FOR more than 130 years, the Hammerliname has been synonymous withinternational target shooting. Until

recently, successful competitors firedHammerli pistols; everyone else made-dowith lesser brands. But times change, andcompetitors improve their products. Bymid-1995, with competitors fighting hardfor market share, the Swiss company foundits Model 208S target pistol growing bothincreasingly expensive to produce and longin the tooth. The carbon fiber-reinforced,

convertible 280 pistol neededmajor improvements as well.Hammerli has developed acompletely new target pistol incorporatingnumerous leading-edge features to advancethe state of the pistolmaker’s art. The resultis the new SP20 target pistol.

Introduced in Europe in early 1998, theSP20 will be sold alongside the 208S andthe 280 for the time being, however, the

SP20 is slated to replace both. The SP20 willbe imported into the U.S. by SIG Arms.

Operationally, the SP20 is a blowback-operated, fixed-barrel, semi-automatic pis-tol designed for international target compe-tition. It is offered in .22 Long Rifle forevents requiring a rimfire pistol and in .32S&W Long (wadcutter only) for eventsrequiring a center-fire. A conversion kit ineither caliber is also available.

A major factor in designing the SP20 wasto maintain quality while adapting modernproduction methods to keep costs down. Tothis extent, the receiver, barrel holder andtrigger housing are machined from alu-minum alloy then anodized. Magazines aremolded of carbon-fiber-reinforced syntheticwith a natural finish. The sights, bolt assem-bly and barrel are of blued carbon steel.

®

The American Rifleman has used the phrase “DopeBag” at least since 1921, when Col.Townsend Whelenfirst titled his column with it. Even then, it had been inuse for years, referring to a sack used by target shoot-ers to hold ammunition and accessories on the firingline.“Sight dope”also was a traditional marksman’s termfor sight adjustment information, while judging windspeed and direction was called “doping the wind.”

CAUTION: Technical data and information con-tained herein are intended to provide information basedon the limited experience of individuals under specificconditions and circumstances. They do not detail thecomprehensive training procedures, techniques andsafety precautions absolutely necessary to properlycarry on similar activity. Read the notice and disclaimeron the contents page. Always consult comprehensivereference manuals and bulletins for details of propertraining requirements, procedures, techniques andsafety precautions before attempting any similar activity.

.22 LR Vel.@15' Energy Recoil Smallest Largest AverageCartridge (f.p.s.) (ft.-lbs.) (ft.-lbs.) (ins.) (ins.) (ins.)

Eley Tenex 936 Avg. 71 0.2 1.14 1.80 1.5140-gr. LRN 15 Sd

CCI Pistol Match 941 Avg. 77 0.2 l.33 2.11 1.8040-gr. LRN 20 Sd

RWS Pistol Match895 Avg. 79 0.2 1.13 1.79 1.3340-gr. LRN 12 Sd

Average Extreme Spread: 1.54

Measured average velocity for 10 rounds from a 47⁄8" barrel. Range tem-perature: 74° F Humidity: 44%. Accuracy for five consecutive, 10-shotgroups at 25 yds. from a sandbag. Abbreviations: Sd (standard devia-tion), LRN (lead round nose)

SHOOTING RESULTS

48 AMERICAN RIFLEMAN • October 1999

HAMMERLI SP20 PISTOL

The Hammerli name has longbeen synonymous with excel-lence in international targetcompetition. This traditioncontinues with the new .22 LRand .32 S&W Long SP20 targetpistol that will replace theModel 208S and the Model 280.

The receiver(arrow) of the

SP20 target pistol ismachined from aircraft-quality aluminum alloy.

Five anodized colors are currentlyoffered: red, blue, gold, black and violet.

The barrel of the new SP20 is secured in aholder that fastens to the front of thereceiver using three equal-length bolts.The two socket-head screws on the leftedge securely clamp the barrel in position.

Reliance is placed on the repeatability ofclose tolerances held by modern, computer-numeric-controlled (CNC) machinery.

