Century C15A1 with BLACKHAWK! Bandoleer magazine pouch is a solid performer that will satisfy 95 percent of all user needs in a defensive rifle.
with bayonet lug. Though not able to confirm, Internet lore has the C15 Sporter’s new lower manufactured by DPMS. The C15’s barrel features 1:9" twist to utilize the myriad bullet weights available in lieu of the 1:12" twist found on the original M16A1. This was a sound decision by Cen- tury, considering no one would want to be confined to 55-gr., 5.56mm/.223 Rem loads with the plethora of 62 gr. and higher-weight bullet loads on the market — especially in terms of bulk and surplus ammunition. Century has specified a 5.56mm chamber with the C15 Sporter enabling it
to fire
both 5.56mm and .223 Rem loads. The barrel and chamber are not chrome lined. Chrome lining is not much a necessity for most of us not having to deal with Southeast Asian
climate or corrosive ammunition. A1-style sights feature elevation
controlled by front post and wind- age from rear. First and foremost, the A1 sight is a true battlefield sight compared to the subsequent A2-style sights. The two flip-up apertures are on different planes, with the un- marked aperture being a short-range sight for 0 to 200 meters and the ap- erture labeled with an “L” for longer range. For zeroing choose the “L” aperture and place a target 25 me- ters downrange. (Specific targets are available but not necessary.) The A1 sights are adjusted by depressing de- tents, locking in both the front sight post and rear elevation knob located on the right side of the carry handle. Once rounds are striking where in- tended, rotate the “L” aperture out
of the way replacing it with the un- marked aperture. The rifle is now ze- roed for 250 meters. The 5.56mm/.223 ballistics translates into flat trajec- tory of 1.5" high at 100 meters and 7" low at 300 meters — thus hold center mass to obtain hits out to 300 me- ters. If desired, the “L” aperture can be deployed in lieu of the unmarked sight offering a 375-meter zero. This is possible due to the apertures being on different planes and thus offering different zeros. This strikes me as be- ing much simpler and practical than the A2-style sights that offer differ- ent markings on the elevation drum out to 800 meters. The visual clue of the A1-receiver
type is lack of shell deflector. The shell deflector was added to later AR-receiver models in deference to left-handed shooters. The gun is re- finished and since Colt refurbished A1 upper receivers are used in manu- facturing the C15A1 is not listed as a NEW rifle, but rather in excellent condition. MSRP for the Century C15 Sporter is $699. Recent trends point to a better ap-
The A1-style sights were in no way a hindrance to accuracy, especially when firing from a steady prone position with the lightweight C15A1.
64
preciation for what the original M16 design offered in terms of lighter weight and how this impacts weapon manipulation and portability. The M16A2 and later models quickly climbed into the near 10 lbs. range in weight with quad rails and other ac- cessories added. Frankly, this weight and encouragement to add accesso- ries isn’t needed for most civilians, or even law enforcement officers for that matter. Keeping with a “mini- malist” approach with the Century C15 I confined ammunition tested to Wolf steel case .223 55 gr. and 750 gr., Black Hills new and remanufactured 55 gr., Hornady TAP 55 gr. and Cen- tury International Arms HotShot imported 5.56mm 62 gr. (SS109). The
PERSONAL DEFENSE • SPRING 2011 SPECIAL EDITION
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