The Firearm Blog has info and pictures on this new take on the tactical grip. Looks interesting.

Go check it out.

The Pittsburg Tribune has a pretty good story on the increasing number of ARs showing up in the hands of hunters: AR-style rifles spurring some debate

(”Spurring some debate” is the unofficial middle name of the AR, by the way.)

There are still some states — just how many the NSSF hopes to determine via survey within a week or so — where it’s illegal to hunt with a semiautomatic rifle.

Pennsylvania is one of those.

“It’s not the AR styling per se. That really has nothing to do with it,” said Scott Tomlinson, law enforcement supervisor in the Pennsylvania Game Commission’s southwest region office in Bolivar. “It has to do with the capacity for shooting multiple rounds.”

That issue is easily addressed with low-capacity magazines. I’ve never really understood that limitation. Is there fear that someone with a 30-round mag is going to mow down an entire herd of deer at once? Do they have tags for all those deer?

Even within the hunting community, some “traditionalist” hunters dislike the rifles. That’s led the NSSF to mount a campaign aimed at getting sportsmen to quit arguing amongst themselves.

Because it’s unusual for gun owners to argue amongst themselves.

You want to really see the fur fly? Call that 5-round low-cap hunting magazine a “clip”.

By Steve Adelman over at GunsAndHunting.com: Piston Perfect!

Yesterday I pointed out the Talon Thumbhole Stock for shotguns by Knoxx. Today it’s the Axiom TH Thumbhole Rifle Stock:

Axiom TH Thumbhole Rifle Stock

For a customizable fit, the stock comes with interchangeable rubber grip inserts that adjust the overall size of the pistol grip. The barrel channel is a full-float that will fit any barrel diameter. Aluminum pillars provide added stability and strength. The unique design of the stock cuts muzzle rise and the traditional comb design is made for comfort and consistent target acquisition. The precision receiver is compatible with bi-pods. A 14-cubic inch rear storage compartment is conveniently located in the butt of the stock for small items. The Axiom TH Thumbhole Rifle Stock is available in black polymer or universal camo for the Remington 700 BDL – short and long action, and the Howa 1500/Weatherby Vanguard BDL for short and long action. MSRP for the black polymer is $269.99 and $299.99 for the universal camo.

We shot a .300 Win Mag bolt-action with the adjustable Axiom stock, but those who prefer full fixed stocks will like this new thumbhole model.

Over at Op-For: A variant of the straight-pull bolt action Canadian Ross rifle

High-res photo of the gun by Oleg Volk here.

Here’s the TPD page. And a short video.

Two more photos here.

They should buy Oleg’s product shot for their site.

Embarrassingly, Murdoc’s AR has been non-functional for some time. Last night I finally got things put back together. Here it is in its current configuration:

Murdoc's Black Gun

It started out as a DPMS Panther AP4 Carbine and I’ve made the following changes:

• Modular Gas Block by Brownells
• Two-Piece Forearm by Midwest Industries
• XTM Rail Panels by Magpul
• Flip-Up Front Sight by Midwest Industries
• Same Plane Low Profile Flip-Up Rear Sight by Midwest Industries
• MIAD Grip by Magpul
• Enhanced Trigger Guard by Magpul
• AR-Restor Buffer by Enidine/Brownells (not visible)
• The pictured mag is a 30-Round SOCOM Tan Magazine by Brownells with a Ranger Floor Plate by Magpul

I’ve still got these to install:

• Mil-Spec Buffer Tube by Stag Arms
• CTR Stock by Magpul
• Bayonet Lug for the Brownells Gas Block

I also sometimes use a generic forward vertical grip, a Versa-Pod bipod, and an MD2 LED Light/Laser from Pentagon Light. When I want to take longer shots, I slap an inexpensive Barska 40mm scope (not sure what model) on the rail.

I’ve still got to go function fire this thing and re-zero yet, so it’s not 100% ready to go. It’s certainly not the only gun in the cabinet, but I’ve been itching a bit since it went out of action this summer.

Does anyone else get to feeling a little antsy when guns are out of commission?

The ZM-4 upper receiver looks like it might be a decent deal. More info at The Firearm Blog.

At GunsAndHunting.com:

• .50 BMG Ammo
• .50 BMG Recoil Reduction
• .50 BMG BORS

Zel Custom's Tactilite .50 BMG

Press release:

Zel Custom Mfg. Releases Tactilite in .416 Barrett
Converts your standard AR rifle into a .416 Barrett bolt-action, is CA-legal

ODESSA, FL (August 9, 2009) – Due on the success of the Tacilite .50 BMG, Zel Custom Manufacturing has released, today, a new line of Tactilite that convert a standard AR-15 into a .416 Barrett bolt-action rifle.

The Tactilite, a complete upper assembly that allows a user to quickly convert an AR-15 rifle into a precision single-shot, bolt-action rifle, chambered in either .50 BMG or .416 Barrett, has been a big hit for Zel Custom. Since its release in June 2009, the Tactilite has been enthusiastically received by the shooting community and have caused sales to skyrocket for the new company.

“From casual shooters to the professional user to even the on-line gaming community, the Tactilite .50 BMG has received an incredibly positive response. Now, we’re proud to offer a version chambered in .416 Barrett, to meet the needs of both the California market and those who want to use this incredible new chambering,” said Michael Brendzel, president of Zel Custom Mfg. “The .416 Barrett is more powerful than the .50 BMG out to 1000 yards. We expect a lot of exciting news around this chambering in the coming years.”

The image is that of a .50 BMG model, but it is externally identical to the .416 Barrett model.

I’ve not shot the .416 Barrett, but I’m thinking that this offering is a great move for a couple of reasons. First, of course, is the California restriction on the .50 BMG. Secondly, the .416 Barrett could be a good option for delivering heavy power without needing to go all the way up to a .50 BMG.

UPDATE: Was in a hurry and forgot to link to Zel Custom’s Tactilite site.