The SP20 does not have a conventionalslide. Rather, the round bolt body recipro-cates inside the receiver in similar mannerto many rimfire rifles. Two integral wingson the front of the bolt assembly serve asambidextrous operating handles; the boltface itself being located in a cutout in thecenter of the bolt. The rear of the boltbody contains the spring-retracted firingpin with a round tip that impacts on thecartridge rim at the 12 o’clock position.

A single, hook-type extractor ispinned into a slot cut into the right rearside of the bolt body in the 3 o’clock posi-tion. The right feed lip of the magazineserves as the ejector. There are two small,coil-type recoil springs, one on each side ofthe bolt. These are held in place by two, steelrecoil spring guide rods, which are easilyremovable. A unique feature is an adjustablespring buffer located in the rear of thereceiver. The buffer can be adjusted to finetune the operation to ammunition velocityand shooter recoil preference.

The six-shot, single-column magazine isin front of the trigger guard. The magazinewell itself is an integral part of the moldedgrip and frame unit, not part of the receiv-er. This lowers the bore axis and allows for

an orthopedic grip of advanced design thatcan easily be removed or adjusted. SP20barrels have a radial shoulder machined inthem that mates with a shoulder cut insidethe barrel holder. Once inserted in the hold-er, barrels are centered by a small locatingscrew in the top of the holder, then firmlyclamped in place by two large, hex-headmounting screws. In turn, the barrel holderfastens to the front of the receiverwith three equal-length, hex-headmounting screws.

The trigger assembly fastens tothe bottom of the receiver withtongues on the housing that fit intocorresponding grooves in the receiv-er. A steel retaining pin locks the trig-ger assembly into position. The trig-ger is fully adjustable by the shoot-er for pull weight, slack, let-off, trav-el and position. The wide trigger bowhas a smooth surface with a non-slip,pebbled finish.

Standard sights consist of an out-standing set of micrometer-adjustable, post and notch targetsights. The top of the receiver is alsodrilled and tapped with five holes formounting optical sights if desired.Triangular in cross-section, the .155"high front post sight rotates to pre-sent one of three flat surfaces of 3.2, 3.6 or4 mm in thickness to match shooter prefer-ence. Posts offering other thickness arraysare optionally available. A sloping, .090"diameter rib on the barrel holder extendingfrom the sight post to the muzzle protectsthe front sight from impact damage. Clickadjustable for both windage and elevationusing clearly marked screws, the rear sightmounts in a machined recess on the rear ofthe receiver using a single slot-headedretaining screw. A unique feature of the rearsight is the ability to quickly and easily

adjust the width of the notch on the blade.This is accomplished by using a two-partblade mounted in such manner as to alloweach half to slide to either side indepen-dently. Blade depth can be changed by fil-ing the notches or inserting different,optionally available blade halves.

The orthopedic grips are of a lightweight,synthetic material that absorbs perspiration.The surface of this molded, black material isstippled to offer a secure, non-slip grippingarea. The combined grip frame/magazinewell is held to the receiver in front by a stepon the frame and at the rear by a single hex-head screw. The black color is molded intothe material, so it will not crack, chip or peel.

Recognizing that most competitors person-alize the grips of their pistols by adding orremoving material,Hammerli selected a gripmaterial that can easily be worked with com-mon tools. Hammerli also offers grip com-pound as an option or will mold a customgrip to your specifications on request (atadditional cost, of course). Most SP20 pis-tols come with a large right-hand grip unlessotherwise specified. SIG Arms customer ser-vice will swap sizes of new grips with pur-chasers of SP20s as needed.

With its very low bore axis, the SP20rides low in the shooter’s hand thusreducing perceived recoil and shooterfatigue. By adjusting the trigger positionand grip floor, we found it possible toobtain a comfortable grip position thatnoticeably improved shooter perfor-mance. All shooters were impressed bythe metallic sights and crisp target trig-ger. We found that by using theadjustable buffer, it was easy to fine tunethe SP20 to function flawlessly with var-ious ammunition types and brands.

