Seekins Precision Havak PH3 7PRC Every Elk Hunter’s Dream

August 23, 2026Product review, Shooting hardware7mm prc, havak, hunting rifle, modular, ph3, precision rifle, seekins, seekins precisioncoldboremiracle

Preface

Seekins Precision has been a well known name in the precision rifle community for a long time. From small beginnings, Seekins has built a massive name for themselves among precision shooters, law enforcement/military and the hunting public. Today we will be taking a look at one of Seekins popular rifle models marketed towards hunters; the Seekins Havak PH3. This model happens to be chambered in 7mm PRC, though it is available in a variety of others.

The Havak is by no means an entry level rifle, more likely to be purchased by dedicated hunters who take their shooting very seriously. Furthermore, the caliber change ability of the PH3 Action allows the user to incorporate additional calibers to the same rifle. All this to say the Havak is worth sticking around to the end to see what makes it so useful to you as a hunter.

The Seekins Havak PH3

Seekins released the Havak in 2017, as a production premium hunting rifle. All kinds of custom rifle features were built into the rifle, particularly helical fluting, precise bedding process and quality triggers.

Later in 2025 the PH3 model replaced the previous model. The new PH3 incorporated a sixty-degree bolt-throw due to its six-lug bolt design. Additionally, the PH3 added Seekins own switch-barrel system.

PH3 Action

Its bolt can be completely disassembled without tools, which also allows you to change the bolt-head for different sized cartridges. The barrel can also be changed by loosening a tension screw on the side of the action, then threading the barrel out of the action. Reversing the process with a different barrel and bolt-head render the Havak PH3 a whole different rifle. More on this later.

the disassembled PH3 bolt, using no tools

Unlike the first generation of the Havak, the PH3 does not share the Remington 700 footprint. But it does use the same style triggers which is a nice touch. The bolt-release is opposite the bolt-handle on the left side of the action, and also acts as a key to keep the bolt from rotating unless in battery.

lots of lightening cuts, and of course the **Trigger Tech**

Chassis

The Havak uses a mini chassis to perfectly mate the action to the stock, made from a machined piece of aluminum incorporated to the stock itself. This model comes with adjustable comb, and features M-Lok rails in the forend to attach your favorite accessories.

here you can see the M-Lok center rail, and QD cup locations

The comb-height can be adjusted on the fly, which is a nice feature. As are the four integrated QD sling cups to attach your favorite sling. For scope mounting, the Havak uses a built-in 20-MOA canted scope base, which is ideal for long-range shooting.

Specifications


Caliber	7mm PRC
Barrel Length	22 inches
Barrel Twist Rate	1:8″
Barrel Material	Fluted & threaded stainless steel
Muzzle Thread	5/8×24 (includes muzzle brake)
Action Type	3-lug bolt with a 60-degree throw
Rifle Weight	Approximately 7.8 lbs
Overall Length	42 inches
Stock Material	Carbon composite with mini chassis
Stock Adjustments	Adjustable cheek riser
Trigger Type	Adjustable TriggerTech Primary
Magazine System	Detachable box magazine (3-round capacity)
Optic Mount	Integrated 20 MOA Picatinny rail
Accessory Mount	Full-length M-LOK rail on fore-end
Special Features	Quick Change Barrel System

Unboxing and Setup

As I opened the box I was pleased to see the Havak came in a simple plastic hard case. Nothing fancy, but nice enough to throw the gun in the bed of the truck. Inside the case I found the rifle and a fired cartridge in a small plastic tube, this is handy for those looking to handload.

PH3 Action and Barrel

After installing the bolt, and ran it back and forth a few times. It was smooth and easy to lift due to its three-lug bolt. There was a lower than anticipated amount of friction when closing and opening the bolt, which I expect will make cycling cartridges more fluid. The Trigger Tech as usual feels fantastic, with a clean break and a two position safety.

At the top of the action you can see the built-in picatinny rail. It is interrupted in the middle, and also has machined out the center of the picatinny section. This is an obvious weight savings technique, and it looks very well done.

The bolt-release is easily actuated to remove the bolt from the rear of the action. Removing the barrel is a little more intense of an operation that I will go into a little later. Helical flutes adorn the 22-inch barrel for a handsome look, and at the front you’ll find a radial muzzle brake mounted on 5/8-24 threads.

the 5/8-24 threaded muzzle and radial muzzle brake

Havak PH3 Stock

The stock was also impressive, with its built-in mini chassis and M-Lok rail. The precisely machined mini chassis perfectly fits the bottom of the action, and the stock closely fits the entire barreled action. On the bottom of the stock, there is a full-length forearm M-Lok rail that sits in a groove down the forend centerline. The aluminum magazine well is sandwiched under the rail, and the mini chassis.

The Amend 2 polymer magazine holds 3-rounds, and it fits securely in the Seekins magwell. The mag release is inside the triggerguard, and does require a fair amount of pressing to release the magazine.

here you can see the precise fitting of the action and mini chassis

Adjusting the comb-height of the Havak stock was surprisingly easy. I thought there would be a thumb-wheel or something to tighten. But there is a simple push-button that when depressed, allows you to raise or lower the comb. I like that the front end of the adjustable comb has a void to allow removing the bolt regardless of comb-height. There is a soft rubber recoil pad at the rear which works great to reduce the recoil of this magnum rifle with its light weight.

the comb-height can be adjusted by pushing the button in, and raising or lowering the comb. I love the cutout for the bolt, so you don’t have to change the comb-height to remove the bolt from the action

Setup

For my initial tests, I decided to mount some quality accessories. First off was the brand new Steiner H6Xi 2-12×42, a scope with a focus on hunters and their needs. With its 30MM tube and single rotation elevation turret, it would give more than enough travel for some long-range elk hunting later this year. I mounted the H6Xi in a set of matching 30mm Steiner rings, with just enough room to clear the rifle features.

Under the stock I put a Magpul M-Lok sling mount up front so that I could install a Harris bipod. A simple sling could also be added using the various QD cups on the stock of the Havak. Lastly I would for sure run the rifle suppressed, first with the SilencerCo Scythe Ti. And later using the SilencerCo Omega 36M just to get a little variation.

Initial Shots

First shots from the PH3 were done at a rifle range, to get it zeroed and baseline accuracy. For that I fired a couple different loads; some 162 ELDM handloads, as well as some 180gr Hornady Match and some Barnes VOR-TX 160gr ammunition.

I boresighted the scope before settling down behind the rifle on a bench. A couple shots was all it took to correct point of impact, and get a couple groups on paper. After which I zeroed the turrets of the little Steiner so it would be ready for bigger country.

As the morning went on, I shot additional rounds to evaluate how the PH3 functions and to familiarize myself with it.

Field Testing the Seekins Havak PH3

Later on a another day we would shoot the PH3 in the Rocky Mountains where it was meant to be. Bringing additional ammunition sources to see it the Havak has a preference for them. Here in the 10k density altitude, the 7 PRC is a monster of a cartridge. And up here is exactly the kind of place it will be used this fall during hunting season. With additional shooters to get behind the Seekins, we’d be able to generate additional feedback on the PH3.

shooting the Havak supported by my **Two Vets tripod**

Accuracy

Seekins is known for their precision rifles, and that is where I expected the PH3 to excel. It was a relief to see how quick the rifle was to group well. And with additional shooting it seemed to tighten up even more. It also showed a preference for Hornady’s Precision Hunter 175 ELDX ammunition, printing 3-shot groups under .5 MOA. (albeit 200FPS slower than the box said 🤥)

a couple typical groups from my first range trip

Shootability

The PH3 action is outstanding. The short bolt-lift and smooth throw make it fast and nearly automated. Muscle memory runs the operation on the back-burner while you focus on the target and firing solution.

The one thing that stood out to me about the PH3 action was it seems to have significantly lower friction when opening the bolt after firing. Lower than what I’m used to anyways, which was a very refreshing sensation. The Trigger Tech was immaculate as always, making clean shots every time.

Ergonomics

Resting on the stock of the Havak PH3 was quiet comfortable. I love the adjustable comb, allowing us to get a perfect sight picture through the scope. The angle of the grip feels very natural and gives a perfect angle for trigger engagement. Every thing feels in the right spot and functions just how you would like it to. But there is one thing, that I must give a demerit for on this rifle. The magazine release feels significantly stiffer than it need be. If it was an outside the trigger-guard type, I’d be okay with it. But being an inside the trigger guard, it requires more effort than I’d like. I found it challenging to operate without breaking shooting position significantly. This did give me the impression that reloading magazines hastily might be a challenge.

the **Steiner H6Xi 2-12** was a perfect fit for the lightweight hunting rifle

It’s fair I suppose to assume Seekins designed it this way to avoid magazines from getting inadvertently released while hiking down some God-awful canyon. And for a hunting rifle I would favor too hard to remove over too easy, for that very reason. Its not a huge deal, but one I figured deserves mentioning.

