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Walther Arms https://www.waltherarms.com/ If you haven’t ever picked up a Walther PPQ M2, you need to. The compact pistol fits in the hand like few other stock pistols model on the market. While it isn’t much to look at, the PPQ defines utilitarian ergonomics. From the aggressive serrations on the slide to the exaggerated curves [...]

After considerable research, I bought a networked trail camera last year. I use it to monitor a site more than a thousand miles from where I live; it communicates over a cell phone network. In order to accomplish that, I had to buy a SIM card for the camera to connect to the cellular network. I also had to subscribe to the SIM card company’s data plan and subscribe to a website where the photos are sent. Wish I’d waited a few months, because I’d have bought a Bushnell Trophy Cam. Why is the Bushnell camera better?

Taylors had their new Alaskan Takedown at the range for SHOT Show, and we put it through its paces. Taylors is well known in the cowboy action shooting and historical circles. The Alaskan Takedown is a departure for Taylors, and a step into the modern era by a company that primarily deals with historical interpretations of firearms from the 19th Century. And we’re smitten. The more utilitarian chamberings and compact design make the Alaskan Takedown the perfect pack gun.

The Browning Automatic Rifle is a beast of a gun. I’m not talking about the svelte modern hunting rifle; I’m talking about the chunky BAR the US Marines lugged across the scraggly patchwork islands in the Pacific. That big son-of-a-bitch the Japanese hated. I don’t blame them. I sure wouldn’t want to face a Leatherneck with a shoulder fired full auto rifle throwing .30-06. The BAR, which was designed way back in 1917, was already dated in the 1940s, as heavy rifles were slowly replaced by lighter and lighter squad automatic rifles. Yet there’s still a mystique to the old gun. Ohio Ordinance has been making semi-automatic BARs for years, but they’re making news with an “updated” version that they showed off at the SHOT Show this year.

Thermal imaging scopes have helped our military own the night. Although the cost was peanuts to the government compared to the advantages they offered, it was out of reach for most individuals. Now we’re getting closer to the point where you and I can own the night for our own hunting needs. One of the advantages of thermal imaging, of course, is that it’s entirely passive; you don’t have to emit any light or IR energy. The coyotes and hogs will never know you’re there…not until you reach out and touch them, that is. Another advantage is the ability to see through dust, smoke, rain and foliage, day or night. It’s far superior to night vision scopes, which rely on a light source like the stars, the moon or IR lights. Among the limited offerings in the consumer market, the IR Hunter from IR Defense appears to be a break-through product.

SureFire makes suppressors and tactical products, but it is best known for lights. Whether you’re talking about self-defense, military/law enforcement needs or hunting/camping, if you want a light you can depend on, you have to check out SureFire. We took a look at three of the new lights for 2014. First was the Y300 Ultra. Besides all the SureFire regular features like rugged build, dependable LED lighting and shockproof, waterproof design, the Y300 has the added ability to provide two distinct brightness levels. You can switch between 1,500 lumens for really lighting up the night, or 500 lumens for preserving battery power under less intense lighting needs.

American Tactical Imports (ATI) is a worldwide importer of firearms, ammunition and tactical gear. We stopped at ATI’s SHOT Show booth looking for the newest product to show you. They were most excited about the new hybrid AR lower, so we checked it out. It’s a good-looking piece that combines polymer with molded-in steel inserts at critical points like the buffer tube takedown and the trigger group mounting screws. It’s lightweight and comes either as a stripped lower, so you can add your own parts, or as a complete lower with a retractable rear stock. MSRP is $50 for the stripped version and $170 for the complete lower.

We had fun at the Limbsaver booth. If you want to tame the recoil on your new .300 Win Mag or .30-06 rifle, Limbsaver has just the products. I use their slip on butt pad on my Tikka T3 lightweight .308, and it makes a big difference in felt recoil. But did you know they have a resonator that improves rifle accuracy? For just ten bucks. It might get you some strange looks at the range, but if it works, it’s worth it. They also make AR stocks and have a line of slings. We also learned some secrets of how their pads work so well. Check it out in the video, but don’t tell anyone.

Serious birders and those who want the best for hunting and other field activities gravitate toward Swarovski. The combination of field flattening lenses, quality glass, effective lens coatings and ergonomic design provide superior performance. The SLC Series 15×56 binoculars, for example, deliver exceptional light-gathering abilities in low-light situations like the at dusk and dawn. The performance comes at the cost of higher weight, of course. The SLC 15×56 binocs weigh 42.3 ounces. If size and weight is a concern though, Swarovski produces one of the best sets of compact binoculars you could find. The new CL pocket 8×25 binoculars fold up small at just 12.2 ounces and provide superior viewing in a pocket binocular. MSRP is $888.