The Hammerli SP20 target pistol offersthe features, reliability and performancesuccessful international competitorsdemand and backs them with traditionalSwiss quality, craftsmanship and attentionto detail. Hammerli’s proven track record ofshooter support offers peace of mind andadds value. In our opinion, the SP20 is anexcellent value for the money when one con-siders that considerable sums must be spentto make lesser guns competitive. And eventhen, in the view of some, they are still notas good as a Hammerli!

MANUFACTURER: SIG Arms HammerliAG, Lenzberg, CH5600 Switzerland

IMPORTER: SIG Arms, Inc. (Dept.AR),Corporate Park, Exeter, NH 03833;(603) 773-2302

CALIBER: .22 Long Rifle (tested), .32S&W Long (wadcutter only)

ACTION TYPE: single-action, blowback-operated, semi-automatic pistol

CONSTRUCTION: aluminum receiver,steel barrel and bolt, carbon fiber-rein-forced lower frame

FINISH: natural matte frame; anodizedreceiver, blued barrel

LENGTH: 114⁄5" WIDTH: 2"HEIGHT: 59⁄10"BARREL: 47⁄8"RIFLING: 6 grooves, RH twistWEIGHT EMPTY: 41 ozs.MAGAZINE: six rounds, detachable,

single-column (five in .32 S&W Long)SIGHTS: rotatable, triangular front post

with different diameter faces; variablewidth notched blade rear adjustable forwindage and elevation

TRIGGER: adjustable for pull weight,slack, take-up, let-off and position, pullweight 23⁄4-lbs.

STOCKS: synthetic, adjustable, orthope-dic target-type with surface stippling

ACCESSORIES: extra magazine, screw-driver, four hex wrenches, dry firechamber insert, synthetic bristle brushon rod, bronze bristle brush on rod andfitted, lockable, plastic carry case

SUGGESTED RETAIL PRICE: $1,482(.22 LR), $1,648 (32 S&W Long),

HAMMERLI SP20

AMERICAN RIFLEMAN • October 1999 49

The new Hammerli SP20 target pistol comes well-equipped with standard accessories including: ascrewdriver, three hex wrenches, a dry fire cham-ber insert, an extra magazine, two cleaningbrushes and a lockable, fitted plastic carry case.

The orthopedic grips of the SP20 are mold-ed of a special synthetic that absorbsmoisture to keep the shooter’s hand dry.Grip material compound for customizingis offered, as are custom-molded grips.

FORmore than 50 years,Franchi has beenrecognized for its recoil-operated,semi-automatic shotguns. Indeed, the

AL 48 series of recoil-operated shotgunsremains a staple of Franchi productiontoday. But, as time has passed, hunter pref-erences have moved from recoil operationto gas operation, so Franchi developed thenew Model 612/620 series of gas-operatedsemi-automatics. We received a 12-ga.Franchi Model 612 for test and evaluation.

The new Model 612 (12-ga.) and Model620 (20-ga.) are thoroughly moderndesigns incorporating many of the latest,popular features. For example, the 3"-chambered Model 612 fires all 12-ga., 23⁄4"and 3" shotshells interchangeably withoutadjustment by means of the patentedVariopress gas piston system (the 20-ga.

Model 620 does the same without theVariopress piston). Other modern featuresinclude interchangeable, screw-in choketubes; wood, synthetic or Advantage cam-ouflage stock finish options; and an alu-minum alloy receiver. Examining theModel 612, we found two additional, inno-vative technical features of note: a rotatingbolt head with four locking lugs that lockdirectly to the short barrel extension, anda buttstock adjustable for drop and cant.

The Model 612 has classic, gracefulFranchi styling with a low-profile, sloped-back receiver, lengthy but trim fore-end, andpistol-grip buttstock. In operation, theModel 612 bleeds gas from the barrel viatwo angled ports approximately one-third ofthe way between the forcing cone and themuzzle. Gas enters the piston housingattached to the barrel then impinges on theVariopress piston assembly that slides onthe magazine tube.

The Variopress design has a movable,outer sleeve on the piston body. This sleeveis held in place by a strong coil spring thatserves as an automatic gas relief and excessenergy absorption system. Gas pressuresover and above those required to operate theaction compress the sleeve against thespring. This moves the sleeve rearward,venting excess gas to the atmosphere andabsorbing excess energy. As the gas pistonassembly moves rearward, it acts on dual,tubular steel operating rods attached to asleeve on the magazine tube to cycle theaction. The recoil spring is held captive onthe magazine tube between the operatingrod sleeve and the receiver.

Franchi uses a bolt having a separate,rotating head with four locking lugs (two onthe 20-ga. Model 620) that lock directly to

an abbreviated barrel extension. Bolt headrotation is controlled by a cam traveling inan angled slot cut into the top of the boltbody. As the operating rods move the boltassembly rearward about 3/8", the camrotates the bolt head approximately 30degrees to unlock. The bolt assembly thencontinues rearward against the compressingrecoil spring, extracting and ejecting the

fired shell and cocking the hammer in a con-ventional manner. Buffers in the rear of thereceiver and rear of the magazine tubeabsorb any remaining energy left in the boltand operating rod assembly at the end oftheir travel. The single hook extractor is onthe right of the bolt head, and the ejector onthe receiver’s left interior operates througha small relief cut on the bolt head. A spring-retracted firing pin helps prevent slam fires.

The body of the trigger assembly is madeof composite with blued steel parts held inplace by four steel pins. The aluminum shellcarrier is powered by a coil spring actingthrough a steel lever arm exposed on the

MANUFACTURER: Franchi S.p.A., Viadel Serpente 12, 25131 Brescia, Italy

IMPORTER: Benelli USA (Dept. AR),17603 Indian Head Highway,Accokeek, MD 20607-2501;(301) 283-6981

GAUGE: 12, 3" (tested), 20, 3"ACTION TYPE: gas-operated, semi-

automatic shotgunRECEIVER: aluminum alloyFINISH: Advantage camouflage (tested),

satin walnut or matte blackOVERALL LENGTH: 493⁄4"BARREL: 24", 26" or 28" (tested) with

ventilated ribCHOKE SYSTEM: interchangeable, steel

shot compatible, screw-in choke tubesWEIGHT: 7 lbs.MAGAZINE: tubular, five round capacityTRIGGER: single stage with crossbolt

safety, 5-lbs. pullSTOCK: synthetic two-piece: length of

pull, 141⁄4"; drop at heel; 2 to 21⁄2"; dropat comb, 19⁄16"

ACCESSORIES: three choke tubes,choke tube key, shims for buttstock

SUGGESTED RETAIL PRICE: $579(black synthetic stock), $657(Advantage camo), $595 (walnut)

FRANCHI 612

FRANCHI MODEL 612 VS SHOTGUN

The new Italian-made Franchi Model 612 shotgun uses the self-adjusting Variopress gas systemthat allows you to shoot a variety of 23⁄4"and 3" shells with no need to change settings. It has inno-vative features, such as a system of shims that make the stock adjustable for both cant and drop.

The buttstock is adjustable for drop andcant using shims inserted between thestock’s wrist and the rear of the receiver.

The self-adjustingVariopress gas sys-tem has a separate,spring-loaded sleeve(arrow) on the gaspiston that metersonly enough gas tocycle the 612’s action.

50 AMERICAN RIFLEMAN • October 1999

MARLIN FIREARMS CO. has a new rim-fire target rifle based on the provensemi-automatic action used in its

line of box magazine-fed autoloading rifles.The Model 7000T is an economically priced

10-shot repeater, with competition featuresnormally found on quality target rifles. Suchfeatures include: a full-length aluminumfore-end accessory rail; a serrated, rubberbuttplate adjustable for length of pull,

height and cant; an 18" heavy, target bar-rel; and an adjustable trigger stop.