Reliability

Staying on the magazine topic; we had zero malfunctions with the polymer Amend 2 magazine. I appreciate how compact the magazine is, and its slippery polymer lips that feed flawlessly. But the magazine did feel a tiny bit petite, like it could be broken easier than I’d like.

Feeding cartridges was all but flawless, a couple times I noticed someone’s first shots on the rifle it didn’t feed but only because they hadn’t fully seated the magazine. Extraction and ejection are smooth and predictable.

even with all the added accessories the PH3 was still managable

The stiff stock of the Havak PH3 kept the rifle reliably accurate, even as the barrel heated up some. Shots didn’t wander from point of aim. It was a great performance, crossing all my t’s and dotting i’s.

Value

I mentioned at the top, I don’t feel like the Havak is an entry level rifle. But if you can afford it as your first hunting rifle, you’ll likely never need another. Street prices for the Havak hover between $1700 and $1900, which is not insignificant. But when compared to other big name custom shop production rifles, it is still quite reasonable.

I also shot the Havak PH3 with the SilencerCo Scythe, you can read more about that here

And with the Seekins name on it, you can trust they will take care of the product for life. I’ve dealt with some of the people at Seekins and they have always been informative and honest. Thats the kind of company that deserves your investment, and speaking of value, let us not forget the next topic.

Modular Seekins Switch-barrel System

This feature deserves it’s own section. Seekins has been making switch-barrel options for some time, you may have seen it in my review of the Seekins Havak HIT. The design is simple and reliable; barrels thread into the face of the action by hand, and are clamped secure using a single cross-bolt. This allows the user to remove their own barrel, and change it out to another should they choose. Additionally Seekins open sources their barrel design allowing you to have your local gunsmith cut you a custom barrel for your Seekins rifle.

here you can see the barrel clamp that keeps the barrel secure between swaps

If you find yourself changing to a smaller cartridge, you can swap out the bolt head to a different one by disassembling the bolt. This can be done by hand, no tools required. The system allows you to completely convert your Havak from the 7 PRC shown here to something like a 6.5 Creedmoor should you choose. All this done by you, at home, no special tools required (maybe a torque wrench if your’e a stickler). As a bit of a multi-caliber rifle guy myself, that is a value that is hard to put a price on.

Pros and Cons

Smooth reliable Action	The Magazine thing I mentioned
Built-in Picatinny Scope Rail
Lightweight Design and Balance
Great Accuracy out of the box
Barrel/Caliber Change Option
Adjustable Stock
Built-in Mini Chassis
Excellent Trigger
M-Lok Forend
QD Cups where you want them
Threaded Muzzle and Brake
Sexy AF

Conclusion

I was confident that the Seekins would be a solid buy, not just because of my past experiences with Seekins rifles but because they have built a good reputation in the market. I am glad this rifle stood up to my expectations, and I look forward to seeing it laying against the bloodied side of our prey later this year. The Seekins Havak PH3 offers an accurate and reliable rifle that will standup for life, and accompany you into the dark and damp parts of the forest. Its the kind of rifle that will ride on your shoulder for weeks at a time, and make the perfect shot when it matters. I love rifles like that, and if you find yourself looking for one too, give the Havak an honest look.

-CBM

Check out the Seekins Havak HIT rifle, since you’re already here.

Cut the Noise with the SilencerCo Scythe Ti

August 19, 2026Product review, suppressorsscythe, scythe ti, silencer, silencerco, suppressor, titaniumcoldboremiracle

Introduction

There are few bigger names in the suppressor industry than SilencerCo at the moment. SiCo has been around for quite a while, and has dominated much of the suppressor market for some time. At the top of the food chain, we can expect some cool and innovative products from SiCo, and today I bring you one of them; The SilencerCo Scythe Ti suppressor. The company offers two different Scythe models, the Ti we are looking at today, and the Scythe STM.

Fresh out of the box with its service tools for modular changes and mounting

The SilencerCo Scythe

Of the two Scythe models there is a bit of a split in purpose. The Ti model is made completely from titanium, a first for SilencerCo. The STM model is made from stainless steel, and has a two stage design that allows you to use it in a short or long configuration. Both models use an anchor brake at the front of the muzzle end to help reduce recoil.

SilencerCo pioneered the hub system that nearly every manufacturer uses today. This allows you the ability to change the way you mount your suppressor, whether it be direct thread, QD mount with an ASR suppressor mount or otherwise.

Our Scythe Ti was focused more for activities like hunting, where its compact size and lightweight make it optimal for long hikes. And the Scythe is rated for up to 300RUM cartridges which covers most of what a typical American hunter would use.

this **Seekins Precision Havak PH3** is an excellent host for the Scythe

Scythe Ti Specifications


Manufacturer	SilencerCo
Model	Scythe-Ti
Type	.30-caliber rifle suppressor
Material	Grade 5 & Grade 9 titanium
Length	6.16″
Diameter	1.73″
Weight	7.3 oz. with Anchor Brake
Suppressor Weight	~6.3 oz.
Caliber Range	.223 Rem. / 5.56 NATO through .300 RUM
Barrel Restrictions	None
Full-Auto Rated	No
Mount	Bravo
Included Mount	5/8×24 titanium direct-thread
Muzzle Device	.30-cal. Single-Port Anchor Brake
Finish	Type II anodized, oil rubbed
Construction	Fully welded titanium
Primary Use	Hunting, precision rifles, lightweight rifles

As I unboxed the Scythe Ti, the immediate impression was how incredibly light it is. At just over 6-ounces it almost feels fake, but I can assure you it is not. The raw titanium color looks great in my opinion, and the smooth welds are so fine they look more like tool marks.

recoil from magnums like this 7 PRC are tamed by the Scythe’s brake

It came with a couple tools for servicing the Scythe, as well as a 5/8-24 threaded hub for mounting. But like most cans these days, you can install another hub if you’d rather use one of the the QD devices or muzzle brakes.

In the Field

Using the Scythe in the field was done both on a public rifle range as well as in the Rocky Mountains where I typically spend my time. I would end up using the Scythe on several different rifles of various calibers. Myself and the friends that came along would take turns between shooting and listening to the report.

the modular mounting of the Scythe and its caliber compatibility allows it to be mounted on various firearms. This is a custom **Remington 700** mounted in the **Grayboe Flagstaff chassis**

Sound Suppression

On .308 Winchester sized cartridges the sound suppression was excellent. Even for other shooters near the muzzle of the rifle the report was tolerable. And from any distance of five or so yards away it sounded as pleasant as could be. Regardless of where we were, I felt no reason to use hearing protection with the Scythe. Of course that is not what most people would recommend, for safety sake anyways.

Shooting through the Scythe on the range, and in the cold and wet Rocky Mountains gave excellent insight to the Scythe’s suppression. I would happily use it on any of my sub 30-caliber rifles, it sounds fantastic.

Recoil Reduction

With its built-in anchor brake, the Scythe also helps reduce recoil. By diverting the escaping gas perpendicular to the bore axis, it reduces the force pushed against the shoulder of the shooter. Again this is a design that SiCo explored and has done very well with on several of their other suppressors like the Omega 300, you can see more about that one here.

the anchor brake of the Scythe keeps recoil down diverting muzzle blast to the sides

Smaller cartridges like 308 Winchester, 260 Remington and 6.5 Creedmoor are not particularly heavy recoiling. But with the Scythe installed they feel like a child’s rifle, with hardly any recoil at all. Grant me this though, several of the rifles used during testing were heavier than a typical hunting rifle. That likely helped with recoil as well.

Removing the anchor brake from the Scythe can further reduce weight, and length, but c’mon… The Scythe is already incredibly light, and the brake portion so short that it seems silly to change it out for a traditional end cap. It seems I’m not the only one who thinks so, as a search of the internet show hardly any images of the Scythe without its brake in place.

Accuracy

Like most suppressors in my experience, the Scythe had no ill affects on the accuracy of the rifle. If anything it helped improve accuracy by increasing the mass of the rifle making it more anchored. Additionally, the recoil reduction helps keep you on target, which helps spot hits or misses on the target. Both of these facets will increase the amounts of hits you make.

much of our shooting was done with the **Desert Tech SRS SD** in 308 Win and Nightforce scope

Suppressors typically strip high pressure waves from the bullet as it leaves the muzzle. Much like a boat traveling through a protected harbor that keeps the big waves out. As the bullet passes through each baffle in the suppressor, it travels through more and more calm air. This allows the bullet to start its flight with less interference and they typically shoot better.

