Ballistic Vol.8 №4 2022

ISI G HELLI clear, and it offers three choices of reticle PERFORMANCE weight on the Hellion is about 6.5 pounds, styles. The MSRP on the Vudu 1-10x28 however, surprisingly better than most bullpups that I’ve fired over the years. Spring- is as low as $1,800. SPRINGFIELD ARMORY HELLION field made this bullpup better than the rest. Directly on top of the scope I At 28.25 inches long, while still possessing a 16-inch barrel and complete ambidextrous mounted an EOTech EFLX MRS (Mini LOAD VELOCITY ACCURACY controls, this bullpup is a solid machine. Reflex Sight). This is the perfect setup if Speer Gold Dot 55 GDSP 1,878 1.3 An assortment of magazines was used you are wearing body armor, especially to check fitment and function, and all of the mags, both polymer and metal, checked just if you’re using night vision. The EFLX Remington UMC 50 JHP 2,475 2.8 fine. There were no stoppages to report, as the Hellion ran like the fine machine that it is. (MSRP $390) is small and weighs in at American Eagle 55 FMJ BT 2,219 1.4 just 1.4 ounces. The battery is reported Hornady Black 75 BTHP 2,327 1.7 READY TO RAISE HELL? to last approximately 25k hours and is Getting used to the manual of arms takes accessible without removing it from its Bullet weight measured in grains, velocity in feet per some time, but once you get the hang of it a mount. There are seven daytime settings second (fps) by chronograph and accuracy in inches for bullpup definitely has its uses. Out of all of the with one ultra-bright setting and one best four-shot groups at 100 yards. bullpups I’ve fired in my lifetime, the Springfield Armory Hellion is unarguably the best, and additional setting for Gen 1-Gen3 NVG GOING HELLION HOT most user-friendly bullpup style of rifle. If you (night-vision devices). are into bullpups or are just looking for some- thing different, you’re definitely going to want When it comes to mounting options, I Shooting the Springfield Armory Hellion was a to check out the Hellion. For more information, visit springfield-armory.com. always use a QD mount when I can, so if the blast, pun intended. Shooting Speer Gold Dot optic gets hit or dies for some reason I can 55-grain GDSP netted me a 1.3-inch grouping pop it off quickly. For this scope, I chose the at 100 yards. That’s amazing considering I was American Defense MFG AD-Delta-C cantile- shooing from a tripod. Part of the issue is the vered scope mount, along with their Leupold problem inherent with all bullpups—spongy DeltaPoint QD mount for the EFLX MRS. The and long trigger pulls due to the linkage that MSRPs for those are $288 and $98. runs from the trigger to the action. The pull 48 BALLISTIC 06¥07 2022 Ballisticmag.com



GE UICK HIT An on-the-go lockbox ›› that can weather anything The Lifepod XT has a lot going for it, BY LINAS CERNAUSKAS including modular storage and three different ways to lock and unlock it. → I have been keeping my steel security cable mount. It is design. The Lifepod can be quickly For revolvers I was only able to get eye on Vaultek and its water-resistant, dustproof, airtight locked and unlocked by the touch snubbies to fit; most others were products. I am drawn by and it floats! Best of all, like the Smart Sense digital keypad, too long. The pistol racks also had the elegant designs and modular rest of the Lifepod series, it is weatherproof HD biometric a tie-down strap to make sure your interiors of their safes. Their TSA compliant. scanner or with the backup key. handgun isn’t going anywhere. Lifepod series is a huge hit as a Setting up the biometric scanner portable lockbox. The locking system features was simple and easy, and I was The Lifepod XT is currently Vaultek’s engineered safe tech- surprised how quickly it worked available in three configurations. Now, Vaultek has meshed the nology and dual anti-impact latch and how often. So far, I have not The XT1i is the standard model modularity of their safes with had a failed fingerprint read. This that includes a base Pluck Foam the weather-proof, go-any- is all powered by a 9-volt battery, and Crate Foam lid. The XT2i where comfort of the Lifepod which will run everything for up includes a modular storage option into their new Lifepod XT. to a year. If the battery fails, you of five pistol racks, two magazine can unlock it via the keys or by a racks and a lid organizer. The EXTERIOR hidden micro-USB port to power XT3i has three pistol racks, one the Lifepod XT. magazine rack, a tray with Pluck The first thing you’ll notice Foam and a molle board panel for is that the Lifepod XT looks INTERIOR the lid. sleek and indestructible. In fact, if I ever ran out of Where the Lifepod XT really shines WORLD’S FIRST ammo in a gunfight, I would is its modular interior (and of definitely use the Lifepod XT course the two interior LED lights). Vaultek’s Lifepod XT is the world’s as a bashing melee weapon. The interior features racks where first all-weather modular case with The case is lightweight and you can quickly and securely snap a built-in waterproof biometric lock. comes in a high-impact T3 trays, pistol racks and magazine The modular interior truly allows polymer housing. Anti- racks into place. The pistol racks you to set it up for your specific theft protection features a worked great and provided room needs and/or mission. Check reinforced steel interior hinge (width and height) for full-size out the entire Lifepod series and system, dual anti-impact handguns with red-dots mounted. Vaultek’s other outstanding safes latches and a quick-release at vaulteksafe.com. 50 BALLISTIC 06¥07 2022 Ballisticmag.com

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HOT FROM PISTOL AMMOSHOT Latest loads Black Hills be a defensive round to pro- fired from a 6.5-inch barrel. that’ll make your tect against multiple kinds Unlike the .44 Magnum, handgun go boom For 2022, Black Hills Am- of threats that challenge the 10mm Honey Badger munition is releasing a new hikers, forest managers, delivers less recoil and it can BY DR. MARTIN D. TOPPER 10mm semi-auto pistol car- police, hunters, fishermen, be fired from semi-automatic tridge containing a 115-grain campers and others who handguns that have a higher A pproximately 21.5 million Honey Badger Fluid Transfer work and recreate in wilder- cartridge capacity and are Americans now have state- Monolithic bullet. This load ness areas. In many ways, smaller and lighter to carry issued concealed carry leaves the muzzle of a 4.5- its performance in ballistic in the wilderness. These are permits. In addition, the number who inch barrel at 1,600 fps and gelatin is quite close to the distinct tactical advantages. carry legally in public places increas- delivers 654 fpe to the tar- 240-grain .44 Magnum JHP (black-hills.com) es by an unknown amount when get. Its primary purpose is to considering retired police officers carrying under HR 218 and others Browning Sierra who carry in accordance with state “constitutional carry” statutes. Com- The Browning PRO 22 subsonic load is Sierra is producing two new lines for bine this with the number of active designed for accuracy and is compatible 2022. The first is Outdoor Master, which law enforcement officers and military with both handguns and rifles chambered contains both rifle and pistol calibers. personnel who carry handguns on a for .22 LR. It has a 40-grain bullet and a Outdoor Master includes 115- and daily basis, plus those who keep guns precise target crimp to help ensure consis- 124-grain 9mm JHPs, a 90-grain loading for home-defense, and it’s clear why tent alignment of the bullet as it enters the in .380 ACP, a 180-grain .40 S&W JHP, the market for handgun ammunition barrel throat. Its subsonic muzzle velocity a 185-grain .45 ACP JHP, a 55-grain in the United States is very large, also eliminates the transonic accuracy deg- .223 Rem. HPBT and a 115-grain Var- especially at this time of uncertainty. radation that faster .22 LR rounds experi- minter in .300 BLK. The Sports Master ence when they transition from supersonic line contains just the five pistol loads. All of this has stimulated significant to sub-sonic flight. Consequently, PRO 22 (sierrabullets.com) competition among ammunition is a good choice for those who compete. companies to come up with new (browningammo.com) products, extend existing lines of am- munition and re-introduce older lines, often repackaging them in smaller boxes to make them more affordable. This is despite the fact that many manufacturers have their hands full just meeting orders for cartridges they are currently producing. While this year we did not see an extraordi- nary number of new handgun loads and cartridges, we did search high and low for the latest offerings from a wide variety of manufacturers and list them in the following pages. 52 BALLISTIC 06¥07 2022

TRAINING & DEFENSE AMMO Federal the .30 Super Carry. It duplicates the muzzle velocity, muzzle energy, recoil, The HST 30 Super Carry point-of-aim and trajectory of the cartridge fires a 100-grain 100-grain Federal HST cartridge in HST non-bonded hol- this new caliber. This provides those low-point bullet at 1,250 who shoot the Federal .30 Super fps, generating a muzzle Carry with access to less expensive energy of 347 fpe. The HST ammunition for training, competition projectile has proven to be a and general recreational shooting. very consistent expander in (federalpremium.com) a variety of other defensive calibers. In the FBI heavy clothing gelatin test this load expands to .530 inches and penetrates 15.5 inches. Federal’s newest load in its Punch line is a .44 Special loaded with a 180-grain hollow point that has skives cut into its jacket and a soft lead core. This bullet design gives it an excellent combination of expan- sion and penetration for maximum performance from this proven 114-year-old cartridge. Federal’s American Eagle line Hornady round has an 80-grain Subsonic line. All feature FTX hollow-point bullet Hornady XTP bullets. The Hornady’s new Handgun that has an elastomer new loads are a 147-grain Hunter line for revolvers insert in the hollow point 9mm, a 180-grain .40 S&W and semi-autos features to promote expansion and a 230-grain .45 ACP. seven new cartridges in and a nickel-plated case These loads should perform 9mm +P, .357 Magnum, .40 to facilitate extraction in well for the growing group of S&W, 10mm, .44 Magnum, this high-pressure round, American shooters who use .454 Casull and .460 S&W which operates at a very suppressed firearms. Magnum. All of these loads high 45,000 psi. This (hornady.com) feature deep-penetrating sol- id copper alloy hollow-point produce velocity and energy bullets that have elastomer levels that approach those of inserts in the hollow point the .357 Magnum when fired cavity and deep skives in the from a short-barrel revolv- nose to promote rapid ex- er. The light 80-grain bullet pansion. These loads should should help keep recoil con- be especially useful for those trollable and should be well- who hunt with handguns or received by those who favor carry a handgun for personal this powerhouse .32 for per- defense in the back country. sonal protection and hunting. Hornady’s new Critical De- Hornady has added fense .327 Federal Magnum Ballisticmag.com BALLISTIC 06¥07 2022 53

