191: Chapter 189: Gao Yang’s Exclusive Gun 191: Chapter 189: Gao Yang’s Exclusive Gun Gao Yang felt that his M1A was already the best rifle, but the conditions that Jack had offered were too tempting for Gao Yang to ignore.
Gao Yang withdrew his hand and said with a puzzled tone, “What do you mean by saying I’ll have a gun that truly belongs to me?
Besides, I think this M1A is already the best gun in the world.”
Jack patted the rifle in his hand and explained, “This gun was customized for Bob, who is a bit fatter than you and almost an inch taller, so tell me, do you think the two of you would have the same fit with the stock?
Moreover, this rifle was intended for Bob to use for hunting.
He didn’t have high requirements for carrying it, so I didn’t consider lightening it and went with a wooden stock.
Some non-essential parts haven’t been replaced with lighter materials either.
But if you were to carry a rifle for a long time, wouldn”t you prefer it to be lighter?”
Gao Yang’s M1A was indeed good, but it was just a bit heavy.
Naturally, it would be better if its weight could be reduced, as long as it didn’t affect the accuracy.
However, even if it’s the same gunsmith making the same model, it is impossible to maintain the exact level of precision for every rifle, so Gao Yang thought it might be better not to switch.
After hesitating for a moment, Gao Yang said, “It would be nice to reduce the weight a bit more, but a slight difference in weight doesn’t really matter.
If lightening it affects the accuracy, I’d rather it be heavier.
Also, this gun fits very well in my hands; I haven’t noticed the stock being too long or too short, so there’s no problem with that.”
Jack let out a chuckle and continued, “Hear me out.
Bob’s requirement was for hunting; he doesn’t have high demands for mounting accessories.
Therefore, I installed a shorter Picatinny rail for him, which can only accommodate one scope.
But you’re going into battle.
Don’t you find it a hassle to recalibrate every time you switch scopes?
Don’t tell me you never use a night vision scope.
I can see clear signs of wear on it.
Buddy, it is a good gun, but if it’s used in the wrong situation, then it’s not the best gun.”
Gao Yang was finally moved because Jack had struck a chord.
Every time he had to switch from a day scope to a night vision device, it was an extremely cumbersome and time-consuming process, but there was no way around it—without re-shooting to recalibrate after dismounting a scope, there’s no telling where the bullets would end up.
Gao Yang took a deep breath and said, “You’re absolutely right, you’ve convinced me.
If you plan to trade with another gun, can you guarantee that its precision will match this one?”
Jack’s face became serious as he said, “Buddy, you have to understand who you’re talking to.
Didn’t Bob tell you that I’m the best gunsmith in America?
Do you think I’d give you a trashy gun?”
Surprised, Bob exclaimed, “I thought you were the best on the West Coast.
Since when did you become the best in America?”
With pride on his face, Jack declared, “This year, at the National Handgun Shooting Competition, my work outperformed everyone.
So now, I can rightfully claim to be the best gunsmith in America.”
Gao Yang was still uneasy.
After all, he had grown attached to his M1A and knew how good it was.
Plus, Gao Yang wasn’t the type to constantly chase the new; if possible, he would rather keep the M1A and buy a new gun.
Full of expectations, Gao Yang said, “Can’t you just make me another gun?
I don’t care how much it costs, name your price.”
Jack laughed heartily and replied, “Pal, as I said, my orders are booked for the next five years.
If you agree to trade, no problem, I can make you a new gun in the shortest time.
If you want to buy, also no problem, but you’ll have to place your order in five years, and you’ll have to bid for it.
Whoever pays the most will be the first to order one from me.”
Gao Yang was out of options.
After much hesitation, he finally said gravely, “I’ve taken out ten people from over a kilometer away with this rifle, moving targets, using only twenty shots.
If you can guarantee that you can make another gun with the same level of precision, I’ll trade.
Otherwise, I can’t possibly change guns.”
Jack’s face was filled with surprise as he said, “Buddy, you were using this scope?
Wow, man, I’ve got to reconsider my opinion of you.
That scope is meant for medium-range shooting, with optimum performance between three hundred to six hundred meters.
It’s not that good for long-distance targeting, and yet you were able to hit targets over a kilometer away with it.
Impressive!
Alright, it seems you really do deserve a different consideration.
I’ve decided, I’ll bring out my best kept secret for you, and use all my skills to craft a specific gun just for you.”
After finishing his words, Jack stood up from the sofa and called out loudly, “Bob, stand up, spread your arms.
Gao, you stand up and spread your arms too.
Open your hands.”
Gao Yang and Bob stood up together, extending their arms and opening their hands.
After Jack took a quick look, he nodded and said, “Sit down.
I think I know the length of stock you need.
I’ll let you try the length of the stock later to see if it’s more comfortable, and also, what requirements do you have for your new gun?
