SHOT Show Archives

Navy Arms https://www.navyarms.com/ Navy Arms is back, although it didn’t really go away; it has just been a long time since it has sold firearms. The company has entered into collaboration with Winchester and Turnbull to create a remarkably well-built and beautiful 1873 Winchester lever action. The guns are manufactured in Japan by Winchester and [...]

We’re fans of a good pistol caliber carbine. Every year we see more options for those who want a gun that offers increased accuracy and better ergonomics. Yet it is hard to beat some of the old-fashioned workhorses of the past. The M1 Carbine, with its rich pugilistic lineage, can be a serious tool for home protection, and a fun gun too. But .30 carbine isn’t easy to find these days, and it isn’t as cheap as it should be, either. 9mm, on the other hand, is back on the shelves just about everywhere. Why not chamber an M1 in 9mm? Citadel has done just that.

Cabot Guns Cabot Guns makes 1911s with aerospace precision.  Their pistols are tighter than tight. They guarantee that the slide to frame fit is 0.001 of an inch or less.  Cabot has made what is a one-of-a-kind Damascus 1911.  President and CEO Robert Bianchin said it might be the toughest task they have taken on to [...]

Kel-Tec introduced not one, but two new bullpup rifles—the RDB outfitted in tactical attire and the M43 with beautiful wood furniture for you traditionalists. Both guns are in 5.56, feature an adjustable gas piston operating system and are ambidextrous. One of the problems with trying to build an ambidextrous bullpup, of course, is that side-ejecting spent casings come out in your ear if you’re firing left-handed, and front-ejecting guns are complex. Kel-Tec solves this problem with an ingeniously simple downward ejection behind the mag well. The RDB sports a tactical picatinny rail and polymer stock, and it comes suppressor-ready. The M43 features folding iron sights and a wood handguard, pistol grip and stock embellishment. These are both accurate, soft-firing guns for close quarters or long-distance work. You get a full 17.4” barrel in a compact package with an overall length of just over 26”. Production guns are expected to hit the dealer pipeline sometime in the fourth quarter of this year. MSRP will be in the $1,900 – 2,000 range. Watch the video for a first look at these two innovative rifles.

The brand new Meostar 1-6×24 RD is the first in the new R2 line. Light transmission is one of the most important factors in the performance of any optic, and this series knocks it out of the park with an incredible 99.8% light transmission per glass. The result is clear, bright, sharp images that make acquiring your target faster and easier. In the faster and easier category, you have to also include the two reticles that are available, both with an illuminated red dot in the center. In 1 power, you see a clear, edge-to-edge image with both eyes open for quick target acquisition in fast moving scenarios. But you also have the option to go all the way out to 6 power for those long shots. The eyepiece is a fast-focus design allowing you to quickly zoom in or out for the best solution on your target. The red dot illumination system is also new from Meopta. It’s bright enough to see in the brightest daylight yet can be dimmed enough for low light situations, like at the end of the day when the animals are coming out to feed. We’ll be doing a full review soon. In the meantime, check out this video of the latest offering in compact yet high performance and rugged riflescopes. MSRP is $1,595 for a high quality scope that may be all you’ll need to get the most from your rifle.

EOTech holographic sights have earned worldwide popularity in law enforcement, military and civilian markets. In fact, there are a half million Model 512 and 552 sights in circulation. EOTech’s newest product, the Model 552 Laser Battery cap, adds to the capability of these popular sights by adding a pair of lasers. Available as an option on a new Model 552, or as an upgrade for sights already in the field, the Laser Battery Cap simply replaces the existing battery cap. On one side is a red visible laser. On the other side is an infrared laser for use with night vision devices. The addition of an optional remote pressure switch lets you turn them on or off as your needs dictate while keeping both hands on the weapon.