HOT FROM SHOT Norma deep line expending energy which leaves the muzzle at a the bullet stable and allows it to deeply as it goes. high velocity, offering a very flat retain velocity better than flat- Norma’s 9mm NXD is Norma’s trajectory. This load is primarily based .22s. This makes Xtreme first ammunition that employs a Norma’s new Eco Power .22 intended for rifles but may be LR-22 especially accurate for Fluid Transfer bullet. This pro- LR ammo has a hollow-point used for plinking and target shooting at longer distances out jectile does not expand; rather fragmenting bullet with a shooting in .22 LR handguns beyond 300 yards. Although de- it transfers energy to the target copper plated zinc core, which rated to fire SAAMI specification signed primarily for rifle shoot- when its flutes cause fluids to leaves the muzzle at higher ammo for .22 LR. ing, this load should also be very be driven away from the path of velocity than many other .22s. good for long-range handgun penetration, creating large tem- It is intended for hunting small The company’s Extreme LR 22 competitions in handguns rated porary and permanent wound game and varmints. The front is a brand new rimfire load that to fire SAAMI specification .22 cavities. The bullet weighs only section of the bullet fragments features a patented 43-grain LR ammunition. 64 grains, which helps reduce causing rapid energy deposition bullet design with elongated (norma-ammunition.com) recoil for faster follow-up shots. while the base drives deep in tip and unique rocket tail on its The muzzle velocity is factory the target to assure adequate base. The Rocket tail stream- rated at 1,680 fps, which gives penetration. This load is primarily it approximately 400 fpe at intended for rifles but may be the muzzle. used for plinking and target shooting in .22 LR handguns Norma’s MHP Fragmentation rated to fire SAAMI specification ammo has a solid monolithic ammo for .22 LR. copper bullet that is designed to break into five pieces. The four Eco Speed .22 LR is a totally petals formed by the disintegra- lead-free cartridge. It features tion of the hollow-point cavity are a 24-grain flat-nose bullet with designed to break off from the a copper-plated zinc core, base and release a significant amount of energy as the bullet penetrates the target. The base essentially acts like a wadcutter and penetrates in a straight, 54 BALLISTIC 06¥07 2022

PISTOL AMMO Speer ers desire both high firepower Nosler and small size in a concealable The .30 Super Carry Gold Dot firearm, a gun chambered in Nosler’s patented Assured carries a 115-grain, .312-inch .30 Super Carry just may offer Stopping Power (ASP) diameter bonded JHP and a good solution for meeting hollow-point bullets are exits a 3.5-inch barrel at 1,150 their needs. (speer.com) now being offered in loaded fps generating 337 fpe. This is ammunition in 9mm, .40 very close to the velocity and Highly accurate and reliable, S&W, 10mm and .45 ACP. energy of a number of 9mm CCI’s Blazer Brass is available ASP bullets feature a skived JHPs. However, the advantage in several calibers including jacket designed to pro- of the .30 Super Carry is that the new .30 Super. It is com- mote both consistent and its owner can load two more pletely non-toxic ammunition controlled expansion of the cartridges in its magazine than that does not contaminate hollow-point cavity. This is possible with a similar 9mm the air or shooting range with maximizes energy transfer to magazine. Since many shoot- lead. (CCI-ammunition.com) the target without sacrificing penetration. (nosler.com) BALLISTIC 06¥07 2022 55

HOT PISTOL AMMO FROM SHOT Winchester Winchester’s USA Ready Defense line will incorporate a new 10mm 170-grain Jacketed Hex-Vent Hollow-Point load. The Hex-Vent is a six-point- ed, star-shaped polymer insert in the hollow point that pushes outward on the inside walls of the hollow point to ensure that the bullet expands when the target is covered with cloth that might otherwise plug the hollow point and prevent expansion. Winchester has reintroduced the Silvertip line of JHP in four calibers, including a lower recoil .44 Mag. There’s also a .22 WMR load, which will be available in 50-round boxes. (winchester.com) Remington Range Clean cartridges are de- game hunting. UMC ammunition using first-quality, facto- Remington has brought its popular Golden designing the bullet jacket to cover the base Saber line of brass-jacketed, hollow-point of the bullet. Remington will release Range ry-fresh brass and clean-shooting Kleanbore ammunition back into production as two sep- Clean in standard bullet weights in order to primers is being reintroduced. Boxes will arate offerings—Golden Saber Defense Full duplicate the ballistics of conventional loads. contain 50 to 250 rounds, depending on Size and Golden Saber Defense Compact. caliber, to provide good value for high-volume Golden Saber Defense Full Size is offered in Remington is offering two new .30 Super shooters who engage in a variety of recre- 11 calibers from .380 ACP to .45 ACP +P Carry loads this year. The first is a 100-grain ational shooting events. In addition, a new and is designed to perform optimally with HTP jacketed hollow point at a muzzle velocity UMC load in .327 Federal Magnum is being guns that have barrels of 4 to 6 inches. The of 1,250 fps, and the second is a 100-grain introduced in 2022. Golden Saber Defense Compact is designed UMC full metal jacket load at the same veloci- to expand well in handguns with barrels under ty. Both loads generate 347 fpe. This year, Remington is producing four 4 inches and is offered in five calibers that are magnum rimfire loads in its Premier Magnum popular with individuals who carry concealed Remington High Terminal Performance Rimfire line, which can be used in either rifles compact and sub-compact pistols. MSRP is ammunition is now being sold in lower cost or handguns chambered for these cartridges. priced according to caliber. 20-round boxes, including a 10mm semi-au- The first is a .17 HMR load that launches a to. HTP jacketed hollow points feature a 17-grain AccuTip-V bullet at 2,550 fps. The skived jacket at the hollow point to promote other three are .22 WMR loads with either 50-grain JHP or 50-grain pointed soft-point bullets at 1,910 fps, or a 33-grain AccuTip-V load that leaves the muzzle at 2,000 fps. These are rifle velocities, and one should experience some velocity loss when fired from handgun-length barrels. (remington.com) 56 BALLISTIC 06¥07 2022

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HOT FROM RIFLE AMMOSHOT Get fully loaded BERGER BULLETS with the latest and greatest Elite Hunter long-gun fodder ammunition has a load that features BY DR. MARTIN D. TOPPER which is very heavy Supply chain problems and high for 6.5 PRC. Its demand have led ammunition manufacturers to concentrate weight give it a G1 ballistic Berger’s new .300 PRC load, and the second is a on meeting the demand for their coefficient of .697. This cartridge launches a 205- 77-grain OTM tactical load. most popular cartridges and introduce cartridge develops a muzzle grain hybrid bullet from the The target load has an initial fewer new rifle loads so far in 2022. On velocity of 2,960 fps and a muzzle at a factory-rated velocity of 2,850 fps and the other hand, products announced in muzzle energy of 3,035 fpe. 2,985 fps, producing a very drops 90.9 inches at 600 time for the SHOT Show indicate that Sighted in at 200 yards, it respectable 4,057 fpe. At yards when sighted in at research and development continues at drops only 17.8 inches at 400 yards, it is still going 200. The tactical load starts a healthy pace. This has led to improve- 400 yards and is still moving 2,416 fps and delivering out at 2,750 fps and has a ments in loaded cartridges and also in at 2,429 fps while delivering 2658 fpe, which is as much similar trajectory. MSRP for components like projectiles, powders and 2,045 fpe. MSRP is $70 per energy as a .308 Win. both loads is $39. cartridge cases. These developments box of 20. produces at the muzzle. are leading in the direction of improved (bergerbullets.com) ballistic performance, better accuracy and enhanced terminal effects on game. Browning PRO 22 This, in turn, will enable shooters to take full advantage of the latest innovations in This subsonic load is designed rifles, optics and accessories. for accuracy and is compatible with both handguns and rifles However, 2022 is not just seeing the chambered for .22 LR. It has a appearance of some exciting new rifle 40-grain bullet and a precise cartridges. It is also a year in which the target crimp to help ensure re-opened Remington ammunition facility consistent alignment of the bul- in Lonoke, Arkansas, is continuing to increase production. The increase is degradation that faster .22 LR rounds experience when they transition from supersonic to subsonic already beginning to reduce some of the flight. Therefore, PRO 22 is a good choice for those who compete. (browningammo.com) supply chain problems that have radically diminished ammunition availability and therefore increased ammo prices over the last couple of years. Furthermore, 2022 is also a year in which tried-and-true lines of ammunition are being re-introduced or extended. As they increase production, Remington, Federal, Winchester, Berger and many other ammunition manufac- turers will be able to more closely tailor ammunition to the type of hunting, com- petition and informal shooting in which rifle owners participate. One can never precisely predict the future, but all things considered, 2022 is shaping up to be a better year for ammo than 2021. 58 BALLISTIC 06¥07 2022 Ballisticmag.com

HUNT, MATCH & DEFEND Federal Premium Hammerdown Federal is introducing a new 220-grain .35 Rem. loading and a 270-grain .444 Marlin load in 2022. Both of these loads have nickel-plated cases and cartridge geometries designed to make them easy to load and cycle in lever-action rifles. Their jacketed soft-point bullets have electroplated jackets to help keep the jacket and core together. On impact with the target, this plated jacket expands well yet still retains the durability to break bones and the mass to penetrate deeply. MSRP for the .35 Rem load is $52 and $63 for the .444 Marlin. (federalpremium.com) HORNADY CX: The big news from that reduces bearing surface Hornady this year is the and chamber pressure. The Sub-X Subsonic: Hornady is development of the CX bullet grooves also help reduce adding a new 250-grain .350 Leg- and its use in several lines of copper alloy fouling in the end load in its Sub-X Subsonic Hornady ammunition. The CX bore. The new bullet will be line of ammunition. It is designed is made from the same alloy available in 10 Superformance for close-range hunting with of copper used in the GMX loads from .223 Rem to .300 suppressed rifles or long-barreled bullet, but CX has Hornady’s Win Mag, 18 Outfitter loads handguns. This bullet has an Heat Shield polymer tip that from .243 Win to .375 H&H expansion tip in its meplat, a resists deformation due to fric- Magnum and two Hornady skived jacket and a lead core to tion with the air and a revised Custom loads in 6.8mm Rem ensure good expansion on game boat-tail design that gives it a SPC and 300 BLK. All of animals while its heavy-for-caliber high ballistic coefficient when these loads are designed for weight helps ensure excellent combined with Hornady’s hunting, especially in states penetration. (hornady.com) secant ogive. CX also has an where the use of lead bullets optimum groove geometry is not allowed. Ballisticmag.com BALLISTIC 06¥07 2022 59

HOT FROM SHOT FIOCCHI Hyperperformance Hunt: Fiocchi’s Hyperperformance Hunting is a new line of ammunition for the hunter who desires ammunition that combines high velocity with a flat trajectory. It is available with premium-quality game bullets from Hornady, Swift and Sierra for maximum on-target impact at long range. It is available in .243 Win., 6.5mm Creedmoor, 7mm-08 Rem., 7mm Mag., 300 BLK, .308 Win., .30-06 Springfield and .300 Win. Mag. Hyperperformance Match: Fiocchi’s Hyperperformance Match ammunition is designed with the goal of delivering a point of impact that is as close as possible to the point of aim. The ammo is available with Sierra Matchking bullets in .223 Rem., 6.5mm Creedmoor, .308 Win. and .300 Win. Mag. (fiocchiusa.com) NORMA Eco Speed-22: Eco Speed is .22 LR. MSRP is $8 per box and allows it to retain velocity a totally lead-free cartridge. It of 50. better than flat-based .22s. This Eco Power-22: Norma’s Eco has a 24-grain flat-nose bullet makes Xtreme LR-22 especially Power .22 LR high-velocity with a copper-plated zinc core, Xtreme LR-22: This new load accurate for shooting beyond round has a hollow-point which leaves the muzzle at a features a patented 43-grain 300 yards. Although designed fragmenting bullet with a high velocity and offers a very bullet that has an unusual primarily for rifle shooting, this copper-plated zinc core. It flat trajectory. This plinking and design. This projectile has an load should also be very good for leaves the muzzle at a higher target load is primarily intended elongated tip and a unique long-range handgun competition velocity than many other .22s for rifles but may be used in rocket tail on its base. The rocket in handguns rated to fire SAAMI and is intended for hunting .22 LR handguns rated to fire tail streamlines the base, which specification .22 LR ammunition. small game and varmints. SAAMI specification ammo for helps keep the bullet stable The front section of the bullet Golden Target: The Golden fragments causing rapid energy Target line of centerfire car- deposition while the base tridges designed for high-level drives deep in the target to competitive shooters has under- assure adequate penetration. gone a major upgrade this year. This load is primarily intended Its projectiles have G1 ballistic for rifles, but may be used for coefficients ranging from .393 to plinking and target shooting in .684. Golden Target is available .22 LR handguns rated to fire in nine calibers and 13 different SAAMI specification ammo for loadings ranging from .223 Rem. this caliber. MSRP is $8 per to .338 Lapua Magnum. box of 50. (norma-ammunition.com) 60 BALLISTIC 06¥07 2022 Ballisticmag.com

BE READY WHEN YOU NEED IT MOST USA READYTM'HIHQVHLVDVHOHFWJUDGHRISHUVRQDOGHIHQVHDPPXQLWLRQRŌHULQJ the ideal combination of stopping power, penetration, and reliable expansion. + +(;̅9(17TM5,*,',16(57 Shields hollow point from obstruction while channeling  PDWHULDOŒRZIRUSRVLWLYHEXOOHWH[SDQVLRQ + 0$7&+*5$'(35,0(5 %XLOWWRH[DFWLQJVSHFLőFDWLRQVIRUWUXVWHGUHOLDELOLW\\ + /27&21752//(' Ballistics data for each lot published online at  :LQFKHVWHUFRPXVDUHDG\\LQIR AVAILABLE IN: 9MM LUGER +P, 40 S&W & 45 AUTO NEW FOR 2022: AVAILABLE IN 10MM AUTO

HOT FROM SHOT Core-Lokt Tipped ammunition has field-proven Remington and promotes expansion, while first is a 180-grain soft point in 60-grain Accu-Tip bullet for $29 for the 6.5mm PRC. The 6.5mm the Core-Lokt jacket holds .350 Legend, which will retail for per 20. And the third is a general PRC and 6.5mm Grendel loads the core and jacket together $33 per 20, and the second is a recreational UMC load with a will have Berger bullets, while preserving this line’s reputation 260-grain .450 Bushmaster load 75-grain full metal jacket priced the other calibers will have for deeply penetrating the target. with a pointed soft-point bullet at $22 per 20. Sierra Matchking bullets. Core-Lokt Tipped is offered in 12 that retails for $62 per box of 20. calibers from .243 Win to .300 Both of these new cartridges are Premier Match: In addition to Magnum Rimfire: This year, WSM. MSRPs range from $45 designed for smooth feeding in the .224 Valkyrie Premier Match Remington is producing four per 20 to $66 per 20, depending semi-automatic rifles. load, Remington will also manu- magnum rimfire loads in its on caliber. facture Premier Match ammuni- Premier Magnum Rimfire line. .224 Valkyrie: The .224 Valkyrie tion in 6mm Creedmoor, 6.5mm These can be used in either Core-Lokt: Shooters who has been increasingly popular Creedmoor, 6.5mm PRC, rifles or handguns chambered prefer Remington’s original lately and Remington will be 6.5mm Grendel and .260 Rem. for these cartridges. The first is Core-Lokt hunting ammo won’t releasing three new loads for Prices will range from $45 for a .17 HMR load that launches be disappointed. Remington is the Valkyrie this year. The first continuing it, and it is already is a Premier Match load with a beginning to appear on gun 90-grain Sierra Matchking bullet, store shelves. The Core-Lokt line which retails for $42 per 20. The will have two new loadings. The loads have a muzzle velocity load leaves the muzzle at 2,000 and one can expect some 62 BALLISTIC 06¥07 2022 Ballisticmag.com

RIFLE AMMO WINCHESTER BALLISTIC 06¥07 2022 63 Copper Impact: Winchester’s Copper Impact line of rifle and shotgun ammunition is introducing new 180-grain rifle loads in .30 caliber. The entire line has large diameter polymer Extreme Point tips in the hollow point of the all-copper bullet. The result is a bullet that expands very quickly, providing rapid energy transfer to the target. Even so, the Copper Impact projectile’s monolithic construction retains bullet mass and provides deep penetration. Copper Impact is available in 12 popular rifle loads ranging from .243 Win to .350 Legend. Power-Point 6.8mm Western: Winchester is now offering its recently introduced 6.8mm Western cartridge with a 170-grain version of the field-proven Power-Point bullet. This new load exits the barrel at 2,920 fps while generating 3,218 fpe, which places it somewhat above the ballistic performance of the .30-06 and the 7mm Magnum. Power-Points have been a favorite of generations of deer and elk hunters who have experienced this projectile’s outstanding balance of expansion and penetration on big game, and this load is very likely to perform well on game the size of all species of deer and elk. Match 7.62x51mm and Match .308 Win.: Winchester’s Match ammunition line is offering two new loads with streamlined boat tail bullets. They are a 7.62x51mm cartridge with a 175- grain bullet and a .308 Win. with a 168-grain projectile. While both of these cartridges are highly similar, the .308 Win operates at a maximum average pressure that is almost 2,000 psi greater than the 7.62x51mm, therefore one should be careful to avoid firing .308 ammunition in a gun chambered for 7.62x51mm. USA Ready: Two 6.5mm offerings have been added to Winchester’s USA Ready rifle ammu- nition line. Both of these new rifle loads contain a 140-grain open-tip bullet and a match primer. The 6.5mm Creedmoor offering exits the muzzle at 2,700 fps and generates 2,266 fpe, and the 6.5 PRC version has a muzzle velocity of 3,010 fps and produces 2,816 fpe at the muzzle. (winchester.com) Ballisticmag.com

