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British Shooting Show firearms report

  • Review
British Shooting Show firearms report

The British Shooting Show, held at Stoneleigh near Warwick, really is the place for shooters of all kinds to check out the latest kit and meet those who design, make, distribute and sell it face-to face. So without further ado, let’s get down to business… and that means new kit!

Suffolk Rifle Company

Neal Parnham at SRC always has something new coming in, and it seems he had a highly productive time at the SHOT Show this year too. Unfortunately much of the new gear just missed the show, so you couldn’t get to handle Walther’s new .22LR H&K G36 clone, or the ZK-22 stock from Akly’s Defense for the Ruger 10/22.

Neal’s other new 10/22 stock had arrived in time, though. The Titan 22 comes from Victor Company USA (makers of tactical ‘skins’ for AI chassis systems). It is an ambidextrous design packed with tactical features: a straight comb, an upright grip, a widened mag-well to allow magazines to drop free, a broad beavertail forearm with moulded stippling, a generous barrel channel for barrels up to 0.920 inches O.D., two flush-fit QD sling attachment points on each side, and a cutout grip in the butt-stock for the shooter’s ‘weak’ hand. Inside, the stock, which is made from an “ultra-rigid engineering grade fiberglass composite resin” is a hardened aluminium ‘Anchor Lock’ bedding system. The stock comes with two sling swivels, in a choice of black or FDE, and with an optional Mini Picatinny Rail for a flashlight, IR illuminator or QD bipod. The Titan 22 has real presence and, priced at just £200 or so, it’s sure to be a big hit with 10/22 fans.

Other news from SRC is that they now carry the full range of LaRue stocks, grips, mounts and other rifle accessories. This is good news, as LaRue make top-quality gear, and it has previously been hard to source affordably in the UK.

Thomas Jacks,

Also good for tactical mounts are Thomas Jacks – yes, the night-vision specialists! – now the UK distributor for Samson Manufacturing Corp, Samson’s catalogue lists many great products, including some supremely-practical, precisely machined and beautifully-finished alloy mounts at a great price.

EMMR

Just along the row was another treat for black-rifle fans. Andrew Cooney of the East Midlands Regional Range (EMRR), who already sells CMMG’s excellent .22LR semi-auto AR-type rifles, can now offer a centrefire straight-pull version, the Mk4 T. With prices starting at just £1200 he should sell plenty. EMRR has just struck a deal with Archangel Manufacturing to sell their range of polymer after-market rifle stocks in the UK. I’ve already got one of their stocks on my Remington 597 – and I really like it – but models are also available for 10/22s, Ruger Mini 14s, Mosin Nagants, and most recently for Remington 700s.

If that wasn’t enough, by the time you read this Andy should also have taken delivery of his first consignment of tactical rifle stocks from Canadian firm Cadex Defence. These have been seen on RPA tactical rifles before, but EMRR’s adoption of the brand is sure to take their visibility and availability to another level. Watch out too for news of a new EMRR rifle range that will bring a fresh dimension to rifle shooting in the Midlands.

Hera Arms,

Hera are known as a maker of chassis systems that convert semi-auto pistols into carbines, so given the relevant UK restrictions, what were they trying to sell here? The answer was some rather nice straight-pull ARs. Same old, you might think, but Hera’s not only have a slick, ultra-modern look, they also a very nifty charging handle design that features a side-cocking handle mounted on a bar that runs forward from the rear, and that can be mounted to either or both sides, doing away with the need to mill a slot in the action or to drill and tap the bolt carrier. Now why didn’t we think of that!

MDT TAC21 and LSS

Aficionados of chassis systems should also check out MDT’s offerings – both the original TAC21 and the latest LSS models – for use with Howa, Remington, Savage, Tikka, and Weatherby actions. These are on offer from Low Mill Ranges and Riflecraft, but also from the aptly-named Black Rifle Co. The TAC21 is a full-on system for popular bolt-action rifles that encloses the whole action in a rigid alloy shell complete with an integral free-floating, railed hand-guard. By contrast, the LSS (Light Sniper System) is a more minimalist solution, but both take AR-type stocks and grips and both let you run your rifle offaI or Accurate-Mag 9/10-round detachable magazines. There’s a new MDT multi-adjustable stock on its way as well. Riflecraft had an example on their stand: and very nice it is too.

