gun tests THE CONSUMER RESOURCE FOR THE SERIOUS SHOOTER Top guns selected by the writers and editors of GUN TESTS Magazine. rifles BUYING GUIDE

Transcription

1 gun tests THE CONSUMER RESOURCE FOR THE SERIOUS SHOOTER Top guns selected by the writers and editors of GUN TESTS Magazine. rifles BUYING GUIDE

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS AFFORDABLE AR-15 RIFLES Tested: The $1000 CMMG Mk4T with 1:7-twist 416 stainless-steel barrel; the $1250 SIG Sauer RM400 Classic with ambidextrous safety and magazine releases, and the $899 Springfield Armory Saint, the manufacturer s first AR-15. Check out the Winner on...3 RIMFIRE SHOOT-OUT Tested: Marlin 7000, Mossberg Plinkster, and Ruger s M1 Commemorative...10 CLASSY EURO BOLT GUNS The Mauser M12 and Blaser R8 Pro are German built, but in a true-blue American chambering: the Do these hunters perform as well as their price tags suggest?...15 RIFLES VALUE GUIDE Value Guide: Most Recent 7.62 Nato/308 Win. Rifle Reviews...21 Gun Tests 2017 Buying Guide is published by by AG Media, Inc., 111 Corporate Drive, Big Sandy, TX , Copyright 2017, AG Media, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, transmitted in any form by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photography, recording, or by any other information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher. Printed in the United States of America. 2 Gun Tests RIFLES BUYING GUIDE

3 RIFLE COMPARISON AR-15 Carbines for Less Than $1300: The Winner is a Saint The Springfield Armory Saint is the gun for everyone, but SIG Sauer s M400 Classic nears perfection. We were disappointed in the CMMG Mk4T, which to our eyes looked unfinished. A staff member recently paid $2300 for a complete AR-15 carbine without regret. But you may have noticed complete uppers selling for as little as $400 during the last rounds of holiday sales and complete carbines selling for less than $700. Why pay more? One answer would be to take advantage of the latest technology in terms of manufacturing, helpful features and improved ammunition. Forged rather than cast aluminum is now the standard, and machining is more exact thanks to computer numerically controlled (CNC) automation. The efficiency and versatility of barrels have been upgraded to take advantage of heavier bullets able to land a more effective blow at greater distance. Barrels with twist rates of 1:8 inches and even 1:7 inches have replaced the original-issue lands and grooves that spun the bullets at a rate of 1:9. Handguards are now modular platforms for lights, lasers, and sights, and ambidextrous fire controls are becoming more popular as well. With the desire for a more up-to-date AR-15, we went shopping and found that we didn t have to break the bank just get comfortable within a price range of about $900 to $1250 dollars. What we came up with was three AR-15s with upgrades that distinguished them from more traditional models. l The $1000 CMMG Mk4T may still use the M1 buttstock and grip, but the 416 stainless-steel barrel offered a 1:7 twist on the inside and a bead-blast finish on the outside. The free-floated handguard offered Keymod machining on three sides, and the Picatinny top rail extended 11 inches from the receiver. l At first glance, the $1250 SIG Sauer RM400 Classic looked like a standard model with only a flat-top rail above the receiver to break up the profile. But the safety and the magazine release were ambidextrous. Barreltwist rate was 1:7, and breaking down the rifle revealed a reduced-mass hammer. l Springfield Armory s $899 Saint, the manufacturer s first AR-15, was treated to a Bravo Company BCM Gunfighter stock and Keymod handrail. Takedown revealed nickel-boron coating of hammer and trigger components, plus a tension screw to fix any gap between the upper and lower ends of the rifle. Barrel-twist rate was 1:8. All three-rifle barrels were marked 5.56 NATO. To find out if any of the above added up to improved performance, we tested for accuracy from the 100-yard Top to bottom, our test carbines were the $1000 CMMG Mk4T with a 416 stainless-steel barrel with 1:7 twist; the $1250 SIG Sauer RM400 Classic, which looked like a standard model but which had some hidden goodies, and Springfield Armory s $899 Saint, the manufacturer s first AR-15. Gun-Tests.com 3

4 HUNTING 5.56MM NATO & 223 REMINGTON RANGE DATA Black Hills 223 Remington SIG Sauer CMMG Springfield Armory 60-gr. V-Max New Manufacture RM400-16BC MK 4T Saint B Average Velocity 2738 fps 2726 fps 2756 fps Muzzle Energy 999 ft.-lbs. 990 ft.-lbs ft.-lbs. Average Group 0.6 in. 0.8 in. 1.0 in. Black Hills 5.56mm NATO SIG Sauer CMMG Springfield Armory 69-gr. OTM New Manufacture RM400-16BC MK 4T Saint B Average Velocity 2770 fps 2761 fps 2800 fps Muzzle Energy 1176 ft.-lbs ft.-lbs ft.-lbs. Average Group 1.1 in in. 1.0 in. Black Hills 5.56mm NATO SIG Sauer CMMG Springfield Armory 77-gr. OTM New Manufacture RM400-16BC MK 4T Saint B Average Velocity 2599 fps 2598 fps 2635 fps Muzzle Energy 1155 ft.-lbs ft.-lbs ft.-lbs. Average Group 0.9 in. 1.2 in. 0.8 in. Black Hills 5.56mm NATO SIG Sauer CMMG Springfield Armory 77-gr. TMK New Manufacture RM400-16BC MK 4T Saint B Average Velocity 2670 fps 2659 fps 2699 fps Muzzle Energy 1219 ft.-lbs ft.-lbs ft.-lbs. Average Group 1.0 in. 1.1 in. 1.0 in. SIG Sauer 223 Remington SIG Sauer CMMG Springfield Armory 77-gr. OTM Match Grade Rifle RM400-16BC MK 4T Saint B Average Velocity 2376 fps 2345 fps 2440 fps Muzzle Energy 966 ft.-lbs. 940 ft.-lbs ft.-lbs. Average Group 1.0 in. 0.9 in. 0.9 in. To collect accuracy data, we fired 5-shot groups from a sandbag rest. Distance: 100 yards. We recorded velocities using an Oehler 35P chronograph, with the first sky screen set 10 feet from the muzzle. line at American Shooting Centers in Houston. To find out what it was like to operate these guns at speed, we visited the Impact Zone Range in Hempstead, Texas for some timed close-quarters fire. For our distance work we mounted a SIG Sauer 3-12x42mm Tango4 optical scope ($900 MSRP). At the Impact Zone Range, our rifles shared a $420 1x20mm SIG Sauer Romeo 4b Compact Scope with a tiny 2-minute-of-angle red dot. Choice of ammunition for AR-15s used to be limited by the 1:9-inch-twist barrel. Maximum bullet weight was considered to be 69 grains. We tested our 1:7/1:8-twistbarreled carbines with 60-grain V-Max 223 Remington rounds plus 5.56mm ammunition topped with 69-grain OTM (open-tipped match), 77-grain OTM, and 77-grain TMK (tipped Match King) rounds from Black Hills Ammunition. We also tested with 77-grain OTM 223 Remington rounds manufactured by SIG Sauer. Our action test was designed to tell us more about trigger response and maneuverability than could be culled from a static benchrest session. We set up a 4 Gun Tests RIFLES BUYING GUIDE For our accuracy tests, we used a SIG Sauer Tango4 3-12x42mm scope ($900). It featured locking return to zero, a visible gauge for revolutions on the elevation turret, side-mounted parallax adjustment, and an illuminated horseshoe-dot reticle. The 30mm tube was mounted using offset SIG Sauer Alpha aluminum scope rings. The design of the rings added mass for strength and helped us keep track of the top loops; that is, which were front and back and which sides were left and right. We checked them with alignment rods and found the rings were bored straight and true. As a result, very little windage adjustment was necessary when changing it from gun to gun.

