#NewProduct

Rimfire ammunition is finally(!) starting to reach what most would consider easy availability, with units actually staying in stock on retail shelves. For the last three years, the spaces have typically been barren and those wanting ammo in bulk had to seek it online at higher prices. Recognizing this, various manufacturers are working hard to get new rimfire products to the market.

While most precision shooting is typically done static on the range, the tactical and competition world has been pushing the limits of what both rifle and shooter are capable of. Often the shot is not for the ideal seated position on a bench and requires the contortion of the shooter, rifle, or both to make a critical shot.

Stevens by Savage Arms has announced the expansion of their 555 over-under shotguns with three new models. The new offerings are “compact” models designed for smaller shooters or those who prefer a shorter length of pull.

Ah… SHOT Show must be coming quickly. Writers can sniff it from about a month away as Press Releases and new product launches are now fast and quick. Latest up is Meopta, with their launch of the ZD 6-24x RD Riflescope with MIL Turrets. The new scope is the latest release from the “introductory” MOA model with 1/4 MOA adjustments.

Griffin Armament has been making quite a splash moving through the market outside their well-regarded suppressors. Previously, they released AR furniture and in October, released their HEDP ( High Endurance, Dual Purpose) series of barrels. Now, they’ve set their sights on… sights! Griffin Armament has announced their latest offering, the Micro Modular Sights(TM), referred to as the M2 sights.

Kahr, along with sister company Magnum Research, has announced no less than seven new handgun models for 2017. The new models include lightweight Desert Eagles, integration of integrated muzzle brakes, and various nice additions to Khar offerings.

I dub thee “Happy Stick – Lite”

Coming from the competition world, the concept of flared magazine wells and concealed carry has generally been viewed as incompatible ideas. What is good for every day carry and a street fight tends to be a bit slow for go-fast guns. And likewise, what makes magazine changes lightning-quick would typically not be concealable.

Suarez International, known for training, avocation of red-dots on pistols, and quite a few Glock components, has announced their latest release, Glock “Match” grade barrels. The new barrels are 1/10″ twist to stabalize most common 9mm bullet weights, from 95 to 147 grains.

Aridus Industries, known for the metal Q/D shell caddy systems, has been hard at work designing new products for the market. It would seem that they are highly interested in the Beretta 1301 series of shotties based on their various previous of product on their Facebook page and their other released product, the YT-1301 Latch and Shroud for the platform.

The 1911 is over 100 years old (and quickly approaching 110 at that) and yet companies are still putting time, money, investment, and energy into new products for the platform. Latest to the fore is FirstSpear, a small innovative company focusing on new products and rapid development. Typically known for their first-rate tactical nylon, it would seem they are expanding into hard weapons accessories.

Seeing large nuts hanging from the back of lifted trucks meant it was just a matter of time until someone actually injection molded some realistic testicles for the same lift trucks to up their game. In a sense, this was a natural evolution.

DDI is an interesting company. They are at the forefront of on-shoring production of the AK platform, bringing manufacturing of the weapons system to the US including the forgings for the bolt carrier group, trunion, and other critical components. On the flip side, DDI also looks across the seas for new designs to import, this time landing in China with another 12-gauge. Their first 12-gauge, the DDI-12 was from China as well. 

Well wouldya lookie here? An innovative take on iron sights courtesy of industry newcomer Clear Image Solutions. Protected by US Patent #8,925,238, Clear Image Solutions has developed a replacement front sight for iron sights that uses a free-floated dot instead of the common post. In short, its a piece of fiber optic inside a piece of glass, inside a piece of carbon steel.

I have been a willing spectator (and participant at my day job) in the pursuit of reducing weight from firearms. Armed with billet, companies are using CNC machines and a bit of engineering to remove in many cases over 95% of the base billet into some truly unique products.