Getting a product in front of the military customer not only involves visits to military installations, but also attending shows, exhibitions, and symposiums.  It’s surprising how few companies are good at this.  The first mistake is that they neglect to define their purpose.  There should always be a goal or a mission.  One goal could be to target specific products to customers.  It may also be as simple as making a presence so that the industry realizes a company is still alive.  Sometimes military shows and commercial shows are one and the same, allowing companies to take orders at the show.  One company I worked for set sales goals for these shows and expected their sales team to meet them.  The company almost always returned from the show in the black even after expenses.

The second most important decision about shows is who should attend.  The size of the booth staff should be sized for the show, and ideally the booth should be almost entirely staffed by the Sales department.  Booth personnel should be totally conversant in the technical details of the product line to a level beyond what is written in the brochures.  It is tempting to send members of the engineering staff, but there should be a huge caution here.  Engineers are closely associated with the good and bad of the product line as well as what new products are under development.  Too many engineers enjoy showing how much they know about these projects and their conversations can easily slip into company proprietary or competition sensitive information.  Companies should avoid using engineers as show staff, or at least coach them before every show.

Sales promotion with the ArmaLite Toaster is unique in the industry. (Courtesy ArmaLite, Inc.)

The next big decision to be made is the furniture, and more importantly, the number of chairs.  The ideal number is zero.  Nothing turns off customers more than to see a group of company representatives sitting behind a table engaged in a conversation amongst themselves or checking their emails while ignoring show participants.  From her village in southern Europe, my grandmother brought back an old saying which loosely translates: “the butt is not designed to do work.”  A sales team needs to be off of theirs at all times; buzzing from one potential customer to the next, answering questions and engaging anyone who stops by – even if it’s just someone with a puzzled look on their face.  Alternatively, the staff might be refilling the brochure bins or even just tidying up the booth.  As long as they’re busy, the booth assumes the right atmosphere.

Some shows offer opportunities for potential customers to fire weapons, and these are always excellent opportunities for exposure to new products.  In these venues, smaller companies can have a place at the table with the big boys, giving them an equal opportunity to have military customers try their designs.  At firing demos, there is one thing that every company must keep forefront in their minds, and that is safety.  Shows generally require hold harmless agreements for any accident that might happen, but there is always a liability that goes beyond these agreements.  It is essential that companies pay close attention to show safety rules and heed every warning of the Range Safety Officer (RSO).  I once attended an international symposium that offered a firing demo for all exhibiting companies.  A safety briefing by the RSO preceded the demos and clearly outlined range rules.  The RSO asked for a description of anything out of the ordinary that would be part of the demo, and mandated strict adherence to range safety rules.  One of the foreign exhibitors, the designer of a very famous automatic weapon, was to be the demonstrator of his own rifle.  He attended the safety briefing, but did not reveal his plan for demonstrating the security of the weapon’s sear.  When his turn came, he fired a few rounds in semi-auto, a few in full auto and stopped with a live round chambered and the hammer cocked – held only by sear engagement.  Without even putting the safety on, he grabbed the rifle by the buttstock and with a mighty heave, slung it out in the direction of the impact area.  The gun flew through the air, spinning end over end; at times pointing at the onlookers.  It struck the ground hard, bouncing several times before it stopped.  The designer ran forward, picked it up, and began firing again.  Lucky for all of us the sear held during the impact with the ground, elsewise the results could have been fatal.  The RSO went ballistic and headed over to the company representatives for a serious discussion, taking the show director with him.  Not surprisingly, the company was told that in spite of his fame, the designer would not be welcomed back.  Sure enough, that was the last time we ever saw him.

Hind-D disappears with hot coffee in ‘Sight of Success.’

Private industry has realized that it is too costly to have sales teams on the road all the time and there are only a limited number of customer visits and shows that can be afforded.  This makes promotion through advertising a necessity.  Magazine advertisements send a company’s message far and wide giving exposure to potential customers.  The question is often asked, “How many advertisements are enough”?  One ad is good, many are better, and having none is not a good idea.  A company must strike a balance between what is needed to showcase new products or simply to keep the name of the company visible in the marketplace.  In any event, the magazine ad campaign needs to be carefully planned with clear goals and purpose that fit well into the Sales Department budget.

An example of a well-conceived campaign was the one developed by George Coutoumanos, Director of U.S. Government Programs at BEI systems.  BEI produced 2.75” rockets and was promoting them in the air-to-air role.  George decided on a three pronged approach that capitalized on three of the senses.  He began with a simple coffee mug that showed a U.S. Helicopter firing a rocket at a Russian Hind-D.  When a hot liquid was poured into the mug the Russian copter disappeared.  George called this “The sight of victory.”  Mugs with disappearing images are commonplace now, but back in the late 1980’s they were a novelty and a big hit with all potential customers.  George claimed that his next venture was based on his frustration from lack of feedback on the effectiveness of his ads.  He hired an advertisement firm to prepare an ad and took out a full page advertisement in the Armed Forces Journal magazine.  The subject was the same as the mug; a Hind-D under attack from one of their rockets.  The reader was asked to scratch in an area near the rocket launcher and was treated to a sniff of that smell we shooters call “cordite,” indicating the rocket had left the launch tube and was on its way to the target.  The ad accomplished George’s next goal producing “The smell of victory!”  The advertisement was reported in newspapers and media across the country and gave BEI far more notoriety that they anticipated from a one-time advertisement.  For the last part of the campaign, George had his sights set on the “sound of victory.”  He planned to use the same technology in a magazine advertisement that is currently being used in singing greeting cards.  The reader would be treated to the “whoosh” sound of the rocket leaving the launch tube.  For reasons unknown, BEI never did release the third of the series.

One of the best promotional items is the brochure.  Brochures can be simple, yet unappealing, black and white copies at one extreme or completely overdone at the other.  Glossy, full color, multi-page brochures are costly.  Sometimes they are so expensive that they are not given out freely, which begs the question: “What is the point”?

One of the most cost effective brochures in the industry was one used by the General Electric (GE) Company Armament Systems Department.  GE made Gatling guns and ammunition handling systems for all of the U.S. services.  GE found that a simple one page, front and back sheet, was an effective tool for providing potential customers with just enough technical description, specifications, photos, and illustrations to adequately describe the product.  The two-color “green sheets,” as they were called, were inexpensive, easy to produce and not at all unattractive.  GE never went to shows without a huge bundle of them, and since they were only one page, a large assortment could be carried with ease.

Helicopters attack Russian Hind-D with 2.75” rockets in BEI mug.

Promotional material and “giveaways” are often overdone by companies.  Sure, it’s a good idea to have something worthwhile to offer potential customers and distinguished guests, but these items can get expensive and have questionable worth as an effective sales tool.  Besides that, the Government employees may only accept items worth $20 or less, presenting the challenge that the item be both low cost and desirable.

Possibly the best promotional item in the industry is the poster.  Even the highest quality glossy full color poster is relatively inexpensive and its power as a sales tool is often underappreciated.  A really good poster showcasing warfighters or law enforcement performing a mission with the latest guns and accessories can be so eye-catching that few can resist the urge to display them.  Posters are found on the walls in soldier’s rooms, in gun shops, and adorn the walls of the arms rooms at military installation.  All of these places are choice spots for any advertisement.

Posters can illustrate a product or product line in use, or they can also be used to make a point.  Take for example the case of the M240G machine gun.  In the mid 1990s, the U.S. Marine Corps decided to pull their money from the M60 machine gun product improvement program, and terminate their contract with Saco Defense Systems.  From the funds recouped from the cancellation, they awarded FN Manufacturing, Inc. a contract to procure components that would allow them to convert M240 Coax tank machine guns into M240G ground weapons.  This was a major victory for the FN Sales North America team.  I led that team, and those results inspired us to pursue the same with the Army and Navy.

Following the sale, the FN sales team made preparations to exhibit at the USMC show held in Washington, DC.  We decided to come with something that said “thank you” to the Marines for having confidence in us and our products.  Not only did they adopt the M240G, but also stood up to the Secretary of Defense who, not surprisingly, was against the sale.  Before he became the Defense Secretary, William Cohen had been the Senator from Maine – the home state of Saco Defense.  Posters of the Marine’s new machine gun were also intended as a polite poke in the eye to the other services.  Everywhere those posters were displayed sent the message: “The Marines have a new reliable medium machine gun and you don’t!”

I ordered two different posters.  The first one was a tribute to the USMC motto, Semper Fi, and with a little play on words, highlighted the reliability and firepower of the M240.  The second one was the action shot that showed the M240G in the hands of a real Marine.  We needed a model for the shoot, and the Marines at Quantico Ground Weapons assured me they would supply one.  The FN Sales team went to Quantico armed with an M240G accompanied by Peter Kokalis who was at that time with Soldier of Fortune magazine.  Peter was interested in the story and agreed to be our photographer.  We were pleased when they introduced us to a 2nd Lieutenant from the Naval Academy, fully dressed out for the photo shoot.  He was clean cut, rugged, and handsome, with all the qualities of an ideal Marine.  He had one other notable attribute, the importance of which we did not recognize at the time.  He was huge – not at all disproportionate, just a very big guy.  When the Lieutenant cradled the M240G, it looked like a little toy.  How fortuitous this turned out, since the only criticism of the M240G was that it was too big and too heavy.  Kokalis liked the results of our shoot so much, our Marine ended up on the cover of the same issue of Soldier of Fortune magazine with his feature article on the M240G.

General Electric used ‘Green Sheets’ as a cost effective brochure option.

Meanwhile back at the Ft. Benning Army base, news of the Marine Corp adoption of the M240G was noted but with little apparent reaction.  In fact, the Major in charge of the Infantry Weapons Branch at Ft. Benning told me the Army was absolutely not interested in a new medium machine gun and very politely suggested our time was better spent marketing elsewhere.  The other member of the FN sales team, Sal Fanelli, and I got the message and made the most of our time in the area, traveling a few short miles down the road to the 3rd Battalion Ranger Regimental Headquarters where we promptly sold them M240Gs.  It wasn’t a huge sale in terms of quantity, but it was the first foothold into the Army market.

One year after the sale to the Rangers, I again met with the Infantry Weapons Major again.  He told me that a new medium machine gun had become the number one priority in the Army.  Having those posters everywhere certainly didn’t hurt our cause.   Following a Defense Secretary Cohen-mandated shoot-off with the M60, the Army adopted their version, called the M240B.  To capitalize on this sale and to pick up the remaining service holdouts, the Navy and Air Force, we needed a poster for the M240B.  When asked for support from FN headquarters in Belgium, they arranged for the photo session to take place at Browning, their commercial subsidiary in the U.S.  Professional photographers on staff at the Browning headquarters in Ogden, Utah were assigned to work with us in creating the photo.  Sal Fanelli, arranged for some Utah National Guardsmen to meet us there to be our models.  On the day before the shoot, I rode around with Sal and the photographer looking for ideal settings for the photo.  Most of Utah is brown, not green, so the green camo uniforms of that day were not the best for the shot I had in mind.  We spent over an hour riding around the creek beds – where more things are green, and then rode back up behind Browning’s compound bow factory, with me still unhappy about the sites we’d seen.  Finally, I yelled out, “Stop the car, this is the spot.”  Everyone in the car spun around to look at me trying to figure out what I was looking at.  They saw me staring at a crater in the ground.  The crater bottom was covered in ashes and a partially burned log spanned its breadth.  The Browning photographer looked at me like I was crazy. “You can’t mean here!  This is where we have our bonfires and cookouts.”  “No,” I said, “This is the spot.  This is the perfect spot.”

With the troops and the M240B behind the charred log, the air filled with smoke from Browning’s smoke generator, my idea of a perfect poster picture was achieved.  We passed the new poster out at the Association of the United States Army annual exhibition in October, and everywhere else we exhibited.  The M240B was eventually adopted by the two remaining services.

There are other items besides posters that the customer will wear or keep in prominent places where others may see them.  Tie pins and tie tacks used to be very popular giveaways back when almost all businessmen wore a tie.  They were a great advertisement tool since there was a connotation that the wearer endorsed your product.  If you think about it, few would wear something from a company or product they didn’t like.  Nowadays, the casual dress code makes tie tacks less practical and with more women active in the industry, even less of a good idea.

SHOT show attendees flocked to Knight’s booth for ‘Reliable Followers.’

At one of the SHOT shows, Knight’s Armament Company was searching for the right giveaway that would meet the following criteria: 1. The customer will keep it and use or display it, 2. The item will meet Government giveaway cost guidelines, and 3. The giveaway will be inexpensive enough so that a lot of them can be given out.  In the months prior to the SHOT show, Knight’s conducted an independent research program and had developed a new follower for the 5.56mm magazine.  High speed video and extensive testing showed this new follower to be far superior to the one issued with the M16/M4 magazine.  For a SHOT show giveaway, these were packaged up with a nice little note to let the user know they were for “reliable Knight’s followers”.  The little followers were very popular at the show and proved to be an inexpensive, yet effective means in getting an extra boost of traffic at the Knight’s booth.

Coffee mugs are also a great advertisement for firearms and accessories.  They are inexpensive and meet the Government’s price level guidelines.  While they are an enduring reminder of the product and company, they can also have a unique role in military circles – particularly at the Pentagon.  When the sales team from FN Manufacturing, Inc. was trying to sell the spade-grip equipped M240D to replace the M60D as a helicopter door gun, we spent plenty of time up in Washington D.C. at the Pentagon and at the nearby Navy Annex.  Our Navy and Marine friends there told us the secret of the mug.  At the Pentagon and at other places where military and DoD personnel work and congregate, the sudden appearance of a coffee mug illustrating a new product is taken as evidence that a program to procure the item has been funded.  Our M240D program didn’t have any funds designated but they advised us to show up next time with some M240D coffee mugs.  Sometimes, they explained, more money seems to find its way into funded programs – or ones that appear to be funded.  We passed mugs around in Washington, down at Patuxent River Naval Air Station, and everywhere else we found helicopters and helicopter programs with M60Ds.  Of course, the high reliability and effectiveness of the M240D was the reason it became adopted, but the mug proved to be an effective marketing tool along the way.

Sometimes a promotional item seems to make no sense at all, questioning the wisdom of the promoter.  Take for example the unique promotion offered by ArmaLite.  Early in the history of ArmaLite, its owner, Mark Westrom, struggled to make ends meet.  Mark was making plans for exhibiting at the SHOT show at a time when the market for his AR-10 was weak.  He was in a competitive market where show specials, like a free gun case, cleaning kit, or other accessories were used to sway buyers.  Mark wanted to do something, but it had to be something he could afford.  Those of you who know Mark will probably agree that of all of the people in the firearms industry, he has far and above, the greatest sense of humor.  This meant that ArmaLite’s SHOT show special also had to be funny.  “Why not give away a toaster?”  Mark thought.  Mark went over to Wal-Mart, made a deal for a bulk purchase of white toasters, had them silkscreened with the ArmaLite logo and took them to SHOT packed in the same Wal-Mart box they came in.  Buy a gun, get a free toaster!  His outlandish offer became an immediate hit.  Calls started coming in to find out if the toaster could be purchased without a gun order.  Mark reported to me that he recently saw an ad on the Gunlist website with an AR-10 for sale.  The seller made it clear he would be keeping the toaster.

Mark points out that the toaster really had two purposes.  One to be funny and the other because it’s an appliance, it sits out where people can see it.  The toaster continues to be a sales promotional item to this day.  When I called Mark to fact check this story, he half-jokingly told me he wondered if there existed some sort of “item manager at Wal-Mart for toasters” who can’t understand why a tiny town in eastern Illinois has such a huge demand for a certain white toaster.  Another one of Mark’s promotions is a very attractive, well-made, yet reasonably priced ArmaLite wall clock.  Every time someone checks the time, they can’t help but think: ArmaLite.  This action is precisely what reminded me of the story.

The B&T AG (Brügger & Thomet) Police Equipment Show took place over the 12-13 of June 2013.  The show, which is an invitation only event, is organized by Brügger & Thomet and takes place in their home city of Thun, in Switzerland.

The show, as the name implies, is aimed at the law enforcement community and is held at the large spacious Swiss Army range facility of Guntelsey on the outskirts of Thun.  There were two indoor exhibition areas, the ground floor and first floor of the range firing points where nearly 40 manufacturers and distributers had more than ample space to display their product lines.  Outdoor displays included a full-size electric target range demonstrator.

On both days a number of formal presentations and demonstrations of products were given, these included a briefing by Mark Zimmerman on ‘The Police Carbine,’ B&T’s Proposal for the Future.  The briefing covered new developments underway at B&T that included the rifle calibre modular carbine in addition to the B&T Police Carbine in submachine gun configuration; the latter already in service with a number in service with users, was originally chambered in .45 ACP calibre, but is now being offered in the ubiquitous military and police calibre of 9 x 19mm.  A number of briefings covering regional issues by official agencies were also given.  Reflecting the multi-lingual status of Switzerland the briefings were generally offered in a choice of languages.

On both days, live-firing demonstrations were held of B&T and other attending manufacturers’ product lines on the 50 metre range.  This was also a hugely successful opportunity for those attending to live-fire an extensive range of law-enforcement firearms that also included the opportunity to fire, side-by-side, various weapons fitted with or without B&T suppressor units enabling attendees to appreciate levels of sound suppression obtained with the B&T suppressor product line.

