniper rifle is now available on the commercial market. Sometimes, the military procurement

080

Unique Alpine is based in Bavaria

Ass end of the Ballista is fully adjustable to accommodate the user’s physique.

developed in order to meet the PSR

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DESIGN FEATURES

by the cartridge. So it can be made

hand. In testing it was found that the

of lighter materials, rather than steel,

military barrel liked only the G.I. load

locks up into the receiver, which is

thus saving considerable weight. The

and didn’t much care for anything else,

threaded to accept a barrel. Taking a

unfriendly end of the 26-inch barrel is

which doesn’t help if you want to use

more unconventional approach in order

fitted with a 10-port brake with a re-

your fancy new rifle for hunting or to

to accommodate a quick-change barrel,

placeable cone baffle, which integrates

experiment with some of the very high

the Ballista’s bolt locks into a barrel ex-

with a proprietary suppressor. While

In a conventional bolt gun, the bolt

tension (think AR) that is permanently

originally spec’ed as a polygonal-rifled,

threaded to the barrel’s friendly end.

gain-twist tube, the civilian version is

The receiver acts merely as a box to

more conventional. This is a good thing,

align the other components and doesn’t

since most of us prefer to tailor bullet

have to absorb the stresses generated

weight and type to the application in

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BC bullets available. Front end is compatible with clip-on NOD’s and laser designators via Pic rails at eight locations around the free-floated fore-end.

As we mentioned, a key requirement of the PSR project was its caliber changeability. We question the validity of this in a military small arm and believe that — like the Bradley IFV’s

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In order to swap calibers, the user first unlocks the bolt, then detaches the polymer compartment under the fore-end by pushing forward on a spring-loaded latch. Hidden inside are a double battery compartment and two Torx wrenches. Remove the wrenches and use the larger one to loosen four screws on the left of the receiver, then tighten a screw on the right with the smaller wrench. This single screw spreads the two halves of the receiver slightly and allows for the removal of the barrel — the barrel/receiver connection is an interference fit and without mechanical assistance, there’s no chance

Stock folds to the right and has a pocket machined in the butt to accommodate the bolt handle. Note pin recesses in muzzle brake to unscrew the replaceable blast baffle.

082

amphibious ability — it’s one of those

of simply tugging it free. The Ballista’s

things that seems good on paper, but

bolt is another key component of its

never actually gets used in the real

modularity. By unscrewing the bolt tail

world. We’re willing to bet a case of

containing the manual safety, the user

ammo that the vast majority of .338s

unlocks the three-lug bolt head, which

will remain as .338s for the duration

then slips out of a keyway. You can then

of their service lives, despite it being a

replace it with one sized to the case

very expensive round. Swap in the .308

head diameter of the alternate calibers.

barrel and you’ve just created a heavier

In the production version, the firing pin

and costlier gun that does nothing that

will be comprised of two pieces, with

can’t be achieved by an M24. Any cost

the forward section held captive inside

savings made by shooting the .308

the interchangeable bolt head. This

version must be offset by the eye-

avoids the unlikely but potentially disas-

watering $1,700 cost of a new barrel,

trous situation whereby the user could

bolt head, and magazines — but it’s

chamber a round without the bolt head

still a cool feature to be able to change

in place, but still be able to release the

a shot-out barrel without the services of

firing pin. It’s a neat system, dependent

a gunsmith.

on some very accurate machining.

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Magazine for all calibers has the same external dimensions, but uses an integral spacer to move the shorter rounds forward.

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Magazine release is ambidextrous and reachable with the trigger finger. Safety is located at the rear of the bolt.

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Human engineering is evident in the

release above the pistol grip, the entire

adjustability in all critical areas, but

buttstock folds to the right — when in

also gives the user the ability to mount

position, it locks up like the proverbial

night-vision devices in front of the day

bank vault. Four QD sling swivel sockets

optic. Cheek-piece height is set via a

are scattered along each side of the alu-

thumb wheel below the stock comb.

minum stock, giving plenty of options

Length of pull can be set via butt-plate

for sling placement.

spacers and then fine tuned to accom-

084

throw lever. By hitting a pushbutton

chassis design, which not only offers

Above: Bolt features quick change heads to accept different calibers.

A grip safety is integrated into the

modate the user’s seasonal clothing

AR-style pistol grip, which positions

or body armor by simply pressing in a

the shooter’s hand at a comfortable

button on the underside and sliding out

distance from both the trigger and the

the stock to one of six positions. Further

pushbutton, ambidextrous magazine

adjustments can be made to both the

release. To remove the bolt, the shooter

butt-plate height and angle by means

partially folds the stock then presses

of an Allen head bolt in the center of

the bolt release at the left rear of the

the recoil pad. This is another feature

receiver. Rather than utilize a replace-

slated to change in production models,

able magwell to accommodate the

with the screw being replaced by a

vastly different cartridge lengths, the

Right: Atlas bipod is easy to justify on a $7,000 rifle.

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design uses polymer, single position feed magazines with integral spacers at the rear of the box, so that the

Reluctant to spin the dials for fear

7.2 mils, and held on the target’s right

of losing zero, we switched to a steel,

side. The second round impacted dead

blue-painted USPSA target with a

center and blew the indicator door open,

round, white, hinged plate in its center.

making this the first time we’ve nailed a

same location relative to the feed ramp.

Nicknamed the Smurf’s asshole by its

Texas heart shot on a cartoon critter.

Capacity varies with caliber and two

owner, we set it out at an even 1,000

different-sized magazines are offered.

yards across rolling desert hills. Our

that we managed to induce a mal-

The Ballista’s trigger is user-adjustable

spotter glanced at a ballistics app

function — the bolt tail rotated about

between 2 and 5 pounds and can be

on his iPhone, and using the Horus

30 degrees from its usual position,

set up as either a single- or two-stage.

reticle, we held 7 mils over. The first

preventing it from returning to battery.

shot struck slightly low and left, so we

I consider this a type-one stoppage, as

quickly racked in another 300-grain

it’s easily cleared by grasping the bolt

Sierra MatchKing, made a correction to

tail and twisting clockwise. It’s a known

bullet tips are all aligned at roughly the

ROUNDS DOWNRANGE For range testing, we bolted a 34mm Leupold Mark 8 3.5-25x scope in

086

Is Iain sporting a new hairdo, or is it just the backblast from the Ballista’s 5-inch long muzzle brake?

This 0.65-inch group would be outstanding if it were shot at 100 yards. But it was shot at 300.

It was during rapid bolt manipulation

problem on this prototype and not one

Leupold rings to the 20-MOA top rail

we expect to see in the production ver-

and attached the optional Atlas bipod.

sion which features a stronger detent,

During zeroing at 300 yards, we had

but for integrity’s sake worth reporting.

difficulty in getting the scope to track

The only other problem concerned the

accurately, the first time in many years

pistol grip, or rather, the grip safety in

of using Leupy products that we’ve

its upper section. Although it offers

seen a flagship scope exhibit this

the benefit of a passive safety feature,

problem. After burning up several boxes

those of us who shoot with loose

of ammo, we finally had a workable

fingers and their thumb along the right

zero and shot a group off the bipod, the

side of grip will find it annoying — use

results of which are shown at right.

your preferred method and the gun will

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refuse to fire. Still, it’s an easy fix by replacing it with any AR15 pistol grip. From 1,000 yards, we progressed on to 1,200 then ran out of distance at 1,400 after making solid first and second round kills on a variety of targets, including an empty 15-pound propane bottle, which at those ranges subtends a sub-MOA target. After hearing tales of how FNH USA’s sales staff (many of whom had no long-range shooting experience) had shot the gun at a demo day and were punching sub-minute groups at 1,000 yards, we were pretty skeptical. Our doubts were dispelled following our own range session. This rifle can shoot. A 300-grain bullet launched at 2,700 feet per second generates more than 4,800 foot pounds of energy at the muzzle, but despite this the

of locations, but to no avail. All that

counted on both hands with fingers to

Ballista is pretty comfortable to lie

gas has to go somewhere, though, and

spare. The Ballista storms to the front,

behind — thanks in no small part to

a good portion of it comes wafting

offering top-of-the pack, world-class

its 5-inch-long muzzle brake. Pulling

straight back into the shooter’s face.

performance and a stack of features at

triggers in the desert is an easy way

Not enough to cause a flinch, but

a reasonable price…if seven grand can

to find out what sort of dust signature

noticeable nonetheless.

ever be called reasonable. Of all the

Almost every rifle manufacturer

any muzzle device generates. In this

guns we’ve personally tested in the past

case, it was noticeable by its absence

makes a .308. Most catalog a .300

12 months, this is the one that makes

— trust me, we tried to get all sorts

Win Mag, as well. The number of good

it onto our Christmas list. So, please

of crap airborne by firing it in a variety

.338s on the market, however, can be

Santa, we’ve been a good boy...

SPEC BOX

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FNH USA / UNIQUE E ALPINE AG

BALLISTA™ CALIBER

.338 LAPUA, .300 WIN MAG, .308 WIN

FEATURED ACCESSORIES:

BARREL LENGTH

LEUPOLD MARK 8 3.5-25X56MM 5-25X56MM M5B2 $4,250 LEUPOLD MARK 4 34MM HIGH GH MOUNT MOUNTS $250 ATLAS BIPOD BT10 $220 QUICK DETACH FOREARM $329 BUTTSTOCK GRIP EXTENSION $440

26 INCHES OVERALL LENGTH

39 INCHES, WITH STOCK FOLDED MAGAZINE CAPACITY

MSRP

$ $6,995 PRICE AS FEATURED

$ $12,484

5 OR 8 ROUNDS IN .338 LAPUA WEIGHT UNLOADED

15 POUNDS

URL

www.fnhusa.com

FNHUSA.COM

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RIFLES

OPTICS, MOUNT, AND BIPOD NOT INCLUDED. SHOWN WITH OPTIONAL QUICK DETACH FOREARM AND BUTTSTOCK GRIP EXTENSION.

BALLISTA

™

The Ballista™ represents the next generation of fully modular,

isolated aluminum alloy receiver with a top-mounted MIL-STD

multi-caliber, bolt-action rifles designed to bring surgically precise

1913 rail — plus multiple rail segments for slings, bipod, lasers,

fire at extended ranges. Designed and built by Unique Alpine AG

lights, and other accessories. The trigger system is fully adjustable

and commercialized by FNH USA, the rifle can chamber .338

for single-stage or two-stage release between 3 and 5 pounds.

Lapua Mag, .300 Win Mag, and .308 Win. The 26-inch fluted bar-

The ambidextrous folding stock is fully adjustable for length of

rel can be swapped out in less than two minutes and each barrel

pull, butt-plate height, comb height, and cast-on and cast-off. The

remains true to the receiver’s centerline while ranging out to 1,500

detachable box magazine is fitted with caliber-specific interior as-

™

meters. At the heart of the Ballista is a high-strength, vibration-

088

semblies to ensure reliable feeding under all conditions.

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SPECS .338 LAPUA 100mm

.300 WIN MAG

90mm

80mm

MODEL Ballista™ CALIBER .338 Lapua Mag (conversion kits available in .300 Win Mag and .308 Win) OPERATION Bolt-action BARREL LENGTH 26 inches

70mm

60mm

50mm

40mm

.308 WIN

HEIGHT 7.8 inches WIDTH 3.8 inches OVERALL LENGTH 50.75 inches (stock extended) 49.5 inches (stock collapsed) 39 inches (stock folded) WEIGHT (UNLOADED) 15.1 pounds

30mm

TRIGGER PULL 3 to 5 pounds (adjustable)

20mm

MAGAZINE 5 or 8 rounds (.338 Lapua Mag) 6 or 10 rounds (.300 Win Mag) 8 or 15 rounds (.308 Win)

10mm 10

AVAILABLE IN THESE CALIBERS

TWIST AND DIRECTION 1:9-inch, right-hand (.338 Lapua Mag) 1:10-inch, right-hand (.300 Win Mag) 1:11-inch, right-hand (.308 Win) PRODUCT # 3703003380 (.338 Lapua Mag)

FEATURES RECEIVER 1 High-strength aluminum alloy with top-mounted MILSTD 1913 rail with built-in 20 MOA elevation 2 Magazine well accepts magazines for multiple calibers without further modification Vibration isolated from the aluminum and polymer stock via elastomeric cushions

BARREL 3 Hammer-forged precision stainless steel Changeable in less than two minutes Headspace is preset within the barrel extension Retains centerline alignment with receiver

STOCK 4 Ambidextrous folding stock is fully adjustable for length of pull, butt-plate height, cheek-piece height, and cast-on/cast-off Single lever, side folding stock to minimize overall length

OPERATING CONTROLS 5 Ambidextrous magazine release forward of the trigger guard 6 Trigger system is fully adjustable for single- or twostage release between 3 and 5 pounds 7 Multiple safety systems include manual thumb safety, grip safety and drop safety system

MAGAZINE Advanced polymer construction Stainless-steel spring Flat dark earth color Designed to protect projectiles during recoil

7 3

4

6

5

2

1

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RIFLES

OPTICS AND RINGS NOT INCLUDED

FN SPR A1 / SPR A1a ™

™

The FN Special Police Rifle (SPR™) models A1 and A1a are based on the legendary Pre-’64 Model-70 boltaction design with a forged steel receiver and an integral recoil lug for greater accuracy. The flat bottom profile gives increased bedding stability for a non-shifting zero. Their free-floating barrels are cold hammer-forged, chrome-lined, target crowned, and are fitted with McMillan fiberglass tactical stocks. Used by law enforcement and elite long-range competitors, the FN SPR™ A1 and A1a rifles are equal to any marksmanship task requiring absolute precision from every shot.

090

The FN SPR™ A1 and A1a can be upgraded with the Tactical Box Magazine (TBM) kit to accept detachable five- and 10-round magazines (Product # 62655-01)

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SPECS MODEL FN SPR™ A1

MODEL FN SPR™ A1a

CALIBER .308 Win

CALIBER .308 Win

OPERATION Bolt-action

OPERATION Bolt-action

ACTION LENGTH Short Magnum

ACTION LENGTH Short Magnum

BARREL LENGTH 24 inches

BARREL LENGTH 20 inches (fluted)

HEIGHT 6 inches

HEIGHT 6 inches

WIDTH 3 inches

WIDTH 3 inches

50mm

OVERALL LENGTH 44 inches

OVERALL LENGTH 40 inches

40mm

WEIGHT (UNLOADED) 11.5 pounds

WEIGHT (UNLOADED) 10 pounds

TRIGGER PULL 4 to 4.5 pounds (two-lever)

TRIGGER PULL 4 to 4.5 pounds (two-lever)

MAGAZINE 4 rounds (detachable box)

MAGAZINE 4 rounds (detachable box)

TWIST AND DIRECTION 1:12-inch, right-hand

TWIST AND DIRECTION 1:12-inch, right-hand

PRODUCT # 75502

PRODUCT # 75510

100mm

90mm

80mm

70mm

60mm

.308 WIN

30mm

20mm

10mm

AVAILABLE IN THESE CALIBERS

FEATURES RECEIVER 1 Forged-steel construction with flatbottom profile 2 Controlled Round Feed (CRF) with external claw extractor 3 One-piece steel MIL-STD 1913 optics rail with 20 MOA elevation built in Integral recoil lug Oversized 8-40 mounting screws Blade ejector

BARREL 4 Cold hammer-forged, chrome-lined, free-floating 5 Recessed target crown Matte black finish on all metal parts

STOCK 6 McMillan fiberglass tactical 7 Textured gripping surfaces 8 Multiple sling/bipod mounting studs 9 Premium recoil pad Hex-head action screws

OPERATING CONTROLS 10 Classic two-lever Model-70-style adjustable trigger 11 Three-position safety 12 Knurled bolt knob MAGAZINE 13 Detachable box

11

1

2

3 4

9

7 5

12 8 10

13

6

7

8

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RIFLES

OPTICS AND RINGS NOT INCLUDED

FN SPR A3G ™

When every shot must be made with absolute precision, long-range marksmen and competitive shooters turn to the FN Special Police Rifle (SPR™) A3G, considered among the pinnacle of reliability and accuracy in its class. Numerous security services and law enforcement agencies such as the FBI have adopted this rifle, which is built on a solid foundation with a forged steel receiver. The integral recoil lug and flat-bottom profile are hand-bedded with Marine-Tex epoxy to ensure a stable, reliable zero. The FN SPR™ A3G’s free-floating, fluted barrel is cold hammer-forged, chrome-lined, and target crowned for greater accuracy. All FN SPR™ A3Gs are fitted with McMillan fiberglass stocks that are fully adjustable for length of pull and cheek-piece height to fit the individual shooter.

092

Fully adjustable for length of pull and cheek-piece height

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SPECS MODEL FN SPR™ A3G

100mm

CALIBER .308 Win

90mm

OPERATION Bolt-action 80mm 80

BARREL LENGTH 24 inches (heavy fluted) HEIGHT 7.5 inches

70mm

WIDTH 3 inches

60mm

OVERALL LENGTH 44 inches (extended)

.308 WIN

50mm

WEIGHT (UNLOADED) 11.5 pounds

40mm

TRIGGER PULL 4 to 4.5 pounds (two-lever) MAGAZINE 5 rounds

30mm

TWIST AND DIRECTION 1:12-inch, right-hand 20mm

PRODUCT # 75544

10mm

AVAILABLE IN THESE CALIBERS

FEATURES RECEIVER 1 Forged steel construction with flatbottom profile, hand bedded with Marine-Tex epoxy 2 Controlled Round Feed (CRF) with external claw extractor 3 One-piece titanium MIL-STD 1913 mounting rail with 20-MOA elevation built in Integral recoil lug Oversize 8-40 mounting screws Blade ejector 7

STOCK 6 McMillan olive drab green fiberglass stock with adjustable cheek-piece 7 Fully adjustable for length of pull and comb height 8 Textured gripping surfaces 9 Multiple steel sling/bipod mounting studs Hex-head action screws

BARREL 4 Cold hammer-forged, chrome-lined, free-floating, heavy fluted 5 Recessed target crown Phosphate finish on all metal parts

11

1

2

OPERATING CONTROLS 10 Classic Model 70-style two-lever trigger 11 Three-position safety 12 Knurled bolt handle MAGAZINE 13 Hinged floor-plate

3 4

6 8 5

12 8 10

13

9

6

9

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RIFLES

OPTICS AND RINGS NOT INCLUDED

FN SPR A5M XP ™

Based on the FN Special Police Rifle (SPR™) A1, the FN SPR™ A5M series has a forged receiver with an integral recoil lug for greater accuracy, as well as a flat-bottom profile resulting in improved bedding stability. The FN SPR™ A5M’s freefloating barrel is cold hammer-forged, chrome-lined, and target crowned for greater accuracy. The receivers are fitted to McMillan fiberglass stocks that are fully adjustable for length of pull and cheek-piece height. Used by numerous law enforcement, security agencies, and popular with demanding long-range marksmen, the FN SPR™ A5M is equal to any competition task requiring every shot be made with absolute precision.

094

Accepts five- (shown) or 10-round (sold separately) tactical box magazines

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SPECS 100mm

90mm

MODEL FN SPR™ A5M XP CALIBER .308 Win. OPERATION Bolt-action

80mm

70mm

60mm

ACTION LENGTH Short Magnum BARREL LENGTH 20 or 24 inches HEIGHT 7.5 inches WIDTH 3 inches

50mm

40mm

.308 WIN

30mm

OVERALL LENGTH 39.5 to 40.75 inches (20-inch barrel) 43.5 to 44.75 inches (24-inch barrel) WEIGHT (UNLOADED) 11.5 pounds (20-inch barrel) 11.75 pounds (24-inch barrel) TRIGGER PULL 4 to 4.5 pounds (two-lever)

20mm

10mm

MAGAZINE 5 rounds (tactical box) TWIST AND DIRECTION 1:12-inch, right-hand PRODUCT # 75640 (20-inch) 75638 (24-inch)

AVAILABLE IN THESE CALIBERS

FEATURES RECEIVER 1 Forged steel construction with flatbottom profile 2 Controlled Round Feed (CRF) with external claw extractor 3 One-piece steel MIL-STD 1913 optics rail with 20 MOA elevation built in Integral recoil lug Oversized 8-40 mounting screws Blade ejector

BARREL 4 Cold hammer-forged, chrome-lined, free-floating, heavy fluted 5 Recessed target crown 6 Threaded barrel (5/8x24 tpi) and thread protector Matte black finish on all metal parts 2 13

STOCK 7 McMillan fiberglass stock with adjustable length of pull and cheekpiece 8 Textured gripping surfaces 9 Multiple sling/bipod mounting studs 10 Six integral quick-detach sling mounts 11 Premium recoil pad Hex-head action screws

10

MAGAZINE 16 5 rounds or 10 (tactical box)

1 3

11

OPERATING CONTROLS 12 Classic two-lever Model-70 style adjustable trigger 13 Three-position safety 14 Oversized bolt handle 15 Ambidextrous magazine release

4

6

7 8

5

7 12 14

15

8

10

9

16

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RIFLES

OPTICS AND RINGS NOT INCLUDED

FN TSR XP USA ™

The FN TSR™ XP series of rifles is based on the FN Special Police Rifle (SPR™) bolt-action design. Rugged, reliable, and pinpoint accurate, the FN TSR™ XP uses a more compact forged receiver with integral recoil lug and flat-bottom profile designed for the shorter .223 cartridge. The free-floating, fluted barrel is cold hammerforged and target crowned for enhanced accuracy. These rifles are fitted into a sleek FN/Hogue synthetic stock to create the ideal light rifle for precision shooting and high-power competition.

096

The 20-inch, free-floating hammer-forged barrel is fluted and target crowned

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SPECS 100mm

90mm

MODEL FN TSR™ XP USA CALIBER .223 Remington OPERATION Bolt-action

80mm

70mm

60mm

BARREL LENGTH 20 inches (fluted) HEIGHT 7.5 inches WIDTH 3 inches OVERALL LENGTH 40.5 inches

50mm

WEIGHT (UNLOADED) 8.7 pounds

40mm

TRIGGER PULL 3.5 to 5 pounds

30mm

MAGAZINE 6 rounds TWIST AND DIRECTION 1:9-inch, right-hand

.223 REM 20mm

PRODUCT # 75404

10mm

AVAILABLE IN THESE CALIBERS

FEATURES RECEIVER 1 Forged steel construction with flatbottom profile 2 Controlled Round Push Feed extractor 3 One-piece steel MIL-STD 1913 optics rail with 5-MOA elevation built in Integral recoil lug Oversized 8-40 mounting screws Blade ejector

BARREL 4 Cold hammer-forged, free-floating 5 Medium contour and fluted 6 Recessed target crown

STOCK 7 FN/Hogue synthetic stock with Over-Molded Olive Drab Green rubber surface 8 Premium recoil pad 9 Multiple sling/bipod mounting studs 10 Textured gripping surfaces Molded-in aluminum bedding block Hex-head action screws

2 12

MAGAZINE 14 Hinged floor-plate (FLP)

1 3

8

OPERATING CONTROLS 11 Three-lever adjustable Tactical Sport Trigger System 12 Three-position safety 13 Knurled bolt handle

4

5

10

6

7

11 9

13

9

10

14

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FNH USA’S FN SLP™ COMPETITION SHOTGUN: A FACTORY FRESH RACE GUN

BY STEVEN KUO | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JORGE NUÑEZ

098

been an anchor sponsor of 3-Gun Nation

Three-gun is the fastest growing shoot-

Now in its fourth season, the 3-Gun

ing sport in the world. They are exciting

Nation series brought three-gun to broad-

from the very beginning. In fact, Team

events in which you navigate intricate

cast television and awards a $50,000

FNH shooters took first and second place

courses of fire, engaging various types

purse each year to its champion. Airing

in 2012 — guys who were not just team

of targets near and far with your rifle,

on the Sportsman Channel and Pursuit

members, but also executives at FNH

pistol, and shotgun (Issue 2 of RECOIL

Channel, 3-Gun Nation has been a fan-

USA. Furthermore, FNH USA is the title

took a close look at the sport). What

tastic ambassador for the shooting sports

sponsor of an annual major match at the

could be more fun than that?

to the public at large. And FNH USA has

Peacemaker National Training Center in

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West Virginia. That should tell you a lot

to you? Well, the guys at FNH USA are

about the company’s commitment and

die-hard shooters through and through,

dedication to the sport.

and they’ve built what they need to

BRED IN THE CRUCIBLE OF COMPETITION The FN SLP has been offered for

compete, straight from the factory.

years in a variety of configurations,

USA has released an updated version

Company brass told us their philosophy

including tactical and multi-purpose

of its competition-focused shotgun.

with the FN SLP Competition was “build

configurations. The standard Mk I

Haven’t you ever wished that manufac-

it and they will come.” Damn straight,

variant, with its 22-inch cantilevered

turers truly thought like you, or catered

and we all are the beneficiaries.

barrel, has served as the basis for many

So it should be no surprise that FNH

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a three-gun shooter’s build. Based on a short-stroke gas system, the SLP is a soft-shooting shotgun. The gas piston slips over the magazine tube and seats into the gas block on the barrel. Ports in the barrel bleed gas back to the piston, which then drives the gas sleeve rearward. A rod attached to the gas sleeve cycles the bolt assembly. FNH USA shipped a batch of Mk I-based competition shotguns earlier this year and will now be offering this new version. Many three-gunners tout the popular Benelli M2 as being very light with great handling characteristics, though its inertia-based operating system has

The bolt assembly and lifter feature a slick nickel-nitride coating.

