50 AMERICAN RIFLEMAN • April 2000

The American Rifleman has used the phrase “Dope Bag” at least since1921, when Col. Townsend Whelen first titled his column with it. Eventhen, it had been in use for years, referring to a sack used by target shoot-ers to hold ammunition and accessories on the firing line. “Sight dope”also was a traditional marksman’s term for sight adjustment information,while judging wind speed and direction was called “doping the wind.”

WARNING: Technical data and information contained herein are intended to provide informationbased on the limited experience of individuals under specific conditions and circumstances.They donot detail the comprehensive training procedures, techniques and safety precautions absolutely nec-essary to properly carry on similar activity. Read the notice and disclaimer on the contents page.Always consult comprehensive reference manuals and bulletins for details of proper training require-ments, procedures, techniques and safety precautions before attempting any similar activity.

Springfield, Inc.’sM1A rifle—the com-mercial, semi-auto-

matic-only version of theselect-fire U.S. M14—was firstintroduced in The AmericanRifleman 26 years ago (March1974, p. 36). Today, the bench-mark of the Geneseo, Ill., firmis still going strong havinglong since displaced the M1Garand in highpower competi-tion only to be surpassed inrecent years by civilian deriv-atives of the AR-15/M16.

Like the first M1As,today’s rifles begin withinvestment cast receiversonto which a mixture of vin-tage U.S. G.I. M14 andcommercial parts is assem-bled. Buyers can choosefrom various grades of

rifles with different stockmaterials and configu-rations, barrels andsights, to fashion theirM1As into service-

grade clones or match-winning thoroughbreds.

Fit and finish is con-sistent with bothSpringfield’s reputa-tion for quality and

with service-typerifles in general.

The M1A Scoutrifle, perhaps themost significantmodel variation

to date, tapsinto the cur-rent marketdemand for abreed origi-nally pos-tulated byCol. Jeff

Cooper and epitomized in the Steyr-pro-duced .308 Win. bolt-action Scout rifle heendorsed. While Springfield’s adaptation ofthe concept to the M1A was not difficult—requiring only a shorter barrel and clamp-on optic mount—the result is somethingCol. Cooper might argue suffered a bit intranslation. Cooper’s weight limit for such

a rifle was established at “three kilos,” or6.6 lbs., while the Springfield weighs in at9 lbs. Of course, Springfield, Inc., is bettingthat what its Scout lacks in lightness is morethan made up for in ruggedness, familiari-ty and its autoloading design.

Many of the M1A’s features are readilyadaptable to the Scout role. Aside from thefacility for a forward-mounted optical sight,the Scout rifle differs from its Standard M1Acounterpart only through an abbreviated bar-rel—18" rather than the standard 22"—andthrough a proprietary muzzle stabilizerdesign whose profile approximates that ofthe original M14 flash suppressor and allowsmounting of a standard military front sight.(The stabilizer also makes M1A Scout rifleslegal in California under that state’s lawrestricting the possession of semi-automaticrifles equipped with flash suppressors.)

Key to the conversion is a machined alu-minum mount that clamps onto the military-profile barrel with six Allen-head screws.

Adequate space exists between the barrel andthe rifle’s operating rod to install the mountand still allow clearance for cycling of theaction. The mount’s top is milled with crossslots to accept Weaver-style rings. Our Scoutsample came with an Aimpoint Comp XDunit that mounts with a single, wide alu-minum ring. The company also markets its

own 2x20 mm ScoutScope, with a reticlethat features taperedcrosshairs terminatingnear a “floating” cen-tral dot, along withconventional 1" alu-minum rings with top-mounted pinch bolts.

Staffers accus-tomed to the standard

Data & Comment

With its handy length, quick target acquisition, self-loading speedand rugged, proven design, the Springfield, Inc., M1A Scout Riflemight well serve as a police patrol or ranch rifle and proves that thisclassic design is worth adapting to new roles.

Springfield, Inc. M1A Scout Rifle

The muzzle stabilizer’s profile allowsmounting of a standard front sight. It alsomakes the rifle legal in California.