5 three-target array with just 10 feet between each target. To change the shooter s perspective and in effect reduce target area, we staggered the targets. Target-left was placed 5 yards downrange, target-right 7 yards downrange, and the center target 10 yards downrange. With the shooter lined up on the center target, the object was to land as many hits as possible into the central A-zone of each paper target within a fixed 10-second time limit. The A-zone measured 11 inches tall and about 5.75 inches wide. Upon an audible start signal, the shooter raised the carbine from low ready (about a 30-degree angle to the horizon), switched off the safety, and engaged each target with only one round before moving on. Target order was dictated as a circuit of left, center, right, left, center, right, and so on. This test was performed cold, one and done with no makeups. Keeping all the shots inside the A-zone was important, but for our purposes we wanted to know what characteristics were helping or hindering the shooter. Let s see if our money was well spent. CMMG Rifle, Mk4T 5.56mm, SBN, CO, 5.56mm NATO, $1000 The CMMG Mk4T was the tale of two rifles. The upper, including the mix of Picatinnny and Keymod rail, was more modern than the lower, which offered more traditional components, such as the plastic grip with single finger groove and the buttstock that was sans any padding. The only upgrade we spied was a relief in the takedown pin that helps keep the punch, or bullet tip, from sliding off under pressure. But that s not really new, either. The buttstock was properly applied and showed only the slightest wiggle. Soldiers and law enforcement who wear plates or body armor might not complain about the bare-plastic buttplate, but most shooters will want something more friendly. We applied a snap-on buttpad from Limbsaver and was pleasantly surprised at how much more comfortable it was to shoot. For sling attachment there was a CMMG RIFLE, MK4T 5.56MM, SBN, CO, 5.56MM NATO, $1000 GUN TESTS GRADE: B Looking past the outdated grip and buttstock, this is a very good rifle that deserved a much better trigger. Action Type Semi-automatic, direct impingement Overall Length to in Overall Height w/o Scope 7.3 in. Weight Unloaded 6.1 lbs. Weight Loaded 7.6 lbs. Upper Receiver Forged 7075-T6 Aluminum Lower Receiver Forged 7075-T6 Aluminum Barrel Length, Twist 16.1 in., 1:7 in. Muzzle Device Birdcage-style flash hider Buttstock M4-carbine type, adj. Buttstock Length of Pull 10.4 to 13.4 in. Handguard Keymod, Picatinny Magazine Detachable Rear Sight NA Front Sight NA Sight Radius NA Trigger 7.2 lbs., single stage Safety Thumb safety Cartridge Case Deflector Yes Dust Cover Hinged Forwards Assist Yes Warranty Lifetime Telephone (660) Website CMMGinc.com Made In U.S.A. Smooth machining and sturdy construction made the CMMG handguard the favorite in our tests. With so much ventilation, it never seemed to heat up. The bottom and sides featured a Keymod pattern for nearunlimited mounting options. The circular cut was for a quickdetachable sling loop. The seam line on the CMMG hammer indicates this is a cast part, which is not unusual. But most such components are polished and tumbled to refine its surface. The CMMG Mk4T swung from target to target effortlessly, but we pulled one shot wide left. While handling was superior, the creep-ridden trigger was a detriment to accuracy under stress. Firing from the bench, patience was an option, but at speed, the poor trigger finally caught up to our shooter and foiled his aim. We saw this one selling for $885 at retail. Gun-Tests.com 5

6 HUNTING SIG SAUER M400 CLASSIC RM400-16B-C 5.56MM NATO, $1250 GUN TESTS GRADE: A- Extraordinary accuracy. Featured one of the most consistent triggers we ve tried and costly ambidextrous controls. A freefloat handguard would likely make this the perfect carbine. Action Type Semi-automatic, direct impingement Overall Length to 35.5 in Overall Height w/o Scope 8.5 in. Weight Unloaded 6.6 lbs. Weight Loaded 8.1 lbs. Upper Receiver Forged 7075-T6 Aluminum Lower Receiver Forged 7075-T6 Aluminum Barrel Length, Twist 16.0 in., 1:7 in. Muzzle Device Birdcage-style flash hider Buttstock M4-carbine type, adj. Buttstock Length of Pull 10.4 to 13.4 in. Handguard 2-piece polymer 6 Gun Tests RIFLES BUYING GUIDE Magazine Detachable Rear Sight Flip up, single aperture Front Sight A1-type, fixed Sight Radius in. Trigger 7.6 lbs., single stage Safety Thumb lever Cartridge Case Deflector Yes Dust Cover Hinged Forward Assist Yes Warranty Limited lifetime Telephone (603) Website SIGSauer.com Made In U.S.A. The trick to adding an ambidextrous safety is making the offhand side comfortable to use. The selector lever did not interfere with our lefthanded shooter s trigger finger. The left-side magazine release worked best when pressed on its rearward edge. We d prefer SIG s L-shaped bolt latch on all our AR-15s. The hideaway grip was more comfortable than most. Note the auxiliary QD-sling attachment point, upper right. If any aspect of the SIG Sauer M400 classic justifies its price tag, it would be the trigger. Note the reduced mass and glasslike surface area of the hammer. The trigger-pull weight of 7.6 pounds was secondary to its precision. We saw this rifle selling for as low as $819, which would be a bargain at that price. fixed steel sling loop at the heel of the butt plate, or you could utilize the slot that ran parallel to the buffer tube beneath the cheek piece. There was, however, a relief on each side of the handguard about 2.5 inches ahead of the receiver for attaching a quick detach (QD) button-style sling loop. The CMMG s single-finger-groove plastic grip is almost extinct because the divider can be uncomfortable and never really seems to be in the right place. The fit between the top and bottom end of the CMMG Mk4T was admirably tight, yet the takedown pin was easy to operate. Detent at the safety was heavy and secure without any rough edges. Working the charging handle was smooth and revealed no linear movement. We did, however, find the bolt catch to be weak. American Shooting Centers is a public range, and placing the rifle in the racks during cease fires with the bolt locked open required care because any impact to the buttstock would release the bolt. The other rifles did not suffer this complaint. From the beginning, we discovered an inordinate amount of creep in the trigger. So much so that we almost took to calling it a three-stage trigger. Operating the trigger in a controlled press, the trigger seemed to find two stopping points before finally breaking a shot. As our tests continued and the trigger broke in, we sometimes experienced only one stopping point before break. About every 20 to 25 shots, the trigger would pull straight through. In measuring trigger-pull weight, we arrived at an average of about 7.2 pounds. However, the range in resistance spanned from about 6.75 pounds to almost 8.0 pounds. Over ten trigger pulls we never got the same reading twice. And yet, accuracy from the bench was on par with our other test carbines. The art of shooting groups from support is about being patient. Our days at the range were somewhat windy, so waiting for a lull before releasing a shot was standard procedure. Taking into account

