DESERT MARKSMEN RIFLE & PISTOL CLUB

ANTELOPE VALLEY, CA 2020 FALL EDITION V1

IT’S HOT OUT THERE, STAY HYDRATED!—————————————————————————————————

SOME REMINDERS FOR ALL MEMBERS, NEW & OLD:

Parking placards:

DMRPC members are reminded to place their club issued parking placard in a manner that can be easily seen while vehicles are parked at any time while on the DMRPC complex. This helps to ensure that all vehicles are properly accounted for, and to reduce the likelihood that a vehicle may be issued a parking citation by USFS. Those members who enter through the Angeles Forest Highway gate at times when DMRPC security personnel are stationed at the gate may be turned away if they are not in possession of either their issued parking placard or membership card. Guests of DMRPC members are to be under the direct supervision of the DMRPC member, along with any guest vehicle at all times.

Commercial solicitation policy:

Please beware that there is to be no commercial solicitation while on the DMRPC complex. Questions regarding this policy can be made to the DMRPC executive committee.

Application & Renewal Process Reminder:

DMRPC members and perspective applicants are reminded that incomplete or illegible applications will be rejected; membership process-ing is handled by volunteers who work hard to process over 1K members, and that doesn’t leave time to chase down incomplete information.Check payments to DMRPC often take two to four weeks to process, due to the high volume of apps that come in in a short period of time. Please be patient as we work through the process. Special thanks to Jackie, DMRPC membership chair, who works especially hard for the club to get it all done!

SAFETY MESSAGE:

Defensive handgun shooters spend a lot of time practicing presenting their handgun to the target. The draw stroke should be practiced often, and you should be able to conduct it quickly and smoothly. What is often overlooked in practice sessions is holstering. This is the primary reason many self-inflicted gunshot wounds occur while holstering; shooters either do it wrong or do it in too much of a hurry. There is a proper technique to holstering, and, if done correctly, it’s very safe.The first rule when holstering a handgun is to not be in a hurry. It might be imperative that you get your gun out fast, but it is never critical to holster it with the same speed. When you decide it’s time to holster your handgun, take a deep breath, consider if there are any ammunition concerns that need to be addressed, and then—and only then—begin the holstering process.The first thing you want to do is remove your finger from the trigger and place it alongside the frame of the handgun. Then, bring the gun into your workspace, close to your body at chest level. At this point, if the handgun is equipped with a manual safety or decocker, you can activate it. Now it’s time to remove your support hand from your two-hand grip. When you do so, place that hand flat against your chest this will prevent any chance of covering that hand with the muzzle of the handgun.

HOLSTER SAFETY, BY RICHARD MANNCOURTESY OF AMERICAN RIFLEMAN, BY PERMISSION

Now, begin rotating the handgun 90° toward the ground as you move it to a position directly above the holster. If you’re wearing a cover garment you can extend the thumb on your shooting hand to sweep it out of the way. Once the handgun is directly above the holster, reconfirm your trigger finger is out of the trigger guard and alongside the frame, and then slowly lower the handgun into the holster.Once the handgun is fully seated in the holster you can release your grip on it with the shooting hand. If your holster has any retention devices such as a thumb strap you can now secure them. If it takes two hands to do so, that’s fine; remove your support hand from the center of your chest and lock the security devices in place.

The above article was recently published in the May 2020 edition of The American Rifleman; the author, Richard Mann, not only has a lot of knowledge of the use of sidearms, but is one of the world’s foremost authorities on the Scout Rifle Concept, and has published numerous articles, and a very comprehensive book about such. I have included this article in this DMRPC newsletter edition for the benefit of all members, and particularly some of our newer members who may not yet have much experience in the use of proper holsters.

In a future edition, I will cover some specifics about procedures to be used at the DMRPC complex in regards to holster use; stay tuned.————————————————————————————————————

MUZZLE DEVICES: A FEW WORDS

Do you know much about the various “muzzle devices” one might observe these days as they pertain to rifles, and some of the differences between what are commonly known as flash hiders, compensators, muzzle brakes, and thread protectors? I was recently involved in conversation with some other DMRPC members about this, and shown some examples; visiting my local FFL dealer (who specializes in various “builds” of rifles) revealed a plethora of brands, styles, and sizes. What I have learned is that there is a lot more to learn, particularly when it comes to what I can have on a particular style of rifle if I wish to avoid potential troubles with the myriad jungle of California laws regarding such. DISCLAIMER: The following does not constitute in any form legal advice as to which devices may be used on any particular firearm. Be advised that anyone reading this is encouraged to seek further guidance for their own particular situation and needs. With that said, here are a few pictures and comments:

Pictured at left is a simple thread protector. It’s main function is just that: to protect threaded barrels from damage that might make other muzzle accessories difficult to install later. They are also good for keeping the overall length and weight down, and may provide for a snag-free profile. Many rifles have these factory installed.

This flash hider is a very typical style found on many rifles, often referred to as the “A2”, or “Birdcage”. It is the most common flash hider seen on many AR-15, M-16, M-4, etc. rifles. Note that the muzzle opening is much wider than the actual bore diameter, and has long horizontal cuts. The underside is typically solid and smooth, to aid in reducing dust signature when the rifle is fired. This style is also used when a bayonet is to be mounted.