MANUFACTURER: Springfield, Inc.(Dept. AR), 420 W. Main St.,Geneseo, IL; (309) 944-5631

ACTION TYPE: gas-operated, rotatingbolt, semi-automatic, center-fire rifle

RECEIVER: investment cast steel CALIBER: .308 Win.FINISH: matte black phosphatedOVERALL LENGTH: 441⁄2"BARREL: 18" chrome moly RIFLING: conventional; 1:11" RH twistWEIGHT: 9 lbs.MAGAZINE: detachable, staggered-

column 10-round capacity boxSIGHTS: post front; aperture rear

adjustable for windage and elevationTRIGGER: two-stage, 51⁄2-lb. pullSTOCK: G.I. fiberglass with textured

black epoxy finish: length of pull, 131⁄2";drop at heel, 13⁄4"; drop at comb, 11⁄4"

ACCESSORIES: U.S. military field man-ual; optional $45 stock modification forQD sling swivel stud for mountingHarris bipod ($72)

SUGGESTED RETAIL PRICE: $1,830with Aimpoint Comp XD sight (tested);$1,644 with Springfield 2x20 mmscope; $1,499 (rifle with 10-roundmagazine and iron sights)

M1A SCOUT RIFLE

M1A found the Scout’s length a welcomeboon to handling—especially in a .308-cal. rifle of such robust construction. Itproved very convenient when mountingfor the kind of fast, instinctive shots forwhich the forward-mounted sighting sys-tem was conceived.

We fired the Scout rifle at100 yds. using the suppliedAimpoint Comp XD whose3 m.o.a. dot is intended to allowquick hits on short- to medi-um-range targets rather thanultra-tight groups on paper.The unit’s placement well for-ward of the rifle’s action keepsits optics clear of ejecting car-tridge cases. Shooting results,using three brands of match-grade ammunition, are foundin the accompanying table.

The Springfield Scoutrifle’s utilitarian fiberglassstock is actually a refurbished

G.I. unit originally made under govern-ment contract for the M14 program. Thecompany modernizes it by filling in theoriginal fire control selector shaft cut-outnear the right rear of the receiver and fol-lows with an all-over coat of crinkle-finishblack paint. The stock’s business-like

appearance is capped off with a ribbed,non-slip rubber recoil pad fastened withstandard M14-type hardware.

The Springfield M1A Scout rifle, whileconsiderably heavier than a comparablyequipped .223-cal. carbine, offers the advan-tage of extra downrange energy provided bythe .308 Win. cartridge. It also offers theadvantage over turnbolt-type Scout rifle sys-tems of not requiring manual manipulationthe action between shots, which may con-tribute to increased opportunities to concen-trate on the target. With its handy length,quick sight acquisition, speed of operation,rugged design and acceptable accuracy, therifle may well find niches with police patrolofficers, ranchers and other shooters desiringa ready, rugged, powerful carbine. The M1AScout proves that a classic design is worthadapting to new roles.

Our test rifle came with a ruggedAimpoint XD sight with a 3 m.o.a. dotwell suited for fast, instinctive firing.

Shooters on a budget may want to look at Baikal’s IZH27 over-under shotgun. Although itcomes loaded with many deluxe features such as a gold-plated, single-selective trigger, selective auto-matic ejectors, ventilated rib, rubber recoil pad and chrome-lined, hammer-forged barrels, the manu-facturer’s suggested retail price is considerably less than that of many pumps or semi-automatics.

Key to the M1A’s Scout configuration is an aluminummount that clamps onto the barrel with six Allen-headscrews. A gap allows adequate clearance between themount and the rifle’s reciprocating operating rod.

AMERICAN RIFLEMAN • April 2000 51

.308 Win. Vel.@ 15' Energy Smallest Largest AverageCartridge (f.p.s.) (ft.-lbs.) (ins.) (ins.) (ins.)

Hornady 8096 2465 Avg. 10.7 1.88 4.88 3.85168-gr. HPBT 16 Sd

Federal GM308M2 2382 Avg. 11.7 3.50 5.25 4.25175-gr. HPBT 16 Sd

Winchester S308M 2492 Avg. 12.1 2.75 4.25 3.13168-gr. HPBT 30 Sd

Average Extreme Spread: 3.74

Measured average velocity for 10 rounds from an 18" barrel. Range temperature: 66° F. Humidity:32%. Accuracy for five consecutive, five-shot groups at 100 yds. from a sandbag rest.Abbreviations: Sd (standard deviation), HPBT (hollow point boattail).