Brock & Norris – and Sassen Engineering

We were hoping to see the new GRS Bolthorn chassis system at the show and so were delighted to find one on Brock & Norris’ stand – an essential destination for any rifle enthusiast. [Note: We later saw more of the GRS Bolthorn at UK distributor Highland Outdoors who naturally had them too – see write up below].

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Some more good news on the B&N stand was that a phoenix has risen from the ashes of Border Barrels in the shape of Sassen Engineering. Lewis and Adam, both formerly at Borders, have set up a new barrel-making business in Birmingham, offering button-rifled barrels in a variety of profiles. Their presence on rifle-builder Mike Norris’ stand speaks volumes, since Mike knows the difference between a peach and a lemon. He’s a busy man too, and not one to waste time fitting anything but the best. It was fascinating too to see the difference hand-lapping makes: around 100 steady strokes give the bore and rifling a beautifully bright and polished surface.

Staffordshire Synthetic Stocks

Staffordshire Synthetic Stocks (SSS) are always bursting with new ideas, Danny and his team are constantly developing ever-better methods of stock construction and offering new designs – one of the latest combining the flair ofa Lazzeroni-style thumbhole stock with the practicality of an adjustable cheekpiece. SSS also had a couple of new aluminium stock inserts to show me. A hybrid between bedding and chassis systems, these are designed to enhance rigidity and stability, and enable the use of detachable AI/Accurate-Mag magazines. They can be specified in any SSS stock build or supplied separately as required.

Joe West Stocks

Still with stocks, Joe West was brightening up the place as usual with a multi-hued display of laminate stocks in all styles and colours. There were colours of another kind on his own chest too: as he is now a member of the GB F-Class rifle team. Congratulations, Joe!

Highland Outdoors

The new LA01 Crossover Rifle from Australian manufacturers Lithgow Arms was on display on the Highland Outdoors stand. Until now, Lithgow have only made guns for the defence sector – the F88 Aussie Steyr AUG, and its successor the F90, for example – so you’d expect their first foray into the civilian sector to be substantial. You wouldn’t be wrong; the polymer for the stock is the same compound used in the F88 and is as rugged as its styling: the barrelled action has a hard-asnails grey Cerakote finish; the barrel has a beefy medium-heavy profile and a threaded muzzle; the bolt handle has a meaty polymer knob; the bolt has a tough polymer bolt shroud, a red cocking indicator and three locking lugs reminiscent ofa Sako centrefire (though the Lithgow’s are at the rear); and the trigger comes set at a sturdy 4.5kg but is adjustable to 2.5kg and is as crisp at any setting. Superficial similarities with the CZ455 aside, this is a very different rifle, and with a MSRP of £849 the LA01 is evidently priced to do battle with the likes of an schutz and Sako. It certainly looks as though it has what it takes, especially since Highland Outdoors will soon have left as well as right-handed versions, and .22 WMR and .17 HMR chamberings available.

Another great product on show at the giant Highland Outdoor display was the new Bolthorn stock/chassis system from the GRS stable. Oscar Haugen was pleased to show us the design. The Bolthorn, named after the granddaddy ofall Norse gods, has a rugged but light alloy body, ergonomic skins in tough black polymer, accessory rails front and rear (for a monopod), and sling attachment points with push release swivels. It also has the same push-button comb-height and length-of-pull adjustments as its laminate counterparts, plus adjustable trigger-reach and a height-adjustable butt pad (optional). As yet it’s only available for Howas and Tikka T3s, and only in right-hand, but it’s such a desirable bit of kit that other versions are sure to follow.

The chassis is a straightforward bolt-on system offering AICS magazine compatibility and adjustability in all critical ergonomics to polish off the already superbly balanced tracking design of the unit, one is lined up for a test soon!

