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New Guns And Gear August 2023
Looking for a new iron or piece of kit to enhance the one you already own? Check out these 7 new bits of guns and gear to grow your firearms wish list.
The New Guns And Gear:
- Bond Arms Cyclops .45-70 Gov’t
- Ruger Super Wrangler
- SAR .357 Magnum SR Revolver
- CRKT Michael Walker Momentum
- Diamondback Birdshead Sidekick
- Safariland SafariVault Duty Holster
- Crossbreed LDS 2.0 Ohai Modular Holster
Bond Arms Cyclops .45-70 Gov’t
Well-known for its derringer-style handguns, it should come as no surprise the Texas concern has a new pocket pistol on the market. What should raise an eyebrow is what it comes chambered in: .45-70 Government. Yes, the hallowed buffalo-hunting cartridge is now available in a 28-ounce hammer-fired pistol Bond Arms has dubbed the Cyclops. The monocular moniker is due to the pistol only having room enough for one of the relatively elephantine straight-walled cartridges—compared to the two-round variations most think of with Bond derringers. The pistol is plenty demure, measuring in at a tick under 7 inches, with a 4.25-inch barrel. Bond has slapped on B6 resin grips and outfitted the pistol with a 7-pound trigger. If your arthritis isn’t already flaring with that description, never fear! Bond plans on releasing .44 Magnum, .454 Casull and .50 AE models in the near future.
MSRP: $699
Ruger Super Wrangler
When it comes to sheer shooting pleasure, few things surpass a Single-Action Army revolver. Especially, Ruger’s selection of rimfire variations. Opening the door to more shooters enjoying the classic SAA, the mammoth firearms manufacturer has expanded its affordable Wrangler line with a versatile addition: the Super Wran-gler. Modeled after the company’s Single Six, the aluminum-framed wheelgun is capable of shooting both .22 LR and .22 Winchester Magnum at the flick of the cylin-der, yet it comes at a fraction of the price of the original it’s modeled after. For good measure, and to make certain it lives up to its “Super” modifier, Ruger has also included adjustable rear target sights and a 5.5-inch barrel. Quite a package for the price.
MSRP: $329
SAR .357 Magnum SR Revolver
Perhaps best known for economical and pretty dang nice striker- and hammer-fired pistols, SAR USA has gone out of its wheelhouse this year. Yup, that means the Turkish concern has expanded to wheelguns with the introduction of its .357 Magnum SR revolver line. There’s a lot to like in what SAR brings to the table with DA/SA guns—including a competitive price. The gun is available with a 4- or 6-inch barrel, dashing black finish, steel alloy frame and comfortable ergonomics in its synthetic finger groove grips. The gun is on the hefty side at 47 ounces with the 6-inch barrel, and 41 ounces in the 4-inch version. This walks the line for most as a concealed carry piece, but the heft makes shooting the snappy magnum very manageable.
MSRP: $549 4-inch barrel, $649 6-inch barrel
CRKT Michael Walker Momentum
A classy gun calls for a classy knife to partner with in its EDC duties. CRKT’s new Michael Walker line has this in spades. Christened the Momentum, the liner lock is based on Walker’s favorite custom creations and crafted to the highest standards. First off, they’re manufactured in Italy by renowned knifemaker LionSteel. Next, they’re the perfect blend of artistry and function—made with materials that not only look good, but perform. There are two versions available, one boasting Böhler M390 blade steel and teal titanium handled with a turquoise dragon scale pattern. The other sports a Rose Damasteel blade complemented by its more subdued dark gray titanium handle and white dragon scale inlay.
MSRP: Bohler Blade $275, Damasteel Blade $500
Diamondback Birdshead Sidekick
Perhaps one of Diamondback’s more unique projects in recent years has been expanding into rimfire revolvers. Introduced in 2022, the Sidekick gave shooters an affordable .22 LR/.22 Magnum option in DA/SA wheelguns. The gunmaker struck a chord, because this year it expanded its Sidekick offering to include a petite bird-shead variation. The rounded grip offers more control shot-to-shot, as well as proving very comfortable in most shooters’ hands. Furthermore, Diamondback has shortened the barrel from the original iteration to 3 inches. For some, this might make the revolver an option for concealed carry. If not, it’ll still prove a load of fun at the range.
MSRP: $327
Safariland SafariVault Duty Holster
Safariland has been the go-to manufacturer of duty holsters for years, and the company’s new SafariVault line is poised to bring the concept to the next level. With a re-engineered holster body, the line is arguably the strongest option on the market today—tested to withstand 300 pounds of pressure and rated from -50F to 150F. Furthermore, available up to Level IV retention, the hangers are all but imperious to a gun grab, featuring the company’s SLS (Self Locking System) and ALS (Automatic Locking System). Best of all, the holster is compatible with weapon lights, muzzle devices (thanks to its open-muzzle design) and red-dot sights (both open- and closed-emitter designs). If that’s not enough, the holsters also have a magnetic slide guide to aid with holstering, an auto-tension device to remove rattle and a more easily accessible ALS release mechanism.
MSRP: Starting at $190
Crossbreed LDS 2.0 Ohai Modular Holster
On-body carry isn’t an option for everyone and might not be the best way for certain individuals. With this in mind, Crossbreed advances the ability to carry in a back-pack, purse or other tote with the introduction of its LDS 2.0 Ohai Modular Holster. The next generation of the original Ohai, the hanger features the tried-and-true Crossbreed leather and Kydex construction. However, the system includes a hook-and-loop backing, allowing it to integrate seamlessly into several off-the-body techniques. This doesn’t simply include luggage outfitted with backers, but options that affix under the desk, in a vehicle or in other handy places. Being modular, it is interchangeable between makes and models and compatible with a number of lights and laser sights.
MSRP: $64.95
Editor's Note: This article originally appeared in the August 2023 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.
Get More Guns And Gear:
- New Guns And Gear July 2023
- New Guns And Gear June 2023
- New Guns And Gear May 2022
- New Guns And Gear April 2023
- New Guns And Gear March 2023
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