If you grew up watching movies where assassins and heroes alike would covertly shoot their adversary using a silencer, that might be reason enough to buy one. But today we are going to discuss other reasons to own a suppressor, or suppressor as they are more correctly called.
adding a suppressor to your favorite rifle will only make it better, this SRS M2 is my favorite
Due to the unreasonably complicated and costly process to obtain a suppressor, it isn’t something many take lightly. With any luck and some hard work that might change soon. In the meantime, I’ll go over the reasons I think you should own a suppressor.
America
First off, this is America. It pains me to know that Europeans can walk into a local gun shop and pickup a suppressor (or moderator as they call them there) and walk out without any further drama. While they can’t do the same with a firearm, it still seems unfair to me.
The right to bear arms is clear, any infringement on that right is immoral. So many of us have endured the intruding touch of the federal government in exchange for owning and using suppressors. While I hate to pay an unfair tax, I also see an incredible value with suppressors. It is with great distaste and contempt that any of us should continue buying our rights back from the government. But if we continue pushing the topic, it could eventually change.
Owning NFA regulated items is one way to normalize them, and convert them into what is called common use. Making them more commonly used among the public will help turn the tide against those who want your $200.
Twenty-two rimfire semi-automatic pistols have been a touchy subject for as long as I can remember. Sure, you can get something like a Ruger MK IV or a Browning Buckmark, but those are the same pistols my grandpa used. I want something more modern, something that has the handsome looks and function of modern semi-automatic pistols. Today I bring you the latest chapter in the saga of the Taurus TX 22 TORO.
I got one of the very first TX22’s years ago, and it was love at first brick for me. I have since bought four more, with the latest being this new model the TX22 TORO. The TORO model incorporates all the best features from every model prior. It has the slide cuts of the TX22 Compact, the optics cut of the TX22 Competition model. And not to be outdone, the TORO model uses a thicker heavy barrel which of course is threaded. And an impressive magazine capacity of 22 rounds.
The Taurus TX22
I mentioned I am no stranger to this pistol, but there is more to it than that. I had a bit of a sour opinion of Taurus until I met the TX22, and while there are plenty of you out there doubting me, I can tell you the TX22 is probably the best overall 22 pistol out there. At first I thought maybe I was just lucky, but the resounding echo of popularity everywhere tells me I am not the only one who enjoys my TX22’s.
Hours of fun and gun handling training have been done at our house with the TX22. All of my children are huge fans, and it never fails when we head into the mountains “did you bring the Taurus Dad?”.
It seems like Glock clones are coming out of the woodwork lately. Almost every time I boot up the computer I find another new pistol that is building on the famous polymer framed pistols. But like a true gun nut, I embrace this storm of striker guns. And today I am bringing you yet another fresh handgun review, hot out of it’s mold. Today we are reviewing the ZRO Delta FKS 9 pistol, a pistol very similar to the Glock model 19.
ZRO Delta has been well known for making products like AR15 rifles and sub assemblies, as well as optics mounting solutions. Additionally they manufacture the FKS 9 pistol and “The One” modular pistol which is a similar 9mm gun with various modular interchangeable configurations. The ZRO FKS 9 is available with a variety of Cerakoted slide colors as well, with grey, green, bronze and FDE options. And of course the black Nitride standard finish.
SPECIFICATIONS:
9x19mm
Advanced Polymer Frame and Handle
Reversible Ambidextrous Magazine Release
Improved 18-degree Grip Angle
Standard, Deluxe (RMR® Cut), or Premium (Optic Cut with plates) Slide, 6.75”
4140 Precision Match Barrel, 4”
15 Round Capacity Magazine x1
Optional Premium Slide w/ Optic Cut (Plates available for purchase)
Sights: White Dot Rear/Front
Trigger Pull: 5.5lb
Width: 1.25”
Weight: 21.5 oz
The FKS 9 pistol that we are looking at today is very comparable to the Glock 19 sized pistols. There are of course some differences between them, for example; the FKS features an 18 degree grip angle. Many shooters find the 1911 comparable grip angle better for shooting. The FKS 9 has additional features like a match grade 4-inch barrel, available optics ready slide, and reversible magazine release.