Crimson Trace is at the forefront of laser design, so it comes as no surprise that they work hand-in-hand with gun manufacturers. Case in point – when Remington announced their new R51 sub-compact pistol, Crimson Trace already had a laser sight for it. It may not be a marriage made in heaven, but it was made in the USA, and it’s a perfect match. The new Crimson Trace LG-494 mounts on the front of the R51 trigger guard and looks like part of the gun. Lasers that are hung on picatinny rails tend to look like an afterthought. Trigger guard lasers blend in with the shape of the gun and look like they belong. The LG 494 is no exception. The CT trigger guard laser sight includes an extension that covers the lower part of the trigger guard and incorporates a pressure switch which falls naturally beneath the shooter’s fingers when gripping the weapon. Grip the gun to fire and the laser comes on from the pressure of your fingers. You don’t have to even think about it.

Whether you are looking for modern polymer frame pistols or the enduring Model 1911, Kahr has you covered. When it comes to a self-defense carry gun, you have to find a balance between concealability and function. Kahr has done a remarkable job with their slim, lightweight CT45 and CT40. These two guns achieve excellent concealability through the use of a single stack magazine, narrow frame and clean, snag-free design. However, Kahr didn’t do it at the expense of shootability. Both guns feature 4” barrels, and a full length grip holding seven rounds of either .40 S&W or .45 acp. With the stopping power of these two calibers and the accuracy of a 4” barrel, eight rounds should be enough to win the fight. A polymer frame, stainless steel barrel & slide assembly and an MSRP of $449 makes for a winning combination.

Fausti has been a staple of Italian shotguns since 1948. In 2009, the company established Fausti USA to better service the American market. It makes both over-and-under and side-by-side shotguns in a variety of decorative styles. These are some absolutely beautiful shotguns. They are the type of firearm that is so well-made, engraved and inlayed that they become works of art . Most models come in 12, 16, 20 and 28 gauges and .410 as well. The USA line features laser engraving on coin or case-hardened finished actions. The Caledon model is the introductory gun and starts around $2,000. There is also the Fausti Boutique line of custom shotguns. These offer hand engraving and are made to fit the buyer. These shotguns are classy yet incredibly functional. They are made to look beautiful and to bust clays or knock birds from the sky.

Palmetto State Armory has two new exciting products at this year’s SHOT show. First is their take on the AR-10 platform. Details are still a little vague on the exact configuration for the rifle at this time, but we know it’s in .308. The demonstration model at SHOT is a pretty straight-forward AR-style rifle. The company is also planning to release a 1911 or two this quarter as well. The two examples they have here at SHOT are very impressive. The fit and finish is superb.

MOJO Outdoors has been a leader in the motion hunting decoys for a number of years. This year they have upped the game for the aggressive turkey hunter. The Scoot and Shoot is a full bird decoy that works as a sort of hide or blind for the hunter. It is based on their Boss Gobbler decoy line but incorporates a ground stake and handle. The idea is to be able to creep and crawl up to a Tom or flock and then hide behind this decoy. When a Tom sees another male bird closing in on his lady friends, he will get aggressive. Once the protector of Jenny and the hens closes on the hunter/decoy, it is time for a close-in kill shot. The video below is from MOJO TV and shows the Scoot and Shoot in action. This is aggressive and exciting turkey hunting at its finest.

One of the biggest hits of the show so far has been the Tac-Con trigger group from Tactical Fire Control. With all of the media and industry insiders blowing through ammo as fast as magazines can be loaded, the range can get a bit loud. Yet above that constant pop-pop-pop would come that signature braaaap of a rifle firing very fast. And it didn’t take long to find it. The booth was full of people trying to get a look at something they couldn’t even see.

There’s a time and a place for small guns. The Beretta Pico is the latest in a long of defensive handguns from the venerable firearms family. The Pico’s lines are reminiscent of the Nano, only the Pico is small enough to drop in your pocket. And Beretta’s putting a fashionable twist on the diminutive .380: it will be available in a traditional two-tone or with a variety of colorful frames.

What does a silenced .50 BMG sound like? I have no idea. I should, but we weren’t allowed to shoot it. The range where we were gathered today for the 2014 SHOT Show media shoot wouldn’t let us shoot it. So we had to sit back and look at it, which was almost as rewarding. The rifle they brought (complete with crates of .50 BMG) is an M107A1 with a QDL suppressor. Part of what makes this ambitious suppressor unique is the two-port brake that is bolted onto its end. This helps reduce the recoil, while still cutting the sound signature, and it can be removed to further reduce the visible signature as well. The QDL slides over the muzzle brake and can be installed or removed in seconds.

