Wolf 5.45x39 Soft Point

Just finished up testing the Wolf 55gr 5.45x39 soft point round from my Iron Clad Armory AK-74 variant. The test was shot at 15 ft, 58 degrees, and 300 ft of elevation and the Clear Ballistics FBI spec gel block.

Results:

-2742fps, 917 ft/lbs energy
-The round expanded pretty well
-Penetration 14.25''

Here's the video of the test:

Glock 20C

Quick summary of the Pros/Cons for the Glock 20C:


Pros:
-Reliable (not a single failure to date)
-Accurate (more accurate than 99% of the shooters that own one)
-Durable (10mm Glocks seem to do better than their competition [EAA/1911/ect...] in handling the 10mm wear)
-Easy to maintain
-TONS of aftermarket support
-15+1 capacity
-Glock's customer service is great
-Durable finish
-Cheap replacement parts, should you ever need them
-Low Bore Axis resulting in a relatively soft shooting gun
-Easily modified to fit the shooters' preferences
-Requires very little cleaning/lubrication to run reliably
-Muzzle flip and perceived recoil are minimized vs the standard G20 allowing for faster follow up shots

Cons:
-The C model is much louder
-The ported barrel may make your front sight turn black (mine doesn't seem to but I've seen others that do it after 2 or 3 rounds)
-The ported barrel causes a decrease in muzzle velocity
Here's a video comparing with some shooting and a comparison to my Gen4 G20:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rDdTdJbv80Q 

Iron Clad Armory AK-74 Review

I know a lot of folks are looking for information on these rifles that Iron Clad is building...  I've got about 700 rounds through mine so far (headed to the range again tomorrow for a few hundred more) and here's what I've found.


Pros:

-Reliable.  The rifle has had 0 malfunctions
-Accurate.  As with most 74 type rifles, it's more accurate than most people think AKs can be.   I've shot several 2'' groups at 100m with this rifle and 7N6 (to include the group in the video below)
-The CHF CL 1 in 8 RH twist barrel.   As far as I know, these are the first US made CHF CL barrels out there.  Not all ICA rifles come with these barrels but it's an 'upgrade' option they offer if you order direct from them (the other barrels they use are CL US made barrels from Curtis at akbuilder.com).    According to the owner, they get the are sourced from MIL/LE supplier and then turned down in house by ICA.
-Gun Kote finish.  I have several rifles with this finish and I really like it compared to other AK finishes on the market.
-The side folder stock locks up tight in both positions.
-Build on matching Bulgy parts kit.
-Cost.   These rifles seem to go from between $700-$1100 depending on the options (milled/stamped receiver, Iron Wood or K-Var furniture, side rail/no side rail, CHF or standard US barrel, side folder vs standard stock, ect...)
-The receivers (both stamped and milled) are made in house by ICA so they offer the option for the buyer to pick their own serial number on the receiver.  Not really a big deal but NoDak has stopped this option as far as I know so if it's something you're looking for they'll do it for you.

Cons:
-The only one I can think of is the slight indent in the receiver I talk about in the video but it really isn't an issue to me but I know it will be for some.
-Availability.   Like everyone else these days, ICA is backordered.   I think the wait varies on the rifle you order but last I heard it was 8-12 weeks.

Here's the video where I do a little shooting, show and discuss the barrel, take the rifle down, shoot a group with some 7N6, and discuss my experience with ordering from ICA:

Wolf 124gr 7.62x39 HP Gel Test

Just finished up testing the Wolf 124gr 7.62x39 HP round from my Krebs AK-103K.  The test was shot at 15 ft, 75 degrees, and 300 ft of elevation and the Clear Ballistics FBI spec gel block was used with 4 layers of denim.

Results:

-2207fps, 1341 ft/lbs energy
-The round didn't expand per se; but the jacket did tear open (see video below for the specifics)
-Deepest penetration point was 31''

The manufacture of the gel block, Clear Ballistics, claims their gel meets FBI specs for testing. I calibrate my gel per their specs prior to testing and use 4 layers of denim per IWBA protocol. However, by no means am I saying this test is a substitute for the great work industry professionals like Dr. Roberts and others do. I'm just a shooter that likes to learn about the products I use.

Here's the video of the test:

Elzetta ZRX Mount Review

With everyone clamoring for guns and accessories these days I figured I'd write up a quick review of a relatively new light mount, the Elzetta ZRX.

Pros:
-Mounts to 1913 rails and only takes up 3 bars/2 slots of rail space
-Lightweight---1.1oz
-Type III anodizing on the aluminum
-Works with lights from .94-1.04''
-Sells for around $30
-Made in the US
-Comes in black and flat dark earth

Cons:
-Tough to find in stock anywhere (especially the dark earth version)

All in all I think this will be a pretty popular light mount if they can get enough out to meet demand.  It's simple, lightweight, and works well.  Not much to dislike.  

Here's a video showing the product in use and how it works up close:

Hornady 223 Rem 75gr TAP Gel Test

Just finished up testing the Hornady 223 75gr BTHP round from my 1 in 7 Palmetto State Armory 14.7'' CHF 1 in 7 twist barrel.   The test was shot at 15 ft, 60 degrees, and 300 ft of elevation and the Clear Ballistics FBI spec gel block was used with 4 layers of denim.

Results:

-2386fps, 948 ft/lbs energy
-Expansion/fragmentation started at the 4''
-Jacket separation occurred at 10''
-Deepest penetration point was 19''

The manufacture of the gel block, Clear Ballistics, claims their gel meets FBI specs for testing. I calibrate my gel per their specs prior to testing and use 4 layers of denim per IWBA protocol. However, by no means am I saying this test is a substitute for the great work industry professionals like Dr. Roberts and others do. I'm just a shooter that likes to learn about the products I use.

Here's the video of the test:

B5 Systems SOPMOD Bravo Stock

The Bravo is an offshoot of the Enhanced SOPMOD stock with a few differences:

-No battery storage

-Lighter (10.25 vs 8.25oz)

-Different adjustment lever (I actually like this one more)

-Greater angle on the rear of the stock

Pros:

-Very snug fit; almost like it has a friction lock (it doesn't, just trying to describe it)

-Cost.   It feels like a high quality stock but it's priced around $60

-The cheek weld is very comfortable and repeatable

-Available in multiple colors and patterns

-Has a built in anti-rotation QD socket

Cons:

-Availability.   Good luck finding one in stock these days.

Here's a video with some shooting, a comparison with the Magpul MOE & STR stocks, and a quick discussion of my findings so far with it: