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Elwood Shelton

Heckler & Koch Expands Striker Fired Line with VP40

Heckler & Koch is set to offer more caliber choices when it comes to striker fired pistols with the introduction of the VP40.
Heckler & Koch is set to offer more caliber choices when it comes to striker fired pistols with the introduction of the VP40.

Apparently Heckler & Koch has struck a cord with striker fired pistols fans.

After decades away from the design the German manufacturer jumped back into this style of pistol around a year ago with the VP9. And it has not taken long for the company to follow up on the success of the 9mm.

Earlier this month, Heckler & Koch expanded the VP line, introducing the pistol in a new caliber. As its name implies the VP40 is chambered .40 S&W. And while the new pistol isn't an exact carbon copy of the 9mm, it does have all the features that have built the line's popularity.

The main changes H&K has made to its new pistol are to accommodate the larger round. In particular, the slide is slightly thicker to handle the higher pressures generated by the .40-caliber cartridge. This has made the VP40 a hair heavier and a bit taller, but not so much so as to make it unwieldily.

And perhaps one of the most important measurements to concealed carry practitioners has remained identical to the VP9 — width. At 1.32 inches wide, the double-stack pistol should be simple and comfortable to keep clandestine — in or outside the waistband.

The other difference H&K's new VP has from the earlier iteration is capacity. This is to be expected, given the .40 S&W is a larger round. But able to hold 13+1, few shooters are going to find the VP40 lacking on this front.

From those differences, the tale of the tape on the VP40 is pretty similar to the flagship of the line.

What should be one of the more popular aspects carried over is the trigger, which has a good share of the attributes shooters look for in a striker fired pistol. The pull weight on the trigger is a manageable 5.4 pounds. And it has a short, thus a fast, reset after firing. Heckler & Koch puts it at .12 of travel before the pistol is ready to fire again.

Similar to the 9mm, the VP40 comes with interchangeable side panels and back straps. These features give shooters the ability to tailor the pistol to their hand size.

Heckler & Koch has set out to make the VP line extremely manipulatable, cutting cocking serration both on the front and rear of the slide. But the company hasn't stopped there, also outfitting the gun with its patented charging supports.

Basically these are struts that stick out wider at the rear of the gun allowing for a firmer grip when the slide is racked. The feature also has the potential to be dynamite if a shooter is in a fix, say having to rack the slide one handed.

The VP40 was designed with righties and lefties in mind. Both the slide and magazine releases are ambidextrous.

Heckler & Koch has decked out its VP40 with all the features that made the VP9 popular.
Heckler & Koch has decked out its VP40 with all the features that made the VP9 popular.

Following trends in the self-defense firearms, Heckler & Koch has made its new pistol ready to accept accessories by including a Picatinny rail. The feature allows shooters to deck out the handgun with a flashlight or laser sight in a flash.

Like many striker fired pistols on the market today, the trigger is outfitted with a blade safety. This restricts firing of the gun, unless depressed completely.

The pistol also comes with a firing pin safety that helps guard against a discharge if the gun is dropped. And it features a frame-mounted disconnector that ensures the VP40 is completely in battery before it can be fired.

Presently, the MSRP on the Heckler & Koch VP40 is $719. The pistol is also available with a law enforcement configuration tritium night sights and three magazines for $819.

 

Heckler & Koch VP40 Specs
Caliber: .40 Smith & Wesson
Capacity: 13+1
Length: 7.34 inches
Width: 1.32 inches
Height: 5.45 inches
Barrel Length: 4.09 inches
Weight (Unloaded): 28.93 ounces


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Video: The Basics of the Infamous AK-47

Think you know everything about the AK-47? Well, find out as this short video hits some of the major points regarding this influential rifle.

When it comes to modern rifles, there are few that have gained the fame and infamy of the AK-47. During the latter half of the 20th Century, perhaps no other firearm has been used in more conflicts worldwide than the Soviet-designed rifle.

With a history as a long and intriguing as that, it should come as no surprise Mikhail Kalashnikov’s invention has an interesting tail to tell. And the Military.com does a pretty good job of touching upon some of the more interesting points of the 7.62x39mm rifle in this short video.

By no means is this an exhaustive exploration of the firearm. Truly, a multi-part series could be made about the AK-47 given its lengthy record. But in the span of 7 minutes, it does hit upon some of the rifle's high points and intriguing trivia.

Sauer 404 Offers Flexibility in a Bolt Action

The Sauer 404 offers bolt-action fans plenty of flexibility.
The Sauer 404 offers bolt-action fans plenty of flexibility.

