The SSK-50, an elegant new take on the Contender idea, is produced to the specifications of the last iteration of the Thompson/Center Contender and distributed by Haus of Arms. Roy Huntington explores the multi-caliber shooter in the April issue of GUNS Magazine.
The SSK-50 showcases a stainless steel frame with a black nitride-finished trigger guard and black oxide-finished hammer and trigger. Roy approves of the simplified safety and firing pin selection lever on the top of the hammer itself. Flip it right or left to go from rimfire to centerfire and the middle is safe. He notes, “The SSK-50, the “UnThompson” Contender-style frame, not only revives the beloved multi-caliber shooter but takes it to new heights with better material and manufacturing.”
Mark Hampton stamps his seal of approval on Remington’s 360 Buckhammer and its ability to nail down big game. Essentially a straightened .30-30 chopped at 1.8″, it pushes a 180-grain bullet to 2,400 fps and has no trouble bringing large boar, Macedonian red stag or black bear to a halt. He lends, “In today’s world, everyone seems to want a 1,000-yard screamer with high BCs and impressive aerodynamics. In reality, there are many whitetail deer tags punched every year inside 200 yards and that’s where the 360 BKHM will shine brightly.”
The winner of the April GUNS Firearms Package Giveaway has the unique choice between three versions of Franklin Armory’s Libertas-L 16″ rifle. Each version is chambered in 5.56 NATO and features an M4 Contour barrel, 15” FSR handguard/upper, Libertas lower, Magpul CTR stock. Additional specs, such as BFSIII trigger or drop-in fixed magazine, are unique to each model. With a value ranging from $1,739.99 to $1,899.99, readers are encouraged to enter the free drawing by visiting GunsMagazine.com/giveaways.
Other points of interest in April include why North American Arms Limited M1911 is perhaps the rarest wartime-produced pistol; Alan Garbers explains the circumstances surrounding the notable 1911. In the Optics column, Wayne van Zwoll highlights SIG’s new Whiskey6 3-18×44, an all-around sight with the magnification to suit hunting/target rifles. And Will Dabbs, MD shares “Lessons In Rebuilding” upon finding the trusty family wheelbarrow DOA.
Discover more content at GunsMagazine.com. Purchase the April issue of GUNS or order a subscription at fmgpubs.com. Digital versions are also available.
