Tip of the Day

Want tighter shot groups? Master your breathing. A common mistake is holding your breath while aiming, which increases tension and throws off accuracy. Instead, try the “natural respiratory pause”—inhale, exhale normally, then take your shot during the brief pause before your next breath. This minimizes body movement and steadies your aim. Pair this with consistent trigger control and a solid shooting position, and you’ll start seeing a noticeable improvement in precision. Whether you’re hunting, target shooting, or competing, proper breathing is a game-changer. Small tweaks like this separate good marksmen from great ones. Breathe, relax, and fire true. Want tighter shot groups? Master your breathing. A common mistake is holding your breath while aiming, which increases tension and throws off accuracy. Instead, try the “natural respiratory pause”—inhale, exhale normally, then take your shot during the brief pause before your next breath. This minimizes body movement and steadies your aim. Pair this with consistent trigger control and a solid shooting position, and you’ll start seeing a noticeable improvement in precision. Whether you’re hunting, target shooting, or competing, proper breathing is a game-changer. Small tweaks like this separate good marksmen from great ones. Breathe, relax, and fire true.

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Trivia Question❓

Which legendary bolt-action rifle, originally introduced in 1898, became so influential in military and civilian use worldwide that its design inspired dozens of other rifles and is still widely used today in hunting and sniper roles—including being the basis for the U.S. M1903 Springfield—and is often praised for its rugged reliability, smooth action, and controlled-feed system?

_{Answer at the bottom of the newsletter}

Firearm of the Week - Sig Saur 516 Mohawk

The SIG Sauer 516 Mohawk is a modernized take on the classic AR-15 platform, blending tactical enhancements with reliability. Featuring a short-stroke gas piston system, it offers improved performance and reduced fouling compared to traditional direct impingement rifles. The Mohawk includes a free-floating M-LOK handguard, upgraded trigger, and ambidextrous controls, catering to both professional and civilian shooters. It’s chambered in 5.56mm NATO and built for durability, precision, and versatility in demanding conditions. With its blend of advanced engineering and user-focused features, the 516 Mohawk stands out as a high-performance rifle suited for a variety of tactical applications and environments.

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Interesting Facts

• 1 Early rifles were so slow to load that smoothbore muskets remained the preferred weapon for centuries despite being less accurate

• 2 The first successful semi-automatic rifle adopted by a military was the Mexican Mondragón rifle in 1908.

• 3 In space, a rifle would still fire—since the gunpowder contains its own oxidizer—but the recoil could send the shooter drifting backward due to zero gravity.

SIG 516 G3 Mohawk: Next-Gen AR Innovation

The SIG Next 25: 516 G3 Mohawk is SIG Sauer’s latest evolution of the 516 rifle, unveiled at the company’s 25th anniversary event. Designed for reliability and adaptability, the 516 G3 Mohawk features a short-stroke gas piston system, enhanced modularity, and upgraded ergonomics. It includes ambidextrous controls, a slim free-floating handguard with M-LOK slots, and a match-grade trigger. Built for durability and precision, the rifle is chambered in 5.56mm NATO and optimized for both professional and enthusiast use. The Mohawk represents SIG’s commitment to continuous innovation in the AR platform while honoring its legacy of performance and tactical versatility.

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Quote of the Day

"Accuracy is not just about hitting the target—it's about mastering patience, control, and respect for your rifle."

Joke of the Day

Why did the rifle apply for a job?
Because it wanted to make a bang in its career!

Secret Little Hack

Store a few extra rounds inside your rifle’s stock (if it’s hollow with a removable buttplate). It’s a hidden backup stash that could make all the difference in a pinch.

SIG's Back in the Piston Game: The 516-MOHAWK Takes No Prisoners

After years of watching their original 516 fade into obscurity while the MCX stole the spotlight, SIG Sauer is swinging back hard with the 516-MOHAWK—and this time, they're not messing around. Unveiled at SIG NEXT 2025, this third-generation carbine isn't just a refresh of the old 516; it's a complete reimagining that borrows the best DNA from SIG's proven MCX platform and wraps it in a package that screams "built to last."

The Guts That Matter

Let's cut to the chase—what makes the MOHAWK tick? At its core, you're still getting that reliable short-stroke piston system that made the original 516 a favorite among those who actually put rounds downrange. But SIG didn't just dust off the old blueprints; they've integrated a three-position adjustable gas block that lets you fine-tune your rifle for everything from lightweight loads to heavy grain match ammo, or dial it down when you're running suppressed.

Speaking of suppressed shooting, the dual charging handle setup—both rear and side-mounted—is pure genius for anyone who's ever tried to clear a malfunction with a can hanging off the front. No more awkward hand positions or compromised grip; just reach for whichever handle feels natural and get back in the fight.

Southpaws Rejoice

Here's where SIG really shows they've been listening: the fully ambidextrous lower receiver puts lefties on equal footing for the first time in the 516 family. We're talking ambidextrous safety selector, magazine release, bolt catch, and bolt release. No more fumbling around or installing aftermarket parts—it's all baked in from the factory.