And the Competition’s barrel brings

an extended Improved Cylinder choke

the best of all worlds with a vent rib

along with a rather unsophisticated flat

and fiber-optic front bead for quick

metal choke wrench. You will likely wish

instinctive shooting and flying clays,

to pick up some additional chokes to suit

as well as a flip-up notch rear sight

your preference. Extended choke tubes

for precision slug shots. Competitive

are particularly convenient if, like many

three-gunners frequently modify their

three-gunners, you affix a magazine

barrels by dovetailing a rear sight (fold-

extension that protrudes past the end

ing or fixed) into their vent ribs — this

of the barrel and blocks typical choke

guns. With a magazine extension, a

setup is the hot ticket, and FNH has

wrenches (note that the preproduction

21-inch M2 weighs 7.06 pounds and is

done it perfectly for you straight from

gun pictured here is fitted with a flush

known for lightning-fast target transi-

the factory. The rear sight is adjustable

choke). The magazine, unchanged from

tions. Whereas the older SLP Mk I

for elevation, and both the front and

the Mk I, holds a standard eight rounds

adds more than a pound to that at a

rear sights can be drifted for wind-

of 2.75-inch shells. There’s room for a

hefty 8.2 pounds, the new Competition

age. Three-gun match designs have

slightly longer mag tube that would hold

variant weighs just 7.45 pounds, and

demanded increasingly higher levels

nine rounds and still be flush with the

that’s with the longer 24-inch barrel.

of precision, with smaller slug targets

24-inch barrel. But FNH USA officials

The weight savings comes from the

getting farther away. So, the ability to

told us that keeping the same tube helps

24-inch vent rib barrel, which is 0.8

accurately deliver slugs is critical, and

to keep the price down, while they fully

pounds lighter than the Mk I’s heavy,

the SLP Competition’s sighting system

expect that shooters will attach an ad-

cantilevered tube. We have had a lot of

is perfectly suited for that — and when

ditional extension of their choice anyway.

trigger time behind all of these shotgun

it’s not needed, the rear sight folds

In an unfortunate omission, the SLP

platforms, and the new SLP Competi-

completely out of the way, leaving an

Competition does not come with shims to

tion is noticeably lighter than the stan-

unobstructed vent rib.

adjust the buttstock (which is important

more of a kick to it compared to gas

dard Mk I and felt almost as nimble as

100

The FN SLP Competition comes with a single gold-colored, all-purpose gas piston. The gun ran flawlessly with everything we fed it.

The barrel is chrome-lined, back

if the shotgun doesn’t fit you properly out

the Benelli, while maintaining a much

bored, and threaded to accept Invector-

of the box) — this was slightly puzzling

softer recoil impulse.

Plus chokes, and the gun comes with

considering that shims are available for

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the Browning Maxus, which uses the

most popular on the three-gun circuit,

same stock to receiver interface.

but pistol-grip stocks are also available.

LOAD AND MAKE READY Previous SLPs have shipped with

Length of pull on the included stock is

light and heavy gas pistons (red and

loading easier; we would classify it as

14.38 inches, which was comfortable

black colored) that the user can swap

moderately beveled, compared to some

for all of our testers except for one goril-

out depending on their ammo choice.

competitors and shotgun gunsmiths

la-armed three-gun beast who wished

The SLP Competition ships with a

who get very aggressive and remove a

for more. Checkering on the stock and

single gold-colored piston that is de-

lot more material from the aluminum

fore-end is aggressive and provides for

signed to handle a wide variety of loads.

receiver. The lifter is stock and not

a secure grip, and sling studs are af-

We tested light loads, full power slugs

welded (a common aftermarket modifi-

fixed on both ends.

The loading port is enlarged to make

cation to reduce the likelihood of your

The two-piece bolt and lifter feature

thumb getting snagged while loading)

a nice slick nickel-nitride coating, of-

— FNH indicated this was because the

fering enhanced lubricity in the face of

prongs center the shell and ensure reli-

the typical abuse a three-gun shotgun

able feeding, plus many shooters don’t

endures. Along those lines, an alumi-

see the need for it with the SLP. The

num magazine follower replaces the

fore-end is also unmodified, but the

stock plastic one. Finally, the receiver

opening underneath is cut back a bit to

and magazine sleeve is anodized a very

help with loading.

cool shade of blue. If that doesn’t make

Straight buttstocks as the one fitted on the SLP Competition seem to be

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you faster and more accurate, we don’t know what will.

and buckshot, value pack birdshot, and The FN SLP Competition features a fiberoptic front sight and a flip-up rear notch sight. The rear sight is buried in the vent rib and does not obstruct it when folded. The versatile configuration is deadly for use with instinctive shooting, flying targets, and slug shots alike.

reduced recoil tactical ammo. All shot and fed perfectly, and we experienced no malfunctions at all during our testing. The SLP Competition shoots softer than Benelli’s lighter inertia-operated shotguns, but not as soft as the heavier Remington Versa Max. As expected with a gas gun, the piston and surrounding area got quite filthy, but the bolt and receiver did not. We had to return the preproduction gun, so were

FNH USA enlarged the loading port to make loading easier. The unmodified fore-end gets in the way though, and you should take a grinder to it, stat!

The SLP is easy to field strip, in much the same way as most semiauto shotguns. First, lock the bolt to the rear. Remove the mag tube cap, then slide off the magazine sleeve and fore-end. Pull the barrel forward until it is free. The gas piston, gas piston sleeve, and spring all slide forward, as well. The bolt handle comes out with a tug, and the bolt assembly can be removed. Drift the trigger group pins and pull the trigger group out of the receiver.

FNHUSA.COM

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not able to test how well the new gold piston will hold up over time. Slug performance is very important for a three-gun shotgun — with the importance of stage strategy, preplanned loads, and the time it takes to reload, you need to get your hits to score

techniques, including the weak-hand

slugs and found the point of impact to

load, load-two, and load-four methods

wander around depending on the load,

described in Erik Lund’s article on

but they all landed within the C zone

page 132 of this issue. They all worked

exceptionally well, the rear sight provid-

on an IPSC target at 50 yards. With

smoothly with the SLP Competi-

ing precision when needed for slug tar-

the adjustable sights, it would be easy

tion, though we’d make some tweaks

gets, but preserving a clean, traditional

to dial in a zero for our choice of slugs.

depending on your chosen technique.

vent rib presentation otherwise by simply

While rather punishing to shoot, full-

First, we’d remove the fore-end and

flipping it back down. Some would have

power Winchester Super-X slugs turned

grind back the rear of it, which gets

preferred a more prominent front fiber

in the best accuracy, a 3-inch group at

in the way with any loading method.

element (it comes with a 0.06-inch-

50 yards. Especially when compared

Second, if you find the lifter bites your

diameter fiber-optic rod). The reduced

to some of our fellow competitors who

thumb, we’d suggest welding up the

weight of the Competition model made

have struggled with slugs and gone so

prongs. If you do the weak-hand load,

a noticeable difference in handling,

far as to bend their barrels to adjust its

you can probably stop here. For the

especially for those of our testers who

point of impact (smashing them against

load-two and load-four methods, you

normally run Benelli shotguns — tempt-

a log is a time-honored tradition…seri-

may wish to open the loading port even

ing one to ask if he or she could buy our

ously), we were very pleased with the

further, progressively digging deeper

test gun. Alas, the preproduction build

SLP Competition.

toward the mag tube opening.

had to go back home to Virginia.

With some care, you can ghost load

The SLP’s trigger has very light first

FINAL THOUGHTS

the gun, whereby you load one shell on

stage take up; the second stage has

the lifter and one in the chamber. This

a bit of travel, but breaks relatively

allows you to have a total of 10 rounds

clean...for a shotgun, that is. It mea-

study in tradeoffs and the key is to

on tap when the tube is fully loaded

sured 6 pounds on our Lyman gauge.

find which set of characteristics best

with eight shells. But it’s easier to sim-

Trigger reset is relatively short and

fits your needs. We think the FN SLP

ply install a magazine extension, and

rather subtle, but resets to the second

Competition will hit the sweet spot

since you typically load in multiples of

stage. You might not normally obsess

for a lot of shooters — it slots right in

two or four, we’d immediately install

over a trigger in your shotgun, but it

between the Benelli and Versa Max in

a +2 or +4 extension from a company

helps with those tricky slug shots.

weight and felt recoil, striking a nice

like Nordic Components (giving you 10

102

We tested a variety of loading

well. We tried a few different types of

Running the SLP Competition

Any weapon system is always a

balance between transitions and sight

or 12 rounds of capacity in the tube,

through some courses of fire, we found

recovery. The vent rib barrel and sights

respectively).

it a delight to shoot. The sights worked

are perfectly suited to three-gun and

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its slug performance was impressive. It comes out of the box pretty much ready to go, and it’s easy to put the final touches on it to suit your preference. We can’t promise that you’ll join the 3-Gun Nation tour any time soon,

let’s be honest, the blue finish is just

but the SLP Competition will serve you

plain cool, so if you do end up in a

well on your journey whether you’re a

shoot-off with Taran or Daniel, at least

beginner or seasoned competitor. And

you’ll look good while they beat you.

SPEC BOX

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CALIBER

12-GAUGE BARREL LENGTH

24 INCHES OVERALL LENGTH

45 INCHES MAGAZINE CAPACITY

8 + 1 + 1 (WITH 2.75-INCH SHELLS) WEIGHT UNLOADED

7.45 POUNDS

FNH USA

FN SLP™ COMPETITION N MSRP

$ $1,449

URL

www.fnhusa.com

FNHUSA.COM

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SHOTGUNS

FN SLP COMPETITION ™

With legendary reliability and enhanced features ideal for practical shotgun sports, the FN SLP™ Competition shotgun is engineered to win. As one of the world’s fastest cycling shotguns, the FN SLP™ Competition features a gas-operated action, a 3-inch chamber, and an extended magazine tube. Interchangeable Invector-Plus choke tubes allow the shooter to rapidly configure the gun for unique target scenarios for true performance on the firing

24-inch barrel comes with an extended Invector-Plus choke tube

line. The ventilated rib and fiber-optic front sight provide a crisp sighting plane for rapid target acquisition, while the flip-up rear sight enables precise engagement with slugs at farther distances.

