(GunReports.com) — Gun Tests Magazine has named the SSK Industries 300 Whisper AR-15 as the publication’s “Best in Class Rifle” for 2011.
The AR-style rifle joins a Kel-Tec PMR-30 22 Mag. pistol, a 12-gauge autoloading shotgun from Legacy Sports International, and Ruger’s 38 Sp. Lightweight Compact Revolver LCR as the magazine’s “Best in Class” 2011 honorees.
Every December, Gun Tests’ Editor Todd Woodard surveys the work of the magazine’s staff over the previous 12 months to select around 15 Guns of the Year (GOTY) and accessory choices. From those GOTY pistols, revolvers, rifles, shotguns, and accessories, the staff chooses the magazine’s “Best in Class” winners.
Gun Tests Publisher Timothy H. Cole said, “Despite the long-standing availability of the AR-10, 30-caliber semi-automatic rifles continue to be less popular than the 5.56mm/223 Rem. AR-15s. We were interested in finding a good 30-caliber carbine to recommend to our readers.”
The $1300 rifle was originally reviewed in the November 2011 issue of Gun Tests.
Woodard said, “Once we had the chance to fire the 300 Whisper, we realized that it was at least two weapons in one, or maybe two cartridges in one. With 208-grain Hornady ammunition, the sensation was more like firing an air rifle. We were actually more aware of the recoil buffer spring than the blast itself.”
Roger Eckstine, who wrote the November Gun Tests article, said, “The 300 Whisper will allow you to put a 30-caliber bullet downrange with less effort, noise, and recoil than that of a 223 round. Firing subsonic ammunition, it was hard to believe the lack of recoil, yet the same gun could be used to fire rounds producing more than 1300 ft.-lbs. of energy.”
For more information on Gun Tests magazine, log on to www.Gun-Tests.com.