Our sample’s stock is red, white and bluelaminated hardwood. Its pistol grip has astriking drop, but is comfortable and com-

right side of the housing. Askeleton hammer poweredby a coil mainspring assuresvery short lock time. Thereis a crossbolt safety in thefront root of the triggerguard that acts on the triggersear, hammer cam and ham-mer, blocking them whileleaving the hammer at restand under no pressure.

The Model 612 isequipped with steel-shot-compatible, interchange-able, screw-in choke tubes.Three tubes and a choke tubekey are supplied with eachgun. In European manner,the tubes are marked withsmall notches to denote con-striction. Barrels comeequipped with a .268"-wide.ventilated rib with horizon-tal serrations to preventglare. The European-typeforcing cone has gradualconstriction, and the bore ishighly polished, but notchrome-plated.

The drop at the comb maybe adjusted anywhere from 2"to 21⁄2" to suit shooter prefer-ence. Cant can also be adjusted to suit. Thisis accomplished by a system of shims that canbe inserted between the rear of the receiverand the wrist of the stock. An assortment ofcomposite shims comes with the gun, andreplacement shims are available. The systemis simple, sensible and easy to use.

Standard 612 stocks are selected, satin-finished walnut with cut checkering on thefore-end and pistol grip. A molded, syn-

thetic stock with nega-tive checkering is avail-able with either a mattenatural black finish oran Advantage camou-flage finish.

When examining theModel 612,one is imme-diately impressed by thehigh order of workman-ship, fit and finish.Metal-to-metal fit andstock-to-metal fit isabove average. Controls,features and operationseem intuitive and wellthought out.

Franchi semi-autoshotguns have alwaysbeen known for fast,lively handling andsuperb balance due totheir aluminum alloyreceivers. The Model612 does not disappointin these departments.Everyone who fired theModel 612 commentedpositively on the bal-ance and fast handling.The excellent sightingplane, uncluttered, pur-

poseful styling and smooth lines of the 612also received appreciative comments.Some, however, felt the length of the fore-end to be excessive.

In firing several hundred rounds of 12-ga. ammunition, including both magnumand target loads with lead and steel shot, theVariopress gas piston system functioned asclaimed. Light target and game loads func-tioned the gun flawlessly. Magnums, of

course, functioned the gun more forcefully,and it was here that the Variopress gas sys-tem made its presence felt by reducing per-ceived recoil. Recoil with 3" steel shot mag-num loads remained heavy, thus indicatingthe desirability of a ported barrel for suchloads. The Franchi Model 612 weighs bare-ly 7 lbs.—the fast, lively handling, there-fore, has a price—more recoil.

The slip-pad recoil pad design alsoreceived high marks. Have you ever tried toshoulder your gun for a fast shot only to snagthe rubber buttpad on your coat? Franchieliminated this common problem by incor-porating a hard plastic insert in the heel ofthe recoil pad. This unobtrusive but slickinsert prevents snagging on clothing. A nicetouch and one made by experienced huntersfor hunters.

We were pleasantly surprised by thesuggested retail price of $579 for the basicModel 612 with a black synthetic stock.Thecompetitive pricing makes the new 12-ga.Franchi Model 612 and its 20-ga. sibling,the 620, excellent values.

AMERICAN RIFLEMAN • October 1999 51

AVERAGE OF 10 PATTERNS AT 40 YDS.

16 18

18 21

20 23

15 16

Modified Choke

= Point of HoldFederal Premium

High Velocity LoadP128–12-ga. 23⁄4"–11⁄8 oz.-6 lead

Average Pellet count—253Measured vel. @ 3': 1411 f.p.s.Remaining Energy Per Pellet

@ 40 yds.: 2 ft.-lbs.Range temp.: 72°F

Humidity 68%Improved Cylinder Choke

Total Hits 147 (58%)21" Inner Circle 82 (32%)30" Outer Ring 65 (26%)

FRANCHI 612

The locking lugs on the rotating bolt headlock directly to the abbreviated barrelextension.The 612’s receiver is aluminum.