7 the creep in the CMMG trigger, we patiently worked our way to the break. The result was sub-moa groups (less than 1 inch center to center) from two of the five test ammunitions, including our lightest bullet and our heaviest. The Black Hills 60-grain V-Max rounds produced 0.8-inch-wide groups, and the 77-grain SIG Sauer rounds printed 0.9-inchwide groups. All in, our CMMG rifle displayed 1-MOA accuracy on average for all shots fired, despite our difficulties with the trigger. During our action tests, we landed four A-zone hits on targets left and center. The target to our right showed three A-zone hits and a stray shot in the D-zone, furthest from center. The test shooter said he was on target inside the A-zone, but the trigger didn t respond. He called it a stutter. In the confusion the shot was released off line or as one might say, out of time. Our Team Said: The CMMG Mk4T showed extremely good balance. It was very easy to move quickly, and the gun always felt light. We really liked the handguard. Comfortable to hold, the handguard offered the most versatility of our three rifles. We also liked the bead-blast finish on the barrel. The oldfashioned buttpad didn t bother us because it was properly fit, but we d definitely change out the grip. If the Mk4T had either of the triggers found on the SIG Sauer or Springfield Armory carbines, it might have been the accuracy champ of this test. SIG Sauer M400 Classic RM400-16B-C 5.56mm NATO, $1250 With its A1 front-sight assembly, two-piece plastic handguard and M4 buttstock, the M400 Classic did not appear to be a carbine with the type of upgrades we were looking for. But upon closer inspection, we noticed that the safety and magazine release were ambidextrous. The buttstock, although appearing very much in the M4 tradition, was modified to offer holes on each side for a quick-detach sling loop. The metal loop at the heel of buttplate was free swinging. There was another location for a QD sling from either side at the rear of the SPRINGFIELD ARMORY SAINT ST916556B 5.56MM NATO, $900 GUN TESTS GRADE: A The Saint is one of the most user-friendly versions of this userfriendly platform. We d prefer a free-float sling attachment, but the Saint is handsome and well made at a good price. Action Type Semi-automatic direct impingement Overall Length to 35.5 in. Overall Height w/o Scope 8.8 in. Weight Unloaded 6.5 lbs. Weight Loaded 8.1 lbs. Upper Receiver Forged 7075-T6 Aluminum Lower Receiver Forged 7075-T6 Aluminum Barrel Length, Twist 16.0 in., 1:8 in. Muzzle Device Birdcage-style flash hider Buttstock BCMGunfighter Buttstock Length of Pull 10.4 to 13.7 in. Handguard 2-piece polymer Magazine Detachable Rear Sight Flip-up, dual aperture Front Sight A1-type fixed Sight Radius in. Trigger 7.75 lbs., single stage Safety Thumb safety Cartridge Case Deflector Yes Dust Cover Hinged Forward Assist Yes Warranty Limited Lifetime Telephone (800) Website Springfield-Armory.com Made In U.S.A. The most comfortable buttstock in our test was the BCM Gunfighter buttstock from Bravo Company Manufacturing, available in multiple colors and patterns from $55 to $70 from BravoCompanyUSA.com. Moving the stock on the buffer tube required squeezing the stock bottom to top against a stout spring. But lockdown was secure and rattle-free, as well as sleek and simple with a QD sling point. The Saint s hammer and trigger components were nickel-boron coated for reduced wear, increased lubricity, and easy cleaning. We saw these selling on GunBroker.com for around $765, another bargain. An Allen screw with nylon tip was seated directly below the lug on the upper. Referred to as the Accu-Tite Tension system, the screw could be adjusted to apply pressure to the lug to reduce play between the upper and lower ends of the rifle. Adjustment required removing the grip. Gun-Tests.com 7

8 HUNTING With just 10 seconds to land as many hits as we could on three staggered targets, the SIG Sauer M400 s precise trigger made it possible to land the most accurate hits under stress during our action tests. receiver just below where the buffer tube was attached. The grip was certainly not traditional, offering a very friendly profile, including a pinkie ledge, at the bottom and an extended backstrap up over the web of the hand. The upper circumference was reduced, guiding the index finger to the trigger. The bottom of the grip was removable, and there were fittings to hold popular batteries such as the CR123 or AA inside. A Magpul dual split aperture flip-up rear sight was attached to the top rail that ran the length of the receiver. Spring loaded at rest, there was a platform on each side that released the sight instantaneously to its vertical position. The ambidextrous controls worked quite well, and the safety lever on the off hand did not interfere with the shooter, be he right-handed or left-handed. Operation was very smooth and secure. Magazine release from the left side was a little easier if pressure was applied more toward the rearward edge than over the center of the button. One by-product of this arrangement was an extension of the lower portion of the bolt lock/release lever. Whereas releasing the bolt is aided by the larger platform, setting the lock means pressing down on the smaller end. If we were to describe the bolt lock/release assembly as a seesaw, the typical lower end could be seen as being constructed without the seat. On the M400, there is an extension that adds surface area in an L-shape, making it much easier to operate. While the plastic handguard and the buttstock showed a little bit of play, fit and function of the more important parts of the M400 Classic were exceptional. The trigger presented a crisp break at about 7.6 pounds of resistance with barely an ounce or two in variation from shot to shot. Shooting the Black Hills 60-grain V-Max 223 ammunition, we were rewarded with five-shot groups that measured an average of just 0.6 inch across. Our best-of-test group measured 0.4 inch across. The Black Hills 77-grain OTM rounds were next best, showing an average five-shot group measuring about 0.9 inch. All remaining rounds produced 1-inch groups. During our action tests, we found the fixed front sight a little distracting, even though we had it aligned (cowitnessed) with our Romeo4 red-dot sight. Nevertheless, we were able to score A-zone hits with all 12 rounds 8 Gun Tests RIFLES BUYING GUIDE fired before time ran out. Thanks to the precise trigger, the shooter always felt he was in complete control. Our Team Said: When it comes to paying more for a rifle, or any firearm for that matter, it s easy to check off a list of features to justify a higher price tag. Whereas there is nothing special about the front sight, buttstock, or handguard, upgrades to the magazine release, safety levers, and the bolt catch are more expensive to manufacture or supply than a fancy handguard or buttstock. In addition, the fit and finish of the operational parts, most important the consistency of the trigger, makes this carbine worth the extra money. Springfield Armory Saint ST916556B 5.56mm NATO, $900 Springfield Armory of Illinois has been producing its own versions of the iconic M1A rifle for many years, but Springfield, like several other manufacturers, is known primarily as makers of handguns, or for that matter bolt-action rifles. Now more are jumping into the AR-15 market. In our view, the advertising campaign that preceded the Saint s introduction underscored that the AR-15 is not just for the military. Rather, the AR-15 is an ideal defensive weapon necessary for the legally armed defense-conscious American. In fact, it wasn t that long ago that SIG was in a similar position. As such, the challenge for Springfield Armory was to offer an AR-15 that distinguished itself from the competition and was affordably priced. The visual theme of the Saint was that it looks to be one piece instead of an upper and lower, or as some say, it looks monolithic. The full-profile barrel creates a line that grows from a polymer handguard by Bravo Company that was flat on the sides, adorned with sections of pebbled finish for grip. Its solid visual form led us to refer to it as a forend rather than a handguard. The top rail was not really functional as a connection point, but it provided venting. One set of Keymod holes was located on the underside at 6 o clock. Instead of being located at 3 o clock and 9 o clock, additional Keymod holes were located in a line upon the surface area that angled upward to the top rail (10 o clock and 2 o clock). Visually, this made them less obvious. We think mounting accessories in the arc between the top rail and the sides shows a lot of promise for easy control. Two additional components from Bravo Company contributed to the Saint s distinctive lines. The BCM Gunfighter grip provided a steeper angle than the others, including the Magpul grip found on the M400. The Gunfighter grip offers an extended backstrap to shield the web of the hand and the knurled side panels that provided excellent traction. The base of the grip was hinged to expose a storage space that was water resistant, thanks to a rubber gasket. The BCM Gunfighter buttstock offered sleek lines with no protruding levers that might catch on gear, such as the straps of a chest rig. The buttplate had a thin rubber pad smoothly integrated; it was more friendly to clothing or bare skin for that matter. There was a slot for threading a sling and also