Modularity

With its 1.375×24 TPI hub, the Scythe can use any number of different mounting solutions. There are various SiCo brake options but you don’t need to stop there, as even other manufacturers hub mounts will fit the Scythe. Though it comes with a simple and lightweight 5/8-24 direct-thread hub, you can change it to better fit your purposes should you desire.

short cans are better for maneuvering, here you can see how compact the Scythe is

Again, I saw no reason to remove the anchor brake from the Scythe, and it would appear most people don’t.

Value

With an MSRP of $1174 the Scythe Ti isn’t exactly an entry level suppressor. But it is well worth the extra bit of cheddar you pay. Its hard to find a lighter can in this category, as most popular models are around 2 ounces or more heavier.

So if you are a hunter looking for the most compact and lightest suppressor you can get for your hunt, you should definitely be looking at the Scythe.

Its popularity also means that it flaws can be shown. SilencerCo says the Scythe has a very low rate of failure, but there are enough reports of failure to not be insignificant for those looking. And SilencerCo appears to be very quick to repair or replace them.

Pros and Cons

Extremely Light	Not Inexpensive
Modular Mounting System	Some Reports of Broken Welds
Recoil Reducing Brake	Heats up Quickly
Low Reflective Surface
Compact Design
Fully Welded Construction
Excellent Sound Suppression
Caliber Compatibility (5.56-300Rum)
Rapid Cooling Time

The Scythe adds minimal weight and length to your rifle

My Verdict

Shooting with the SilencerCo Scythe has proven to be very pleasant. It provides great sound suppression without adding a bunch of weight and length to your rifle. You can also configure the Scythe to mount in various ways that best fit your application. And on some of the heavier calibers it really helps reduce recoil, while smaller cartridges recoil is reduced to minimal. This performance does come at a slightly higher cost than many other options, but worth it in my opinion.

-CBM

Check out more suppressor reviews here

Why the 22 Creedmoor?

August 17, 2026blog.223, .224, 22 creedmoor, 22-250, 220 swift, creedmoor, Hornadycoldboremiracle

Introduction

If you are a Creedmoor hater, you might just skip this one today. Actually, I take that back. Sit down and learn something even if its against your will. We recently went over the Creedmoor family of cartridges, and the pros and cons of each member of the family. Today we are taking a deep dive into one of those members, the 22 Creedmoor. Well go over some of the benefits of this cartridge and why you might choose it, and maybe even why you shouldn’t.

creedmoor, 22 creedmoor, 6mm creedmoor, 25 creedmoor, 6.5 creedmoor, 8.6blk, cartridge, all the cartridges lined up together, — the Creedmoor family

Why the 22 Creedmoor?

Who made the 22 Creedmoor and why you might ask. After all, we already have a great supply of popular overbore centerfire .224 caliber cartridges. Why would we need another one? Sure its a bit faster than the 22-250 or maybe even the 220 Swift, but is that enough reason?

I plan on exposing the many answers to these questions. Aside from the many personal preferences we all have, I believe the strong points for the 22 Creedmoor are all based around advancements in shooting technology.

.223 remington, 22 ARC, 22-250 remington, 22 creedmoor, 220 swift, cartridge line up, varmint cartridges, — several of the best varmint hunting cartridges of all time

The 22 Creedmoor is purpose built using modern brass and cartridge manufacturing processes. It maximizes the efficiency of modern propellants, and uses modern bullet selection to its potential. And it has factory specifications to do all this in simple factory mass-manufactured rifles. I’ll go over some of the individual points and their details.

Continue reading here

my **Desert Tech SRS M2** allows me to shoot both 22 Creedmoor and .223 Remington out of the same rifle

The 2011 Bargain Bag: The Best 2011 Pistols Under $2000

August 13, 2026blog, pistols1911, 2011, 9mm, bersa, cx, double stack, DS, m2xi, mac9 DS, p211 GTO, prodigy, sig sauer, staccato, tisas, XCcoldboremiracle

Buying a 2011?

There are unprecedented options for American handgun enthusiasts these days, and one of the more popular genres is the 2011 pistol market. 2011 is actually a trademarked name owned by Staccato who played no small part in making the double stack 1911 design. But like Jet-Skis and Kleenex, the name 2011 has become a universal label for the product and others like it.

Getting into a 2011 pistol can be expensive, especially if it’s an actual 2011. But today I wanted to share with you a few of my preferred and procured 2011 options that I can strongly recommend. I’ve had a few of them now, and thought I would share some insight on what you might choose if you are debating the options.

Made in America

It may seem like heresy to many 1911 fans out there, just putting a 9mm barrel into John M. Browning’s masterpiece. Not unlike putting a Toyota dual overhead cam inline-turbo-six into a 69 Camaro. But lets get right past the nonsense, and get into the guns.

You’ll find a bunch of great 2011 options made in America, but not many of them are going to come in under the $2000 mark. Many of them are well over that price-point, but there are reasons for it. I have a Staccato XC that I will often compare these other 2011 pistols to, but it is nowhere near the same price. If you are curious about the Staccato you can read my review of it here.

There are a couple options like the Kimber 2k11 series of pistols, as well as the Sig Sauer P211 GTO that I intend to review individually here soon. Though they are a bit over our $2,000 price point as well. The intro-level Platypus pistol from Stealth Arms would fall into our sub $2000 price range, and I fully intend on getting hands on one of those as well.

sig sauer, p211, gto, combat, 9mm, surefire, x300, fde, — the Sig Sauer P211 GTO Combat

The Springfield Armory DS Prodigy

The SA Prodigy comes from a big name manufacturer, and has all the features 2011 fans are after. And it comes in well under the $2000 mark at around $1600. The Prodigy uses the polymer grip frame mated to a steel frame, this is pretty common among 2011’s. It has ambidextrous safety levers, and feeds beautifully from its 17 or 20-round magazines.

Springfield Armory, prodigy, DS prodigy, 2011, 9mm, steiner, mps, red dot, surefire, x300, vampire, flying brass,

In my experience with the Prodigy, it is a smooth, well-built pistol. Its five-inch heavy match grade barrel is cut for a compensator that vents upward through the top of the slide. This helps keep it on target between shots. It also has a full length dust cover, which incorporated a picatinny accessory rail. It uses a two-piece guide rod assembled with an Allen wrench.

Springfield Armory, prodigy, DS prodigy, 2011, 9mm, steiner, mps, red dot, surefire, x300, vampire, safariland, holster, gun belt, drawing 2011 pistol from a gun belt holster, — the Prodigy fits perfectly into my 2011 holsters from Safariland, seen here also with a **Steiner MPS red dot** and the **Surefire X300V-B Vampire**

The Prodigy is a great balance of performance and value. It feels great and shoots just as well. With its slide cut for optics, it is ready to accessorize using the SA AOS plates and hit the range hard. If you’d like to see my in depth review of the Prodigy, you can read it here. This one has had zero updates from the factory, and is still going strong after the first thousand rounds.

Bersa M2Xi

You might not think of Bersa when you think of domestic manufactured 2011 pistols. But since opening their Georgia plant, Bersa has been making many new things. The Bersa M2Xi is a 5-inch ultra-match heavy-barreled 2011, with a 416 stainless frame and slide. It has a smooth glide on the frame that feels amazing. The Bersa is operated by a spring over a two-piece guide rod.

Its deep slide cuts give great purchase, and its controls are crisp and clean. The M2Xi uses a Holosun K optics footprint as well as some serrated iron sights. The flat trigger breaks nicely at just under 3 lbs, and it comes with an extended slide release that I really like.

It comes with 18-round Mec-Gar magazines that are seated neatly with the flared mawell. And as the only 2011 listed here today without a compensator it still shoots very nice, though it could shoot flatter with one. With its MSRP of $1479, the M2Xi sits neatly in the middle of our pistol lineup today. You can read my complete review of the Bersa M2Xi here.

