and the action was well lubed, it was time to start field testing
our new specialized tactical tool.
PERFORMANCE IN THE FIELD
To test the new rifle build, I ventured to our old proving grounds
affectionately known as “The Swamp”. With the help of my
good friends and fellow firearms instructors, Jerry and Stephanie
Moody, we put the .22 tactical rifle project through its paces.
From bench to prone and even working standing working with
a tripod, we ran the gambit of positions an operator may have
to work through.
Starting from the benchrest using both Subsonic and Mini-
Mag ammunition from CCI ( www.CCI-Ammunition.com ), I
sighted in the rifle at 25 yards. Through each 10-shot group
taken before adjustment onto center, the combined shot group
would fit inside Roosevelt’s head on a dime with only the sound
of the bolt slapping back and forth with the Subsonic ammo.
After the third shot group, the rifle dope was set. Notes were
made on the slight impact shift between the Subsonic and
Mini-Mag ammo.
Starting free standing, the rifle’s stock gave the overall feel
of a larger caliber rifle with the stability of a target rifle and
tapering in the forearm section to fit the support hand perfectly.
This taper aided in anchoring the rifle perfecting when switching
over to the Field Optics Research carbon fiber tripod to enhance
accuracy. Moving out to 100 yards, the trip provided a rock-solid
support to shoot off, proving to my fellow shooters why it is one
of my absolute favorite shooting accessories.
When switching into the prone position, my rifle stability
was aided by a B&T Atlas (www.AtlasBipod.com) V8 Bipod.
The butter smooth multi-directional adjustments are just some
of the reasons I prefer these bipods over their competition.
They may cost more, but the range of motion and benefits from
using them far outweigh the difference in price. Since taking
out exterior lighting is one of the many tasks a suppressed .22
rifle may have to handle, Stephanie rigged up some Edison
bulbs to the top of the target frame. As I took aim, I mapped
out my shot selection. With the press of the Timney 3 lb trigger,
I dispatched the bulbs with one shot each followed quickly with
3 shots into the “T box” between the eyes of the Realistic Target
Company photo target below it. It was literally “lights out” for
all three intended targets in less than 10 seconds.
The testing would continue over several weeks with
multiple outdoor venues and even a 25 yard indoor range. With
the sound being an obvious non-issue, the accuracy was really
tested from distances as short as 15 yards out to 100 yards.
Using traditional Bullseye targets several Sub-MOA 5 shot groups
at 100 yards were obtained while the wind was favorable. To
demonstrate the pinpoint accuracy at closer distances, playing
cards were set at 10, 15 and 20 yards with only the edge facing
downrange. With less than 15 rounds of ammunition, the cards
were not just cut but cut in several places on their remnants. No
matter how you “cut” it, that kind of performance is better than
playing with a marked deck!
FINAL THOUGHTS
Over the past twenty years, I have had the luxury of professionally
shooting some of the top firearms in our industry through Law
Enforcement training, teaching in the private sector and writing
for various firearm magazines. Honestly, I can’t not think of
a single gun that was as impressive and simply fun to shoot
as our PMCI build constructed specifically to test the Elevated
Silence EOSXL integrally suppressed .22 barrel. The specialized
.22 project rifle performed all intended uses extremely well and
has personally set the standard for other similar tools we may
test and evaluate in the future.
While I would not equate a specialized build such as this
to that of a golfer’s prized putter for his short game as I have
often heard it compared to, I would say this instead. There are
pitching wedges, there are sand wedges and even small club
shaped telescoping devices to retrieve a golf ball if it lands in
the edge of the water hazard. All have their place and specific
use in which they have the ability, if used correctly, to perform
perfectly. This is where I see an item such as the integrally
suppressed .22 rifle in the tactical community. Much like you
wouldn’t wish to hit the links without your specialized tools, I
would not urge a tactical unit to do without as well. Just consider
these practical applications in dealing with specific “X-factors”
next time you hear someone scoff at the concept of tactical .22
rifles. Odds are, they don’t even have a background or frame of
reference to even make such a statement. Of course, now we
know better, right?
Special thanks to all the participating companies, Elevated
Silence, Tactical Solutions, McMillian Stocks, Timney Triggers,
Vortex Optics, B&T Atlas Bipods, Field Optics
Research and CCI Ammunition for coming together
to make this highly specialized and effective tool
come together. I encourage you to check out their
products and find out how they can best fit your
tactical and shooting needs. Till next issue, Train
Hard and Continue the Fight!
pmcimagazine.com
ELEVATED SILENCE EOSXL .22