Category Archives: Shooting hardware

Rifles and their parts

Savage Impulse Mountain Hunter 7 PRC

July 14, 2024Product review, Shooting hardware7prc, impulse, mountain hunter, savagecoldboremiracle

Preface

Every so often there is a new development in the firearms industry, sadly it is a practice that is definitely against the norm. But thank goodness for those that keep trying. Today we are looking at a newer design from well known manufacturer Savage Arms. Savage has long been a great US firearms producer, and today we are are looking at one of their new rifles, the Savage Impulse Mountain Hunter chambered in 7mm PRC.

Savage Impulse Action

The Savage Arms Impulse rifle is based on the Impulse action, which is very different from typical rifle actions. The Impulse uses a straight-pull bolt design, supposedly to reduce loading time and simplify movements. Straight-pull actions are nothing new, but Savage engineers went about it in an incredibly interesting way.

savage impulse bolt — the bolt-head of the Savage Impulse, note extractor and locking balls

The bolt is operated by a lever at the rear, in the same position as other bolt handles. But when pulled to the rear the handle pulls an internal linkage. At the front of the bolt, where it engages with the action there are 6 ball-detents that are pushed out to the receiver to lock the bolt in place. So as the bolt-handle is pulled, the balls collapse into the bolt-body allowing it to be pulled to the rear. And when pushed forward, after chambering a round, the balls are then cammed into place locking the breech of the rifle closed.

savage impulse — note bolt stop/release, and left-hand bolt handle attachment point

The bolt also allows ambidextrous operation. The handle can be moved from one side of the bolt to the other, allowing lefties to use the rifle as well.

The bolt itself is kept from rotating by a keyed slot in the bolt-body, and it also has a button on the bolt-shroud to run the bolt without dropping the striker. Otherwise the trigger must be pulled to extract cartridges from the chamber. Just below that is the tang-mounted safety. The design makes the action slightly larger than comparable actions, both the bolt-body diameter and length seem bigger than that of traditional bolts.

the Savage Impulse bolt (front) compared to a Ruger long-action bolt

The Savage Impulse Rifle

Aside from the action the Impulse rifle is very Savage, the Mountain Hunter model seems to come with some added benefits. Up front there is a carbon fiber-wrapped barrel from Proof Research, this one being chambered in the venerable 7mm PRC cartridge. The muzzle is threaded 5/8-24 and features a radial muzzle break to take down recoil.

The twenty-two inch barrel uses the typical Savage barrel nut, and is nested neatly in the synthetic AccuStock. Underneath the action you’ll find a detachable box mag that holds two 7 PRC rounds, my rifle came with two magazines. On top of the receiver is a 20-MOA picatinny rail for mounting your scope of choice. The Savage standard AccuTrigger is adjustable from 1.5 to 4 pounds, though I felt no need to adjust it from its factory settings.

Muzzle brake detail (loosened for photograph)

Aluminum bedding is part of the stock to improve rigidity, and a soft rubber recoil pad at the back for comfort. The entire outfit comes in just over seven and a quarter pounds, which is very acceptable for a long-action hunting rifle.

Range Preparation

In order to outfit this rifle for some proper testing, I knew it needed a few important accessories. For a scope, I settled on the Primary Arms GLx 3-18×44 which I have used extensively with excellent results. The scope was mounted using an Area 419 one-piece scope mount, which is more than a typical hunting rifle needs but I was feeling fancy.

7 PRC — the detachable magazine with two 7PRC cartridges inside

After the fancy had passed, I grabbed a Harris Bipod and stuck it to the front of the rifle. I had a few boxes of Hornady Precision Hunter 175 ELDX and Match 180 ELDM ammunition which would do for testing the rifle. I also wanted to shoot the rifle suppressed, so I grabbed a few different suppressors. But ended up using mainly the Guardian Defense 30M.

With everything ready, I loaded the truck and headed into the Utah wilderness where this rifle was meant to roam.

Savage Impulse Mountain Hunter Review

Shootability

The weight and balance of the Impulse was exactly what I’d anticipated. It has all the feel of a good lightweight hunting rifle. Running the straight bolt took some time getting used to. Mainly becauseit took a bit to overcome the muscle memory I’d built up. Pulling the bolt straight to the rear was indeed faster than a typical bolt, but I did find a few things I didn’t like.

