The Basics
The frame of the Rock Island Armory 1911 A2 is a little wider than a traditional 1911, similar in feel to the other “double stack” frames such as the .38 Super and the Para-Ordnance high capacity versions.  The first time the .22TCM is handled there will be a few noticeable things for those well versed in the 1911.  The first is the light return spring and the second is obvious before even handling it, the much smaller bore than standard chamberings.

The mainspring is heavily stippled and the factory grips are rough enough in texture to ensure a positive grip without being sharp or uncomfortable.  It has a steel frame and slide, weighted and balanced well.  The extended beavertail safety is comfortable and ensures a proper grip height.  The skeletonized trigger had a very short length of pull with a crisp break to drop the lightweight hammer at precisely the right time.  The slide is serrated directly above the grip panels to assist in your grip for ease in charging and the elevation adjustable rear sights retain a low profile for standard carry or duty gear without fear of hanging up like a tall target sight.

Left to right: 90-grain 7.62x25mm FMJ, 40-grain .22TCM HSP, 147-grain 9x19mm JFP.

The extended magazine release combined with the lightly beveled mag-well makes magazine changes fast and easy.  The barrel bushing and guide-rod appear to be standard and the slide release, though standard and not extended in size, is stippled for easy manipulation.  The takedown, maintenance, and assembly is standard as any other traditional 1911 series firearm.

Bring on the Performance
If anything differentiates the Rock Island Armory 1911A2 as tested, it is the chambering in the new .22TCM caliber.  While the most common loading for the 1911 is the very effective yet slow-moving 230-grain .45 ACP, the .22TCM is far on the other end of the ballistic spectrum.  At 40-grains and traveling at 2,200 feet per second (fps) with an 18-round magazine capacity, the experience is quite different than what we are used to.  A single break of the trigger unleashes a loud report with an equally impressive fireball from the muzzle.

While the velocity is similar to what you may expect from a very short-barreled M4 or similar “Black Rifle,” this is being delivered from a compact, concealable and familiar platform seldom associated with such performance. The projectile weight is under the 5.56mm by 15 grains, but still within the small caliber high velocity quotients.

Ammo Specifics
As of this writing the only load commercially available for the .22TCM is a 40-grain soft point.  Ammunition is manufactured by Armscor and both the pistol and ammo is available from the normal chain of firearms distributers.  With the development of smaller, lighter and faster rounds over the last decade this writer can’t help thinking the ammo line will evolve to match special purpose applications at some point.  Later this year we are planning a “head to head” test comparing the .22 LR, .22 Magnum, 5.7x28mm and .22TCM.  We will be testing for muzzle velocity, accuracy, penetration, weight retention, and overall performance.  With the .22TCM and 5.7x28mm having similar weights and muzzle velocities we are looking forward to the outcome of the testing.

The .22TCM is a short, bottle-necked round with an enormous muzzle velocity from a short barrel. What the small 40-grain hollow soft-point lacks in mass is more than compensated for in velocity.

Added Bonus Features
The Rock Island Armory 1911 A2 MM (Mini Magnum) is a “duel use” firearm right out of the box.  With a simple swap of a barrel, the powerful .22TCM is converted to a 9x19mm pistol with a magazine capacity of 16+1 using the same magazine.  With a gentle recoil and easy to obtain NATO round, the 1911 A2 can be a useful tool suited for many situations.

Live Fire
Of the time spent on the range, we are pleased to report zero failures of any kind.  Right out of the box the 1911 A2 functioned perfectly and never failed to feed, fire or extract at any point.  The trigger is tight and crisp with a clean break.  If there is anything that should be noted that sets it apart from standard 1911 pistols it is the large muzzle flash and sharp crack upon firing.  The feeling was generally considered odd for all experienced shooters who fired it for the first time because the different noise combined with the absence of an equal amount of recoil seemed “different” at first.  With no exceptions it was highly regarded and enjoyed after this first initial “oddity” was processed, and all who were asked to test fire to give impartial impressions during the function phase of the testing asked to shoot more.  It is the opinion of this writer that several photos and videos of this pistol will be showing up on the Internet and in printed publications due to the “fire show” during each firing. While this can be a negative in tactical situations, it is being addressed by the manufacturer as well as by Dr. Philip Dater from Gemtech as he works on a suppressor design.