HOT RIFLE AMMO FROM SHOT TRUE VELOCITY 6.8mm TVC Sierra Bullets The True Velocity Cartridge Co. is introducing an innovative polymer-cased Outdoor Master 6.8mm round. Its most noticeable feature is its polymer composite case, which features an unusual and very short “bullnose” case neck. The case Sierra will produce also has a steel case head, which is molded into the composite material. two rifle loads in its True Velocity composite cartridge cases do not transmit as much heat new Outdoor Master to the barrel as a same-caliber brass cartridge. This should lead to less ammunition line. The chamber erosion in high cartridge count firearms. It also has a case archi- first one is a .223 Rem tecture that allows for a very clean powder burn, leading to very consistent load with a 55-grain velocities. Ballistics of this cartridge are still confidential. (tvammo.com) Sierra HPBT Varminter bullet and the second is a 300 BLK Varminter load with a 115-grain HP projectile. MSRP is $26 to $27 for a box of 20 rounds. (sierrabullets.com) 64 BALLISTIC 06¥07 2022 Ballisticmag.com



THENEW RIMFIRE SPOTLIGHT 22 JUST IN CASE YOU NEEDED A By Fred Mastison • Michael Bordon Photos The firearms world is replete with new 2 secret guns just waiting to be launched. There are a few companies that always

JUNE | JULY 2020 s i g s a u e r. c o m / P 3 2 2 3 RED-DOT READY Almost all serious pistols coming out today are cut and ready to accept optics. SIG saw 1 21 ROUNDS ON TAP 4 THREADED out is simple. Unload the gun 3 2 BARREL and lock the slide to the rear. Unscrew the barrel’s low-pro- larger hands. Suppressors have been file thread protector. Screw among the hottest items in on the threaded adapter and the firearms world over the then the can. It is a very sim- last several years. SIG knows ple and reliable design. When that one thing people would SIG did their testing on the immediately ask for is a gun, they ran a wide variety of threaded barrel for their new suppressors to make sure it P322. The gun comes with did not affect performance. a threaded barrel adapter To be honest, few things in that attaches to the existing the realm of shooting are barrel of the gun. The switch finer than running a .22 pistol suppressed. 5 SPORTS A 1913 RAIL gun and runs just like your When the SIG design team everyday carry firearm. It will sits down, they do their best fit a spectrum of hands and, to put themselves in the shoes as Phil Strader of SIG says, “It of end-users. That is the case will be a gateway drug to buy with the P322 as well. The gun more guns.” includes a 1913 rail under the barrel. Here you can mount a flashlight or laser. This is the perfect point to share some- thing I see in this new SIG. To some, the P322 will just be a fun .22 to plink with. As a trainer, though, I see this as an exceptional training gun. As I said, it is close to a full-size

NEW RIMFIRE THE P322 6 MADE IN THE USA There are few things as deeply important to Americans right now as buying items made here in the USA. The P322 was designed, engineered and produced in the “Live Free Or Die” state of New Hampshire. Even the magazines are American-made. Another benefit of this is that they can closely manage quality control. As with all SIG guns, the build process for the P322 has numerous quality checks and tests. Everything about this gun is steeped in the SIG SAUER “Never Settle” performance culture. 7 MANUAL SAFETY 9 AMBI CONTROLS SIG decided to include a manual In keeping with building a pistol safety on the gun. It is easy to access beyond the simple plinking world, SIG and has good texturing. I will once again has included ambidextrous controls fall back into my trainer role. I discussed on the P322. This makes the gun this in-depth with SIG instructor Ross friendly to left- and right-handed 4 Begnaud. He stated it perfectly when shooters as well as those who like he said, “It helps train people to run a to transition between both. Imagine safety should they ever get into a how frustrating it would be to a new larger caliber pistol with an external left-handed shooter to learn on a gun safety.” In short, it is a great train- designed for righties. ing tool. It is easy to manipulate and has a very small overall footprint on the gun. In my estimation, it is a major addition to the gun. 8 SAO ENCLOSED HAMMER 10 ADJUSTABLE The P322 is a single-action-only REAR SIGHT enclosed hammer gun. The question of “why not make a striker-fired gun” The P322 has a fixed barrel, which came up, as you can imagine. Phil helps it achieve great accuracy. With Strader explained it as simply as that, SIG has included an adjustable possible, “For the gun to meet the size rear sight to help you fine-tune your and high-performance standards, the gun. The adjustments are a bit differ- single-action-only design was best.” He ent with elevation being on the side went on to explain how striker-fired and windage on the top. While not pistols require more energy to cock what we are used to with most guns, the striker, and in turn, don’t perform the system works well. as well in the rimfire realm. This is what truly drove the decision.

11 FIBER-OPTIC FRONT SIGHT One of the characteristics I discov- ered about this gun was that it is fast. Because of that, SIG has decided to use a quick-to-acquire, fiber-optic front sight. A unique design feature of this is that you do not need to cut or burn the fiber-optic piece out to replace it. Simply remove the front sight and you will have easy access to the rod. In all the thousands of rounds of shooting, we did not have any sights break or melt. 12 INTERCHANGEABLE 14 LOW-COST TRAINING 5 TRIGGER FACE As I write this, the great ammo famine has started to subside, but still EASY TAKEDOWN One of the most interesting things lingers. Prices are still high for the likes of about the gun is its ability to use either 9mm, and we can only hope it drops. The Anyone serious about a flat-face trigger or a traditional cost of ammo makes training expensive curved version. SIG includes both and short. Using .22 LR, however, gives us with the gun, and they are very easy a much more cost-effective alternative. to switch out. They are essentially a face that sits on a metal trigger frame. I thought this was brilliant as the gun now will appeal to both sides of the trigger world.

NEW RIMFIRE 16 ERGONOMIC DESIGN THE P322 The P322 is built on SIG 17 SAUER ergonomic DNA. It fits well in the hand with a 6 perfect amount of texturing on the grip. The gun is very 19 COCKING SERRATIONS The gun comes with well-designed cocking serrations on both the front and rear of the slide. The front serrations angle up slightly making it easy for those who press check their gun from the front. The serrations are also at a good depth without razor-like edges, making them comfortable to run. minum. This does help keep 20 INTEGRATED MAGWELL the gun light yet durable. Did I mention that the gun In fact, it is an aluminum was fast? Once you start running this alloy, which helps increase gun, you will start putting the pedal the long-term life of the to the metal. That also applies to mag slide. Simply put, you will changes. The go-fast mindset of the not wear out the slide. SIG engineers drove the inclusion of an integrated fast-feed magwell. This is not an afterthought add-on and is integrated into the bottom of the mag- well. It allows for very fast reloads and, honestly, only adds to the enjoyment of shooting this gun.

JUNE | JULY 2020 s i g s a u e r. c o m / P 3 2 2 has also included a mag loader with the gun. The magazines have grip points that allow you to push down the ramp inside the mag. The mag loader makes it even easier by sliding over the top of the mag and down. Simply maintain spring pressure to only load one round at a time. It’s fast, reliable and easy on the hands. 7 SPECIFICATIONS: SIG SAUER P322 ARE YOU IN LOVE? Caliber: .22 LR The SIG SAUER P322 is a very solid gun. It has a variety of applications, but Barrel: 4 inches ultimately is enjoyable to shoot. Whether you are a hard-core pistol shooter or OA Length: 7 inches brand new to guns, the P322 is certainly a gun you are going to want to have. Height: 5.5 inches Width: 1.4 inches Weight: 17.1 ounces (empty) MSRP: $399



HOT FROM SHOTSHELLSSHOT Next-gen loads for FEDERAL game, competition and personal- Force X2 Shorty: Federal defense shotguns is expanding its Force X2 BY DR. MARTIN D. TOPPER inch, low-recoil 12-gauge, Top Gun: Top Gun Paper new Podium one-piece wad six-pellet 00 buckshot Wad shotshells are offered and an eight-segment crimp. Shotguns have been around for loading designed for home- in four 2.75-inch, 12-gauge Sixteen different 12-gauge, centuries, and because shotgun and personal-defense. Each loadings. Two loads have 1.1 2.75-inch offerings have ammunition just keeps getting Force X2 pellet is split and ounces of either #7.5 or #8 a wide range of payloads, better, they are likely to be around designed to break in half as lead shot at 1,200 fps. The velocities, dram equivalent for a long time to come. One important it penetrates the target. The two steel shot loads have powder loads and shot sizes reason is the shotgun’s versatility. Load result is 12 separate wound a 1-ounce payload of #7.5 to accommodate the needs your shotgun with the appropriate slugs channels for increased shot at either 1,250 fps or of any competitive shooting or buckshot and you can use it for home- terminal effect and reduced 1,300 fps. MSRP is $18 discipline. An added benefit defense, big-game hunting, law enforce- risk of overpenetration. In for the lead shot versions for reloaders is found in this ment and military applications. In addition, addition, the short 1.75-inch and $20 for the steel shot line’s tapered hulls and solid you can load that same scattergun with shell increases magazine versions. brass case heads, which various sizes of birdshot and eliminate capacity in guns like the help give the cases long varmints and dangerous snakes, hunt Mossberg 590S, which can High Over All: High Over lives. Shot sizes in 12 gauge birds and small game, or shoot skeet, trap, accommodate shorter shells. All is Federal’s new premium range from #7.5 to #9. A five-stand and sporting clays. All you’ll MSRP is $23 for a box of 10. line of competition ammu- full lineup of smaller-gauge need to do is pick the appropriate load for nition for skeet, trap and offerings is also planned for the task at hand and install the indicated Upland Steel: Federal’s sporting clays. The key to introduction in 2022. MSRP choke tube. Upland Steel Paper Wad 12 this ammo’s performance is a for all 12-gauge loads is Gauge is designed to reduce shot load made of high- $15 per 25. Ammunition manufacturers understand the amount of plastic and antimony hardened pellets, a the many uses of shotguns very well. toxic lead deposited down- (federalpremium.com) And even though they’ve been very busy range when modern shot- trying to fill orders for their existing lines shells are fired. To achieve of ammunition, they have not abandoned this result, the filler, wad and product development. Because of this, over-powder wad are made a few entirely new product lines and of a cellulose-based material. important upgrades to well-established The shot is made of an alloy ones were featured at this year’s SHOT of steel. These 12-gauge, Show. Some of these new products and 2.75-inch shells contain 1 loads contain improved bismuth shot. This ounce of #7.5 steel birdshot, is good news for users of older shotguns which leaves the muzzle at because bismuth has a long record of not 1,330 fps. MSRP is $20 for a damaging barrels made before the 1980s. box of 25. Bismuth is also non-toxic, and along with the new bismuth shot, there have been Top Gun Game Load: several examples of shells that use paper There are two 20-gauge, components, which helps lessen the 3-inch Top Gun Game Loads. problem of plastic deposition on target Each has a high brass-plated ranges and in the hunting fields. All things steel head and a one-piece considered, this will be a busy year in the wad that contains 1.3 ounces world of shotgunning. of either #5 or #6 hardened lead birdshot. MSRP for both loads is $27 per box of 25. Ballisticmag.com BALLISTIC 06¥07 2022 65

HOT SHOTSHELLS iStock Photos FIOCCHI 1,250 fps and a 28-gauge load Golden Turkey TSS: Fiocchi’s with .94 ounces of #4 shot at Golden Turkey TSS ammunition Golden Waterfowl Bismuth: 1,350 fps. MSRP starts at $31 is introducing four new 3-inch, Fiocchi’s Golden Waterfowl per box of 10. 12- and 20-gauge loads along Bismuth is a non-toxic load with a .410 offering that contains specifically designed for the use Golden Pheasant Bismuth: deep-penetrating, heavier-than- of waterfowl hunters in very wet Fiocchi’s Golden Pheasant lead tungsten shot. There are conditions. It contains high-den- premium contains 1.3 ounces two 12-gauge shells loaded with sity 9.75g/cc bismuth shot that of either #4 or #6 non-toxic a 1.6 ounces payload of either is precision loaded in moisture- 9.75g/cc bismuth shot loaded #7 or #9 shot. There is also resistant, sealed 3-inch hulls. in a moisture-resistant, 3-inch a 20 -gauge offering with 1.4 There are three 12-gauge loads all-weather 12-gauge sealed ounces of #9 shot and a .410 with 1.4 ounces of either #2, #4 hull. Velocities of both 12-gauge load containing .81 ounces of or #6 shot, all at 1,450 fps. In loads is a fast 1,400 fps, #9 shot. addition, there’s a 20-gauge load making them ideally suited for with 1.1 ounces of #4 shot at fast-flushing game birds. Golden Turkey: Fiocchi’s Golden Turkey series has been upgraded with an improved wad. This line offers 3-inch loads in 12 and 20 gauges. The 12-gauge shells contain 1.8 ounces of either #4, #5 or #6 shot. The 20-gauge shells are loaded with 1.3 ounces of either #5 or #6. (fiocchiusa.com)  HEVI-SHOT Hevi-Hammer Upland and Hevi-Hammer Dove Hevi-Hammer Upland and Hevi-Hammer Dove are loaded with a duplex shot load composed of 15-percent high-density bismuth shot loaded above 85-percent preci- different sizes of lead or steel shot, both types of pellets in the Hevi-Shot duplex shot gauges. Two 12-gauge, 3-inch loads are available. One has 1.4 ounces of #3 shot and 66 BALLISTIC 06¥07 2022 Ballisticmag.com

For personal and home protection or the “mean street” beat, Fiocchi Defense Dynamics covers all the bases. Ranging from .32 Auto through the hard-hitting .44 Magnum and .45 Auto, Defense Dynamics cartridges are centered around precision-manufactured jacketed and semi-jacketed hollow point projectiles to provide maximum defense performance at a reasonable price. FUEL YOUR PASSION AT

HOT SHOTSHELLS FROM SHOT REMINGTON This new paper shotgun shell for skeet, trap, sporting clays and reduced velocity give Peters Premier STS Low Recoil: Pre- in 20 and 28 gauges. These range pellet energy much better Premier Blue Paper reduced mier STS Low Recoil is Reming- offerings have velocities, shot than lead and allows the use ton’s reduced-recoil, 12-gauge sizes and payload weights spe- of smaller shot, which provides in high-round-count competitions. load for serious competition. It cifically matched to the needs of denser patterns at longer dis- For those competitors who has high-antimony shot and Rem- sporting clays competitors. Both tances. Loaded in 3-inch hulls, reload, the hull has an all-brass ington’s patented figure-eight loads have high-antimony shot Premier TSS is offered in 12 head, which can significantly help shot wad. These aid in preventing for reduced shot deformation in gauge with #7 and #9 shot, 20 control the cost of reloading by shot deformation due to shot the barrel and more even down- gauge with the same shot sizes increasing the number of times setback at the moment of firing, range patterns. The 20-gauge and #9 shot only in .410. MSRP the shell can be reloaded. It’s when it enters the forcing cone payload is 0.86 ounces of #7.5 for the 12-gauge load is $69 available in 12 gauge only with at a high rate of acceleration and shot, and the 28-gauge load for a box of five. The 20-gauge either #7.5 or #8 shot. MSRP for when it exits through the barrel contains .75 ounces of the same offering has an MSRP of $60 per all loads is $20 per box of 25. through the choke. It also has hardened #7.5 pellets. MSRPs box of five, while the .410 load is unibody high-tensile hulls, which are $15 for the 20 gauge and $46 per box of five. Gun Club Low Recoil: Gun feed smoothly and are designed $20 for 28 gauge. Club Low Recoil is an affordable for multiple reloads. Premier Remington Premier 12-gauge load for everyday prac- STS Low Recoil is available in Premier TSS: Remington’s Magnum Turkey: This load is tice that’s easy on the shoulder. two 12-gauge loads, one with 1 Premier Tungsten Super Shot now available in 20 gauge. The It features Remington’s unibody ounce of #8 shot, and the other turkey loads are now available new offering has Remington’s hull, which feeds smoothly and is with 1.1 ounces of #8. MSRP is in 12- and 20-gauge loads popular Power Piston wad also designed to get the reloader $15 per box of 25. along with a .410 offering. loaded with 1.3 ounces of #6 more reloads than some other Premier TSS uses a non-toxic, Copper-Lokt hardened lead shot, lower-priced shells. Two loads are tungsten-based metal blend that which leaves the muzzle at 1,185 available. One has 1.1 ounces of is 55 percent denser than lead. fps. MSRP is $9 per box of five. #7.5 shot, and the other has the 68 BALLISTIC 06¥07 2022 Ballisticmag.com

TRS COMP The Tactical Ready Series Comp is built ready for action. Designed on a dedicated double stack frame, the TRS Comp carries a capacity of 17+1. An integrated compensator reduces muzzle rise, making follow up shots quick and easy. A full-length dust cover features a recon rail for the addition of a tactical light. This model is shown with a custom smoked nitride finish, wide cocking serrations, ambi thumb safety and our Interchangeable Optic System. ONE GUN, ONE GUNSMITH The World’s Finest 877-268-4867 Custom 1911s WWW.NIGHTHAWKCUSTOM.COM

HOT SHOTSHELLS FROM SHOT Super Pheasant Diamond Grade: This year, three new WINCHESTER highly resistant to deformation as Side line. The latest iteration is Diamond Grade Super Pheasant the shot traverses the interior of loaded with upgraded Hex Shot loads are offered for hunters who Active Duty Buckshot: Active the barrel. Each 2.75-inch shell is pellets that have rounded edges hunt larger upland game birds Duty is this year’s personal- and loaded with #7.5 shot, leaving the to improve aerodynamics and like pheasants, larger species of home-defense shotgun load barrel at a respectable 1,300 fps. downrange energy. This allows a grouse and rock doves. All Super from Winchester. It is built to the shooter to take game cleanly at Pheasant loads will use copper- same standards of cycling and Bismuth: Winchester is releas- greater ranges. The Blind Side plated, high-antimony hardened reliability as the 2.75-inch M162 ing two 3-inch magnum Bismuth line has also been upgraded by nine-pellet 00 buckshot load loads: one in 12 gauge and one the addition of a corrosion- shot. New 2.75-inch and used during the Vietnam War. in 20 gauge. These shells have resistant, nickel-plated case 3-inch shells are being This is a high-velocity 12-gauge improved tin-plated bismuth head, a four-petal wad for offered in 12 gauge, and a load that leaves the barrel at pellets. The new 12-gauge load better choke response 2.75-inch version is being 1,325 fps. contains 1.4 ounces of #4 shot, and a Drylok wad for water introduced in 20 gauge. The leaving the barrel at 1,450 fps. resistance. Three 3-inch, shorter 2.75-inch, 12-gauge Fast Dove & Clay: Winchester’s The 20-gauge Winchester Bis- 12-gauge shells are shell launches 1.4 ounces Fast Dove & Clay line has two muth is loaded with 1.1 ounces available with 1.4 ounces of #5 shot at 1,300 fps, new high-brass loadings in 12 of #4 shot with a muzzle velocity of either BB, #2 or #3 and the 3-inch version fires gauge. These high-velocity loads of 1,300 fps. Both loadings have shot. In addition, there are 1.6 ounces of #5 shot at propel 1 ounce of either #7.5 or lacquered primers and Drylok two 3.5-inch, 12-gauge a muzzle velocity of 1,350 #8 shot from the muzzle at 1,350 double-sealed wads to promote offerings loaded with 1.6 fps. The 20-gauge offering fps, which makes them ideal for water resistance. ounces of either #2 or propels 1 ounce of #5 shot wing shots on maneuverable BB shot. Finally, there’s a at 1,300 fps. birds like doves that often fly fast Blind Side 2: Blind Side 2 is the 20-gauge load with 1.1 (winchester.com) and turn on a dime. next step in Winchester’s Blind ounces of #2 shot. AA Diamond Grade Elite 20 Gauge: Winchester is adding a 20-gauge loading to its premium AA Diamond Grade Elite competition line. Diamond Grade Elite uses a lead shot alloy that has an 8 percent antimony content, which is four times the antimony content of some other brands of target shot. This makes the shot in Diamond Grade Elite 70 BALLISTIC 06¥07 2022 Ballisticmag.com



BALLISTIC MAGAZINE PRESENTS BOX OFFICE SPACE This 40-year-anniversary tribute to Rambo is a treasure trove of killer trivia BY PETER SUCIU → Forty years ago, then 36-year-old Sylvester Stallone was riding high on the success of Rocky III, which was released in May of 1982. An enormous box office success, it even surpassed the gross of its predecessor and would go on to be the fourth highest-grossing of film of 1982. Yet, reviews from critics were mixed. Stallone already wanted to break out as an actor and prove he was more than Rocky Balboa, but his efforts to do so had been mixed. His 1978 directorial debut, Paradise Alley, didn’t connect with audiences while crit- ics compared it unfavorably to the original Rocky. That same year, Stallone had starred in the neo-noir crime drama F.I.S.T., which was loosely based on the Teamsters and their former president, Jimmy Hoffa, but Stallone wasn’t taken seriously as a dramatic lead. However, 1981’s Nighthawks, which co-starred Billy Dee Williams and Rutger Hauer, did show that Stallone could do action films. Just six months after landing a knock-out punch with Rocky III, Stallone was a box office draw again in the post-Vietnam War film First Blood, which told the story of a Alamy Photos troubled and misunderstood veteran who is forced to rely on his combat and survival skills 72 BALLISTIC 06¥07 2022

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BALLISTIC MAGAZINE PRESENTS BOX OFFICE SPACE Even as initial reviews were mixed, the film A year after First Blood, another Pictures bought the film rights to First Blood was another box office hit for Stallone and film—Uncommon Valor—was the first soon after it was published for $175,000— launched a franchise even more successful to go back to Vietnam. equivalent to more than $1 million today. As than Rocky. It spawned four sequels, an ani- the war was still underway, the film languished mated comic book spinoff, multiple novels and Alamy Photos in the so-called “development hell.” video games, as well as a Bollywood remake. Is a Broadway show in Rambo’s future? It is hard to imagine Warner Bros. Pictures subsequently anyone but Brian Dennehy acquired the rights, and after getting the ENTER JOHN RAMBO green light, it was suggested that Robert De as Sheriff Will Teasle, Niro or Clint Eastwood could step into the Compared to what was to follow, the “Rambo” but George C. Scott was role. That didn’t pan out of course, but De franchise began with what was actually a considered for the role. Niro would go on to star as Travis Bickle, a rather low-key film based on the 1972 novel 26-year-old honorably discharged U.S. Marine First Blood by Canadian-American author and Vietnam veteran suffering from PTSD in David Morrell. It told the story of a troubled 1976’s Taxi Driver while Eastwood famously homeless Vietnam War veteran, known only by took on the role of Dirty Harry. his last name: Rambo. Various other Hollywood A-listers were Morrell had been inspired to write the suggested for Rambo including Paul Newman novel after hearing of the experiences from and Steve McQueen while Burt Lancaster and some Vietnam vets and the troubles they had Lee Marvin were considered for the role of the re-acclimating in society. The author later said villainous Sherriff Teasle. At one point, Bette that he had heard the stories of how Audie Murphy—the most decorated American sol- dier of World War II—reported having to sleep with a loaded gun under this pillow. According to Morrell, the character’s name came from the Rambo apple, which his wife had bought while he was thinking of a suitable name for his character. Along with “Rocky,” it practically fit Stallone like a glove. The novel had been a minor hit, earning praise from reviewers and was later used by author Stephen King in his creative writing class at the University of Maine. Seeing the potential for a movie early on, Columbia → In the 2005 film Lord of War, Nich- M60E3 version wasn’t actually introduced olas Cage’s arms dealer character until the 1980s. was asked to supply “the gun of Rambo,” to which Cage replies, “Which one?” When John Rambo headed to Afghanistan That is a good point, as John Rambo carried in Rambo III, he didn’t bring an M60 and a number of different weapons, but is usually instead was seen to carry a variety of Soviet associated with the M60 that he removed weapons, most notably the Cold War-era from the back of a National Guard truck in PKM, a weapon that has often been compared First Blood. to the American machine gun. Both the orig- inal M60 and M60E3 are seen in flashbacks In Rambo: First Blood II, Stallone was seen from the earlier films, however. In the final with the M60E3, wrapping the ammo belt two outings in the series, the Vietnam War around his left forearm to ensure proper vet relies instead on a variety of rifles and feed. The film’s plot suggests the weapon shotguns instead of that weapon that he is so was a holdover from the Vietnam War, yet the often associated with carrying. —Peter Suciu 74 BALLISTIC 06¥07 2022 Ballisticmag.com

FIRST BLOOD: 40-YEAR ANNIVERSARY First Blood wasn’t the only movie. It would be followed by film to arrive in 1982 that such notable series as Lethal would change the action Weapon, Bad Boys and Rush genre. While predated by the Hour. —Peter Suciu 1974 release Freebie and the Bean, Eddie Murphy’s debut theatrical release 48 Hrs., in which Nick Nolte actually had top billing, has been credited as being the first “buddy cop” Davis was even floated to play a psychiatrist! Ted Kotcheff, who had been involved in the Best Screenplay, something only previously Al Pacino is reported to have turned down project since 1976, was hired as the film’s accomplished by Charlie Chaplin and Orson director. He had worked in several low-budget Welles. For good or bad, Stallone would go the role of Rambo as he found the story too action films and would later go on to direct on to write all six Rocky films and took on dark. Still, others that made the shortlist to play Weekend at Bernie’s (1989). A star still co-screenwriting duties for the adaption of the lead included John Travolta, Dustin Hoff- needed to be found to play Rambo. First Blood. He reportedly did an estimated man, Powers Booth, Michael Douglas and Nick seven revisions of the script, and in many Nolte. Gene Hackman and Charles Durning STALLONE SIGNED ON ways, it improved upon the source material. were possibilities for Sherriff Teasle, while the role of the small-town sheriff ended up going When the project finally moved forward at In Morrell’s novel, Rambo killed many of his to Brian Dennehy, who proved perfectly cast. Carolco Pictures, Stallone signed on to play pursuers, and in one of the original pre-Stal- John Rambo, and in addition to getting an lone drafts of the screenplay, the main char- George C. Scott was actually considered actual first name, other significant changes acter would rack up a significant body count, for the role of Colonel Sam Trautman—a were made—many coming from Stallone, who killing at least 16 and injuring many others. demotion of sorts for the actor who played took on the rewrites. Stallone sought to soften the character, and in General George S. Patton so famously only the movie, Rambo doesn’t directly cause the a decade earlier. Instead, screen veteran Kirk Stallone proved not only to be a bankable death of any police or National Guardsmen. Douglas was hired to play John Rambo’s close Hollywood star but also an accomplished That fact certainly made it easier to make the friend and former commander, but Douglas screenwriter. Though he is known for his animated series (see sidebar). bowed out over script concerns. While Rock tough-guy roles, Stallone had become just Hudson was approached, Richard Crenna the third man in Hollywood history to receive Another change Stallone made, possibly became a last-minute choice. Oscar nominations for both Best Actor and seeing from the success of the Rocky fran- → First Blood also led to the largely prospect of the animated version of Rambo forgotten Rambo: The Force of for kids. Instead, noted voice actor Neil Freedom, an animated series that Ross stepped in and provided a reasonable facsimile of the character’s signature grunts debuted in April 1986 as a five-part miniseries and expressions. before being renewed as a daily cartoon later While the animated adventures of Rambo ran for an impressive 65 episodes, the show that year. Meant to compete with the G.I. Joe wasn’t without controversy. It was actually the first animated series to be adapted from an animated series, it featured John Rambo R-rated film, and for it to meet Federal Com- munications Commission decency standards leading a special unit called “The Force of the violence was toned down considerably, while fictional countries and back stories were Freedom” against General Warhawk’s paramil- often featured. —Peter Suciu itary terrorist organization dubbed S.A.V.A.G.E. (Specialist-Administrators of Vengeance, Anarchy and Global Extortion). Stallone didn’t return to provide the voice for John Rambo and was even annoyed at the Ballisticmag.com BALLISTIC 06¥07 2022 75

