Ballistic Vol.8 №4 2022

LU → IT WAS OCTOBER EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Nino Bosaz 1982. I recall sitting EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Linas Cernauskas on the edge of my SENIOR EDITORS Greg Duncan, Mark Chesnut* seat in the Juliet Theater in SKILLSET EDITOR Ben Tirpak* Poughkeepsie, New York. Rory Slifkin Next to me was my dad, who ART DIRECTOR/COVER DESIGN Franco Nguyen, Mike Gregory watched while chain-smoking a PREMEDIA Chad Adams full pack of Salems—impressive Richard Ortega because First Blood had a SENIOR DIGITAL EDITOR Scott Hill/ProCirc scant 93-minute run time—as EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Alamy (Rambo); Michael Bordon* we rooted for Rambo to survive (Skillset) Alex Landeen* the onslaught of firepower from CIRCULATION CONSULTANT (Springfield Hellion/Hellcat) COVER PHOTOS [email protected] EDITORIAL INQUIRIES SUBSCRIPTIONS /SINGLE COPY INQUIRIES 800-284-5668; [email protected] ballisticmag.com • skillsetmag.com tactical-life.com • personaldefenseworld.com what this Green Beret was baseball field loaded for bird. science fiction eeriness afoot. athlonoutdoors.com capable of. John Rambo—the 1987: Fact: Bringing guns to We have gun and magazine ultimate survivalist. bans, First Amendment rights SVP/GENERAL MANAGER Nick Seifert school was actually permitted, stripped away and massive Big ATHLON OUTDOORS My pals and I spent the rest at least in this case... My buddy Brother overreach on a scale ATHLON SPORTS of the fall acting out scenes in John Lucas—he was a big ’un never witnessed before. Today’s the woods, using pocketknives, and we nicknamed him Johnny law-abiding gun owners—parents ADVERTISING SALES of course. We weren’t quite Rambo—and I did an oral report at school board meetings even— ready to step up to the Bowie together for Mr. Dourdis’ Sports are being labeled as domestic National Office plate. We crafted spears and Literature class on sport- and terrorists. That’s all change “We 212-478-1910; [email protected] traps (never caught jack), and deer hunting. We had to get The People” don’t need. So climbed through boulder fields permission from the principal let’s keep fighting the good fight Independent Account Representatives and Laurel-laden hillsides hiding (and we did) for the show- when and where we can. and avoiding being hit with BBs and-tell part of the project. I NORTHEAST REGION Scott Buchmayr • 978-462-6335 from our war-scarred 10-pump brought in my Remington 1100, Those Rambo days seem SOUTHEAST & UPPER MIDWEST Amos Crowley • 216-378-9811 Crosmans. Stupid, I know, but and John brought in his Bear so far away. We have some Scott J. Cherek • 307-635-8899 we had a 3-pump maximum and Archery “kit bow” he’d built with good change to bring your way, WESTERN REGION Dan Flavin • 248-515-8654 wore goggles. Mud balls and his dad. Man, we country kids however. In this issue of Ballistic, MIDWEST/CENTRAL SOUTH Mark Pack • 949-683-0083 pies were our versions of hand knew how to impress the chicks we welcome our Skillset Mag grenades. Man, we were the back then. editorial team led by Ben Tirpak, SPECIALTY/AT LARGE shit—or at least we thought so. as well as their loyal subscribers Playing Manhunt with neighbor- 2022: My how things have to the mix. Once its own quar- DIRECT RESPONSE ADVERTISING Jim Coen • 718-825-7533 hood kids (boys and girls) still changed in society! Today, my terly publication, Skillset will now VP, OPERATIONS AND STRATEGY Carrie Roeder ranks at the top of the fun list. son can’t even wear a ballcap run as a 32-page (sometimes Playing Army is a close second. or t-shirt to school that sports more) special in five of the six MARKETING & Niki Morrison the likeness of a firearm. Zero- annual issues of Ballistic. We PROGRAM MANAGER 1985-1986: We stepped tolerance policies are brutal look at this change as a highly up our game with hand-me- (unconstitutional IMHO). There’s positive one in that now, both MARKETING COORDINATOR/ Maureen Pichner down .22s for squirrel and a George Orwellian Nineteen Ballistic and Skillset fans will get ADMINISTRATOR crow popping. Like Rambo, we more content. We’re certain that knew we could survive off the Ballistic readers will wholeheart- CORPORATE ADDRESSES 2451 Atrium Way, Suite 320 land. And believe it or not, the edly enjoy the Alpha-edgy, edu- Nashville, TN 37214 NYS Conservation Department cational and fun Skillset goods, used to release pheasants on while Skillset fans will still get * Consultant a neighboring property to our what they know and love, and high school. On school days NEW FOR 2022: HUNTING RIFLES HOT AR-15S FUB AR also receive a bonus of 130-plus TO THE READERS: Be advised that there may be products when we knew we were going INTEL pages of Ballistic goodness. represented in this magazine as to which the sale, possession or to try to luck into a leftover bird PG. 160 interstate transportation thereof may be restricted, prohibited or or two, our 20 gauges sat in Enjoy the issue, but know subject to special licensing requirements. Prospective purchasers our pickup truck gun racks in this…there will be blood! should consult the local law enforcement authorities in their area. the school parking lot. After the All of the information in this magazine is based upon the personal final bell it was “go” time. The —Nino Bosaz experience of individuals who may be using specific tools, prod- trucks remained as we marched ucts, equipment and components under particular conditions and into the woods just past the circumstances, some or all of which may not be reported in the particular article and which this magazine has not otherwise veri- 2 BALLISTIC 06¥07 2022 fied. Nothing herein is intended to constitute a manual for the use of any product or the carrying out of any procedure or process. This magazine and its officers and employees accept no respon- sibility for any liability, injuries or damages arising out of any per- son’s attempt to rely upon any information contained herein. CZ 600 INSIDE: BALLISTIC® (ISSN 2573-0290) is published bimonthly by SBFMEOOISRLRTSIEEIGOVSUENNRYS WORLDGB’USLNGUD-WHLEAIAELRCASSKRTTOALHWNBIEEI’ANSSRPTTNLAEBEELRRGWOE4EOWSXNZF4SDAX Athlon Sports Communications, Inc., 2451 Atrium Way, Suite 320, Nashville, TN 37214. Single copy price: $9.95 U.S. and $10.95 BEASTS GLOCK CAN. Subscriptions are six issues for $32.97 per year in the U.S. HELLCAT RDP GUY Periodicals Postage paid at Nashville, TN, and at other additional VS. mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send subscription requests to: 1911 Athlon Media Group, PO Box 292167, Kettering, OH 45429. MAN POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Ballistic, PO Box 292167, Kettering OH 45429. Submissions of manuscripts, illustrations and/ Visit outdoorgroupstore. or photographs must be accompanied by a stamped, self-addressed com to subscribe to envelope. The publisher assumes no responsibility for unsolicited Ballistic and order material. Copyright © 2022 by Athlon Sports Communications, Inc. print and digital copies. All rights reserved under international and Pan American Copyright Subscribe for the full year Conventions. Reproduction in whole or in part, via electronic or any (or two) and you’ll save other means, without written permission of the publisher is strictly money to spend on guns. prohibited. Printed in the U.S.A. Volume 8 Issue 4. Ballistic Magazine adheres to the California Consumer Privacy Act of 2018. For more information about your rights as a California consum- er or to opt out of the sale of your personal information, please visit BallisticMag.com/ccpa.