This example of a flash hider is manufactured by Ruger, and originally installed on one of their Gunsite Scout Rifles. Notice the large muzzle opening, and horizontal cuts. It does not feature a solid portion on the under-side. It adds nearly 2” in length to the barrel.

Surefire WARCOMP flash hider. While it has some braking vents, it is primarily for flash reduction. Nearly 3” in length, and using three prongs, the manufacturer states that this unit is also designed as a suppressor mount, thus giving versatility and dual function. It is offered in different muzzle thread sizes to accommodate a wide range of weapons.

Flash hider. Similar to the unit above in that it uses a three-prong design, it is another very common style, mainly used on AR-15 variants.This unit was made by Tac Fire. I was able to find many that appeared identical.

Flash hider. This unit features fifteen braking vents, and four prongs to reduce flash. The muzzle opening is much larger than the bore size, similar to other flash hiders. I was able to find another very similar unit, in which the prongs were sharpened like knives. If you use something similar, a muzzle cap of sorts is in order to protect other equipment from being cut.

This is a muzzle brake. It’s function is to aid in the reduction of felt recoil. It has a muzzle opening that is very close to bore size, and works by redirecting some of the gasses of powder combustion at an angle most usually perpendicular to the bore, and sometimes back towards the shooter at an angle. Depending on the shape and direction of the “ports”, recoil can be partially directed in different paths.

Another muzzle brake; again we see a muzzle opening close to bore size (this one is 6.5mm), a series of holes away from the muzzle end, and a cone-like opening on the sides that deflect gasses away from the shooter. This example is on a Ruger Precision Rifle. Ruger refers to it as a hybrid design, acting as a muzzle brake and compensator.

The Lantac Dragon muzzle brake. Designed for weapons using the 5.56/.223 cartridges, the manufacturer claims that this brake is suitable for full-auto fire, due to reduced recoil reduction and muzzle climb. The manufacturer also makes specific mention on their web page that this unit is currently “California compliant”. More on that later.

Pictured at left are two images of a Springfield Armory muzzle device advertised as a brake and compensator. This particular unit is on their M1A Scout Squad rifle; other versions of this rifle that SA offers have different designs.This unit also contains the front sight base, and is easily removed with proper tools.

The underside of the SA unit is solid, which is to help reduce dust clouds when being fired close to ground level.

Of note was that there are many different designs; for example, one online retailer had over two hundred different muzzle devices. To add to the confusion, there seem to be various definitions as to what exactly is a flash hider, a muzzle brake, or a compensator. After consulting several rifle makers, and a number of online sources, what I came up with is this:

A flash hider is just that; its primary function is to reduce flash emanating from the rifle’s muzzle. California state law currently defines a flash hider as a “feature” in regards to the use of such on some semi-automatic rifles.

A muzzle brake is designed primarily to reduce recoil; the reduction of muzzle flip, and to a small extent linear movement, is secondary. While effective, the downside is that muzzle brakes often raise perceived noise to very high levels, often making it very uncomfortable for those in close proximity. Muzzle brakes are often seen on large caliber rifles. I recall watching a few DMRPC members firing rifles so equipped that were chambered in .50 BMG, and other similar-sized rounds; the noise was incredible.

A compensator is a muzzle device primarily designed to reduce muzzle movement, both up and down, and side-to-side. Felt recoil reduction is secondary. Compensators work very well on rifles that don’t generate a lot of recoil, and are popular on long range target rifles. Compensators are also popular on some semi-automatic pistols.

With those very basic definitions as above, DMRPC members are wise to proceed with caution, particularly when assembling or installing various muzzle devices on center fire, semi-automatic rifles. In my research, I learned that the California DOJ considers any muzzle device to be a “flash hider” if the seller, or manufacturer of the device advertises that it in any way helps to reduce muzzle flash. But that wasn’t the only info to be found; there was a lot more.

* Most flash hiders are of two styles: “bird cage”, and pronged (as pictured). The inside of flash hiders tend to be larger than the bore size, and have a much larger opening. Horizontal cuts aid in redirecting the flash from the shooter’s field of vision.

Most muzzle brakes have interior sizes closer to the bore diameter, and a series of holes machined in a manner that propels the hot gasses to the sides and rear, resulting in less recoil.

Most compensators have interior sizes closer to the bore diameter, and enlarged ports on the sides or top that direct gasses to reduce movement.

If DMRPC members are inclined to further their study of the California DOJ’s reasoning behind their definitions, I found a “statement of reason” doc-ument relating to the passage of senate bill 23, from early 2000. It is a 190 page pdf document. Contact the DMRPC newsletter editor for a link.

Special thanks to VC Defense in Thousand Oaks for supplying some of the devices pictured for this article.———————————————————————————————————

Trash collection, litter, old targets, etc: DMRPC members and their guests are reminded that while the DMRPC contracts with a waste disposal company for the emptying of the blue trash dumpster adjacent to the Black Powder range and BBQ area, there are no designated personnel to place trash, old targets, liter, etc. into that dumpster. It is the responsibility of the members to do that, and to keep the ranges clean. When you observe that some of the various trash bins around the DMRPC complex need to be emptied, please take some initiative and do so. Better yet, dispose of your old targets, trash, etc. when you are done with your shooting session.SPLITHOOF, DMRPC # 282