The Firearm Blog

Command Arms Accessories have developed a new Remington 870 and Mossberg 500 stock and forend.

The stock features a collapsible M4-style stock, pistol grip, aluminum buffer tube and picatinny rails for optics. There also appears to be a rail on the side of the stock, although I am not sure what could be attached there.

On a Mossberg 500

The new forend features a lower rail, which could be used to mount a forward handgrip, and side rails for lights or lasers. I like the grip design.

CAA are selling the stock for $199.99 and the forend for $59.99. Mossberg kit here, Remington kit here.

Hat Tip: Tactical Life

WrenTech Industries have started selling a shotgun and Ruger 10/22 rifle variant of their Advantage Tactical Sight. The new sights work the same as the pistol version. To aim you simply line up the rear sight with front sight to create a triangular shape. This apparently allows very quick sight acquisition.

The ATS on a glock and the sight picture.

The Universal Shotgun sight fits any non-ribbed 12 gauge barrel that is 14″ – 20″ long and of .840” to .890” in diameter, which includes most non-ribbed Mossberg and Remington barrels.

Mossberg 500 Shotgun

The Ruger 10/22 variant is only compatible with the aftermarket Tactical Solutions fluted .22 LR barrel. It is designed specifically for .22 steel matches.

Ruger 10/22

Both sights can be purchased online and cost $129.95. You can read more about the pistol sight system in an article [PDF Link] from this months GUNS Magazine.

Mossberg’s big muzzle brake, which I call the BFMB (Big “Fraking” Muzzle Brake), first seen on the Mossberg 500 Roadblocker shotgun is coming to the Plinkster line of semi-automatic and bolt action .22 and .17 HRM rifles. Four models will be available with the BFMB.

Click to expand the photos.

Model 817 with scope, thumbhole stock and tip down stock (used as forward hand grip)

Model 702 autoloader

Model 802

Model 817 with scope and bipod.

From the press release:

Muzzle brakes are now available on the following models: the standard 702 Plinkster® (.22 LR autoloading), the scoped 802 Plinkster™ (.22 LR bolt-action with 4x scope) and the scoped model 817 (.17 HMR with 3-9×40 scope). In addition, muzzle brakes will be fit onto a scoped model 817 with a thumbhole stock and Tipdown forend (.17HMR with 3-9×40 scope), and lastly, an 817 (.17HMR) will offer a complete package of a muzzle brake plus an upgraded 4-16×50 scope featuring sun shade, flip open lens protectors and a bi-pod.

I have questioned the effectiveness of muzzle brakes on a low powered cartridge, such as the .22 LR, many times on the blog but this sure looks cool. Do I want one? Hell yes I do

Thanks to Kim for the photos.

The difference is subtle.

Mossberg have announced a new rifle for 2009 called the 100ATR Night Train II. Oddly enough Mossberg did not include this rifle in their 2009 catalog.

The rifle is a significant upgrade over the original Night Train. It features everything you can see in the above photo: a harris bipod, Barska 6-24 x 60mm variable scope, muzzle brake, neoprene comb raising kit with foam cheek pad inserts. It is a complete system.

It also features a free floating button rifled barrel and the new Mossberg LBA trigger to achieve good accuracy.

Specs:

Caliber: .308 Win.
Stock: Synthetic black or camo
Magazine capacity: 4+1
Barrel: 22″
Weight: 9.6 lbs

UPDATE: Kim @ Mossberg PR told me that the MSRP is $949 for the camo and $913 for the black. No bad at all considering that you get for that.

Hat Tip: Outdoor Wire

I previously reported that on the new Mossberg 590 SPX. It appears Mossberg also have a “regular” 500 SPX.

The SPX features:

* 18.5″ ported barrel (the holes are in just behind the front sight)
* Picatinny rail
* LPA Ghost sight
* “M16 style” front sight
* Adjustable stock.
* 6 round magazine

This shotgun really seems to be crying out for an 8 round magazine upgrade.

The more expensive 590 SPX has a nine round magazine, bayonet lug and Ontario M9 Bayonet.

R&R Arms has it listed for $494.44 but have none in stock, I am not sure if Mossberg has yet shipped any.

UPDATE: There is also a 930 semi-automatic version of the SPX.

The Mossberg 903 SPX autoloader has the same features as 500 and 590 SPX except it has a 8 round magazine.

If this does not keep hippies awake at night and zombies at bay I do not know what will. The Mossberg 500 Road Blocker a real badass. Pistol grip, heat shield and BFMB (Big “Fraking” Muzzle Brake”).