104

Flip-up rifle rear sight

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SPECS MODEL FN SLP™ Competition

100mm

CALIBER 12-gauge

90mm

OPERATION Gas-operated autoloader 80mm

BARREL LENGTH 24 inches HEIGHT 7.9 inches

70mm

WIDTH 2.4 inches

60mm

OVERALL LENGTH 45 inches 50mm

WEIGHT 7.45 pounds TRIGGER PULL 6.2 to 7.3 pounds

40mm

12 GAUGE 2 3⁄4-INCH

12 GAUGE 3-INCH

30mm

SIGHT RADIUS 20 inches

20mm

SIGHTS Low/adjustable rear, red fiber-optic front

10mm

MAGAZINE 8 + 1 (2¾-inch shell) or 7 + 1 (3-inch shell) PRODUCT # 3088929124

SUITABLE FOR BOTH CHAMBER LENGTHS

FEATURES RECEIVER 1 Blue hard-anodized Aircraft-grade aluminum alloy

BARREL 2 Back-bored, vent rib 3 Flip-up rifle sight Hard-chromed bore, 3-inch chamber Invector-Plus interchangeable choke tubes

5

STOCK 4 Checkered gripping panels on forearm and grip 5 Premium non-slip recoil pad 6 Two steel sling swivel studs Matte black synthetic

1

6

4

8

OPERATING CONTROLS 7 Receiver-mounted bolt release 8 Crossbolt safety on rear of trigger guard Nickel Nitride coated bolt assembly

3

7

MAGAZINE 9 Blue aluminum tube cover Extended tube Aluminum follower

2

4

6

9

FNHUSA.COM

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SHOTGUNS

FN SLP TACTICAL / SLP ™

Leveraging more than 100 years of autoloading shotgun engineering, the FN SLP™ was introduced in 2008 and instantly recognized for performance and ingenuity. Capable of firing eight rounds in less than one second, it features ultra-reliable gas operation, a durable matte black aircraft-grade alloy receiver, synthetic stock, an extended magazine tube, and fully adjustable rifle sights. Meanwhile, the FN SLP™ Tactical offers a highly ergonomic pistol grip stock and multiple MIL-STD 1913 rails — making it the perfect choice for home security and practical competition.

106

Tactical version includes three forwardmounted accessory rails

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SPECS MODEL FN SLP™ Tactical

MODEL FN SLP™

CALIBER 12-gauge

CALIBER 12-gauge

OPERATION Gas-operated autoloader

OPERATION Gas-operated autoloader

BARREL LENGTH 18 inches

BARREL LENGTH 18 inches

HEIGHT 7.9 inches

HEIGHT 7.9 inches

WIDTH 2.4 inches

WIDTH 2.4 inches

OVERALL LENGTH 39 inches

OVERALL LENGTH 39 inches

WEIGHT 8.0 pounds

WEIGHT 7.7 pounds

TRIGGER PULL 6.2 to 7.3 pounds

TRIGGER PULL 6.2 to 7.3 pounds

30mm

SIGHT RADIUS 17.6 to 21.5 inches

SIGHT RADIUS 17.6 to 21.5 inches

20mm

SIGHTS High/adjustable rear, wing protected front

SIGHTS High/adjustable rear, wing protected front

10mm

MAGAZINE 6 + 1 (2¾-inch shells) or 5 + 1 (3-inch shells)

MAGAZINE 6 + 1 (2¾-inch shells) or 5 + 1 (3-inch shells)

PRODUCT # 3088929145

PRODUCT # 3088929010

100mm

90mm

80mm

70mm

60mm 60

50mm

40mm

12 GAUGE 2 3⁄4-INCH

12 GAUGE 3-INCH

SUITABLE FOR BOTH CHAMBER LENGTHS

FEATURES RECEIVER 1 Aircraft-grade aluminum alloy receiver 2 Top-mounted, one-piece MIL-STD 1913 accessory rail BARREL Hard-chromed bore and 3-inch chamber Standard Invector interchangeable choke tubes Accessory barrels are available 4

OPERATING CONTROLS 8 Receiver-mounted bolt release 9 Curved operating handle 10 Crossbolt safety on rear of trigger guard

STOCK 3 Matte black synthetic with checkered gripping panels on forearm and grip 4 Premium non-slip recoil pad 5 Two steel sling swivel studs 6 Interchangeable comb inserts for proper sight alignment with a range of optical systems (FN SLP™ Tactical) 7 Pistol grip (FN SLP™ Tactical)

MAGAZINE 11 Extended tube with aluminum cover 12 Three forward-mounted accessory rails (FN SLP™ Tactical)

9 1

12

2

10

6

3

7 3 5

8

5

11

FNHUSA.COM

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SHOTGUNS

FN SLP™ MK I / SLP™ MK I TACTICAL The FN SLP™ MK I is a gas-operated, semiautomatic shotgun that combines high performance with FN’s trademark reliability. Like the FN SLP™, the MK I variant can fire eight rounds in less than one second and features a durable synthetic stock and an aircraftgrade alloy receiver. It includes an extended magazine tube and fully adjustable rifle sights. Meanwhile, the FN SLP™ MK I Tactical has an ergonomic pistol grip matched with the synthetic stock, and the multiple MIL-STD 1913 rails make it easy to attach assorted accessories. The FN SLP™ MK I models are a great choice for both home defense and practical competition shooting.

108

The 22-inch barrel is equipped with a red fiber-optic front sight

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SPECS MODEL FN SLP™ MK I

MODEL FN SLP™ MK I Tactical

CALIBER 12-gauge

CALIBER 12-gauge

OPERATION Gas-operated autoloader

OPERATION Gas-operated autoloader

BARREL LENGTH 22 inches

BARREL LENGTH 22 inches

HEIGHT 7.9 inches

HEIGHT 7.9 inches

WIDTH 2.4 inches

WIDTH 2.4 inches

OVERALL LENGTH 43 inches

OVERALL LENGTH 43 inches

WEIGHT 8.4 pounds

WEIGHT 8.8 pounds

TRIGGER PULL 6.2 to 7.3 pounds

TRIGGER PULL 6.2 to 7.3 pounds

30mm

SIGHT RADIUS 18 inches

SIGHT RADIUS 18 inches

20mm

SIGHTS Low/adjustable rear, red fiber-optic front

SIGHTS Low/adjustable rear, red fiber-optic front

10mm 10

MAGAZINE 8 + 1 (2¾-inch shell) or 7 + 1 (3-inch shell)

MAGAZINE 8 + 1 (2¾-inch shell) or 7 + 1 (3-inch shell)

PRODUCT # 3088929022

PRODUCT # 3088929150

100mm

90mm

80mm

70mm

60mm

50mm 50m

40mm

12 GAUGE 2 3⁄4-INCH

12 GAUGE 3-INCH

SUITABLE FOR BOTH CHAMBER LENGTHS

FEATURES RECEIVER 1 Aircraft-grade aluminum alloy receiver 2 Barrel-mounted Weaver-pattern Cantilever rail

STOCK 3 Matte black synthetic with checkered gripping panels on forearm and grip 4 Premium non-slip recoil pad 5 Two steel sling swivel studs Pistol grip (FN SLP™ MK I Tactical) Interchangeable comb inserts for proper sight alignment with a range of optical systems (FN SLP™ MK I Tactical)

BARREL Hard-chromed bore and 3-inch chamber Standard Invector interchangeable choke tubes Accessory barrels are available

1

2

MAGAZINE 9 Extended tube with aluminum cover Three forward-mounted accessory rails (FN SLP™ MK I Tactical)

OPERATING CONTROLS 6 Receiver-mounted bolt release 7 Curved operating handle 8 Crossbolt safety on of rear trigger guard

7

4

3 8 5

3

6

5

9

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SHOTGUNS

FN P-12

™

The FN P-12™ pump shotgun brings the tradition of premium FN quality to the home defense, general purpose, and recreational shooting markets. This smoothbore features a chrome-lined, cantilever barrel for easy mounting of optics, longer barrel life, and added corrosion resistance. It’s threaded for the popular Standard Invector choke system and includes a factory-installed Improved Cylinder stainless-steel choke. The new slide-action system is designed for rapid cycling while the flip-up iron rear sight and fiber-optic front sight make for easy target acquisition and follow-up shots. The synthetic matte black stock features aggressive checkering on the buttstock and fore-end, a premium non-slip recoil pad, and front and rear sling attachment points.

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The FN P-12™ features a rotating bolt

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SPECS 100mm

90mm

MODEL FN P-12™ CALIBER 12-gauge OPERATION Pump-action

80mm

70mm

60mm

BARREL LENGTH 18 inches HEIGHT 7.9 inches WIDTH 2.4 inches OVERALL LENGTH 39 inches

12 GAUGE INCH 2 3⁄4-INCH

50mm

WEIGHT (UNLOADED) 7.7 pounds

40mm

TRIGGER PULL 6.2 to 7.3 pounds

30mm

SIGHT RADIUS 14 inches

20mm

MAGAZINE 5 + 1 (2¾-inch shells) or 4 + 1 (3-inch shells) PRODUCT # 17800

12 GAUGE 3-INCH

10mm

SUITABLE FOR BOTH CHAMBER LENGTHS

FEATURES RECEIVER 1 Aluminum alloy receiver 2 Barrel-mounted, Weaverpattern cantilever rail

BARREL Chrome-lined bore and 3-inch chamber Improved Cylinder choke tube Compatible with all Standard Invector choke tubes

STOCK 3 Aggressive checkered gripping panels on buttstock and fore-end 4 Premium non-slip recoil pad 5 Two sling swivel studs Matte black synthetic

1

OPERATING CONTROLS 6 Receiver-mounted action release 7 Crossbolt safety in front of trigger guard

MAGAZINE 8 5 + 1 (2¾-inch shells) or 4 + 1 (3-inch shells)

2

4

3 5

6 8 5

3

7

FNHUSA.COM

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SHOTGUNS

FN SC 1

™

The FN SC 1™ Over/Under competition shotgun sets new standards in both performance and appearance. It features 30-inch back-bored, ported barrels that are fully chrome lined from chamber to muzzle, meaning increased longevity and corrosion resistance. The barrels are equipped with stainless-steel Invector-Plus extended choke tubes with knurled bands and color-matched FNH USA collars for easy identification. The 10mm-wide vented top rib has a brass mid-bead and fiber-optic front sight for quick and easy target acquisition. The laminated wood stock comes in green, black, or FN blue and is adjustable for comb height and cast-on/cast-off on the blue and black models.

112

The blue and black laminated wood stocks are adjustable for comb height and cast-on/cast-off

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SPECS 100mm

90mm

MODEL FN SC 1™ CALIBER 12-gauge OPERATION Over/under

80mm

70mm

60mm

BARREL LENGTH 30 inches HEIGHT 5.5 inches WIDTH 1.35 inches OVERALL LENGTH 48.4 inches

50mm

WEIGHT 8.3 pounds

40mm

TRIGGER PULL 5.5 to 7.7 pounds

30mm

SIGHTS Brass mid-bead and fiberoptic front

20mm

12 GAUGE 2 3⁄4-INCH

10mm

CAPACITY 2 (2¾-inch shells) PRODUCT # 89010 (blue) 89100 (black) 89200 (green)

SUITABLE FOR CHAMBER LENGTH

FEATURES RECEIVER 1 Silver Nitride satin finish Black finish on green model

BARREL 2 Invector-Plus interchangeable choke tubes 3 10mm-wide vent rib Chrome-lined bores and 2¾-inch chambers Back bored and ported

7

STOCK 4 Durable laminated wood with checkered fore-end 5 Premium non-slip recoil pad Adjustable for comb height, cast, and length of pull (Blue and Black)

OPERATING CONTROLS 6 Tang safety/barrel selector switch 7 Top lever mounted forward of the safety 8 Inertia trigger Adjustable trigger shoe (length of pull)

1

6

3

2

5

4 8

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ACCESSORIES 01 22-INCH FN SLP™ MK I BARREL With 3-inch chamber, Weaver-pattern cantilever scope mount, adjustable rifle sights. PRODUCT # 3088929500 3088929510 (Rifled bore)

01

02 FN SLP™ VENT RIB BARREL With 3-inch chamber, vent rib, front bead sight, backbored, and one Invector-Plus Modified choke tube. PRODUCT # 3088929530 (24”) 3088929550 (28”) 3088929540 (26”) 3088929560 (30”)

02

03 FN SLP™ CHOKE TUBES, INVECTOR-PLUS™ Polished stainless-steel construction with blue anodized accent identification ring. Only for use with the 24”, 26”, 28”, and 30” vent rib 12-gauge, back-bored barrels for the FN SLP. PRODUCT # 3088929720 (cylinder) 3088929725 (imp. mod.) 3088929721 (skeet) 3088929726 (light full*) 3088929722 (improved) 3088929727 (full*) 3088929723 (light mod.) 3088929728 (extra full*) 3088929724 (modified) * not for use with steel shot

03 04

04 FN SLP CHOKE TUBES, STANDARD INVECTOR™ ™

Polished stainless-steel construction with blue anodized accent identification ring. For use with the FN SLP shotgun and the FN SLP MK I shotgun with 12-gauge, non-back-bored barrels only. PRODUCT # 3088929711 (cylinder) 3088929716 (imp. mod.) 3088929712 (skeet) 3088929717 (light full*) 3088929713 (improved) 3088929718 (full*) 3088929714 (light mod.) 3088929719 (extra full*) 3088929715 (modified) * not for use with steel shot

05

05 FNH USA EZ SLING™

06

Standard two-point black nylon sling. Made in the USA. PRODUCT # 50001

06 FNH USA UNIVERSAL TACTICAL SLING Three-point tactical sling design. Black nylon with quick-release buckle allows for greater flexibility in firearm retention. Includes swivels, J-hooks, and shotgun saddle. Made in the USA. PRODUCT # 50002

07

07 TRI-RAIL EXTENSION Alloy construction with durable matte-black finish. Provides three MIL-STD 1913 mounting rails for tactical lights and lasers. Installs without tools over existing magazine tube. PRODUCT # 3088929876 (FN SLP) 3088929878 (FN SLP MK I)

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B A

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MMER-FO HA

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U P R O D

C

COLD HAMMER-FORGED, CHROME-LINED, MILITARY-SPEC STEEL BARRELS ARE AT THE CORE OF NEARLY ALL FN PRODUCTS. EXTREME DURABILITY AND UNSURPASSED ROUND SERVICE LIFE MEAN OUR FIREARMS RUN HARD DAY IN AND DAY OUT...JUST LIKE THE PEOPLE WHO CARRY THEM.