9 We think the $900 Springfield Armory Saint lived up to its advertising by being very easy to live with for a beginner or expert. The Bravo Company furniture consisting of a handguard, grip, and buttstock gave the Saint a contemporary streamlined appearance. The trigger was easy to manage, offering a slight sense of compression before let-off. From support, the Saint produced average groups measuring 1 inch across or less for each test ammo. We were able to deliver more total rounds within the time limit with our Saint than our other rifles. Perhaps this was a product of being the last carbine tested, meaning our shooter was practiced and adrenalized from shooting the SIG Sauer and the CMMG Mk4T. Then again, the BCM Gunfighter stock, handguard, and grip made the Saint the most comfortable to shoot. a hole on each side for attaching a QD sling loop. The buttstock was adjustable for length by compressing the lower panel running in line with the buffer tube. The detent spring was quite heavy and the grip necessary to compress it proved awkward. But we loved the buttpad and the overall contour of the stock. One last more subtle upgrade was the trigger guard from Bravo Company that left more room for a gloved finger without necessarily having to unlatch the bottom panel. One of the ways that we suspect the suggested retail price of the Saint was held down was by utilizing an A1 front-sight assembly. The rear-sight assembly (sometimes referred to as BUIS or backup iron sight) was a flip-up design. Putting it into action required lifting it from its horizontal position. A spring detent pin was compressed to fold it down. Two apertures were supplied, but the larger aperture was too open, in our opinion. In use, it seemed to all but disappear. The hammer and trigger components were treated to a silvery nickel-boron coating. We liked this because it simply wipes clean, making it easy to keep track of debris buildup and wear. Also visible with the top end hinged away was the Accu-Tite tension system consisting of a synthetic non-marring screw that mated flush beneath the bottom of the connecting lug. This removed any slack between the upper and lower ends of the rifle. Working the Saint trigger differed from that of the SIG Sauer. Whereas the SIG Sauer presented direct pressure against a solid object, the Saint s trigger offered a subtle compression before reaching its breaking point. We think this made the trigger a little more user friendly in that there seemed to be more time for the shooter to completely refine a shot. Higher-level shooters might prefer a hard break without overture, but it s certainly not a distraction that will inhibit the experienced shooter. The Saint was the only carbine in the test that listed a heavy tungsten buffer among its specs, and it showed by delivering less felt recoil to the shooter. From the 100-yard line, the Saint delivered 1.0-inch fiveshot groups with the Black Hills 60-grain V-Max, 69-grain OTM rounds, and the 77-grain TMK ammunition. The Black Hills 77-grain OTM was best, producing 0.8-inchwide groups, and the SIG Sauer 77-grain OTM ammunition produced an average five-shot group measuring 0.9 inch across. We noticed that across all choices of ammunition the Saint produced the most velocity from each round. Pushing the SIG Sauer 77-grain OTM rounds to an average velocity of 2440 fps, the SIG Sauer ammunition, marked Match Grade Rifle, was still nevertheless well below the 2750 fps printed on the box. Given the test barrel used to produce this data was likely 20 inches or more in length, we think this was still somewhat out of spec. As was the case with the M400 Classic, the front sight was not visible with the Tango4 optical scope mounted. But it was visible when we used the Romeo4 red-dot scope. During our action test, we simply ignored the sights and read the dot. The result was more shots fired within the allotted time limit. Although the drill was shot cold, we couldn t help but be more warmed up by the time we reached the third gun. After our run with the Saint, all three targets showed five hits. Targets left and center showed four A-zone hits, but one shot on each target was outside of the A-zone. Target right showed five A-zone shots. Between the friendly trigger, which our shooter was able to stage as we moved from target to target, and some adrenalin, we had added one full circuit, even if all 15 shots weren t perfect. Our Team Said: Priced at $900 MSRP, the Saint should be extremely competitive for first-time buyers. Actually, there is little here that would put off the sophisticated shooter as well. Yes, we would have preferred a flat-top gas block with rail for attaching a folding front sight, and we re not exactly sure how to connect a sling to the front end without pulling on the barrel, but we re not sure there is much else wrong. If the buttstock was somewhat stubborn to move, it was nevertheless rock solid and more comfortable than most. So was the grip and handguard. The trigger was forgiving in any situation, and construction was first rate. Written and photographed by Roger Eckstine, using evaluations from Gun Tests team testers. GT Gun-Tests.com 9

10 HUNTING Rimfire Field-Rifle Shoot-out: Marlin, Mossberg, and Ruger To find the best 22 LR self-loading rifle, we fired them with iron sights, a red dot, and with riflescopes. Tested: The Marlin 7000, Mossberg Plinkster, and Ruger s M1 Commemorative. In this installment, we test three rimfire rifles from three makers. The genre is the very popular and flexible field-gun description. The 22 LR rifle is an excellent trainer, a favorite recreational shooter, and a great small-game rifle. The rimfire is the one rifle every rifleman must have. The field gun is by definition, and the definition is liberal, a versatile go-anywhere get-anything shooter. Informal practice and small-game shooting are great pastimes. And while we are not focusing on personal defense, we should note that a good quality 22-caliber self-loader is a formidable firearm in skilled hands. Is a 22 LR a self-defense chambering we d recommend? No. Have untold numbers of bad guys been deterred by being hit with a 22 LR round fired from a pistol or rifle? Yes. So reliability is important as well. The rifle we are looking for should be light but not too light. It should be light enough for carrying for a day in the field, but it should have sufficient heft for good offhand shooting. While we carefully measure accuracy by firing from a solid bench rest, we also want a rifle that retains a good portion of its accuracy in offhand fire. Thus, a good balance of weight and a decent trigger action are desirable traits. Historically, probably more 22 LR rifles have been set up as bolt actions, but because of their light recoil and shot-to-shot speed, self-loading rifles are the biggest Besides shooting the Ruger M with its iron sights, we also attached a modern red-dot sight since the Picatinny rail made it so easy. The TruGlo 30mm Red Dot ($58 at CheaperThanDirt.com) was easy to zero. Once mounted and moved to the highest brightness setting, the rifle gave excellent combat results at close range to 50 yards on humansilhouette targets. Accuracy was good to excellent when shooting for pure speed. The rail option of the M1 carbine is definitely a good addition, even if it s not a pure M1 option. 10 Gun Tests RIFLES BUYING GUIDE From top, our test rifles included the Marlin 7000, the Mossberg Plinkster, and a Commemorative version of the Ruger sellers today. To keep prices in check, we selected a mix of readily available used and new firearms as well as optics for greater coverage of the best choices. As noted above, reliability is always important, but in this test, we allowed that if the firearm occasionally ties up and we lose a squirrel, we were more willing to give a gun a pass than if we were testing personal-defense firearms. It is almost a given that a 22 self-loading rifle malfunctions from time to time, and the fault is more often due to the construction of the 22 rimfire cartridge than any other single variable. We searched for ideal rifles and found some good picks. All had good points. Here s how they performed on a gun-by-gun basis. Mossberg 702 Plinkster 22 LR, $160 This was a recent price at Cabelas.com, but it looks like Mossberg no longer offers the stock finish we tested. Most Plinksters are offered as our test gun was set up, with adjustable rifle sights, but one unit, the #37044, can be purchased with a 4x riflescope. The Plinkster has several attributes that stood out. It is the lightest rifle as well as the least expensive. The Plinkster is obviously modeled after the famous Marlin Model 60 rifles, so it has a mechanical resemblance to the Marlin 7000 also tested.