After testing for function and muzzle velocity, a practical accuracy test was conducted.  It was fired by numerous experienced shooters at the same time as other examples including a standard .45 ACP 1911, a .22 LR GSG 1911, and several typical 9x19mm variants so everyone had something familiar and comfortable to base it against.  All pistols were equally as accurate from a standing position at 15 yards.  (When ballistic gel and water recovery data is collected in the next phase of testing, accuracy from a rest will be recorded and published).

The Rock Island Armory 1911 A2 has many features common on high-end 1911 pistols such as a serrated slide, stippled mainspring housing, skeletal trigger and hammer, extended magazine release and low profile, elevation adjustable sights.

Speed = Energy
While testing the .22TCM during our initial outing, there were other firearms and items undergoing similar trials at the Small Arms Research facility.  One group was using a popular binary explosive target with some rifle exercises.  Since we were almost ready to wrap up the day we asked if we could borrow a few targets to complete our day.  When they noticed we were testing a 1911 variant they were hesitant, knowing that it is not typical of any pistol, especially one they thought was a .45ACP, to have the necessary energy to ignite one of these targets.  We were delighted when the two targets we placed in the impact area both ignited completely and it raised eyebrows from onlookers involved in other projects.

Conclusion
The 1911 is a long-time favorite design of this writer so this test project was eagerly accepted.  Since the attraction has typically been the large .45ACP round (or larger in some cases) the small diameter of the projectile it was chambered in left us curious at best.  It was one of the few times there was no preconceived notion of expected performance and everyone was a completely blank slate before testing.  Upon chambering and firing the first round however, it was immediately clear that this was no typical small-bore “practice” handgun like many of the rimfire loadings in full size frames.  This pistol chambered in .22TCM has a place of its own and we look forward to continuing the data harvesting to report back with some solid performance reports.  As for our initial impressions the Rock Island Armory 1911 A2 passed all tests in fit, finish, workmanship, simplicity and function and it is clear the round has the potential to stand on its own.  With a muzzle velocity in the 2,200 fps area, combined with light recoil and a magazine capacity of 17+1 rounds in a very small package, we are certain it will be a very popular package.

The new Gemtech Quicksand sound suppressor, now available for purchase, is used on 7.62 NATO rifles and utilizes a patented quick mount system.  It can be fastened securely in only two seconds and at only 17.5 ounces in weight it is the lightest quick-detach .308 suppressor available.

Modeled after the popular Gemtech Sandstorm, the Quicksand is manufactured to be as effective as it is light.  It also adds the feature of a Quick Mount.  Using an entirely new baffle design, just like the Sandstorm, the Quicksand sound suppressor is manufactured from corrosion resistant Titanium, providing a light package that is stronger than steel and tuned to maximum efficiency.  The lightweight construction is not only attractive when working in environments where extra ounces translate into a much heavier burden, but Titanium also cools much faster than many other materials and has far less impact on point-of-impact shift from changing barrel harmonics.

While one attractive feature of the Quick Mount is the speed and accuracy of the attachment method, it is equally interesting that it is “backwards compatible” with the older HVT and TPRS mounts and allows a duel-use with the G5 mount for use with the Gemtech 5.56mm series of silencers.  This gives the user a great amount of usefulness and continues to increase the versatility of the suppressor.

Alpha Group Long Range Shooting Instructor Bruce Roscoe assists in testing the Gemtech Quicksand mounted on a DPMS LR-308 Carbine.

Live Fire
The base rifle chosen to test the Gemtech Quicksand was a DPMS LR-308.  This rifle is an accurate platform and has performed very well under numerous testing conditions.  The free-floating barrel of the test rifle is 16 inches in length, with an M4 profile.  The rifling rate is 1 turn in 10 inches.  The flattop upper receiver provides a suitable base for almost any mounting option.  The magazine design of the DPMS LR-308 rifle is based on the early, original ArmaLite magazine design, and this has been adopted by several other manufacturers including POF-USA.  There is a great selection of available magazines ranging in size from 5-rounds to 25-rounds and MAGPUL is even making a .308 version of their wildly popular PMAG in this design.

Ammunition being utilized in this testing included Lake City Special Ball and Wolf Performance Ammunition Gold.  Optics for this test would be an IOR Valdata fixed 4x scope.