For those not familiar with the host company, B&T AG, as they are now known, began as manufacturers of firearm suppressors in 1991, moving on to manufacture complimentary accessories for use with their suppressor product line.  As an ever growing customer base expressed their wish for a complete weapon system, B&T began production of complete weapon systems in 2004, initially having obtained the manufacturing rights to the Steyr Tactical machine pistol (TMP) their own product-improved MP9 version of the TMP was offered.  The company now designs and manufactures a range of weapons in addition to others described in this article such as the APR308/338 precision rifle, the SPR300 rifle and GL-06 stand-alone grenade-launcher.  B&T is a registered NATO supplier (NCAGE SV178) and certified to ISO 9001: 2008.

A reception sponsored by Brügger & Thomet was held on the evening of 12 June at the Hotel Seepark on the shore of Lake Thun.  The view from the terrace was impressive, reminiscent for those of us who live in less picturesque places, of Swiss chocolate box images.  A lavish spread of food and drink was provided and the event was very well attended.  The social get-together and the ability to meet and talk with not only those exhibiting, but also those attending as visitors provided a unique opportunity for those in the collective law enforcement community to ‘network’ to the mutual benefit of all.

The Swiss Arms SAN 511 large calibre precision rifle in 12.7mm/.50 Browning is available in five barrel lengths.

The author taking advantage of a rare opportunity to test-fire, the now out-of-service 7.5mm Sxxx-57 automatic rifle.

H&K G36 KV compact assault rifle variant – of note is the magazine well adapter now offered by the company to enable the use of M16 type magazines.

Part of the extensive B&T AG product display.

Heckler & Koch GmbH displayed an extensive range from their product line.

Available for examination was the prototype B&T AG multi-shot grenade-launcher with pump or slide-action. This system of operating does away with the requirement for rotary winding of a spring or more complex gas-operation.

Shown was the new B&T AG Carbine, in calibre 5.56 mm NATO, currently under development. It was also available for test-firing on the range.

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The Pacific Salt shares size, basic blade design and handle ergonomics with the Endura, but this generation was purpose built to survive maritime environments.  Most notably, Spyderco forged their 3.8-inch PlainEdged blade out of H-1 Steel.  (Steel generally consists of iron alloyed with carbon, (1050 usually around 1% carbon by weight as opposed to H-1 with .15%).  The Carbon provides hardness and strength, but carbon steels corrode easily.  Stainless Steels also add manganese, nickel, chromium, molybdenum, boron, and vanadium to balance out corrosion resistance with strength.)  H-1 uses nitrogen instead of carbon as a primary alloying element, which provides very good corrosion resistance.  This steel also boasts hardness of Rc 57 and wear resistance on par with 440 Stainless.  The blade is coated in a flat black Carbonitride for additional corrosion resistance.

The handle is made of fiberglass filled nylon with a flat black finish.  This material is known for high impact and chemical resistance, along with good thermal resistance.  The grip pattern consists of an aggressive hatch pattern for additional traction in wet conditions.

Two additional features on this blade stand out for maritime use: The first one being a slightly larger thumbhole in the blade (14mm) for use with gloves or cold, wet, hands.  The lanyard hole is the second, reinforced and perfect for 550 cord.

Ergonomically, the grip was designed to fit a wide array of hands and does so in SADJ tests.  Upon opening, my thumb finds the cutout hole easily, and when open, the grip remains secure wet or dry.

Overall, the Spyderco Pacific Salt is most satisfactory and this author would recommend it for both wet and dry work.  Its solid construction and affordable price make it an easy choice.

Notable points

• H-1 Steel blade:  Highly corrosion resistant, good hardness rating, easily sharpened
• Black Carbonitride coating: Additional corrosion resistance, flat finish with little reflection
• Handle material: Fiberglass reinforced nylon (aka-Zytel) with aggressive knob pattern, impervious to elements and large temp swings
• Slightly larger hole for gloves or slightly numb cold hands
• Beefy Titanium clip: no rust, strong and conforms to one’s grip
• Reinforced lanyard hole
• Resembles Endura; one of Spyderco’s more popular models
• NSN 1095-01-608-4332

ABOVE: Nammo Lapua .308 subsonic.

The origin of the company lies in the establishment by the Finnish government in 1923 of a cartridge factory in the town of Lapua in western Finland.  The State Cartridge Factory (as it was named in 1927) was the main supplier of ammunition to the Finnish Army during the Winter and Continuation Wars with the USSR between 1939 and 1944.  In 1991 it became an independent company under the new name Cartridge Factory Lapua, Ltd.  The next year, Lapua acquired the German cartridge factory SK Jagd- und Sportmunitions GmbH.  In 1996, Finnish military manufacturers were combined under the banner of Patria Industries; Lapua became Patria Lapua.  In 1998 Patria Industries Oyj from Finland, Celsius AB from Sweden and Raufoss ASA from Norway together formed the Nammo Group (Nordic Ammunition).  In Finland, Nammo Lapua Oy became part of the Nammo Group.  Since 2005, Nammo AS has been 50% owned by Patria Oyj and 50% by the Norwegian government.

The core business of the Nammo Group is the development, testing, production and sale of military and sport ammunition, shoulder launched weapons systems, rocket motors for military and space applications and leading global services for environmentally friendly demilitarization.  Nammo is present in eight countries with a total of eighteen production sites and sales offices.  The group operates through its five business units: Small Caliber, Medium & Large Caliber, Missile Products, Demil, and Nammo Talley.  The Small Caliber Group is based in Finland and manufactures military ammunition under the Nammo brand with the Lapua name used for commercial target, hunting and special purpose ammunition.  All of Lapua’s special purpose ammunition is produced to the same match grade requirements as their target ammunition.

Tactical Ammunition
The Nammo Small Caliber military ammunition product range comes in the following calibers: 9×19; 5.56×45; 7.62×51 and .338 Lapua Magnum.  The bullet types available are as follows:

• Ball: 5.56mm, 7.62mm, .338 Lapua Magnum
• Non-toxic: 5.56mm, 7.62mm, 9mm
• Armour piercing: 5.56mm, 7.62mm, .338 Lapua Magnum, 9mm
• Tracer: 5.56mm, 7.62mm
• Infra-red: 5.56mm, 7.62mm
• Subsonic: 9mm
• Reduced Range: 5.56mm, 7.62mm

In addition, the Lapua range of Special Purpose ammunition includes .223 Remington (5.56×45), 7.62×39, .308 Winchester (7.62×51), and .338 Lapua Magnum.  The bullet types available are:

• Ball (FMJ): .223 Rem, 7.62×39, .308 Win
• Lock Base (FMJBT): .308 Win, .338 Lapua Magnum
• Scenar: .223 Rem, .308 Win, .338 Lapua Magnum
• Scenar-L (improved Scenar): .223 Rem, .308 Win
• Subsonic: .308 Win
• Armour piercing: .308 Win, .338 Lapua Magnum
• Armour piercing incendiary: .338 Lapua Magnum

Examples

1) Nammo Non-toxic: 5.56mm.  Most ammunition contains lead and other toxic material, which is increasingly a problem given growing public awareness of environmental issues and ever more stringent requirements to protect the environment.  This affects the armed forces, with many of the existing small arms training ranges likely to close due to potential groundwater contamination.  The problems are even worse in the closed quarters of an indoor range.

Nammo has responded by developing non-toxic ammunition free from heavy metals in the projectile, powder and primer.  While initially used for training this has been designed to achieve full military performance, at least as good as existing lead-cored ammunition.  This is NATO qualified in 5.56x45mm ball and 7.62x51mm ball and tracer loadings and has been in service with armed forces and federal agencies for several years.

The 5.56mm ball resembles the SS109/M855 bullet in being an FMJ design with the gilding metal jacket fully enclosing the core except at the base, and with the front part of the core consisting of a hardened steel penetrator.  The difference is that the rest of the core is of steel rather than lead.  The first version of this ammunition, designated NT 4 HP, was NATO qualified in 2004 by which time it was already in service with Sweden and Norway.  In 2009, complaints concerning health issues began to arise from Norway concerning the use of this ammunition with their new HK 416 rifles in indoor ranges.  After a detailed investigation the source was identified as copper and zinc emissions resulting from the interaction between the bullet and the relatively tight HK 416 barrel (interestingly, while the NT 4 HP produced more such emissions than the M855, it produced fewer than the M855A1).  A redesign effort resulted in the BNT 4 HP Mk2, which significantly reduced the emissions while delivering improved accuracy (equal to or less than 2 MOA) and enhanced penetration (3.5mm steel plate at 700 m, compared with 550 m minimum requirement for SS109).  Lethality is also improved, with the bullet beginning a rapid yaw after penetrating less than 2.5 inches (60mm) into a soft target.

