Rifle 340 May/June 2025

Rifle: Sporting Firearms Journal is a premier publication for serious rifle enthusiasts, competitive shooters, hunters, and firearms historians. Each bi-monthly issue is packed with:

• In-depth rifle reviews (modern, classic, and custom builds)

• Technical analysis of shooting gear, optics, and ammunition

• Historical insight into classic firearms and gunsmithing traditions

• Field reports and testing results from real-world shooting conditions

• Expert opinions from seasoned writers like Brian Pearce, Patrick Meitin, Layne Simpson, and others

Whether you're interested in precision shooting, military rifle history, competitive carbine builds, or just love great writing about firearms, this magazine delivers top-tier content every issue.

About the Cover... On the cover of this issue, you'll find the SIG Sauer MPX PCC, a compact powerhouse chambered in 9mm. It's outfitted for competition with a 16-inch barrel, Swarovski Z6i 1-6x24mm scope, Warne XSKEL30TW Gen 2 MSR mount, and Streamlight ProTac HL-X rail-mounted light. Also featured are the Mantis X10 Elite Shooting Performance System, Kestrel 5700 Elite Weather Meter, and a Competition Electronics Pocket Pro II shot timer. Photo by Lacey Polacek

Table of Contents – Rifle Sporting Firearms Journal (May–June 2025, Issue No. 340)

Columns

• Smith & Wesson Model 1854 .45 Colt – Mostly Long Guns
  By Brian Pearce – Page 4

• The U.S. Army’s 5.56 Krag of 1896 – Almost – Fouling Shots
  By Art Merrill – Page 10

• Early Greener G.P. Actions – Light Gunsmithing
  By Gil Sengel – Page 12

• Steiner Predator 4s 4-16x 44mm – A Rifleman’s Optics
  By Patrick Meitin – Page 16

• The Latest in Prohibs
  By Walnut Hill – Page 58

Features

• SIG Sauer MPX PCC – A Practical Carbine for Competition
  By Jeremiah Polacek – Page 18

• James Woodward and Alexander Henry – When Two Great Names Collaborate
  By Terry Wieland – Page 24

• Control Round vs. Push Feed Bolt Actions – The Debate Continues
  By Brian Pearce – Page 30

• Notes on Rifle Suppressors – Conclusion
  By Layne Simpson – Page 36

• Benelli Lupo HPR in .308 Winchester – A Further Refinement of an Exceptional Rifle
  By Patrick Meitin – Page 42

• 22 Creedmoor in South Africa – Double Deuces Go Wild
  By Zak May – Page 48