After an initial sighting-in period, the first order of business was to collect muzzle velocity measurements.  This was repeated with each load – suppressed as well as unsuppressed – using the Vortex-style flash hider that is built into the Gemtech Quick Mount.  It is important to note that due to the design of the Quick Mount, the suppressor can only mount on a single way.  This is a great design step above earlier 3-lug mounts and some other commercial mounts that allow mounting in numerous positions.  Since the Quick Mount only allows mounting one way, the repeatability of critical shot placement when taking the suppressor off and remounting it is held to the highest standard possible.  As anyone who shoots an accurate rifle combined with a suppressor knows well, any variable, such as mounting the suppressor in a different position, has the potential to affect the point of impact greatly.  The design of the Gemtech Quick Mount takes this potential for error out of the equation with their design.

Since the lugs of the Quick Mount are different sizes, the Quicksand can only mount in one orientation. This provides a positive lock with no shifting or unlocking possible and allows for point of impact repeatability when removing and reinstalling the suppressor. There are no tools necessary and it takes less than 2 seconds to install or remove, with precise fitting.

The suppressor had a surprisingly low impact on the muzzle velocity (MV).  We conducted the majority of our tests with 150-grain SP Wolf Gold and 173-grain Lake City M118 Special Ball.  The complete information is included in the accompanying chart but in summary the average muzzle velocity from the 16-inch DPMS AP4 barrel with the Lake City was 2,496 feet per second (fps) unsuppressed and 2,500 fps suppressed.  The Wolf Gold averaged 2,680 fps with no suppressor and 2,668 through the Quicksand.  An interesting note may be the continuity of all ammo fired through the Quicksand Suppressor.  While the overall change was not significant, the extreme spread of all ammo was decreased greatly while the suppressor was in use.

The repeatability of the suppressor was tested with great results.  Testing was performed in the following manor; a string of 10 rounds was fired and the suppressor was removed.  This was followed by another string of 10 rounds and the suppressor reattached.  This was carried out 2 times per test so we would eventually end up with 4 groups of 10 rounds each.  The return to zero was absolute each time so it actually ended up being 2 groups of 20 rounds each, one suppressed and the other unsuppressed.  The deviation was a slight point of impact (POI) shift of approximately 2 inches at 100 yards, and repeatable.  The Lake City Special Ball ammo performed the best in the accuracy phase although the Wolf Gold was much more consistent in muzzle velocity.

An interesting side note on ammo selection is that the Wolf Gold ran well in the stock 16-inch unsuppressed configuration, but we experienced some trouble while using the suppressor.  A few rounds had trouble extracting and actually blew out primers.  No other ammunition in any configuration exhibited this activity.

The Gemtech Quicksand was tested on a 16-inch DMPS LR-308. Muzzle velocity testing was measured with a PACT MKIV XP Timer & Chronograph. Shooter: Sergeant First Class Bruce Roscoe.

Summary
The Gemtech Quicksand is a very desirable suppressor.  The extremely light weight of the 17.5-ounce system caused everyone who handled it to verify that it was actually a .308 can.  All shooters testing this combination had fired numerous 7.62 suppressors in the past and all were impressed with the feel and sound signature of the Quicksand as well.  The firearm no longer exhibits that “nose heavy” feeling common with many other sound suppressors, making initial and follow-up shots very fast, especially when engaging multiple targets.  Although Gemtech claims an average decibel reduction of 32Db, the “tone” of the Titanium suppressor seems “softer” to the ear.  This seems to be a standard observation as this writer recently tested the Gemtech 5.56x45mm TREK and TREK-T series sound suppressors and the same result was noted with the Titanium model in that caliber as well.  All ammo fired was traveling well over 2,400 feet per second at 8 feet from the muzzle and none was the least bit uncomfortable without hearing protection of any kind as it was well below the threshold of discomfort.

The Quick Mount mounting system is a big advantage for a number of reasons – the most obvious is in the performance.  Since it is a Bi-Lock system with 2 different size lugs there is only one way it can mount.  This is beneficial for repeated accuracy when mounting since it will always end up with the same orientation.  When the suppressor is attached it is pushed onto the mount, rotated and released.  It is under spring tension which applies pressure to the front when released giving it a positive position lock the operator can actually feel.  When locked in place it is not possible to shift or rotate; thus maintaining position for accuracy and retention.  In the rare occurrence when the suppressor is not desired for use, the mount doubles as an effective Vortex-style flash hider/muzzle brake.  Also, the threads are protected and never exposed at any time once the mount is secured.