Highland Outdoors were also showing some new Ridgeline clothing, the smock styles becoming more and more popular for their heat retention and water shrugging properties, I like them, especially for static hunting where the body chills quickly as you can layer up underneath without fear of excessive bulkiness.

Eley

Popular as bolt-action rimfire rifles have always been, for the last few years have seen enormous enthusiasm for .22LR semi-autos based on military designs. Self-loaders like these need a lot of feeding, but they can also be fussy eaters. Clearly keen to capitalise on the first point by addressing the second, Eley have introduced two new rimfire loadings – Force and Contact – specially developed for semi-autos. Force is a high velocity load with a striking black coating on the case (first seen in 2013 on Eley’s Edge load). The case isn’t just cosmetic: it actually increases friction between the case and the projectile, giving a more consistent release pressure for greater stability and consistency (i.e. accuracy!). Inside there’s a new propellant that gives a progressive burn producing a muzzle velocity of around 1200 FPS whilst avoiding the sharp pressure peak that would otherwise result from Eley’s choice of a heavy 42-grain bullet. The same 42-grain bullet is at the heart of the new Contact subsonic load and all new Eley ammo now comes coated in a specially-formulated paraffin wax to minimise build-up in actions and magazines. The new loads clearly have a lot to offer the semi-auto shooter both on the range and in the field, and plenty of shooters will have tried them already, as Eley were giving away a box of each free to everyone with a suitably configured FAC who visited their stand!

Lightnin’ Grip (Black Rifle Co.)

It’s all very well to have a brick of ammo on your shooting bench, but it can be a chore to fill up a stack of high-capacity magazines. Enter the Lightnin’ Grip 22LR magazine loader. All you have to do is tip a box of rounds into the top of this clever gadget, shake them down into a groove in the bottom, clip on a magazine (using one of the available adapters), and work its trigger. Each pull will load one round, so you can now enjoy this magazine while clicking away with your trigger finger to recharge yours! Adapters are available for aftermarket 10/22 magazines, plus S&W M&P 15-22, SiG 552, Colt M4, Beretta ARX160, CZ V22 and CMMG magazines, with more coming options soon. The Lightnin’ Grip costs £38 from the Black Rifle Co., complete with one adapter of your choice. Extra adapters cost £8 each.

Mauser (Blaser)

Mauser is back in the business of offering a magnum Model 98 as a standard catalogue item. The new Mauser M98 Magnum will come in a choice of .375 H&H, .338 Lapua Magnum, .416 Rigby, .450 Dakota, .458 Lott and .500 Jeffrey chamberings. Magazine capacity will be four rounds, except for the .375 H&H (five rounds) and the .500 Jeffrey (three rounds.). All guns will have 24.4 inch barrels and an overall length of 46.7 inches, and weigh of 9.3lbs empty. Mauser have selected those features most often requested by those specifying a custom Mauser for big game, and have applied the most modern manufacturing methods to its production. The result is a highly attractive and practical rifle that scores highly on price as well as performance; a genuine modern classic.

Viking Arms

Now to a rifle that’s been around for a couple of years but has yet to receive the recognition it deserves, the Haenel J10. I have heard it said that what Tikka is to Sako, Haenel is to Merkel, in other words: more affordably-priced, but at least as good in practical terms. Thus, whilst Merkel have their modular RX Helix, Haenel have the J10. At heart it’s a conventionaleuropean turn-bolt, but it offers solid-build quality, a detachable magazine, and a fantastic range of configurations at reasonable prices. The standout model for me is the Varmint

  • British Shooting Show firearms report - image {image:count}

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  • British Shooting Show firearms report - image {image:count}

    click on image to enlarge

  • British Shooting Show firearms report - image {image:count}

    click on image to enlarge

  • British Shooting Show firearms report - image {image:count}

    click on image to enlarge

  • British Shooting Show firearms report - image {image:count}

    click on image to enlarge

  • British Shooting Show firearms report - image {image:count}

    click on image to enlarge

  • British Shooting Show firearms report - image {image:count}

    click on image to enlarge

  • British Shooting Show firearms report - image {image:count}

    click on image to enlarge

  • British Shooting Show firearms report - image {image:count}

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British Shooting Show firearms report

  • Review
British Shooting Show firearms report

The British Shooting Show, held at Stoneleigh near Warwick, really is the place for shooters of all kinds to check out the latest kit and meet those who design, make, distribute and sell it face-to face. So without further ado, let’s get down to business… and that means new kit!