Its likely that both of these things are simply training that can be over come. But none-the-less; Multiple times while running the bolt, the bolt-shroud actually touched my nose. Just barely of course, but it seems to me that the bolt of the Impulse is significantly longer than others. I could definitely see in the heat of a hunting moment where you might crash the bolt into your face.

Secondly, the camming of the bolt-handle was a little more friction than I’d like. Occasionally it gave the sensation that you were pulling the gun into your shoulder before the bolt started moving.

Accuracy

I have always liked Savage rifles for their accuracy. The Impulse seemed to fit well into that group. Average groups with match ammunition were sub MOA, with the better groups measuring .6-.7 MOA. That is more than enough accuracy for most typical hunts. And I have no doubt that the Impulse could shoot better with a little more ammunition exploration and handloading.

Reliability

Other than the little issues I outlined above, the Impulse worked almost without fail. The reason I say almost is because we did have a couple feeding issues. I am very confident that these issues were based more on my misunderstanding of the rifle’s operation. And I expect that after a few trips to the range with this rifle you will figure out the rhythm of the Impulse and this wont be an issue.

Value

With a street price just under two thousand dollars, the Impulse isn’t an inexpensive rifle. It certainly has all the features you would expect for a rifle at that price though. What I don’t think it has is that certain something that makes me want it over my other guns. Things like detachable box mags, 20 MOA scope base, threaded carbon fiber barrel and so forth are all fantastic. I just don’t know that I would spend that much money on the Impulse over something else of a comparable price. For example, I absolutely loved the Springfield Armory Redline 2020 which cost’s a bit more than the Impulse. And if it didn’t shoot terrible accuracy I would have kept it. I have a Bergara HMR Carbon that does everything the Impulse and Redline do. And for over four hundred dollars less than the cheaper of those two.

Ergonomics

While I didn’t really care for the bolt manipulation of the Impulse, I am fully prepared to accept it is simply my preference. The rest of the rifles ergonomic features were perfectly acceptable in my opinion. The stock textures and grip areas are well contoured making the rifle easy to shoot and maneuver.

Final Thoughts

After spending some time shooting the Savage Impulse Mountain Hunter, I feel I have a pretty good grasp of its potential. While some of its functions might not be my cup of tea, I certainly wouldn’t feel under-gunned with it. And I would be perfectly confident taking it as my primary hunting rifle on a Rocky Mountain elk hunt.

The added complexity and size of the Impulse don’t particularly add anything for me. So while I might feel confident shooting and hunting with it, I don’t think I would spend the money on one myself. Not with other options available for a more economic price.

As I mentioned at the top, the firearms industry is a bit hostile towards innovation and new ideas. And even though I don’t find the Impulse as appealing as others, I can still applaud Savage for trying it. Who knows, perhaps they will continue refining the Impulse and come out with something I like more than my traditional bolt guns. Either way, if you are interested in the Impulse, get behind one and see if you like the action. The rest of it seems pretty much textbook Savage Arms, which is a good thing.

-CBM

Galil Ace 5.56 Gen 2

June 29, 2024Product review, Shooting hardwareGalil, Galil ACE, IWIcoldboremiracle

Introduction

Few firearms have the fame of the popular Kalashnikov AK-47, but today we are bringing you a review of a more modern rifle. The Galil Ace Gen 2 takes the robust and reliable design of the famous AK to a more modern level. Join us as we analyze the IWI second generation Galil chambered in 5.56 Nato.

the Galil Ace kitted with the **Eotech Vudu 1-6**

Specifications

Left-Side Thumb Safety Selector
Right-Side AK Styled Safety Selector
Folding Mechanism with AR-15 Receiver Extension Compatible Stocks/Braces
Free-Floating Cold Hammer Forged sixteen-inch 1:7 twist Barrel
Left-Side Dust Covered Charging Handle
Standard 1/2×28 or 5/8×24 Barrel Threading
Handguard QD and and Stock/Brace QD Sling Sockets
Long-stroke gas piston
Last-round bolt capture
5.56 Nato Stanag magazine
Eight pounds twelve ounce weight
Eighteen-inch optics mounting rail.
Free-Floated M-Lok handguard
Thirty-six to thirty-nine in overall length

Background

The original Galil was designed for the Israeli Defense Forces more than fifty years ago. A service rifle that borrowed heavily from the AK-47, but also incorporated better designs and more modern service cartridges to improve the performance of the rifle.