Built to Take a Beating

Piston guns have always had a reputation for eating themselves alive under high round counts, but SIG tackled this head-on with steel inserts in the cam path and feed ramps. These aren't just cosmetic touches; they're engineered solutions to the wear patterns that have plagued piston ARs since day one. Translation: your MOHAWK should keep running long after a comparable DI gun would be heading to the armorer.

Accuracy Meets Reliability

The 16-inch barrel isn't just another cold-hammer-forged, chrome-lined tube—though it is both of those things. The 1:7 twist rate stabilizes everything from 55-grain varmint loads to 77-grain match bullets, while the free-float M-LOK handguard keeps barrel harmonics consistent shot after shot.

That flash-hiding compensator isn't just for show either. It's designed as a quick-attach mount for SIG's MG68QD suppressor and their upcoming RX series cans. No more timing muzzle devices or worrying about concentricity—just click and shoot.

Early range reports are putting five-shot groups right around 1.25 MOA with match ammo, which is impressive for any piston gun, let alone one built for hard use. The combination of that rigid piston rod and free-float handguard seems to be keeping things tight even as the barrel heats up.

The Bottom Line

With an 11.5-inch SBR variant in the works and factory Cerakote options rumored, the 516-MOHAWK is positioning itself as the Swiss Army knife of tactical carbines. Whether you're running patrol shifts, competing in 3-gun, or just want a rifle that'll run dirty and keep shooting, the MOHAWK delivers the reliability of the piston system with modern ergonomics that actually make sense.

For shooters who cut their teeth on the original 516 but got frustrated with its limitations, or MCX owners who want something in 5.56 that doesn't break the bank, the MOHAWK looks like SIG finally got the formula right. After a decade of refinement, this might just be the piston AR that changes minds and wins converts.

The question isn't whether the 516-MOHAWK will run—it's whether you're ready for a rifle that might just outlast you.

💡Answer to the Trivia Question:

The Mauser Model 98 (Gewehr 98).

A Newsletter Dedicated to Responsible Gun Ownership, Education, and Tactical Operations.

Brought To You By:

Austin Warfield - Owner of C.O.P.S. Gun Shop - as a retired police officer, Austin has been involved in numerous community events over the years.  His firm beliefs in the 2nd Amendment and the fundamentals that all citizens have the right to bear arms to not only hunt to provide for their family, but for defense either against their property and lives, but be able to prevent the overreach of government within our rights.  he wants to share his joy of gun ownership with all safely and responsibly.

Chris Pine - Chris is a dedicated father and husband who also serves in the Oklahoma National Guard.  He understands the sacrifices that 1st responders and the military make to protect our communities and rights for the greater good.  He has a long-time love of firearms and competitive shooting.  He is always looking for ways to share his knowledge with both new and experienced firearm enthusiasts.

Sam Wood: More Than Just a Writer

In the heart of a small, close-knit community where every face was familiar, Sam Wood learned life's most valuable lessons. His upbringing wasn't easy; he faced his share of hardships and adversities that tested his resolve. Yet, it was these very challenges that shaped his tenacity and belief in the power of perseverance. Sam often shares stories of the mentors and community figures who saw potential in him when he couldn't see it in himself, emphasizing the importance of giving back to the community that raised him.

Sam's entrepreneurial spirit was kindled in his early twenties, leading him from a daring venture into a thriving business. His success as a business owner is a testament to his grit, but Sam is quick to point out that his journey was peppered with failures as much as triumphs. It's in discussing these moments of vulnerability that Sam truly connects with his readers, reminding them that every setback is just a setup for a comeback.

Though guns and advocacy have been his mainstay, Sam's life is rich with passions that paint the full picture of who he is. An avid outdoorsman, he finds peace and solace in the wilderness, often sharing tales of his expeditions hunting, fishing, and exploring. These adventures are more than hobbies; they're a return to his roots and a way to connect with the earth and himself.

Sam's commitment to making a positive impact is evident in his volunteer work, especially in educating young people about gun safety and responsible ownership. He believes in empowerment through knowledge, a value instilled in him by the mentors of his youth.

Family and friendships anchor Sam's world. He speaks fondly of family dinners that could easily pass for debates, where lively discussions on politics, history, and philosophy were the norm. These gatherings not only deepened his understanding of the world but also his convictions about gun ownership and personal freedom.

Sam's friends describe him as a man of integrity, grounded by the core values of freedom, responsibility, and respect. Yet, they're quick to point out his lighter side—his quick wit, love for practical jokes, and an uncanny ability to find humor in the mundane. It's this blend of depth and light-heartedness that makes his writing so compelling.

Despite not following a traditional educational path, Sam's knowledge and insights command respect. His writing, marked by a first-person conversational tone, wit, and humor, makes complex gun issues accessible and engaging. But more than that, it's a reflection of the man himself—complex, nuanced, and profoundly human.

Sam Wood may have started as a small-town boy, but through his resilience, he's become a beacon of inspiration and a voice for responsible gun ownership. Residing now in Comfort, Texas, he continues to advocate, educate, and connect with people through his stories and experiences. In every piece he writes, Sam aims not just to inform but to remind us of our shared humanity and the values that unite us.