As a kid, I remember being able to write down whatever item I wanted for Christmas on a list throughout the year and sending it off, expecting Santa Clause to do his best to get it all to me. I realize that there are some small logistical problems with this idea, but if Santa would bring me anything that I asked for, here are the five things that would be on my list:
1: SilencerCo Salvo 12
As an avid upland game and waterfowl hunter, I have realized the great need that I have to protect my ears. The first thought is, “Wear earplugs.” Yes, that works, but while I am hunting earplugs are a huge inconvenience. I need to be able to keep track of my bird dog as well as hear birds moving in the brush or flying. The Salvo 12 brings most 12 gauge shotgun loads down to hearing safe levels without making you sacrifice awareness of your surroundings. It comes in four different length configurations, 4,6,8 and 12 inch. Made from stainless steel and aluminum, the Salvo 12 has a weight of 34.5 ounces in its heaviest, 12” form.
MSRP: $999
Shop for a Salvo 12 here
2: Crye Precision Six12 Modular Shotgun
To complement the first item on my list, naturally, I would want a shorter shotgun to add a foot long suppressor to. The best solution to this is to maintain barrel length and get a bullpup shotgun. Crye Precision introduced their Six12 Modular Shotgun to the world at SHOT Show 2014 and since, to my knowledge, there has not yet been any being sold to the public. Sadly, specs are just as hard to come by. A few things about the gun that I have gathered from resources; even though this gun has a revolving cylinder, it can be suppressed due to the gas seal that extends to close the cylinder gap upon firing. The Six12 is called a “modular shotgun” because of its many possible configurations and ease of changing them. It seems that with the flipping of some levers and a few bolt turns, the shotgun is user adjustable all the way from an under rifle barrel mounted breaching shotgun to a full-length shotgun and short home defense, even suppressed versions. It seems that the Six12 is scheduled to sell in the early part of 2019, but one can only hope at this point.
Read more about the Six12 modular shotgun here: https://www.gunsamerica.com/six12-revolving-shotgun-shot-show-2017/
MSRP: unknown
3: Ruger PC9
It appears that today’s market is blowing up with 9mm carbines. I, like many, have caught the bug and feel that a pistol caliber carbine is a must have. There are many that I like; the SIG MPX, CZ Scorpion Evo 3, and of course the many versions of AR-9s that are out there. However, the one that really has my heart at the moment is the Ruger PC9. There are many reasons for this which include its low price, weight, take down capability and Glock magazine compatibility. The PC9 has a barrel length of 16.12 inches, unloaded weight of 6.8 pounds, overall length of 34.37 inches and a 1/2×28 threaded muzzle for compatibility with brakes or suppressors. All of this, and it still has many more features to aid in user customizability and ergonomics including butt pad spacers to adjust length of pull, reversible magazine release, ghost ring iron sights, glass-filled nylon stock and the standard 10/22™ trigger. On top of it all, it comes standard with both the Glock and Ruger magazine compatible interchangeable magazine wells.
Read more about the Ruger PC9 here: https://www.gunsamerica.com/product-launch-year-ruger-pc-carbine-shot-show-2018/
MSRP $649
Shop for a Ruger PC9 here
4: Proof Research Switch
One of my favorite hobbies is long range shooting. The toughest part about this sport is limiting yourself to just one gun. The Proof Research Switch doesn’t solve this problem, but it does allow you to be able to shoot multiple different calibers out of your same rifle with a simple change of the barrel and bolt face using hand tools. Not only is this amazing, but it bears the name of Proof Research which is synonymous with accuracy and quality. The Switch rifle utilizes the Savage®-style action threads which allow for near endless barrel make/caliber choices available in pre-fit options. My favorite thing about this rifle is the fact that Proof Research sells it with a ½ MOA guarantee with the supplied barrel. Another unique feature to this rifle is the controlled round feed system with a mechanical ejector that Proof chose to use, which adds to reliability. Also featured is a carbon fiber, pillar bedded stock with vertical grip, AICS mag compatibility, 20 MOA Picatinny rail, threaded muzzle and an option of one of five offered barrels in .223 Remington, 6 Creedmoor, 6.5 Creedmoor, 260 Remington, and 308 Winchester, which you are not strictly limited to.
More details and specs can be found here
Base Price: $3,999
Buy a Proof Research Switch here
5: 429 DE Mark XIX
This is quite possibly one of the most iconic pistol platforms that gun enthusiasts and video gamers alike can recognize by name; the Desert Eagle. The reason this gun made my list is simply because it’s intriguing to me and I want one in my collection. There is one thing new about this Desert Eagle though, typically chambered for 50 AE (action express), 44 mag or 357 mag, this one differs in its 429 DE (Desert Eagle) chambering. Simply, this caliber is a new one by Magnum Research, the manufacturers of the Desert Eagle, which is designed as a high performance caliber. Magnum Research claims 25% higher velocities than the 44 mag and 45% higher energy. The rebated rim, bottlenecked cartridge is made by necking down the 50 AE to .429”, or 44 caliber. The emphasis on this new offering by Magnum Research is the ballistic performance, which may suggest its niche as a hunting pistol. The pistol includes an ambidextrous safety lever, picatinny accessory rail and an integral muzzle brake. It also has a Hogue® rubber grip with finger grooves to increase ergonomics. The new 429 DE can be purchased as a completed system with a seven round 50 AE magazine, or as a barrel alone. On Magnum Research’s website, they have stated that the 429 DE is available for order and is shipping out as of 11/16/18, but sadly, I was not able to find where to purchase it yet.
MSRP of barrel: $425-$529
MSRP of gun: $2,143