BALLISTIC MAGAZINE PRESENTS BOX OFFICE SPACE chise, was to make John Rambo survive the Stallone behind a Alamy Photos film. While a suicide scene was even filmed, Browning M2 .50-caliber the final cut saw Rambo turn himself in, which allowed for a sequel that was even bigger than machine gun. the original. Stallone might have Interestingly, it was the fact that Rambo been 62 when he lived that drove Kirk Douglas to bow out. But appeared in 2008’s perhaps the screen legend wanted an ending Rambo, but he could closer to Spartacus. still kick serious ass. BACK TO VIETNAM it was 1985’s Rambo: First Blood Part II from the Soviet Union, where the Ministry of that proved to be a worldwide hit. It opened Culture criticized the film’s anti-Soviet and First Blood was just one of the post-Vietnam at a then-record 2,074 theaters and broke anti-Vietnamese tones and for its depiction of War films that included Taxi Driver, The Deer international box office records. Russians. Noted Russian poet Yevgeny Yev- Hunter and Coming Home, which chronicled tushenko even compared Stallone’s portrayal the efforts made by the veterans of the war to Though many critics weren’t kind in their of Rambo to “pornography.” fit back into society. John Rambo’s story was reviews of Rambo: First Blood Part II, Gene on the extreme end—alongside Taxi Driver— Siskel of the Chicago Tribune actually gave it RAMBO AND THE TALIBAN? but it also marked the transition to another three out of four stars and described it as “very genre of film, the “Lone Wolf.” good at what it does, but what it does isn’t The third film in the series, fittingly titled always that good.” It was also described in The Rambo III and released in 1988, saw Rambo Along with Arnold Schwarzenegger and Official Razzie Movie Guide, which chronicles head to Afghanistan, where he and best friend Chuck Norris, Stallone launched the “one- bad movies, as one of The 100 Most Enjoyable Col. Trautman joined forces with a band of man army” story, where the hero can take on Bad Movies Ever Made. Afghan Mujahedeen rebels in fighting the enemies around the globe with little if any Soviet invaders. assistance. However, John Rambo was a bit of The ultimate “praise” may have come a latecomer in terms of going back to Vietnam. Just a year after the release of First Blood, the 1983 film Uncommon Valor, starring Gene Hackman, which was also directed by Kotcheff, became the first of the “return to Vietnam films,” where the intent was to search for and rescue the prisoners of war who had been left behind after the American withdrawal a decade earlier. That was followed by the Norris film Missing in Action a year later, but → Apart from hardcore fans of Stal- :’ lone, few of us could likely name any of his characters apart from Rocky Austin, Dolph Lundgren and Mickey and Rambo, but some might know of Barney Rourke. Bruce Willis and Arnold Ross, leader of the “Expendables,” the team Schwarzenegger even appeared in of elite soldiers of fortune who operate out of uncredited cameos in the first film and New Orleans. returned in bigger roles in the 2012 sequel, The Expendables 2. Developed by David Callaham and Stallone, who also directed the 2010 film The Expend- Willis was replaced in the third ables, the series was really just an over-the- outing by Harrison Ford, but along the top satire of the action genre. Part of the way, Jeane- Claude Van Damme, Liam success was that it was an all-star action Hemsworth, Chuck Norris, Antonio romp that was never too serious. It included Banderas, Ronda Rousey, Mel Gibson the likes of Jason Statham, Jet Li, Steve and Kelsey Grammer joined the fun that has become Stallone’s other suc- cessful film franchise. —Peter Suciu 76 BALLISTIC 06¥07 2022 Ballisticmag.com



BALLISTIC MAGAZINE PRESENTS BOX OFFICE SPACE It has thus been suggested following 9/11 screenwriter opted for the return of the one- tributor, it underperformed at the international that Rambo aided the Taliban, an argument man army where the character heads back box office. Not surprisingly, the film was also also made about James Bond, as the 1987 into the familiar jungle locations that proved banned in Burma (Myanmar) but has remained film The Living Daylights saw 007 join forces a hit with Rambo: First Blood II. Simply titled a cult favorite in the country, where bootleg with the local Mujahedeen leader to fight Rambo—sticking with the theme—the title DVDs are often sold. the Soviets. character was also past his prime and living a simpler life. Rambo had settled down as a Perhaps the most surprising aspect of However, such an argument would imply snake catcher in Thailand looking to put the the film is that for the first time, John Rambo that every Afghan fighter was a member of the past behind him when he is hired to rescue mentions his estranged father and the film Taliban, which they were not. The Mujahedeen Christian missionaries held by a local warlord ends with Rambo returning home to see him. were made up of a significant number of in Burma. Given that Stallone was already 62 when the pro-Western forces, and the character of film was made, one questions how old the Masoud, who aided Rambo, was based on the As with Rocky Balboa, Stallone took on the character’s father must be. very real Ahmad Shah Massoud. writing and directing duties for Rambo. It was a modest success at the North American box All good things do come to an end, and Massoud fought the Soviets and was also office, but due to disputes with the film’s dis- in this case, it was 2019’s Rambo: Last the leading opposition commander against Blood, where the title character ventured to the Taliban until he was assassinated on fight Mexican drug cartels. While Stallone September 9, 2001—just two days before the has hinted that there is the possibility of a 9/11 attacks. Rambo prequel, he has said that the franchise has gone full circle. Yet, considering that the Rambo fought the Soviets, but he (and Rocky series spawned the spinoff Creed and Bond) certainly didn’t aid the Taliban. Creed II in which the Italian Stallion trained his former rival/best friend’s bastard son, we’ll FINAL RAMBO FILMS say anything is possible. As long as Stallone is alive and kicking—and able to work on a Rambo III wasn’t as successful as the prior screenplay—there is always hope we’ll see entry, and 20 years elapsed until the next film John Rambo again. in the series was made in 2008. In many ways it happened because Stallone had put on the boxer trunks and gloves again, appearing in 2006’s Rocky Balboa, where the now- widowed prizefighter returned to the ring at age 60! It was a surprise hit, in part because it showed Rocky dealing with his post-boxing life in his twilight years. Seeing that audiences could accept Stallone as an over-the-hill boxer, the actor/ → Ballistic offices received a copy starring Chris Pratt on Amazon Prime. And of Jack Carr’s new thriller In The don’t miss Carr’s “Danger Close” podcast Blood, which dropped on May 17. If with author David Morrell. —Nino Bosaz you’ve read any of the previous Jack Carr books: 1) The Terminal List, 2) True Believ- ers, 3) Savage Son, 4) The Devil’s Hand, then you know Carr is a huge fan of First Blood author David Morrell. In The Blood is another high-octane page-turner that any firearms-centric and politically savvy reader will devour. Do right by yourself, and read the series in the order published. After you read The Terminal List, be sure to catch The Terminal List thriller drama series 78 BALLISTIC 06¥07 2022 Ballisticmag.com



SU VIV L K IVES BY GARRETT LUCAS 80 Ballisticmag.com

AMES BUEL “JIMMY” LILEhad a long and illustrious career as a knifemaker that One pivotal relationship began as a result of Lile’s knives being carried and sold by Joe Ellithorpe, owner began almost on the day he was born in 1933 during of the Pony Express Sports Shop in Encino, California. the Great Depression. He was extremely close to his One of Ellithorpe’s customers was Sylvester Stallone grandmother Lona Clarke, who was part Cherokee who, at the time, was working on the production of his and who spurred his interest in the outdoors and his upcoming movie, First Blood. Wanting a unique knife for the movie, Stallone asked Ellithorpe if he knew of J interest in making knives. He made his first design someone who could design and make the type of knife when he was eight years old and by the time he was he was looking for to use in the movie. Ellithorpe’s 10, he was already making knives from old files to sell immediate answer was Jimmy Lile. to his friends. With too many accolades and success stories to The rest, as they say, is history. A few days later catalog here, Lile was known as the “Arkansas Knife- in the summer of 1981, Stallone contacted Lile and smith” and had a large following in the knife community asked him to design a knife for the movie. According during his career. Lile made every type of knife from to the book James B. Lile: The Arkansas Knifesmith, folders to hunters to combat knives to Bowies and even Knifemaker to the World, Stallone’s exact words were, decorative custom pieces. His customers and recipi- “I want one like everybody ain’t got one like.” If I infer ents of his work included presidents, governors, movie Stallone’s meaning correctly, I think that’s exactly what stars and corporations like Beretta and others. he got, and the knife world hasn’t been the same since. In keeping with Lile’s philosophy of a survival knife, Rambo’s knife was used as a weapon, to build shelter, and it contained a number of items in the handle that were used to help keep him alive. Newscom Photos Ballisticmag.com BALLISTIC 06¥07 2022 81