11 The action and the controls are nearly identical. However, the Marlin 7000, in common with the original Model 60, features a safety located behind the trigger in the trigger guard. The Plinkster safety is placed in common with the Ruger in front of the trigger in the trigger guard. We had no clear preference for either safety location, and each safety worked well enough for all raters. The trigger action broke at 5.65 pounds. We found it interesting that the Plinkster and the Marlin 7000 did not use the same magazines, taking into account their similarities. We used the supplied 10-round magazine, and we also ordered an additional 25-round magazine that resembles an AR-15 magazine for use with the Plinkster ($30 at AcademySports. com) This made the firing tests go faster because there was no need to stop and load magazines. The Plinkster features conventional sights, with an open rear and post front sight. However, instead of using a leaf to adjust elevation, the Plinkster sight features a screw that is moved for elevation. This was a simple change that allowed easy adjustment. The rear-sight leaf folds down, which we liked. The rear sight features an open notch, and the front post allows a good aiming point. Some liked the Plinkster sights better than the Ruger M1, but the votes were split. The stock is similar to the Marlin 7000 in outline, but with a Schnabel forend. The Plinkster, however, seems to have the lighter stock. The Plinkster is light at 4 pounds and would never be a burden on the shoulder. Fired offhand, the rifle was useful enough. We liked the fact that there were no malfunctions of any type with either magazine. The 25-round-capacity magazine neatly snaps into place, and a lever on the magazine is used to actuate the magazine release, which is covered by the new magazine. The magazine isn t difficult to load. Fired for accuracy at 50 yards, the Plinkster was the least accurate rifle tested. As one of the raters noted, it was still fine for knocking a squirrel out of a tree at tip-top tree-limb MOSSBERG 702 PLINKSTER 22 LR, $160 GUN TESTS GRADE: B The Plinkster is the least-expensive rifle tested and the lightest. Reliability was perfect, with no malfunctions. But it wasn t as accurate as the other rifles. Action Type Overall Length Barrel Length Overall Height w/scope Length of Pull Weight Unloaded Weight Loaded Magazine Capacity Semi-auto 38.0 in in. 4.2 in in. 4.0 lbs lbs. 10, 25 rounds distance. And it wasn t inaccurate at all, with our shooters getting groups Action Finish Black Anodized Barrel Finish Blued Stock Synthetic Trigger Pull Weight 5.7 lbs. Warranty 2-year limited Telephone (203) Website Mossberg.com Made In USA The rear sight of the Plinkster is adequate. We like the screw adjustment for elevation. The rear leaf of the Plinkster sight folds down. We like this feature. We also ordered an additional 25-round magazine that resembles an AR-15 magazine for use with the Plinkster. ($30 at AcademySports.com). This made the firing tests go faster, with less time loading magazines. The 25-roundcapacity magazine neatly snaps into place, and a lever on the magazine manipulates the magazine release, which is covered by the new magazine. The Plinkster s magazine release (arrow) is well situated for easy operation with standard magazines. The crossbolt safety sits just to the right of the release and was positive and in operation, we found. of 3 to 4 inches at 50 yards. Our Team Said: The Plinkster is obviously Gun-Tests.com 11

12 HUNTING intended for plinking, not accuracy work, and it lived up to its name. We rated the rifle down a grade based on poor accuracy compared to the other rifles. Just the same, we feel that we got our money s worth. Marlin LR, $225 This was a recent counter price at SCGunCompany.com. The Marlin 7000 is a much-modernized Marlin Model 60 variant, or perhaps more properly, a early Marlin 795 variant. Rather than the Model 60 s long tubular under-the-barrel magazine, the Model 7000 uses a 10-round box magazine. The rifle features a welldesigned synthetic stock that we like a lot. The stock is nicely fitted to the action. The Model 7000 is well balanced and shoulders well for fast shooting, our shooters said. We ordered an additional 7-round magazine ($17 from Brownells.com) for a contrast in handling, since it didn t protrude as much from the bottom of the gun. For serviceability, we would order a 10-round magazine next time, but the 7-round magazine is neat and easy to handle. A limiting factor during the test was the magazine capacity of each rifle. The Ruger rifles could easily spit out 25 rounds from the X-series magazine, which we had plenty of, while the Plinkster was used with a single 25-round and one 10-round magazine. The Marlin had only a 10-round magazine as purchased. This is fine for hunting, but having a limited magazine selection cut into the recreational value of the rifle. The primary advantage of the Marlin is the bull barrel. This heavy barrel played a part, we are certain, in the rifle s excellent accuracy. Because the Marlin lacked any sights, we fitted a BSA 4x rifle scope on the Marlin ($35 at Cabelas.com). This scope was supplied with rings and mounts and was easily sighted in. The Marlin 7000 is the heaviest rifle tested at 5.8 pounds with the scope attached. The trigger is also the heaviest of the rifles tested, requiring 6.2 pounds of compression to release. This heavy trigger was smooth enough, but we would have 12 Gun Tests RIFLES BUYING GUIDE MARLIN LR, $219 GUN TESTS GRADE: A- (BEST BUY) Though the Marlin 7000 appears to be out of production, we were still able buy one at retail. We like the handling, the magazine disconnect, and the accuracy of this rifle. Action Type Overall Length Barrel Length Overall Height w/scope Length of Pull Weight Scoped (as tested) Weight Loaded Magazine Capacity Semi-auto 37.0 in in. 5.9 in in. 5.8 lbs. 7.6 lbs. 7, 10 rounds preferred a lighter break. Just the same, the Marlin 7000 was the most accurate rifle tested. We fired the rifle in the same drills as the other rifles. Action Finish Black Barrel Finish Black Stock Black synthetic Trigger pull weight 6.2 lbs. Warranty No warranty, used Telephone (844) Website MarlinFirearms.com. Made In USA The BSA scope helped us shoot average group sizes of less than an inch at 50 yards. The Marlin proved both fast and accurate in offhand fire. It is light and trim enough for comfortable carry in the field. The rifle suffered a single malfunction with the Velocitor load, a failure to fully feed, with a spent cartridge case caught in the ejection port. It took somewhat longer to fire 100 rounds offhand in the Marlin. We had at best 17 rounds in a string, firing one magazine and then reloading

13 with the other, then we had to reload the two magazines. The groups were smaller, and we hit better compared to the other rifles. The rifle came to the shoulder quickly, and we were able to get minute-of-animal accuracy for short- Here we re putting the Marlin through its paces off the bench. This was a very accurate rifle at 50 yards, shooting 1-inch groups with the Fiocchi HV load. But the CCI Velocitor and Winchester M22 loads weren t far behind. RANGE DATA range squirrel hunting and excellent accuracy at longer range as well. The rifle suffered a single malfunction with the Velocitor load, a failure to fully feed with a spent cartridge case caught in the ejection port. We like the bolt hold open. This device is used to hold the bolt open, and when the rifle is loaded, the lever may be used to lower the bolt on a loaded magazine as well. Also, unique among the rifles, the Marlin features a magazine safety. If the magazine is not inserted, the rifle will not fire. This combination of features was appreciated. Our Team Said: What we liked most about the rifle was its accuracy. The Marlin fired groups as small as 0.75 inch at 50 yards. The other rifles were not as accurate. The combination of features and economy made the Marlin 7000 a solid Best Buy. Ruger M1 Commemorative Rifle 22 LR, $340 This rifle is a near look alike for CCI Velocitor Marlin Ruger Mossberg 22 LR 40-gr M1 Commemorative Plinkster Average Velocity 1400 fps 1354 fps 1388 fps Muzzle Energy 174 ft.-lbs. 162 ft.-lbs. 171 ft.-lbs. Average Group 1.3 in. 2.6 in. 2.3 in. Fiocchi HV Marlin Ruger Mossberg 22 LR 40-gr M1 Commemorative Plinkster Average Velocity 1255 fps 1240 fps 1267 fps Muzzle Energy 139 ft.-lbs. 136 ft.-lbs. 142 ft.-lbs. Average Group 1.0 in in. 3.3 in. Winchester M22 Marlin Ruger Mossberg 22 LR 40-gr M1 Commemorative Plinkster Average Velocity 1219 fps 1227 fps 1238 fps Muzzle Energy 131 ft.-lbs. 133 ft.-lbs. 136 ft.-lbs. Average Group 1.2 in. 2.9 in. 3.6 in. Notes: To collect accuracy data, we fired five-shot groups off a bench rest. Distance: 50 yards. We recorded velocity with a Competition Electronics Chrony Chronograph. The first sky screen was 10 feet from the muzzle. Ammunition notes: We purchased the CCI Velocitor for $7.39/50 rounds at MidwayUSA.com; the Fiocchi HV for $6.50/50 rounds at BulkAmmo.com), and the Winchester M22 for $75/1000 rounds at SportsmansGuide.com) the.30m1 carbine. The M1 rifle features the proven Ruger self-loading rifle action. The controls are a standard push-button safety and the new enlarged type magazine release. The rifle feeds from a standard 10-round magazine or the extended X-series magazines. You cock the bolt by use of a convenient cocking handle. The stock-to-metal fit of this rifle is excellent. Where the two halves of the stock and forend meet, the fit is practically seamless. The wood is well finished and closely mimics the M1 carbine in looks and feel. The stock features a forward barrel band similar to the M1, and there is also a sling cut-out in the stock. The rifle isn t an exact match, but it is very close to looking like a real M1 Carbine. The sights are considerably different from anything found on previous rifles. The aperture rear sight is similar to the M1 carbine. The sights offer good accuracy and are very fast to use. The M1 features a rail for mounting optics. While some felt the rail takes away from the classic look, others noted that some shooters went to great lengths to mount glass on the original M1. It is a handy thing to have if you want a riflescope or a red dot. The trigger action breaks cleanly at 5.8 pounds, the heaviest of the three rifles and the second-heaviest trigger action of the test behind the Marlin 7000 trigger action. The M1 rifle comes with a single magazine, a new type of X magazine that holds 15 cartridges. The rifle accepts the standard ten round rotary magazines as well as both the new X-15 and the previous X-25 Ruger magazines. The X-15 magazine is a good compromise for handiness and firepower. It isn t difficult to fire the rifle from a bench rest with this magazine in place. When testing the rifles, we elected to fire 100 rounds in offhand from each rifle. We used the Winchester M22 load, the CCI Velocitor, the Fiocchi HV, and CCI Blazer loads in offhand, 25 rounds of each, firing at targets at 10, 15, 25, and 50 yards. It wasn t difficult to load up 100 rounds Gun-Tests.com 13