Or what kind of improvements do you plan to make based on this M1A?”
Gao Yang thought for a moment and said, “My role is that of a marksman, and in my combat experience, opportunities for long-distance shooting haven’t been too many.
I’ve had more shots at medium and close range, but using a scope to search and shoot close-range targets can be troublesome, preventing rapid firing.
Yet, I can’t just remove the scope to use iron sights for shooting, so I hope to spot and aim at close-range targets more swiftly when shooting them.
Also, changing the scope is quite a hassle, a point you’ve already made, so I won’t go into that again.
And, it would be better if there were pistol grips available.
I feel that the current stock is less comfortable when shooting mid to close-range targets compared to stocks with pistol grips.
For the rest, I can’t think of anything else for now.”
Jack nodded and said, “All can be solved, now tell me what type of gun you prefer?
Continue choosing from the M14 derivative guns, or do you have any other options?”
Gao Yang immediately said, “I’m very familiar with the M14 series, and it fits me well, so let’s stick with the M14 derivative guns.”
Jack immediately said, “That’s easy, the Navy’s DMR or EBR can meet your requirements.”
The so-called DMR stands for Designated Marksman Rifle, provided for the Marines and the Navy’s fleet antiterrorism teams, primarily used for medium and long-range precision shooting sniping rifles.
As for the EBR, it refers to the United States Navy’s Mark 14 Mod 0 Enhanced Battle Rifle, initially designed by a bid from firearm manufacturers based on the demands of the SEALs by the Special Operations Command for a rifle suitable for CQB (Close Quarters Battle).
The M14 was considered for CQB because of the strong penetrating power of the 7.62 NATO cartridge, which is very effective against vehicles and walls and other covers in urban warfare, and can be used in conjunction with the 5.56mm caliber rifles, which have insufficient penetration power.
On the other hand, it is because the performance of the M14 has been tested over time, and the SEALs have been using the M14 for many years.
When they needed a medium-caliber CQB weapon, it was natural for them to choose the M14 as the base gun.
Of the two gun types Jack mentioned, Gao Yang felt that only the DMR was an option, because the EBR was a CQB weapon with a finalized barrel length of only 18 inches, which was undoubtedly too short for a precision shooting rifle.
Gao Yang frowned and said, “It seems that I can only choose the DMR, because the EBR is the short barrel model, right?”
Jack slapped his head and said, “Sorry, the EBR I was talking about is not the Navy’s model but the Army’s model, the upgraded M14 EBR-RINM.
My fault for not making that clear.”
There are so many different M14 derivative guns in the U.S.
military that they are quite complex.
Gao, who had previously studied them, ultimately found it to be theoretical knowledge.
After careful thought, he eventually remembered what the Army’s EBR looked like.
The Army’s EBR is also a long-distance precision rifle, completely different from the Navy’s CQB-focused EBR.
Whether it’s the Navy’s DMR or the Army’s EBR, they have almost completely departed from the original look of the M14.
They might not look like Gao Yang’s M1A, but Gao is not one to insist on the original design.
He doesn’t care about changes in the appearance of the gun; what matters to him is its functionality since he’ll be taking it into battle, not keeping it at home as a collectible.
Naturally, whatever works best comes first.
Gao Yang was also indecisive about which derivative model to choose.
After pondering for a moment, he gave a wry smile and said, “Forget it, you choose for me.
Perhaps you know better which one suits me.
But I must say, I don’t want the standard EBR or DMR.
Those can’t compare to my M1A.”
Jack laughed heartily and said, “Buddy, you must be joking, right?
Please, that M1A is just a civilian version of the M14, but do you think it’s the same as those mass-produced models?
Don’t worry, I just wanted you to choose a design you like.”
After dismissing Gao Yang’s concerns, Jack pondered and said, “For you, the Army EBR would be more appropriate.
The extended Picatinny rail would allow you to attach a night vision device without moving the scope, which is crucial.
However, the Army’s stock is adjustable, and that needs to be changed.
I’ll customize the stock to fit your body, so it has to be a fixed stock.
Alright, so the body of the gun will be modeled after the Army’s EBR, and I’ll tailor a stock for you.
Of course, everything I’ve said is just a broad outline; we’ll have to try things step by step until you’re satisfied with all the details.
How does that sound?”
Stirred by the prospect, Gao Yang was thrilled to finally have a gun tailored just for him.
He couldn’t possibly refuse Jack’s offer and eagerly said, “Good, that’s the way.”
Jack clapped his hands, equally excited, and said, “You’re in luck, because I’ve been hiding a gem, too precious for even myself to use, but I’ve decided to use it for your gun.
I promise, the gun I’m going to build for you will not only be one of a kind but will also genuinely be the best quality there is.” (To be continued.
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