Читать книгу Gun Digest 2011 - Dan Shideler - Страница 13

The AR^S of Olympic Arms

BY STEVE GASH

Te AR-15 rifle is one of the most popular rifle designs of all time, and for good reason. It is reliable, accurate, durable, and can be had in an almost unbelievable array of configurations. Demand is at an all-time high, and everybody, it seems, is building ARs.

Olympic Arms, Inc., unlike some other AR companies, makes all their major components in-house, rather than getting them from outside sources. Olympic has direct and total control over their manufacturing processes, which results in high-quality end products. Couple that with very competitive prices and you have a recipe for business success. A comprehensive and highly varied product line doesn’t hurt, either, and it would be surprising if Olympic doesn’t make an AR that trips your trigger.

The firm that is now Olympic Arms has been in the gun business since 1956, but it did not start out building ARs. Company founder Robert Schuetz began manufacturing gun barrels as the Schuetzen Gun Works in Colorado Springs, Colorado. In 1975, the company moved to its current location in Olympia, Washington, and in 1982, changed its name to Olympic Arms.

Olympic is still a family-run business. Robert’s son Brian serves as Vice President and oversees manufacturing. Robert’s daughter, Diane Haupert, handles the administrative side of things as Chief Financial Officer. The company’s 16,000 square-foot plant in Washington employees about sixty people, and their casting facility in Costa Mesa, California, employs another twenty folks.

Olympic’s manufacturing processes utilize state-of-the art CNC machines that finish parts in a single operation and eliminate “tolerance stacking” that can occur when several machines perform operations on a single part. Remember that the AR is an “assembled” gun, not a “fitted” gun. Top-quality component parts are the key to quality.

Upper receivers come either with a carry handle with a rear sight, or a flat top with Picatinny rails. Gas blocks can have an A2 front sight that is compatible with the carry handle rear sight, or can be flat top so as to not interfere with the optics. Heavyweight bull barrels with a crowned muzzle or more slender military weights with an A2 flash suppressor are made in lengths from 16 to 24 inches, and more than one twist rate is available.

The pin-point accuracy of this Olympic K8 target model is enhanced by the superlative Burris 4.5-14x40 Fullfield II Tactical scope. The Ballistic Plex reticle aids in long-range shooting. The Tactical rings of the proper height are also from Burris.

As expected, lowers are pretty much interchangeable with different uppers so that the user can swap out a varmint upper to make a big game rig or vice versa. All of the controls are in the familiar places, and operate like you expect them to. And Olympic AR triggers are some of the best I’ve ever tested.

I count about 23 different models of ARs in the current Olympic line. The exquisite “Ultramatch” (UM) and “Servicematch” (SM) models come with true .223 Remington chambers while virtually all of the other .22-caliber ARs have mil-spec 5.56mm chambers. (Both of my Olympic ARs are 5.56, and shoot all .223 loads with no problems whatsoever.) Standard twist for the UM model is 1:10-inch, but a 1:8-inch is available. This is reversed in the SM rifle, where 1:8-inch is the standard and 1:10 the option. For the majority of the 5.56 models, 1:9-inch is standard.

The “Gamestalker” Rifle is new for 2010 is chambered to the .300 Olympic Super Short Magnum (OSSM). Olympic says it’s designed for North American big game hunting. The efficient little round duplicates .30-06 ballistics out of a 22-inch barrel. You can’t get much more American than that. (Photo courtesy of Olympic Arms.)

An interesting variant is the 16-inch barreled K3B-FAR, which has A2 sights and flash suppressor, and a six-position collapsible stock. The K7 is similar but comes with a fixed A2 stock. The K4B also has A2 everything, but comes with a 20-inch barrel. This model is also available in 6.8 Remington SPC. The Model K74 in 5.45x39 Russian features the collapsible stock. The LT series has ACE FX skeleton stocks, ERGO grips, and free-floating four-rail aluminum handguards that surround 16-inch barrels. The GI-16 is a military look-alike with a collapsible stock. The K3B-CAR has an 11.5-inch barrel, but has a permanently-attached A1 flash suppressor so it’s legal for civilians.