Mossberg 500 Road Blocker. Click to expand.

The two baffle muzzle brake looks like it was ripped off a .50 BMG anti-material rifle.

The Roadblocker muzzle brake in action. Note the bead sight.

For comparison: M107 / Barrett M82 .50 BMG anti-material rifle

The Road Blocker is chambered in 12 gauge, has a 18.5″ barrel and a 6 round magazine.

It was previously sold as a TALO exclusive but this year it is now a standard production shotgun. I am not sure what the MSRP will be but if I had to guess I would say $400.

There should be some good reverse thrust from the muzzle brake. If used correctly you should be able to follow up the blast of buckshot with shotgun-in-the-guts. Follow the instructions in my handy guide:

Just joking. Don’t get to excited!

This year Mossberg is will be selling the autoloader 3 1/2″ magnum 935 Magnum and the 2 3/4″ 930 Turkey models with tactical style pistol grips and fixed stocks. Click to expand the images.

Mossberg 935 Magnum Turkey – Pistol Grip Model

Mossberg 930 Turkey camo and black synthetic.

“Tactical” truly is going mainstream.

John Taranto at The Gun Shots is the first to review the new Mossberg LBA (Lightning Bolt Action) trigger:

The LBA’s trigger blade is not nearly as deep as that of the AccuTrigger. In fact, without using a measuring device, I’d say it’s about two-thirds to half as deep. Considering one of the primary purposes of this type of trigger system is to eliminate trigger creep, I think it makes sense that there isn’t a lot of anticipation as you bring the blade flush with the trigger itself. Bottom line: When I wanted the 4×4 to fire, it broke crisply at that moment, and not a millisecond later.

LBA Trigger

While I love the Savage AccuTrigger I hate the little tool it uses for adjustment. I just know if I ever need to adjust it the thing will have gone missing. The LBA uses a screwdriver which is a much better idea.

The LBA will be available next year on Mossberg 100 ATR and 4×4 bolt action rifles. I previously wrote about the LBA here.
More at The Gun Shots

In 2009 Mossberg will be selling a range of Mossberg 590A shotguns and accessories to the general public. The 590A is sturdier than the 500/590 and is the model generally sold to law enforcement and military. The 590 has a heavy barrel, metal trigger guard, metal safety and bayonet lug.

Mossberg 590A, 6 round magazine, adjustable stock

A range of models will be available:

590A1 Adjustable – 6 Shot – 12 Gauge
• Barrel Length: 18.5”
• Sights: 3-Dot
• Choke: Cylinder Bore
• Overall Length: 36 1/8”
• LOP: 10 ½”- 14 ¼”
• Finish: Parkerized
• Stock: Black Syn, with 6-position, aluminum tube stock
• Weight: 7-½ lbs

590A1 – 6 Shot – 12 Gauge
• Barrel Length: 18.5”
• Sights: 3-Dot/Bead/Ghost Ring – depending upon model
• Choke: Cylinder Bore
• Overall Length: 39.5”
• LOP: 13-7/8”
• Finish: Parkerized
• Stock: Synthetic/Synth. Speedfeed – depending upon model
• Weight: 7-1/4 lbs.

590A1 COMPACT – 6 Shot – 12 Gauge
• Barrel Length: 18.5”
• Sights: Ghost Ring
• Choke: Cylinder Bore
• Overall Length: 38-5/8””
• LOP: 13”
• Finish: Parkerized
• Stock: Black (wood stock/synthetic forend)
• Weight: 7-1/4lbs

590A1 MARINER® – 6 Shot – 12 Gauge
• Barrel Length: 18.5”
• Sights: Bead
• Choke: Cylinder Bore
• Overall Length: 39.5”
• LOP: 13-7/8”
• Finish: Marinecote
• Stock: Black Synthetic
• Weight: 6-3/4 lbs

590A1 SPX – 9 Shot – 12 Gauge
• Barrel Length: 20”
• Sights: Ghost Ring
• Choke: Cylinder Bore
• Overall Length: 41”
• LOP: 13-7/8”
• Finish: Parkerized
• Stock: Black Synthetic

Mossberg SPX

590A1 – 9 Shot – 12 Gauge
• Barrel Length: 20”
• Sights: Ghost Ring
• Choke: Cylinder Bore
• Overall Length: 41”
• LOP: 13-7/8”
• Finish: Parkerized
• Stock: Synthetic/Synth. Speedfeed/Aluminum tube Adj. – depending upon model
• Weight: 7-1/4 lbs

The full press release is at AmmoLand.