Specifications

Bullet: 62 grain (4 g) FMJ with steel core, the front element of which is hardened
Case: brass
Muzzle velocity: 3,050 fps (930 m/s)
Muzzle energy: 1,280 ft lbs (1,730 J)
Accuracy: not more than 2 MOA
Temperature range: -65ºF to +126ºF (-54ºC to +52ºC)

2) Lapua Subsonic: .308 Win/7.62×51.  The subsonic loading is intended for use in suppressed rifles at ranges of up to 300 yards.  The bullet is a conventional, streamlined heavy ball.  The muzzle velocity of 1,066 fps only falls to 941 fps at 300 yards, the bullet retaining 78% of its starting energy.  When zeroed in at 100 yards and assuming a scope 1.6 inches above the bore line, the bullet drop is 32 inches at 200 yards and 100 inches at 300.  If zeroed in at 300 yards the trajectory is 33 inches above the sight line at 100 yards and 35 inches at 200 yards.  A sidewind of 13 fps (9 mph) will deflect the bullet by 1 inch at 100 yards, 4 inches at 200 and 9 inches at 300 yards.

Specifications
Bullet: FMJ Boat-tailed, 200 grains (13 g), G7 ballistic coefficient = 0.211
Case: brass
Muzzle velocity: 1,066 fps (325 m/s) from 16 inch (406mm) barrel
Muzzle energy: 506 ft lbs (682 J)

3) Lapua Armour Piercing Incendiary: .338 Lapua Magnum.  The origin of this cartridge lies in a 1980s project by the U.S. company Research Armament Industries to meet a USMC requirement for a long-range sniper rifle, based on necking-down the case of the old .416 Rigby big-game cartridge.  This was unsuccessful but a few years later Lapua picked up the idea, reshaped and strengthened the case to withstand higher operating pressures, and launched it as the .338 Lapua Magnum.  With an effective range of up to 1,500 metres, this has become highly successful and has been adopted by many armies for long-range sniper rifles.  For example, British Army snipers switched over to this calibre a few years ago, replacing the 7.62×51 NATO.

Lapua offers a wide selection of .338 LM ammunition including Ball, Armour Piercing, Armour Piercing Incendiary, HPBT, Blank and Drill cartridges.  The trajectory of most of the bullets is tailored to match, so there is no need to change the sight setup when changing a bullet type.

The Armour Piercing Incendiary loading is part of the trend to use pyrophoric (spark producing) metals in the bullet tip rather than chemicals, both to signal the point of impact against a hard surface and to have some incendiary effect after penetrating.  In bullets from other makers titanium is typically used for this, but Lapua has chosen to use zirconium tip in front of the hard metal penetrator.  The 253 grain bullet is launched at 2,935 fps and is still travelling at 1,518 fps at 1,000 yards.  When zeroed at 300 yards, the bullet strikes 4 inches high at 100 yards and 5 inches high at 200 yards.  If zeroed at 600 yards it shoots 25 inches high at 300 yards and 58 inches low at 800 yards.  A 13 fps (9 mph) crosswind will deflect the bullet by 4 inches at 300 yards and 19 inches at 600 yards.

Specifications:

Bullet: 253 grains (16.4 g) boat-tailed bullet with brass jacket and base, a tungsten carbide core and an exposed pyrophoric metal tip. G7 ballistic coefficient = 0.290.
Case: brass
Muzzle velocity: 2,935 fps (895 m/s) from a 27 inch barrel.
Muzzle energy: 4,938 ft lbs (6696 J)

Nammo Lapua – Small Caliber Division
Äyritie 8 D, 5th floor
FI-01510 Vantaa
Finland
www.nammo.com/Business-Units/Small-Caliber-Ammunition/

Contact
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Law enforcement and military ammunition has come a long way in the last 20 years.  Military ammunition, not so much due to the Hague and Geneva convention restrictions but advances in LE ammunition have made calibers known for being poor man stoppers into very effective and efficient man stoppers.  Federal has always been one of the top industry leaders in advanced ammunition development – perhaps the first true high performance hollow point with the introduction of the Hydra-Shok round that really saw its popularity peak in the mid to late 1980s.  The new HST round has currently in the opinion of many been found to be one of if not the best LE/personal defense projectile on the market.

The revolutionary design of the Hydra-Shok projectile added a post in the middle of the inside of the jacketed hollow point projectile.  Introduced to the market in 1985, the early Hydra Shok bullets were solid lead projectiles with the post in the middle of the hollow point.  Later the design was implemented into a jacketed round which is the current design.  What this post did was twofold.  First it increased the speed of the mushrooming affect by requiring less fluid to peel the projectile back.  Second it evenly spread the fluid to get a uniform mushroom affect.  So the bullet opened faster and more evenly than a conventional hollow point.  Federal offered this in all pistol and modern revolver calibers including Magnum and +P loads.  This was perhaps the first projectile to open the doors up for 9x19mm caliber pistols being seriously considered a viable law enforcement caliber due to its poor reputation as a “man-stopper” in its FMJ configuration on the battlefields over the last century.  The 230gr .45 Auto Hydra-Shok holds the highest record for “one shot stops” of any hollow point projectile.

The .45 Auto 230 grain HST projectiles penetrate approximately 12 inches in ordnance gel. As seen in the photo, expansion begins within the first 2 inches of penetration.

The .223 Rem 62 grain Gold Dot Soft Point penetrates 19 inches into an ordnance gel block.

The load we will look at is the 9mm Luger 124gr Hydra-Shok +P+ round (P9HS3G1).  The round has a muzzle velocity of 1,170 feet per second and 377 foot pounds of energy.  In firing into bare calibrated ordnance gelatin, the projectile opened from .355 inches to .720 inches.  Although more that 25 years old, the Hydra-Shok remains one of the finest defense loads on the planet and rest assured it will remain on Federal’s product line for many years to come.

The new entry from Federal Premium in the defensive ammunition market is the HST.  The HST is by all means an improvement over any other hollow point in the Federal Premium arsenal.  In fact, many authorities in the industry claim it to be the new standard over the Hydra-Shok.  Adopted by many law enforcement agencies throughout the country, the HST has proven to have uniform expansion under all FBI protocol.  By design, the HST projectile will not plug up when passing through a variety of barriers. The projectile is also designed to retain its weight by the jacket not separating from the lead. The HST load was first released as a Law Enforcement load but as of 2013, Federal Premium released it to commercial customers as well.

Shown is the MK318 Mod0 SOST round when fired into 10% Ordnance Gel at 25 yards. You can clearly see the balance of terminal and barrier blind performance. The front of the projectile comes apart to create tissue damage and the rear remains solid to penetrate deep into a variety of barriers.

The load we will look at next is the .45 Auto 230gr HST (P45HST2).  The round’s muzzle velocity is 895 feet per second with muzzle energy of 404 foot pounds fired out of a 5 inch barrel.  When fired into ballistic gel, the projectile penetrates 12 inches, which is ideal.  Ideal penetration is 12 to 14 inches.  In firing in bare ballistic gel the projectile has retained 100% of its weight. Federal Premium offers both a standard and +P version of this projectile.  Most high quality polymer pistols such as Glock and Heckler & Koch pistols will have no problem digesting significant amounts of +P ammunition while some other aluminum or steel frame pistols could severely limit the amount of high pressure rounds fired due to premature wear.  The HST technology is offered in 9mm Luger, .40 cal., .357 SIG, .45 GAP and .45 Auto calibers.  Multiple loads are available both standard and +P in 9mm and .45 Auto caliber.  The HST has not completely replaced the Hydra-Shok.  That projectile has a long and tested record but the new HST is making its way into law enforcement pistols throughout the country.

With the introduction of the patrol carbine, many police agencies are transitioning away from the standard 12 gauge shotgun in favor of AR-15-type patrol rifles.  This gives the officer the ability to handle many more situations with less chance of collateral damage.  When firing buckshot it is difficult if not impossible to account for each pellet fired and the chances of hitting an unintended target is increased.  With a rifle it is easier to account for a single shot and get that one shot precisely where it is needed.  Also, with the patrol rifle, the officer will be able to engage and defeat potential targets wearing body armor.  Other benefits of having a patrol carbine is regarding going through barriers such as dry wall and car doors is also possible and controllable.

The Gold Dot rifle projectile has a very impressive mushrooming affect and weight retention.

