GUNS magazine has a Christmas special – 6 issues for $6. Recommended.
Federal is introducing a new “price point” load for the .338 Lapua Magnum, and a new triplex turkey load utilizing Flitestopper steel shot over copper plated lead shot followed by tungsten shot in the same shell, to try to be all things to all turkeys, I suppose. I predict they won’t sell enough.
Trop Gun Shop has Kahr CW380 pistols for $220.
Ruger has “re-engineered” its Charger (10/22) pistol, with enhanced features and a new 22 Charger Takedown model. The revised pistol has improved ergonomics, new features and the new BX-15 magazine. The Takedown model adds the quick disconnect feature found on the full sized 10/22 Takedown rifle that allows the firearm to be taken down quickly and easily, and a fitted hard case that holds the disassembled pistol. But we are not sure there is much purpose for a takedown version of a handgun.
Ruger has “no plans at this time” to include its new BX-Trigger on its 10/22 rifles or Charger pistols. So you get to buy the gun, then buy the trigger again. Gee thanks, Ruger.
Kahr Firearms Group has announced the new 100% USA-made Auto Ordnance 1911BKO, which incorporates GI specs and features a matte black finish frame, barrel and slide, with a machined carbon steel slide, sear and disconnector, and with low-profile sights, brown checkered plastic grips and firing pin block. $517. But currently a Remington R1 is cheaper.
MKS Supply announced recently it is offering Inland Manufacturing‘s replica of M1911A1, which appears to have stayed true to the original design of the 1911A1, right down to the plastic grips. $749.
DMT has developed a new proprietary sharpening surface technology for ceramic knives, to be introduced at the 2015 SHOT Show.
Mossberg Patriot bolt rifles will replace the 4×4 and ATR lines. $386-584.
We have a report that the Taurus View revolver is no longer in production. Most of us never saw one. Too gimmicky and unshootable.
Charter Arms is reintroducing its Old Glory revolver which looks just like it reads. $470.
New belly band holster called the Bodyband. Details here and here.
DPMS has a new line of GII AR-10 style rifles that are smaller and lighter than standard, with some near AR-15 size and weight, using new upper and lower receivers and bolt carriers. Six models starting at 7.25 lb. and $1500. Some models offered in .243 Win., .260 Rem., 7.62x51mm NATO (.308 Win.), and .338 Fed. Apparently a seventh version (lighter and more compact) is in the works.
Maklarbak has AR magazines that activate the rifle’s bolt catch as the last round rises, locking the bolt open with the last live round ready to be chambered. The shooter can then release the bolt, chambering the round and then perform a mag change with a round in the chamber, instead of the usual procedure of doing it with an empty gun. The special mag follower insert can be reversed for industry-standard operation, and the followers are available for retrofit into any mil-spec AR magazine body. I can see training issues with this “backward” system, even if it is superior to the standard.
The Right Tool Company offers an all-in-one disassembly tool for the Ruger .22 autoloading pistol. Why they’re on Facebook is a mystery to me.
Sierra now has MatchKing target bullets with an acetal resin tip, available in 100 and 500 count boxes. MatchKings are recommended for target shooting ONLY.
- #7169 – 22 Caliber 69 gr. TMK
- #7177 – 22 Caliber 77 gr. TMK
- #7725 – 30 Caliber 125 gr. TMK
- #7755 – 30 Caliber 155 gr. TMK
- #7768 – 30 Caliber 168 gr. TMK
- #7775 – 30 Caliber 175 gr. TMK
Remington is reportedly poised to introduce three “new” handguns – a budget priced full size .45 ACP to compete with the Springfield XD, etc., a pocket .380 ACP similar to a Smith Bodyguard or Kel-Tec P3AT and apparently a re-re-introduction of its R51 9mm pocket gun.