MARLIN 7000T TARGET

Marlin’s Model 7000T is an entry-level, semi-automatic .22 Long Rifle-cal. target riflewith competitive features such as a full-length accessory rail; buttplate adjustable forlength of pull, drop and cant; an 18" heavy target barrel; and an adjustable trigger stop.

pletely ambidextrous. Further adding to thestock’s versatility is the adjustable buttplate.Screws rigidly attach a 1/2" thick aluminumspacer to the buttstock. This spacer has sev-eral holes through it, one of which accepts atelescoping buttstock extension. Allen headscrews in the right side of the aluminumspacer clamp down on the extension tosecure it at the desired length of pull. Cant

and drop are easily adjusted by loosening anAllen head screw in the 1/2" thick, rubberbutt pad and rotating the pad left or right, upor down to the desired position. Retighteningthe Allen head screw secures the rubber buttpad in the desired position. The solid alu-minum accessory rail is inletted flush in thefore-end and can be used for attachingsuch items as the supplied fore-end stop

with a quick-detachable sling swivel.Heavy-contour barrels are commonly

used on target rifles, and the Marlin 7000Tis no exception. The straight 18" tube is.810" in diameter, rifled with Marlin’sfamous Micro-Groove system, and has arecessed target-style crown to protect theorigin of the rifling and preserve accuracy.

Barrel changing is a popular thing to dowith .22 rimfire rifles from companies suchas Ruger that use a slip-fit shank and V-blockretainer. This is not a practical option withthe Marlin 7000T, though, as the barrel is

press-fitted into the aluminum receiver andsecured with a barrel through pin. Further,the barrel has “restricted availability” and is“installed at factory only” according to theowner’s manual. This barrel attachmentarrangement is very rigid,however, and elim-inates the possibility of inaccuracy inducedby uneven tensioning of V-block bolts.

As befits a target rifle intended for ascope, the Marlin 7000T has no iron sights.The receiver is grooved for 1", steel, tip-offrings supplied with each rifle.

Inside the action, a magazine disconnectsafety lowers the trigger bar out of alignmentwith the sear when the magazine is removedso the rifle will not fire. Another magazine-related feature is an automatic, last-shot, bolthold open. The bolt can be manually lockedopen by retracting it and lifting up on the boltcontrol lever at the right front of the triggerguard. This lever will also release the boltfrom the open position by pressing it down.A trigger-blocking, cross-bolt safety buttonis in the rear of the trigger guard. Triggerovertravel is easily adjusted by using the sup-plied Allen wrench to turn the small set screwin the rear of the trigger guard.

We fired the Marlin Model 7000T foraccuracy with the results shown in the accom-panying table, and function fired it with avariety of standard-, high- and hyper-veloc-ity ammunition, both solid- and hollow-pointdesigns. The only malfunctions were withEley Match Xtra, which didn’t have enoughgas pressure to blow back the bolt for reli-able ejection. There were no malfunctions ofany kind with Federal or Winchester ammu-nition, and accuracy was outstanding withEley and Federal. The adjustable butt stockmade it easy to adjust the rifle to shooters of

all sizes. The high, straightcomb provides for a solidcheek weld, and ideally posi-tions the shooter’s eye directlybehind the scope. Trigger pull,while better than average for asporter rifle, was a little tooheavy for a target rifle.Nonetheless, the adjustablestop allowed us to minimizetrigger travel to make it moreacceptable.

Though the stock has a radical profile, itis comfortable to use from the standing posi-tion. Balance was also excellent, being nei-ther butt-, nor muzzle-heavy.

Custom .22 rimfire rifles modified forSTC or other competition offering m.o.a.accuracy and adjustable stocks typicallycost more than Marlin’s Model 7000T.Marlin, then, has achieved a competitivepackage with near m.o.a. performance forconsiderably less cost.