The advanced polymer frame features molded textures very comparable to stippling. As well as thumb-shelves on both sides of the trigger guard area which also enhance your purchase on the grip. There is also an extended beavertail at the back of the slide to prevent getting bit by the slide. Under the muzzle of the gun you will of course find an accessory pic rail for weapon lights.
note the grip texture of the FKS 9
The pistol uses Glock style magazines, which is a huge plus due to the variety and availability of options. Sights for the FKS are white dots which I found to be quite effective. The compact size of the pistol and these features make it a great option for a CCW.
Shooting the ZRO Delta FKS 9
Shooting the FKS 9 was very predictable. I’ve found with many of these clone type pistols that they carry all the best of their ancestors while bringing new benefits as well. So one shouldn’t be surprised when these feel familiar. Like my other 18 degree pistols, the FKS 9 always seems to line up with my line of sight. The sights are easy to pick up when they are already lined up with your target.
As with other features of the FKS 9, the controls are also very familiar. And muscle memory takes over easily. The trigger feels great, breaking cleanly and consistently. Reloads came smoothly with the slide release easily activated with little resistance. Feeding from the Magpul P-Mag worked without any issue.
Chewing through boxes of ammunition went swimmingly for the FKS 9. I used ammunition from PMC Bronze, several boxes of AAC 115 gr, as well as a large volume of 115 gr Trailforger ammo. All of them worked great, save for a single malfunction out of hundreds. The malfunction appeared to be ammo related, as the round failed to go into battery. A quick rack of the slide solved the issue.
the ZRO FKS 9 was smooth shooting
Pros and Cons
I really like shooting the ZRO FKS 9, it fits comfortably in the hand. The texture feels grippy against my palms, and the thumb-shelf allows additional purchase. I often find smaller pistol frames harder to hold onto, but this one definitely didn’t give me that vibe. The extended beavertail also helped give better contact with the grip and help control the recoil. I found the overall gripping of this pistol to be noticeably better than many of its competitors.
The sights are pretty low key, and yet I found them very bright and easy to see. That said I love shooting pistols with red dot’s, so I think I’d rather have the FKS with the optics cut slide. Additionally I like that the FKS fits with most Glock accessories, such as holsters magazines and others. It makes the pistol very easy to step into.
Another great thing about the FKS is it’s affordability. Its not as affordable I guess as some of the cheaper clones like the PSA Dagger, but it also feels better and looks better as well. Time will surely tell if the performance will match the looks. But even at $400 for the base model, the ZRO Delta FKS 9 isn’t a hard buy to make unless you are dwelling around the bottom of the pistol pool.
note the extended beavertail, and sight picture
The ZRO FKS 9 pistol is an easy buy in my opinion, it has a comfortable reliable shooting performance. Surely due to the quality machining and quality coatings. And accuracy was just what you’d expect from a pistol like this, hitting clay targets at 20 yards was easy, even at a quick cadence.
Last Words
In a market full of clones, it might be hard to stand out from the competition. I have had the good fortune to shoot quite a few different clones, and while I haven’t really disliked any of them this one stands out. The smooth feel and operation of the FKS feel more refined than others. The great trigger snap and reset are as good as any other Glock type pistol. I suppose I could say this gun just looks and feels of better quality than many of the others.
I’ll continue to shoot the FKS 9, along with my other pistols. Not only to push up the round count, but also to continue comparing it with others. We are living in a truly exciting time where so many options are available. If you are looking into a striker type pistol for whatever purposes be it CCW or just shooting fun, have a look at one of these ZRO Delta FKS 9 pistols. They are definitely worth your time.
I remember decades ago when multi-caliber was looked upon as a fools errand by the precision rifle community. It was considered a superfluous feature that brought more problems than it solved. Keep in mind this was the same community that thought rifle scopes with MRAD reticles and MOA turrets were a great combination. Today’s manufacturing technology has made it ever easier to make the multi-caliber option an easy reality. And in our story today, I present to you one of these modern marvels; the Seekins Precision Havak HIT.
Seekins Precision is a long-standing big name in the precision shooting community. I remember back when Glen Seekins sold his products to the rest of us on shooting forums. In the decades since his business has become a giant in the industry, so it comes as no surprise to at least this author that Seekins has developed such a great line of shooting products.
The Seekins Havak HIT is a chassis gun built around the Seekins HIT action. The action itself features a flat bottom and built-in recoil lug. Up top it has a 20 MOA integral scope rail for optics mounting. Inside the action you will find a spirally fluted bolt, which can be disassembled without tools. Using dual stacked bolt-lugs the HIT has four engagement surfaces and a ninety degree bolt throw. Tool-less bolt disassembly is handy because swapping bolt-heads is all part of this rifle’s multi-caliber personality. Changing out the barrel itself is done by loosening a lock screw, and threading the barrel out. Again, the precise modern machining allows for tight tolerances between parts. This is what makes it possible to jump back and forth between barrels.
Next up was a Harris bipod that attached perfectly to the chassis M-Lok slots with a KDG Kinect QD Mount, and lastly I attached a sling using the QD cups cut into the chassis at various places.
range ready with a Harris Bipod and Maxim Defense suppressora typical group shooting Hornady 62 grain FMJshooting the HIT in one of my favorite places, theUS Optics TS20Xmade a great companiontop: loosening barrel lock. Center: unthreading barrel. Bottom: either barrel ready for installTop: disassembled bolt. Center: installing cross pin. Bottom: 223 and 6.5 bolt heads.note folding stock hinge and locking button, very nicethis Magpul sling fit perfect into the various QD cups machined into the chassis
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.
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.
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.
note cocked bolt-release button above safety
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 3-18×44which I have used extensively with excellent results. The scope was mounted using an Area 419 one-piece scopemount, which is more than a typical hunting rifle needs but I was feeling fancy.
the detachable magazine with two 7PRC cartridges inside
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.
I’ve been using riflescopes since my first BB gun, I’ve always preferred them as a sight device. In more recent years I started using riflescopes from US Optics, my first one almost a decade ago was a 25x SN3 TPAL. An amazing scope that I literally abused and it never lost zero. I’ve also since had several other US Optics scopes of all kinds, you can read more about my experience with other US Optics scopes here. But today I am bringing you a brand new US Optic riflescope, and I am quite excited about it. Today’s subject is the US Optics TXH 3-18×50 riflescope.
I initially saw the TXH at SHOT Show 2024, as I met with the US Optics team we nerded out over this new scope. Its hard to tell everything about a scope indoors, but I could tell enough about it to know that I needed to get it into my mountain shooting country as soon as possible.
Specifications & Features
Power
3-18X
Tube Diameter
34mm
Objective
50mm
Turret Values
1/10 MRAD
MRAD per rotation
10 MRAD
Parallax
10Yard to Infinty
Illumination
Six Red settings with off in between
Turret Locks
Push/Pull
Reticle
MHR2 First focal plane
Zero Stop
Adjustable
Magnification ring
180 degree throw with removable throw lever
Weight
35 ounces
The TXH is anticipated to hit shelves this fall, stay tuned for more info
Like most US Optics scopes, the TXH is full of great features. First off I really like the 34mm tube, as it gives maximum internal travel for shooting long-range. The popular 34mm tube is coupled with 10 MRAD turrets, which is much better than 5 or 6 MRAD turrets that are common in this price range. Smaller turret values mean you have more rotations, and its easy to get lost on which rotation of the scope you are on.
removing the elevation turret to set the zero-stop ring (right)
Zero-stops are another feature that are meant to combat loosing track of which rotation you’re currently on. The TXH also has a zero-stop feature which makes it even easier to stay aware of your elevation settings.
Parallax and focus are done on the left side turret, with a parallax setting as low as 10 Yards. This is very nice for those that intend on using this scope for things like shooting precision rimfire. Illumination is controlled by a rheostat stacked on-top of the parallax turret. It has six power settings with an off setting in between each one.
magnification ring and throw lever, note parallax and illumination controls left
Adjusting magnification is easily done with the included throw lever, and the ring turns 180 degrees needing only a single motion to go from three to eighteen power. This 3-18x size scope is excellent for a medium range carbine or a light precision rifle. I would feel more than adequate for engaging anything inside a kilometer with ease. The first focal plane MHR2 reticle changes size with power setting, but always gives you accurate options for measuring targets and holds.
Mounting and zeroing the TXH
Mounting the TXH was done using a ZRO Delta 34mm cantilever scope mount. I like the hand tightening fasteners, making it easy to swap from one gun to another. I torqued down the oversized screws securing the TXH into the mount. This scope was destined to end up on my Desert Tech WLVRN, so I used it for the initial host. With the scope mounted properly, I set the rifle up so I could boresight it using my tool less method.
In just a few minutes, I was shooting with the TXH. After getting the rifle and scope zeroed, it was time to set the TXH turret to zero. This was done by using the plastic tool that came with the scope, it has several flat edges similar in shape to a coin-edge. But since they are plastic, you wont damage the turret caps, or over-tighten them either.
the included tool is helpful in adjusting turrets
Setting the zero-stop is done by loosening the three set-screws of the black inner ring under the turret. Rotating the ring counterclockwise until it touches the stop. Snugging the three screws back down will cause the turret to stop on that fixed point.
Shooting in the Field
With my rifle and scope combination ready for action, it was time to put it to work. Much of the shooting I planned on doing with this rifle would be part of my varmint hunting adventures. Shooting at small rodents in the high Rocky Mountains would be an excellent way to test the TXH. Picking out furry little marmots hiding in and around rocks and trees requires a sharp eye.
field shooting with the TXH
As I expected, the TXH looked fantastic in the clean mountain air. The bright images were just what I expected to see, and one of the better parts of scopes in this power range. Its ability to focus on targets as close as 10-20 yards away was impressive.
As is the case with most every scope I’ve ever used, the image suffers a bit at max power. The TXH looses some of its brightness, but I find that as usual when I back the scope off slightly, I find a sweet spot.
the MHR2 reticle seen at 18X
Parallax adjustment seemed to be easy to correct, and with the image focused there was almost no aberration’s around the edges. I think I would have preferred the available EMCR reticle, as there are a couple things I would change with the MHR2 reticle. Mainly even out the spacing of sub-tensions, but I like the open center.
US Optics TXH Turrets
I have always liked US Optics turrets, more-so their domestically produced scopes. The turret design of the TXH definitely has a better design than the TS line of scopes. The turret outer ring snaps up and down to lock the setting. But the inner part of the turret only rotates. this is a much more robust design than having the whole assembly pop up and down to lock. That robust feeling translates into incredibly crisp clicks on the turret. They are so clean that you can feel and count them audibly without even looking. Furthermore, the last click as you hit zero has a different sound to it.
Speaking of the zero-stop, this one feels amazing. No sensation of compressing or tension building as you approach it. It is simply a solid stop, like a hammer hitting a rock it stops perfectly on zero every time. The internal ring of the zero-stop allows for two rotations of the turret when installed. If you remove the zero-stop, you will get full range of motion which gives a full 35-ish MRAD range.
The windage turret has five MRAD either right or left once you set it at zero. I rarely use anywhere near that much while shooting, so its more than enough for me.
Tracking the TXH
All the best scopes have accurate tracking, meaning that they actually move the amount they say they do. I’ve checked quite a few scopes over the years, and most of them have been pretty close to their actual value.
My process involves bolting the scope down to an immovable object, and then measuring the actual movement according to the turret value. Finding fixed points downrange allow you to dial the scope up and down, left and right making boxes until the crosshair returns back to the same starting point.