This is really great news for shooters on a budget. Mossberg have developed a new trigger system called the Lightning Bolt Action (LBA) Trigger System which will be available next year (2009) on their centerfire bolt action rifles the 4×4 and 100 ATR. The trigger is adjustable from 2 to 7 lbs.

From the press release:

With its distinctive skeletonized lightning bolt trigger blade, the Lightning Bolt Action Trigger System offers the best in form and functionality, giving the shooter the flexibility of adjusting the trigger pull without the need of taking their rifle to a gunsmith. A simple twist of a standard screwdriver enables the LBA trigger to adjust from 2 to 7lbs. The design of the LBA trigger’s sear engagement offers a truly crisp, creep-free trigger, optimizing accuracy. The LBA trigger blade blocks the sear from releasing the striker unless the blade is fully depressed, even at the lightest adjustment setting. The trigger assembly is machined from aircraft-grade aluminum then hard-coat anodized to military specifications, preventing corrosion and minimizing wear over time.

The 100 ATR is a cheap bolt action rifle often recommended to new, young and/or shooters on a budget. Now they will be able to get an adjustable trigger out of the box.

Savage started the trend of rifle manufactures offering decent triggers when they introduced the adjustable AccuTrigger. My only gripe with the AccuTrigger is the special tool needed to adjust it. A screwdriver, which the LBA is adjusted with, would be much more convenient.

Mossberg 100 ATR

LBA Trigger System

More info on the LBA here.

Sebastian linked to this very interesting article about gun laws at sea.

Is it lawful to carry firearms?

This depends of several factors.

· Flag State your yacht is registered with.
· Area you are likely to operate in.
· Type of firearm.

If I were sailing around the world I would probably want to carry a pump action shotgun in 12 gauge and a bolt action rifle in a non military caliber such as 7mm-08 Rem., .260 Rem. or .270 Win.

Why?

Semi automatics are illegal or have various arbitrary restrictions in most of the world for civilians. At best it could be confiscated, at worst you could be fined or arrested.

Bolt actions are used all over the world and most countries will allow hunters or competition shooters to bring them into the country for sporting purposes. Military calibers are banned in some countries. Better to stick with something nobody is going to object to.

A removable magazine would be a plus and so would a stainless steel action and barrel. The Savage Weather Warrior Series Model 16FCSS in 7mm-08 would be my choice. It has a four round detachable magazine. I would be surprised if any countries has a problem with a four round magazine in a bolt action.

Some type of illuminated scope with quick detachable mounts and open sights would be a must.

Savage Model 16FCSS

Next up, a shotgun. A semi-automatic would be out for the same reason as the rifle. I am pretty sure pump actions are illegal in the UK, so if I were stopping by there then that would not be an option. The alternatives such as a double barrel, bolt action or lever action shotgun do not seem to me to be a credible threat to a ship full of pirates.

I would go with the Mossberg Mariner. At most I would install a magazine extension. Pimping it out withe pistol grips, fore grip and detachable magazines would not be a good idea.

Mossberg Mariner: A good idea.

Mossberg Mariner: A bad idea.

Lastly a replica RPG might not be a bad idea! Many years ago I was watching something on TV about super yachts and there was a brief clip of police somewhere in world showing off a cache of weapons they confiscated from super yachts including what looked like an M72 LAW. I am sure the LAW was not real.

Orange tipped replica.

My experience at sea is limited. I think the above would be good enough on small yacht. The aim really is to make it hard for pirates to come close while out maneuvering them.

I have traveled on very large cargo ships and defending them from pirates would be no different from defending a building.

What do you think about my ideas? Realistically what would you carry on the high seas?

This is a very clever idea. The rifle is a Mossberg 144LSB Target rifle that is currently listed on gunbroker.

The advantage of having the sight raised is that when shooting from a offhand/verticle position you can keep you head as close to upright as possible to achieve better balance.

Hat Tip: RFC

Mossberg have released a new lever action rifle, the 464. It comes in a rimfire (.22LR) and a centerfire (.30-30) model.

* Quality queues – Features a button-rifled barrel, recessed muzzle crown, top-tang safety, recoil softening rubber buttpad and a smooth, robust lever-action.
* Special Features – Precision machined receiver provides the 464 Lever-Action with positive lockup for consistent accuracy and long-lived reliability; ejection port developed and positioned specially to ensure proper scope clearance of spent cartridges.
* Drilled & Tapped – Centefire model includes factory drilled and tapped receiver for quick, easy optics installation.
* Capacity – Tubular magazine offers 6+1 capacity (centerfire) and 13+1 capacity (rimfire).
* Every 464 rifle includes a free gun lock and 2- year limited warranty.