ACCURACY DOWN TO A SCIENCE

Your shot is only as good as your barrel. FN manufactured firearms come standard with the FN barrel. Each is developed to exceed military specifications, making them more accurate, more reliable and more durable—factors that make the critical difference when you're taking your best shot. TO VIEW THE FULL LINE OF FN PRECISION-BUILT PRODUCTS, VISIT: FNHUSA.COM

W086517-RECS-130051.pdf

DISTINCT ADVANTAGE FNHUSA.COM

09:17:12 AM__11/08/2013 Ad Insertion

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Watching the video for the first time got my attention. The second time was

SPEEDLOAD YOUR SHOTGUN LIKE THE PROS KEEPING A TUBE GUN FED IS A CRITICAL SKILL WHEN SECONDS COUNT. LEARN THE TECHNIQUES BELOW TO SHAVE TIME OFF YOUR RELOAD. BY ERIK LUND PHOTOGRAPHY BY JORGE NUÑEZ

to confirm what had just happened. I watched it a third time to see if there was some magical editing or trick photography, and by the fourth time, I just wanted to know how it was done. Twenty viewings later, I still could not believe my eyes. The video showed a shooter practicing a new shotgun-reloading technique that allowed him to reload eight shotgun shells in just over three seconds. Yes, you read that right. Three seconds! That’s just under a half second per round — how is that even possible? Well, it’s possible if you are using the newest shotgun gear and reloading techniques developed for three-gun competitions.

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Shell caddies set up for weak-hand load (far left / Safariland), load-two (left / AP Customs), and quadload (right / Carbon Arms) techniques.

FASTER, PUSSYCAT

firearm — and of the three systems, the

quickly realized that while the bandolier

shotgun is by far the slowest to reload.

provided a good method for carrying

asked of any high-level competition

Ask any professional competitive shooter

plenty of ammunition, its use required

shooter is, “How do I learn to shoot

and he or she will tell you that doing well

the relatively slow method of grabbing

faster?” My response is that speed

in the shotgun portion of three-gun is

only one shotgun round at a time from

isn’t just about going faster; it’s about

all about reloading. So let’s look at the

the bandolier. What was needed was

saving time. The more you can elimi-

three most popular and effective tech-

a method of carrying ammunition that

nate wasted motion and increase the

niques for speed reloading your shotgun.

allowed the competitor to grab two or

One of the most common questions

more rounds in the hand with each

efficiency of any given technique, the faster you’ll be without ever having to try to perform faster.

EQUIPMENT As with any type of shotgun-reloading

trip to the ammunition belt. Remember what we said earlier about speed?

technique, certain types of ammunition

Speed is about saving time, not going

of the gears in a sports car. If we are

carriers are necessary to facilitate a fast

fast. Fewer trips equal less time.

driving along in second gear and want to

reload. The earliest types of carriers,

go faster, we can step on the gas pedal

which are still popular on tactical and

that stacks shotshells vertically on top

harder and the car will go faster. This

self-defense-style shotguns, are known

of each other in a caddy that attaches

seems like a good solution, but in reality

as side saddles. They are mounted on

to the belt. They usually come in four-

the car will only go so fast in second

the side of the shotgun’s receiver and

and six-round versions. The advantage

gear regardless of how hard you stomp

usually have five to eight loops for hold-

of the caddy is that the user can easily

on the gas pedal. The problem isn’t that

ing individual shotshells. They are very

grab three to four shotgun rounds at

you’re not providing enough power to

practical and relatively easy to use. They

once for presentation to the shotgun at

the car; it’s that your car will travel only

keep extra ammunition on the shotgun,

one time. This requires only one trip to

so fast once the engine redlines in that

ready for use at a moment’s notice.

the belt, thus saving valuable time.

gear. The transmission needs to shift

While the side saddles keep a small

to a higher gear to keep increasing your

amount of ammunition readily available,

recently introduced was the load-two

speed. Shooting is the same way. You

three-gun matches usually involve very

caddy. As the name implies, this caddy

can try to make yourself go faster, but

high round counts. Clearly, a method for

stacks two shotgun rounds end-to-end on

only refining and streamlining your tech-

carrying more ammunition was needed

top of each other in a linear fashion simi-

niques will allow you to get to that next

and the side saddle fell by the wayside.

lar to placing a round of ammunition on

Three-gunners then turned to the

a flat table and stacking another round

trying to go faster will only cause you,

time-proven method of the ammunition

balanced on top of the first one. Small

for lack of a better term, to crash at

bandolier. A bandolier is essentially

clips hold the shell in position relative to

whatever you’re trying to accomplish.

a belt that is worn around the waist

each other while the entire unit clips to

For example, let’s look at an analogy

level to perform faster overall. Artificially

Enter the shell caddy. It is a device

The next generation of loading device

or across the chest, with ammunition

the belt. This caddy allows the user to

competition (pistol, rifle, and shotgun)

loops either sewn into or onto the belt.

grab two shotgun shells stacked in linear

is this analogy more relevant than when

They are available in various sizes and

fashion with an icepick-style grip for use

running your shotgun. Even with the lon-

can carry anywhere from 20 to more

during the load-two reload. Mount two of

ger extended shotgun magazine tubes,

than 50 rounds, depending on the size

these side by side, touching each other

the shotgun is a relatively low-capacity

of the bandolier. Competition shooters

and you have a quad-load caddy.

Nowhere in the world of three-gun

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THE WEAK-HAND LOAD

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THE INFAMOUS WEAK-HAND LOAD

sits on your ring finger. If the shell sits

the shells to the shotgun loading gate

any lower in your hand, you will have

and use the nose of the first shell to

difficulty getting your thumb behind the

depress the lifter and guide it into the

known, has been around the longest.

shells to effectively push them into the

magazine tube. Once the nose enters

Over the past 10 years, this technique

magazine tube.

the magazine tube, firmly press your

The “weak-hand load,” as it is

thumb on the back of the second shell

gained in popularity and, until recently, was the most dominant reloading technique used by most of the best three-gun competitors in the nation. This technique allows the shooter

“THE BRITISH ARE COMING… THE BRITISH ARE COMING…NO WAIT, IT’S THE ITALIANS!” Or so the commercial goes, but in

and drive both shells into the magazine tube at the same time. Then reach back to the shell caddy to retrieve the next stack of shells. Should you prefer to use your strong

the preference of leaving the shotgun

reality this is exactly what happened.

mounted in his shoulder or tucking

Sometime around 2010, some of

hand, dismount the shotgun and flip

the buttstock of the shotgun under his

the best shotgunners in the country

the buttstock onto your strong side

armpit to secure the shotgun during

represented the United States in a

shoulder, rotating it inwards toward the

movement. During the reload process,

World Shotgun Championship “across

center of the body to position the load-

the weak hand moves to the belt and

the pond.” Afterwards, word came back

ing gate pointing outwards 90 degrees

draws all four shotshells out of the

of a new shotgun reloading technique

towards the three o’clock position. From

caddy into the hand. Don’t worry if your

used by the Italian National Team. It

this position, the strong hand is now

hands are not big enough to hold all

seems that when the Italians needed to

free to retrieve shells from the caddy

four shotgun shells flat in the palm of

reload their shotguns, they would dis-

in an icepick-style grip to load them in

your hand. This is quite normal. Most

mount the shotgun from the shoulder

the same manner as described above to

shooters have three shells lying flat on

and roll it 180 degrees upside down.

drive the shells into the magazine tube.

the palm with the fourth one sitting on

They would then grab two shells from

Although this technique requires

top of the other three. When you move

a caddy and lay the first shell onto the

more trips to the shell caddies, as only

your hand under the shotgun loading

load gate. Then they would take the

two rounds are being transported to the

gate, load the odd shell sitting on top of

second shell and use it to quickly push

shotgun at a time compared to four per

the other three first by guiding the nose

the both shells into the magazine tube

trip with the weak-hand load, the shells

of the shotgun round up and into the

in one continuous push. The technique

are plucked from the caddy quicker

load gate. The nose of the shell pushes

proved very fast and shortly thereafter,

and loaded into the magazine tube

the lifter out of the way as your thumb

load-two caddy designs started showing

noticeably faster and more efficiently

contacts the back of the shotgun shell

up on the competition circuit. These

when using the load-two method so as

and presses the shell into the magazine

caddies streamlined the reloading

to make it an overall faster technique.

tube. Move your hand back slightly

process by pre-stacking the shells on

In general, it can also be easier to learn

to allow the nose of the next round in

top of each other so the shooter no

and more reliable with less chance of

your hand to rise up (almost like you’re

longer needed to take the time to place

fumbling shotshells. With just a little

milking a cow) and enter the magazine

the first shell on the load gate prior to

practice, eight shotgun rounds can be

tube. Once again, move your thumb to

loading. Now the shells were properly

loaded in about five seconds.

the back of the shell and push it into

positioned in the caddy for immediate

the magazine tube. Repeat this process

transport and loading into the shotgun.

until all four shells have been loaded,

The load-two reloading technique

CURIOSITY AND INGENUITY EQUALS WINNING!

then reach back down to the next shell

is quite versatile, as the shooter has

caddy to retrieve four more shells.

the choice of using either the strong

healthy dose of curiosity and combine it

or weak hand to load shells based on

with some good old-fashioned Ameri-

odd at first. Start with only two rounds

personal preference. Should you prefer

can ingenuity? You get the quad-load

in hand and work up to four. This tech-

to use your weak hand, dismount the

technique. Just as the load-two was

nique takes some practice, but so will

shotgun and roll it 180 degrees upside

taking the competition world by storm,

any shotgun-loading technique. The key

down. Pluck the two rounds off the

some enterprising American shoot-

to this technique is to ensure that when

load-two shell caddy using an icepick-

ers started trying to hold two load-two

you withdraw the shells from the caddy

style grip. With your thumb on the

stacks in the hand at once, and it wasn’t

that the base of the shotgun shells

back of the top shotgun shell, bring

long before they were loading those

This technique will feel extremely

blackyellowmagentacyan

What happens when you take a

FNHUSA.COM

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THE LOAD-TWO TECHNIQUE 1

2

3

4

5

6

7 two stacks with blinding speed. Shortly

you are willing to dedicate the time, the

thereafter, manufacturers began offering

results are nothing short of unbelievable.

quad-load caddies that held four rounds

120

In the competition world where

in two stacks of two. Using the same

tenths and hundreds of a second are

load-two reloading techniques for the

the difference between winning and

strong or weak hand, the quad-loaders

losing, perfecting a technique that will

now grab four rounds in a single motion

save you several seconds over your

and perform two back-to-back loads in

competition is priceless. Fortunately,

quick succession. Having four rounds

you don’t have to pay for it; you just

in the hand does require more practice

have to look for it. Search out “Shotgun

to develop the dexterity needed to con-

Quad Load” on YouTube and learn how

sistently perform the quad-load, but if

to reload your shotgun like the pros.