EHI ’S L ES Arkansas knifesmith LILE’S SURVIVAL KNIFE CRITERIA Jimmy Lile was the genius behind the When Lile started his process of designing the prototype knives for the movie First Blood, he creation of the original drew up a list of criteria of the specific things First Blood movie knife. for which the knife would be used and the features it should have. In his own words, the Jimmy Lile collaborated with knife should: Stallone on the First Blood knife and drew up three • Have a long cutting edge for cutting prototypes before the final design was completed. shelter materials and firewood, and for cutting up what I have to eat. “STALLONE’S EXACT WORDS WERE, ‘I WANT ONE • Have a compass in order to hold a true LIKE EVERYBODY AIN’T GOT ONE LIKE.’” bearing for escape. 82 BALLISTIC 06¥07 2022 • Have a hollow handle to hold necessities and into which a pole could be fitted to make a spear or gig as well as being waterproof when capped. • Have screwdrivers for working on any gear I had. • Have some nylon line for fishing or snares. • Have a flat butt for pounding. • Have a real saw on the back for cutting small poles for fishing and shelter and making a spear, as well as cutting out of the canopy or the side of a downed aircraft. • And last but not least, it must be a dependable offensive or defensive weapon, as the situation might dictate. BLUEPRINT FOR SUCCESS During the design phase, Lile created three prototype First Blood knives, though only the third prototype style was submitted to Stallone. The third prototype was completed in 1982 and had a 7.5-inch blade crafted from D2 steel with a hardness of RC 58-60. It featured a brass butt cap though it had no compass at the time, and the guard was an all-matte brass configuration. The third prototype included a hollow handle with an all-matte finish and no wrapping on the handle. The final version of the third prototype had a polished finish on a 9-inch blade and was the only prototype that had the same features and exact profile as the actual knife used in the movie, including the saw-back configuration. However, when Lile began production on the actual knives to be used in the movie, the blades featured a matte finish with polished edges so they would stand out better in the film. Ballisticmag.com

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Originally, Lile produced 13 final “movie” ABOVE: Current production knives made from 440C stainless steel, six of First Blood knives bear Lile’s which were sent to Stallone with the rest either name, have a 9-inch blade and, kept by Lile or sold to collectors. These final like the movie knife, feature 14 movie knives had the hollow handle screwed in saw teeth on the spine. and then pinned to the tang to ensure robust durability. The handle also included 36 feet LEFT: Jimmy Lile also designed of nylon duck-decoy line wrapped around the the knife for Rambo: First Blood handle while the knife was turned slowly on a Part II. This model is also being lathe. The nylon line was then finished off with currently produced for sale at an epoxy to help it hold up to extreme use in jimmylile.com. the elements. RIGHT: As a kid, the author The guard was fashioned from 440C stain- was fascinated with the First less steel and featured a flathead screwdriver Blood knife’s hollow handle and on one end/side and a Phillips head on the ability to store survival items other. Additionally, the guard included two like a compass. holes for lashing to a pole to make a spear or fishing gig. The six knives sent to Stallone Ballisticmag.com were marked “Movie Knife” on one side and had the “Lile” name stamped on the other side. The remaining seven knives were numbered “7 of 13, 8 of 13…” on one side and “First Blood” on the other side. Each of the 13 original knives shipped with a Jim Buffaloe sheath with Stallone’s sheaths being left-handed. Also, each of the original 13 knives included a small Lile folding knife, which was stored in the handle. It was originally believed that all the original movie 84 BALLISTIC 06¥07 2022

sheaths for the 87 subsequent knives were CONTINUING THE LEGACY produced by Johnson Sheathery, though a few came with the original Jim Buffaloe Since Lile’s passing in 1991, his wife Marilyn sheath. But even this run of knives was not has tirelessly served as the champion of able to sate the public’s appetite for the First his life’s work by keeping his legacy alive. Blood knives as Lile’s design became one of In doing so, she worked with John Hill of the most copied and knocked-off designs in McKinney, Texas, who took over the rights to modern knifemaking history. Lile’s work and formed the new company Lile Knives, LLC. Lile continued to support the public’s habit by first making another run of 13 knives In 2011, Hill partnered with knifemaker for close friends that helped with the initial Vaughn Neeley, former owner of Timberline project. After that, Lile offered a slightly Knives, to produce a high-end line of Lile’s modified version of the knife which he called movie knives from First Blood and Rambo: the “Sly II.” Each of these knives were offered First Blood Part II. The collaboration began in either D2 or 440C stainless, and they also with a limited run, but because of its success, shipped with 12 saw teeth to differentiate it has turned into a full-time venture. The them from the originals. Because of time knives are made as close to the original and labor costs, the Sly II shipped standard designs as possible, right down to the without polished edges, though the customer screwdriver tips on the crossguards. could special order polished edges. Also, the handles were not wrapped, but again the At jimmylile.com, you’ll find two grades customer could special order that option. of each knife from both movies. There is a Presentation Cerakote model as well as a Other changes with the Sly II included a Utility model. The Presentation Cerakote new plastic-cased compass that was fitted model includes crisp masking with a into the handle cap. Also, the screwdriver Cerakote application and mirror-polished heads at each end of the crossguard were borders, while the Utility models have sat- omitted and a lugged crossguard was in-finished borders and a bead-blast finish. installed instead. The Sly II line eventually Currently, the knives are made from CPM expanded to include a mid-size model and a 154 steel and feature a Pyser Optics NATO mini model. The Sly II Mid-Size offered a 7.5- survival compass in the cap. Each knife inch blade with eight split saw teeth and four ships with a leather sheath that includes raker teeth, while the Mini Sly II had a 6-inch a pocket with a sharpening stone. Prices blade with 12 raker teeth. range from $1,995 to $2,495, depending on the model selected. Because of the wild success of his line and the starring role his knife had in the For this article, I received both Presen- original movie, Lile went on to also design and tation Cerakote model knives from both make the knife for Rambo: First Blood Part II. movies. With regard to fit and finish, these But that’s a story for another day… two knives were as perfect and as clean as any blade I’ve ever held in my hands. The masking was crisp, the edge was absolutely razor-sharp, and the polish work was phenomenal, though it’s hard to tell in the pictures because of reflections from the white studio lights. These knives are not cheap knock-offs; they’re true works of art. If you’re a hardcore Rambo fan, these are as close to the real thing as you can get without going to an auction for an original. Editor’s Note: Want to learn more about the anatomy of a survival knife and the author’s quest to find and build his own cutting-edge perfection? Smash this QR code and check it out. Ballisticmag.com BALLISTIC 06¥07 2022 85

U T LE BY FRANCIS MACOMBER Ballisticmag.com ALEX LANDEEN PHOTOS 86 BALLISTIC 06¥07 2022

SCATTERGUNNIN’ GUNTHER AND ARNIE “PEW PEW” SHOOT AND MISS ON HOME DEFENSE → Readers, it was recently brought to Ballistic magazine’s attention after pitting AK guy vs. AR guy and then 1911 guy vs. Glock guy that the gun world is full of feuds. Whether it is 9mm vs. .45 or Matchlock vs. Flintlock (no, I don’t know the difference, either), there are dozens of dichotomous quandaries waiting to be settled once and for all. Most sane men would run away at the thought of jumping in and trying to settle these quarrels. Ballistic sent out word that they were looking for a level-headed firearms expert with the patience of Job to sit down and help negotiate peace between all of these conflicting opinions. No one wanted the job, so they picked me: a true gun nut with hints of mental illness, a shaky grasp on reality and no fear of reprisal due to the fact I have three ex-wives and no chance of selling enough plasma to make this month’s alimony. You couldn’t be in better hands. In the eternal debate over which is better for home-de- fense—the 12-gauge shotgun or AR-style carbine— there is no shortage of experts who will emphatically explain the benefits of their chosen platform. We decided to have 6-foot, 8-inch, 340-pound Gunther MacDonald from southern Ohio represent the shotgun crowd while Arnie “Pew Pew” Swifferton from Massachusetts will speak for the AR proponents. Because Massachusetts does not actually allow AR rifles, and I may or may not have an active warrant for Transporting an Open Container in Ohio (or was it Iowa? God, those two states run together…), we had to bring both men to neutral territory in the heart of Texas for this historic debate.

SH TGU ? “ONCE A BAD GUY HEARS THAT SOUND, HE WETS HIMSELF, FALLS TO THE FLOOR, SUCKS HIS THUMB AND GOES CATATONIC.” FM: Gentlemen, welcome to Shiloh Shoot- catch the coin and accidentally stepped on GM: Um, I descended from Scottish royalty ing Range in Houston, Texas, one of the Mr. Swifferton’s foot. So, while Pew Pew is and I have very delicate skin so I bruise easily. finest bastions of freedom here in our great getting X-Rays at a nearby walk-in clinic, … I prefer to not shoot the 12 gauge. nation. We are here to discuss the pros and we are going to hear about the values of cons of two very different weapon systems the 12-gauge platform. FM (whispering): Who the f@#$ vetted when it comes to home defense. While the this guy? Well, Gunther, I am sorry to hear 12-gauge shotgun fires a far larger pro- GM: Why did you say 12 gauge? about your fragile shoulder, but could you jectile or projectiles, the AR platform holds tell us a little bit about why the scattergun more rounds and fires them at a higher FM: Uh, I thought you were touting the rules supreme for home defense? velocity. After that, there are opposing shotgun for home defense so I assumed it views on ease of reloading, ergonomics would be 12 gauge. Do you prefer the 20 GM: Well it is the sound. and general functions. We decided each of gauge? you could give a brief statement supporting FM: The sound of a 1-ounce slug traveling GM: .410 is my shotgun of more than 1,000 feet per second your chosen platform before preference. into a bad guy? we begin to delve into questions. Mr. MacDon- FM: Oh wow, OK. Well, tell GM: No, the sound when ald won the coin toss, us about it and why. you rack the gun. That sound or at least he tried to wins every gunfight. Once a bad guy hears that sound, he wets himself, falls to the floor, sucks his thumb and goes catatonic. 88 BALLISTIC 06¥07 2022 Ballisticmag.com