14 HUNTING RUGER M1 COMMEMORATIVE RIFLE 22 LR, $339 GUN TESTS GRADE: B The rifle is functional, reliable once broken in, and accurate enough for most chores. The nontraditional rail may not look like an M1 carbine, but it certainly held the red dot well. Action Type Overall Length Barrel Length Overall Height w/o Scope Length of Pull Weight Unloaded Weight Loaded Magazine Capacity Semi-auto 36.5 in in in in. 5.2 lbs. 5.4 lbs. 10/15/25 rds. The Commemorative rifle is a near look alike for the.30m1 carbine, top. The M1 rifle features the proven Ruger self-loading rifle action. The controls are standard push-button safety and the new enlarged magazine release. 14 Gun Tests RIFLES BUYING GUIDE Action Finish Black Barrel Finish Black Stock Matte-Finish Wood Trigger pull weight 5.8 lbs. Warranty None Telephone (336) Website Ruger.com Made in USA The scope mounting rail was seen as a good addition. The rail mount allows easy deployment of a red-dot scope. The M1 rifle comes with a single magazine, a new type of X magazine that holds 15 cartridges. The rifle accepts the standard 10-round rotary magazines as well as both the new X-15 and the previous X-25 Ruger magazines. We would most likely want to put an optic on this rifle, but the provided iron sights were plenty good as is. with the Ruger and its 10-, 15-, and 25-round magazines. When firing the rifle off hand, we got good results. We also fired some shots from a semibraced position leaning against a range post at the 50-yard targets. There were no surprises. The M1- type stock handles well. Control and balance are good. It wasn t difficult to get center hits on targets at 50 yards. Squirrel-sized targets were in danger of getting head shots at 15- to 20- yard distances. A single malfunction occurred with the Winchester load and another with the Fiocchi loading, in each case a spent cartridge was found in the ejection port between the bolt and the chamber. This was a new gun, and this is par for the course with the 22 rifle. We also fired the rifle for accuracy off the bench at 50 yards with the Winchester M22, Fiocchi HV, and CCI Velocitor rounds. The aperture sight is OK for most uses, but the front post subtends some of the targets, so achieving pinpoint accuracy is difficult at 50 yards. The iron sight we liked best at close range became more difficult to use at longer range. The rifle produced several 2-inch groups at 50 yards, but most were larger than 2 inches. Only the Plinkster was less accurate. We feel that the aperture sights are most useful at closer range and for fun shooting. Our Team Said: We debated about the rating on this rifle, which would have been the number-one fun gun if we had such a rating. Of course, enjoyable shooting is part of the rating, but performance comes first. We came up with a B rating, knocking the rifle down a half grade for accuracy and another half grade based on two malfunctions. There were no malfunctions firing off the bench and none at all with the CCI Blazer loads. We liked all of the rifles tested. The Plinkster was okay for the money. The Ruger M1 Commemorative is a great recreational shooter with excellent fit and finish, but it wasn t the most practical. The Marlin 7000 offered the best accuracy in careful bench rest firing. Written and photographed by R.K. Campbell, using evaluations from Gun Tests team testers. GT

15 Classy European Bolt Guns: Mauser M12 and Blaser R8 Pro German built, but in a true-blue American chambering: Springfield. We find out if these luxury hunters performed as well as we hoped they would, and our shooters weren t disappointed. Germany has always been a leader in firearms development both for military and sporting use. The country also has a rich history of hunting. We wanted to take a look at two rifles with Teutonic hunting heritage, so we asked our dealers to wrangle up a Mauser M12 and Blaser R8. If there ever was an iconic bolt-action rifle on both sides of the Atlantic, it is the Mauser. Since 1871, Mauser has produced countless military and sporting bolt-action rifles. Mauser M98 rifles have been copied by many other rifle makers. Hallmark Mauser design features, like the action, three-position safety, and internal box magazine are built into rifles made by companies like Rigby, Winchester, CZ, Kimber, and others. The M12, however, is not a control-feed bolt action but is actually a push-feed bolt like a Remington, Sako, Weatherby, and others. The Blazer (pronounced BLAHzer) is a unique take on the bolt-action rifle because it uses a straight-pull bolt and offers interchange barrels in a range of calibers for gophers to elephants. Blazer had made a name for itself as an innovator of luxury hunting rifles, and though it could be debated that this German rifle is over engineered, we found some innovative features on a hunting rifle we didn t know we needed or wanted. Either rifle would make an excellent deer rifle, we found, as well as top choices to take black bears, wild pigs, speed goats, and other hooved North American game. They both performed well in operation and in accuracy and after spending quality time with them, we can see why they command such a high price. Both rifles were chambered in Springfield, which is the benchmark caliber for American hunting cartridges. Our testers have a lot of experience with the cartridge, and we suspect that every bolt-action hunting rifle currently sold in the U.S. is available in The round is versatile, easily found in stores, offers a range of bullet types and weights, and is at the upper level of tolerable recoil, especially when shooting the round out of lightweight hunting rifles. Both of these rifles hovered at seven pounds unscoped. For ammo in this test, we used Black Hills Gold loaded with a 180-grain Nosler AccuBond bullet and two hunting rounds from Hornady: Full Boar with a 165-grain GMX bullet and American Whitetail with a 150-grain InterLock bullet. We mounted the rifles with the same optic, a SIG Tango6 2-12x40mm ($1600; CheaperThanDirt.com). This is a first focal plane reticle scope, so the reticle increases and decreases in size as the magnification is increased or decreased. Testers liked this FFP scope because the milling reticle can be used at any magnification to estimate range. The Tango6 is equipped with an illuminated MOA Milling reticle. We could adjust reticle illumination as needed, and if we forgot to turn it off, the scope automatically turns off the illumination after six minutes of rest and powers back on as soon as it senses motion. We would have liked a parallax adjustment knob to really fine-tune the reticle, since we noticed the reticle moved ever so slightly as we moved our head and eye. Not a lot of movement, but enough to note. The scope also features Zerolock turrets, The Mauser M12 with wood stock ($1799) and Blaser R8 Professional with synthetic stock ($3787) offer a high level of refinement in a hunting rifle. Can you purchase a darn good bolt-action rifle for deer hunting for about $400 to $500 some combo packages even include a bore-sighted scope. Yep, and for many hunters those economy hunting rifles will get the job done. For some hunters, however, the Blaser and Mauser offer prestige along with performance. Gun-Tests.com 15

