Innehållsförteckning för January 2012 från Recoil

01 JACKET MAKE Arc’teryx MODEL Crosswire Jacket MSRP $129 URL www.rei.com 02 SHIRT MAKE Patagonia MODEL Capilene 3 Zip T-Shirt MSRP $59 URL www.patagonia.com 03 GLOVES MAKE Mechanix Wear MODEL Covert Original Vent MSRP $28 URL www.mechanix.com 04 WATCH MAKE Casio MODEL Pathfinder PAG240T-7 MSRP $300 URL www.pathfinder.casio.com 05 PANTS MAKE 5.11 MODEL Taclite Pro Pants MSRP $55 URL www.511tactical.com 06 BELT MAKE Ares Gear MODEL Ranger Belt MSRP $80 URL www.aresgear.com 07 RIFLE MAKE Heckler & Koch MODEL MR556A1 MSRP $3,295 URL www.hk-usa.com 08 OPTIC MAKE Aimpoint MODEL Micro T-1 MSRP $633 URL www.aimpoint.com 09 OPTIC MOUNT MAKE LaRue Tactical MODEL LT660 MSRP $98 URL www.laruetactical.com 10 IR DEVICE MAKE Laser Devices Inc. MODEL DBAL-I² Class 1 IR Laser MSRP $966 URL www.tnvc.com 11 WEAPON LIGHT MAKE Surefire MODEL…

Magpul Industries, one of the most innovative aftermarket firearms accessories makers, has its sights set on updating one of the most popular shotguns in history. Magpul’s entirely new line of accessories for the Remington 870 family of shotguns includes a new stock, forend and sling attachment points. Here’s a RECOIL First Look at what are sure to be some of the year’s most popular accessories. MSRP and availability: TBA URL: www.magpul.com 1 TThe Forward Sling Attachment Point is a bolt-on attachment point for 12-gauge Remington 870 shotguns with extended magazine tubes. • Solid steel construction with corrosion-resistant Melonite coating • User-configurable to allow left- or right-side attachment of pushbutton quick detach (QD). • Bolt-on design attaches to 12-gauge barrel and extended magazine tube MODEL: Unnamed: Forward Sling Attachment Point for…

FOR THE CHANCE TO WIN AN ASSEMBLED-IN-THE-USA GRIZZLY 700, VISIT YAMAHAOUTDOOR.COM/GRIZZLYFORCHARITY (DEADLINE TO ENTER IS APRIL 16, 2012) 1 BRAND: Can-Am MODEL: Outlander 1000 XT MSRP: $11,949 DRY WEIGHT: 747 Pounds WHEELBASE: 51.0 Inches FRONT SUSPENSION TRAVEL/STYLE: 9 Inches/Dual A-Arm REAR SUSPENSION TRAVEL/STYLE: 9.3 Inches/TTI Arms FUEL CAPACITY: 5.4 Gallons ENGINE SIZE/TYPE: 97cc/V-Twin ENGINE COOLING: Liquid TRANSMISSION: Automatic CVT H/L/P/N/R 2WD/4WD: Selectable 2WD/4WD With Visco-Lock Front Differential KEY FEATURES: Fuel Injection, Tri-Mode Dynamic Power Steering, 3,000-Pound Warn Winch, Heavy- Duty Front and Rear Bumpers COLORS AVAILABLE: Black, Yellow, Camo, Pure Magnesium Metallic 2 BRAND: Yamaha MODEL: Rhino 700 SE MSRP: $13,399 WET WEIGHT: 1,199 Pounds WHEELBASE: 75.2 Inches FRONT SUSPENSION TRAVEL/STYLE: 7.3 Inches/Double A-Arm REAR SUSPENSION TRAVEL/STYLE: 7.3 Inches/Double A-Arm FUEL CAPACITY: 7.9 Gallons ENGINE SIZE/TYPE: 686cc/Four-Valve Single ENGINE COOLING:…

There’s no doubt that there is major “cool factor” in owning a cutting-edge, military-issue firearm, let alone one that reportedly took down America’s most wanted terrorist. The Heckler & Koch HK416 was developed in conjunction with members of U.S. specialoperations units and is currently being used on the front lines of the Global War on Terror. The closest a civilian can get to owning an HK416 is Heckler & Koch’s MR556A1. How close does the MR556A1 get to the military and lawenforcement- only version HK416? Let’s take a closer look. The bulk of the parts that make up the HK416 and MR556A1 are the same, and both run HK’s proprietary gas-piston operating systems. There are a few key differences, though, most notably in the lower receiver. The HK416’s fire control…

The official round of the good guy has been the 5.56x45mm NATO for almost half a century. It is a derivative of the .223 Remington cartridge that was developed in the United States and adopted by NATO to become the standard smallarms round of most democratic countries throughout the world. The advantages of the 5.56 are that it is fast flying, has low recoil, is lightweight and can be lugged around in large quantities. Its high velocity helps the bullet impact and fragment with such energy that the target is left with a massive wound. Even so, its stopping power has been in question for decades. There have been reports from soldiers in recent conflicts about hitting their targets with 5.56 rounds but having no immediate stopping effect. When fired…

The genius of Eugene Stoner’s design for the AR-15 platform lies in its modularity. Whether you want a carbine for close quarters or a rifle that can accurately reach out to 700 yards or more, a properly set up AR can do it. However, there are so many options available for the weapon that it can be overwhelming to figure out where to start. We have compiled answers to the top 25 questions about the AR-15 to help clear up some of that confusion. 01 I want an AR-15. Where should I start? You first need to determine the purpose of your AR. It can be built to suit a myriad of needs, so figuring out how and what you are shooting is important. If you want one for general…

While 2011 was the 100-year anniversary for the 1911, don’t think for a moment that polymer pistol manufacturers took the year off to celebrate. Some very notable polymer-framed handguns were released. Glock’s updating more pistols to their Gen 4 line, the Berretta Nano and Springfield Armory’s XD(M) 5.25 Competition Series are some of the standouts. Springfield doesn’t beat around the bush when naming its guns. The XD(M) 5.25 Competition Series is a 5.25-inch-barrel version of the company’s venerable XD(M) line of pistols targeted for—you guessed it—competitive shooters. Since many of us in the RECOIL office are big on pistol competitions, we decided to take a look at the XD(M) 5.25 chambered in 9mm (also available in .40 S&W and .45ACP) to see how it stacked up versus some of the…

It is with great pleasure and honor that I present to you a different kind of firearm magazine–a magazine that encompasses a modern firearm lifestyle and embodies many elements of our industry: guns, gear, technology, shooting sports, training, outdoor life, and home and personal defense. At RECOIL, we are true fans of innovation and aim to showcase the works of art crafted out of hardened steel, aluminum alloy, finished wood and even high-tech polymers. In every issue, leading firearms manufacturers bring to market many of our favorite guns, but it is the small businesses and garage engineers that make some of the best parts to improve the function and form of these firearms. The ingenuity and workmanship that goes into even the simplest components is what excites us as enthusiasts.…

Today’s Navy SEALs (sea, air and land teams) trace their proud lineage back to the early days of World War II where they saw action in North Africa, Normandy and the Pacific as Amphibious Scouts and Raiders. The Scouts and Raiders were formed into underwater demolition teams (UDTs), eventually evolving into combat swimmers known as frogmen and ultimately the SEALs that we know today. And you can now immerse yourself in 70 years of Naval Special Warfare history right where it all began. The Navy UDT-SEAL Museum is located in Fort Pierce, Florida, the birthplace of the Navy’s elite warrior. The museum’s impressive outdoor exhibits include everything from a Vietnam-era Huey helicopter to a current-day Desert Patrol Vehicle. Get a close-up look at the Somali pirates’ hostage lifeboat where SEALs…

The knife is one of mankind’s oldest and most versatile tools. Since caveman times, it has been used to hunt, build, defend and, in the case of the Rambo movies, to pick off leeches after being dunked in a festering Viet Cong cesspool. Since it may not be practical to carry around a giant Rambo knife, we did a little investigating to see what other options are available today. Here are a few that even Rambo would be proud to carry. All knives are shown in actual size. 1 BRAND: Emerson MODEL: Mini CQC-7 OAL: 7.2 inches BLADE LENGTH: 2.875 inches WEIGHT: 3.6 ounces MSRP: $173 URL: www.emersonknives.com 2 BRAND: Columbia River Knife & Tool MODEL: Ignitor T OAL: 7.5 inches BLADE LENGTH: 3.375 inches WEIGHT: 3.5 ounces MSRP: $70…

Mesa Tactical has been the go-to manufacturer of high-quality shotgun accessories since 2004. Beginning with its successful line of all-aluminum telescoping stock adapters, Mesa Tactical quickly placed itself atop a very short list of manufacturers that were willing to sacrifice market share for quality. Until Mesa’s founding, most shotgun aftermarket parts were made “good enough” and priced accordingly. Mitch Barrie, founder of Mesa Tactical, decided to take another approach. A longtime shooting competitor, Barrie recognized the value of wellmade components that could stand up to the abuses of real-world shooting. Barrie took a huge gamble. He believed that there was a void in the market and that people would pay premium prices for high-quality accessories that might cost nearly as much as the shotguns they were intended to augment. When…

ARCHITECT: ROBERT KONIECZNY COLLABORATION: MARCIN JOJKO AND LUKASZ ZADRZYNSKI INTERIOR DESIGN: MAGDALENA RADALOWICZ-ZADRZYNSKA SITE AREA: 8,202 SQUARE FEET USABLE FLOOR AREA: 1,860 SQUARE FEET Racking your shotgun becomes much less of a concern when intruders can’t even get into your house. We recently took a look at what just might be the world’s ultimate home defense system. It’s an architectural masterpiece that’ll leave potential intruders and zombies in awe. Nowadays, the business of personal security is booming, and the money being spent on panic rooms, weapons, surveillance systems and personal protection is at an all-time high. From high-powered diplomats to paranoid business moguls, safety has become an issue that’s taken dead seriously (no pun intended). The “Safehouse” is the ultimate man cave that addresses just about every issue from personal…