Federal Premium has introduced two very popular and tried 223 Rem loads, the 55 and 62gr Tactical Bonded cartridge.  This projectile jacket is bonded to the lead making the projectile retain most all of its weight when traveling through barriers.  When tested in 10% ordnance gel, the 62gr projectile penetrated 16 inches and retained 98.23% of its original weight.  As previously stated ideal penetration is between 12 to 14 inches; this cartridge fell just outside; however, the initial mushrooming of the projectile began at approximately 2 inches in the gel and a majority of all the heavy tissue damage was between 1 and 7 1/2 inches.  When fired into heavy clothing the projectile retained 100% of its weight and when fired into steel it retained 87.74% of its weight.  When fired into wall board it retained 100% of its weight and then when fired into plywood 97.74% of its weight.  When fired through safety glass/windshield the projectile retained 54.35% of its original weight – the projectile broke into two pieces.  The 55gr offering works out in all the 1/12 inch twist STAR M16A1 the government has been supplying to police departments and the 62 grain load works well in all the current manufactured M4 carbine-type rifles.  These are excellent all round duty cartridges.

Federal Premium has also taken its place as a research and development company for the U.S. military and answering their requests for improved munitions.  One such case is in the development of the Mk318 Mod 0 SOST (Special Operations Science & Technology) cartridge.  This ammunition was requested by the U.S. Marine Corps for use in Afghanistan.  The round was first developed for the short 13.8 inch FN SCAR Light carbine.  The top half of the projectile is basically an Open Tip Match like the Blackhills Mk262 Mod 1 round but the bottom half is solid copper making the projectile a barrier blind projectile.  The 62 grain round as loaded has been optimized for ballistic performance and reduced muzzle flash from short barrels.  From a 14-inch barrel it achieves 2,925 fps.  In testing, the M855 ball shoots 3 to5 MOA and 300 yards with a 14.5-inch M4A1.  The Mk318 Mod0 with a 14 inch FN SCAR Light gives an average extreme spread of 1.71 MOA at 300 yards.  Compared to the M855, SOST rounds also stay on target longer in open air and have increased stopping power through “consistent, rapid fragmentation which shortens the time required to cause incapacitation of enemy combatants,” according to Navy Department documents.  The Marines have issued more than 2 million rounds of this ammunition and it can also be found on the civilian market.

The time tested and battle proven Federal Hydra Shok cartridge and projectile. The post in the middle is the class characteristic of this popular defense projectile.

Speer is well known for their Gold Dot pistol projectiles and is one of the most popular projectiles in law enforcement today.  Federal Premium has also begun producing tactical rifle rounds as well with the Gold Dot technology.  Two loads are offered in the .223 Rem caliber, both a 55 and 62 grain load.  The load we will look at is the 62gr Gold Dot Soft Point (24448).  The round is loaded in a high quality nickel plated cartridge case that aids in extraction due to its lubricity.  The primer is crimped in place as well.  The projectile retains most all of its weight unless of course you hit bone or some type of hard target, which may cause the projectile to fracture.  Our test projectile on gel expanded from .224 inches to .650 inches and retained 36 out of its original 64 grain weight and when firing into gel with heavy clothing 100% of the weight was retained.  According to Speer, the projectile firing at a muzzle velocity of 2,692 feet per second will penetrate between 12 to 18 inches in bare ordnance gel and retain up to 90% of its original weight.  In testing at Speer, conducted under the FBI protocol, when fired into heavy clothing the projectile retained 56.25% of its weight and when fired into steel it retained 48.91% of its weight.  When fired into wall board it retained 76.56% of its weight and then when fired into plywood 62.34% of its weight. When fired through safety glass/wind shield the projectile retained 13.59% of its original weight.

This is just a glimpse into the LE/Military ammunition capabilities of Federal Premium and Speer.  There are many different types of projectiles for different operational needs.  Everything in the lineup is tried and proven.  ATK has run Lake City Army Ammunition Plant since April of 2001. Whatever your needs whether it be target practice, hunting, self-defense, law enforcement or military, Federal Premium and Speer has what you need.

The only military trade show in Taiwan, the Taiwan Aerospace and Defense Technology Exposition was held from August 15 – 18, 2013 in Taipei, Taiwan.  As the premier opportunity for the Taiwanese Ministry of Nation Defense to highlight equipment and capabilities, the show was hosted at the Taiwan World Trade Center, in the shadow of the Taipei 101 skyscraper.  Although the show was a means to highlight and display of Taiwan’s military might, a number of international exhibitors were present to show off weapons currently in use with the Taiwanese military.

Pinnacle Forces Corp./Hurricane Butterfly
Pinnacle Forces and Hurricane Butterfly put on an impressive display on behalf of Barrett Firearms, LWRC Rifles, and Leupold & Stevens.  Of particular interest were the Barrett rifles on display.  The M107A1 semiautomatic .50 caliber rifle, and the Barrett MRAD bolt action .338 caliber rifle were very popular photo opportunities with show attendees from the military and law enforcement sector.

The XTM102 20x102mm weapon system. Designed from the legacy U.S. M39 20mm weapon system, the XTM101 and 102 systems seem well built and highly capable of providing air defense.

A number of optics from Leupold & Stevens were on display, to include the Mark 8 CQBSS 1.1-8×24 optic.  Currently in use with the U.S Marine Corps, the optic is frequently utilized on the Mk19 and M2HB weapon systems due to its reticle, but is equally capable when mounted to an M4 battle rifle.  Although limited to eight power front-focal plane magnification, the reticle offers range finding capabilities to 1,200m through the use of quick range indices built into the reticle.

Not to be left out, LWRC International was well represented with a large number of rifles on display, to include the .308 caliber REPR, and the 6.8mm M6 rifle that was recently adopted by Saudi Arabia.

Factory 205
Factory 205, Taiwan’s small arms development center showcased a newly designed battle rifle chambered in 5.56×45.  Tentatively named the Multi-Utilization Special Purpose rifle, the rifle appears to be similar to an AR-15 or M4 from outward appearances but all similarities end three lug rotary bolt.  Fire controls are ambidextrous and placed in the same location as the AR-15/M4 rifle system.  The trigger mechanism is built into a removable trigger box that is easily designed to be replaced as a unit.

The Kestrel rocket launcher with HEAT and HESH rockets.

The unit is currently in development and pre-production.  Current specifications indicate that the rifle is capable of firing at 550 – 700 rounds per minute, from a 1/7 right hand twist barrel.  Overall length is 33.4 inches with the stock extended, 31.6 inches with the stock retracted, and 24.4 inches with the stock folded.  Look for a review of this rifle in the near future.

The Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology (CSIST) of Taiwan
Taiwanese Marine Corps requested an indigenous disposable rocket launcher for use.  In response, CSIST developed the Kestrel rocket launcher.  Made of Fiber Reinforced Plastic, the rocket launcher is lightweight, simple and man-portable.  Two type of rockets are available – High Explosive Anti-Tank (HEAT) and High Explosive Squash Head (HESH).  Launchers loaded with HEAT rounds are night vision compatible, while the HEAT rockets provide a maximum penetration depth of 400 mm.  HESH rockets are intended for bunkers, and other fortifications.  The Kestrel HESH round has a range of 150 meters, and is capable of producing a 70 – 90cm hole in 20cm reinforced concrete, or 30cm brick walls.  The launcher is disposable and is water, mud and sand proof for use within the harsh conditions of the modern battlefield.

Demonstrating the capabilities of the Barrett M107A1 and LWRC REPR weapon systems within the Pinnacle Forces and Hurricane Butterfly display.

Taiwan received large numbers of legacy weapons from the United States.  While the weapons systems may not be cutting edge, the weapon systems are still fully functional, and perform a vital role in Taiwan’s national defense. A good example of this is the M39 20x102mm single barrel, five-chamber revolver cannon from the United States.  Developed after World War 2, the M39 system was used through the 1980s in a number of fighter aircraft, to include the F-86 Sabre, the F-101Super-Sabre, and the F-5 Freedom Fighter.  Following retirement from the U.S. inventory, a significant number of units were transferred to U.S. allies, to include Taiwan. Known as the T75 in Taiwan, this is made in Taiwan now.

Based upon a need for a short range automated self-defense system, and combined with a bit of ingenuity, CSIST developed the XTR-101 and XTR-102 automatic guns.  The two units share similar features, with the XTR-101 utilizing a single 20mm gun, while the XTR-102 utilizes two 20mm gun systems.   The XTR-101 is intended for the Taiwanese Navy, while the XTR-102 is intended for shore defenses and combat vehicles.

LTC Ma of Factory 205, the designer of the Multi-Utilization Special Purpose rifle.

Intended as a short-range, automated defense weapon system, the XTR family features integrated optical day/night sights with integrated target identification software, target tracking, and fire control.  The systems are capable of 360° rotation, with a maximum rotational speed of 60° per second.  Elevation capabilities range from -15° to 85°.  The original M39 system utilized a right-hand twist progressive twist barrel with nine grooves, and was capable of firing 1,500 rounds per minute, at a muzzle velocity of 3,300 fps.  As the XTR system appears to use a shorter barrel length than the original M39 system, the effective range and muzzle velocity of the XTR system remains unknown.

Taiwan has a fully modern military with a robust arms industry.  Capable of building indigenous, locally designed and built armored vehicles, battle rifles, rocket launchers, and unmanned aerial vehicles, the Taiwanese military is well armed with capable weapons.  When presented with challenges in modernizing its armaments, examples of ingenuity and resourcefulness are abound, most notably in the XTR 20mm weapon system.

Taiwan is a thoroughly modern and vibrant city.  Unlike many cities within Southeast Asia, Taipei is remarkably clean, with a low crime rate and all the trappings of a modern urban city.

The next TADTE show is scheduled for August 2014.  Additional information may be found online at www.tadte.com.tw.

The name Barnes is renowned in the firearms industry.  It has been since its founding in 1932 by Fred Barnes.  In 1965, the company was sold and renamed the Colorado Bullet Company.  Then in 1974, Randy and Coni Brooks purchased the company.  After getting consult from Fred Barnes, they acquired the right to change the name back to Barnes Bullets.  To date, Barnes has been known for producing solid copper projectile for hunting, law enforcement and military applications.  They also load cartridges with OTM (Open Tip Match) projectiles.

The projectiles in all forms are loaded by most all of the major ammunition manufactures throughout the country including Black Hills, Corbon, International Cartridge Company, Norma, Weatherby, Sellier & Bellot, Double Tap, Pierce Ammunition, ASYM Precision Ammunition, Federal and Silver State Armory to name just a few.  However, in 2010, Barnes began loading their own ammunition for its VOR-TX line.  This would include pistol, rifle as well as safari calibers.  This is a solid copper projectile with a polymer tip inserted to give better ballistic performance and to assist in speeding up the mushrooming process when the projectile strikes tissue.  These are primarily hunting loads.

The 5.56x45mm Barnes 55grain TAC-TX was fired through ordnance gelatin. Notice the optimal 14 inches of penetration. At approximately 2 inches of penetration the round begins very destructive tissue damage.

Shown is the very impressive result of firing the 300 Blackout 110 grain TAC-TX fired into ordnance gel. The destructive tissue damage is caused between 2 1/4 and 8 1/2 inches in depth. This is an excellent hunting as well as self defense/duty cartridge.

Later Barnes would go on to load their most popular of all projectiles, the TAC-TX law enforcement and military ammunition.  This would spawn the most popular loads Barnes produces, the .223 Rem 55grain TAC-TX, .338 Lapua OTM and the 300 Blackout 110grain TAC-TX.  These projectiles were designed to inflict more tissue damage at optimal depths for human targets.  Also offered in 5.56mm loads, the TAC-TX has been mainly used by police departments such as the West Valley SWAT in West Valley City, Utah.

The 5.56 NATO 55gr TAC-TX is loaded with an all copper TTSX projectile with a blue polymer tip.  The primer pocket is sealed and the case mouth is optional to have a sealant.  During loading there is 100% propellant detection including mechanical, electrical and electro-mechanical detection of proper propellant level within the cartridge.  There is a final 100% visual and/or vision system inspection of finished cartridges prior to final inspection.  The average muzzle velocity of this load is 3,000 ± 35 feet per second measured at 15 inches with a 20 inch barrel.  The maximum pressure is 60,000 psi and tested with a NATO compliant barrel.  The load has average muzzle energy of 1,099 ft-lb and a ballistic coefficient of 0.272 (G1).  When tested at the factory, the accuracy extreme spread of three 5-round groups is less than 1.5 inches at 100 yards when fired in a SAAMI-compliant 24 inch test barrel.  One more round was fired during the testing which is the 70 grain Barnes TSX.  This cartridge was loaded by Pierce Ammunition.  This round was fired into auto glass at 25 yards.  The projectile penetrated the glass and traveled 10.5 inches into the ordnance gel.  When the bullet was recovered, 59.7 out of the original 70 grain projectile were retained.

Shown are two fired 55gr TAC-TX projectiles that were fired into gel. They retained virtually all of their weight and produce a impressive wound channel.

The 300 Blackout 110gr TAC-TX cartridge contains an all copper TSX flat base projectile with a black polymer tip.  They are loaded in factory Remington cartridge cases with a crimped and sealed primer.  Like the 5.56mm TAC-TX, there is a final 100% visual and/or vision system inspection of finished cartridges prior to final inspection.  The average muzzle velocity of this load is 2,300 ± 35 feet per second measured at 15 feet with a 20 inch barrel.  The maximum pressure is 55,000 psi and tested with a SAAMI compliant barrel.  The load has average muzzle energy of 1,292 ft-lb and a ballistic coefficient of 0.289 (G1).  When tested at the factory, the accuracy extreme spread of three 5-round groups is less than 1.5 inches at 100 yards when fired in a SAAMI-compliant 16-inch test barrel mounted in a RTB rest.  This author has tested many different loads in the 300 Blackout cartridge.  Of all tested this was found to be the best all-round load for this caliber.  From self defense to hunting the TAC-TX has you covered.  The terminal ballistics is optimal for self defense/LE use.  The barrier blind characteristics are excellent and the accuracy is exceptional.  The load functioned reliably in every weapon it was tested in both semi-auto as well as fully automatic.  This round has been featured in a majority of the tests conducted on this caliber.  This projectile is loaded by other OEM’s as well.

In FBI testing protocol conducted by Barnes, the 300 Blackout 110 grain TAC-TX was fired in a 9-inch barrel with an average muzzle velocity of 2,186 feet per second.  For each category three shots were fired.  For firing at bare gel, the projectile penetrated 20.5 inches.  The projectile expanded from .308 to .585 inches and retained 98% of its original weight.  When fired at gel through heavy clothing, the projectile penetrated 21.1 inches.  The projectile expanded from .308 to .594 inches and retained 98.7% of its original weight.  When fired into steel (car door) the projectile penetrated 18 inches and retained 98% of its weight.  The projectile expanded from .308 to .663 inches.  When fired into wall board the projectile penetrated 19 inches.  The projectile expanded from .308 to .586 inches and retained 93.4% of its original weight.  When fired into plywood the projectile penetrated 18.6 inches into the gel.  The projectile expanded from .308 to .595 inches and retained 86.9% of its original weight.  When fired into glass (windshield) the projectile penetrated 16.6 inches into the gel and retained 77.5% of its original weight.  The projectile expanded from .308 to .498 inches.

Shown is a 5.56x45mm 70 grain TSX projectile (top) and below is one fired into auto glass at 25 yards. The projectile penetrated the glass and continued for 10.5 inches of penetration. Of the original 70 grain weight, the projectile retained 59.7 grains – a very impressive barrier blind projectile.

On March 7, 2013 the award was made by SOCOM to Remington for a directorate of procurement for solicitation H92222-12-R-0011 for the Precision Sniper Rifle (PSR) Contract award number H92222-13-D-003.  This would include 5,150 Remington MSR rifles chambered in .338 Lapua Magnum caliber and 4,696,800 rounds of ammunition.  The ammunition contract was for the Barnes manufactured .338 Lapua Magnum cartridges.  The .338 Lapua 300 grain OTM load was adopted by U.S. SOCOM as the Mk330 Mod0 cartridge (NSN 1305-01-618-1846) for use in their Remington MSR rifles.  The accuracy requirements stated, “Precision – A vendor representative can assist in the set up and firing of the PSR product submission(s).  The PSR when fired without suppressor shall provide a confidence factor of 80% that the weapon and ammunition combination is capable of holding 1.0 MOA extreme vertical spread.  All accuracy will be taken at the 1,000 meter point.  Precision data collected may be further used for source selection purposes.”  Any U.S. Government contract is a well coveted achievement.

The .338 Lapua Magnum cartridge contains a 300 grain OTM projectile and are loaded in Lapua cartridge cases.  Like the 5.56mm TAC-TX, there is a final 100% visual and/or vision system inspection of finished cartridges prior to final inspection.  The average muzzle velocity of this load is 2,640 ± 35 feet per second measured at 15 feet.  The maximum pressure is 63,500 psi and tested with a SAAMI compliant barrel.  The load has average muzzle energy of 4,644 ft-lb and a ballistic coefficient of 0.768 (G1).  When tested at the factory, the accuracy extreme spread of three 5-round groups is less than 0.8 inches at 100 yards when fired in a SAAMI-compliant 24 inch test barrel mounted in a Universal Receiver.