Galil Ace — the **Galil ACE** next to its ancestor

The Galil uses a milled receiver to serve as a sturdier platform for the rifle’s parts. Built originally in 7.62x51and 5.56 the rifle was and is used by a variety of military and law enforcement agencies. The ACE variant of the Galil utilizes a polymer lower receiver portion that greatly enhances the rifle’s capabilities. Allowing the use of various modern magazine designs and reducing the overall weight of the rifle.

Moving the charging handle to the left side of the receiver allowed using the support hand to charge the rifle. Additionally a left-side dust cover protects the charging handle channel from debris. Additionally, the ACE version of the rifle added a folding style AR patterned buttstock that allows the use of more popular and modular buttstock options. All these additional design improvements brought the Galil into competition with more modern firearms like the M16.

This allowed the rifle to win various military contracts putting it into service in countries all over the world. It is also manufactured under license in various countries, something I witnessed first hand in Colombia. Where they are very proud of their own Galil ACE rifles used by the Colombian National Army. Other countries like Mexico, Philippines, Nigeria, and Vietnam also use the Galil ACE as an infantry battle rifle.

Galil ACE Features

Picatinny Optics rail- a full 18-inches for mounting a variety of sighting options
Sixteen-inch Barrel- Threaded ½-28 using a 1:7 twist optimized for modern munitions
Folding AR-type stock- for more compact storage and adjustment
Dual Safeties- both right and left-sided safety controls
M-Lok Free-floated handguard- for adding the best accessories

Additional Models

The Galil ACE is available in four basic models. They all feature the same basic concept, but come in four calibers. The 5.56 model we tested today, and a 7.62×51 model that both use the same popular magazines as AR platforms.

Additionally there are two models that use AK type magazines. The 5.45×39 model and the 7.62×39 model both use rock-in locking AK type magazines. As well as the paddle release you’ll find familiar from AK type rifles.There also appear to be SBR versions of the rifle.

Galil ACE stripped — field stripped for cleaning

Galil ACE Gen 2 rifle review

I’ve long been familiar with the Galil, but I had never handled one nor taken the time to familiarize myself. So when this Galil ACE showed up I guess you could say I was only modestly aware. But like any true gun nut, I immediately played with it until I had every control and function figured out.

My initial impression was better than expected, mainly because I had thought the Galil was just another AK variant.

The ACE

A lifetime ago it would seem, the original Galil was introduced to defense forces. The modern ACE version of the rifle incorporates some much better features when compared to its ancestor. It’s long milled receiver makes the overall rifle a bit longer than a comparable AR. But due to its folding stock it can be made more compact than said AR, and it can be fired without the stock fixed.

I shouldered the rifle and adjusted the length of pull quite easily, the same way I would an AR. It felt familiar against the shoulder, with easy manipulation using the pistol grip. With the charging handle on the left side of the receiver it was very easy to manipulate, especially compared to the original.

The Action felt smooth and consistent, despite being bone dry. I dropped the magazine a few times and also noticed the lock-open feature which is superior to the AK design. With a push-button mag release, it’s much more familiar to the typical American shooter. I definitely prefer it over the paddle release design of the original Galil.

The ACE safety is similar to the previous Galil, in that it has safety selectors on both sides of the gun. But the ACE uses a less conspicuous right side selector, the original looked much more like the AK safety. The left-side safety selector is operated by the thumb, and is linked to the right-side selector inside the receiver.

Range Ready

To shoot the ACE, I figured I would add a simple red dot for fun shooting. And bring along a good scope to see how accurate it can be. I also grabbed a few different magazines to test in the rifle, some P-Mags and OK metal mags. I also grabbed a Magpul MS1 sling to use on the rifle.