Sometimes we know what we’re going to see at the SHOT Show. But there are always surprises. One of the best surprises at the range today was the Escort Gladius 20 Gauge Home Defense Shotgun. Escort Shotguns, a division of Legacy Sports International, does not have the following enjoyed by its domestic competition, but if the Gladius is any indication, these shotguns will be winning people over.

If you are a fan of the old A-Team TV show you would have appreciated a nifty vehicle in the exhibitor area made especially for Hannibal, Face, Murdock and BA. With a .50 cal and bazooka mounted on top, ad twin ARs at the sides, nobody who walked by could resist taking a picture. The ATV was made by Dock Holiday Guns under a new name and brand of custom ARs called A-Team Guns. Take a look at the pictures because they are really nifty. Machined individually from 7075 billet, these guns are not cheap. The barrel is made by Pac Nor, and the owner of the company explained that this the first time that Pac Nor has agreed to make a complete barrel for a manufacturer, rather than just sell them blanks. So far the chamberings for the A-Team guns are 223 Wylde (not to be confused with Zakk Wylde), and 300 Blackout. There is both a 2 and 3 finger front grip design. Hopefully we’ll get one of these guns in for review. The prices are in the $2400-$2800 range, so not for the casually minded shooter. Cool gun nerd gun for SHOT 2014!

Media Day at the Range attracts a lot of unique companies that don’t necessarily exhibit at SHOT Show. One thing that almost all of the guns at SHOT Show had in common this year was that their chambers were filled with plastic chamber flags made by Manufacturing Services, Inc. They have a minimum order of 100 pieces with your custom logo, and if you want to order 250, there is no setup fee. The flags themselves are 50 cents each. Also check out the personal defense tool, 60 cents each for 250, and a really nifty water bottle holder that slips in your pocket (see the third picture, 50 cents each/250. Cool company obviously a big fan of shooting sports, and MADE IN USA. Give them some business for your next shooting event or trade show giveaway.

Springfield Armory is announcing a new variant of the XD-S for 2014. It is the logical next step in the evolution of the sensationally popular XD-S sub-compact format. No, it’s not a new caliber offering – it is a new barrel length! Springfield has stretched the 3.3” barrel just ever so much to an even 4 inches. Why is this significant? For starters – recoil. I obtained my copy of the XD-S in 2012 in the initial offering of .45 ACP. If you have ever fired that gun, you know that it has some “personality” to it. Simple physics I’m afraid. Less size and weight of the handgun means more felt recoil for the shooter. The 2013 introduction of the 9mm version was welcomed by many because of the reduced pressures of that round, but it still has some snap. A 4” offering of this same gun adds weight where it is needed most – out at the muzzle. This helps reduce felt recoil. The XDS-9 4.0 also has a longer sight radius; adding ¾” to the length of the slide allows Springfield to push the front sight further forward by that same distance. This translates to a more accurate sight picture and better shots. Small errors in aiming are more noticeable, and therefore easier to correct with a longer sight radius.

Technology can make your life easier, or create yet a new thing you have to learn for fear of falling behind. The new GunsAmerica Posting Wizard smartphone ap for Android is meant to make your life easier. We hope to follow up within a couple months with an option for Apple products, but it can be very hard to get an ap into their store. The Android ap flows just like the posting page on the main website, and includes all of the options that you will find there. Why didn’t we make an ap for browsign the website and contacting sellers? We may, if people say they want it. The problem with those aps is that you really don’t need them if the website is designed properly for smartphones, and they can be more cumbersome than just using the regular website. For posting, it is really convenient to be able to just pop a few pictures with your phone and post an ad remotely, so we decided that this posting wizard ap was worth the space in your phone if it is something that you think you will find useful. Please give it a try and let us know what you think in the comments, and also please take the time to rate it in the Google Play store. Maybe we’ll be “trending” !!

