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THE 2015 BRITISH SHOOTING SHOW | GENERAL

systems that convert semi-auto pistols into
carbines and I wondered what they were
trying to sell here? The answer was, some
rather nice straight-pull ARs. Most notable is
their nifty charging handle design that uses
the rod of the T-handle with a U-shaped
forward extension with side handles. So
doing away with the need to mill a slot in the
action or to drill and tap the bolt carrier.
Afi cionados of chassis systems should
also check out MDT’s offerings – both the
original TAC21 and the latest LSS models -
for use with Howa, Remington, Savage, Tikka,
and Weatherby actions. These are on offer
from Low Mill Ranges and Rifl ecraft, but also
from an outfi t I’d not encountered before, the
aptly-named Black Rifl e Co. The TAC21 is a
full-on system for popular bolt-action rifl es
that encloses the whole action in a rigid alloy
shell complete with an integral free-fl oating,
railed hand-guard. By contrast, the LSS (Light
Sniper System) is a more minimalist
solution, but both take AR-type stocks and
grips and both let you run your rifl e off AI or
Accurate-Mag 9/10-round detachable
magazines. There’s a new MDT multi-
adjustable stock on its way as well. Rifl ecraft
had an example on their stand: and very nice
it is too.

BURSTING WITH
Staffordshire Synthetic Stocks (SSS) are
always bursting with new ideas, Danny and
his team are constantly developing ever-

better methods of construction and offering

new designs. One of the latest combining

the fl air of a Lazzeroni-style thumbhole with

the practicality of an adjustable cheek-piece.

They showed me a couple of new aluminium

stock inserts. A hybrid between bedding and

chassis systems, these are designed to

enhance rigidity and stability and enable the

use of detachable AI/Accurate-Mag

magazines. They can be specifi ed in any

stock build or supplied separately as

required.

Joe West was brightening up the place

as usual with a multi-hued display of

laminate stocks in all styles and colours.

There were colours of another kind on his

chest too: as he is now a member of the GB

F-Class rifl e team. Congratulations, Joe!

Another rifl e I’ve been keen to get my

hands on is the new LA01 Crossover Rifl e

from Australian Lithgow Arms, on display on

the Highland Outdoors stand. The polymer

stock is as rugged as its styling; the

barrelled action has a grey Cerakote fi nish;

the barrel has a beefy medium-heavy profi le

and a threaded muzzle; the long bolt handle

has a polymer knob; the bolt has a tough

polymer bolt shroud, cocking indicator and

3-lug locking at the rear. This is a very

different rifl e and with a MSRP of £849 it’s

evidently priced to do battle with the likes of

Anschutz and Sako. Currently chambered in

22 LR versions in .22 WMR and .17 HMR

are imminent.

AMMO UP

Eley have introduced two new rimfi re

loadings- Force and Contact - specially

developed for semi-autos. Force is a

high-velocity load with a striking black

coating on the case (fi rst seen in 2013 on

Eley's Edge load). The case isn’t just

cosmetic: it actually increases friction

between it and the bullet giving a more

consistent release pressure for greater

stability and consistency. Inside there’s a

new propellant that gives a progressive

burn producing a muzzle velocity of around

1,200 FPS whilst avoiding the sharp

pressure peak that would otherwise result

First-class F-Class. Joe West: stock-maker, rifle shooter, and now GB

team member

Hera’s side-cocking system

is neat, and can be fitted to

either side of the charging bar

Just arrived and on the Riflecraft stand, the multi-adjustable skeleton

stock from MDT for their TAC-21 chassis fits AR rifles too

Lithgow Arms’ LA01 Crossover is a striking and well-built rifle. Note how

the butt is shaped to sit snugly in a rear bag

Heavy hitters: Eley’s new high-velocity

Force and subsonic Contact loads feature a

42-grain bullet and are optimised for use in

semi-auto rifles