#NewProduct

Don’t get me wrong, I really enjoy the “range bags” that are just now a dime a dozen. The single-strap “standard pattern” (my label, not industry’s) has performed and will continue to perform well. Unfortunately, when loaded down for the range, it becomes a real bear to lug around. The single strap just does not distribute weight well when loaded for a 3-gun match with 100+ shells, 200+ rounds of 9mm, extra pouches, tools, food, etc, etc.

I, for one, think that the word “tactical” is far over-used. Further, I am surprised that MidwayUSA, which usually brands itself for gunsmiths and avid hunters would find use of the word. Alas, it seems the giants of the industry have succumbed to the tactical market. I digress.

While barrels, receivers, handguards, and other parts have a huge amount of options, the often overlooked end-plate is getting some love from Griffin Armament. Other options often focus on various attachment methods, Griffin instead took a different approach putting form in front of function with their C2E  Contour Connect End Plate.

V7 Weapon Systems, known for the plethora of ultra-light and titanium parts, has released their latest ultra-light part for the AR-15, a lower receiver. The new receiver features a relatively new alloy, 2055, which features a relatively high lithium content. The alloy is stronger for both toughness and strength, by about 20% in each regard according to Alcoa, the developer of the alloy.

Falcon 37, a startup company in North Carolina, is going to be releasing a cheek rest charging handle for the AR15 platform on May 16. The HABU Mod 1 comes in one piece, and replaces the standard charging handle in any AR15. There is no more “T” handle, but rather a sloped cover like device with indentations for a solid grip. Pulling this to the rear operates the action like any other AR15 charging handle would, but the advantage is that it gives shooters a cheekpiece that will work with any current AR stock in production. But more importantly, it allows complete ambidexterity of the charging handle, and appears to be more intuitive for charging the weapon because a shooter is using major motor skills instead of fine motor skills that a current AR15 requires to operate the T handle of an AR15. The design has two adjustable positions, so a shooter can bring it further back as well. Retail price is $137.84 per unit. It cannot be “installed” on an existing charging handle, but needs to be fully replaced. They are taking pre orders now.

Hot on the heels of its defensive handgun ammunition launch, Browning is expanding its loadings for the 12 and 20 gauge shotguns. The new BXD loading is designed for upland hunting, launching plated lead shot “at high velocities to achieve premium in-the-field performance.”

Introduced at the CES show now wrapping up in Las Vegas (just in time for SHOTShow to move in), FLIR has announced the upcoming release of its Scout TK thermal vision monocular. The new Scout TK is the latest and smallest offering in FLIR’s Scout brand.

Buried in their new product announcement for the year, Kimber has announced the release of their Micro 9 9mm sub-compact handgun. The new Micro 9 is the big brother to Kimbers existing Micro .380 series and the slightly-larger-brother to Kimber’s Solo series.

Newcomer to the firearms industry (though with established success with Crossbows), TriggerTech has announced the release of “The Zero Creep” AR trigger. The new trigger promises to have “1911 Single-Action” performance in a non-linear trigger pull.

Gorilla Ammunition has announced the release of their first line of re-manufactured ammunition, the Troop Line. Initially launched in 300 Blackout, Gorilla has stated their intent to expand the line to other calibers and loadings in the future.

SureFire has released their latest .30 cal suppressor with some bold claims. Specifically the Genesis 762 thread-on, “boasts the ultimate sound attenuation of any suppressor ever built for 300 Black Out (subsonic or supersonic), .308, and 300 Win Mag”.

Wilson Combat continues to expand from their core offerings of 1911 handguns with their latest offering, a rimfire suppressor dubbed the WCR-22. The new can is designed for use with both handguns and rifles.

While I can understand why Glock chose to not put a rail on their single-stack firearms, does not mean that I agree with the decision. Frankly, its an oversight given the huge variety of company lights and lasers meant to augment the small handguns. For the pocket-rockets, I personally feel that the laser is the most effective. With the grip often too small for all the fingers and palm to find purchase and the sights being what they are, a laser will help someone get on target faster.

In a move to broaden its appeal from its traditional base of piston-based AR’s, LWRC International has announced the release of its new Direct Impingement rifle, the LWRCI-DI. Like the basic name implies it is basically a standard rifle, but with LWRC’s premium twist (including spiral fluted barrel).

Rainier Arms has been aggressively expanding from being a high-end parts reseller to also selling parts of their own design (though typically made under private label). The latest product to the fore is their Rainier Arms Backup-sights, which are a set of fully machined ultra-low profile back-up iron sights designed for the high-end enthusiast.