This year’s SHOT Show was overshadowed by an unprecedented attack on our 2nd Amendment rights by shameless politicians trying to pay back political favors from the 2012 election. Unfortunately a lot of the American public are actually buying the lies and the false hopes offered by the carpetbagging charlatans. Prosperity is what America needs to reduce the violence in our inner cities, and SHOT Show 2013 was a stunning banner of American ingenuity, creativity, and the seeds of prosperity. Firearms have always meant freedom, and we will lose our freedom in America if we don’t stand up for our firearms now. Thanks to Julie Mac, Mark Bealo and Eric Beels for great work on this year’s videos. Hopefully next year Julie will remember for once that shotguns are actually a part of the firearms world, but for now let’s all just keep it a secret. We’ll see you for next year’s SHOT Show, back in Las Vegas, for 2014.

The name Weatherby alone is enough to pique the interest of most gun enthusiasts. The company’s attention to detail and renowned reputation for long-range performance in the hunting fields is unsurpassed.

But the company launched a shotgun lineup a few years ago and heads really turned when it rolled out a synthetic-stocked, pump-action shotgun in 12 gauge for self-defense. This year the company has extended its scattergun lineup with three 20-gauge offerings—one for bird hunting, while the new pair of TRs (Threat Response) are tailored for self-defense.

The PA-08 Synthetic in 20-gauge is available with either 26- or 28-inch chrome-lined barrels, comes with a black synthetic stock and to reduce glare afield the gun is finished in matte black. Lengthened forcing cones help reduce perceived recoil, making it an easy-to-use workhorse on opening day, regardless of the weather. It’s sure to offer the same kind of performance as its 12-gauge bigger brother.

The military contractor game has dried up some since the wars have slowed down so a lot of products that hoped for military trials are now trying to make it in the consumer world of guns and gun toys. Perhaps the most advanced at this year’s SHOT Show was TrackingPoint, a monstrous looking rifle and scope combination that is being marketed as fighter plane lock and launch technology for your deer rifle. Tag, Track, Fire.

The TrackingPoint system looks like a big huge rangefinder scope but it is actually an entire weapon system. You buy the rifle and electromechanical optics computer as a package, tuned to the ammo that comes with the gun. At first blush it felt more like the stuff of science fiction than that destined for the hunting camp, but TrackingPoint was the talk of SHOT Show 2013 for sure. The concept of this device is simple. Rifle accuracy and rifle ballistics have outpaced shooter ability for decades now, and most cartridges are generally not able to be shot at their effective distances because of potential shooter error. First shot hits at ranges of further than 600-800 yards are in the single digits for success percentages in human trials, even with ballistic computers, and if you think about it, there should be a technology that can make this better. From idea to finished working product, TrackingPoint is this technology.

Any fan of Mossberg pump guns will tell you, they are the greatest guns on the planet, except that they kick like a mule. When you try the 3″ and 3 1/2″ guns, meant for turkey and waterfowl, the effects can be downright punishing, and I have seen even 2 3/4″ buckshot send a 6 foot 3 inch grown man stumbling backwards. Granted, you can wield a Mossberg 500/590, or even the 835 effectively in both hunting and tactical situations, but you are going to know that you shot the gun. When someone says “eh, that .50 cal. doesn’t kick anymore than a 12 gauge,” keep in mind they are probably talking about a Mossberg pump gun. But hold the bus, Mossberg has a new product line they seem to be testing in the market that is a “harmonic damper,” built right into the stock of their iconic working man’s shotguns.

The system is made by a company called Mathews, which specializes in bows, as in bow and arrows. Somehow this company developed a “push back” technology that seems to work on something of a gyroscope methodology, turning the recoil on itself to push backwards. We are eager to get one of these guns to try, so for now all we can tell you is that there are going to be 7 introductory models, and all of them, including the tactical, will have a special stock with the recoil whosawhatsit and a special adjustable comb. The firearms community doesn’t take easily to new concepts, but it looks like Mossberg has a lot of hope for this new system, and it could revolutionize what we think of as a fixed amount of recoil in fixed breech (ie. pump and over/under and sxs) shotguns. They have a new recoil pad with this system as well, so it will be interesting to see the end result, which is hopefully the opposite of a purple and yellow shoulder after a day of shooting. Everyone’s favorite shotgun is learning some new tricks this year, comfortable ones, 100% made in the USA.

