#.556
Wolff Gunsprings Now Selling Galil Magazine Springs
There is finally a good way to freshen up a tired Galil magazine. Wolff Gunsprings is now selling replacement Galil magazine springs for both the standard 35-round and extended 50-round models. These new springs also add 5% more power than standard springs for reliable feeding.
JDI Firearms Becomes Exclusive US Importer For CSR Precision
JDI Firearms is the sole US importer of SIG SG55x firearms, including models like the SG550 and SG553. In addition to SIG, JDI imports high-end brands like PGM Precision and Wyssen Defence. JDI Firearms announced in an Instagram post that CSR Precision is the latest brand to join their lineup.
TFB Review: Springfield Armory Hellion 20-inch (Part 1)
Springfield Armory’s Hellion made a big splash when it launched last year. This import-friendly HS Produkt VHS-2 is an excellent addition to the world of bullpup military rifles. In addition to the standard 16-inch guns, Springfield now offers 18- and 20-inch models. They kindly sent me a pre-release Hellion 20-inch model for review.
TFB Review: Foxtrot Mike Products Mike-102
The Foxtrot Mike Products Mike-102 is a very unique gun. It uses 5.56 AK mags but has internals similar to an AR. Why does this gun exist, and how does it perform? Let’s find out.
TFB Review: American Tactical Imports Galeo Pistol (Galil SAR clone)
I recently reviewed my American Tactical Imports “Galeo” which is a clone of the original Galil, built from an imported parts kit. That gun has been so much fun that I bought the pistol version to go along with it. Does Galeo pistol keep up with its bigger brother? Let’s find out!
Accurate 2520 Powder: Another Possible Varget Replacement?
Accurate 2520 is a smokeless powder with a long history in competition shooting. It has been used in competition rifle loads dating back to the days when .308 Winchester was still in common use. With the recent shortage of Varget, is Accurate 2520 worth a new look?
New Retro Lower Receiver From Unbranded AR
OEM parts supplier Unbranded AR has released a new stripped lower receiver with throwback markings. Nothing ruins a good carry handle build like a rollmark with the wrong vibes, but this one will blend right in.
TFB Review: Over 1,000 Rounds With The Springfield Hellion
The Springfield Armory Hellion made a huge splash when it was introduced. Bullpup fans and obscure gun nerds have been clamoring for an imported VHS-2 for years, and it finally happened. But how does the Hellion perform? Is it more than just an interesting gun for collectors?
BIG Freakin' Cartridge Test 012: RUAG SS109 (M855 Equivalent) 5.56mm NATO, 16 and 20 Barrels
Next up for the Big Freakin’ Cartridge Test is RUAG Ammotec’s version of the NATO-standard SS109 round (equivalent to US M855). I believe the ammunition I tested may have been made in RUAG’s facility in Thun, Switzerland, although I have not confirmed that.
BIG Freakin' Cartridge Test 011: RUAG SS109 (M855 Equivalent) 5.56mm NATO, 14.5 Barrel, and Accuracy
Next up for the Big Freakin’ Cartridge Test is RUAG Ammotec’s version of the NATO-standard SS109 round (equivalent to US M855). I believe the ammunition I tested may have been made in RUAG’s facility in Thun, Switzerland, although I have not confirmed that. The test procedure was as follows:
BIG Freakin' Cartridge Test 010: Mk. 318 Mod. 0 62gr SOST (T556TNB1), 16 and 20 Barrels
Next up for the Big Freakin’ Cartridge Test is Federal’s T556TNB1 load, which is the civilian market name for the Mk.318 SOST projectile developed by US SOCOM as a “barrier blind” round for the M4 Carbine and Mk. 18 CQB upper receiver. This ammunition uses a reverse drawn jacket to improve accuracy, and couples a fragmenting front end with a solid gilding metal base that improves penetration through tough barriers. I love this ammunition and use it religiously for home defense. Continuing on from the last installment, we are now looking at the velocity test results for the 20″ barrel (more on the 16″ later).
BIG Freakin' Cartridge Test 009: Mk. 318 Mod. 0 62gr SOST (T556TNB1), 14.5 Barrel, and Accuracy
Next up for the Big Freakin’ Cartridge Test is Federal’s T556TNB1 load, which is the civilian market name for the Mk.318 SOST projectile developed by US SOCOM as a “barrier blind” round for the M4 Carbine and Mk. 18 CQB upper receiver. This ammunition uses a reverse drawn jacket to improve accuracy, and couples a fragmenting front end with a solid gilding metal base that improves penetration through tough barriers. I love this ammunition, and use it religiously for home defense. The test procedure was as follows:
BIG Freakin' Cartridge Test 008: PMC M855 5.56x45mm 62gr LAP, 16 and 20 Barrels
Next up for the Big Freakin’ Cartridge Test is Korean manufacturer PMC’s clone of M855, called X-TAC M855 LAP. This ammunition features very uniform-looking external dimensions, attractively finished brass cases and projectile jackets, and a reasonable price. I formerly used M855 as a stockpiling round, although I have since switched to other rounds like Federal’s T556TNB1.
BIG Freakin' Cartridge Test 007: PMC M855 5.56x45mm 62gr LAP, 14.5 Barrel, and Accuracy
Next up for the Big Freakin’ Cartridge Test is Korean manufacturer PMC’s clone of M855, called X-TAC M855 LAP. This ammunition features very uniform-looking external dimensions, attractively finished brass cases and projectile jackets, and a reasonable price. I formerly used M855 as a stockpiling round, although I have since switched to other rounds like Federal’s T556TNB1. The test procedure was as follows: