Connecticut Shotgun is here at SHOT Show this year with a nice selection of even nicer shotguns. As the name of the company implies, these shotguns are made in New Britain, Connecticut—right here in the good old USA. Just about every gun maker in the country used to make a side-by-side shotgun, but that era is long gone. Connecticut claims to be the only American shotgun company making side-by-sides here now, and I can’t prove them wrong. Will the company be able to hold its own with the foreign competition that dominates the high-end market?
SHOT Show 2014
Show First
Crye Precision’s Six12: A Bullpup Revolving Shotgun?—SHOT Show 2014
Updated: January 16, 2014Crye Precision, a company known for tactical gear popular with law enforcement and active duty military personnel, has made a gun unlike anything we have seen at the SHOT Show this year. Actually, it’s not like anything we’ve ever seen before. The Six12 is a bullpup revolving shotgun. The gun holds six rounds of 12 gauge (get it) in a revolving cylinder. The Six12s are designed to mount to AR platform rails, and make an AR look even much more aggressive. And it looks like it is going to be popular. We had to fight through an excited crowd to get you these pictures.
Navy Arms is Back! A Collaboration with Winchester and Turnbull—SHOT Show 2014
Updated: January 16, 2014Navy 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 [...]
Citadel M1 Carbine in 9mm: Do We Finally Have a Release Date?—SHOT Show 2014
Updated: January 16, 2014We’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 Special 1911s: The 1911 Becomes an Artist’s Canvas—SHOT Show 2014
Updated: January 16, 2014Cabot Guns https://cabotgun.com/ 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 [...]
Kel-Tec Has Something Very Special for Bullpup Fans—Two Unique Gun Designs—SHOT Show 2014
Updated: January 15, 2014Kel-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.
New from Meopta: Their Next Generation in Rifle Scopes Starring the Meostar R2 Series—SHOT Show 2014
Updated: January 15, 2014The 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 Adds Laser Capability to Models 512 and 552 Holographic Sights; Introduces New X320 Thermal Imaging Unit—SHOT Show 2014
Updated: January 15, 2014EOTech 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.
Newest Crimson Trace Laser Sight is Designed for the New Remington R51 Sub-Compact Pistol—SHOT Show 2014
Updated: January 15, 2014Crimson 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.
Kahr Introduces Three New Handguns and a New Kahr/Spyderco Knife Series—SHOT Show 2014
Updated: January 15, 2014Whether 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.