16 HUNTING which means you can t lose zero if you rotate the turrets too much in either direction. Turret dials need to be pulled out to make adjustments then pushed back. Adjustments could be felt and seen easily, so getting our dope was simple after bore sighting. All adjustments were clearly marked, which we liked. The magnification ring used two fiber-optic dots that glowed to give the user a heads up on the magnification the scope was set at. Turrets and the magnification ring were toothy, with lots of texture, so rotating the dials was effortless. We could adjust the reticle easily while looking at it on target. For mid-range and typical hunting distances, we think the SIG scope would be a fine choice on these rifles. Where the bullet hits the paper is the real test of how well these rifles will do in the game field and deer stands. Here are the details on these luxury game getters. Mauser M Springfield, $1799 The M12 follows the Mauser bloodline, but with a modern pushfeed bolt and other features we have come to expect on currently produced hunting rifles, such as a detachable magazine. Mauser has traditionally named rifle models after the year of development. The M12 was developed in The Blaser Group owns Mauser as well as Blaser and JP Sauer, with manufacturing facilities in Isny, Germany. Rifles are imported into the U.S. by Blaser-USA in San Antonio, Texas. We suspect the rifle was designed with the pushfeed bolt to reduce manufacturing costs and to build a rifle for medium to big-game hunting, not including dangerous game. Blaser also shares components between rifle brands. In fact the Sauer Model 101 and M12 share some components like the barrel, trigger, 60-degree bolt lift, detachable magazine, and six locking lugs. The M12 was stocked with Grade 2 walnut and wore a matte-blued metal finish. Other models feature synthetic or higher-grade-wood stocks. We 16 Gun Tests RIFLES BUYING GUIDE MAUSER M SPRINGFIELD, $1799 GUN TESTS GRADE: A- The M12 performed well and had a smoothly operating bolt, but the wood looked dated. Action Type Bolt, 6 Lugs, 60-Degree Lift Overall Length 42.0 in. Barrel Length 22.0 in. Sight Radius N/A, Optics Ready Overall Height (w/o scope) 5.75 in. LOP 14.3 in. Weight Unloaded 6.7 lbs. Weight Loaded 7.0 lbs. Capacity 5+1 Action Finish Matte Blued The stamping on the top of the barrel ensures that the rifle doesn t get lost in the hunting camp gun rack. The 60-degree bolt lift provides ample room between a shooter s fingers and the eyepiece of a scope. Barrel Finish Matte Blued Magazine Type Detachable Polymer Box Stock Wood, Checkered Trigger Pull Weight 2.0 lbs., Single stage Safety Three Position Accuracy Guarantee None Warranty 10-Year Telephone (210) Website Mauser.com Made In Germany Left: The checkering is not hand cut and looks it. Some testers on our team did not care for the style nor the look. The M12 uses a three-position safety; fully forward, as shown, allows the rifle to be fired. The polymer magazine fitst flush with the bottom of the stock. The release button is inset and just forward of the magazine. Operation was smooth and precise.

17 thought that the metal finish was well executed. The glossy wood stock features an American-style straight comb and a nicely contoured cheek piece with a rubber recoil pad that gives the rifle a 14.4-inch length of pull. Pad to stock fit was perfect. The pistol grip was fitted with a cap. We liked the pistol grip because it was open and thin, allowing for fast handling. The checkering was machine cut, and most of our team would have preferred a traditional diamond pattern like Mauser uses on the M03 and M98 rifles. In hand the M12 easily shouldered and felt lithe, for the most part, except where the detachable magazine is located. It is chunkier at that point, and some testers noted they carry their hunting rifle at that balance point and would have liked it a bit thinner. The nice lines of the rifle really hide that bit of girth. Weighing only 6.7 pounds unscoped, the M12 handled fast even fully set up. The 22-inch barrel is hammer forged and tapered. It is press fit into the receiver, not screwed in like a traditional Mauser. The barrel free floats, and the muzzle is crowned. The bolt is nicely jeweled and employs six locking lugs, so the bolt lift is 60 degrees, which means there is room between the bolt knob and the scope s eyepiece, so your fingers do not get jammed. The rifle cocks upon opening the bolt and uses twin plunger-type ejectors. A red-ringed cocking indicator protrudes from the rear of the bolt, informing the user the rifle is cocked. The action is open at the top like more-traditional bolt action rifles. Modern-design receivers like the Ruger American, Savage Axis, Tika T3, and others leave more metal on top to keep the receiver rigid. A rigid receiver enhances accuracy. The receiver is drilled and tapped, and we used a one piece Picatinny rail to mount an optic. A three-position safety is located on the back of the bolt, offering easy access for right-handed shooters. It operates quietly, which we liked. In the forward position, the rifle is ready to fire; in the middle position, the trigger and sear are locked, but the bolt can be cycled; and in the rear position, the bolt handle and trigger are locked. The floor plate holds a detachable polymer box magazine, which we found easy to load and snap into place. The magazine release is just forward of the floor plate and inset into the stock. The magazine can be detached for reloading or it can be reloaded from the top through the receiver. We could also load single rounds, which is a feature we liked. The trigger isn t That small button is the Mauser s bolt release. It is not easy to accidentally press. Note, the bolt is cocked and the red-ringed striker protrudes from the rear of the bolt. The Mauser (left) is a traditional turn bolt, while the Blaser is a straight pull; both are push-feed types. The M12 s magazine (top) is a traditional-style removable magazine. The R8 s magazine (bottom) includes the trigger group. Accidentally lose the R8 s magazine/trigger guard, and your hunt is over. With the M12, a lost magazine means your rifle is now a single shot, but it is still functional. adjustable. Ours required only 1.9 pounds of pressure to release, so while we liked the trigger as delivered, we would have welcomed the opportunity to adjust the trigger ourselves. We felt that around 2 pounds, the trigger was spot on, crisp, and clean. The bolt handle is bent straight down with the knob close to the stock and just above the middle of your Gun-Tests.com 17