Close up of the Quick Mount illustrates the locking lugs below the Vortex-style flash hider / muzzle brake.

The ability to use the Quicksand with a Gemtech G5 mount allows the owner to utilize it on a 5.56x45mm (.223) platform when desired is a positive aspect as well.  While it has always been “possible” to use a 7.62mm suppressor on a 5.56mm platform, either the necessity of a thread adapter to fit, or the excessive size and weight of the 7.62mm designs didn’t make it “practical.”  The Quicksand provides a solution to both situations with the mounting system and light weight of the system.  The MSRP on the Quicksand is $1,400.

Caliber:
.308 or .300 (7.62 NATO)

Overall Length:
9.2 inches

Diameter:
1.5 inches

Construction:
Titanium

Mount:
Bi-Lock Quick Mount (Numerous available threads)

Weight:
17.5 ounces

Finish:
Bead-blasted natural Titanium (grey)

This photo illustrates the average point of impact (POI) shift at 100 yards using Lake City M118 Special Ball 7.62 NATO. Each circle represents 7 rounds fired. The top circle is suppressed and the bottom circle is unsuppressed. The light weight and design of the Quicksand silencer keep POI shift to a minimum. The Bi-Lock Quick Mount system makes it repeatable when removing and replacing the suppressor.

Background
Caracal International, based in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), started in 2002.  Led by a team of European weapon designers the goal was set to develop a new pistol using state-of-the-art technology and materials.  After undergoing a long period of R&D, a test certificate was issued in 2006 certifying the Caracal pistol to be in compliance with the NATO D14 standard, the TA Police Standard and the Federal Armed Forces Technical Purchasing Requirements.  It was time to introduce the innovative new pistol to the rest of the world.  Among the many International trade shows it would soon appear in, they included ADIHEX 2008, IDEX 2009, EXA 2009 and most recently, S.H.O.T. Show 2010 in Las Vegas, NV, USA.  Shipments into the United States are just beginning as we are penning this article.  They are being imported by Waffen Werks of Knoxville, TN, USA and marketed by Caracal USA, also of Knoxville, TN.

Design Features
The Caracal pistols are synthetic frame, high capacity handguns with a short double action trigger system.  While the standard firearms do not have an external safety or decocking lever, at some point in the future they may offer a model with an external, push-button safety located above and to the rear of the trigger.  Some utilize a unique sighting system and all have a “cocked action” indicator at the rear of the slide.  There is also a loaded chamber indicator by means of a small “window” at the rear of the barrel where a round can be observed from the top if the chamber is loaded.  They feature an ambidextrous magazine release and an accessory rail directly in front of the trigger guard.  They have similarities to many different handguns on the market, but they feature their own low-axis barrel system to reduce recoil.  The magazines are a double-stack design with single round presentation for precision feeding.

The bottom of the trigger guard with the importer markings from Waffen Werks in Knoxville, TN.

Caracal Pistol Variations
At the time of this writing there are 3 models available.  Those evaluated by SADJ were all chambered in 9x19mm although they will also be available in 9x21mm, .357SIG and .40S&W.  The Caracal F is the full size version.  With an unloaded weight of only 26.4 ounces (750g) the 9x19mm boasts a magazine capacity of 18+1 rounds.  The barrel length is 4.09 inches (104mm) with a sight radius of 6.2 inches (157mm).  The sights are a blade in front with a single white dot and the rear sight is a fixed “notch” with another single dot below the slot.  The Caracal C is the compact model with a magazine capacity of 15+1.  Unloaded weight is 26.1 ounces (740g) and the barrel length is 3.6 inches (93mm).  The front sight is the same blade with a white dot but the rear sight is quite unique.  With a radius of only 1.7 (43mm) inches between the rear notch (no white dot) the position of the rear sight is what makes it stand out.  The rear sight is located 4.3 inches (109mm) from the back plate of the firearm, directly in front of the ejection port.  While it was met with mixed concerns on our initial handling, it was found to be quite effective and we will go into more details in the performance section of this article.  The newest model is the Caracal SC.  This sub-compact version weighs in at 22.94 ounces (650g) and sports a 3.3-inch (86mm) barrel.  The magazine capacity is reduced to 13+1 rounds, with a slightly longer 15 round magazine with integrated finger groove available.  Like the other models, it will also accept the longer magazines of the Model F and Model C when capacity is of more concern than concealability.  As of this writing the Caracal SC does not meet the importation “points count” for the United States so it is currently not available for retail sale.