For ammunition, I brought along a few boxes of PMC Bronze and some American Eagle both featuring 55 grain bullets. A couple different options to see how the rifle functions.

Once on the firing line, it was time to go hot with the ACE. It didn’t take long to find out what I liked and didn’t like about the shootability of the rifle. First up were the controls. The charging handle is smooth and easy to operate. Trigger pull definitely felt better than an AK, but I wouldn’t put it as good as an AR trigger. Dropping the bolt after a reload took a little more effort than I would have liked or anticipated. And both the bolt-release and magazine catch were just a touch further away than I would have liked. But these are of course somewhat subjective.

During the course of our testing we experienced zero failures. Running different magazines and ammunition types didn’t affect the rifle at all. The impressive ejection will keep empty brass landing in the next county, so don’t expect to recover much of it. With its action based on the AK design, it comes as no surprise that it functions so well.

The grip angle fits nicely, and the dual safety selectors are almost perfect placement to use without removing most of your hand from the grip. If there was one thing I would change about the ergonomics of the rifle it would be to put the controls a little more accessible.

Shooting the Galil ACE on paper averaged groups around two MOA. Ten shots ended up in a 2.8 MOA group, which probably would have been a little better with a higher power scope. I have seen reports of accuracy as good as 1-1.5 MOA which wouldn’t surprise me at all.

I noticed while shooting the ACE that the recoil impulse is a little more punchy than I had anticipated. Certainly not a big deal, but it didn’t feel as soft as an AR. It was generally a pretty fun rifle to shoot, easy to handle and operate.

Galil Pros and Cons

Pros

Reliable function- time tested design works flawlessly

Compatibility- works with most modern accessories (mags, M-Lok, etc)

Generous sight rail- lots of space for various sight mounting

Ambi safety- use it how best suits you

Adjustable Stock- easily fit the rifle length of pull to your needs

Foldable stock- makes storage and transport easier

Good controls- allows you to operate rifle well

Cons

Slightly longer than a comparable 16” AR

While not heavy, it is a touch heavier than comparable rifles

Galil ACE Report card

Shootability (B+) It was easy to maneuver and shoot well

Reliability (A) Excellent reliability, no malfunctions experienced

Ergonomics (B) The rifle feels great, but I would really like some enhanced controls

Accuracy (B) Not exceptional, but good enough for its purpose

Value (B) For what it does, it seems a touch steep

Preferred Ammunition

All the ammunition I brought along for the review worked great, out of the two bulk-packed ammo types the rifle didn’t seem to have a preference. Both shot comparably. But I also shot some better quality ammunition to see if it would improve the accuracy of the rifle. For that I used some Hornady Black 62 grain and some PMC Match 77 grain. Both of those shot better than the ball ammo.

Galil Upgrades and Accessories

Red Dot

I used my US Optics TSR-1 red dot for much of the shooting. I found it to provide great target acquisition and engagement, and it would be ideal for active shooting in short-range scenarios.

Rifle Scope

I also did some shooting using the Eotech Vudu 1-6 LPVO. I found this sight to be more useful for shooting further distances, it allowed me to accurately engage targets at three and four-hundred yards. The FFP configuration of the scope was helpful for those farther shots, and the illuminated ring worked much like a red dot for the closer shots.

Sling

The MS1 sling was a handy accessory for the ACE. Much like with any rifle it gives you rapid adjustment to be able to sling the rifle when you don’t need it. And keep it close for when you do need it.

Last Words

I really enjoyed the Galil, but it kind of felt like a vacation. What I mean is, it was like a fun place to visit but I don’t know if I’d want to live there. I certainly wouldn’t feel under-gunned with a Galil in hand, but there a few other things I think I’d rather have. Like one of my AR’s or perhaps even my WLVRN. I would definitely get behind a Galil if you are interested in one, you might just find yourself smiling.

-CBM

CZ 600 Trail rifle 300 Blackout

June 27, 2024Product review, Shooting hardware300 blackout, Cz, cz 600, trailcoldboremiracle

Czech firearms manufacturer CZ has hit quite a few out of the park lately. Today I bring you a review of another one of CZ’s more recent ventures; the CZ Model 600 Trail chambered in 300 Blackout. The compact Trail model promises to bring compact performance, something I enjoy myself. Let’s get into this review!