18 HUNTING trigger finger. Follow-up shots are relatively fast, but not as fast as with the Blaser. With the Mauser, as your finger comes off the trigger, it is in position to lift the bolt and cock the rifle, then the shooter may cycle the bolt to eject and chamber a fresh round. We found operating the bolt this way to be fast and efficient. At the range and using a rest, we fired for accuracy at 100 yards and found the M12 readily produced excellent accuracy. With Hornady Full Boar ammo loaded with a 165-grain GMX bullet, we were able to shoot a 0.32-inch three-shot group. The M12 liked all the ammo we fired through it. We had absolutely no issues with the rifle. On average, we were easily able to get 1-minute-of-angle accuracy out of the rifle. It was easy to see why this rifle was expensive in the way it was finished and the smoothness of the bolt operation. We tried to trip up the ejector by slowing pulling back the bolt, but M12 effectively ejected empties every time. Recoil was tolerable, and because this is designed for hunting, rifle rounds fired will be limited. We give a lot of credit to the crisp trigger for the accuracy we achieved. Disassembly was straightforward. Press the bolt release, and the bolt comes free. Our Team Said: The M12 is reliable, accurate, and well-built. This rifle puts an actual Mauser-made rifle within reach of the average hunter, and if you want to add a Mauser rifle to your gun safe, this is a good choice. If the Mauser name doesn t have panache for you, there are other woodstock blued rifles less expensive but just as capable SPRINGFIELD RANGE DATA Black Hills Gold Mauser Blaser 180-gr. Nosler AccuBond M12 R8 Professional Average Velocity 2594 fps 2588 fps Muzzle Energy 2690 ft.-lbs ft.-lbs. Smallest Group 0.59 in in. Average Group 1.02 in in. Hornady Full Boar Mauser Blaser 165-gr. GMX M12 R8 Professional Average Velocity 2715 fps 2807 fps Muzzle Energy 2701 ft.-lbs ft.-lbs. Smallest Group 0.32 in in. Average Group 0.78 in in. Hornady American Whitetail Mauser Blaser 150-gr. InterLock M12 R8 Professional Average Velocity 2760 fps 2772 fps Muzzle Energy 2538 ft.-lbs ft.-lbs. Smallest Group 0.98 in in. Average Group 1.08 in in. To collect accuracy data, we fired 3-shot groups from a bench using a rest. Distance: 100 yards with optics. We recorded velocities using a ProChrono digital chronograph set 15 feet from the muzzle. This is a three-shot group at 100 yards from the R8 using Black Hills 180-grain Nosler AccuBond bullets. The hole on the bottom is made from two bullet impacts. Blaser R8 Professional Springfield, $3787 The Blazer R8 Professional is pricey, but it allows owners to interchange barrels, so you can shoot prairie dogs or pachyderms with the same rifle. One team member said that for the money, he d buy two inexpensive rifles with scopes, and still have money left over for plenty of ammo. Getting beyond the price, we found the R8 to be quite capable, unique, and easy to use. 18 Gun Tests RIFLES BUYING GUIDE Above left: The Blaser R8 used a proprietary saddle-scope mount that featured quick-release rings. Above right: It is cocked by pushing the slide forward, exposing the red square. Below right: Two tabs need to be pressed to remove the trigger/magazine group. It can also be locked in place.

19 The R8 was designed in 2008, evolving from Blazer s Model R93, and uses a straight-pull bolt that is much easier to operate from the shoulder than a traditional turn-bolt action like the Mauser M12. The bolt operates with a flick of the wrist, allowing the shooter to keep his sight picture for faster follow up shots compared to a traditional bolt. Testers quickly warmed up to the straight-pull bolt after only running a few rounds through the rifle. The bolt is designed with a radial head. Basically, a collet behind the bolt-head is slotted into 13 pieces. As the bolt is closed, the collet is pushed forward against the rear of the bolt head, causing the front ridge to expand into a groove in the barrel, thus locking the bolt to the barrel a full 360 degrees. This straight-pull action also makes the rifle 3 inches shorter than a traditional turn bolt while still having the same barrel length. The team liked the balance of the R8 and thought it was very nimble and fast pointing. The cocking slide/safety slide is unique to the Blazer R8 rifle. Essentially, it cocks and de-cocks the rifle. Use your thumb to push the cocking slide forward, and it will lock in place, exposing a red square which indicates the rifle is cocked and ready to fire. To decock the rifle, press the slider forward and down and the cocking slide returns back. With the slide in the rear position, the bolt is locked in place. If you want to open the bolt, you can push the slide to the cocked position or slightly press the slide and pull back on the bolt handle. This system has been proven to be very safe with the R93 model. We felt the cocking slide acted like a safety, but went further to decock the rifle, which makes the rifle even safer in use. We liked the ability to decock the rifle without pulling the trigger. In the decocked position, the rifle will not discharge even if dropped. The R8 is offered in a variety of configurations, with synthetic or wood stocks. The R8 could be had as ornate or plain as one desires or BLASER R8 PROFESSIONAL SPRINGFIELD, $3787 GUN TESTS GRADE: A- The R8 was pricey, but it offered interchangeable barrels, a safe firing system, fast follow-up shots, and good accuracy. Action Type Straight Pull Bolt Overall Length 40.6 in. Barrel Length 23.0 in. Sights None, Optics Ready Overall Height (w/o scope) 6.6 in. Stock Length of Pull in. Weight Unloaded 7.4 lbs. Weight Loaded 7.6 lbs. Capacity 4+1 Action Finish Matte Black The SIG Tango6 optic was a good match for the hunting rifles, but we would have liked parallex adjustment, too. The grip was small and a bit tight for shooters with large hands. Two hex screws located on the underside of the forend are removed to swap barrels and change calibers; a magazine insert and bolt head may also be needed to change calibers. Note how the bolt handle rotates rearward, in lieu of rotating upward, making a follow-up shot much faster. Barrel Finish Matte Black Magazine Type Detachable Polymer Box Stock Synthetic, Dark Green Trigger Pull Weight 2.2 lbs., Single Stage Safety Decocking Button Accuracy Guarantee None Stated Warranty 10-Year Telephone (210) Website Blaser-USA.com Made In Germany Gun-Tests.com 19

20 HUNTING budget dictates. The R8 Professional features a one-piece synthetic stock and a matte-black finish on the metal. The finish was excellent. Overall, the polymer stock had a smooth textured finish that offered no glare and the gripping areas of the stock were soft and rubbery offering a comfortable grip. The pistol grip area was tighter than the Mauser, which some big-handed testers noted was not as comfortable. A black synthetic forend cap and black recoil pad completed the stock. Like the Mauser, the comb was straight. A detachable magazine is not that unique except the R8 uses it as an additional safety device. The magazine and trigger eject as one piece from the bottom of the receiver, essentially disabling the rifle from firing while allowing the magazine to be loaded. Two tabs, one on each side of the receiver, need to be pressed at the same time to remove the magazine, so an accidental magazine dump would be an exception. The magazine can also be locked into the receiver and loaded from the top like a traditional internal box magazine. We had plenty of room to load through the ejection port. You can also load one round at a time. If the magazine/ trigger group is removed from the rifle while the rifle is cocked, the rifle automatically de-cocks when the magazine is removed. The trigger pull averaged a crisp 2.75 pounds, and though it was not adjustable, we felt it was excellent for hunting. The R8 also allows owners to swap barrels and change calibers. The barrels are hammer forged and attach to the stock via two screws. A 5mm hex wrench tool is included with the rifle to attach a barrel. We only tested the barrel with the rifle, but we could swap out to a smaller or larger caliber by replacing the barrel, bolt head, and magazine insert that correspond to the same caliber group. Blazer divides calibers into six groups, all of which have distinct markings, so making a caliber change should be nearly foolproof. We felt the ability to swap calibers made the R8 versatile. An extra barrel assembly cost about $1000. The Blazer scope saddle mount ($425; Eurooptic. com) is also unique and uses a one-piece mount that The R8 butt pad was perfectly mated to the stock, and it was rounded, making it less prone to snag when shouldering the R8 fast. clamps into dimples cut into the barrel. The mount allows for quick removal, and as advertised, we saw no loss of zero at 100 yards. Innovative and unique might not translate to performance, but we found the R8 could be run and relied on for accuracy and fast follow-up shots. Our best three-shot group at 100 yards was 0.65 inches with Black Hills Gold loaded with 180-grain Nosler AccuBond bullets. The crisp tigger helped us achieve that accuracy. We did a double take, since two of the bullets went through the same hole. With Hornady Full Boar ammo, we averaged 1.5-inch groups, and the rifle shot noticeably better with American Whitetail. Recoil was noticeable due to the rifle s light weight but we thought it was tolerable due to the design of the stock. Our Team Said: The cost of the R8 was extremely high, but the rifle offers unique features that make it safer in the field. Accuracy was excellent, and the ability to swap barrels and calibers made this rifle more appealing. Written and photographed by Robert Sadowski, using evaluations from Gun Tests team testers. GT 20 Gun Tests RIFLES BUYING GUIDE