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04VOL. 8 JUNE/JULY 2022 THE PREMIER FIREARMS & SURVIVAL MAGAZINE FEATURES 22 40 30 72 22 CUSTOM CHALLENGE 80 BEHIND RAMBO’S BLADE Here’s your chance to win a An inside look at Lile’s forever heavenly/hellish Springfield Hellion famous do-it-all steel and a Hellcat Pro BY GARRETT LUCAS BY ALEX LANDEEN 86 SHOTGUN OR AR? 30 THE BIGGER ‘CAT Scattergunnin’ Gunther and Springfield’s Hellcat Pro steps Arnie “Pew Pew” shoot and miss up in size to tame recoil and offer on home defense superb handling BY FRANCIS MACOMBER BY MIKE DETTY 130 142 92 TWANGO BANGO 40 RAISING HELLION Meet Umarex’s new game-busting, Springfield’s evolution of the HS double-barrel AirSaber Elite X2 Produkt-made VHS-2 rifle system is one badass bullpup BY FRANK MELLONI BY BILL FOSTER 72 FIRST BLOOD This 40-year-anniversary tribute to 130 PCC YOUR WAY SPECIAL SECTION For 3-Gun or self-defense, go the way of the Aero Precision EPC-9 BY JOSEPH MURRAY AMMO 136 RACEHORSE GUIDE 52 58 65 Canik’s new SFx Rival delivers PISTOL AMMO champion-level performance at a 0 RIFLE AMMO budget-friendly price Get fully loaded with the BY GARRETT LUCAS latest long-gun fodder and personal-defense scatterguns Latest loads that’ll make your 142 SILVER CELEBRATION handgun go boom Looking back on the 25 years of Henry Repeating Arms excellence BY DR. MARTIN D. TOPPER BY DR. MARTIN D. TOPPER BY DR. MARTIN D. TOPPER BY FRED MASTISON 6 BALLISTIC 06¥07 2022 Ballisticmag.com



INSIDE ISSUE 04VOL. 8 JUNE/JULY 2022 THE PREMIER FIREARMS & SURVIVAL MAGAZINE DEPARTMENTS 10 10 BREW HA HA Meanderings of a modern cavalier BY FRANCIS MACOMBER 16 STOCKPILE 152 38 156 New and notable guns 134 AR STUFF 152 AFTER HOURS FREE MINI-MAG INSERT and gear picks from the editors Ratchet outta jams Malt liquor at its MEET SIG’S P322 Just in case you needed with Springfield’s best and worst a reason to buy one, here are 21 38 THE UNKNOWNS new LevAR charging handle BY FRED MASTISON BY FRED MASTISON Two lesser-known accessory companies BY ANDY GROSSMAN 156 THREADS that pack in fun and function for gun nuts 146 WILD Stylish and practical KITCHEN solutions for summer BY FRANK MELLONI concealed carry Experience a field- 50 GEAR QUICK HIT to-table adventure BY ALEX LANDEEN that’s perfect for the An on-the-go lockbox pending food crisis 160 FUBeAR that can weather anything BY LINAS BY SCOTT BAXTER Our accidental mascot lights shit up—bigly CERNAUSKAS BY JOSH SWANAGON SKILLSET SECTION 98 INSIDER INFO 110 SNIP IT GOOD 120 TOP-EIGHT BY SUSAN KLUCHNIK What to expect when MARTIAL ARTS you’re expecting MOVIES 104 DRUNK ON FREEDOM your one and only A beginner’s guide An American tale of vasectomy to Kung Fu films drinking and defiance BY MORGAN LERETTE BY MARCUS BY JEROME NEW 104 TORGERSON 108 FIVE WAYS 120 BOOZE FUELED 112 COVER: PICKIN’ AMERICA APOCALYPSE 124 FEAR THIS! BY BLAKE STILWELL PALS Turn fear into fuel Because hard, SHTF and your life will times call for forever never be the same friends you can truly again count on BY TONY BLAUER 110 BY NATE GERHART 128 LAST CALL 118 TAC SHARP Note from the Meet Allen Elishewitz, bossman, plus pics a living weapon that of #SKILLSETFAM 124 makes weapons BY BEN TIRPAK BY HANK GREENBERG 8 BALLISTIC 06¥07 2022 112 Ballisticmag.com