Suffolk Rifle Company

Neal Parnham at SRC always has something new coming in, and it seems he had a highly productive time at the SHOT Show this year too. Unfortunately much of the new gear just missed the show, so you couldn’t get to handle Walther’s new .22LR H&K G36 clone, or the ZK-22 stock from Akly’s Defense for the Ruger 10/22.

Neal’s other new 10/22 stock had arrived in time, though. The Titan 22 comes from Victor Company USA (makers of tactical ‘skins’ for AI chassis systems). It is an ambidextrous design packed with tactical features: a straight comb, an upright grip, a widened mag-well to allow magazines to drop free, a broad beavertail forearm with moulded stippling, a generous barrel channel for barrels up to 0.920 inches O.D., two flush-fit QD sling attachment points on each side, and a cutout grip in the butt-stock for the shooter’s ‘weak’ hand. Inside, the stock, which is made from an “ultra-rigid engineering grade fiberglass composite resin” is a hardened aluminium ‘Anchor Lock’ bedding system. The stock comes with two sling swivels, in a choice of black or FDE, and with an optional Mini Picatinny Rail for a flashlight, IR illuminator or QD bipod. The Titan 22 has real presence and, priced at just £200 or so, it’s sure to be a big hit with 10/22 fans.

Other news from SRC is that they now carry the full range of LaRue stocks, grips, mounts and other rifle accessories. This is good news, as LaRue make top-quality gear, and it has previously been hard to source affordably in the UK.

Thomas Jacks,

Also good for tactical mounts are Thomas Jacks – yes, the night-vision specialists! – now the UK distributor for Samson Manufacturing Corp, Samson’s catalogue lists many great products, including some supremely-practical, precisely machined and beautifully-finished alloy mounts at a great price.

EMMR

Just along the row was another treat for black-rifle fans. Andrew Cooney of the East Midlands Regional Range (EMRR), who already sells CMMG’s excellent .22LR semi-auto AR-type rifles, can now offer a centrefire straight-pull version, the Mk4 T. With prices starting at just £1200 he should sell plenty. EMRR has just struck a deal with Archangel Manufacturing to sell their range of polymer after-market rifle stocks in the UK. I’ve already got one of their stocks on my Remington 597 – and I really like it – but models are also available for 10/22s, Ruger Mini 14s, Mosin Nagants, and most recently for Remington 700s.

If that wasn’t enough, by the time you read this Andy should also have taken delivery of his first consignment of tactical rifle stocks from Canadian firm Cadex Defence. These have been seen on RPA tactical rifles before, but EMRR’s adoption of the brand is sure to take their visibility and availability to another level. Watch out too for news of a new EMRR rifle range that will bring a fresh dimension to rifle shooting in the Midlands.

Hera Arms,

Hera are known as a maker of chassis systems that convert semi-auto pistols into carbines, so given the relevant UK restrictions, what were they trying to sell here? The answer was some rather nice straight-pull ARs. Same old, you might think, but Hera’s not only have a slick, ultra-modern look, they also a very nifty charging handle design that features a side-cocking handle mounted on a bar that runs forward from the rear, and that can be mounted to either or both sides, doing away with the need to mill a slot in the action or to drill and tap the bolt carrier. Now why didn’t we think of that!