Shown is the unfired 300 Blackout 110 grain TAC-TX projectile with black polymer tip next to the fired projectile. The projectile opened from .308 to .625 inches and retained most all of its weight.

The TSX/TAC-TX family of projectiles is extremely versatile.  Pay attention to the word extreme.  When hunting dangerous game, penetration is key.  That penetration includes going the shoulder bone of a hog or a large animal.  These solid copper projectiles do an incredible job of retaining weight and driving through.  For law enforcement and military applications the barrier blind penetration issues is handled by these projectiles.  Entry is less than two inches and the depth of maximum cavity are 5 to 5 1/2 inches of both tested rounds in 5.56mm and 300 Blackout.  The 300 Blackout delivered and incredible maximum temporary cavity damage at ideal depth.  The Barnes projectiles offer the versatility required by the law enforcement and military communities.  With Barnes now in the ammunition manufacturing business, the industry can expect to see more load offerings to the LE and military communities.

Steyr Mannlicher is located in the town of Steyr in Austria.  Josef Werndl founded the “Josef und Franz Werndl & Comp Waffenfabrik und Sagemuhle in Oberletten” and subsequently the Steyr Werke AG of which Steyr Mannlicher was a division.  In 1885 the Austrian Hungarian army accepted a new bolt action rifle designed by Ferdinand Ritter von Mannlicher from whence came the Mannlicher name.

From this partnership came such rifles as the Model 1885, Model 1888/1890 (first smokeless cartridge), and, in present times, Model SSG-P1 sniper rifle.  Then, in 2004, Steyr entered into the anti-material rifle field with introduction of the HS .50 chambered for the .50 caliber BMG (Browning Machine Gun) cartridge.

The HS .50 is a single shot, bolt action rifle meant to be fired off an integral bipod.  The two-stage trigger is set to 4.5 lb, but can be adjusted up or down.  As in other rifles, the buttstock is fully adjustable, and the heavy, cold-forged fluted barrel has a muzzle brake, but no iron sights.  Rifling is 1 in 15 with eight grooves.  Effective range is 1,500 meters (1,640 yards).  The .50 BMG with a Hornady 750 gr. bullet has a muzzle velocity of 2,820 feet per second with 13,241 ft-lb of muzzle energy.

Customer demand caused Steyr to build the M1 version of the HS .50.  It holds a five-round magazine inserted from the left hand side of the rifle.  The top Picatinny rail is extended; there are additional rails on the side, an adjustable cheekpiece, new bipod and a monopod at the buttstock.

The HS .50 M1 can be disassembled in less than one minute.  The scope remains on the barrel, so there’s no need to re-zero the rifle when reassembled.  The carrying case is cut out to hold the barrel with the scope mounted.

The M1 is an updated HS .50 with a five-round magazine feeding through the left side of the receiver. The rail system now consists of three rails; the cheek piece is adjustable along with the bipod and monopod on the buttstock.

HS .460
Steyr originally built the rifle only in .50 BMG.  Then when ownership of .50 cal. by private citizens was prohibited in Australia and California, they produced the HS .460.  The .460 shoots a 600-gr. bullet at 2,985 fps and 11,987 ft-lb of muzzle energy.  It’s a necked down .50 BMG with a slender spire point bullet similar to the old CETME cartridges, looking something like a .408 CheyTac.

Original loads were made by necking down the .50 BMG.  Igman Zaqod in Serbia first manufactured cases.  The .460 cases are fairly rare in the United States and primed brass runs $262 for 50 cases ($5.24 per cartridge case).  Loaded ammo is right around $110 per 10 rounds ($11 per round) as of April, 2013.

Steyr .50 HS

Manufacturer: Steyr-Mannlicher
Caliber: .50 BMG and .460
Service date: 2004
Weight: 28.5 pounds
Length: 54 inches
Barrel length: 33 inches
Action: Bolt, single shot
Effective range: 1,800 yards
Optics: Customer
Stock: Polymer

Steyr HS .50 M1
Trigger: two-stage, set at 4 lbs
Stock: Adjustable cheekpiece and bipod
Magazine: 5 rounds
Barrel length: 35.43” w/ muzzle brake
Overall Length: 59 inches
Weight: 28.5 pounds

The origin of RUAG Ammotec can be traced back to the Eidgenossische Munitionsfabrik established by the Swiss Confederation in Thun in 1863.  In 1995, this was merged with another Swiss firm, Munitionsfabrik Altdorf to form the Schweizerische Munitionsfabrik (SM), following which expansions and reorganization occurred rapidly.  In 1999, RUAG Holding was formed to incorporate SM; the name changed to RUAG Munition in 2001.  The small arms ammunition sector of Dynamit Nobel was acquired in 2002, leading to the change of name to RUAG Ammotec.  Dynamit Nobel had previously acquired RWS, Geco, and Norma.  In 2003, RUAG took over the sales and trademark rights of the Austrian company Hirtenberger AG, and in 2008 absorbed MFS 2000, the Hungarian ammunition company.  RUAG Ammotec, Tampa, Florida USA was formed in 2009.

RUAG Ammotec is part of RUAG, an international aerospace and defence technology group with a workforce of 7,700 employees worldwide.  RUAG Ammotec’s headquarters are in Thun, Switzerland, but it has locations in Germany, Austria, France, UK, Belgium, Sweden, Hungary, and the USA, with manufacturing plants in five countries.  The company focuses on the production of ammunition in three categories: Law Enforcement and Armed Forces; Hunting & Sports; and Industrial Products.  Well-known names in the Hunting & Sports section are RWS, Rottweil, GECO, Norma and Hirtenberger.

Tactical Ammunition

RUAG Ammotec produces pistol and rifle ammunition designed for specialist military and law enforcement purposes as well as conventional military rounds.  Calibers available are: 4.6×30 (HK MP7); 9×19; 5.56×45 and .223 Remington; 7.62×51 and .308 Winchester; .300 Whisper; .300 Winchester Magnum; .338 Lapua Magnum; and 12.7×99 (.50 BMG).  Training rounds, plus the 12 gauge Magnum ENTRY door breaching rounds, are also offered.  The SWISS P line consists of precision ammunition intended for snipers and designated marksmen.

The types of ammunition manufactured include the following:

• FMJ (lead-cored jacketed bullet, SINOXID non-corrosive primer): 9×19; 5.56×45; 7.62×51 (M80)
• FMJ HA (High Accuracy, a selected version of the Swiss Army’s GP90: fully-encapsulated lead-cored, steel- jacketed bullet): 5.56×45
• HC (Hard Core bullet): 5.56×45 (FMJ-SS109); 7.62×51 and .50 BMG (steel-cored bullet with brass semi-jacket and exposed tip)
• LF HC SX (brass jacket and core with hardened steel tip within jacket): 5.56×45;
• FMJ SX (non-toxic, with SINTOX lead-free primer): 4.6×30; 9×19 (fully encapsulated lead-cored bullet);
• FMJ SXF (FMJ SX with the addition to the primer of the marking agent Gadolinium to assist forensics): 9×19+P;
• FMJ SECA SXF (lead free, brass deformation bullet): 9×19+P;
• ACTION series (lead free, brass hollow-point bullet): 4.6×30; 9×19 (plastic-tipped),
• HP SXF: 9×19;
• AP SX: 4.6×30 (copper-plated steel bullet); 9×19 (tin-plated brass bullet)
• AP TC (lead and tungsten carbide-core bullet): 5.56×45
• Tracer: 9×19; 5.56×45 (M856 – IR version also available); 7.62×51 (M62)
• Subsonic FMJ: 9×19;
• Subsonic HP SX: 9×19;
• Frangible SX (bullet is sintered copper): 9×19; 5.56×45;
• Frangible COPPER-MATRIX SX (bullet is copper in polymer matrix): 9×19; 5.56×45;
• SWISS P Ball (jacketed lead core): .223 Rem; .308 Win; .300 Win Mag; .338 Lapua Mag
• SWISS P Target (brass-jacketed with open point and lead core): .223 Rem; .308 Win; .300 Whisper (subsonic); .300 Win Mag; .338 Lapua Mag
• SWISS P Styx Action (brass-jacketed, lead-cored, hollow point): .223 Rem; .308 Win; .300 Win Mag; .338 Lapua Mag
• SWISS P Armour Piercing (brass-jacketed, lead and tungsten carbide core): .223 Rem; .308 Win; .300 Win Mag; .338 Lapua Mag
• SWISS P Final SR (short range, lead-cored brass-jacketed hollow-point): .223 Rem; .308 Win
• SWISS P TACTICAL (brass, blunt-nose bullet for penetrating glass): .308 Win; .300 Win Mag; .338 Lapua Mag
• SWISS P Subsonic (HPBT Match bullet): .308 Win; .338 Lapua
• SWISS P Subsonic Final (JHP with fragmenting core of pressed lead pellets): .308 Win; .300 Whisper
• SWISS P API (brass-jacketed bullet with tungsten core and titanium tip): .338 Lapua Mag

Examples

1) 5.56×45 LF HC+SX. The 5.56mm LF HC+ SX is specifically designed to NATO standards in order to achieve improved penetration over a longer range.  The bullet mainly consists of a hardened steel core, which comprises two-thirds of the bullet weight.  The brass shoe is in effect a semi-jacket wrapped around the rear half of the core in order to take the rifling.  This design provides minimal barrel wear and allows outstanding accuracy as well as excellent penetration on hard targets.  A high performance powder ensures an extra long shelf life under extreme conditions; the round is fully compliant with climate zone A1 requirements.  The LF HC+ SX round is particularly suited to use in machine guns and is also available linked in belts, in mixed ratios with other loadings according to the customer’s requirements.