All pistols have a short rail integrated into the frame in front of the trigger guard for attachment of accessories including laser sights, lights or grips.  The trigger mechanism is a short double action and all have a visual indicator at the rear to show when the pistol is cocked and ready to fire.  The trigger pull comes in at approximately 4.8 pounds (2.2kg) with .31 inches (8mm) of travel.  While all have the ability to accept a locking front grip accessory (if previously properly registered as an A.O.W. with the BATFE) the Caracal F also has a notch at the rear of the receiver to accept a factory stock (when registered with BATFE as a short barreled rifle).

View of the rear of the Caracal F.

Range Time
We visited the test range accompanied with several hundred rounds of ammo, a PACT MKIV Pro chronograph and timer and plenty of targets to collect data.  Before setting up any equipment, all shooters in attendance wanted to fire a few magazines to get a basic feel for this new platform.  The sight system of the Caracal C raised the most curiosity and shooters lined up to spend some time with this pistol first.  The SBR Caracal F with the shoulder stock was equally as intriguing and also got plenty of attention.  After a brief introductory period where we started counting rounds for a basic function check, we set up some equipment and started collecting data.

The first day out we had four very experienced pistol shooters.  Initial testing started with the Caracal C followed by the Caracal F and lastly the Caracal F with the shoulder stock.  Testing was conducted at the Small Arms Research Test Facility in Maine and accuracy shooting was recorded at a distance of 10 yards.  Targets were standard “Q” targets and blank sheets with a 3-inch red dot for an aiming point for each configuration.  One 10-shot group was fired at each dot by each shooter on their own target to see how each configuration change affected their shooting.  It is a good comparison exercise because all the variables are the same except for the actual pistol or configuration being used and the groups are all clearly defined while close enough to be used for comparison.

There is a difference in the design of all of the Caracal guns that lessens the muzzle rise.  They are designed so the centerline of the barrel is closer to the hand.  This makes controlled pairs (previously often referred to as “double-taps”) easier and faster with no loss of accuracy and shot placement.  This low centerline is a very important part of the Caracal pistol system and should prove popular to many who try the system.

Phase 1 – Accuracy
Ammo used in the first round was standard Winchester “White Box” 115gr FMJ.  It was duplicated with Wolf 115gr FMJ and Federal American Eagle 147gr FPJ.  None of the firearms ever malfunctioned at any time and the results were very similar for all types of ammo.  The smaller Caracal C model performed extremely similar to, and in a few cases even superior to the full size Caracal F model.  All groups tightened considerably when using the stocked (SBR) Caracal F.  Many of the groups were so tight they showed little evidence of 10 rounds being fired.  The addition of the stock left no doubt at the enhancement in performance with the sturdy hold it allows.

Chambering the Black Rifle in .308 Win. (7.62x51mm NATO) is anything but a new idea.  From the early ArmaLites to the current selection of workhorse rifles on the market today, this caliber has fared well in giving the end user the extra knock-down power at extended ranges while keeping the feel, fit and function of America’s primary service rifle for well over 40 years.  As mission objectives change we must adapt to the new tasks at hand, and welcome the addition of POF-USA’s C.R.O.S. (Corrosion Resistant Operating System) technology with this combat proven caliber.

All have outperformed the claims by the manufacturer and the innovation in the weapon systems continues to evolve at an amazing pace.  The latest rifle in the POF-USA product line is the P-308, a larger 7.62x51mm version of their P-415 weapon system.  It combines the larger caliber of the early AR-10, Knight SR-25, DPMS LR-308, Remington R-25, and others, with the piston driven operating system used in the POF rifle family.

Upgrades and Options
A quick glance at the P-308 we are testing may look like a shortened version of any of the aforementioned rifles but it takes a close look to reveal some of the details that make the P-308 stand out.

The 12.5-inch barrel is fluted to increase surface area for strength and cooling.

The POF barrel nut is several times the size of a standard barrel nut and is made of Aluminum with the intended purpose of quickly drawing heat from the chamber and barrel at a faster rate without any meaningful additional weight gain.