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THE QUAD-LOAD TECHNIQUE 1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

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DEBRIEF

THE DEPTHS OF EXPERIENCE CE KEN PFAU THRIVES IN HIGH-PRESSURE SCENARIOS WHERE THERE IS TRULY NO ROOM FOR ERROR — FROM DEEP-SEA DIVING TO COMPETITIVE SHOOTING TO BEING SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT OF FNH USA’S COMMERCIAL SALES BY MIKE LANDERS PHOTOGRAPHY BY JORGE NUÑEZ

It’s universally agreed that life’s best teacher is experience. Experience forces us to learn, adapt, and act. Oftentimes, experience in one area of life can be directly applied to another, so long as our mind remains open and receptive. And when combined with vision, experience compounds on itself to provide an ever-stronger foundation to do more, to do better, to do right. Ken Pfau knows this lesson all too well and has embraced it not only in competition as the founding member of Team FNH USA, but also in the corporate world as the senior vice president for FNH USA’s commercial sales. Vision and experience are also key in another one of his passions: diving. Pfau (pronounced “Fow”) is an accomplished technical diver and instructor. The skill and knowledge needed at 300 feet below the earth’s surface has informed his life on land, as well. “Diving has taught me a lot about business, and it really taught me a lot about the importance of detail,” Ken says during a recent trip to Los Angeles from his home base of Virginia. “I’ve

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Team FNH USA’s diverse background

lost friends to diving accidents, and at

shooting, which inadvertently landed

those levels complacency can kill you.

him a position with the prestigious fire-

encompasses more than 100 years of

It’s never one small thing or over-

arms company FNH USA. Being able

experience in the competitive shooting

sight; it’s a cascading series of events

to anticipate a similar Internet boom

arena, and half of the crew is com-

which, in many cases, could have been

within the firearms industry has helped

prised of fulltime employees — a rarity

avoided through preparation.”

him guide the company toward a more

within the competition scene. “Attend-

efficient business model, as online

ing matches for us is not only inspi-

prepared is the seed that has sprouted

retailers and distributors vie against the

rational; it’s educational as well, on a

Ken’s orchard of opportunities in life,

brick-and-mortar stores our fathers took

variety of levels,” he says. “Seeing the

and he reaps the benefits of it through

us to. The modernization has led to a

passion within our own team, as well as

a lifestyle that blends his passions

keen awareness of the need for a digital

the rest of the industry’s best, makes

perfectly.

synthesis within the inner-workings

sacrificing our individual weekends

of firearms development and sales,

to compete well worth it. It keeps our

and a consultant for the auto industry

and ultimately led Ken to his biggest

focus where it should be — and that is

in the mid ’90s, Ken used his vision to

triumph in the shooting world: forming

rooted in the commitment of provid-

help grow a nine-person business into a

FNH USA’s competitive shooting team

ing the best possible products for our

company with more than 1,200 employ-

in 2008.

customers and preserving the solidarity

Understanding the virtues of being

As an early advocate of ecommerce

ees, garnering the respect of and con-

of the shooting community.”

“FNH USA has completely supported

Indeed, while Ken has taken home

tracts with the likes of Lexus and Toyota.

us in launching and maintaining the

With keen foresight, he developed

team in every aspect,” Ken says. “With

gold, silver, and bronze medals in the

business strategies and channels that

it we’ve not only got a front-row seat in

Washington State Championships

would quickly flourish as the automotive

terms of seeing what our products do at

for Bullseye Pistol and second-place

industry cruised down the information

the highest levels of competition, but

superhighway for the first time.

we can also participate in furthering the

Ken also used it to prosper within the world of firearms and competitive

blackyellowmagentacyan

growth of competitive shooting within the United States.”

Team FNH USA has a combined 100-plus years of experience in competitive shooting.

honors in the 2009 USPSA Multi-Gun Championship, it is his aim to preserve brand integrity for FNH USA that should be most commended.

FNHUSA.COM

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DEBRIEF ZEROED Magazine: How did you first

Did shooting become your main hobby?

become interested in firearms?

K.P.: It did. I tend to get really involved

Ken Pfau: I lived in Thailand for a year

whenever I find a passion. I had to

during college, where I was an exchange

know everything about my platform,

student. That was an interesting time to

techniques, practicing styles, entering

be there — 1979, when Pol Pot was run-

competitions — everything. It was the

ning things [next door in Cambodia]. The

same way when I got into fly fishing.

father of the exchange family I was living

I started building my own rods, tying

with was a competitive pistol shooter.

my own flies, and took courses from

That definitely got me curious.

a guy who teaches how make Atlantic salmon flies in which you even count

When did you first take the plunge into

the number of wraps. I also love build-

firearms ownership and what was your

ing vintage motorcycles. I’ve got a ’76

motivation?

BMW that I wrench on when I can, but

K.P.: I was in the car business and was

diving has really been my other love

a finance manager at a dealership in

aside from competitive shooting.

the early ’90s. I found myself leaving the dealership sometimes at 2 in the

When did you start diving?

morning with $10,000 in the cash bag,

K.P.: I started diving in ’98. I took a bit

and I decided that I wanted to take

of a hiatus from competitive shooting

precautions to help ensure my safety.

after I lost a couple of friends who I

I went down to the local range and

used to shoot with all the time. One

bought my first gun, a Walther P38. I

was in a car accident, and the other

started talking to the guys down there

succumbed to cancer and that took the

about shooting and quickly realized that

wind out of my sails for shooting for a

if I was going to be safe, then I needed

time. I kept shooting, but not nearly as

to be proficient. I started shooting com-

often as I did with those guys. My small

‘brand’ really means,” Ken says. “Some

petitively right after that just to improve

USPSA number shows my age, and div-

companies try to push brands out

my skills. I’ve still got the Walther in the

ing took precedence for me for a while.

using image, and you have to come to

back of my safe, along with my second

the realization that in our industry the

gun, a Makarov, which never ran too

What was it about diving that attracted

consumer tells you what your brand is.

well. [Laughs.]

it to you the most?

“You have to understand what

They will tell you what your product is worth. As a manufacturer, you have to be willing to spend the money and time it takes to prepare a perfect product long before it gets into the hands of the public. Case in point: our popular FN SCAR models. The development, the testing, the firing of a million rounds; that’s what makes a SCAR. It’s what gets put into it before it goes on sale that makes it a dependable platform. Testing and development dictates the quality and, like anything in life, you get out of it what you put into it.” Spoken like a man who might know a thing or two about what it means to be well prepared.

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K.P.: Aside from the obvious experi-

better shooter from doing the instruc-

local dealer, having someone show you

ence of being in a whole other world

tion of technical diving. You’re not only

a car and when it came to pricing, you

in nature, the fun thing about diving

preparing yourself; you’re preparing oth-

played the whole cat-and-mouse, let-

is that it’s all performance based. You

ers and you find that fine line between

me-go-talk-to-my-manager sort of thing.

can have the knowledge base, but to

practice and punishment. We’re all

With the Internet, you had guys quoting

advance you’ve gotta be able to per-

familiar with the concept that prac-

prices through emails. They’d go out

form. I have progressed from student

tice makes perfect, but that’s wrong.

and low ball customers, and it changed

to dive master to instructor to techni-

Perfect practice makes perfect. It helps

the purchase dynamic dramatically.

cal instructor, and there are different

a lot to identify what perfect practice

Not only did we build websites, but I

levels to each. Anything below 130

is. Sometimes you’re better off focusing

was responsible for going around and

feet is a technical dive, and there’s a

on one skill building exercise within a

teaching best practices as far as what

certain mindset that guys have to have

certain shorter time period and doing

you need to do to set up a successful E-

to do well. I have several students who

it multiple days in a row, versus saying,

commerce department at a dealership.

were great students, but mastering the

“Hey, I’m gonna hammer this out in one

mental aspects of being a dive master

day in six hours.” I kept at it, and once

How did the company do?

and being in charge of others is difficult

I took the job at FNH USA, it was like,

K.P.: We went through rapid growth.

under the conditions and stress of a

“OK, now I’m back into it.”

When I started, we had nine of us.

dive. You’re in charge of others’ safety

When I left, there were 1,200 employ-

and being able to handle students who

How did you attract the attention of

ees. One of the guys who worked for

are getting close to panicking without

FNH USA?

me knew I was into guns and heard a

panicking yourself is paramount.

K.P.: I helped start an Internet compa-

recruiter for FNH USA was looking for

ny in ’95 when I left the car dealership

a VP of sales. I threw in my résumé

What’s the furthest you have ever gone

and there were five of us who started

and said, “If it works out, great, but

down?

building websites for car dealerships.

I’m happy with what I’m doing now if it

K.P.: I’ve gone down 300 feet. At 300

Our first office was right next door

doesn’t.” About a year later, they were

feet, the air volume is 1/9 the size of

to what would become Amazon.com,

looking for somebody who could help

that at the surface! It’s surreal.

which started right after us. I was with

them modify the sales channel models

the Internet company from ’95 to ’08.

they used in the gun industry and it

As you began taking diving seriously,

I became what I’d call “a brain on a

was very similar to what I had already

was it difficult to get back into shoot-

stick.” I’d travel around the country and

done for the automotive industry.

ing? Do you think your other activities

do speaking engagements for com-

helped you become a better shooter?

panies like Lexus and Toyota, getting

industry what we were seeing in the car

Well, I always continued to shoot,

them to understand the potential of

business 10 years ago. You’ve got these

E-commerce.

virtual shops with no overhead using the

always continued to teach. I was doing a lot of basic pistol and personal

Back then, it was getting them to

In fact, we’re now seeing in the gun

Internet and then you’ve got guys with

protection classes. I just didn’t get as

understand that there even was an

physical stores that are full service —

active in the competitions. I wasn’t

Internet, let alone the potential behind

how do those guys compete? In coming

serious about being a grand master

it. The Internet totally changed the

from the car business, my experience

or a C-level shooter. I think that, from

buying dynamic for the auto industry.

was very similar in that I understood

the mental standpoint, I came back a

Consumers were really locked into their

you have dealers, distributors, and

blackyellowmagentacyan

KEN PFAU’S COMPETITION GEAR PISTOL: FNH/Predator Tactical custom high-capacity 2011 in .40 S&W, or the new FNS with a 5-inch stainless slide (not pictured). RIFLE: FN SCAR 16S in Team FNH USA blue, with forward rail extension and Leupold Prismatic 1X optic. SHOTGUN: FN Shooting Team FN SLP™ MK I (not pictured). Modifications include an oversized charging handle, a customized stock for quicker reloads, and a 24-inch vent-rib barrel with flip-up rear sight for slugs.

FNHUSA.COM

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DEBRIEF manufacturers, and all three have to

sales and operations staff members are

work in concert to help the consumer. I

actively involved in shooting and it gives

basically came onboard with 20 years of

us different levels of product feedback.

experience in knowing how to do that;

As a company, we build everything from

it’s just applied to firearms now as op-

small pistols to the machinegun pods

posed to cars. And my love for firearms

that are mounted on helicopters. We

made me a strong candidate.

build shotguns, rifles, pistols — about the only thing we don’t build is a revolv-

So you had no previous firearms-

er. Having different areas of firearms

industry experience before being hired

experience and business knowledge has

by FNH USA?

helped us stay in tune with quality on

K.P.: No, I didn’t, and I’ve come to real-

all levels.

ize in working here that it’s not a deal

When he’s not competing, traveling, or in sales meetings Ken can often be found enjoying his other passions: fishing, diving, and motorcycling.

The same way they hired me can be

breaker. In fact, quite the opposite.

applied to most of our other employees,

FNH USA employs people who are

like Mark Hanish running Scottsdale

passionate about making the best prod-

Gun Club, Larry Houck’s background in

ucts, and while everybody says that, it

the Military, Jo Tarrant’s experience at

really is true with us. One of the areas

Kodak, Tes Salb’s experience at NRA,

we’ve been conscious about is bringing

and Jeanette’s experience at FEMA. My

on people with various levels of firearm

background was in automotive, if you

experience. It has become a strength

will, and because of my competitive

in the sense that all of our commercial

shooting and knowledge of guns, they

KEN PFAU’S EVERYDAY CARRY WALLET: Hugo Boss LIGHT: Lens Light Mini Ti Blast KNIFE: Strider SMF PEN: Mil-Tac TDP 1 (with FNH USA engraved logo) BRACELET: Survival Straps Fish Tail Bracelet WATCH: Rolex Sea-Dweller

126

PHONE: iPhone 5 (with Magpul Field Case) SUNGLASSES: Costa Del Mar Fantail PISTOL: FNS-9 (with night sights) HOLSTER: Galco Concealable Belt Holster MAGAZINE HOLDER: Galco Concealable Magazine Case MONEY CLIP: Grand Band Rubber Money Clip

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leveraged the experience I had in the E-

a sincere interaction. Third, from a

commerce automotive/distribution and

product standpoint, having shooting

sales side and applied it into the fire-

team members out there using our

arms side. My entire staff is comprised

products, really knowing them from

of shooters and firearms owners. We

top to bottom and demonstrating

look for those people who really know

them, showcases our gear in the best

the world of ownership and live in it.

possible way. FNH USA has been very supportive in regards to the team and

What has been your proudest accom-

to competitions in general. We spon-

plishment with the company?

sor more than 50 matches each year,

K.P.: Probably the most rewarding thing

including Junior Shooters, rimfire, and

I have done in my tenure was to start

clays. The team was the genesis of

our Team FNH USA four years ago. I

a personal application of sponsoring

wanted to get on the ground level of

matches, versus just sending a gun

what’s the best of the best in competi-

or a rep, and the company supports it

tive shooting. We compete in over 20

by compensating firearms, travel, and

matches a year, and between Larry,

match fees.

Ernie Beckwith, Tes, Dave Sevigny, and Mark, we have more than 109

You’ve done pretty well in competitions

years of combined event experience

yourself; what was your biggest scoring

in everything from Bullseye, to PPC,

thrill or achievement?

Steel Challenge, USPSCA, IPSC, clays,

K.P.: Honestly, I don’t try to keep track

three-gun, Olympic Air Rifle, Air Pistol,

of where I score; it’s not why I’m there.

Precision Long Range — pretty much

If the fastest guy does it in 10 seconds,

the only thing we don’t do is biathlon

I’m happy to do it in 20. [Laughs.] I

because there aren’t any ski areas near

don’t have the luxury of attending all

us! [Laughs.]

the matches that I would like to, but when I compete it’s usually at the

You can hunt pheasants with a suppressed SCAR, right?

go to Superstition Mountain, I’m gonna burn a weekend. All the employees

How did you approach building the

more important industry matches; stuff

make those sacrifices, too, even though

team? Was it tough to get the green

like Bianchi Cup, Shooting Industry

they’re already around the same indus-

light?

Masters, MGM Ironman, or our match.

try and work Monday through Friday.

K.P.: There were three main reasons

Most of the competitors get to do more

Sure, FNH USA supports everybody on

for establishing a team. Number one,

shooting than I do, so to rank myself

the team for travel, match fees, and

I wanted to have an avenue for a lot of

up against these guys — I’m just happy

firearms, but it’s still their own time

our staff to get involved in the shooting

to have the experience and work on

away from family that they are putting

sports. Half of the team is fulltime

my skills. My ranking usually changes

into it. That dedication to the shooting

staff members, which is pretty unique,

because somebody else messes up.

community is inspiring to me, and as

and we have about 12 people in total

[Laughs.]

a company, FNH USA really backs the

now. The second thing I thought was

whole community, too.

important for the team to do was to

Do you think having the team has

provide ambassadors to the shooting

brought employees together and im-

don’t really publicize. We’ve rescued

sports who really know the brand. I

proved overall morale for the company?

quite a few events through sponsorship

could have gone out and tried to spon-

K.P.: I think so, and I think one of the

when somebody else has backed out

sor the top number-one shooter and

most fun things of being involved in

at the last minute, and we’ve stepped

in the long run, it would probably cost

it is that while I may not get to shoot

in to help. And we also closely support

less to do that, but the top number-

nearly as much as I want to, I can

organizations like the NRA, NSSF,

one shooter might not be the person

fully understand the commitment the

and other important fundraisers and

who is gonna sit there at a match with

employees put into this. We spend a lot

events that would not normally be in

the less experienced shooter and have

of our weekends going to matches. If I

our marketing wheelhouse. That’s a

blackyellowmagentacyan

There is a lot of quiet stuff that we

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DEBRIEF commitment the company has shown not only through our actions, but in our employees, as well. They will bring events and causes to the forefront of the company consciousness and the

As an avid angler and a deep-sea diver, Ken is just as comfortable in the water as he is on the range or in the office.

support follows. What are your personal favorite competitions to compete in? K.P.: For shooting, it’s a toss-up between the Allegheny Sniper Challenge, Ironman, and the 3-Gun match that we do. I love Ironman just because it’s physically draining, it’s mentally draining, and that’s what makes it fun as all

designed a challenge to put the boast-

and then plateau because you realize

get out. From a business perspective,

ing to the test. It’s an unknown-distance

you need to either heavily modify or

you meet a lot of people and you learn

match, and you’ve got everything from

upgrade the piece as a whole. We have

a lot at this event, too. It’s the only

steel plates out to 1,200 yards to an

tried really hard to develop products

match where I actually have to worry

8-inch plate hanging on the top of a

that will span your shooting career with

about cleaning my guns, because the

tree at 450 yards. It forces you to push

minimal upgrades, if any at all. Perfect

environment gets so bad you have to re-

yourself. Every time I’ve shot there on

example of that is our SCARs. For the

ally clean them.

the train-up, I’ve learned more about

first few years, Mark, Tommy Thacker,

long-distance shooting than in any

Larry, and I all ran stock SCARs and we

practicing I’ve ever done.

were right up there with everybody else.

The Allegheny Sniper Challenge is fun. The guys that started the event know their stuff, and it really separates

The match Larry does for us, the

The only thing that was slowing some

the best from the rest. They would

FNH USA 3-Gun Championship — I

down was having a match trigger. Then

see all the guys brag on how well they

enjoy the heck out of that. It’s orga-

we actively supported companies like

could do on shooter forums, and they

nized so well; it’s a half-day event,

Timney and Geissele, so they started

people are resetting your targets for

making aftermarket triggers, which pro-

you, and the prize table is phenomenal.

vided a true nice match-grade trigger.

This year we’re gonna have it based on

Today, if you pick up Mark’s SCAR that

video games, so it’ll be interesting to

he won Ironman with, all it has added

see what the “Frogger” stage looks like.

to it is a Timney trigger.

[Laughs.] What has been the most enjoyable Have the events helped you in terms of

aspect of working with FNH USA?

product innovation and development?

K.P.: The best part about working with

K.P.: With events, you’re pushing your

FNH USA has been working with the

gear to the limits. Once you’ve pushed

people we have on staff. Whether it’s

your physical abilities to the limits and

our local staff in McLean at the head-

found your learning curve in between

quarters, the people in South Carolina

your knowledge base and your physi-

at FN Manufacturing, or even the

cal mastery, you will begin to see any

people in Herstal, Belgium — all have

limitations in the gear. This has only

shown both the attitude of “we can do

ratified our belief in producing products

this right” and the experience to back it

that exceed the obsolescence that

up. It’s unique coming from an industry

comes with improved skill.

like software where after four years in

A lot of times, for example, you’ll buy a certain platform, get good with it,

128

the same company, you were labeled an “old timer” and then coming to FNH

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where 10 or even 20 years of company

That has to be life-changing to see his-

experience is the norm. There’s a lot of

tory like that. Have you had any other

“real world” knowledge and experience

unforgettable experiences underwater?

that translates to products that live

K.P.: Oh yeah, even more so than that.

up to the reputation and brand. From

I was spear-fishing in the kelp beds

a sales perspective, it makes my job

in the Pacific Northwest just south of

easier since the performance aspects,

Vancouver in about 30 to 40 feet of

capabilities, and limitations of our prod-

water. I was swimming along and had

ucts are well known in the industry. We

a couple fish on my strand, and I just

have very few surprises, and while we

got this strange feeling. The hairs on

may not have many “flavorful options”

my neck stood up — and this is in my

like a Zombie SCAR (and no, we will not

dive suit. I just had this eerie feeling

have one), when we release a product, I

that I was being watched. I floated

know we have done our homework.

for a second and didn’t see anything, then I looked to my right through the

I would imagine your schedule is pretty

kelp beds and about 15 feet away, I

full. How do you balance your “spare

saw this huge eyeball looking right at

time” activities?

me. I diverted my eyes around it, saw

K.P.: They have to take a backseat to

black and white, and realized that,

work. The diving has pretty much been

sure as shit, it’s an orca! I just hung

moved to expedition spear fishing events

there in mid-water as still as I could be

when I need a long weekend. I don’t

and I was completely shook. He came

teach as much as I used to. I only teach

around front a little, checked me out

specific courses now or special trips.

for awhile, and finally decided I wasn’t

KENNETH (KEN) PFAU AGE: 52 FAMILY: Married with two stepsons OCCUPATION: Senior Vice President of Commercial Sales PERSONAL FIREARMS: FN SCAR 17S, FN SCAR 16S, FNAR, FN SLP MK I Competition, FN SPR A5M, FNX-9, FNX-40, FNP-45T, FN Five-seveN, Browning Hi-Power, and many, many more. FAVORITE NON-FN GUNS: Grandma’s Ruger Mark 1, Les Baer Gen 1 Wad Gun, Clark Custom Hardball .45 1911, Springfield M1 Garand, Browning Superposed 12-Gauge, Walther P38, and plenty more.

COMPETITION ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Second place – 2009 USPSA MultiGun Championship Gold, silver, and bronze medals – Washington State Championships for Bullseye Pistol Multiple Top 10 positions in Tactical Iron and Limited Divisions Competed at Camp Perry for the Washington State Pistol Team – 2000, 2001

food and took off. Do you have a favorite diving destination?

Up there you have two types of killer

K.P.: Probably the most exciting place

whales. You have the locals, which

is Truk Lagoon in the South Pacific.

are all identified in their pod. They’re

There are 78 sunken Japanese Mer-

salmon-eaters and they don’t really

chant Marine ships there in total; they

mess with people, but then you’ve also

haven’t located all of them. Some of

got the solo males that are transients

them are within recreational dive limits

and have been kicked out of the pods.

and some of them are below techni-

They are the apex killer of the ocean.

cal dive limits. One of the ships took a

I couldn’t believe I was face to

round in the second hold so it blew a

face in the wild with something

hole in the front of the ship and sealed

like that. Everything in the water

off the rest. It sunk in 15 minutes, and

looks 25-percent bigger to see,

went down with all hands. Last time I

and that just amplified how small

dove there, we were able to get inside

I was in that moment. You realize how

the engine room. You can still see paper

precious and small life is. I had all

maps in the walls and cubby holes, the

the dead fish on me, with only a small

tools are still in the mechanics’ area,

spear-gun and dive knife. Things could

it’s really cool and eerie. That wreck

definitely have gone awry. I was dealing

and a couple of the other wrecks down

with the passing of my younger brother

there are like time capsules; a real

and going through some stresses in

preserve. The guns are all intact still,

life around the time it happened, and

and you’ll see anti-aircraft guns, rifles

I decided to get a tattoo on my calf to

all still onboard and intact, ammo and

commemorate the experience. It was

spent rounds on deck and everything.

truly unforgettable.

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HOW TO

SCOPE MOUNTING MAKE YOUR GEAR WORK FOR YOU, NOT THE OTHER WAY AROUND

BY ROB PETTORSEN PHOTOGRAPHY BY IAIN HARRISON

WARNING! When handling firearms, always observe safety rules and the precautions set forth in the firearm’s owner’s guide. Be certain that your firearm is unloaded and made safe before proceeding with this DIY.

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All too often, we get questions about

This technique is geared to the more

the best way to set up a scope on a ri-

prevalent tactical scopes — setups in

torque spec, i.e., “Guten Tight.”)

fle. The cliché saying is, “My gunsmith

which the bottom of the scope turrets

For attaching scope rings to the

set it up for me.” More often than not,

are flat and the tactical rifles have a

scope body, the common fastener is

this really means that the gunsmith set

one-piece base or Picatinny rail. Most

a Torx-15, although others are also

it up for himself — his eyes, his face,

of this process, though, is universal.

used. Typically the torque spec is 25

his body — which are probably not much like those of the end user. This

of torque wrench, use the German

pounds-inch.

TOOLS

Scope leveling tool: Steel ruler, feeler

results in the guy who’s actually footing

Assemble the following equipment

the bill ending up struggling to conform

so you can properly set up your scoped

that meets the following criteria:

to someone else’s settings. Your equip-

rifle.