To my way of thinking, the K16 is the most practical AR around. With a crowned 16-inch match stainless bull barrel, 1:9-inch twist, A2 stock, flat tops, and free-floated handguard, it’s a gem. It’s also available in 6.8 SPC (as the model K1668).

Lovers of pistol cartridges in ARs are not forgotten, with the K9, K10, K40, and K45 models. in 9mm Parabellum, 10mm, .40 S&W and .45 ACP, respectively. They have 16-inch barrels, collapsible stocks and a specially designed pistol-caliber flash suppressor. There are even 6.5- inch barreled “pistols” in 5.56m (the OA-93 and K23P models).

For those of us on a budget, Olympic makes what they call their “Plinker Plus” models in 5.56. Of standard configuration, the MSRP on the 16-inch barreled model is only $713.70 and $843.70 for one with a 20-inch barrel. ARs don’t get any less expensive than that, folks.

For big game, the K8-MAG is available in .223, .243, and .25 WSSM calibers. These models are available with 24-inch, 1:10-inch twist barrels, and flat-top everything, so they’re optics ready from the get-go.

For those who think a big game caliber ought to start with (at least) a “3,” there is the brand new Gamestalker rifle in the equally new .300 Olympic Super Short Magnum (OSSM). Accordingly to company literature, this little gem propels a 150-gr. bullet at about 3,000 fps and is ballistically superior to the .30-06. The Gamestalker has a 22-inch barrel with a 12-inch twist. Hunter Shack Munitions (HSM) makes loaded ammunition, but the case is easily formed from .25 WSSM brass. Hornady makes the dies, and Hodgdon has load data in the works, so handloaders will have a field day with this one. For those who already have a complete AR, an upper in .300 OSSM is also available; I have one on order and can’t wait to try it.

The versatile ARs are now well accepted as legitimate hunting arms, after years of opposition from those who resisted hunting with what they viewed as “military arms.”

At a SHOT Show a few years back, I decided that I would concentrate on ARs, and (if possible) pick one that, as Goldilocks said, was not too hot, not too cold, but just right. I didn’t know what I was in for. ARs were everywhere: long ones, short ones, fat-barrelled and skinny ones, odd-looking sights, and various appliances hanging off of the multitudinous rails that decorated the receivers and handguards. I was in a serious funk.

One of the (many) beauties of the AR platform is the almost endless variety of configurations that are possible. For example, a 5.56mm plinker or target model can quickly and inexpensively be converted to a great hunting gun by simply swapping out the uppers, producing a Rifle similar to this K8-MAG in .25 WSSM.

Olympic Arms makes a comprehensive array of ARs in many calibers that are suitable for hunting, target shooting, home defense, and law enforcement. Here are, at top, a 16-inch barreled model K16 in 5.56mm. and, below, the “Target-Match” model K8 with a 20-inch barrel. Both models feature stainless steel barrels with a 1:9-inch twist.

Then, as if by divine guidance, I happened upon the Olympic Arms exhibit. Affable Tom Spithaler thrust out his hand and said, “Hi, what can I help you with?” Tom is Olympic’s Sales Director, and as such is a veritable walking encyclopedia on their ARs. I gave him my by now well-rehearsed spiel: no sights, target-type barrel, 9-inch twist, nice trigger, and a cost that didn’t break the bank. I explained that I was a merely recreational shooter (that’s gun writer code for “clod-busting plinker”).

I figured he’d start off with the same tired litany I’d heard a dozen times, like “Well, we usually go with a XRM-Q laser sight, a water-cooled, belt-fed action with a collapsible flash-and-dash thing-a-ma-bob on the barrel, and a gross of 45-round teflon-coated camo magazines for back-up, just in case.” Instead, Tom just said, “No problem. Would you like that with a 16- or 20-inch barrel?” At last, someone who offered what I wanted!