SHOOTING RESULTS

Baikal IZH27EM Over-Under

Spending $1,300 or more to purchasean over-under shotgun remains atough family decision for most

shooters. One’s tastes may lean toward anover-under, but most budgets dictate apump-action or semi-automatic instead.Enter European American Armory,importers of the Russian-made Baikal over-under series of shotguns. With the Russianruble at historic lows, Russian shotguns

offer genuine value at attractive prices.First, it must be made clear that the new

Baikal shotguns bear no relation to oldermodels of Russian shotguns imported inearlier years. Gone is the indifferent work-manship, poor finish, out-of-date stylingand overweight design. Today’s Baikalshotguns are modern designs offering thefeatures and handling American shootersexpect from a good quality over-under. And

Baikal guns are backed with a one-yearparts and labor warranty and a 30-day war-ranty on the wood. We received a BaikalIZH27 in 20 ga. for test and evaluation.

Picking up the IZH27 for the first time,one cannot help but notice standard equip-ment includes all the features shootersexpect in an over-under shotgun. Theyinclude a gold-plated, single selective trig-ger; selective automatic ejectors; ventilated

rib; detachable, screw-in choke tubes;hammer-forged, chrome-lined barrels and ablack rubber, ventilated recoil pad. Pride ofownership has not been neglected either—the IZH27 comes with modest game sceneengraving on the receiver fences, scrollengraving on the top lever and fore-endmounting bracket, stippling on the breechtop, and a walnut stock with cut, 18 line-per-inch, diamond-pattern checkering onboth sides of the fore-end and pistol grip.

Mechanically, the IZH27 has a forgedsteel standing breech with a sliding lockingpiece and a steel monobloc with dual under-lumps. The operational system is a conven-

tional box lock with atop lever, spring-retracted firing pins,an automatic tangsafety and a mechani-cal trigger with aninertial blocking sys-tem. In addition, twounique features arefound on this shotgun.The first is the methodof selecting the barrelfiring order. Breakingopen the gun automat-ically resets the actionto fire the lower barrelfirst. To change that,simply push the trig-ger forward until aclick is heard and theupper barrel will firefirst. The secondunique feature is themethod of setting the selec-tive, automatic ejectors.They may be engaged ordisconnected quickly bymeans two small screwslocated on the hinge mountsin the frame.

Baikal takes specialpride in the quality of its hothammer forged barrelswhich are silver-soldered ina machined-steel monobloc.Both barrels and detachable,screw-in choke tubes arecompatible with steel shot.Bores and chambers arechrome-lined, and the spacebetween the barrels is closedwith a fixed, solid rib ofblued steel. The .265"-dia.ventilated rib is grooved onthe top surface to prevent glare. The fore-end is held on the lower barrel by means ofa hanger and release lever that grips a lugon the underside of the lower barrel. Choketubes are made in the U.S.A. by Colonial.Each IZH27 is delivered with improvedcylinder, modified and full choke tubes and

a choke tube wrench. Additional tubes inother constrictions are available fromColonial. IZH27 models in 16-ga., 28-ga.and .410-bore have fixed, integral chokes.

All steel parts are finished with a medi-um polish blue except the gold-plated trig-ger. Stock and fore-end have a semi-gloss oil

finish rather darker thannormal. On our test gun,the quality of the polishand bluing on the metalparts was good. Wefound the engraving,while modest in cover-age, was pleasing andlent an expensive flavorto the gun. Metal-to-metal fit was also good,however, wood-to-metal fit left consider-able room for improve-ment. We also felt thatwhile wood quality wasabove average for ashotgun in this price

MANUFACTURER: IzhevskyMekhanichesky Zavod (Baikal),8 Promyshlennaya St., Izhevsk426063 Russia

IMPORTER: European American ArmoryCorp. (Dept. AR), P.O. Box 1299,Sharpes, FL 32959; (407) 639-4842

GAUGE: 12, 3"; 16, 23⁄4"; 20, 3" (tested);28, 23⁄4" and .410-bore, 3"

ACTION TYPE: break-open, over-under,box-lock with two under lumps

RECEIVER: machined from forged car-bon steel

FINISH: medium polish blue with gold-plated trigger, light engraving onreceiver fences

