The CZ 75 SP-01 Phantom came out early last year in the Czech Republic and I think was available mid-year in the US. I missed the launch and have been meaning to cover it for a while. Anyway, here it is:
The SP-01 Phantom is a polymer version of the CZ 75 SP-01 TACTICAL. The use of polymers has reduced the weight by 33%.
The pistol features:
* SA/DA action
* Decocking lever, safety stop on hammer and a firing pin safety.
* Interchangeable grip inserts
* Accessory rail.
Specs:
Capacity: 19+1 capacity and can use older CZ 75 magazines Barrel Length: 4.7″ Weight: 1.8 lbs Overall Length: 8.1″ Height: 5.8″ Width: 1.5″ Rate of twist: 1:9.7
The MSRP is $695. I did spot it priced for $626.99 at Impact Guns.
As a child I was taught the concept of inflation with this analogy:
If Joe has 1000 oranges and you really really want one how much would you pay? If Joe has 1 orange and you really really want it how much would you be willing to pay?
I never forgot the story of the guy with oranges that “I really really wanted”. Anyway, here is a modified version of the story:
If Joe has 1000 SCAR 16s rifles and you really really want one how much would you pay? If Joe has 1 SCAR 16s rifle and you really really want it how much would you be willing to pay? Answer: $9500
Sig are offering the Sig 556 rifle in a pistol configuration called the P556. It has proved very popular at SHOT Show and looks like a really fun gun!
Sig P556
Apart from the 10″ barrel and lack of a stock, it has all the same features of the SIG 556 rifle: Flash suppressor, picatinny rails, two stage trigger, weather resistant Nitron finish. It also comes with a Sig branded mini red dot sight.
Specs:
Caliber: 5.56mm NATO Overall Length: 21.5” Barrel Length: 10” Rifling: 1 in 7” Weight (w/o Magazine): 6 lbs 7 oz Magazine: 30 Round STANAH (AR-15)
The MSRP is $1875.
It also comes in a SWAT variant which has a alloy quad rail in place of the standard handguard. No word on pricing for this model.
ArmaLite has their new AR-10T chambering 7mm-08, a very popular hunting round. Interestingly they are also offering it in the the relatively obscure .260 Remington. The .260 is now 11 years olds and gaining popularity as a flat shooting and low recoil 6.5mm cartridge.
AR-10T. Click to expand. Photo Copyright Ken Lunde. Used with permission.
The 709 “Slim” is a new single action only sub-compact 9mm from Taurus.
“SLIM” is the name of this suave new entry into the Taurus line. Elegant in Blue and Stainless this small, single-action-only could be found under a cummerbund or a pair of bibs. It’s what you have been asking for! No revealing lumps or lines makes concealed carry easier than that larger capacity gun you already have. Cool, neat and ready to go-the Taurus Slim will be your companion for a long time to come.
709SS model. Click to expand. Photo by Critter210.
Specs:
Caliber: 9 mm Capacity: 7+1 Barrel Length: 3″ Weight: 19 oz Length: 6″
Two models will be available. A Two Tone stainless steel slide model (709SS) and a blued slide version (709B).
The MSRP is $452 and I believe it will be shipping shortly.
The Vltor Fortis is a updated clone of the Bren Ten 10mm Auto pistol (Which itself was a CZ 75 clone). It was announced last year at SHOT. This year a final production model has been on display. It will be available in both 10mm AUTO and .45 ACP. It should be on sale later this year (2009).
Pre-production Vltor Fortis frames.
You can follow the progress of the pistol at the Fortis blog.
The US Army have awarded Beretta a contract for 450,000 Beretta Model 92FS pistols for US military customers throughout the world. If all pistols and parts are shipped, the total value of the contract will be $220 million!
That works out as $489 per pistol and spare parts.
From the press release:
The contract was awarded along with a first delivery order for 20,000 pistols intended for the Iraqi military. Delivery of pistols against the contract has already begun.
“We are honored to see the quality and performance of the Beretta Model 92FS pistol continue to be acknowledged in this dramatic way,” commented Cav. Ugo Gussalli Beretta, President of Beretta U.S.A. “It is clear that the Beretta 9mm pistol still sets the standard for military users throughout the world.”
Two F-22 Raptor cost about the same as 450,000 Beretta Model 92FS’s!
Austrian gun designer Wolfram Kriegleder ,who designed the Walther P22, has designed a new pistol in response to what American shooters said they wanted in a target and shooting pistol.
The M-22 features:
* 3.5″ or 5″ match barrels.
* adjustable rear sight.
* Weaver style rails.
* Multiple safeties (many will call this a bug not a feature).
* All black model or nickel framed two tone model.
The “multiple safeties” probably means a magazine safety like the P22. The pistol will be imported by Austrian Sporting Arms and is said to be available in Spring 2009. MSRP is $400.
