Urban Rifles

06 Oct 08

Urban Rifles:

At an Urban Rifle Course in NV last weekend, we had two students who brought Kel-Tec SU-16s w/folding stocks (223). The rifle is attractive because of the way it folds up for low-profile transport, and because it accepts M-16 magazines. We're had a number of these rifles in Courses, but reliability has been spotty. And, neither of the two we had with us last weekend ran well. Feeding problems abounded, and acquiring a consistent, stable cheek-weld and mount is difficult with the abbreviated folding stock. They are far from the top of my List.

We had one SIG/556 which ran all weekend without a single hiccup. With its folding stock, it transports well in a tennis-racket case. And, with its forward-mounted Micro Aimpoint, it is extremely fast and deadly accurate.

My RA/XCR in 7.62X39, also with a forward-mounted Aimpoint on a LaRue quick-release mount, ran just fine too, as always. With its folding stock, it fits conveniently into my OFA "Go-Bag," mentioned in a previous Quip.

We has several ARs, one S&W M&P, one DSA, along with several others. All but one was equipped with an Aimpoint, and all ran fine, however students had to be constantly reminded to keep the dust-cover closed!

We also had a Micro-Aimpoint-equipped Kahr M1 Carbine. This is the second M1Carbine we've seen so equipped. It too ran fine all weekend, and it's owner passed his Practical Test. He has a good supply of Cor-Bon DPX for it!

One student used an iron-sighted 30-06 Garand, and he was good with it! From shooting, to moving, to reloading, he was practiced and competent. The original Garand, considered a "relic" by some, is still a formidable weapon in the hands of the accomplished! The Garand is big and heavy, at least by today 's standards, so we don't see a lot of them, but, when we do, their owners know what they're about, without fail!

With Western-style "peep" rear sights, we sometimes see shooters mistakenly sighting over the rear sight, instead of through it, particularly when fast shooting is required. It happens even among the experienced. The result is, of course, a shot that goes way high. Under similar circumstances, shooters sometimes mistake a protective wing on the left or right of the front sight post for the front sight itself, sending shots way to one side or the other. Even "simple" iron-sights are far from fool-proof!

Students of history clearly see that we are headed into exciting times, and they also know that a capable urban rifle, along with competent accouterments, and correct and well-practiced rifle skills, are all going to be indispensable accessories among the wise and awake for the foreseeable future.

Most who become aware, usually for the first time, of what a competent Operator can accomplish with his urban rifle, from that point forward neverwant to be without one!

/John