Bersa, M2xi, 9mm, pistol, 2011, 1911, Bersa USA, holosun SCS carry, red dot, surefire X300, the completely disassembled Bersa m2xi laid out on cleaning bench,

Imported 2011’s

Many of the options for 2011 pistols getting closer to the $1000 mark are going to be imported. Not surprisingly they come from Turkey. There are many models from the Tisas brand that look nice, the Duty 9 DS Comp model very closely mimics the Prodigy’s design, and comes in a good $500 cheaper.

the Tisas Duty 9 DS Comp is very affordable, though I’ve yet to shoot it

The Military Armament Corp MAC 9 is another pistol, nearly identical to the Tisas that appears to come out of the same factory. For not even $100 more. Both of them seem to enjoy some pretty positive following from American shooting enthusiasts. I am still trying to get my hands on both of those to see how they stack up to what I know.

the **Military Armament Corp MAC 9 DS** is another cost effective option

Girsan 2311 Match X

Imported by EAA, the Girsan Match X incorporates an island compensator to its 5-inch barrel. Set on its two-tone black and tungsten frame the Match X looks fantastic. And it shoots very nicely as well with its flared magwell and fiber optic sight. An MSRP of $1199 makes it very appealing.

the Match X seen with a **Holosun 407** and **Streamlight TLR-1**

It too has a full length dust cover with a pic rail for accessories, and its polymer/steel frame carries its 17 or 20-round magazines. The Girsan is also optics ready, using an RMSC footprint. Its slide is returned using a spring over a single piece guide-rod.

Having shot this pistol, I was quite impressed with its price. It handles just as good as all the others, and it shoots accurately and reliably. This one already has over 1,000 trouble-free rounds through it.

Girsan 2311 CMXX

The CMXX from Girsan appears to be the smaller sibling of the Match X. This one uses a Commander length 4.25 -inch compensated barrel, an island compensator like the Match X. It is all black however, and looks like a shorter clone of my Staccato XC. It also is very comparable to the MAC 9 DS, as they both share the 4.25 barrel and comp design.

the CMXX is seen here with a **Vortex Defender red dot** and the **Nightstick TWM-30 weapon light**

Like the Match X, the CMXX has a great trigger to match its heavy barrel. Again a single-piece guide-rod operates the pistols action, feeding from the same 17-20-round magazines as the Match X. The big difference between the CMXX and all the others I mention here today is that it doesn’t use a grip safety. Instead they went with a firing pin block like you’d find on striker pistols. Not gonna lie, I kind of like it better.

Girsan, witness 2311, 9mm, eaa, 2011, vortex, vortex optics, defender CCW, enclosed, red dot,

The CMXX is optics cut for RMSc optics, and its flared magwell and full-length picatinny rail makes it easy to mount your favorite light. This little pistol shoots fantastic and very flat, making it an easy choice to buy at $1149 MSRP. You can read my in-depth review of the CMXX here. Sharing the same internal extractor as the rest of these models, it has yet to malfunction on me.

My Opinion

If you are a die-hard America only kind of guy, then you’d have to choose the SA Prodigy I guess. It brings great value from a big name domestic manufacturer, and with it comes great performance.

Springfield Armory, prodigy, DS prodigy, 2011, 9mm, steiner, mps, red dot, surefire, x300, vampire, reload, magazine,

The Bersa while a little less-known brand, might even bring a better performance for the price. Its just as smooth and refined as the Prodigy, and might even be a little better. As is the trigger, and this for almost $200 less.

I LOVE how smooth the Bersa is compared to the others I’ve shot

Out of the two Girsan models, I prefer the CMXX. I love it so much I would probably even pick it over the Bersa despite it not feeling quite as nice as the Bersa. Now, if the Bersa had an island compensator on a Commander barrel length that would change everything…

the CMXX might be my favorite due to size and performance.

I you are absolutely tapped out on funds, then I expect the MAC and Tisas are probably your choices. Or some of a few others that are similar.

I can happily recommend the pistols I’ve shown here, and if you are interested in them I would recommend reading my in depth reviews of them to get a better perspective on them. One thing is for sure, you will like shooting 2011 pistols. And it may be the beginning of an addiction you wont be able to kick.

-CBM

Check out more pistol reviews here

Precision Glam: Grayboe Stocks and Universal Mini Chassis

August 10, 2026blog, Product review, Shooting hardwareChassis, grayboe, stock, universal mini chassiscoldboremiracle

Introduction

My first real rifle, used a laminate wood stock. Not too long after, the fiberglass craze took off, as did the mainstreaming the entire custom rifle industry. It was a radical decade or two where aluminum bedding blocks eventually turned into complete chassis with carbon and other materials added in. Big growth from many companies involved was inevitable, as was the next logical step. Today we are talking about one of those products, The Grayboe Universal Mini Chassis system, and the stocks that go with it. A relatively new product offering, that offers all the precision of an aluminum chassis, and the fit and feel of a synthetic composite stock. Because of the modularity of the UMC stock system, I decided to combine two options into a single review.

grayboe, umc, stock, chassis, universal mini chassis, — here you can see the CVA Cascade SB rifle in the Core stock, read my review of this rifle here

Grayboe and Innovation

Grayboe’s founder comes from the McMillan family, yes that one. I expect his exposure to the stock industry, as well as time spent behind rifles and in service influenced the company’s direction.

What Grayboe has done with their Universal Mini Chassis (UMC) is brilliant for several reasons. Everything in the gun industry is going to modular designs; multi-caliber rifles, interchangeable suppressor hubs, serialized fire control units for pistols and so on. Grayboe has brought that premise into the rifle stock market with their UMC stock design.

the **CVA Cascade SB** in the Flagstaff stock, with an **Athlon Midas HMR Gen II 2-12**

The Mini Chassis

The UMC is exactly what it sounds like; a minimized chassis that incorporates mounting the action against a custom machined fit. Allowing a perfectly supported action while supporting the magazine and trigger within.

the Grayboe Universal Mini Chassis (UMC), this one specific to the CVA Cascade short action. I also have one for the Remington 700 short action

The UMC incorporated AICS magazines even for actions that used proprietary magazines in their stock configuration. They also have little options like adjustable magazine release levers. Weight of the UMC can vary depending on what action/inlay you choose, but its around 14 ounces.

the UMC once installed in the stock is indifferent from a traditionally bedded rifle stock

The UMC is only as big as it needs to be to accomplish those features, because it is then bolted into one of Grayboe’s many stock options. Currently these are the actions with a Grayboe UMC option.

Remington 700 Short Action
Remington 700 Long Action
Tikka T3 / T3x
Howa 1500 Short Action
Howa 1500 Long Action
Ruger American Short Action
Ruger American Long Action
Savage 110 Short Action
Savage 110 Long Action
Mossberg Patriot
CVA Cascade Short Action

The Stock Options

Grayboe’s composite fiber and impact resistant polymer stocks incorporate the light weight and strength of composites, married to all the features that shooters want. They have a variety of different stocks designed for different purposes and budgets in mind.

Core – Competition focused
Flagstaff – Hunting application lightweight
Halo – Hunting/crossover
Phoenix 2- Hunting/crossover
Renegade 2 (Unreleased at publication)

All of these stocks accept the UMC using two screws. That means if you have two different Grayboe stocks, you can transfer your rifle from one to the other in under a minute if you’re quick. All the UMC’s have the same external footprint, fitting any of the Grayboe stocks. And they make UMC’s for most of the popular rifle actions.

torquing in one of my CVA Cascade rifles into the UMC

The Innovative Bit

So you might have already imagined, if you have a couple UMC’s, and a few stocks, you can mix and match. This brings options to the American rifleman who lusts for customization and modularity. You could use the exact same stock on your Ruger American 7PRC elk hunting rifle and your favorite Tikka 22-250 varmint rifle. And they can be changed out quick and without needing to re-zero the rifle.

Unboxing Grayboe Stock

Grayboe recently released a UMC for the CVA Cascade short action, and since I am currently on a Cascade kick it was perfect timing. And as a glutton for modular rifle systems, I tested both the Grayboe Flagstaff and Core stocks with the CVA UMC. My two CVA Cascade rifles would both benefit from the Grayboe system. The exact rifles used are the CVA Cascade SB .65CM and the CVA Cascade Long Range Hunter 25CM, you can read the reviews of the individual rifles here.

You can buy the Grayboe stocks with or without the UMC of your choice. The different stocks come with different accessories, depending on the stock. For example, the Core stock came with spacers to adjust the length of pull. Both stocks came with M-Lok slots under the forearm to allow attachment of accessories like bipods and ARCA rails. They also have QD cups to attach slings both front and rear.

The UMC comes with hardware to attach the rifle action, as well as connecting the UMC to the stock itself. As well as some simple instructions to assemble the whole thing.

Features

These two stocks have some differing features as they are built for very divergent purposes. The Flagstaff is built with hunters in mind, while the Core is built for competitive and professional shooters. They share the footprint of the UMC, and the same stylings but are otherwise pretty different.

grayboe, umc, stock, chassis, universal mini chassis, aluminum, bedding block, action, flagstaff, remington 700, — here is one of my custom Remington 700’s mounted in the UMC/Flagstaff

The Flagstaff

Keeping the weight down on the Flagstaff was obviously a priority, but it is still pretty feature rich all things considered. On the flat-bottomed forend you will find four M-Lok slots for attaching things like ARCA rails or your favorite bipod. It also has QD sling cups on the bottom front and rear to attach your favorte sling.

The textured grip is built at a 35 degree angle, and comb height is fairly traditional. I found that the polymer Flagstaff has a slight compressed fit when installing the UMC, adding a bit of a squeeze to it. Whereas in the carbon fiber Core, it dropped in like a machined fit.

The Core

By comparison, the Core stock has a lot going on. It can be had in either fiberglass or carbon, with a significant weight difference between them. Since it has a focus on the professional shooter, there are many added little features.

The length of pull can be adjusted using provided spacers, moving the gel recoil pad to fit the shooter. The comb height can be adjusted on the fly with a thumb-screw, keeping the luxuriously soft cheek-rest at the perfect height for your sight picture. On the bottom of the buttstock you will find a traditional butt-hook to keep the recoil pad in your shoulder pocket.

spacers are used to adjust length of pull on the Core stock

On the right side of the stock, there are threaded mounting bosses to install a HopticUSA cartridge quiver. An accessory that has become quite popular over the last few years. Up front the Core also features M-Lok slots under the broad and flat forend. It also has multiple QD cups on all sides of the stock so you can carry it different ways. The barrel channel is cut wide, to allow heavy barrel profiles often used in competition.

	Grayboe Core	Grayboe Flagstaff
Weight	4.5lb Fiberglass/6lb Carbon	2.5lbs
Material	Fiberglass or Carbon fiber	Impact resistant polymer
Barrel Channel	Under 1.330 inches	Sendero under .925
Sling QD Cups	7 total front and rear	Front and rear
M-Lok Slots	Full length on forend	4 M-Lok slots on forend
Length of Pull	12.75 min Plus .25” spacers	13.5
Comb Height	Adjustable (tooless)	Fixed
Overall Length	32.5-inches	31.5-inches

grayboe, umc, stock, chassis, universal mini chassis, aluminum, bedding block, action, core, two vets tripod, carbon fiber tripod, shooting from tripod with mountainous background, remington 700, discovery optics, — my custom Remington 700 .223 Remington setup in the Core stock. Its heavy 1.30 straight taper barrel barely fits but it shoots amazing in this setup

Installation

Since I got the system for my CVA Cascade rifles, I would end up installing two different rifles in various configurations. And swap both of them back and forth between the different stocks to get additional experience. I also got my hands on one of the Remington 700 SA UMC’s, which has also allowed me to use these stocks on several of my custom 700’s.

One of the first intricacies that I noticed was a necessity by the manufacturer to make each UMC fit the different action options. For example; the CVA Cascade action screws are in front of and just behind the magwell. This required an engineering solution because a traditional trigger guard like on typical floorplates would be right on top of the rear action screw.

here you can see why the trigger guard needs to be removable, the rear action screw is right under it

Unlike tang-mounted rear action screws like on a Remington 700 that go behind the trigger guard. So Grayboe’s solution was to install the trigger guard after marrying the UMC to the action. The trigger-guard incorporating the mag release are pinned in place after attaching the UMC and action.

the two roll pins that attach the trigger guard and mag release assembly. It must be attached AFTER installing the action to the UMC

I was right to assume that other UMC’s for other actions have a regular trigger guard as part of it, as you can see on my Remington 700 SA UMC below. The trigger guard is built into the UMC as the rear action screw can be accessed without removing it.

grayboe, umc, stock, chassis, universal mini chassis, aluminum, bedding block, action, mounting, remington 700, short action, remington,

Perhaps there are several differences like this depending on the different actions. The UMC can then be dropped right into any of the compatible stocks. There are two cap-screws that connect the UMC and the stock that once torqued down, make it into one solid structure.

tightening the UMC into the Flagstaff stock

It really wasn’t very hard at all to figure out the installation, or to swap them between the two stock options I had. I hadn’t even gotten to the range yet and I was already contemplating other UMC’s for some of my other rifles.

the Area 419 ARCA Lock rail fit perfectly on the Grayboe Core

After the installations process, its simply a matter of adding the accessories you would like for the stock. For example, on the Core stock, I installed one of my Hoptic USA cartridge quivers on the side. I was surprised that this little bonus was added, and that they even put stub-screws in to protect the threads from getting damaged or filled with crud.

Installing my HopticUSA 25 Creedmoor cartridge Quiver. inset: removing the stub-screws

Additionally, I decided to add an Area 419 ARCA lock rail to the Core stock. It is already pretty heavy (which is common for competition guns) so adding a little more wasn’t a big deal. I might add a lightweight short ARCA rail to the Flagstaff, but that one I’m trying to keep light in hopes of carrying it this hunting season.

all AICS magazines I used worked great with the Grayboe UMC

Shooting with Grayboe Stocks

Putting the Grayboe stock system to work, would take place over various trips to the range in open country of the Rocky Mountains. I like to practice where I hunt, so the Flagstaff would get used in the same rugged country where we chase deer and elk. The Core on the other hand isn’t exactly a hunters best choice, but it too would get used for some long range shooting in big country.

Ergonomics

I used just about every option there is when it comes to stocks and chassis. I don’t consider myself to be particularly picky as in general I like most of them. The Grayboe Flagstaff has a pretty traditional feel to it with some added features for handling.

Grayboe Flagstaff

The grip area has a textured pad for added purchase. And the forearm of the stock has two finger grooves running down the side, this gives your fingers something to hold on to when carrying by the stock. The rubber buttpad is nice, sticking where it should.

I ended up using a Triad Tactical stock pack on the back to get better comb height. This turned out to be a suitable situation for my hunting purposes. I also used a few different AICS pattern magazines, all of which worked great.

Grayboe Core

Grayboe’s Core stock on the other hand feels a bit more like a nice leather couch compared to the Flagstaff. That should come as no surprise as most competition focused stocks have many comfort features.

shooting from the Two Vets Tripod attached by ARCA rail system

The adjustable comb is as luxurious as it is practical. Making the rifle fit you is quick and simple, and a comfortable place to rest your cheek while shooting. The vertical grip feels fantastic, keeping your finger perfectly presented to the trigger. The magazine release of the UMC is easily reached with your trigger finger, and has enough resistance to avoid being accidentally engaged.

It wouldn’t hurt my feelings if there was a touch more texture in the right spots, as most guns put into this stock are going to be heavier. A nice texture on the grip areas would help for holding tight. It was nice to carry on a sling though, without it dragging or pulling at clothing.

that is the **Banish Backcountry suppressor** on the Cascade SB

The wide front end of the Core stock allows you to rest the rifle on any surface it will fit, and get a good rest. Once I’d added the ARCA rail, it was even bigger around which could be a challenge for small handed individuals.

Putting the soft gel recoil pad into your shoulder feels quite suave. My two CVA’s don’t recoil very hard but if you had one that did, this recoil pad would definitely soften the blow. I also like the butthook under the stock, it allows you to pull the stock into your shoulder when you need it.

the CVA LRH in the Core stock, with a **US Optics LXR 4-24 scope** resting on the **Two Vets tripod**

Quality

Both of these stocks are quite rigid, giving that stiff platform to launch your shots from. I was surprised to find out the Flagstaff was made from polymer, I initially thought they were both carbon fiber. But even though it is made of a “lesser” material, I was quite happy with it. Minimal flex of the stock make the Flagstaff a great option, and its polymer production is likely why it is more affordable than the carbon options.

the Flagstaff stock fit nicely in my **Eberlestock pack**, you can read all about the pack here

The Grayboe Core stock takes it to the next level, with all the best materials and features. Everything from the finish of the stock, to the supplied fasteners and little instruction cards to help those mechanically challenged out there. The soft parts of the the Core are so nice I’d hate to take them hunting, as they might get sweat soaked or even torn hiking through brush. It does feel built like tank, if you ran out of ammo you could certainly beat your antagonists into a fine paste with it.

Machine work as seen in the Universal Mini Chassis is excellent. All the aluminum parts were nicely anodized and smooth. Both of my rifles fit perfectly into the UMC, and functioned flawlessly. You can tell they spent time designing each different UMC to interact with the action it was meant to fit. And in the CVA case, makes them work perfectly with AICS magazines.