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rewhaha MEANDERINGS OF A MODERN CAVALIER BYFRANCIS MACOMBER ® A ... The wife and I recently found ourselves at the Scottsdale Whiskey Festival, which sion OR be as badass as Jack Carr’s signature who would leave me dead by the road without landed us 20 whiskey tastings and an character James Reece? Would you rather breaking much of a sweat. Now I’d just like to evening that got considerably hazier as be an expert at hand-to-hand combat, knife be a voyeur. It’s a lot less work and probably it went. Our hands-down favorite was fighting and virtually any weapon you pick more satisfying. Scotchdale, which blends a couple of up or see through the blouse of a hot chick different scotches for one of the smooth- walking down the street? In layman’s terms, The best comment online came from est, best-tasting whiskeys we found. do you lean toward utilitarian or pervert? I’m Bil Hans: “I’ll take the x-ray app. Got skills The secret is they don’t use them from a perv all the way. I’ve spent my entire adult already.” single distillery but blend a Highland and life practicing the other arts and, while I can a Speyside for something super smooth Without a doubt, Bil and I could definitely and a little sweet. It’s not the easiest thing hang out. to find outside of the Southwest, but if you get a chance to try it, don’t pass it up. BINGE, Jack Reacher started on the pages of killing along the way. Most readers/ BBAINBYG,E! author Lee Child before springing to watchers will find the lack of ties the silver screen with a horribly mis- appealing on some base level as they cast Tom Cruise as the 6-foot, 5-inch cut their monthly mortgage check, giant. Amazon Prime corrected the and the constant pursuit of justice mistake with their series Reacher. using two iron fists equally attrac- The story centers around a former tive. Reacher is already slated for a Army major who roams the earth like second season, and with 26 different a modern-day Kane finding adven- books to choose from, Prime could ture and a lot of people who need keep going for a long time. 10 BALLISTIC 06¥07 2022 Ballisticmag.com

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rewhaha MEANDERINGS OF A MODERN CAVALIER ® UNDERCOVER INCIDENTS What’s The Price? I don’t know how I find myself in BaElJblDiosaIiftTlnuilciOsnintR“ioBc’onSmrneliNnawmgeOoH.TcaroEatem:H.a” strange places but my inability to say, Between Covid, riots in the sure we don’t need), so she “That sounds like a bad idea,” might should have left me maimed or dead. street, Russian invasions wants a trailer. I want the ul- have something to do with it. So a bud- Moral of the story? The first step to and my cheerful dooms- timate trailer, hence Off Grid dy and I find ourselves tooling around immortality is believing you will survive day attitude, I think I finally Trailers (offgridtrailers.com). Indonesia when we get invited to go anything. My psychologist, Dr. Johnny convinced the wife that the High clearance and all-metal, play with orangutangs after hours at a Walker, taught me that one. end is nigh. I’ve always been they have a kitchen, elec- zoo by some girl who must have be- a believer in having food, tricity and even a shower. lieved we were a lot more trustworthy water, shelter and an egress Even my 20-year-old Tahoe than we are. My first thought was about plan for when SHTF, and she can pull it. Then I saw the Wookies pulling arms out of sockets has finally come around. She price. Starting at $23,500 to when they lose, but liquid courage had decided the Toyota won’t $32,500, depending on the dulled any sense of self-preservation, haul enough of her worldly model and whether you want so I agreed to go. Shortly after we got possessions (kids, dogs and a bed inside. It’ll be tough there, we must have told them some some other crap I’m pretty to own a trailer that is worth whopping lies about being veterinar- four times as much as my ians or animal lovers or rich because truck, but I’m warming up to they whisked us all over the place, and iStock Photo the idea. I ended up sticking my hand in the mouth of a pygmy hippo and playing with albino tiger cubs, then challenging an orangutang to an arm-wrestling contest in three separate incidents that T GADGET Jeremy Boreing (ironic name) identity. Boreing fought back spent goes toward one side is the head of the Daily Wire by creating Jeremy’s Razors. of the spectrum or the other. television show. Harry’s They probably come out of I prefer that my dollar doesn’t Razors pulled their adver- the same Chinese factory go toward supporting fringe tising from the Daily Wire as Harry’s Razors, but who zealots on either end of the because of “values mis- cares? The commercial for political spectrum. Check out alignment” after a host made the Jeremys Razors went ihateharrys.com. If they get comments about gender viral instantly, and I loved it enough support, we might so much that I spent $80 get a few more commercials pre-ordering my own shaving on why they don’t support kit 10 minutes after I saw the fringe radicals either. Oh, it. Personally, I don’t think and this just in. The folks at sneakers, sunglasses or The Babylon Bee (babylon pro-football should come bee.com) just reported that with a political agenda, but Jeremey’s is also coming out unfortunately, those days are with Jeremy’s Tampons. Bee long gone. Now every dollar sure to check those out, too! 14 BALLISTIC 06¥07 2022 Ballisticmag.com

iStock Photo Tooling around Vegas, I got a little parched FAST, EASY recently as well as a might peckish. Unlike EY cial. They were out of the Scenic Vegas Sipper IPA, so I settled for the Scenic Mas Cerveza I recently competed in the Baker-to-Vegas, 120-mile policed relay race through Death Valley along with very cold and clean with no bitter aftertaste. about 5,000 other cops. It struck me that the race end- It paired perfectly with their homemade chips ed in America’s gambling capital, but there was no way Company was a ways off the beaten path, but I to bet on the race. Opportunity was in the air. Next year, I want to find out a way to get it on the Vegas Sports- didn’t bring her along for the conversation. book, then immediately approach the favorite teams and see if they will take a dive for profit. What could be more fun than hundreds of cops being involved in a race-fixing scheme? This could be bigger than the Chicago White Sox throwing the World Series. Our process is slow, on purpose. BESINLOOGNWMESACODAEWN. ESBLCEOAHWNELSWDOAATTNHCDHATIENEASVCPEHERCRYTOSEUDINNGDLE BY HAND BEFORE EARNING OUR NAME. Ballisticmag.com BALLISTIC 06¥07 2022 15

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® →WALTHER PDP F-SERIES the legendary Marlin 1895 Trapper—the → rifle that was conceived by Alaskan Meet the first-ever pistol engineered guides who needed a big-bore, .45-70 → for female hand structure. The Bal- Govt., that was short, quick-handling listic team first got its mitts on an early pro- ISOTUNES SPORT CALIBER and optimized for hunting or protection totype of the Walther PDP F-Series pistol EARBUDS from dangerous animals. This latest at the 2021 Athlon Outdoors Rendezvous. offering features a 16.17-inch, cold ham- Truth be told, the women (and most of the Face it, Bluetooth devices aren’t mer-forged barrel with a 1:20-inch twist. men) loved the fit, function and shootabilty always what they’re cracked up The threaded barrel (11/16”-24), comes of the platform. The new F-Series elevates to be. That’s not the case with ISOtunes with a match-polished thread protector the next evolution in world-class ingenuity Sport’s Caliber wireless earbuds. They’ve and will accommodate common muzzle for pistols to meet the demands of female been pulling triple-duty for gun-range work, devices. The stainless steel receiver, around-town travel and in-the-woods play lever, magazine tube and barrel feature shooters like never seen before. Accounting for the last few months and haven’t missed an attractive non-glare, satin finish. The for precise structural differences, Walther a beat. Setting up and pairing with a device bolt is spiral-fluted and nickel-plated has completely reengineered the ergonom- is so easy a middle-aged dad can do it. The for an attractive appearance and very ics of the grip to be designed for the exact Calibers sport Tactical Sound Control tech- smooth cycling. Other features include biomechanics of women’s hands. Featuring nology that allows for listening for ambient the receiver-mounted Skinner Sight a new patented operating system resulting sounds such as game movement or range system, black laminate stock and forend, in a reduction in slide rack force paired commands, while ears remain protected and a generous buttbad. with all the performance duty features of from gunshot noise. A full charge garners 13 the PDP, the F-Series pistol is a top-end hours of Bluetooth capability. The Calibers (marlinfirearms.com) choice for all women. The 9mm guns are come with a carry case that can charge for currently available with either 3.5- or 4-inch up to 25 hours, foam and silicone eartip barrels. Capacity is 15+1, and two mags options and a USB-C charging cable. are included. (waltherarms.com) (isotunessport.com) TAURUS EXECUTIVE GRADE 856 → There’s no bull here—Taurus has just stepped up their revolver game with the introduction of its classy Executive Grade 856 six-shooter. These custom-engraved beauties are made in a private, dedicated assembly area by a team of product specialists. Each Executive gets a hand-pol- ished satin finish, an Ultra-luxe custom walnut-checkered grip, chamfered cylinder chambers and a hand-tuned trigger. Your dream carry gun also comes with a travel-friendly Pelican Vault hard case. (taurususa.com) 18 BALLISTIC 06¥07 2022

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WANNA WIN Ballistic Custom Challenge gun giveaway is back! Check out ballisticmag.com/SpringfieldHell THESE GUNS? to learn more and see how you can get your hands on these beauties. 22 BALLISTIC 06¥07 2022

CUSTOM CHALLENGE BALLISTIC 06¥07 2022 23

pringfiel Helli n an a Hellcat r ADIES AND GENTLEMEN, the Ballistic Custom Challenge is back again! surface, the paint is sprayed in layers where the top coats are masked to allow the lower It has been almost a year since I’ve had the pleasure of showing our readers colors to show through. Or for a “battle-worn” look, the upper paint layers are distressed work from the top customizers in the business, and it seemed fitting to bring and removed by hand with abrasive paper or power tools. back the pros at Outlaw Ordnance to show off some new coating tricks on a But the finish on these guns is 100-percent pair of rowdy troublemakers: Springfield Armory’s new Hellion 5.56 bullpup laser engraved. Basically, by writing their own computer software, Outlaw Ordnance can rifle and upsized Hellcat Pro 9mm wearing a Hex Wasp red-dot optic. use CNC lasers to remove the upper layers of the ceramic-based paint in very thin passes. While the etymology of their names The paint is sprayed on at only one-micron doesn’t seem to have any particular relevance thickness, so the laser’s power and process concerning fiery and eternal punitive suffering, must be very precise. Once tuned, it can be it does seem the most obvious theme for a used to cut an image into the paint layers with custom paint job. Also, it would be hard to as many colors as the project may require. argue that Springfield had no intention of conjuring devilish thoughts releasing these In this case, the guns were sprayed with guns after their Saint series of rifles and red, then top-coated with black. The laser then pistols, therefore I believe we can be spared slowly removes the black in passes, allowing judgment, even though we might have fallen computer-controlled precision and a level of to temptation! THE DEVIL (AND ANGEL) IN THE DETAILS The paint scheme on these two guns is the culmination of months of work by the Outlaw Ordnance crew to develop a new process in custom coatings. Traditionally, to create a pattern or image on a The Outlaw Ordnance crew used a new process to coat both the Hellcat and Hellion, giving both a finish that’ll bring out the devil—and angel—in you. Ballisticmag.com

THE NEW HARDCORE DESIGN. MORE FLEXIBILIT Y. + FULLY-AMBI CONTROLS + PATENTED BOLT-UP SYSTEM More exibility and greater control of your ri e 6-bolt Bolt-Up System withstands the rigors of hard use, for greater control of the situation at hand protecting accuracy while free- oating the barrel + LIGHTER RAIL THAT’S HEAVY DUTY + GRIP-N-RIP® CHARGING HANDLE Same robust design as our RIS II, built for Independently ambi charging handle with anti-gas US Special Operations Command (SOCOM), features for a better shooting experience with M-LOK attachment for less weight WORLD-CLASS FIREARMS DANIELDEFENSE.COM/RIII DESIGNED & MANUFACTURED IN BLACK CREEK, GEORGIA, USA

WHAT THEY COST Base price rifle: $1,999 Rifle custom work: $1,000 Base price handgun: $634 Handgun custom work: $500 Hex Wasp: $300 ESS Rifle Case: $130 Total value: $4,563 detail work that would be nearly impossible TEAMWORK to accomplish by hand. Jackson and Pierce were also quick to point “We have been playing around with out the necessity of having great support. this technique for a while,” said Outlaw’s There were four team members involved co-owner Chip “Cheeto” Pierce. “This in getting these guns out the door. Cody project—spurred on by the somewhat Johnson is the machine department man- possessed Ballistic magazine editors— ager for Outlaw Ordnance and was integral pushed us to put the finishing touches on in developing the laser software itself, as the process. We decided to go with a more well as programing the specifics for this job. photorealistic theme. The quality is ungodly, Will May and Calvin Chapman designed no pun intended.” the Heaven and Hell theme, and Clayton Chapman had the fun job of disassembling On the topic of the divine, co-owner the just-released Hellion—a rifle that until that day had never been seen by anyone at The slide on the Custom Challenge Hellcat Pro includes a few heavenly images, too! 26 BALLISTIC 06¥ with an Elite Survival Systems Covert Ballisticmag.com