The fire control group has been designed to the exact specifications of a standard AR-15/M16/M4 allowing the user to utilize any of the numerous upgraded trigger systems available for that popular weapon system.

The new upper receiver and rail mechanism have been integrated into the latest version of what used to be referred to as the Predator Rail System.  This latest design, the Modular Railed Receiver (MRR) extends completely over the gas block to the area above the charging handle providing a long, continuous Mil-Std M1913 Picatinny rail measuring over 16 inches in length, even with the tiny 12.5-inch barreled version.

The lower receiver has a heavily reinforced and deeply beveled magazine well and an ambidextrous bolt drop mechanism.  With the positioning of the bolt release directly above the magazine release, the operator can empty a magazine, drop the empty magazine, insert a new magazine and drop the bolt to recharge the rifle, all without breaking the cheek-weld or taking the right hand off the pistol grip.

The POF-USA C.R.O.S. system is the same as used in the 5.56mm rifles and will serve to enhance the function, performance, durability, and duration the P-308 will function for.  With little to no carbon build-up due to the piston-driven operating system, combined with the silicone nickel coating on all major moving components, the reliability factor is levels above a traditional system.  The P-308 utilizes the addition of the new NP3 Finish and will eventually replace the original as the C.R.O.S. Plus.

The largest physical change may be the least visible without close inspection.  The trigger group had been designed to meet the exact dimensions of all the guns in the .223 rifle series.  This means all of the original existing trigger system’s components and parts are interchangeable with the POF-USA P-308.  All the new adjustable triggers and even the latest drop-in trigger systems can be used with the P-308, greatly increasing the gun’s versatility.

The POF-USA BC-A5 muzzle device. The contact points give it a unique look and aid in functions such as breaking glass while lessening the possibility of damaging the end of the barrel.

Built Tough
Since the current primary operating environment for US battle rifles tends to be in hot, desert environments, the P-308 has been designed to combat the adverse effects of both heat and sand while requiring little downtime for standard maintenance when the necessity for a working rifle is the greatest.

Several factors have gone into increasing the reliability without major weight increases.  The barrels are built from 4150 Mil-B-1159F Vanadium alloy with heavy machine gun fire in mind.  Without sacrificing accuracy, if heavy fire is necessary the operator doesn’t need to worry about overheating or overworking the barrel as much as with a standard barrel.  Optional 5R Polygonal barrels can also be purchased.  These barrels are case hardened and heat treated to 70 Rockwell, twice the hardness of mil-spec and hammer forged barrels.  All barrels are threaded 5/8×24 and provided with the BC-A5 muzzle brake.

The bolt carrier key is integral to the billet machined steel bolt carrier, not an “add-on” part.  The bolt carrier and the bolt are heat-treated and chrome plated.

Both the upper and lower receivers are machined from 7075 T-6 aircraft aluminum alloy.  The upper receiver is a Modular Railed Receiver (MRR) with a continuous monolithic top rail extending from the gas block to the charging handle.  The upper receiver is coated on the interior with silicone nickel and the standard exterior finish on both receivers is black hard-coat anodized.  The receiver and muzzle brake of our test rifle is finished with the Robar NP3 finish giving the receiver a non-reflective grey appearance.  The black and grey combination lean more towards the “Urban Camo” style when compared to other finishes.

Full left-side view of the POF-USA P-308. This .308 powerhouse is small enough to be used is tight quarters but still provides the ability to be effective at long distances if necessary.

Magazine Compatibility
The POF-USA was manufactured to utilize a common .308 magazine rather than designing a new proprietary feeding device.  After testing several systems, the decision was made to go back to the beginning of the big-bore black rifles and use the original ArmaLite AR-10 magazine design.  This means you can use the following magazines with the P-308:

– Original (Waffle-Type) ArmaLite AR-10 magazines
– Knight SR-25 magazines
– DPMS Steel and Composite magazines
– POF-USA 25-round steel magazines
– C-Products 20-round stainless steel magazines