Durability

Grayboe offers a lifetime warranty on their products, which is very comforting. It covers both craftsmanship and accidental damage for those who like to leave their rifle propped against truck tires. If you do happen to use your stock to beat someone into pâté and wear some of the finish off however, that would be considered normal wear. So don’t expect to abuse the warranty.

The only thing I found during my time with these Grayboe stocks that made me pause for durability concerns was the trigger guard. I could see somebody not being careful enough and damaging or breaking the trigger guard when in stalling it in the UMC. Again this might just be the CVA option as others are built into the UMC.

Value

If you browse some of the popular custom stock options you can find stocks that cost significantly more, and some that cost less. The Flagstaff is definitely a more affordable option, with not many less expensive options that offer an aluminum mini chassis.

grayboe, umc, stock, chassis, universal mini chassis, aluminum, bedding block, remington 700, short action, remington, Core, shooting heavy rifle from a shooting bench, — the Grayboe Core allows easy mounting of my **AREA 419 Arca rail**, and to that my Atlas Bipod

The Core stock on the other hand has a lot more competition from many of the big names. Even so, the Core is not as expensive as other options. At this level, there is a lot of subjectivity and usually folks can choose based solely on their preference and looks. Many of the Core’s competitors offer similar features, but they don’t offer the modularity. That may be reason enough to choose the Grayboe option.

Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons	Comment
Strong and rigid construction	(Core) Can be heavy	Comp guns are heavy so…
Great fit and finish	Trigger guard thing I mentioned	May only be the CVA version
(UMC) Precise machinework	I’d like more exterior texture	For grip areas and in general
Excellent modularity
Huge step up from original equipment		Both stock and magazine system improved
Comfortable to carry and shoot
Excellent warranty
Great value
Great Feature set		M-Lok, QD cups, etc.

the flat bottomed forend of the stocks made it easy to improvise shooting positions

Final Thoughts

Different designs appeal to different individuals tastes, I definitely found the Grayboe products to fit into mine. I really enjoy configurable rifles, and the ability to interchange and customize them. But that is certainly not a requirement, as you can setup you rifle in one of these Grayboe chassis systems and never mess with it.

remington 700, grayboe, flagstaff chassis, UMC, universal mini chassis, primary arms, glx 3-18, loading rifle at low ready,

There is definitely a style to their designs, like any manufacturer. And whether one style or another appeals to you, the function of the Grayboe system is fantastic and innovative. Whether you choose to mix and match as I have, or if you are just looking for a solid stock/chassis to improve your factory rifle these will work great. They are well built, and offer great features for a reasonable price made by Americans right here in America.

-CBM

Double Stack Powerhouse: The Springfield Armory DS Prodigy 9mm

August 6, 2026pistols, Product review1911, 2011, 9mm, double-stack, ds prodigy, prodigy, springfield armorycoldboremiracle

Preface

I guess you could say that the Springfield Prodigy is the first 2011 to catch my eye. Several friends had mentioned the double-stack 9mm pistol in conversations, and it wasn’t long until I put hands on one myself. Now years later, after several 2011’s of my own, I am back to the beginning to revisit the Prodigy. The specific model we are looking at today is the five-inch comped Springfield Armory DS Prodigy . Springfield has long made various 1911 pistols in a wide variety of models in the traditional .45ACP, 10mm and 9mm. Forgive me if I misuse 1911 versus 2011 throughout, but for basic understanding I use 2011 to describe double-stack 9mm versions. And 1911 to describe the traditional single stack design usually in .45acp. Lets take a closer look into out subject.

The DS Prodigy

With a rich history of 1911 pistols, Springfield Armory (SA) sat poised to create a fantastic entry into the double-stack 9mm market. Like most 2011 pistols, the Prodigy uses a polymer grip attached to a steel frame. A full-length dust cover also has a five-slot picatinny accessory rail for mounting weapon lights. The polymer grip module houses the double-stack magazines that hold 17-rounds or more. For 1911 traditionalists, it may seem like heresy to put a 9mm in the 1911 platform. But for those who simply love pistols it makes perfect sense. Imagine how many more world wars the 1911 could win with twice the ammo in it?

Springfield Armory, prodigy, DS prodigy, 2011, 9mm, steiner, mps, red dot, surefire, x300, vampire,

In the slide of the Prodigy, you will find a heavy match-grade bull barrel. Married perfectly to the steel slide with a fit that 1911’s are famous for. Both barrel and slide are cut for a compensator at the twelve o’clock position to keep muzzle rise to a minimum. And the slide exterior features textured cuts both front and rear, as well as SA’s AOS optics system cut for red dots. And an internal 70-series extractor is used to pull spent cases from the Prodigy’s fully supported chamber.

The model we are testing today features an added magazine flare, as well as the Steiner MPS red dot sight.

Springfield Armory, prodigy, DS prodigy, 2011, 9mm, steiner, mps, red dot, surefire, x300, vampire, disassembly, guide rod, two-piece guide rod, — the two-piece guide rod requires and allen wrench to undo from the front

Specifications


Manufacturer	Springfield Armory
Model	1911 DS Prodigy
Action	Single-action, semi-automatic
Caliber	9mm Luger
Barrel Length	5 inches
Barrel Type	Forged stainless steel, match grade, ramped
Barrel Twist	1:16″
Overall Length	8.5 inches
Overall Height	5.5 inches
Width	1.4 inches
Weight	38 oz. (empty magazine)
Frame	Forged carbon steel
Slide	Forged carbon steel
Grip Module	Polymer
Finish	Black Cerakote
Capacity	17+1 / 20+1
Magazine Options	17-, 20- and 26-round magazines available
Front Sight	Fiber-optic
Rear Sight	U-notch, black serrated
Optics Ready	Yes — Agency Optic System (AOS)
Accessory Rail	5-slot Picatinny rail
Trigger	Approximately 4–5 lb.
Recoil System	Two-piece full-length guide rod
Grip Safety	Beavertail
Manual Safety	Ambidextrous
MSRP	$1632

Shooting the Prodigy DS

Over the course of several range trips, we evaluated the Prodigy, shooting it alongside other 2011 pistols as well. This gave additional insight to the performance of the Prodigy.

Shootability

As a bit of a 2011 enthusiast, the Prodigy feels like home to me. Every control is exactly where I want it, and it feels fantastic. The pistol points perfectly and feels great under recoil. One of the reasons this gun is so popular is because of its flat shooting performance. It has less muzzle rise keeping it on target for the next shot.

The trigger break and reset are great, I would say not quite as good as my Staccato, but for the price it sure as hell should be better. Bigger pistols like this shoot like a dream, their heavier weight helps buffer recoil making them very pleasant to shoot.

The added flared magwell is a must have in my opinion. It makes reloads butter smooth and doesn’t affect my grip on the pistol either. The magazine release is in the perfect location, never getting hit without purpose.

Accuracy

Using a heavy match-grade bull barrel is a luxury that 2011’s can often do. And the Prodigy pulls it off perfectly. And it shows with its great accuracy. During testing I shot a variety of 115 grain ammunition types from PMC and Federal. All of them functioned well, and typical groups from 7-10 yards would average around 1-2 inches.

Reliability

2011 magazines have much to do with the pistol’s incredibly smooth operation. You can take a fully loaded 20-round magazine and by simply sliding the palm of your hand across the exposed cartridges they will slide out neatly and all over the place.

This coupled with the low friction linear movement of the slide makes this pistol feed and cycle like a dream. You can slowly pull the slide back, and gently forward and the pistol neatly loads cartridges. The same action with a typical pistol would result in a jam of sorts, as they prefer to be fast and violent in their slamming action.

I have heard many stories from the internet, as well as friends in the industry about Prodigy pistols having issues. I’ve also heard that SA repaired them making any corrections necessary for proper function. This pistol hasn’t needed any updates or alterations, and after a thousand rounds it continues to churn along like it should.

Springfield Armory, prodigy, DS prodigy, 2011, 9mm, steiner, mps, red dot, surefire, x300, vampire, recoil, recoiling,

Ergonomics

!911/2011 ergonomics are fairly similar across the market. I expect the reason is that a pistol thats been in use for over a hundred years should basically be perfected at this point. The only gripe I have in this department is the slide release is just out of reach. Requiring a break of the firing grip. One must simply learn to handle these pistols, as its not hard to perform a reload well even with breaking the grip. Also, other 2011 pistols have extended slide releases that eliminate this issue. I also like that option.

The grip texture gives excellent control of the Prodigy, and the ambidextrous safety is easily operated with the thumb. A perfectly crisp snap is felt and heard when the safety is applied or removed.