CUSTOM CHALLENGE duties at the shoot consisted of essentially just lifting heavy things and holding guns between shots. I did not mind at all because it was a very enjoyable process to observe. Alex would direct Andrea into poses and on cue, she snapped into position. I was intrigued to see a set direction that included things like “move the gun 2 inches and tilt it a half an inch.” Mix into this a live chat with the Ballistic’s editor and art director during the shoot and it resembled a situation room in the West Wing. RANGE WORK: From the controlled environment of the studio, we then headed to the range. Andrea showed off her shooting skills as Alex captured action shots. Brass flew and flashes popped as TO the casual no matter the different poses we asked her peeks at the images Alex observer to make. When Andrea is not killing it in front was capturing and was flipping through of the camera, she is teaching horsemanship once again reminded that a magazine, the images are to youth in Arizona. photographers of his caliber eye-catching, but few know are artists. When we had what went into them. The Working his magic behind the camera planning, logistics and securing was our very own Alex Landeen. Alex and the sun got low on the of guns are more complicated produces hundreds of images a year for than most will ever know. The magazines and this project would showcase up. Channeling his inner Bill his skills. Our goal was to set a “devilish” not only capture the product but give it a life scene to match the hellscape custom paint Alex looked at Andrea and of its own. This was exactly the case with a on the two Springfield Armory guns. My recent photoshoot for two Ballistic Custom carefully planned, laid out and shot. This is Challenge giveaway guns. one of the reasons that Ballistic is seen as a premier magazine in the firearms world. The The goal was to take the exceptionally images of Andrea are much more than the well-done Springfield Hellion and Hellcat sum of their parts. They are a mix of planning Pro with their custom paint from Outlaw and art. Having models like Andrea that are Ordnance and bring them to life. The model as far away from gun bunny as you can get for this project was the lovely and talented is another part of our success. Real people, Andrea Fox. Andrea is more than just a pretty fantastic guns and a team that is able to put face. She is a long-time shooter with a gun it all together. —Fred Mastison Editor’s Note: For more photos and video content from this photo shoot, and to enter to win the custom Springfield Armory firepower, please visit ballisticmag.com or smash this QR code with your phone. 28 BALLISTIC 06¥07 2022 Ballisticmag.com

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Springfield’s BACK IN 2018, SIG Hellcat Pro STARTED A TREND WHEN THEY INTRODUCED steps up in size THE P365, a tiny gun with to tame recoil a big capacity. It came handling with a great trigger, night sights and a very reasonable price tag. BY MIKE DETTY Other manufacturers sat up and took ALEX LANDEEN PHOTOS notice. Sig will forever be known as the originator of the micro-compact. The following year, Springfield Armory introduced their Hellcat, which was billed at the time as the smallest micro-compact 9mm with the highest capacity. It holds 11+1 rounds with its flush-fit magazine, 13+1 with its extended magazine and has a 3-inch barrel. The Hellcat is almost effortless to carry, very accurate and possesses flawless reliability. For these reasons, it became my everyday carry gun. Lightweight micro-compacts loaded with hot defense loads can be a handful, and the Hellcat is no excep- tion. Shooters with big hands, and even some shooters with small hands, found the short grip frame compromised their firing grip negatively. Like nearly every other micro-compact, the Hellcat used a dual spring recoil system to give the little gun enough spring mass to cycle reliably with range ammo and hotter defense loads. Those with weak hands or diminished strength found it hard to manipulate the slide. Engi- neers at Springfield recognized this and realized that not every customer wants or needs a micro-compact. Their new Hellcat Pro offers users all of the advantages of the original Hellcat with a longer barrel and slide, longer grip frame and increased capacity. Ballisticmag.com BALLISTIC 06¥07 2022 31









THE IGGE C T LEFT: The Hellcat Pro comes with two 15-round magazines, giving concealed carriers plenty of firepower should the need ever arise. MIDDLE: The slide on the Hellcat Pro possess an optics-ready cut for a direct-mounted red-dot for those who prefer an optical sight on their pistol. RIGHT: The author believes the Hellcat Pro’s 5.5-pound trigger pull is just about perfect for a self-defense or home-defense handgun. SPECIFICATIONS SPRINGFIELD ARMORY PRO PACKING DEVIL’S DETAILS HELLCAT PRO Boasting a 15+1 capacity with its flush-fit Springfield Armory machines the slide from CALIBER: 9mm magazine, the Hellcat Pro provides shooters billet and gives it a Melonite treatment leaving with a more controllable defense pistol. The it a flat black color. Like the original Hellcat, the BARREL: 3.7 inches longer slide and its mass help take a bite out Pro model is an Optical Sight Pistol (OSP) and of muzzle flip and combined with the longer is machined for Springfield’s Micro footprint, OA LENGTH: 6.6 inches grip frame make shooting hotter defense which will accommodate most micro red-dots loads more manageable. It also gives the and is the same as the Shield RMSc optical WEIGHT: 21 ounces (empty) user a longer sight radius to make it easier to footprint. When not using an optic, there is a shoot more accurately, and it’s also easier to plate to cover the mounting area of the slide. GRIPS: Polymer manually cycle the slide. For low-light shooting, Springfield equips SIGHTS: Tritium front, U-notch rear The gun possesses a more natural the Hellcat Pro with a high-visibility tritium balance, and while the grip has and luminescent front sight that is easy to ACTION: Striker-fired been extended it maintains the pick up in low light as well as bright light, and original 1-inch width. Other a Tactical Rack U-Dot rear sight that makes FINISH: than the longer frame, slide lining up the sights as simple as putting the and barrel, the Hellcat Pro ball (front sight) in the bucket (rear sight). The ›› remains the same striker-fired frame also includes an accessory rail on the gun that Springfield intro- dust cover for tactical lights/lasers. The author found duced two years ago. the Hex Optic’s Wasp, Like the original Hellcat, the Hellcat Pro’s polymer frame uses Adaptive Grip Texture to with its 3.5-MOA red provide the shooter with a secure shooting dot, to be an awesome grip. Using tiny, staggered pyramid shapes to press into the flesh, it locks the shooter’s hand carry companion for onto the gun without being so coarse that it the Hellcat Pro. abrades the skin. Springfield also made the magazine release of the Hellcat Pro reversible for southpaws. The new Hellcat Pro sports a 3.7-inch barrel featuring a 1-in-10-inch twist and a Melonite treatment. It also possesses a loaded chamber indicator in the form of a viewing port on the back of the barrel block. If you’re wondering whether there is a difference in velocity between the original Hellcat’s 3-inch barrel and the new 34 BALLISTIC 06¥07 2022 Ballisticmag.com

›› The slide is machined for the Springfield Micro footprint, which is 100-percent compatible with the Shield RMSc. Hellcat Pro’s 3.7-inch barrel, the answer is “CRISP AND WITH A with the pistol’s iron sights. It took me just two yes. My testing revealed a velocity increase VERY FIRM RESET, groups to get the red-dot dialed in precisely. between 3 and 7 percent, depending on the THE HELLCAT PRO’S load. Is this enough to make a difference in TRIGGER IS JUST SHOTS FIRED projectile expansion? Probably not, but it sure ABOUT PERFECT FOR can’t hurt. The longer slide also increases sight A DEFENSE GUN.” Once at the range, I set the targets out at radius and makes it easier to shoot the gun 15 yards and fired all groups from a seated more accurately. The author tested the Hellcat Pro for accu- rest with the Hellcat Pro’s accessory rail racy at 15 yards and found it shot groups resting on a Millett BenchMaster. Hornady’s Springfield equips the Hellcat Pro with its of around 1 inch, despite imperfect weather American Gunner 124-grain XTP +P loads Gen 3 trigger, and my test sample’s pull broke conditions during the testing and evaluation. produced the single best five-shot group with 5.5 pounds of pressure. Crisp and with a measuring just 0.88 inches, and it also deliv- very firm reset, the Hellcat Pro’s trigger is just ered the most energy with 366 foot-pounds about perfect for a defense gun. of energy. The largest group the Hellcat Pro produced was only 1.16 inches with the WASP STING aggregate group size just a hair over 1inch. Given better weather conditions I’m betting Currently, Springfield Armory is not offering that all of these loads could have produced the Hellcat Pro with an optics package. sub-1-inch groups. They did, however, include a Hex Optics Wasp micro red-dot with my test pistol. HOLSTERING AND SPLITS Hex Optics is a Springfield Armory company with its own website at hexoptics. I carry my original Hellcat in a Concealment com. Just because it’s a Springfield-owned Express triggerguard IWB holster, and it is company doesn’t mean you can’t put its all-day comfortable. Worn in the appendix products on any other brand of gun. The position, it literally goes everywhere I do, and Wasp is a tough little red-dot with its its claw pushes the grip of the pistol into my housing machined from 6061 T6 aluminum body, so the gun doesn’t print. But the Hellcat and is hard coat anodized. It features a Pro’s longer barrel and slide would likely dig premium glass lens that is scratch-resistant into me when carried IWB appendix and and distortion-free. Its red dot is powered sitting. For that reason, I ordered an OWB by the common CR 2032 battery, and Covert holster from Crucial Concealment. The Hex Optics claims a two-year runtime from a versatile Kydex holster features adjustable ride single battery. In fact, there’s not even an on/ height, cant and retention and accommodates off switch on the Wasp. It also possesses both 1.5-inch and 1.75-inch belt widths. It’s an auto-dimming sensor that regulates the cut low, making it optics compatible and also dot’s brightness. Its red dot is 3.5 MOA and has a sweat guard to protect your clothes from is easily adjustable for windage and elevation. gun lube and residue. The Wasp mounts directly to the Hellcat Pro’s slide, and it sits low enough to co-witness After adjusting the retention, I practiced presentations and double-taps on my MGM Ballisticmag.com BALLISTIC 06¥07 2022 35

THE IGGE C T BC C-Zone steel targets set up at 15 yards. from pinching it on insertion. The longer grip → for companies to keep up Worn at the 3 o’clock position, the Covert frame makes a huge difference. with the latest and greatest holster provides a remarkably stable platform in pistols, but 1791 Gunleather was for consistent presentations, and its winged FINAL THOUGHTS prepared when Springfield Armory’s design pulls the gun tight into the body for dropped its new Hellcat Pro pistol onto maximum concealment. The longer grip of the Not everyone needs a micro-compact gun. the market. Committed to supporting Hellcat Pro provides an uncompromised firing While manufacturers are in a race to build Americans’ Second Amendment grip, and the longer barrel slide gives the gun smaller and more concealable 9mm striker rights, 1791 Gunleather delivers a better balance, especially when punching guns, the truth is that there is a point of selection of high-quality holsters that the gun out towards the target. My best split, diminishing returns. For some people, having will fit the Hellcat Pro. or time between shots on a double-tap, was a gun that fits comfortably in their hand with 0.24 seconds while my average with both an adequate sight radius is far more import- The Optic-Ready BHC holster gives shots connecting on steel averaged 0.27 ant than tiny size. Even though it has been pistol carriers a low-cut design for seconds. Noticeably, the Hellcat Pro was less upsized, the Hellcat Pro is still classified as a when users mount a red-dot optic snappy than my original Hellcat when firing, compact gun, though it shoots like a full-size onto their Hellcat Pro. Constructed of and I found it easier to get back on target pistol. It is a gun that is easy to hit with while native steerhide leather with a steel more quickly. I’ll attribute that to the longer possessing perfect reliability and tremendous clip for safe retention, the holster slide and associated mass. Of course, the accuracy. It has the capacity that today’s offers quick draws with its open top. longer grip just made shooting the gun more concealed carriers crave and the ability to comfortable. While doing a speed reload from add an optic as well as a tactical light/laser. The company’s Memory-Lok tech- the Crucial Concealment Kydex mag holder, I The versatility of the Hellcat Pro and its rock- nology gives a custom fit and Kydex- noticed that I didn’t have to extend the pinky solid performance make it a sensible choice like retention with the Ultra Custom of my firing hand to prevent the new magazine for responsibly armed citizens. For more BHC and Ultra Custom Size 3 holsters. information, visit springfield-armory.com. The Smooth Concealment Holster Size 3 is heralded as the most comfortable, PERFORMANCE soft and breathable cowhide holster available to fit the Hellcat Pro. For the SPRINGFIELD ARMORY HELLCAT PRO maximum in concealability, the Fair Chase Size 3 delivers discreet car- LOAD VELOCITY ACCURACY rying in an attractive package made with ethically hunted whitetail hide. Black Hills 115 JHP 1,173 1.05 Bullet weight measured in (1791gunleather.com) —Greg Duncan Federal 138 SJHP Syntech Defense 1,053 1.16 grains, velocity in feet per Federal 147 Syntech Training/Match 986 0.94 second (fps) by chronograph and accuracy in inches for best five-shot groups at 15 yards. ›› Crucial Concealment provided a comfort- able, low-profile, kydex holster and mag carrier for the Hellcat Pro evaluation. Ballisticmag.com