From style of stock to caliber to trigger pull, nearly everything on the Sauer 404 can be modified.

Sauer has been making firearms for some time now. And in that span, Germany’s oldest gun manufacturer has always been innovating.

The company's latest leap forward is in its rifle lineup with the introduction of a new bolt action. The Sauer 404 definitely is designed with European shooters in mind. That said, its features have the potential to have crossover appeal State side.

For Yankees hunting for a Teutonic gun, the biggest selling point of Sauer’s new creation is its eminent flexibly. The gun can be fully adjusted to fit a shooter and their preferences in the blink of an eye.

The new Sauer 404 can make the jump from medium to magnum calibers by swapping bolt heads.
The new Sauer 404 can make the jump from medium to magnum calibers by swapping bolt heads.

Along these lines, perhaps the most fascinating aspect of the 404 is its ability to jump between calibers, a feature popular in Europe and known in some corners as a switch-barrel system.

While the concept is nothing new, the way Sauer executes it is rather forward looking. The 404's appeal is it literally only takes minutes to convert calibers due to the rifle’s modular design.

For most caliber conversions only the barrel needs to be swapped and is quickly removed and replaced through loosening and tightening of three retention screws. But the 404 can also jump from medium to magnum calibers through a removable bolt head that can be taken off and replaced via a release switch.

For shooters who have grown accustom to the fast caliber switches of AR-style rifles, this could strike a cord.

Sauer has also put a lot of engineering into the 404’s Quattro trigger, making it among the most tunable in the world of bolt-action rifles. In addition a pull weight that can be modified from 1.7 to 2.7 pounds, its position can also be changed.

The trigger has .3 inches of adjustment on the length of pull and can swivel left and right 5 degrees. The latter feature is meant to give shooters more solid finger placement.

The 404 breaks down into an extremely compact package with the fore and butt stock both removable with a few turns of some screws. This has the potential to go over big with hunters who tramp deep into the backcountry, given the firearm can be reduced to fit into a rucksack.

A handy aspect of the rifle's disassembly is Sauer has integrated the breakdown tool into the rifle. The front swivel pulls out and doubles as an Alan wrench that can be used nearly everywhere on the gun. The only feature it is not compatible with is the trigger’s length of pull and side-to-side adjustment.

With a modular design, the Sauer 404 can be tailored to nearly any shooter.
With a modular design, the Sauer 404 can be tailored to nearly any shooter.

The one aspect of Sauer’s new rifle that some American shooters might find a bit out of the ordinary is how the rifle is cocked. Instead of cocking upon the bolt opening or closing, the 404 features a manual system.

The rifle is cocked by a slide at the rear of the gun, similar to systems found on other European bolt actions. The rifle then can be un-cocked moving the slide down again, making for an incredibly safe system.

The rifle’s furniture is interchangeable. It has a new universal scope mount. And it also features a magazine lock, which prevents losing its detachable box magazine in the field

The Sauer 404 is available in four different models and 13 calibers. Presently, the rifle’s MSRP is $3,800.

Ruger Redhawk Revolver Now Available in .45 Colt/Auto Convertible Model

Ruger gears up the Redhawk Revolver to graze off two popular .45 cartridges — Colt and Auto.
Ruger gears up the Redhawk Revolver to graze off two popular .45 cartridges — Colt and Auto.

The Ruger Redhawk revolver is now geared up to graze off two popular .45-caliber cartridges — the .45 Colt and .45 Auto. For personal defense or as a hunting revolver, it's a formidable comb.

Few cartridges can suck the air out of the room like the .45 Colt.

From history to hunting to hot loads, the round has sent wheelgun fans’ hearts soaring for generations. And recently, one company has teamed up the fabled cartridge with perhaps one of the few rounds that can share its stage.

Ruger has unveiled an intriguing expansion of its Redhawk Revolver series with a model chambered for both the .45 Colt and .45 ACP. This is an interesting move by the New Hampshire/Arizona manufacturer, given it has the potential to increase the usefulness of the handgun.

The .45 Auto should prove to be a soft shooter in the 44-ounce Redhawk, thus opening up the revolver to more casual shooting. As pointed out in the video below by Ruger, the rimless cartridge is also a popular competition round and could make the revolver a top choice among that particular crowd.

At the same tick, shooters still get all the advantages of the hard-hitting .45 Colt — including the litany of handloading recipes.

Ruger has set its double-action revolver grazing on the rimless cartridge though a simple and elegant modification. The company has recessed the cylinder, allowing .45 Auto rounds to be loaded via a moon clip. Colt cartridges headspace off the cylinder, Autos off the moon clip.