POF-USA Piston Operating System
Just like the POF-USA P-415 and P-416 rifle systems, the P-308 uses a gas piston mechanism instead of the direct gas impingement system.  While the basic mechanism remains the same, a few parts are eliminated from the direct gas impingement system and are replaced with only three different parts to compose the piston system.  The parts removed; the gas tube, the gas key and the gas rings include the parts that carry the hot gasses and excess carbon back inside the fire control mechanism and add greatly to the buildup of the material responsible for malfunction over prolonged use.  With the POF-USA piston system, the gas rings are completely eliminated since they are no longer necessary for the system to function.  This greatly decreases friction between the bolt and the bolt carrier making the mechanism much easier to cycle.  A gas plug, gas piston and an operating rod and added and the system is complete.  The gas plug has two positions: one for use with the rifle as shipped, and the second position is used in conjunction with a sound suppressor.  This second position decreases the amount of gas volume used due to the additional backpressure created when using a sound suppressor.  This combats excess recoil, gas blowback and an unwarranted rate of fire increase while suppressed.  A simple 180-degree rotation is all that is necessary to change the gas plug position.

Trigger Time
Two things immediately come to mind when mentioning a 12-inch barrel and rifle cartridge in the same sentence: accuracy and muzzle velocity.  Both were tested on a sub-freezing day in central Maine.  Since it was unlikely that the mercury would rise any higher in the following weeks, a decision was made to conduct the testing in these frigid conditions, hovering around 0° F, often falling into the negative numbers.  The average temperature for all shooting was only 5° F.

Because there was over 3 feet of snow on the ground with no sign of thaw for a few more months, our standard rifle ranges could not be utilized for these tests so an improvised range was established.  A portable bench was set-up and standard B-27 silhouette targets were deployed at 100 yards and 200 yards with the assistance of a Bushnell laser rangefinder.

Accuracy Testing
Shooting for accuracy was the first order of the day and the P-308 system was topped with a BW Optic Y-TAC scope for this phase of testing.  Targets were engaged at both 100 yards and 200 yards and 5-shot groups were recorded at each distance with 5 different types of ammo.  We feel that the groups were quite “lose” compared to their real potential given the temporary range conditions and frigid temperatures.  Retesting will be conducted at a later date to test this theory.

Ammo tested included Lake City M118 Special Ball 173gr. (FMJ), Federal Gold Medal 168gr. (BTHP), Wolf Gold 150gr. (SP), Remington Match 168gr. (HPBT) and Wolf Performance Ammunition 150gr. (FMJ).  The tightest groups at 100 yards were fired with the Federal Gold Medal and the Remington Match.  Both types gave us 4-shot groups under 1.25 inches but when the first “cold round” was factored in, the groups both measured just larger than 3 inches.  Next was the Lake City with a 4-shot group of just under 1.5 inches and when factoring in the first “cold round” the 5-shot group came in at 2.85 inches.  The Wolf Gold put 4 rounds in just under 2.25 inches and when adding the first “cold round” increased to 2.9 inches.  The Wolf Performance Ammunition came in at 3.6 inches for the 4-round group and measured 4.25 inches when adding the initial “cold round.”

The suppressor received for testing and evaluation was mounted on a Glock Model 17 as a host firearm.  Since the factory Glock 17 doesn’t have a threaded barrel we consulted with Lone Wolf Distributors of Oldtown, Idaho, USA.  A threaded, drop-in replacement, stainless steel barrel was selected and installed.  Lone Wolf is one of the few Gemtech recommended barrel manufacturers for suppressor mounting.

Even with the small diameter of the suppressor, the factory sights are slightly obstructed.  With very little practice the factory sights can still be used with great effectiveness due to the low profile of the Tundra.  Nevertheless, we chose to mount a Green LaserMax Unimax laser sight to the factory rail in front of the trigger-guard on the pistol.  The combination of the laser and the factory sights make fast target acquisition a simple process.

The Gemtech Tundra is manufactured from high tensile aluminum and finished in either a Flat Dark Earth (FDE) tan hardcoat anodized finish or the standard black hardcoat anodized finish.  Both are YAG-Laser engraved for fast identification.

The Gemtech LID-8
One of the most visually distinguishing characteristics of the Gemtech Tundra is the “divoted” grip-area at the rear of the suppressor, which resembles the pattern on a golf-ball.  This section is machined to allow users the ability to tighten or adjust the suppressor with heavy gloves or in wet or slippery conditions.  This grip-area is directly above the Linear Inertial Decoupler (LID-8).

Since many semiautomatic firearms are based on the Browning design where the barrel tilts on unlocking, it has historically been a challenge to overcome the extra weight and tension placed on the end of the barrel by installing a suppressor.  As finicky as some of these firearms can be with specific types of ammunition, magazines, springs, or even heavy use or poor maintenance, something attached to the barrel itself can be a fairly big hurdle to maintain reliability.