Specifications:

• Bullet: hardened steel core with a brass shoe; weight 4.0 g / 62 grains
• Case: brass, w/ SINTOX non-toxic primer
• Cartridge weight: 12.2 g / 188 grains
• Muzzle velocity: 935 m/s (3,068 fps) from 510 mm (20 inch) barrel
• Muzzle energy: 1,730 J (1,284 ft lbs)
• Accuracy at 300 m: 100% radius ≤ 50 mm (2 inches)
• Packaging: in cardboard boxes of 20 or 600 rounds.

2) .308 Winchester SWISS P Tactical.  The SWISS P Tactical rounds are specifically designed to hit targets behind an angled window or car windshield without the risk of unpredictable bullet deflection that might endanger bystanders.  Conventional bullets break apart or fragment when penetrating glass, which makes accurate shooting impossible.  At least 90% of the residual body of the RUAG SWISS P Tactical bullet stays intact, it maintains its trajectory after penetrating glass, and it does not fragment at all.  The bullet is solid brass with a flat tip.

RUAG SWISS P rounds are made to achieve match grade accuracy with coordinated ballistics and shooting characteristics from lot to lot.  All .308 Win. SWISS P Ball, Target, Styx Action and Armour Piercing have an identical point of impact at 100 m, which allows the shooter to instantly change the bullet type.

Specifications:

• Bullet: solid copper, flat-nosed and boat tailed; weight 10.6 g / 163 grains.
• Case: brass, with SINOXID non-corrosive primer
• Cartridge weight: 24.6 g / 380 grains
• Muzzle velocity: 820 m/s (2,690 fps) from 650 mm (25.6 inch) barrel
• Muzzle energy: 3,965 J (2,940 ft lbs)
• Accuracy at 300 m: 100% radius ≤ 50 mm (2 inches)
• Packaging: in cardboard boxes of 20 or 200 rounds.

3) .300 Whisper SWISS P Subsonic Final.  The calibre .300 Whisper was especially designed for subsonic shooting.  The proportion of the chamber size and the amount of powder are optimized to ensure constant pressure build up and first hit probability.

The special bullet made from pressed pellets instantaneously disintegrates when hitting a soft target even at subsonic speed.  The penetration depth of the fragments is extremely small, minimizing the risk of over penetration and increasing the safety of bystanders.

Optimized for use in suppressed weapons, the muzzle bang is minimized and the supersonic crack is eliminated.  Excellent first hit probability

• For silent and highly accurate secondary target shooting
• Perfectly suitable for missions in urban terrain without attracting attention or loosing the element of surprise
• All components are specially designed and adjusted to each other
• Long weapon durability due to minimal barrel wear and smoke residue build up

Specifications:

• Bullet: tin plated tombac jacket contained pressed lead pellets, weight 13.0 g / 200 grains
• Case: brass, with SINOXID non-corrosive primer
• Cartridge weight: 21.0 g / 324 grains
• Muzzle velocity: 310 m/s (1,017 fps) from 450 mm (17.7 inch) barrel
• Muzzle energy:  625 J (464 ft lbs)
• Accuracy at 50 m: 100% radius ≤ 100 mm (4 inches)
• Packaging: in cardboard boxes of 20 or 600 rounds.

RUAG Ammotec AG
Uttigenstrasse 67
3602 Thun
Switzerland
www.ruag.com/en/Ammotec
Contact: Sabine Brechbühl
Phone +41 33 228 22 20
Fax +41 33 228 26 27
Email: via website

The speed at which the United States geared up for World War II in the days after Pearl Harbor must be the paramount industrial wonder of the 20th century.  Peacetime manufacturing and occupations quickly became part of the war effort with an agility that seems impossible today.  Many manufacturers with no experience in small arms were tasked with converting all or part of their operations over to produce them.  Singer Manufacturing, Rock-Ola, and several divisions of General Motors are among these well-known to have made the hasty transition.  A little known fact however, is that a firm famous only for producing writing instruments made an important contribution well beyond the humble pencil: The original Stinger pen gun.

The development and design of the Stinger is a fascinating story that combines the exigencies of war, an old-line American company, a shadowy “Army Captain” and a brilliant engineer to create what must be the safest, most compact pen gun ever made in .22 caliber.

Some details of this story are lost in time, but documentary evidence and research provides us with the following: in 1942, the Joseph Dixon Crucible Co. of Union City, NJ was contracted by the U.S. Government to develop a new, secret weapon for use by pilots and clandestine operatives.  Joseph Dixon Crucible was the country’s leading manufacturer of mechanical pens and pencils, and developed the first mechanical pencil in the 1890s.  It is still a familiar brand today with the Dixon-Ticonderoga line of pencils.  The pen gun project was assigned to the company’s Director of Engineering, Charles R. Nichols, Jr.

The Stinger in ‘fire’ condition. At this point, the pocket clip has been lifted up and slid to the rear. All that remains to fire the weapon is to squeeze down on the pocket clip.

Although the original government specifications are not known, judging from the resulting product, they clearly included the following requirements: minimum size/weight, safety from accidental discharge, and use of .22 short ammunition.  Our research also indicates that it was specified that one end of the gun be rounded to provide for, shall we say, body cavity concealment.  It is also likely that the fact that the resulting pen gun could fit into a cigarette package was no coincidence.  As can be seen from the accompanying photos and illustrations, the resulting design fulfilled these requirements perfectly.

Most product development has fits and starts along the way, and the Stinger was no exception.  The initial project was code named “Scorpion,” but this was soon changed to “Stinger” for reasons that aren’t clear now.  By March of 1943, the design was finalized and manufacturing commenced.

The number of Stinger units produced is unknown, although they are very rare today.  An example can be found on exhibit in the International Spy Museum in Washington D.C., while another is part of the ATF National Firearms Collection, (see Small Arms Review, Jan. 2008, page 90).

The specimen seen here is completely unmarked.  No markings are visible on the other known pieces either, making it very unlikely to find this weapon on an ATF Form 3 or 4.

The Stinger is a one-time, single shot, striker fired, not-reloadable weapon.  It is cocked and loaded during final assembly, when the body is crimped to the barrel, creating a shelf for the rim of the cartridge.  Upon assembly, the striker is retained by the short legs of the saddle spring; with those legs acting as a sear.  The body is made of drawn copper for malleability, with the balance of the parts made of steel.  The barrel is of seamless tubing, and therefore not rifled.

The Stinger is extraordinarily safe to carry.  This is important, since there is no provision for somehow making it safer or unloading it.  The inherent safety of this gun sets it apart from other pen guns, which range from moderately unsafe to carry loaded to downright dangerous.

To determine if the Stinger is loaded, simply insert a rod down the barrel.  A fired Stinger allows the rod to be inserted the full length of the barrel, while a loaded weapon will be noticeably shorter.

To fire the Stinger one must overcome spring pressure holding the trigger (pocket clip) in the “down” position and lift it to about 20 degrees.  The trigger may then be slid fully to the rear along the saddle spring/sear while in the up position.  Once to the rear, the gun is fired by pinching the trigger fully down with thumb pressure.  The action of depressing the trigger, cams the two sear legs (which retain the striker) outward, freeing the striker to run forward under spring pressure to fire the cartridge.  These three separate motions are easy to do quickly for one familiar with the Stinger, but could not occur accidently.

Although the .22 rim fire short is a rather puny cartridge, the Stinger loaded with this round would be adequate for its intended role:  A tool to secure a real gun or a means to permanently prevent torture and the loss of valuable information known by the agent in possession of it.

While the designer of the Stinger, Charles R. Nichols, Jr. did not specialize in ordnance engineering, he did go on to work for Colt’s Manufacturing in the 1950s where he designed machinery to aid in rapid production of intricate parts.  His contribution in developing a valuable tool for the war effort deserves recognition, albeit 70 years late.