Springfield Armory M1A Scout Squad Review

Joe Kurtenbach reviews the M1A Scout Squad rifle manufactured by Springfield Armory. Chambered in .308 Win., this semi-automatic rifle features an 18-inch barrel and an effective muzzle brake to make it easier to aim and fire. Kurtenbach shares his first experience with the M14 rifle during his military service in Korea, setting the stage for his fascination with this type of rifle.

Kurtenbach finds the M1A Scout Squad's walnut stock to be highly appealing, mentioning its aesthetic quality comparable to high-grade firearms. He details key features such as the M1A action, which operates on a gas mechanism and includes a manual charging handle on the right side, detachable magazines, and a national match trigger. The rifle's design is a nod to its M14 roots, making it popular among traditionalists and modern-day shooters alike.

In an extensive field test, Kurtenbach evaluates the M1A Scout Squad's performance at the shooting range. Notably, he compares its capabilities to those of the rifles he used while in military service, emphasizing its superiority in accuracy and reliability. The Scout Squad's compact design and versatility render it suitable for diverse shooting scenarios, from close quarters to long-range engagements. Read the full article here.

Springfield Armory M1A Scout Squad Review

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In the Springfield Armory M1A Scout Squad Review, Joe Kurtenbach provides a detailed examination of the M1A Scout Squad rifle from Springfield Armory. The rifle, chambered in .308 Win., features an 18" barrel and a highly effective muzzle brake, enhancing its targeting efficiency and stability. The article includes insights gained during the author's experience handling the rifle and feedback based on testing it at a shooting range. The rifle's semi-automatic nature, combined with its robust build, emphasizes its utility both in military and civilian settings.

Kurtenbach compares the Springfield Armory M1A with the classic M14 rifle, illustrating the unique qualities and improvements seen in this model. The Scout Squad is praised for maintaining a classic aesthetic with options for wood or synthetic stocks and features like a forward-mounted Picatinny rail for optics. The rifle is noted for its capability to perform well in various shooting scenarios, ranging from room-clearing in urban settings to longer-range engagements, solidifying its place as a versatile option for shooters.

The review also delves into the rifle's performance on the range, revealing its accuracy and reliability. By integrating a Burris Scout 2-7x32 riflescope, the M1A Scout Squad demonstrated its precision at 100 yards, a crucial factor for potential buyers looking for a reliable firearm with heritage. Kurtenbach concludes that the M1A Scout Squad offers a balanced blend of modern functionality and historic design elegance, making it an appealing choice for enthusiasts. To read the full review, visit the original article: Springfield Armory M1A Scout Squad Review.

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Springfield XD-S Mod.2 OSP Review

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The Springfield Armory XD-S Mod.2 OSP is a notable upgrade in the world of concealed carry handguns, balancing size and advanced features. Paul Carlson, a veteran instructor, evaluates this handgun's efficiency for self-defense. Chambered for the 9x19mm Parabellum cartridge, the XD-S Mod.2 OSP remains compact, favoring concealed carry use. The standout feature of this model is its optics-ready design, aligning with a trend of increasing integration of red dot sights in firearms. This advancement allows for quick target acquisition, enhancing speed and accuracy during use. However, features are accompanied by the challenge of managing felt recoil, often amplified in compact firearms.

The optics-ready nature of the XD-S Mod.2 OSP, particularly prepared for a Shield RMS footprint, is a key selling point, allowing users to mount a variety of red dot sights including the Crimson Trace CTS-1500. This design facilitates co-witnessing with standard iron sights, meaning no additional investment is needed for taller sights. The handgun offers a 7+1 or 9+1 round capacity and is available with or without the CTS-1500 sight, with pricing reflecting the inclusion of this accessory. Importantly, Enhanced learning for trigger press and recoil control is a significant advantage, akin to the instantaneous feedback from digital photography over traditional methods.

Practically, the XD-S Mod.2 OSP manages to deliver the sensation of shooting a larger firearm despite its slim, single-stack frame. The red dot sight ease of use, combined with the light and flat recoil management, empowers users with enhanced follow-up speed and accuracy. During testing, various weights of 9mm ammunition were used, all yielding satisfactory results with minimal felt recoil. This underscores the gun's reliability and practicality, making it a solid choice for a defensive tool that combines concealability with advanced optics-ready features.

For a more detailed review, read the full article here: Springfield XD-S

Why Charles J. Loring, Jr.’s Medal of Honor Was Kept Secret

Major Charles J. Loring, Jr. was a distinguished pilot from Portland, Maine, who served with valor during both World War II and the Korean War. Throughout his military career, he flew various aircraft, including the Curtiss P-40 Warhawk, Bell P-39 Airacobra, and Republic P-47 Thunderbolt in WWII. During this time, Loring not only completed 55 missions but also earned the Distinguished Flying Cross. Despite being shot down and taken as a prisoner of war, he managed to survive and continued to serve with dedication upon returning to the United States, eventually transitioning to a role in the Korean War where he flew the Lockheed F-80 Shooting Star.

His heroism reached its zenith on November 22, 1952, when Major Loring was leading a combat mission near Sniper Ridge, North Korea. In the face of intense enemy anti-aircraft fire, he decided to make the ultimate sacrifice by crashing his aircraft directly into a well-defended enemy position, eliminating a significant threat to allied forces. This act of courage led to him being awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously. Intriguingly, it was initially kept secret by the Air Force, out of concern for his possible capture instead. Finally, following confirmation of his death, President Eisenhower officially awarded the medal, recognizing his valiant service and sacrifice in a ceremony attended by his family.

In his honor, Loring Air Force Base was named after him, standing as a testament to his bravery and dedication to his country. The legacy of Major Charles J. Loring, Jr. continues to inspire future generations of military personnel with his story of duty and ultimate sacrifice. Beyond the Medal of Honor, his praises include the Distinguished Flying Cross and numerous Air Medals, reflecting his long-lasting impact and patriotism. To delve deeper into Major Loring's storied career and his remarkable acts of valor, you can visit the original article titled Why Charles J. Loring, Jr.’s Medal of Honor Was Kept Secret.

Aimpoint ACRO P-2 Review: Rugged Red Dot Sight

In Robert A. Sadowski's review of the Aimpoint ACRO P-2 red dot sight, he highlights the innovation and durability that Aimpoint brings to the table with this optic. Aimpoint, known for introducing its first red dot sight in 1974, continues to impress with its advancements in optics, made for various users ranging from hunters and sports shooters to law enforcement and military personnel. For this review, the author was provided a loaner ACRO P-2 by Aimpoint, which he tested for its reliability and robustness.

The ACRO P-2, primarily designed for handguns, works exceptionally well on other platforms like rifles and shotguns. Sadowski tested it on a Springfield Armory Echelon semi-automatic pistol and a SAINT Victor carbine, both using the 9x19mm Parabellum cartridge. It is a closed-emitter sight, boasting a protected LED, making it robust against environmental challenges. Throughout his testing, Sadowski exposed the ACRO P-2 to elements like dirt, water, and impacts, evaluating its performance. The sight remained highly functional, showcasing its rugged design, intended to simplify accurate shooting by simply placing the red dot on the target.

The ACRO P-2 includes various features that cater to efficiency and user preferences. It has a 3.5 MOA dot, which is ideal for both close and mid-range shooting, and its brightness can be manually adjusted across ten settings, ensuring usability in different lighting conditions, including settings optimized for night vision. Sadowski's tests on both the Echelon and SAINT Victor demonstrated the sight's capability in maintaining accuracy and ease of use during rapid-fire situations. This reliable performance, combined with an attractive price point of $599, positions the Aimpoint ACRO P-2 as a valuable optic in the shooter’s arsenal.

For more details, read the full Aimpoint ACRO P-2 Review: Rugged Red Dot Sight on The Armory Life.

What Is a Semi-Automatic Firearm?

The concept of a semi-automatic firearm often confuses those not familiar with the vast arsenal of terminologies in the firearms world. In the article titled "What Is a Semi-Automatic Firearm?" by Will Dabbs, MD, the author tries to demystify these terms, offering insights into the historical development of firearms, and primarily focusing on the characteristics defining semi-automatic firearms. Highlighting the quirky language specific to various fields, Dabbs mentions that while different professions might have terms like 'sweating' meaning different things, the gun world too has its unique lexicon. Specifically, the term 'semi-automatic' is often misunderstood even though it is a straightforward mechanism, especially in contrast to fully automatic weapons. The semi-automatic gun is essentially a self-loading gun that fires one round with each trigger pull.

Dabbs traces the semi-automatic firearm's origin back to inventions in 1885 by Ferdinand Ritter von Mannlicher in Austria. Since then, there has been significant advancement, poised today with an evolved design that is popular for various shooting applications. Semi-automatic firearms include rifles, pistols, and shotguns, each designed for specific uses like hunting or self-defense. Rifles, such as the popular Springfield Armory SAINT or the time-honored M1A, bring versatility and efficiency in defense scenarios, while semi-automatic pistols stand as favorites in law enforcement for their ease of use and reliability. The semi-automatic firearms function by using the firing energy to extract empty casings and load new ammunition, ensuring no more than one round is fired with each trigger squeeze. Despite their efficiency, they require proper handling knowledge and maintenance to function reliably.

The appeal of semi-automatic firearms not only lies in their mechanical sophistication but also in their practicality for self-defense and recreational use. Innovation in design and material science has made semi-automatic firearms an ideal choice for concealed carry, providing users with a good balance of power, size, and ease of use. However, they do involve a learning curve and require regular practice to maintain proficiency. For those considering entry into the world of firearms, semi-automatic firearms offer a blend of historical significance, mechanical brilliance, and practical utility that appeals to both novice and seasoned users alike. Such insights invite readers to delve deeper into the world of firearms, as presented in "What Is a Semi-Automatic Firearm?" by Will Dabbs, MD.

SOG Camp Axe Review — The Ideal Stainless Steel Camping Tool?

The article "SOG Camp Axe Review — The Ideal Stainless Steel Camping Tool?" by Randall Chaney reviews the SOG Camp Axe based on his experience using it in the aftermath of Hurricane Milton. Chaney discusses how the axe was added to his emergency kit during the hurricane, emphasizing its utility in a survival situation. The review evaluates its performance when used to cut through debris and conduct repairs, highlighting its role in aiding disaster recovery.

SOG Specialty Knives & Tools, established in 1986 by Spenser Frazer, is known for crafting tools for military personnel and outdoor enthusiasts. The SOG Camp Axe is characterized as a versatile and easily maneuverable tool, made from 2Cr13 stainless steel, which combines corrosion resistance with toughness. The handle is constructed from glass-reinforced nylon, providing a good grip, while the design allows for dynamic and defensive capabilities. It features a small hammer head useful for handling minor tasks such as hammering nails into place.

The SOG Camp Axe also serves as a convenient tool for hiking and outdoor expeditions due to its lightweight and compact design. Chaney compares it favorably to the SOG FastHawk and appreciates its practical features for both survival and daily utility, making it worth the MSRP of $59.95. From facilitating quick fixes before a storm to clearing hurricane debris, Chaney endorses the axe's durability and ease of use, recommending it as a valuable addition to any preparedness kit. For more on this versatile camping tool, read the full article, SOG Camp Axe Review — The Ideal Stainless Steel Camping Tool?.