The recently released computer game Fallout: New Vegas allows players to use a reloading bench in the game. This is the first time I have heard of handloading being featured in a computer game!
[ Many thanks to Randal for emailing me the link. ]
EAA Corp is once again importing Baikal rifles and shotguns into the US market. They expect the first shipment in December.
One of the more interesting guns that they are importing is the Baikal MP-161K, which I blogged about a few months ago. The are import the MP161K in .22 LR, .22 Mag and .17 HMR.
Another interesting range being imported is the MP94 range of combination guns. They are double barrel guns with a shotgun on the top and rifle at the bottom. The centerfire model comes in 12 gauge on top and .30-06, .308, .223 or .45-70 on the bottom. The rimfire model has .410 gauge along with .17 HMR, .22 LR or .22 Mag.
Also of note is the MP153 Shotgun. This shotgun has been imported many times over the years and is reputed to be a very good budget autoloader.
Also being imported are the single shot MP18MN rifle range, side-by-side MP210 shotguns, over-and-under MP310 shotgun range and the single shot MP18 shotgun.
UPDATE: They have not yet published pricing.
[ Many Tomas for emailing me the info. ]
Things are not looking good for Colt Defense LLC. From the S&P press release ...
Nov 16 - Standard & Poor's Rating Services said today that it has lowered its corporate credit rating on Colt Defense LLC [CDEFHC.UL] (Colt) to 'B' from 'B+'. At the same time, we lowered the issue-level rating on the company's unsecured notes to 'B' from 'B+', although the '4' recovery rating remains unchanged. We have placed both the corporate credit and issue ratings on CreditWatch Negative.
"West Hartford, Conn.-based Colt, a manufacturer of small arms for the military and law enforcement, has been experiencing lower revenues and earnings over the past year due to decreased demand for its M4 carbine from its main customer, the U.S. military, as well as law enforcement customers, ," said Standard & Poor's credit analyst Christopher DeNicolo. "The company had planned to replace this demand with orders from international customers and new products, but has had only limited success, since a large order it had expected this year has been delayed. The lower volumes have also resulted in deteriorating margins, mitigated somewhat by cost-reduction efforts."
The reduced earnings and higher debt levels following a refinancing in 2009, have resulted in total debt to EBITDA increasing to almost 7x for the 12 months ended Oct. 3, 2010, from 3x in the same period in 2009, and funds from operations to debt of around 0%, down from 16%. Although we expect some modest improvement in revenues and earnings in fourth-quarter 2010, Colt's results will likely be much lower than the same period in 2009--which we believe will probably result in further deterioration in its credit protection measures.
I guess the Pentagon only needs so many M4 Carbines.
Note, Colt Defense should not be confused with Colt's Manufacturing Company, the civilian manufacturer, that was split off from Colt Defense in 2002.
[ Many thanks to Carl for emailing me the info. ]
Backyard Safari has blogged about the pistol shooting technique used by Russian officers in the early 20th century.
It does not look like a steady shooting stance, nor does it look like it would be fast to get back on target.
UPDATE: Apparently this was an April fools joke! Thanks to Aramir for pointing that out.
Gander Mountain's Black Friday Sale '10 catalog is now online. If you know of any other gun-related Black Friday sale catalogs, please post them in the comments.
[ Many thanks to jdun1911 for emailing me the link. ]
American Rifleman has selected their 10 Coolest Movie Guns.
I think their selection is pretty good. I would personally have included the Desert Eagle Point Five Oh from Snatch. The Desert Eagle scene from Snatch always gives me a good laugh (Note: NSFW, may contain spoilers) ...
Gun Holsters & Gear reports thats the ISSC MK22 Rifle is coming stateside next year.
I had the opportunity to shoot a prototype of this gun at SHOT Show. It is a fun little gun and it is nice to see a tactical .22 not patterned after the AR-15.
Tactical Life has reviewed Robar's custom Glock 22.
I really like the look of the frame with the forward serrations surrounding the Glock branding.
Robb Allen, who normally blogs at Sharp as a Marble, has reviewed three brands of .45 ACP ammunition for Gun, Holsters & Gear blog.
Next year Weatherby will be selling a tactical home defense shotgun called the SA-459 TR (Threat Response).
The SA-459 TR features a 18.5" barrel with ported choke, tactical bolt handle, fiber optic front sight and ghost ring rear sight. It is available in both 3" 12 gauge and 20 gauge. The 12 gauge model weighs 8 lbs and the 20 gauge model weighs in at 7 lbs.
From the press release ...
Key features of the SA-459 TR semi-auto shotgun include a trim forend for easy handling and a bolt with an oversized hourglass design that makes it easy to locate and operate. The ergonomic pistol grip-style buttstock has a rubber-textured grip area for snag-free shouldering. Ideal for female or smaller shooters, the SA-459 TR minimizes felt recoil with its gas-operated semi-auto action. A short 13.5-inch length of pull helps enhance the shotgun’s effectiveness in close-range threat-response situations.
The SA-459 TR’s short, defensive-length (18.5 inches) barrel is chrome-lined for easy cleaning and added durability. For mounting sights and optics, a Picatinny rail is installed on the receiver. The rail includes a LPA-style ghost ring rear sight that is adjustable for windage and elevation. The front sight is a red fiber optic bead.
The MSRP is $659.
Not included, and costing an extra $20, is the Threat Response Accessory Rail.The rail attaches to the magazine end cap allowing a light or laser to be added.
