By Scott Wagner

There has never been a phenomenon in the firearms industry like the stampede to the tactical-style gun. The only thing that comes even remotely close was the cowboy and fast draw crazes of the 1950s and 60s, followed by the Cowboy Action Shooting craze that became popular starting in the 1990s.

The way it stands now it is getting hard to find a shooter or gun owner who doesn’t have some type of a tactical gun. In last year’s review, I referred to these weapons generically as “black guns”, however black is not the only available in the tactical gun market, and may be in fact losing a little steam as the color of choice. Desert tan, OD green or various forms of camouflage are among some of the most popular finishes available these days.

For the purpose of this article, I will discuss only long guns (rifles, shotguns, carbines) that are set up, designed or modified to enhance their utility for combat and Three- Gun or tactical competitions. There are some nice advances out there, particularly in the shotgun market. I thought the tactical shotgun market had been totally eclipsed by the AR15 market. But I was wrong. So let’s look at some of the best of the best tactical long guns out there.

Armalite

I have been working for quite awhile with the 5.56mm Armalite SPR Model 1, and have been very impressed. A basic black M-4 platform, the SPR features the Armalite Continuous Optics Platform (COP) for un-interrupted mounting of larger optics, a 1 in 7-inch barrel twist rate M-4 stepped barrel is used to optimally stabilize heavy, long range bullets up to 77 grains, and removable picatinny rails so you can customize your setup.

The upper rail on the COP system is forged integral with the upper receiver, and is truly one-piece. The trigger is decent. It can be used in my opinion, as a mid-range precision marksman gun, or as an entry carbine. Accuracy with 77-grain loads is very good and one-inch groups at 100 yards is the norm.

For this particular review, I set it up as a basic entry gun so you could clearly see the Continuous Optics Platform. I mounted a set of Midwest Industries excellent adjustable backup iron sights (really not backup sights, they work fine as rail mounted stand alones).

The rear sight has a large aperture (it appears as almost a Ghost Ring affair due to the thinness of the rear aperture its outline overlays the curves of the protective ears of the front sight).

The front is a standard military elevation adjustable post. It works very well for close quarter battle, especially with an XS tritium stripe front sight installed. For Designated Marksman use, my ammo choice would be the 77-grain Wilson Combat BTHP. The SPR Mod 1 is great weapon from the original AR company, and reasonably priced with at $1529. www.armalite.com

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Recommended Tactical Rifle Resources

Gun Digest Book of The Tactical Rifle

Gun Digest Buyer's Guide to Tactical Rifles

Own the Night: Selection and Use of Tactical Lights and Laser Sights