1. Has parallel edges

gauge set or any other suitable tool

ment should be set up so it works for

A partner, whenever possible

2. Not thicker than 1⁄8 inch

you. You should never be “working for

For adjustable buttstocks, proper

3. Width is slightly larger than the

your tools.”

adjustment tools. For nonadjustable

gap between the base and flat bot-

Your rifle and scope should be

buttstocks, some type of media to

tom of the scope

thought of as a tailored suit, with every

build up cheek height, such as camp-

Sterile contrasting background for

adjustment resulting in more comfort

ing mat and duct tape

focusing the reticle (white paper,

and better fitment for the user. Below

Electrical tape

wall, sky)

we present a simple process to achieve

For attaching scope rings to the base,

Rear support for the rifle, such as a

this without buying a lot of new gear. It

usually a ½-inch hex wrench and a

sand sock or bag

can be used with brand-new equipment

torque wrench set at 65 pounds-inch.

Front support for the rifle, such as a

or to check a previously configured rifle.

(If you don’t have access to this type

bipod or backpack

blackyellowmagentacyan

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HOW TO THE PROCESS

3

Most often the scope setup procedure takes place in the prone position, in order to isolate the user and system from the environment as much as possible. In order to achieve a proper scope/rifle interface, we must first be comfortable in this position. Before beginning, if your rifle is new, loosely fit your scope and rings on the rifle. Snug them up by hand so everything can be adjusted, but there’s no

STEP 3: With your eyes closed, to attain an unbiased location on your rifle, place

danger of steel and glass falling off your

your chin on top of the stock. Then, keeping pressure toward the rifle, roll your

gun — because that’s both embarrass-

chin off the stock slowly until your cheekbone contacts the cheek-piece. This will

ing and frustrating. Dial the scope back

move most of the soft tissue out of the way and expose your cheekbone for positive

to its lowest power setting. Set the

contact. With the majority of factory rifles, you’ll notice that your eye is now below

target focus adjustment (if appropriate)

the center of the scope.

to 100 yards or meters. STEP 1: Settle into a prone position

4

with the mentality that you might have to stay there for the whole day. This will help you become relaxed on the ground and give you a benchmark to strive for when the procedure is complete. The more comfortable your interface with the rifle, the better your focus on the all-important fundamentals. STEP 2: Have your partner introduce you to the rifle by having him place the rifle into your shoulder. If you’re doing this solo, set the rifle off to the side prior to step one, then bring it into your shoulder making positive contact. Prop the front of the rifle up on the bipod or bag, and the rear onto a sand sock.

1-2

STEP 4: We now need to address two issues. The first is how high your cheek needs to be to match the center of your pupil with the center of the optic. Lift your head up to see the center of the scope and note how high you raise your head, using buildup material, a finger, or your partner. This will give you a good starting point on the next step. Repeat as needed. The second issue we need to look at now is eye relief, meaning how far away your eye needs to be to acquire a clear field of view through the glass. As you move your head closer or further from the scope, you’ll notice a dark ring around the image that shrinks and grows depending on where your head is. This is known as scope shadow and our objective is to minimize it. Move the scope forward or back in the rings as a gross adjustment now, and we’ll fine tune later.

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STEP 5: Back to cheek height…if you

5

have an adjustable stock, move the cheek-piece up to the position noted in Step 4. Close your eyes, reacquire a proper cheek weld and open your eyes. Note whether you’ve achieved the proper height and be very critical — do not try to convince yourself that the cheek-piece is at the proper height; take the time to get it right. If you’re building up the comb height using foam padding or other material, start with enough to match the distance noted in Step 4. Repeat this process using bold adjustments, either high or low, until proper cheek height is established. If a partner is available, have them look down the front of the scope and check for your pupil in the eyepiece. If they can see your bloodshot peeper staring back, you’re at the right height.

6A

STEP 6: To finalize your eye relief, loosen all fasteners of the scope rings enough to move if necessary. You want to think of your rings on the base as the coarse adjustment, and your scope within the rings as the fine adjustment. Using your newly adjusted cheek-piece, close your eyes once more then open them, checking for zero scope shadow. After doing this, shift your body on the gun closer or farther and reassess — after all, in the field you’ll be making shots from less-than-ideal positions

6B

and you need to determine how far you can contort your body without losing a clear view through the scope. Our eyes are amazingly adaptive, so keep using the technique of closing your eyes each time to ensure you are getting the most neutral assessment of where the scope needs to be. Even if it is clear initially, check another position nonetheless, because it could be better than the last. While moving the scope around make sure to keep a good amount of the

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HOW TO exterior tube on either side of both of the

6C

scope rings; this will provide maximum mechanical support of the scope tube. Once the rings have settled into a good position on the rail or base, tighten them down to the proper torque spec. Leave the scope in the same position that proper eye relief was achieved, then snug all fasteners up to where the scope does not have much top to bottom play, but does move freely in the rings. It is good practice to double check eye relief at other power settings before proceeding to the next step.

STEP 7: The next process levels the

7A

scope to the firearm. In order to accomplish this you will need to have a scope with a flat bottom and a firearm with a rail or base that has a continuous surface under the flat bottom of the scope, such as a Picatinny rail. We use a machinist’s ruler as a leveling tool, but anything with parallel edges slightly wider than the gap under your scope will work. Place the ruler on top of the base or rail, ensuring you have square contact on the bottom left and right. Then rotate the top edge of the ruler toward the bottom of the scope to transfer the parallel relationship between the ruler sitting on the base or rail to the bottom

7B

of the scope. If all is done correctly, the scope will now be mechanically leveled to the base. Upon completing this, tighten the ring caps in a uniform cross pattern, revisiting the same fastener several times to ensure the scope does not get pulled off parallel. Alternately, you can use feeler gauges to transfer the parallel relationship.

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STEP 8: Focusing the reticle to your

adjustments while your eyes are closed.

to fix this somehow. Many scopes have

eye is an important process, especially

Once the adjustment is made, open

a lock ring that seats against diopter

if you wear corrective lenses. If so, you

your eyes and ask yourself, “Is this bet-

bezel, if not, this is where the electrical

need to consider whether to perform

ter or worse than the last position?”

tape comes in handy. Tape the adjust-

this task with or without them. If you

The goal is to bracket the best focal

ment to the ocular housing to avoid any movement while in use.

wear them 90 percent of your day, then

position by starting at one end of the

complete this process while wearing

focal spectrum (which will be out of

And that’s it. You’re done.

them. First, identify your scope’s diopter

focus for most people), working out to

Remember that this is your equip-

adjustment — most are found at the

the other end, then back again. Always

ment and it should be set up best for

rear of the ocular housing (the portion

give honest feedback to yourself or your

you. The steps outlined above will give

of the scope closest to you). If using a

partner. When you first open your eye,

consistent, repeatable results to get you

partner, have them adjust it for you to

you should immediately see a nice crisp

quickly set up on any scoped weapon

obtain a neutral end result. Use a sterile

reticle. Again, your eyes will adjust very

system, without any voodoo or mystery.

background, either white paper or sky,

quickly, so the first impression is most

It’s a simple approach to something

and focus your attention on the smallest

important. When you think it is done,

that many people have created a stigma

portion of the reticle. Remember, aim

mark the spot and check near and far

around. It’s important to remember that

small, hit small. Ask your partner to

again to ensure you’ve found the best

your scope is a tool — it should work

start with the adjustment turned all the

position. Once proper diopter adjust-

for you. You’re behind the glass and

way in, then have him or her make bold

ment is completed it is good practice

trigger, so adjust it to best suit you.

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8A

8B

8C

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EDGE

WHAT’S IN YOUR KITCHEN?? BY PATRICK VUONG

BRAND: Strider Knives MODEL: FN-1 OAL: 8 inches BLADE LENGTH: 3.5 inches BLADE MATERIAL: CPM S30V WEIGHT: 4.7 ounces MSRP: N/A URL: www.striderknives.com IMPRESSIONS: It’s hard to beat an EDC knife that features a titanium handle and pocket clip, as well as a CPM S30V blade. Made in limited numbers, the hardcore FN-1 is no longer being produced.

Michael Myers don’t need no stinkin’ folder knife.

Co-branding guns and blades is a nobrainer. Most shooters are also knife nuts. So, firearm companies often collaborate with knife-makers to create blades that supplement their guns while promoting brand loyalty. Over the years, FNH USA has produced some cool knives, but either in limited numbers or for marketing purposes only. If you’re one of the lucky few to own an FNH USA knife, hang onto it. Not only is it probably a collectible online, it’s no doubt a solid working tool. The other folding blades in this collection are just as handy. Take for example

BRAND: Browning MODEL: Mountain Ti FN OAL: 6.44 inches BLADE LENGTH: 2.75 inches BLADE MATERIAL: 440A stainless steel WEIGHT: 2.8 ounces MSRP: N/A URL: www.browning.com IMPRESSIONS: Browning offers this model (without the FNH USA logo) commercially as the Mountain Ti Medium for $36. With a titanium-coated blade and a slim profile, this lightweight folder is ideal as a light-duty EDC.

the Picatinny Tool, a collaboration between CRKT and Crimson Trace Corp. that’s a perfect companion for shooters. This cool multi-tool has a hex wrench driver and a pin with a rounded end, which can be used to clear jams or remove slide-release pins. There’s also various hex bits and a scraper edge with 8mm wrench in its center. While the other folders on these pages might not have multiple functions, they are certain to please any shooter who’s looking for a quality complement to his firearms.

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BRAND: CRKT MODEL: Picatinny Tool OAL: 6.75 inches BLADE LENGTH: 2.75 inches BLADE MATERIAL: 8Cr14MoV WEIGHT: 4.7 ounces MSRP: $49.99 URL: www.crkt.com IMPRESSIONS: Easy to use and perfect for tightening or removing lights, sights, or lasers on your gun, the Picatinny Tool from CKRT and Crimson Trace Corp. is perfect for any range bag. Just don’t expect to chop down a tree with it.

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BRAND: Benchmade Knife Company MODEL: Contego OAL: 9.28 inches BLADE LENGTH: 3.98 inches BLADE MATERIAL: CPM-M4 WEIGHT: 5.92 ounces MSRP: $210 URL: www.benchmade.com IMPRESSIONS: This model teems with innovations: patented AXIS lock, Cerakote-coated blade, and carbide glass breaker on the butt-end. A serious knife (with a serious price tag) for serious situations. Made in the United States.

BRAND: TOPS Knives MODEL: Mil-SPIE 3.5 OAL: 8 inches BLADE LENGTH: 3.5 inches BLADE MATERIAL: N690Co WEIGHT: 4.2 ounces MSRP: $200 URL: www.topsknives.com IMPRESSIONS: The Mil-SPIE (pronounced “mill spy”) lineup was inspired by requests from the military for a strong yet lightweight blade. This U.S.-made folder fits that bill with a quality blade and a narrow, skeletonized handle.

RECS-130051-KNIVES-R1-V1_2-137

BRAND: Ontario Knife Company MODEL: Apache TAC-1 OAL: 8.5 inches BLADE LENGTH: 3.5 inches BLADE MATERIAL: 440C stainless steel WEIGHT: 3.7 ounces MSRP: $176 URL: www.ontarioknife.com IMPRESSIONS: Though the blade is fairly standard, it does have a large thumb-stud for easier opening, and the plunger lock is an uncommon but cool locking mechanism. The fishbone G10 handle feels great in hand. Plus, the knife’s made in the United States.

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY JORGE NUÑEZ MODEL: TIANNA GREGORY

LEFT GUN: FN SCAR 16S | ACCESSORIES: FNH USA SCAR Extended Fore-end, Leupold Mark 6 1-6x20mm, Magpul MS3 Sling, Magpul PMAG 30 CENTER GUN: FNS-9 | ACCESSORIES: AP Custom USA L2/6 Shotshell Carrier, Safariland 032 ELS Competition Belt System, Magpul PMAG 30, FNS-9 Magazine RIGHT GUN: FN SLP MK1 Competition | ACCESSORIES: FNH USA Universal Tactical Sling

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FNH USA shooter Dave Sevigny recently won his 200th competitive match title.

COMPETE LIKE THE ELITE IN THE FNH USA CONTINGENCY PROGRAM Secure your rank among our nation’s top competitive sport shooters and put your thirst for competition to the test with FNH USA’s Contingency Program. Qualify and compete in sponsored matches and earn award points redeemable for FNH USA products. Take your shot. Join today. CHECK OUT THE DETAILS AND GET STARTED AT: FNHUSA.COM/CONTINGENCY

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