OVERALL LENGTH: 435⁄8"BARRELS: 261⁄2" (tested) or 281⁄2"

chrome-lined and hammer forgedWEIGHT: 7 lbs., 8 oz.CHOKE SYSTEM: fixed integral in 16-,

28- and .410-bore; detachable,Colonial TS screw-in choke tubes on12- and 20-ga. models

SIGHTS: steel ventilated rib with groovedupper surface, brass bead front sight

TRIGGER: single, selective, mechanicalwith inertial block, 7-lb. pull

STOCK: walnut with semi-gloss finish:length of pull: 141⁄2", drop at heel, 13⁄4";drop at comb, 11⁄8"

ACCESSORIES: improved cylinder,modified and full choke tubes, choketube wrench

SUGGESTED RETAIL PRICE: $419(12-, 16- or 20-ga.), $469 (28-ga. or.410-bore)

BAIKAL IZH27EM

AVERAGE OF 10 PATTERNS AT 40 YDS.

8 9 13 13

13 15 23 18

18 17 25 19

8 12 18 14

Modified Choke Full ChokeLower Barrel Upper Barrel

x=Point of HoldWinchester Xpert Light Field Load 20-ga., 23⁄4"—7/8 oz.—No. 71⁄2 lead

Average Pellet count—306Measured Velocity @3-ft.—1167 f.p.s.

Remaining Energy Per Pellet @40 yds.: 1 ft.-lbs.Recoil: 12.6 ft.-lbs

Total Hits 100 (33%) Total Hits 143 (47%)21" Inner Circle 63 (21%) 21" Inner Circle 85 (28%)30" Outer Ring 37 (12%) 30" Outer Ring 58 (19%)

SHOOTING RESULTS

The forged steelbreech of the BaikalIZH27 is a modernbox-lock design total-ly unlike Russianshotguns of the past.

The receiver is of investment cast then machined steel.The selective automatic ejectors (arrows) may be engagedor disconnected via two screws at the receiver’s front.

The trigger is mechanical, and pushing forward on the triggerblade from behind when the gun is cocked allows the shooterto switch barrel selection to the upper barrel first.

52 AMERICAN RIFLEMAN • April 2000

range, the quality of the wood finish neededimprovement. According to EAA, fixes toboth these problems are well in hand. Theventilated recoil pad worked well, but fellshort on appearance due to the fiber-reinforced resin mounting plate that resem-bled a wood insert.

We fired several hundred rounds of var-ious types and brands of 12-ga., 23⁄4" and 3"shotshells through the IZH27 without anyproblems. Extraction and ejection wereflawless, and we found the trigger pullcrisp but slightly heavy for our taste. In par-ticular, we liked the fast, easy operation ofthe barrel selection system—simply pushthe trigger forward to switch barrel firing

order. The automatic tang safe-ty worked smoothly and easily.

Over-unders are often diffi-cult to break open whennew and stiff. After theparts break in, they gener-ally loosen up, but thismay take several thou-sand rounds. Manyfemale and youthfulshooters will particularlyrelate to this situation.Interestingly, we foundthe IZH27 broke opensmoothly and easi lyalmost immediately—allthe more unusual in viewof the price.

Handling and balanceof the Baikal IZH27 werejudged good. Overall gunfit for a shooter of averagebuild proved comfortable.Our IZH27 in 20-ga. was

built on a 12-ga. frame due to the 3"Magnum chambering. At first, we feltthis might result in an overweight gun,but that did not prove to be the case.None of the test personnel felt theIZH27 to be overly heavy, and recoilproved mild.

We believe the features, price andvalue of the IZH27 will appeal tohunters who now own pump-action orsemi-automatic shotguns and whowere previously priced out of theover-under market. Also, experi-enced hunters looking for a valuepriced over-under field gun willappreciate the IZH27 as well. Either

way, Baikal’s IZH27 is an entry level over-under shotgun of good quality for shooterson a limited budget.

Knight’s Bighorn magnum muzzle-loading rifle represents the latestfrom Modern Muzzleloading,

Inc.—the company that legitimized in-linemuzzleloading rifles. The Bighorn can bethought of as an improvement of thealready-successful Knight Wolverine. Afull-side stock, the ability to handle loadsof up to three 50/50 (.50-cal./50-grs. equiv-alent) Pyrodex Pellets and a longer 26" bar-rel for more complete combustion of heavyloads constitute the differences betweenthe guns. The Big Horn is part of a new

generation of so -called “three-pellet’muzzleloading guns.

Green Mountain makes the BigHorn’s 26" stainless or blued steel bar-rel for Knight with a 1:28" twist. Eightgrooves are about 11⁄2 times the width

Knight Bighorn Rifle

Handling, balance and overall quality of the BaikalIZH27 are good, making this shotgun a solid valuefor shooters on a budget who want an over-underinstead of a pump or semi-automatic.

Like every Knight rifle we have evertested, the Bighorn is plenty accuratefor hunting big game. Its accuracyand ease of operation make it suit-able for hunters looking to expandtheir hunting opportunities.

Combination rifle/shotguns are intended forhunts where more than one type of game maybe encountered. Until recently, such hunts

were rare in the United States, which limited the salesappeal of such guns. The rebirth of turkey huntingchanged that. Another factor has been the designa-tion of deer hunting areas for rifles or for shotgun slugsonly. Often, such areas are adjacent and hunters mayhunt in both types of areas. Still another factor is asurvival gun that can be broken down into a compactpackage for storage in aircraft or boats. And a com-bination rifle/shotgun just makes sense—ask Savage,which has offered its Model 24 combination gun tohunters for decades and Springfield, Inc., which sellsits M6 Scout survival gun.

EAA targeted such markets with the Baikal IZH94combination rifle/shotgun made in Russia. Built on amachined, forged steel receiver, the IZH94 features 24"chrome-lined, hammer-forged barrels, walnut stock,single selective trigger and adjustable metallic sights aswell as a built-in scope mount.The upper barrel is cham-bered for 12-ga., 3" magnum shells and has detach-able, screw-in choke tubes. The lower rifle barrel isoffered in several popular American calibers such as.222 Rem., .223 Rem., .308 Win. and .30-’06 Sprg. Inaddition, several European calibers are offered such as6.5x55 mm Swedish, 7x57R mm Mauser, 7x65R mm,7.62x39 mm Soviet and 7.62x54R mm Russian. And,the importer advises more calibers are on the way.

But here is the best news—the manufacturer’ssuggested retail price of the IZH94 combinationrifle/shotgun is approximately $450.

Baikal IZH94 Combo Rifle/Shotgun

AMERICAN RIFLEMAN • April 2000 53

Knight’s Bighorn muzzleloading rifle is an improved Knight Wolverine.Enhanced features include a full-side stock, musket cap nipple, 26"barrel and the ability to use three 50-gr. equivalent Pyrodex Pellets.

of the shallow lands for easy loading ofsaboted bullets. A dished crown at the muz-zle protects the origin of the rifling.

As with all Knight rifles, the barrelextends back to form an efficient and prac-tical receiver. A removable stainless steelbreech plug with a removable Red Hotmusket cap nipple threads into the barreljust in front of a generous priming port. Anoptional Red Hot No. 11 nipple is includ-ed with each Bighorn. The entire top halfof the receiver is milled away at the prim-ing port for easy capping from either sideof the rifle, even with a scope mounted overthe receiver.

Five drilled and tapped holes allow easymounting of scope bases or an optionalreceiver sight. Sights provided with therifle consist of a sturdy, black-ened, aluminum post front withwhite bead and blued steel,Williams-pattern semi-buck-horn rear fully adjustable forwindage and elevation. Bothsights are attached to the barrelwith screws.

A heavy coil spring powersKnight’s familiar cylindricalstriker to fire either a musketcap or No. 11 percussion cap,depending on which nipple isselected. Cocking is by simplypulling the rear of the strikeruntil the sear engages and anaudible click is heard. The trig-ger unit is fully adjustable, anddetailed instructions for doingso are provided in the owner’s manual.

Dual safeties are one of the hallmarksof Knight rifles and the new Bighorn is

no exception. A conventional trigger-blocking safety operates by way of a leveron the right side of the receiver. A red,plastic insert inletted into the syntheticstock indicates the “fire” posit ion.Additional safety is provided by turningdown the knurled secondary safety ringat the rear of the striker. That ring blocksforward movement of the striker so it can-not move far enough forward to strike thecap on the nipple.

Stocks on the Big Horn aresynthetic with molded-incheckering on the wrist andfore-end, 1"-thick, ventilatedrecoil pad and integral, steelquick-detachable sling swivelstuds. Finish options availableinclude black, Advantage orMossy Oak Break-Up. Inside,the stock is molded preciselyto mate with the recoil lug, aswould be found with a goodglass bedding job. A large flatspring secured by the frontsling swivel mounting screwapplies pressure against theramrod for retention of thattool. A single thimble attachedwith screws to the underside ofthe barrel further aids reten-tion of the ramrod. Unfor-tunately, this part is now plas-

tic, rather than metal as we have becomeused to on Knight rifles. It may keep costsdown, but we don’t have to like it.

We mounted a Leupold Vari-X III scopeon the Bighorn and fired it for accuracyusing pelletized and loose powder. Likeevery Knight rifle we have ever tested, accu-racy was good, especially with Knight’s all-copper, saboted Red Hot bullets.

While the increased barrel length pro-vides a little more velocity, it does make theBighorn muzzle heavy. Carrying the sam-ple Bighorn afield with rifle slung over theright shoulder with the muzzle pointed upusually resulted with the butt of the gunswinging forward, which made carrying theBighorn afield awkward. We found thatusing a sling with a rubberized or coarsesuede shoulder pad helped keep the muz-zleloader in place.

The Knight Bighorn offers the same effi-cient and simple design of the provenWolverine. It adds to that a full-side stock,increased power for enhanced performanceand the choice of musket cap or No. 11 per-cussion cap ignition. Its accuracy and easeof operation make it suitable for hunterslooking for a new muzzleloader to expandtheir hunting opportunities.

.50 Caliber Val. @ 15' Energy Recoil Smallest Largest Average(f.p.s.) (ft.-lbs.) (ft.-lbs.) (ins.) (ins.) (ins.)

Hornady 300-gr. XTP 1183 Avg. 932 12.3 2.40 3.54 2.9290-grs.* Pyrodex RSCCI musket caps 15 Sd

Knight 250-gr. Red Hot 1972 Avg. 2159 26.9 1.94 2.60 2.31Three 50/50 Pyrodex PelletsCCI musket caps 23 Sd

Lyman 335-gr. Shocker 1409 Avg. 1477 19.3 3.50 5.00 4.31100-grs.* Clean ShotCCI musket caps 22 Sd

Average Extreme Spread: 3.18

Measured average velocity for 10 rounds from a 26" barrel. Range temperature: 72° F.Humidity: 68%. Accuracy for five consecutive, five-shot groups at 100 yds. from a sandbag.Abbreviations: Sd (standard deviation), XTP (Extreme Terminal Performance), * (by volume)

SHOOTING RESULTS

MANUFACTURER: Knight Rifles(Dept. AR), 21852 Highway J-46,Centerville, IA 52544;(515) 856-2626

CALIBER: .50ACTION TYPE: in-line, percussion

muzzleloaderRECEIVER: chrome moly or stainless steelFINISH: blued or natural stainless steelOVERALL LENGTH: 45"BARREL: Green Mountain 22", 26" (tested)RIFLING: conventional eight-groove,

1:28" RH twistSIGHTS: White bead on post front,

Williams-style, fully adjustable semi-buckhorn rear

TRIGGER: single stage, adjustable,51⁄4-lb. pull

WEIGHT: 7 lbs., 5 ozs.STOCK: synthetic: black, Advantage or

Mossy Oak Break-Up: length of pull,141⁄4"; drop at heel, 15/16"; drop atcomb, 13/16"

ACCESSORIES: instructional video,combo tool, Allen wrench, cleaning jagwith extension

SUGGESTED RETAIL PRICE: $330 to$470

KNIGHT BIGHORN

Cocking is by pulling back on the striker until thesear engages and an audible click is heard. Dualsafeties consist of a trigger blocking lever on theright of the receiver, and a knurled ring at the rear ofthe striker that is turned down so the striker cannotfall far enough to hit the cap.

As with all Knight rifles, the barrel extends back toform an efficient and practical receiver. That results ina relatively compact overall length of 45" with the 26"barrel. Accuracy at 100 yds. was good, especially withthe all-copper saboted Red Hot bullets.

54 AMERICAN RIFLEMAN • April 2000