Tom showed me their K16 and K8 models in 5.56mm – both appeared (to me, at least) exactly the same except for barrel length. When I fondled the K8, it was lust at first glance: a 416 stainless steel “Ultra Match” barrel with a 9-inch twist, flat top everything, no sights, and a very nice trigger. It reeked of quality, and the price was quite reasonable (MSRP $908.70). I ordered one, and it has exceeded my expectations. (I later bought a K16 in 5.56, too. It also sports a 416 stainless match barrel.)

In about 2007, the then-new 6.8mm Remington SPC was introduced at the behest of the U.S. military. (Its military

(left) This ragged hole was made with the K8 and the 50-gr. Hornady V-MAX over 25.8 grains of IMR-8208XBR. Velocity was 3,052 fps. (middle) My favorite Olympic AR is the K16 in 6.8 SPC, as it delivers accuracy and power in a compact package. The 85-gr. Barnes Triple Shock-X and 31.0 grains of AA-2230 produced this great group. Velocity was a peppy 2,711 fps. (right) The .25 WSSM AR doted on a diet of the 110-gr. Hornady InterBond spiced up by 46.3 grains of Reloder 19 at 2,891 fps.

When I learned that the Olympic Model K16 was available in 6.8, I ordered one. It also has a stainless steel barrel and is undoubtedly the pick of the AR litter. The 6.8 cartridge is a terrific performer. It is really just a “short” .270, as the bullet diameter is the uber-popular .277 inch. Let’s face it, the 6.8 is what the .223 would be if it could. It shoots heavier bullets and packs more downrange punch. And it’s accurate.

A recent assignment brought to my door yet another Olympic AR, this one a Model K8-MAG in .25 WSSM. It has a portly 24-inch barrel, and consequently it’s a little heavy, but does it shoot! And the .25 WSSM rivals the lovely old .25-06 ballistically. What’s not to like?

In the past 30 years or so, I have tested and written-up literally dozens of bolt-action rifles and have come to the realization that big game rifles that shoot 1-inch groups are the exception, not the rule. After shooting the Olympic ARs and other makes, and from observing friends’ ARs in action, I have come to the sobering conclusion, shared by multitudes of AR shooters, that almost any box-stock AR will shoot rings around the average factory bolt gun.

Trijicon has sold over one-half million Advanced Combat Gun Sights (ACOG), and this one makes a perfect sight for a K16 in 5.56mm for either law enforcement or home defense. The ACOG’s reticle is specially calibrated for the 5.56mm’s trajectory.

A K16 in 6.8 SPC Remington dressed for success: A Leupold 6x scope, high rings for a proper cheek-weld, and a C Products 17-round magazine stuffed with handloads featuring the new 110-gr. Nosler AccuBond bullet.

I have shot all three of my ARs and the .25 WSSM loaner with a variety of factory and handloads, and have experienced exactly zero problems – nary a malfunction, save the occasional too-light starting handload common to any gas-banger, and accuracy with all of them has been very good to excellent. I have tried most of the new varmint .22 bullets and .223 factory fodder with excellent results. Here are a few of (the many) shooting highlights.

SHOOTING IMPRESSIONS

I got the K8 first, so let’s start with it. With its heavy 20-inch barrel, the K8 sits like a rock on the bags, and just punches out ragged holes. It is a death-ray in prairie dog towns. While a host of loads perform well, I’d probably have to pick either the 55-gr. Nosler Ballistic Tip over 24.0 grains of Ram Shot’s X-Terminator or the 60-gr. Hornady V-MAX ahead of 23.6 grains of Hodgdon’s new super powder IMR-8208XBR. The K8’s nine-inch twist allows it to handle bullets up to the stellar 69-gr. Sierra MatchKing, and the Federal factory load with it averages .74 inch. Sierra’s 63-gr. Semi Spitzer and 65-gr. Spitzer Boat Tail bullets are also terrific. If you need a load with deep penetration for bigger small game, check out the 62-gr. Barnes Triple Shock-X with 23.1 grains of IMR-8208XBR.

