Categories
Handguns

“Enhanced Reliability” Package from Colt

Colt 1911

Colt 1911

We all know that the 1911 platform is a fine weapon, and we also know that they can be picky about the kinds of ammunition they will run.  That is one of the many reasons why more than a few firearms instructors suggest guns other than a 1911 for self-defense purposes.

For years, I have seen gunsmiths offering a variety of packages to improve the reliability of the venerable 1911.  But, I did not realize that Colt offered one of those same packages at the factory. The Colt Enhanced Reliability Package is a deal offered through the company’s custom shop and can be purchased prior to the acquisition of the firearm to get it tuned before delivery.  Also, current Colt owners can ship their existing 1911 back to the shop for improving reliability.

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Categories
Shooting Gear

SIG SB15 Brace

SIG SB15 review

The recently announced SIG SB15 brace is now a standard option on several of the company’s pistols.  The new pistols include the P516 with the 7.5″ and 10″ barrels, the SIG P556 SWAT with a 10″ barrel and the P556 Classic.

SIG SB15 review

The SB15 brace is a forearm brace that looks like a very short buttstock with adjustable straps that affix the unit to the shooter’s forearm.  The idea is to provide greater control and stability when shooting one of these large pistols.

The unit passed ATF scrutiny (see the ATF letter here) so no worries about violating any NFA rules on having a SBR (short barrel rifle) without a tax stamp.

SIG SB15 for sale

SIG Sauer announced the SB15 earlier this year, and these are the first pistols on which SIG is offering the device as a standard option.  The pistols are similar to the rifle versions of the gun, but without a buttstock and with shorter barrels.  Magazines and other accessories will interchange between the guns.

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Categories
Rifles

Caracal CAR 816

Caracal CAR 816

The Caracal Assault Rifle 816, or CAR 816, is a piston-operated M-4 type carbine that was introduced earlier this year.  The gun uses a two-position gas port for normal operation and suppressed shooting.  Rate of fire is listed as 850 rpm. (Ed. note:  See the September 2013 update at the bottom of the article regarding the gas port and rate of fire.)

Caracal CAR 816

The CAR 816 is chambered in 5.56 NATO and comes in three barrel lengths:  10″, 14.5″ and 16″.  The barrels are chrome lined and cold hammer forged from chromolybdenum steel.  The barrel uses a 1:7″ twist.

The barrels are threaded, and come with a “standard muzzle break [sic].”  From the photos, it appears the muzzle device is a standard A2 type birdcage flash hider.  Of course, with so many different muzzle devices on the market today, it is hard to say for certain from the photos alone.

According to Caracal, the rifle comes with a magazine release on the right side of the receiver, but an ambidextrous option is available.  The gun uses STANAG-compliant magazines, and ships with a 30 round mag.  The rifle is shown with a PMAG, but it is not known if Magpul magazines ship with the gun, or more pedestrian USGI mags.

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Categories
Rifles

Paul Howe Tactical Carbine

Paul Howe Tactical Carbine

Paul Howe worked with Wilson Combat to build a new rifle that bears his name.  The Paul Howe Tactical Carbine is an AR-platform gun chambered in 5.56 NATO.  It has a very distinctive look and some very nice features and add-on options.

Paul Howe Tactical Carbine

The carbine has a 14.7″, match grade barrel with a 1:8″ twist.  The barrel has deep fluting.  Permanently attached to the barrel is a three-prong Accu-Tac flash hider, which makes the gun legal without the need for a NFA stamp.

On this gun, Howe selected a two-stage Wilson Combat TTU trigger that uses heavier springs.  The trigger release is set at 4.5 pounds, which Howe preferred for golved shooting.  The weight of this gun is 7.5 pounds.

The finish is called Camouflage Armor-Tuff and it is a hand-applied pattern.  According to the Wilson Combat press release, the finish also reduces the gun’s IR signature and can help to keep the rifle cool in hot weather.

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Categories
Rifles

SVD Dragunov: 50th Anniversary

SVD Dragunov
Mongolian armed forces soldiers teach U.S. Marines about the Dragunov SVD sniper rifle as part of Khaan Quest 2009 at the Five Hills Training Area in Mongolia Aug. 14, 2009. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Nathan McCord/Released)

This year represents the 50th anniversary of the SVD Dragunov rifle.  Introduced into the service of the Soviet Union army in 1963, this semi-automatic sniper rifle has proved itself a capable performer in the field.

SVD Dragunov
Mongolian armed forces soldiers teach U.S. Marines about the Dragunov SVD sniper rifle as part of Khaan Quest 2009 at the Five Hills Training Area in Mongolia Aug. 14, 2009. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Nathan McCord/Released)

Since 1964, the Dragunov has been made by Izhmash, a Russian arms and vehicle manufacturer.  To commemorate the 50th anniversary, Izhmash announced the modernized SVD will be completed later this year.  The modernized Dragunov will feature:

  • new barrel
  • Picatinny rail for optics
  • folding bi-pod
  • adjustable buttstock
  • improved accuracy

The Dragunov has been used by at least 30 different countries around the world.  While the United States has never officially used the SVD Dragunov, it has helped equip and train friendly countries with the rifle.  It was just one of these weapons that Staff Sergeant Clinton L. Romesha used on October 3, 2009 to help repel some 400 enemy fighters in Nuristan Province, Afghanistan.

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