Gun Specs

Model	CZ 600 Trail 300AAC
Action type	Bolt-action
MSRP	$1079.00
Chambering	300 AAC Blackout (tested), 223 Rem, 7.62×39 Soviet
Magazine capacity	Factory 10 (uses Bren Stanag magazines)
Magazine type	detachable
Stock type	PDW 4 position collapsible
Length of pull	5.8 to 13.7 Inches
Sights	Picatinny rail
Barrel	16.2 inch Hammer-forged semi-heavy, suppressor ready ⅝-24
Barrel twist	1:7
Overall Length	27-35 inches
Weight	6.1 pounds
Trigger	Adjustable
Safety	AR style

Background

The 600 series of rifles is a more recent product line from CZ. Some of the company’s other impressive rifles like the Model 550 and model 457 are extremely popular with shooters. But the 600 series appears to be broad enough to cover most purposes.

Shooters will be happy to see that the model 600 is available in a micro action (tested today) as well as a standard short-action, and long-action. This spectrum of options means there is surely a Model 600 for you.

Shop all CZ rifles

As far as I can tell, the 600 series of rifles was designed to be a modern replacement to aging designs based on Mauser’s. Something to compete in the same market as Tikka T3’s and the Ruger American. I love the classy quality of the Model 550’s, but I can understand why CZ would move towards something more efficient to manufacture.

Sometimes, modern manufacturing designs also mean cheap. For example, the Ruger American is very popular today, but I don’t think it’s as robust or well-built as the old Ruger M77. It may function just as well, and even eclipse the capabilities, but it doesn’t feel as stout as my old M77.

I’m optimistic that CZ hasn’t short-changed the model 600 by incorporating cheap imported parts and technologies. But that’s what we are here to find out. Perhaps someday there will be a collector grade Model 600 Safari hung over my hearth.

Model 600 Features

Threaded Barrel- ⅝-24 thread pattern to fit your favorite suppressor
M-Lok Handguard- Allows easy mounting of accessories
Picatinny Sight rail- for mounting sights or rifle scopes
Detachable Box Magazine- CZ Bren pattern stanag magazines for quick reloads
Adjustable trigger- easily adjusted for best feel
AR style safety- familiar feel is easily operated
Collapsible PDW stock- reduces the size of the rifle for storage or transport

Other Models

In addition to the model we tested today, the Model 600 Trail is also available in both 223 Remington and 7.62×39 Soviet. These three micro-action options give you plenty of performance choices.

CZ Model 600 Trail Review

Picking up the Trail for the first time, I wasn’t exactly sure what it was for. By that I mean its purpose. At a glance it almost looks like some kind of AR type rifle, until you notice the bolt. Once I picked it up though, and gave it a quick look it became quite apparent what this rifle is for.

With a short sixteen-inch barrel and a collapsible stock, this rifle was meant to go places. And with a name like Trail I assume CZ means for us to take it into the mountains. But to be honest, I think it would also make a good covert rifle. Something to tuck under the seat of your truck.

Using the 300 Blackout cartridge also suggests some civilian spook purposes, such as dispatching pests around the house. Or just hunting animals quietly, as the subsonic ammunition available for the Blackout is movie quiet.

Range Prep

Before heading out with the rifle, I first mounted up a riflescope. The Maven RS 3 is a 5-30 power scope, probably a little more scope than this rifle needs. But it would help test the rifles capabilities.

cz, cz 600, trail, tripod — The **Maven RS 3 riflescope** was a great fit for this rifle

Instead of the typical bipod I would mount on a rifle, I put a tripod adapter for my little Precision Rifle Solutions tripod. This would give added stability, and additional shooting positions. I grabbed a few boxes of 300Blk ammunition from Hornady and HSM, both supersonic and subsonic varieties.

I also threw a suppressor in my bag, a Yankee Hill Machine Nitro. Shooting a 300Blk without a suppressor in my opinion is silly, I wanted to experience it proper.