Had an opportunity to hit the range yesterday. In tow, a 15-22 rifle, 400 rounds of ammo and 4 SWS prototype brass deflectors.
I have 2 15-22's, so I used my newest one. Less then 1000 rounds shot thru it and no modifications made to rifle. (all stock from factory) my other rifle is heavily modified and well worn in. I only used 5 OEM 10 round short magazines which have feed well over 20k rounds thru the 2 rifles. (well worn, but always work)
All shots were a minimum of 1 second between them. (range rules) I did sneak in a couple double taps with angled deflectors
I started off with the STD-1 deflector and shot 50 rounds of Remington Thunderbolt. On Shot #20, the bolt held open, but the spent brass was still in the chamber area and fell out when the mag was removed. I did have 4 rounds bounce back in to the chamber area, (#31, 37, 43 and 46) causing the classic "stove pipe" stoppage. I did not shot any more with it since the stoppages occurred with regularity.
Next up, STD-2; over all it was better. (but not perfect) I shot 50 rounds of Thunderbolt again and had 2 bounce backs causing stoppages. Shots # 25 and 41 were the culprits. Since I had limited ammo, I moved on...
Next up, the 25 deg deflector; Using this one, I shot 50 rounds of Thunderbolt, 50 rounds of Rem Golden Bullet and 50 rounds or Fed Automatch. I am happy to report that I had no bounce backs at all. The rifle just tick thru all 150 without missing a beat. (Thumbs up!!)
I shot half the rounds right handed and the other left handed. Using a standing stance, I tuck my arms close to my body and found that shooting left handed, my right arm was getting hit regularly with brass. I was wearing a long sleeve shirt so no burns. But the potential was there.
Last but not least, the 45 deg deflector was up. As above, I shot 150 rounds total, (same break down of types fired as 25 deg deflector) Again I am happy to report that I had no bounce backs into the chamber area and again chew thru all of them with out any issues. (Thumbs Up!!)
Again I shot half left and right handed. Shooting lefty, I did have a couple bounce off my right arm, but no where near as frequent as the 25 deg deflector.
Couple additional observations; using the 2 angled deflectors, the brass is ejected downward with purpose. STD-1/2 the brass seemed to dribble out. I also noticed on the 2 angled deflectors, there are marks in the metal where the brass hit it on the way out. The are located about 3/4 of an inch aft of the last slot (cutout) The marks are on both the side and top panels.
Over all, (atleast with my rifle) The 2 angled deflectors presented no issues. I like the looks of the 25 deg one on the rifle as it sits closer to the rifle giving it a cleaner look. (personal preference) However, if the 25 degree one is produced, it will need shorter screws since tighten them all the way down and they poke into the rail slot, actually eliminating the need for the set screw.
Hopefully next week I can test them on my "well worn in" modified rifle to verify the results.
Just realized how long post is, oppsss, (owell,,,,,)