MANUFACTURER: Marlin Firearms Co.(Dept. AR), 100 Kenna Drive, P.O. Box248, North Haven, CT 06473-0905;(203) 239-5621

CALIBER: .22 Long RifleACTION TYPE: blowback-operated,

semi-automatic rifleRECEIVER: aluminumFINISH: satin blueOVERALL LENGTH: 37"MAGAZINE: 10-round, detachable,

single-column, steel box-typeBARREL: 18", button-rifled, chrome-

moly steel, straight heavy contourRIFLING: Micro-GrooveWEIGHT: 71⁄2 lbs.SIGHTS: none, receiver grooved for tip-

off scope ringsTRIGGER: single-stage with adjustable

stop, 31⁄4 -lb. pullSTOCK: red, white and blue laminated

hardwood with butt pad adjustable forlength of pull, height and cant: lengthof pull, adjustable: 12" to 151⁄2"; drop atheel, 11⁄2"; drop at comb, 11⁄2"

ACCESSORIES: fore-end stop with QDswivel, 1" scope rings, Allen wrenches

SUGGESTED RETAIL PRICE: $442

MODEL 7000T

The Model 7000T has an automatic, last-shot, bolt hold open. The bolt is manuallylocked open by retracting the bolt and lift-ing up on the bolt control lever (above).

The Marlin 7000T’s telescoping buttstockextension provides adjustment to lengthof pull. The butt pad itself can be rotatedleft or right to adjust cant, and it may bemoved up and down to adjust the drop.

A solid aluminum accessory rail on the Model 7000T fitsflush in the fore-end and accepts such items as the sup-plied fore-end stop with quick-detach sling swivels.

52 AMERICAN RIFLEMAN • October 1999

.22 Long Rifle Vel. @15' Energy Recoil Smallest Largest AverageCartridge (f.p.s.) (ft.-lbs) (ft.-lbs) (ins.) (ins.) (ins.)

Eley Match Xtra 1080 Avg. 104 0.1 0.47 0.96 0.75No. ALB752 13 Sd

Federal Gold Medal Ultra Match 1041 Avg. 96 0.1 0.44 0.99 0.69No. UM1 25 Sd

Winchester Super Silhouette 1141 Avg. 116 0.1 1.32 1.62 1.37No. XS22LR1 11 Sd

Average Extreme Spread: 0.94

Measured average velocity for 10 rounds from an 18" barrel. Range temperature: 73° F. Humidity:31%. Accuracy for five consecutive, 10-shot groups at 50 yds. from a sandbag. Abbreviations: Sd(standard deviation)

SHOOTING RESULTS

MORE and more shooters are catchingon to the advantages of practicingwith airguns. Pellets and BBs are

less expensive to shoot than rifle and pistolcartridges, and a safe airgun range can be setup in many basements and hallways. Airgunpractice is most beneficial when the airgunmimics the size and shape of the actualfirearm the shooter intends to use for com-petition, carry or afield. This way, the shoot-er can practice with the same stance, positionand grip. The Gamo Auto 45’s strong resem-blance to Glock pistols make it an excellentchoice for anyone who owns a Glock.

The Spanish-made Auto 45 is madealmost entirely of molded, flat blackpolymer. The 41⁄4", rifled steel barrel ishoused in a zinc alloy assembly that tipsup to load. Pressing forward on the latchnear the top of the barrel assemblyallows the unit to be tipped up, reveal-ing the fixed, 12-shot BB magazine.

Loading begins by turning the trig-ger-blocking safety lever rearward to thesafe position, then tipping up the barrelassembly. Next, push the red lever of themagazine feeder pin forward toward themuzzle until it flips upward into itsretaining slot. Up to 12 BBs, preferablylead, are inserted through the opening ofthe magazine. After loading, release thelever of the magazine feeder pin andclose the Auto 45’s barrel assembly, mak-ing sure it locks firmly into place.