Value

One could spend ridiculous amounts of money on 2011 pistols, there is even an entire sub-industry for high end 2011 pistols. With that said, the Prodigy is perhaps the best priced 2011 pistol from a big name manufacturer. I have others that cost a hundred or two less, but they are from manufacturers of another tier.

I think the Prodigy is an excellent value in that aspect. With a street price under $1500 it is hard to beat the Prodigy’s credentials. You can certainly get better pistols, but you will pay significantly more money for them.

Pros and Cons

Smooth Shooter	Requires AOS plate for optics mounting
Flat shooting with compensator
Optics ready
Accurate shooting
Great trigger
Affordable compared to others

Final Opinion

As the field of 2011 pistols gets deeper and deeper, some folks like the security that comes from a well known brand. Springfield Armory has been building 1911’s for a long time, and they’ve been around for even longer. The fact that the DS Prodigy is one of the more affordable 2011 style pistols, makes it that much more appealing. Based on my experience with this pistol, I can strongly recommend it to those looking for a double stack 9mm 1911. It offers a great value among the many different 2011’s on the market.

-CBM

Like 2011’s? Wanna check out another one that I love? Click Here

Surefire X300V-B Vampire: A Weapon Light for Night Vision

August 4, 2026Ancillary gear, Product reviewsurefire, vampire, w300v-B, weapon light, x300coldboremiracle

Introduction

Weapon lights are a very valuable accessory that can sometimes make the difference between life and death. Being able to see a threat is a must have in the dark, and Surefire has illuminated the path becoming the gold standard of weapon lights. Today we are taking a look at one of their models that exemplifies their quality; the Surefire X300 Vampire weapon light. The X300V-B is a dual spectrum weapon mounted illuminator, the Vampire designation is both chilling and applicable.

The X300V-B Vampire

What do they mean dual spectrum? The Vampire has options to produce both visible while light from its LED source, as well as IR illumination. Infrared light is not visible to the human eye, so IR illuminators are often used by law enforcement and military for covert operations. IR is perfectly visible when using night vision, it looks just like any other flashlight. Whereas visible light from a typical weapon light would blind the night vision.

surefire, x300, vampire, control, dual source,

You can select which type of light the Vampire produces by simply twisting the emitter housing to the preferred light source. Then, like any X300 you can power it up either momentarily by pushing the ambi switch, or permanently by toggling the switch.

Again like other X300’s, the Vampire is powered by two CR123 lithium cells. Giving you a couple hours of working time in the dark to find your prey. With the same footprint as other X300 models and the same mounting options, your Vampire will fit neatly into your holsters and other accessories. Surefire also makes IR illuminators for rifles, you can see those here.

surefire, x300, vampire, control, dual source, sig sauer, p320, x5, legion, yhm, yankee hill machine, nitro, 9mm, suppressor,

Specifications

HIGH OUTPUT 350 lumens
IR OUTPUT 120mW / 860 nm
PEAK BEAM INTENSITY 11,500 candela
BATTERIES Two 123A lithium (incl.)
SWITCHING Ambidextrous push / toggle
HIGH OUTPUT 350 lumens
HIGH RUNTIME 2.5 hours
IR OUTPUT 120 milliWatts / 860 nm
IR RUNTIME 16.75 hours
DISTANCE 214 meters
CONSTRUCTION Aluminum
FINISH Mil-Spec Hard Anodized
LENGTH 4.0 in (10.0 cm)
WEIGHT w/ BATTERIES 4.0 oz (113 g)
BEZEL DIAMETER 1.06 in (2.7 cm)
WATERPROOF IPX7

Shooting with the X300 Vampire

Obviously, to truly test the Vampire, I would need to shoot in the dark. I’ve shot in the dark plenty of times using my other X300 weapon lights, but this would require at least one tube’s worth of night vision.

At first, I compared the Vampire’s output with my other X300’s for the visible light. Which definitely show a difference. I assume that the Vampire has a lower candela rating than standard X300’s because of the complications of dual light sources. The Vampire uses the same lens to focus both the visible light and the infrared beams.

night vision, ir illuminator, surefire X300V-B, vampire, — taken in urban darkness, tree approximately 40yds

So while the visible light of the Vampire is less than what I’m used to, there is a good reason for it. And even though it has a lower candela rating, it is still very useful in the dark.

Into Complete Darkness

Then it was time to turn out all the lights, and fire up the non-visible units. This is where the Vampire’s namesake makes sense, as there is a creepy feeling slinking around the darkness where only you can see.

The IR beam of light from the X300 Vampire was very bright in the green glow of night vision. And for all practical purposes, it looks just like a flashlight in the dark. The difference of course is that only you can see it, while your potential prey is completely unaware as they sit blindly in the darkness. Blood coursing through their veins in the earie green light of the Vampire.

Its a good idea to learn the functions of the Vampire before the lights go out. Turning the bezel of the light the wrong direction could give you visible light when you wanted IR light. That is not a good situation when you are trying to be sneaky.

Pros and Cons

While the X300 family is the gold standard of weapon lights, I am a little frustrated with its control panel. It works great as designed, but I wish they would update it. There are many other copies of the X300 that have better controls, allowing button lockouts, strobe features, and more. I wish Surefire would update the X300’s to do the same.

Also if you’ll allow me another, I am not a big fan of the Rail-Lock System. While it does work, and is quick for install or removal of the light, I’ve had several of them that fit loose. Resulting in a little slop, allowing the light to rattle slightly. I much prefer the clamping style attachment that you can cinch down on the accessory rail.

the **P320 X5** ready for the dark, with a **Vortex Defender XL** and **YHM suppressor**

Enough complaining already, as I still love the Surefire X300 lights. The Vampire like its non-blood-sucking siblings is built very well, and looks as good as it performs. You can tell they put a lot of work into designing and building these lights, and their function shows it well.

My Verdict

Should you get a Vampire? Well, if you don’t use night vision at least occasionally, it’s probably nothing more than an expensive cool looking accessory. But for some people thats all that matters. If you do use night vision occasionally or even frequently, then its a slam dunk. I would absolutely get an X300 Vampire as it will make your nights brighter and feel a little less creepy. And if you use night vision often, I wouldn’t even consider the standard weapon lights over the Vampire.

-CBM

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Silencing the Big Bores: the Elite Iron Asset Suppressor

July 28, 2026Product review, suppressors.375, .408, .416, asset, barrett, big bore, cheytac, Desert tech, elite iron, hti, silencer, suppressorcoldboremiracle

Preface

As suppressors continue to become a part of normal use, competition is driving costs down and features up. That competition is leaving no area of the suppressor market threads unturned. One of the different suppressor markets is the big-bore group. ELR and similar rifles using large cartridges like the Cheytac’s, Barrett’s and Hellfire’s are particularly expensive to suppress. Entry level suppressors for these sized rifles start around 1500-dollars and go up to over 5000-dollars for the more fancy ones. Today we are reviewing a new offering from a company that has been in the business for some time. Elite Iron has been making suppressors and big bore cans long before the suppressor craze began. Our subject today is one of their newer offerings; the Elite Iron Asset suppressor, a configurable big bore suppressor available in .375, .408 or .416 bore sizes.

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The Elite Iron Asset Suppressor

No stranger to suppression, the folks at Elite Iron have been cranking suppressors out of Montana for over twenty years. In more recent years they started manufacturing big bore cans like their Alpha 50 suppressor.

As the suppressor market has grown massively over the last two or three years, options and customization have increased with it. New unheard of companies and old names alike have offered so many new models and options that its tough to keep up. That is where the Asset comes in.

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Suppressors in general have become incredibly adaptable to different purposes. Whether it be the industry standard hub mounting system, or the multi-caliber craze. Big bore suppressors being a little more expensive and specialist, are a little slower to change I suppose. But the Elite Iron Asset brings all of that into a big bore can. The Asset has two stages that can be used or removed, as well as a muzzle that can be configured with a plain end-cap or a two-port muzzle brake. This in addition to the interchangeable threaded mounting hub.