MDT TAC21 and LSS

Aficionados of chassis systems should also check out MDT’s offerings – both the original TAC21 and the latest LSS models – for use with Howa, Remington, Savage, Tikka, and Weatherby actions. These are on offer from Low Mill Ranges and Riflecraft, but also from the aptly-named Black Rifle Co. The TAC21 is a full-on system for popular bolt-action rifles that encloses the whole action in a rigid alloy shell complete with an integral free-floating, railed hand-guard. By contrast, the LSS (Light Sniper System) is a more minimalist solution, but both take AR-type stocks and grips and both let you run your rifle offaI or Accurate-Mag 9/10-round detachable magazines. There’s a new MDT multi-adjustable stock on its way as well. Riflecraft had an example on their stand: and very nice it is too.

Brock & Norris – and Sassen Engineering

We were hoping to see the new GRS Bolthorn chassis system at the show and so were delighted to find one on Brock & Norris’ stand – an essential destination for any rifle enthusiast. [Note: We later saw more of the GRS Bolthorn at UK distributor Highland Outdoors who naturally had them too – see write up below].

story continues below...

Some more good news on the B&N stand was that a phoenix has risen from the ashes of Border Barrels in the shape of Sassen Engineering. Lewis and Adam, both formerly at Borders, have set up a new barrel-making business in Birmingham, offering button-rifled barrels in a variety of profiles. Their presence on rifle-builder Mike Norris’ stand speaks volumes, since Mike knows the difference between a peach and a lemon. He’s a busy man too, and not one to waste time fitting anything but the best. It was fascinating too to see the difference hand-lapping makes: around 100 steady strokes give the bore and rifling a beautifully bright and polished surface.

Staffordshire Synthetic Stocks

Staffordshire Synthetic Stocks (SSS) are always bursting with new ideas, Danny and his team are constantly developing ever-better methods of stock construction and offering new designs – one of the latest combining the flair ofa Lazzeroni-style thumbhole stock with the practicality of an adjustable cheekpiece. SSS also had a couple of new aluminium stock inserts to show me. A hybrid between bedding and chassis systems, these are designed to enhance rigidity and stability, and enable the use of detachable AI/Accurate-Mag magazines. They can be specified in any SSS stock build or supplied separately as required.

Joe West Stocks

Still with stocks, Joe West was brightening up the place as usual with a multi-hued display of laminate stocks in all styles and colours. There were colours of another kind on his own chest too: as he is now a member of the GB F-Class rifle team. Congratulations, Joe!

Highland Outdoors

The new LA01 Crossover Rifle from Australian manufacturers Lithgow Arms was on display on the Highland Outdoors stand. Until now, Lithgow have only made guns for the defence sector – the F88 Aussie Steyr AUG, and its successor the F90, for example – so you’d expect their first foray into the civilian sector to be substantial. You wouldn’t be wrong; the polymer for the stock is the same compound used in the F88 and is as rugged as its styling: the barrelled action has a hard-asnails grey Cerakote finish; the barrel has a beefy medium-heavy profile and a threaded muzzle; the bolt handle has a meaty polymer knob; the bolt has a tough polymer bolt shroud, a red cocking indicator and three locking lugs reminiscent ofa Sako centrefire (though the Lithgow’s are at the rear); and the trigger comes set at a sturdy 4.5kg but is adjustable to 2.5kg and is as crisp at any setting. Superficial similarities with the CZ455 aside, this is a very different rifle, and with a MSRP of £849 the LA01 is evidently priced to do battle with the likes of an schutz and Sako. It certainly looks as though it has what it takes, especially since Highland Outdoors will soon have left as well as right-handed versions, and .22 WMR and .17 HMR chamberings available.

Another great product on show at the giant Highland Outdoor display was the new Bolthorn stock/chassis system from the GRS stable. Oscar Haugen was pleased to show us the design. The Bolthorn, named after the granddaddy ofall Norse gods, has a rugged but light alloy body, ergonomic skins in tough black polymer, accessory rails front and rear (for a monopod), and sling attachment points with push release swivels. It also has the same push-button comb-height and length-of-pull adjustments as its laminate counterparts, plus adjustable trigger-reach and a height-adjustable butt pad (optional). As yet it’s only available for Howas and Tikka T3s, and only in right-hand, but it’s such a desirable bit of kit that other versions are sure to follow.