The price for the centerfire will be around $473, no price available for the rimfire model.

Mossberg and Taser have teamed up to produce the X12 23 guage shotgun that can only accept non lethal rounds such as the TASER XREP (Extended Range Electronic Projectile), a wireless taser like projectile that fires from a 12-gauge shotgun.

I think a regular shotgun loaded with a couple of XREP projectiles followed by shot makes more sense for cops. That way if the fancy electronic projectiles fail they have a backup.

The video:

Introducing the TASER XREP – the eXtended Range Electronic Projectile. XREP is a self-contained, wireless projectile that fires from a standard 12-gauge shotgun. It delivers the same Neuro-Muscular Incapacitation (NMI) bio-effect as our handheld TASER X26, but can be delivered to a distance of up to 100 feet, combining blunt impact with field proven TASER NMI.

The press release:

TASER International, Inc. (Nasdaq:TASR), a market leader in advanced electronic control devices, today announced it will debut the new TASER X12 LLS Mossberg(r) shotgun during the 2008 SHOT Show in Las Vegas to be held February 2-5, 2008. The TASER X12 Less Lethal Shotgun (LLS) is a fully integrated less-lethal platform manufactured by Mossberg that has been optimized for the TASER eXtended Range Electronic Projectile (XREP), while providing for integration of the TASER(r) X26 electronic control device (ECD) for close-in engagements. The TASER X12 LLS includes TASER Radial Ammunition Key technology (patent pending) to prevent the system from accepting lethal 12-gauge rounds in order to remove the possibility of end users loading a lethal round in a less-lethal system during high stress situations.

TASER International will be in booth number 22117 in the Gold Hall outside of the Las Vegas Convention Center this weekend. Mossberg will be in booth number 4751 in the central exhibit halls (C1-C5.1).

“In speaking with our customers and law enforcement experts, we found that many law enforcement agencies would prefer dedicated 12-gauge systems for less-lethal use only,” commented Rick Smith, Chief Executive Officer of TASER International, Inc. “However, none of the systems on the market today actually prevent the operator from inadvertently loading a deadly round of buckshot or slugs. The TASER X12 LLS is designed with the important safeguard of precluding the possibility of lethal accidents through round mis-identification.”

The TASER X12 LLS provides a dedicated less-lethal platform based on the proven Mossberg 500 shotgun which is the only 12-gauge system to attain Mil-Spec certification.

In addition to the TASER Radial Ammunition Key system, the TASER X12 LLS also provides the following features:

* A high twist, rifled barrel system that is optimized for the lower velocities of less-lethal projectiles. Whereas standard Mossberg rifled barrels have a twist of 1 in 36 inches, the twist ratio for the TASER X12 LLS is 1 in 18 inches This higher twist rate provides enhanced projectile stability at the lower velocities used for less-lethal projectiles such as the TASER XREP projectile.

* A Picatinny Rail system with the X-Rail mount pre-installed. The X-Rail mount allows the user to mount a standard TASER X26 ECD to the system. Together, the TASER X12 LLS with TASER X26 ECD integration gives the operator the ability to engage subjects across the full range of engagement distances, with the TASER X26 ECD optimized for engagements within 20 feet, and the TASER XREP projectile for subjects beyond 20 feet.

* TASER-Yellow coloration of the stock and fore-end of the shotgun for immediate identification as a less-lethal system

* A ghost ring sighting system

* Collapsible tactical stock

“We are very excited to be partnering with TASER International on the manufacturing and development for the TASER X12 LLS system,” said A. Iver Mossberg, Jr., CEO for Mossberg. “Teaming Mossberg’s vast array of product knowledge and experience with TASER International’s pioneering less-lethal technology will only enhance our continuation as the market leaders in firearms innovation.”

TASER International will begin training the agencies involved in the pilot programs in February and will release the TASER XREP into pilot programs by the end of the first quarter. The TASER XREP is a wireless Neuro Muscular Incapacitation projectile designed for a 12-gauge platform. The XREP which contains miniaturized TASER technology as well as groundbreaking flight stabilization and microprocessor-controlled intelligent electrode selection technologies, weighs only 14 grams, or half an ounce, and has a maximum range of 65 feet or 20 meters.

TASER expects to complete pilot programs and release the TASER XREP product and the TASER X12 by the end of 2008, pending results of the pilot programs.

Photos and video of the TASER XREP and TASER X12 are posted at www.TASER.com/XREP.