Specifications


Caliber Rating	.375/.408/.416 caliber
Compatible Cartridges	.300 Norma Magnum through .416 Barrett
Construction	Titanium, 7075 aluminum, and heat-treated 4140 steel
Overall Configuration	Two-stage modular suppressor
Weight (Fully Assembled w/ Muzzle Brake)	40 oz (2.5 lb / 1.13 kg)
Weight (1st Stage w/ Muzzle Brake)	32 oz (2.0 lb / 0.91 kg)
Weight (1st Stage w/ Castle Nut Plain End Cap)	27 oz (1.69 lb / 0.77 kg)
Mounting System	Direct-thread, interchangeable thread adapters
Configurations	Four factory-supported configurations
Included Components	1st-stage module, 2nd-stage module, muzzle brake, castle nut cap, two disassembly tools
Primary Application	Extreme Long-range (ELR) and Similar rifles
MSRP (Launch)	$1,795

The Asset can be configured in various ways to best fit the application. I find it is a pretty large suppressor for something like a 300NM, and therefor it could likely be used in its shortest configuration if you are looking for minimal addition to the profile. Or if you are going for maximum suppression, both stages of the suppressor can be used. And the user indexable muzzle brake can be added for additional recoil mitigation. All this for an American made price comparable to many 338 sized suppressors. If the Asset sounded good, I thought this would be an unstoppable combination.

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Mounting the Asset can be done by selecting one of the many thread options available from Elite Iron. As well as several Cerakote color options including: Black, Burnt Bronze, FDE, Glacier Forge, and OD Green.

Threaded Hub options:

1″-14 TPI, 3/4″-24 TPI, 7/8″-14 TPI, 7/8″-20 TPI, M22x1.5, M24x1.0

Unboxing an Asset

Inside the box, I found the semi-disassembled Asset with a manual, tools, and the Elite Iron velvet sock to safely protect it. With such a surprising amount of options to configure, I evaluated each piece. I completed the assembly using both stages of the main can, and added the muzzle brake to the end to get the whole ensemble. They even included a threaded aluminum cap to protect the threads of whichever component you aren’t using.

elite iron, suppressor, asset, .375, .408, 416, barrett, cheytac, silencer, big bore, disassembly, sub assemblies, unboxing — the main components of the Asset, seen with a **.408 Cheytac cartridge**

The hook spanner wrench included can be used to tighten either of the splined rings used to attach hubs or stages to each end of the suppressor body. It is also used to tighten the locking ring when timing the muzzle brake to the firearm. Not shown is the secondary tool clamping wrench tool.

The Host Rifle

To test the Elite Iron Asset, I had only one choice; the Desert Tech HTI chambered in .408 Cheytac. The HTI is a compact platform in a bullpup configuration, it incorporates a multi-caliber option allowing the user to quickly change between calibers like .375CT, .408CT, .416B, and .50BMG. The Asset would be a perfect companion for all of those less the 50.

The model tested today has the .408 bore, which wouldn’t work for the .416 Barrett, but would for the 375 and 408 Cheytac models. And to be honest thats all that personally interests me, as I don’t care for 50’s.

With the M22x1.5 thread hub in the Asset, it was a perfect fit for the HTI’s barrel threads. After snapping the suppressor against the barrel, I visually aligned the muzzle brake before tightening the locking ring to secure it. Then it was time to just step back and take in how sexy this whole thing was.

Initial Shots

Just to get an idea of how the different configurations sounded, we ran the suppressor a few rounds in each of its stages. Short with no brake, short with brake, long with no brake, and long with brake. As you might imagine, the long configuration gave the best sound suppression.

Even in an indoor range, I found it to be tolerable without hearing protection. Though it may or may not be a bit quieter without the brake. But that of course increased the felt recoil slightly.

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The shorter configuration was a touch too loud for me indoors, but was perfectly fine in the open country where it is likely to be used. And in the open, it sounded amazing. When hearing the report of the 408 Cheytac from as close as 20 yards downrange from the muzzle it didn’t sound much different than a suppressed 5.56 or .308. For a real test in the field, we would take the whole kit into the dry deserts of the west and stretch it out.

Modularity

I mentioned the different stages you can use to configure the suppressor. These are to adapt to suppression and recoil mitigation requirements. On the breach end of the suppressor you will find a different design than most of the hub system suppressors. The first stage of the Asset is a mono-core design, and the mounting threads are actually part of of a blast chamber that threads onto the back of the mono-core.

So to change the thread pitch, you would remove the rear cap (called encapsulator ring in manual) with the tool. Then pull the entire mono-core out the back, and unthread the rearmost portion of it. You could then change it to a different thread pitch part, threading it back onto the core. Then reinstall the core and tighten the ring again. This is an interesting design, and one I expect to be a bit more stout than a simple hub that threads into the back of the suppressor.

Sound Suppression

A precision rifle like the HTI or any other chambered thusly would likely be used for either extreme distances or for crushing targets at closer ranges. Either of those scenarios could be enhanced by the anonymity of sound suppression. From modest distances like 800-yards, the impact of the bullet striking targets was just as loud as the shot from the rifle when heard from 100-200 yards away.

It really didn’t give the impression you were shooting such a large cartridge when you heard it go off. The Asset made the report of the rifle sound much more like any typical suppressed rifle shot. This to me is a huge advantage over previous versions of suppressors for this rifle. In the open and arid desert we had no use for hearing protection while shooting this rifle.

Since I am but a humble rifle junkie, I do not have the expensive testing equipment to show dB readings. But Elite Iron does have them listed on their website, so I will share them here:

167 dB* without a suppressor
1st stage with end cap 24 dB*
1st and 2nd stage with end cap 31 dB*
1st stage with muzzle break 22 dB*
1st and 2nd stage with muzzle break 30 dB*

Recoil Reduction

In the very first shots while testing the difference between the muzzle brake and a plain end cap it became very obvious. The muzzle brake was very effective at reducing felt recoil. While the HTI in 375 or 408 isn’t particularly heavy recoil, it was even more modest with the Asset and its brake. I would compare the recoil to something like an average hunting rifle, something I could shoot all day (provided I had thousands of dollars to spend on ammo).

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I expect the recoil reduction is perhaps a little more noticeable on larger cartridges like the .416 Barrett. Also, if you are trying to maximize the compact nature of your rifle, you can run the shorter configuration while incurring a little more felt recoil. The impact shift of the Asset seemed to have minimal horizontal shift, favoring to the right. It also seemed to be repeatable as advertised by Elite Iron, which is a big deal for those who know.

Durability

One question I have often asked myself is how durable all these modular suppressor designs are. After all, the more sub-assemblies and threaded together parts there are, the more there is to go wrong. I have made peace with the fact that it is simply worth the trouble of keeping an extra eye on all this, to get the modularity I crave. I think it would be a good idea to put indexing marks on every stage of the suppressor to be able to visually see if something begins to come loose. Something as simple as a paint pen witness mark. As I can’t fathom the gut-wrenching scene of part or all of this can going downrange.

The threads of each piece seem more than adequate for engagement. And the locking rings give good purchase to tighten them properly.

The Titanium and aluminum construction give the Asset its incredibly lightweight feel. I expect testing from the manufacturer would show the suppressor to endure years of shooting. Our initial shots did show a few sparky fireworks coming from the muzzle, which I have seen many times with titanium cans. This went away with additional use, as later when I watched there was no sparks shown at all. This is likely just titanium particles being ignited under the high temperature and heat of the. shots.

one of the very first shots from the Asset

Weight

So many of the big bore cans feel like an artillery shell. I totally understand overbuilding suppressors for these massive cartridges, but it seems like technology and suppressor design has shown it not be so necessary.

I was very impressed with how light the Asset was, considering the firearms it is destined to yoke. And even with its light weight, it still did an excellent job at taming all the pressure and volume of gas expelled.

Value

I must admit, I was partially stunned when I saw the price of the Elite Iron Asset. Many of us are used to seeing price points in the 1500-1900 dollar range for even magnum cartridge ratings like 338LM or 300NM. Albeit with some bells and whistles.

With all the modularity of the Asset, I would have expected it to handily clear the two-thousand dollar mark. It wouldn’t have surprised me if the price had been $2500. So when I saw the MSRP of only $1795 I was impressed. There is an incredible amount of big bore dexterity in the Asset’s application, for the price of can that is only a tax stamp or two away from suppressors folks are using on their 8.6Blk hog rifles.

Pros and Cons

Very Reasonable Price	Many Potential Parts to Loosen
Modular Design	Maybe Some Titanium Sparks at first
Various Caliber Compatible
Lightweight for Size
Great Recoil Reduction
Various Color options
Made in America
Broad Threading Options
Excellent Sounds Reduction

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My Verdict

If I was in the market for a .375, .408 or .416 suppressor, I would be furious with myself had I not tested this one before buying another. Those who shoot big cartridges like these are fewer than most shooting enthusiasts. But those that know a little bit about it can understand the value of a great suppressor. And those that don’t understand the value are the kind of people who don’t care about prices at all.

I think the Elite Iron Asset is exactly that, a fantastic asset for a big bore rifleman or ELR enthusiast. And a big step ahead of previous Elite Iron big bore suppressors.