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THE UNKNOWNS HARDCORE TWO LESSER-KNOWN ACCESSORY COMPANIES THAT PACK IN FUN AND FUNCTION FOR GUN NUTS BY FRANK MELLONI TUFF PRODUCTS of the fastest ways to reload any revolver guy on the firing line, unless, of course, without having to carry bulky cylinder-style you want to. If that’s the case, check out You may not have heard of Tuff, but I’ll bet speedloaders. Another favorite among this some of its irreverent offerings that feature dollars to Denier that you own something crowd is its Super Tac Pocket Holster, the former Vice President as well as the that this California-based company has which can accommodate handguns as ones that do a damn good job of getting made, even if it has another company’s large as commander-sized 1911s and do your vaccine opinions across. Using logo displayed on the outside. What an amazing job of staying put during your some of the toughest PVC around, these started in 2005 as a small operation, day-to-day hustle. which primarily focused on niche products for police, quickly outgrew its original Just for fun, Tuff also makes an array moniker “Cop Tuff” and spread its wings of morale patches that range in political to produce gear for nearly every sector of the shooting community. Competitors in the 3-Gun realm have embraced its signature SureFit Competition Belt System for its rigid- ity and available space to mount gear. This two-piece inner belt that holds your pants Space is even gained in the Ballisticmag.com front due to its buckle- less keeper system, also making it a terrific choice if you run Open Division in USPSA. CCW holders have been using Tuff’s QuickStrips for nearly two 38 BALLISTIC 06¥07 2022

fastening system and many of them even 221B TACTICAL are designs like the Summit, which feature glow in the dark! low-profile insulation and touch-screen Don’t hold it against them, but 221B capability to stave off frostbite in the If you have a small company or shooting Tactical hails from my home state of most enduring conditions. Then there club, Tuff can help you out there, too. New York. The Big Apple is home to the are duty-specific models like the Diesel Its OEM service can assist with product country’s largest garment district and one gloves, which resist automotive fluids, and design to include patches and other items. of the biggest police departments in the the Titan K-9s that hold up against the In addition, it can brand one of its already world. That being said, it was only a matter wear associated with tugging on a dog established products with your company of time before a member of each of these leash all day. logo, mission statement or anything else walks of life crossed paths and started that you can dream of. Tuff has worked creating tactical gear for law enforcement Of course, your hands aren’t the only with companies as large as Trijicon, and like-minded individuals. Although they thing that needs protecting, which brings Hornady and Savage, demonstrating offer a plethora of products, their best sell- us to the body armor. 221B’s Phantom manufacturing power that contends with ers include duty gloves and body armor. Plate carrier vest is designed to be donned some of the biggest names out there. as quickly as possible, even when sitting However, with a minuscule 100-piece I have been wearing a pair of 221B down. This vest features a Velcro-less minimum, Tuff can also be the right choice gloves for several years, and that is the system that yields a deployment sequence for the little guy, too. For more information, product responsible for my initial exposure with far fewer steps when compared to visit tuffproducts.com. to the brand. At the time of this writing, conventional designs. On the softer side of 221B offers more than a dozen different things, the company’s Ghost Concealment styles, each with its own unique purpose. Shirt houses level IIIA ballistic panels on The Guardian SL model has served me not only the front and back but each side well on the range and is a favorite among as well. This is a terrific option for those shooters because it offers enough material looking for armor that is also concealable. to keep your hands warm without imped- ing important functions like magazine Aside from protective products, 221B offers an entire wardrobe of outer and base layers, shirts, pants, backpacks and even equipment for your favorite four- legged friend. All of these products are built to endure the harsh duty requirements of first responders at a price that can fit nearly any budget. Best of all, a portion of every purchase is donated to organizations that support the families of fallen police officers, firefighters and military personnel who made the ultimate sacrifice. For more information, visit 221btactical.com. Ballisticmag.com BALLISTIC 06¥07 2022 39

W EVIEW The author exorcising the demons from the new Springfield Hellion bullpup. 40 BALLISTIC 06¥07 2022

The brand new Springfield Armory Hellion bullpup in all its glory, set up for law enforcement patrol work. Ballisticmag.com BALLISTIC 06¥07 2022 41