The chassis is a straightforward bolt-on system offering AICS magazine compatibility and adjustability in all critical ergonomics to polish off the already superbly balanced tracking design of the unit, one is lined up for a test soon!

Highland Outdoors were also showing some new Ridgeline clothing, the smock styles becoming more and more popular for their heat retention and water shrugging properties, I like them, especially for static hunting where the body chills quickly as you can layer up underneath without fear of excessive bulkiness.

Eley

Popular as bolt-action rimfire rifles have always been, for the last few years have seen enormous enthusiasm for .22LR semi-autos based on military designs. Self-loaders like these need a lot of feeding, but they can also be fussy eaters. Clearly keen to capitalise on the first point by addressing the second, Eley have introduced two new rimfire loadings – Force and Contact – specially developed for semi-autos. Force is a high velocity load with a striking black coating on the case (first seen in 2013 on Eley’s Edge load). The case isn’t just cosmetic: it actually increases friction between the case and the projectile, giving a more consistent release pressure for greater stability and consistency (i.e. accuracy!). Inside there’s a new propellant that gives a progressive burn producing a muzzle velocity of around 1200 FPS whilst avoiding the sharp pressure peak that would otherwise result from Eley’s choice of a heavy 42-grain bullet. The same 42-grain bullet is at the heart of the new Contact subsonic load and all new Eley ammo now comes coated in a specially-formulated paraffin wax to minimise build-up in actions and magazines. The new loads clearly have a lot to offer the semi-auto shooter both on the range and in the field, and plenty of shooters will have tried them already, as Eley were giving away a box of each free to everyone with a suitably configured FAC who visited their stand!

Lightnin’ Grip (Black Rifle Co.)

It’s all very well to have a brick of ammo on your shooting bench, but it can be a chore to fill up a stack of high-capacity magazines. Enter the Lightnin’ Grip 22LR magazine loader. All you have to do is tip a box of rounds into the top of this clever gadget, shake them down into a groove in the bottom, clip on a magazine (using one of the available adapters), and work its trigger. Each pull will load one round, so you can now enjoy this magazine while clicking away with your trigger finger to recharge yours! Adapters are available for aftermarket 10/22 magazines, plus S&W M&P 15-22, SiG 552, Colt M4, Beretta ARX160, CZ V22 and CMMG magazines, with more coming options soon. The Lightnin’ Grip costs £38 from the Black Rifle Co., complete with one adapter of your choice. Extra adapters cost £8 each.

Mauser (Blaser)

Mauser is back in the business of offering a magnum Model 98 as a standard catalogue item. The new Mauser M98 Magnum will come in a choice of .375 H&H, .338 Lapua Magnum, .416 Rigby, .450 Dakota, .458 Lott and .500 Jeffrey chamberings. Magazine capacity will be four rounds, except for the .375 H&H (five rounds) and the .500 Jeffrey (three rounds.). All guns will have 24.4 inch barrels and an overall length of 46.7 inches, and weigh of 9.3lbs empty. Mauser have selected those features most often requested by those specifying a custom Mauser for big game, and have applied the most modern manufacturing methods to its production. The result is a highly attractive and practical rifle that scores highly on price as well as performance; a genuine modern classic.

Viking Arms

Now to a rifle that’s been around for a couple of years but has yet to receive the recognition it deserves, the Haenel J10. I have heard it said that what Tikka is to Sako, Haenel is to Merkel, in other words: more affordably-priced, but at least as good in practical terms. Thus, whilst Merkel have their modular RX Helix, Haenel have the J10. At heart it’s a conventionaleuropean turn-bolt, but it offers solid-build quality, a detachable magazine, and a fantastic range of configurations at reasonable prices. The standout model for me is the Varmint

  • British Shooting Show firearms report - image {image:count}

    click on image to enlarge

  • British Shooting Show firearms report - image {image:count}

    click on image to enlarge

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    click on image to enlarge

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    click on image to enlarge

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    click on image to enlarge

  • British Shooting Show firearms report - image {image:count}

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