The K16, with a barrel four inches shorter than the K8’s, actually gives up little in velocity, and it is fully as accurate. The 40-gr. Nosler Ballistic Tip is super at 3,494 fps with 24.2 grains of Vihtavuori N-130 powder, and is a ground-squirrel vaporizer. But loads with 50- to 55-gr. bullets get the most use, and the Hornady 50-gr.V-MAX really cooks with 26.2 grains of Varget. The Nosler Ballistic Tip of the same weight favors 25.3 grains of X-Terminator. Both clock over 3,000 fps, and accuracy is all you could ask for. These handloads compare nicely with Hornady’s 53-gr. BTHP Match load at 2,925 fps and group under an inch.

As I have noted, the 6.8 SPC is a superbly balanced cartridge. An excellent selection of bullet weights from 90 to 115 grains is available, and while some 130-gr. bullets shoot fine, their velocities are a bit low for reliable expansion. This is no impediment, as the tough Barnes 85-and 110-gr. Triple Shock-Xs and Nosler 110-gr. AccuBond bullets make the little 6.8 perform all out of proportion to its size.

For the lighter TS-X, a load of 31.0 grains of AA-2230 delivers 2,711 fps and consistently groups under an inch. A charge of 30.0 grains of IMR-8008XBR gives the 110-gr. Hornady V-MAX a velocity of 2,497 fps. For pure paper punching, look to the 115-gr. Sierra MatchKIng over the same powder charge. Most handload velocities equal or exceed those of factory loads in my rifles.

The most recent Olympic Arms AR to cross my path is the .25 WSSM K8-MAG noted above. It continues to astound with its pure accuracy and excellent power. Antelope and deer beware.

Big game hunters will favor this accurate and powerful Model K8-MAG chambered in .25 WSSM, shown here with the excellent Vortex Crossfire illuminated reticle 3-9x40 scope, secured in a Weaver Tri-Rail mount. The K8-MAG is also available in .223 and .243 WSSM calibers.

Olympic Arms AR Rifle Range Tests

Model: K8, caliber 5.56mm, 20-inch barrel, 1:9-inch twist

Model: K16, caliber 6.8mm SPC, 16-inch barrel, 1:10-inch twist

Note: Remington cases were used for all 6.8mm handloads.

Note: Accuracy is the average of at least three, 3-shot groups at 100 yards from a bench rest. Velocities were measured with an Oehler M-35P chronograph with the front

For proper functioning, all AR rounds must be held to an cartridge overall length of 2.25 inches, such as these .25 WSSM handloads.

Here are just four of the over-achievers for which Olympic ARs are chambered (from left): the ubiquitous .223 Remington; the 6.8 SPC Remington; the hot new .300 Olympic Super Short Magnum; and its parent cartridge, the .25 Winchester Super Short Magnum.

Basically, about every load performed well, but here are a few favorites. Big game is the role of the .25 WSSM, and bullets weighing 100 grains and up are just the ticket, and all six shot well. The Nosler Partition bullet clocks almost 3,000 fps out of the .25 WSSM over 44.1 grains of IMR-4007SSC. Another winner is the 110-gr. Hornady InterBond with 46.3 grains of Reloder 19 at 2,824 fps.

A main attribute of the .25 caliber is its ability to shoot heavier bullets than a 6mm. Here, the 120-gr. Speer Grand Slam cooks along at 2,755 fps with 44.1 grains of H-4350. This makes a terrific bigger big game load.

All in all, it is hard not to find a particular model and caliber set up in the Olympic Arms AR line that isn’t appealing. They are competitively priced, functionally reliable, very accurate, and they accept a wide range of handloads without a whimper. In the crowded AR market, collectively they represent solid value.

Model: K16, caliber 5.56mm, 16-inch barrel, 1:9-inch twist

Note: Federal cases were used for all 5.56mm handloads.

Model K8-MAG, caliber .25 WSSM, 24-inch barrel, 1:10-inch twist

Note: Reformed Winchester cases were used for all .25 WSSM handloads.

screen 12 feet from the guns’ muzzle. Abbreviations: SD, standard deviation; OAL, cartridge overall length; F, Federal; R-P, Remington-Peters; BT, boattail; HP, hollow point.