Night vision devices (NVDs) have been used by the military and law enforcement for decades. The ability to see in complete darkness gives any NVD user a distinct advantage in tactical situations. As with many military-derived technologies, these capabilities have now found their way to the civilian market. RECOIL recently spoke to Victor Di Cosola, NVD expert and president of Tactical Night Vision Company (TNVC), about today’s applications. “NVDs are actually image enhancers that collect small amounts of available infrared and visible light and amplify them so that we can see with our naked eye,” Di Cosola said. “This light is collected and converted by a device called an image intensifier tube.” Night vision has actually been is use since the 1930s. Each major advancement in night vision technology has…

Tactical training classes have grown exponentially in popularity over the past few years, and it is not just members of law enforcement and the military who are enrolling. Civilians looking to improve their shooting and weapon-manipulation skills have been signing up in ever-greater numbers. This surge in popularity has led to a new crop of training groups emerging all over the United States. Redback One Combat Training Systems, founded in 2010, may be one of the new kids on the block, but it is not some fly-by-night group looking to capitalize on the current tactical training trend. Its classes are offered to civilians, law enforcement and the military. It is a serious outfit, founded by a man with a serious resume: Jason Falla. Falla is Redback One’s director of training…

Whether you’re fleeing a natural disaster or an all-out zombie infestation, a properly setup truck can provide the key to survival. When setting up a bugout vehicle, the important factors to consider include the environment, what you’re escaping, who with and where you are going. Although the needs of someone traversing mountainous regions differ from someone driving through flat, open country, the basis of good transport is a four-wheel-drive truck, no matter where you are or are going. Having four wheels drive your vehicle gives you much more control when navigating everything from debris to boulders. Four-wheel drive is more stable in inclement weather, as well. Vehicle size is also a factor. Be sure that the truck is large enough to accommodate everyone and everything you will need. Nothing would…

By all credible accounts, the Heckler & Koch HK416 was the weapon selected by DEVGRU (SEAL Team Six) to avenge the United States in the daring raid on Osama Bin Laden’s hideout. In addition, Delta Force selected the HK416 to replace its M4s. Those are pretty astonishing endorsements, so we were excited to get our hands on the civilian version: the HK MR556A1. Heckler & Koch (HK) has always been fanatical about precision machining, accuracy and repeatability, which are almost expected from a German manufacturer. As with the German transportation system, HK rifles operate like a precision clockwork mechanism. The MR556A1 is HK’s first commercially available AR-platform rifle. It uses a short-stroke, gas-piston operating system that is derived from the company’s successful G36 rifle. With piston systems, hot gases do…

Polymer has quickly become the standard material from which firearms and their accessories are made, and for good reason. Polymer is lightweight, impervious to corrosion, durable and can take almost any shape. The stippling of polymer handguns is gaining popularity these days. This modification provides a more positive grip over the slick feel of factory-stock surfaces. The stippling effect is similar to that of traditional checkering on semiautomatic 1911 handguns. If you’re shooting in soggy, wet weather or sweating it out in the heat, an aggressive stipple job may help you keep a firm grip on your potentially life-saving hardware. Custom stipple jobs can be expensive when the gun is sent out to a specialist. With the right know-how, though, you can learn how to do it yourself on the…

The AR-15 and its variants are hands down some of the most popular rifies seen at ranges. That’s quite an accomplishment for a rifie that was invented in 1957. Around the time the USSR launched Sputnik, Eugene Stoner was tinkering with a platform that would eventually become the main battle rifie for the United States into the 21st century. It goes without saying that technology has progressed by leaps and bounds since the ’50s, but there’s no reason why we can’t upgrade the rifie that we currently have while the government figures out the next rifie our forces will wield. The AR platform, as great as it is, can be a pain to work on due to the many detents and springs that are used in its assembly. One such…

The Predator from Nighthawk Custom is a redesigned single-action defensive 1911 with a unique barrel design that sets it apart from other custom handmade 1911s. Instead of a typical bushing or bull barrel, the Predator’s barrel flares at the muzzle end to add weight for faster follow-up shots. The slide is precisely machined shorter so that the Predator maintains the same dimensions as a standard 1911. Being handmade with such precision machining means that the Predator sells north of the $3,000 mark. If you not satisfied with buying an off-the-shelf standard Predator from a Nighthawk dealer, don’t worry. Nighthawk’s website has more custom options for this handgun than most car dealers have for the average automobile. There were more than 40 at the time we viewed the company’s website. The…

As the current line of military firearms surpasses the half-century mark, manufacturers are working to produce the next generation of small arms. Aging designs patterned after the AR-10 and AR-15 have served the U.S. military well, but there is always room for improvement. Through the use of modern design theory and advanced materials, FN Herstal seeks to change the game with an entirely new design, the SCAR. The SCAR 17S is the semi-automatic civilian version of United States Special Operations Command’s (USSOCOM) newest battle rifle, the SCAR-H. What initially impressed us was the light weight and compact size of a rifle chambered in 7.62x51mm NATO (.308 Win). We were able to fit it in a short, 30-inch zippered bag, thanks to the SCAR’s folding stock. The AR has always needed…