The new convertible Redhawk Revolver is a bit different than the established .45 Colt model in other ways. One of the most obvious is the new handgun is a hair lighter — 2 ounces — than the earlier model of .45.

This, in part, is due to a redesigned grip. The laser-cut hardwood grips not only trim material, but also should facilitate a positive purchase on the handgun.

The new kid in the Redhawk lineup, however, appears to be built as tough as the rest of the Ruger revolvers. The six-shooter features a heavy stainless steel frame and barrel that boasts the line's satin finish.

The revolver has fully adjustable sights, for both elevation and windage. It has a 4.2-inch barrel. It also has Ruger's patented transfer bar mechanism, a safety feature that guards against negligent discharge.

Presently, the revolver has an MSRP of $1,029. Ruger is also selling moon clip 3-packs for $14.95 on its online store.

Wilson Combat Introduces the New Protector 2015 Line

Wilson Combat’s Protector 2015 gives shooters an updated version of the popular pistol.
Wilson Combat’s Protector 2015 gives shooters an updated version of the popular pistol.

The Protector has been a bread-and-butter design for Wilson Combat for some time now. But recently, the workhorse pistol received what looks like a pretty slick makeover.

The legendary Arkansas manufacturer has released the Protector 2015 series, a lineup of three semi-customizable pistols that are an update of the original. And for those who are hunting after a 1911 with all the bells and whistles — along with the name to back it up — these might be right down your alley.

Comprising the Protector 2015 line are Full-Sized (5-inch barrel), Professional (4-inch barrel) and Compact (4-inch barrel) models. The pistols are all available in either 9mm or .45 ACP and feature a number of refinements to the original design.

One of the more notable tweaks is the inclusion of a light rail, which should make the pistols a bit more operationally flexible. And given the proliferation of accessories nowadays, it also has the potential to make the line more appealing to a wider swath of the market.

Wilson has outfitted the line with bull barrels, a move that could likely make the guns a bit more pleasant to shoot. The heftier barrels' added weight should help reduce recoil. This feature also has the potential to mitigate muzzle flip, placing more material toward the front of the guns.

The barrels have aesthetic appeal as well, featuring attractive fluting, an attribute that extends back to the chamber. Finally, they have been topped off with a flush cut reverse crown muzzle.

One of the major customizable features of the Protectors — at least in their Full-Sized and Professional iterations — is frame material. Shooters can choose either steel or aluminum, depending on if they are after a range or a carry gun.

Wilson Combat’s Protector 2015 line from left to right: Compact, Professional and Full-Sized.
Wilson Combat’s Protector 2015 line from left to right: Compact, Professional and Full-Sized.

The Compact version, on the other hand, is more tilted to carry and is only available with an aluminum frame. But like its compatriots, it has a steel slide that features cocking serrations fore and aft.

The whole Protector 2015 line is outfitted with Wilson’s Battlesights, with fiber-optics front sight. They boast countersunk slide stops, extended Bullet Proof magwells and G10 Starburst Grips, among other features.

The pistols have a 3 ½- to 3 ¾-pound trigger pull and weigh in at between 28.22 (Compact) and 37.54 (Full-Sized steel frame) ounces. The Full-Size and Profession models have 10+1 capaticity in 9mm and 8+1 in .45. The compact has 8+1 in 9mm and 6+1 in .45.

The base price of the protector series is $3,875 for the .45 models and $3,985 for the 9mm.

Video: Everything You Wanted to Know About Arisaka Anti-Aircraft Sights

There were many odd and ambitious projects during World War II, but none more so than the Arisaka anti-aircraft sights as found on early Arisaka Type 99 rifles.

When talking about early Arisaka Type 99 rifles, you’re talking about high expectations.

What made the main battle rifle of the Japanese Empire during World War II such an ambitious project early on was one feature in particular, the sights. In short, the crazy-winged contraption was meant to tackle the impossible — engaging aircraft.

The idea of knocking an American F6F Hellcat or a B-29 Superfortress out of the sky with a bolt-action seems downright crazy. Of course, when thinking along these lines we’re reflecting on the venerable 7.7x58mm rifle in perfect modern hindsight.

As the above video by You Tube channel C&Rsenal shows — with awesome sound effects, mind you — the Japanese weren’t completely off their rocker with this idea. More than anything, the Empire was guilty of fighting the last war when it conceived the Arisaka anti-aircraft sights.

Even with this in mind, it’s hard to argue the Japanese truly had some soaring aspirations for their riflemen.