In the past, recoil boosters, often referred to as Neilson Devices, have been used to counter the additional weight and drag created by adding a suppressor to the barrel of this particular firearm design.  The Neilson Device is used to increase the recoil energy of the firearm to “force” everything back into alignment and function properly.  It accomplishes this task by utilizing a “piston” on the end of the barrel and acting like hammer.  Although these have worked very well for several applications, when not properly installed or correctly “tuned,” the additional recoil has the ability to damage the firearm.

The Gemtech LID-8 uses a different principal to aid in overcoming the additional weight and mass of the suppressor.  Without the aid of a piston or a necessary “hammering” to keep everything in alignment, the LID-8 actually allows the suppressor to momentarily free-float after firing, and disconnect from the inertia during the unlocking and locking sequence.

Although the function of the LID-8 is extremely effective and sounds quite complicated, the mechanism is simple to use and maintain, and even offers an additional advantage: The LID-8 can be indexed with absolutely no tools to fine-tune the accuracy of the pistol/suppressor combination.  Since adding sound suppressors to a barrel (or adding any muzzle devices for that matter) have the ability to affect the point of impact, it creates a situation where a firearm may need additional sight adjustment when the device is added.  In extreme cases with some devices, the point of impact shift can be so severe that a different point of aim is necessary to compensate for it.

To fine-tune the relationship between the Tundra suppressor and the host pistol all you need to do is the following: Fire a small test group and note the point of impact.  If it is not the same as the point of aim drop the magazine, clear the chamber and make certain the pistol is unloaded.  While holding the pistol with one hand, lightly pull the Tundra grip surface away from the pistol about 1/4 inch and rotate 1 click while slowly releasing the grip on the suppressor.  The suppressor can be rotated in either direction.  Load, fire a test group and make notation of the point of impact.  Continue this process until you achieve the desired point of impact.  We fine-tuned the Tundra suppressor to the same point of impact as it shot with no suppressor, and removed and replaced the suppressor while retaining the same zero.

Ammunition
While the effectiveness of a suppressor is truly realized when used with subsonic ammunition, we opted to shoot two popular types of ammunition during our testing.  The first was the standard commercially available Winchester 115-grain FMJ, which represents a popular round, used by recreational shooters or heavy shooters where budget is a factor.  Often available in 100-round bulk packs, it functions well in most pistols and is reasonably priced.  Since it is not a subsonic round it is not nearly as quiet as the heavier ammunition, but we found it to function without failure and firing with the absence of hearing protection was comfortable and well below the threshold of pain.  The second type of ammunition utilized was standard 147-grain Federal Hydra-Shock.  We wanted to test the effectiveness of a truly subsonic round as well as the performance and function of this popular hollow-point.  It was extremely quiet and also functioned without failure of any type.  The Tundra was tested both “dry” (as designed for) and “wet” by adding a commercially available suppressor coolant.  Performance in every capacity was exceptional with both methods.

Conclusion
The Gemtech Tundra is not only well designed and effective; it is small and light enough to keep the end user quite aware of its exceptional performance.  It is well balanced, and comfortable when mounted, and the ability to index the Gemtech LID-8 for additional, fine-tuned accuracy only adds to an already impressive system.  The fact that absolutely no tools are necessary for disassembly, maintenance, cleaning or even changing the LID-8 for different firearms is a benefit that should not be overlooked.  With all ammunition used, both wet and dry, everyone present who had the opportunity to test the Gemtech Tundra expressed it was a positive experience.  After handling the Gemtech Tundra it is no surprise that it has already been purchased and placed in use by the U.S. Army and other Government Agencies.  Although we chose a Glock Model 17 for our testing platform, the Tundra is available for Beretta, Smith & Wesson M&P, SIGs, HKs and other popular combat handguns.  No matter what your capacity or necessity for a compact, effective 9mm sound suppressor may be, the Gemtech Tundra will not disappoint.

Caliber: 9mm Parabellum (9x19mm)
Length: 7.6”  (193 mm)
Diameter: 1.25”  (31.75 mm)
Weight: 7.2 ounces (203gr)
Materials: High tensile aluminum alloys
Finish: Matte black or FDE hardcoat anodized
Price: U.S. $699