ISI G HELLI Disassembly of the Hellion is so simple even a caveman could do it. Seriously, it’s a piece of cake, with no tools needed. ›› car. That is what it was like trying to get my There are virtually zero similarities between personally supplied AR-15 out of the Chevy the Hellion and the AR-15 family of weapons The front sight post of the new SA Impala (Clown) patrol car I was assigned. This except for the pistol grip. That part is universal Hellion is integrated into the Picatinny is where a bullpup makes perfect sense—as a and other than that, the only other part that law enforcement rifle. they share is the detachable magazine. When rail, similar to those on an FN SCAR. you shoulder the Hellion, the first thing you will MEET THE HELLION notice, as with most good bullpups, is how balanced it feels. With most of the weight in The Springfield Armory Hellion was released the rear of the weapon, one can stand there for this January. Thankfully, Springfield Armory extended periods with the weapon shouldered was able to send me one to play with and not experience the fatigue that you would and evaluate for Ballistic readers. It’s an with a standard-type rifle. odd-looking rifle but will grow on you if given the chance. If you’ve never picked up a The recoil impulse of the Hellion is very bullpup, but are an experienced shooter, I’ll manageable, as with most 5.56mm chambered be the first to tell you that it’s a learning curve rifles. Probably the neatest feature on the getting used to the manual of arms on one Hellion is the non-reciprocating charging of these. The first thing that you will notice is handle, which is located just under the the Picatinny rail that is raised and looks like Picatinny rail section. You can grab it and rack a carrying handle. I wonder if the Croatian it using either hand. It’s that simple. If you want armed forces get yelled at for using that as a to shoot right-handed, you can eject brass out carrying handle the same way we did with the of the right side of the rifle. If you want to shoot M-16 back in the day. left-handed, you can rotate the bolt quickly and eject it out of the left side of the rifle. Con- versely, if you simply want to shoot offhanded, the brass deflector works wonderfully. This rifle is truly ambidextrous, which is so important in a battle rifle. The Hellion uses a proven short-stroke gas piston operating system with a rotating bolt. 42 BALLISTIC 06¥07 2022 Ballisticmag.com



ISI G HELLI SPECIFICATIONS SPRINGFIELD ARMORY HELLION CALIBER: 5.56x45mm NATO (.223 Rem) BARREL: 16 inches OA LENGTH: 28.25-29.75 inches WEIGHT: 8 pounds (empty) STOCK: Five-position adjustable w/cheek riser The Springfield The polymer receiver is tough as SIGHTS: Integrated and adjustable (both) flip-up Armory Hellion in its nails and is equipped with a five- w/5-position aperture rear; flip-up front factory configura- tion right out of the point adjustable buttstock. The ACTION: Two-position adjustable, box has a lot to offer handguard incorporates M-Lok short stroke piston, semi-auto shooters looking for a rails on the sides, as well as the FINISH: Black compact rifle. bottom. There are three QD sockets CAPACITY: 30+1 The Hellion on either side for a total of six locations MSRP: $1,999 smartly equipped for your sling mounting preferences. There with some of the best aftermarket choices is also a claw hook sling attachment on available: EOTech, either side of the rifle located just under the actuated easily by either hand. The safety is ADM and Crimson Trace. front sight. The irons are integrated into the Pic ambidextrous, as are all of the controls on this rail up top, similar to an FN SCAR. rifle. Disassembly is a cinch once you become accustomed to it. Without a doubt, the Hellion is a user-friendly bullpup. BULLPUP UPGRADES One needs to accessorize their firearms to their own liking with what works best for them. How- ever, users don’t need to hang a ton of Gucci gadgets off of their rifles to weigh them down. Mission parameters will dictate what acces-

THE FASTEST-G OWING RA-535 Advanced-Performance Trigger 12 456 PERFORMANCE EASY DURABILITY EASY ACCURACY MORE MAINTANENCE INSTALLATION TRIGGER FOR “More hits on the first “Well designed and “Reduced my 100 yard THE MONEY shot in 3-Gun than with “A really simple trigger solidly built.” “Very quick and simple groups by 25%.” the factory trigger.” cassette. I just blow it install.” “I’ve amazed several out every few thousand “MPX rifles are hard on “No take up, great reset. trigger snobs with the “No more trigger freeze rounds and put grease hammers. After about “It installed just as Extremely accurate, candy cane break and when I fire 4 or more back on the friction 2,000 rounds your easily as your videos much more than I am.” lightning fast rounds on a single surfaces.” hammers are holding said it would.” reset. They’re crushed target.” up well.” “The trigger breaks when I tell them the “Easy to access “Just bought and right where I like cost.” “The feel of the trigger maintenance points.” installed two RISE it (not too light, just resetting after a shot is triggers. I was blown hard enough to “By far the best triggers a really great feature.” away.” keep me honest).” and at an amazing price. I have 4 of them!” “No creep, I mean “A high quality, precision zero creep.” part that will make me a “Hands-down the best much better shoot.” triggers on the market at the best price.” “My only problem is deciding how many more I need!” MADE IN THE USA NO GRAVEL. LESS TRAVEL. RISETRIGGERS.com

ISI G HELLI ›› During his testing, the author found fast transitions to be quite simple with the Springfield Armory Hellion. “AT 28.25 INCHES LONG, WHILE STILL POS- SESSING A 16-INCH BARREL AND COMPLETE AMBIDEXTROUS CONTROLS, THIS BULLPUP relay information in real-time to other first responders without being seen themselves if IS A SOLID MACHINE.” they are doing it right. Illumination Grip). It’s an angled foregrip GLASSING UP The EOTech VUDU 1-10x28 FFP is one with a built-in 500 lumen light. What’s really helluva scope! For starters, it’s roughly the neat about it is that you can mount it so you Given the nature of how this new Springfield same size, but lighter than many other 1-8 control the power button with either hand. Hellion was set up, I chose the brand new powered scopes. It’s made from a single Or, you can use the pressure tape switch EOTech Vudu 1-10x28 FFP (first focal piece of aircraft-grade aluminum for its that comes with it, allthough, the tape switch plane) scope. Many U.S. law enforcement 34mm tube and is fogproof, waterproof and wasn’t conducive on the Hellion, given the agencies still won’t allow a variable optic on shock-resistant. The turrets are low profile, location of the Picatinny rail. The Crimson a patrol rifle, which is a crying shame. Most and the push-button illumination offers 10 Trace RIG (MSRP $175) comes with two patrol coppers are not going to be taking brightness settings and a two-hour auto shut rechargeable batteries that last for one hour a long-distance shot, as many just aren’t off. The one-piece eyepiece allows an easier of constant run time each. qualified for it. Having a nicely powered vari- transition from high to low power, or simply able optic will allow its user to identify and use the quick throw lever to toggle between the magnification levels. The glass is crystal 46 BALLISTIC 06¥07 2022 Ballisticmag.com