Dialing several box tests two revolutions from the zero-stop to max elevation and back. Additionally ten MIL’s of windage and back, the TXH rendered the same return to zero every time. And measuring the click value against a ruler proved the movements to track well within a small percent of actual. For example; if you dial 7.8 MRAD of elevation for a shot, and the actual movement is 7.791 MRAD. You probably can’t shoot well enough to notice the difference. Especially at a distance needing 7.8 MRAD of correction.
testing the tracking of the US Optics TXH 3-18×50
Pros & Cons
Pros
Today we’ll start with the things I like about this scope, which are many. I don’t normally start with price, but today I will. I have a couple other scopes that are comparable in both size and performance, I recently got into a PA GLx3-18×44 for example. After heavily shooting through that scope for a season, I was very impressed particularly with the price. So when I found out that the US Optics TXH would sell for around a hundred dollars less I was astounded. While I like both of these scopes the little TXH easily walks away with the win at that price point, and not just because of the price point.
The optical performance of the TXH is fantastic. I have recently started to notice my eye’s acting their age, but even still I find the clarity of this scope to be well above its punching weight. Its clarity is partially due to the great focusability and immaculate parallax adjustment.
The design of the TXH turrets are very user friendly, and they are built for strength and apparent heavy use. Extra points for ten MIL turrets and a great zero-stop mechanism, a step up from previous versions that restricted overall turret travel. The throw-lever is a nice touch as well, making this scope very quick and controllable.
Cons
I mentioned earlier that I might prefer the EMCR reticle, I like that option over the MHR2. Not that the MHR2 reticle isn’t useful or anything, it just a preference. I doubt it will inhibit my shooting much in real world scenario.
Another thing I would change if I had the ability is the illumination. Scopes in the sub-thousand price range seem to all suffer from a bit of flooded reticle illumination. What I mean by that is with the whole reticle illuminated there seems to be too much. You can combat it by using a lower brightness setting, but I wish the reticle was only partially illuminated. Either way this is a small complaint, as I rarely use illumination, and if I did need it this would certainly work.
Lastly is something perhaps a little more subjective. As much as I love the turrets on this scope, I feel the control surface textures don’t match up. I wish they had made them more similar to the FDN series, just for looks I think it would have strengthened the whole brand look.
There is no getting around imported optics these days below a certain price point. The optics market has been flooded with many good rifle scope options that are made overseas. It comes as no surprise that most optics companies are offering additional lines that are more competitively priced. This scope does an excellent job bridging the gap between the US Optics high-end domestically produced models, and less expensive imported riflescopes.
I will for sure be using the US Optics TXH later this year for hunting season
The US Optics TXH 3-18×50 is from what I can tell a great option for those looking for a solid precision rifle scope for under $700. Something crazy to imagine a decade or two ago. And coming from a well-known manufacturer like US Optics makes me confident that it has been well thought out and tested. I have heard it’s likely we will see these scopes on shelves later this year, probably just in time for hunting season.
deer season from 2024, the TXH worked perfectly on this PVA Modus 6.5 PRC rifle
I will continue to use this scope aggressively and frequently to see how it continues to perform. If my experience with other US Optics scopes is any indicator it will have no problem doing that. Follow me to see how that journey goes, I will continue to update here with more info as time passes.
-CBM
2025 Update: I’ve spent well over a year shooting this scope now, I’ve lost track of how many different guns I have mounted this scope on, re-zeroing, and running the typical cycle of shooting. This scope has done a great job, hasn’t skipped a beat , lost zero, or mis-tracked.
Even decades ago, it seemed that varmint hunters had an insatiable taste for accuracy. Very precise and accurate shots are needed when you are after small targets like squirrels and prairie dogs. My old gunsmith used to tell me that when they’d shoot the little sod poodles inside five-hundred yards it had to be a headshot or they wouldn’t count it.
I’ve smoked quite a few prairie dogs with my MDRX, seen here with the US Optics FDN17X
But can the competitive sport of shooting varmints make you a better shooter? In my experience, I think varmint hunting makes better shooters out of all of us. And that alone is good enough reason to engage in the practice.
Shooting Varmints
Varmints are typically small animals mostly of the rodent species or similar. Things like squirrels, ground hogs, and such. These varmints are often pests, and many folks enjoy eradicating them as a pass time. If you have a problem with that, perhaps knitting is a better fit for you.
Varmint rifles and precision rifles share many traits, making them excellent marksman rifles. This is my Fathers Ruger M77
Personally I enjoy hunting marmots and prairie dogs. Marmots often provide a cunning opposition, requiring some level of stealth and strategy. The country where I hunt them is the exact same territory we hunt deer and elk in, so it doubles as exercise and reconnaissance in addition to a fun hunt. And the size of marmots (typically between 5-10 pounds) requires some degree of accurate shooting. Even deer cartridges have not acutely incapacitated a few of our marmots, so making a good shot is important.
Prairie dogs on the other hand, are much smaller animals. The pound or so they weigh is filled with small bones and lots of flesh. Their smaller size makes them a tougher target, but it also makes it a little more obvious when one is hit. The terrain they thrive in is usually flat, which draws its own challenges when ranging targets, and understanding the lay of the land. Additionally the smaller centerfire cartridges used to shoot them are more affordable to shoot.
You may have imagined by this point how these hunting practices might make you a better shot. While an escaping prairie dog might not be the end of the world, it adds a competitive angle. As well as an opponent in the cat and mouse game. Simply having an opponent with a mind of its own automatically adds a level of challenge compared to simply shooting targets.
The sportier side of this cat and mouse game is further sharpened by the small target. Your need to make an accurate shot is paramount to your prey not escaping. The level of accuracy required to engage something like a marmot or prairie dog at ranges as far as five or six-hundred yards is demanding. And when you add the complexity of moving targets, measuring the distance to the target, and switchy winds either on the prairie or alpine forest, it gets pretty challenging.
Varmint hunting with my deer rifle gets me more practice, this Bergara HMR took a few marmots
While these micro-hunts might not compare to the big Mule Deer hunt you’ve got planned, it is every bit as educational. A typical scenario from one of my marmot hunts might entail spotting a target from as far as half a mile or so away. It takes good spotting practice to pick out a perched chuck laying among a rock-pile. Once you find one, the effort of sneaking into a comfortable shooting distance may require a level of stalking comparable to big game. The sharp eyes of these little critters don’t miss much. And if they see you within their safe-zone, they disappear before you can even get on your scope. Once you’ve closed the distance, and used the land to keep out of sight, its time to dope for the shot and conditions. Long shots often require offsetting for wind, and considering other ambient changes.
My Desert Tech SRS M2 has excellent accuracy, making one great shot after another on these PD’s
All this leads up to you taking one shot, a shot you likely wont get to followup on. So it’s with great anticipation and forethought each shot is taken. The beauty of varmint hunting is that typically you’ll get lot of chances to screw up and learn. With a kill zone about the size of a softball, practice is your ally.
Lessons and takeaways
The very things that will make you a better shot and a seasoned hunter are all in the scenario above. Mainly the following:
Honing your spotting skills
Rapidly coming up with a firing solution
Adapting to ambient conditions like wind, altitude and angles
Making every shot count (accuracy)
Keeping out of sight, or at least a minimal profile
Anticipating the moves of your prey
And perhaps the most important thing is the ability to repeat this process over and over, until you excel at it. And once you do, you will find yourself improving. And with any luck, it will make you a much better shooter and hunter all around. If you are proficient at quickly finding, ranging and engaging targets that are no bigger than a squirrel or ground hog, then doing the same on something like a deer or hog will be even easier.
If you haven’t tried varmint hunting, let this be your invitation. Its a fun way to get better at shooting, and a great introduction to hunting in general if you are new to it. Its also a fun way to nerd out over gear and equipment, which is also becoming popular in the gun community. Let us know your favorite way to hunt varmints in the comments below.
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 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.
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.
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.