The Auto 45 can be used as a single-shot pellet pistol by inserting a single pel-let into the breech instead of loading themagazine with BBs. Power is supplied bya 121⁄2-gram CO2 cylinder concealed with-in the grip. Access to the cylinder is avail-able through the left-hand stock panel. Thepanel is retained by barbed tabs that hook

into the grip frame. Gently prying upwardon the slot at its base allows for theremoval of the panel.

The trigger mechanism is double-action only. Pulling the trigger draws thetrigger bar forward and cams back theconcealed hammer. When the hammerreaches its rearmost travel, it is releasedforward, and a nipple on the hammer faceactivates a valve to squirt a measuredamount of CO2 into the barrel.

Though plastic, the grip frame feelsvery solid, and its 19-oz. heft aids asteady hold. Like the firearm it repli-

cates, the 71⁄2" long Auto 45 has molded-incheckering on the finger grooves and backstrap. The stock panels are textured andfeature small thumb-shelves that help thefirer index his grip. In addition, the frontof the trigger guard bow is flat-faced.Luckily, we had a Glock 23C on hand foranother test and had a chance to comparethe two side-by-side. Staffers found thatthe grip angle and other ergonomic fea-

tures of the Glock pistols were well-reproduced in the Gamo Auto 45, but theGamo’s grip is slightly longer and fatterthan that of the original Glock.

The Auto 45’s front sight is integral withthe barrel assembly, while the rear sight con-

sists of a metal U-shaped notch thatis screw-adjustable for windage.

We fired the Gamo Auto 45for accuracy at 10 meters. Theresults are shown in the accom-panying table. Lead BBs and

.177-cal. pellets were used with nomalfunctions of any kind, and we eas-ily achieved the manufacturer’s

claimed 11⁄4", five-shot group accu-racy level. CO2 cylinders lasted anaverage of 40 or 50 shots beforestarting to run out.

The trigger travel was 5/8"; breakwas 61⁄2 lbs. But the Auto 45 is not atarget pistol. It is more of a plinker, and

especially a trainer, and in that capacity itdeserves due consideration.

The Gamo Auto 45 provides arelatively safe practice tool for prac-tical exercises such as drawing fromthe holster and firing. Naturallythose who compete with or carryGlock pistols will find the GamoAuto 45 especially appealing. It is

a well-made air pistol and appears durable.Given due care, it should pay for itself insavings realized from shooting pelletsinstead of cartridges.

Available from: Gamo USA Corp. (Dept.AR), 3911 SW 47th Ave., Suite 914, Ft.Lauderdale, FL 33314; (954) 581-5822.Suggested retail price: $100.

AMERICAN RIFLEMAN • October 1999 53

GAMO AUTO 45 AIR PISTOL

The Gamo Auto 45 is the latest in the Spanishfirm’s double-action .177-cal. air pistols thatemulate the lines of popular handguns. It canfire either .177-cal.pellets single-shot or leadBBs from its 12-round-capacity magazine.

.177-cal. Vel. @15' Smallest Largest AverageLead Pellets (f.p.s.) (ins.) (ins.) (ins.)

Gamo Match 372 Avg. 1.01 1.42 1.1517-gr. Flatnose 17 Sd

Gamo Hunter 364 Avg. 1.31 1.76 1.5117-gr. Flatnose 16 Sd

Gamo Round 328 Avg. 1.34 2.37 1.9417 gr. Flatnose 17 Sd

Average Extreme Spread: 1.53

Measured average velocity for 10 rounds from an 41⁄4" bar-rel. Range temperature: 73° F. Humidity: 31%. Accuracyfor five consecutive, 5-shot groups at 10 meters from asandbag. Abbreviations: Sd (standard deviation)

SHOOTING RESULTS

The Gamo Auto 45 may beloaded singly with .177-cal. pellets, or it may alsobe fed with up to 12 leadBBs from its magazine.