I saw something incredible today when I met Cabot Guns CEO Robert A. Bianchin. His company may not be a household name among gun enthusiasts, yet, but this niche manufacturer builds some of the finest 1911s I have ever held.

These are not old-school 1911s you shoot every weekend, or toss into the back of your trunk irreverently. They’d handle it and be utterly reliable, but you just wouldn’t do that to these handguns.

These are, as Bianchin put it, a functioning piece of precision art. These 1911s are developed and made by engineers, to critical tolerances, using standards typically reserved for the aerospace industry or in a nuclear lab…I’m not kidding. They are also utterly reliable.

If you remember back several months ago we did a photo essay on the “no drill” scope mount from Kwik-Site for the 1903 Springfield. Well they happened to be exhibiting right around the corner from us in the dungeon at SHOT Show this year and wouldn’t you know it, they made a freakishly large rotating auto-pistol to demonstrate their new scope mount. It is a pistol mount that attaches to that front rail on our autopistols that very few of us actually use for anything (but that looks cool so we all want one).
The mount is meant to hold what most people call a “scout” scope, otherwise known as a “long eye relief” scope, which just means you don’t have to put your eye close to see a usable sight picture. Long eye relief scopes are used in the scout rifle setup, like that Ruger Scout Rifle, or the Springfield M1A Socom, or you can use them on a pistol. Some pistols, like .22 caliber target pistols, actually have a scope rail, as does the Desert Eagle and many hunting revolvers. But if you want to try to shoot your semi-auto pistol at distance, and you’d like to be able to use a scope, this unique mount is a really unique answer. Nobody downstairs could have missed it, so it is strange that you don’t see them as the front page story on SHOT 2013 coverage. The heck with that Colt USMC pistol. This is the big story! Just look at the size of that gun in the booth!

Eotech, the world leader in holographic sights, this year has a new sight made for the elusive 300 Blackout, also known as the 300 Whisper. This caliber is interesting because it has two loadings. One is subsonic, slower than the speed of sound, for use with suppressors, and one is supersonic, so there is a [...]

Last year we saw Colt regain its status as the king of the AR-15/M-16 type rifle. Our Colt articles on both the 6920/6940 Patrol rifles, and the .308/7.62 Colt 901-16S were among 2012′s most popular here at GunsAmerica Magazine & Blog. The nice thing was that you could actually get the guns, and tens of thousands of you did. We have some good news for the 901 purchasers out there. According to “inside information” at the Colt Defense booth at SHOT Show, those proprietary swapper parts should be out this year, and they will finally come with the gun. Everyone who already has a 901 will be able to get them either free or cheap directly from Colt, hopefully by March is what we were told. If you have not yet read the 901 article and watched the video, it is a really cool gun that could transform your perspective of the AR-15 platform.

So what’s new for Colt this year? Mostly they are coming out with a bunch of specialized configurations and colors in the same rock solid 6920/6940 guns, and some of them are going to be only available from specific Colt distributors.

A lot of you guys were in disbelief that the new .17 Winchester rimfire from our Savage article early in this year’s SHOT Show coverage is all that it claims, so we got a little bit more information from Winchester. Seems that we have a whole new era of rimfire that will begin with the .17WSM. At 200 yards it barely moves at all in a 10mph wind, and they are marketing it for…coyote hunting. So stay tuned on this one kiddies. We hope to get a rifle from Savage and a box or two from Winchester Ammunition and get out coyote killing on the ranch soon. This is exciting stuff.

With ammunition prices through the roof and manufacturers unable to keep up with current demand, why would a company roll out an all new rimfire cartridge at the SHOT Show? In Winchester Ammunition’s case, probably because it has completed three years of development, and now is a great time to unveil low-cost fodder with performance that rivals some centerfire cartridges. Enter the world’s fastest rimfire, the .17 Winchester Super Magnum.