CTK Precision Helps Make AR Stocks Even More Versatile

CTK’s AR Buttstock Rail adapts LUTH-AR stocks for a monopod or other accessories.
CTK’s AR Buttstock Rail adapts LUTH-AR stocks for a monopod or other accessories.

LUTH-AR managed a pretty impressive feat. It made one of the world’s most versatile firearms even more so.

The company’s line of fully adjustable buttstocks give shooters the ability to tweak their ARs to fit every nook and cranny of their physiques. As fate would have it, another company has made the extremely flexible stock even more adaptable.

CTK Precision‘s AR Buttstock Rail allows LUTH-AR’s MBA-1 and MBA-2 stocks to be outfitted with CTK’s monopod. This appears to be a solid move, given the design of the buttstocks.

Both the MBA-1 and 2 are popular accessories for those shooting to turn an AR-15 or AR-10 into a precision platform. In part, this is due to the accessory's adjustable cheek rest and the ability to modify a rifle’s length of pull.

CTK’s AR Buttstock Rail and Ultimate Rail-Pod give LUTH-AR stocks an extra element of stability.
CTK’s AR Buttstock Rail and Ultimate Rail-Pod give LUTH-AR stocks an extra element of stability.

The addition of CTK Precision’s Ultimate Rail-Pod adds another dimension to the system. The accessory gives shooters an added element stability and allows for long holds on a target without strain.

The 2.5-inch AR Buttstock Rail quickly attaches to the LUTH-AR stocks and does little to increase the overall bulk of a firearm. And the .7 once 6061 aluminum Picatinny rail is manufacture to Mil-Spec, increasing its handiness by making it compatible with other accessories. As an added bonus, it also includes sling swivel mount points.

CTK’s AR Buttstock rail presently has an MSRP of $35. The Wisconsin company’s Ultimate Rail-Pod is listed at $160 and is compatible with any Picatinny rail system.

 


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Beretta Celebrates Pistol Milestone with 92 Centennial

Beretta has been in the semi-automatic pistol game for 100 years now and it’s celebrating with the 92 Centennial.
Beretta has been in the semi-automatic pistol game for 100 years now and it’s celebrating with the 92 Centennial.

It was 100 years ago this year that one of the world’s most renowned firearms makers began manufacturing what would become one of its best known products.

The Beretta Model 1915 marked the world’s oldest gun maker’s entry into the semi-auto pistol market. And the Italian manufacturer isn’t allowing this milestone to pass without a little bit fanfare.

Beretta has issued a commemorative handgun to mark the occasion, however, it is not a replica of the historic blowback pistol that kicked it all off. Instead, the company has decked out a model better known to contemporary shooters — particularly those with a military background.

The Beretta 92 Centennial is a collector’s edition of well-known 9mm pistol, a variation of which has served as the U.S. Military's sidearm since 1985. And for enthusiasts of the company, the firearm should have plenty of collecting potential.

Perhaps the handgun’s greatest asset in this regard is its scarcity, Beretta has only produced 500 Centennials. But the special-edition 92 has other qualities almost certain to catch some eyes.

The pistol has a high brush steel frame safety and a single-action only configuration. The years 1915 and 2015 are engraved in Roman numerals on either side of the Brigadier-style slide. The same numerals appear on a medallion logo placed in the center of premium-grade wood grip panels.

As a neat twist, Beretta is packaging the 92 Centennial in a custom ammo box.
As a neat twist, Beretta is packaging the 92 Centennial in a custom ammo box.

The 92 Centennial comes with a certificate of authenticity and is presented in an ammunition can bearing the pistol’s logo. There was no price available for the collector-edition pistol, though given it is a limited edition it’s a safe bet it will cost a pretty penny.

While the pistol of which the company is commemorating was the inspiration for the Centennial, it was quite a different animal than the rather largish modern military arm.

The Italian Army adopted the Model 1915 shortly after its entry into World War I, due to a lack of sidearms. By today’s standards, the pistol would have been consider very underpowered especially for military service, chambered in both .32 ACP and 9mm Glisenti Short.

The Model 1915 was a single-action pistol with an 8+1 capacity. While the Italian army used the handgun during the war, the military force still relied on an older military sidearm — the Bodeo Model 1889 revolver.

92 Centennial Specs
Action: Single
Barrel Length: 4.9 inches
Caliber: 9mm
Capacity: 15+1
Height: 5.4 inches
Length: 8.5 inches
Width: 1.5 inches
Weight (unloaded): 42.3 ounces

The Streamlight TLR-6 Sheds Light on Glock Single Stacks

Streamlight’s new TLR-6 light/laser combo sheds some light on the Glock 42 and 43.
The new Streamlight TLR-6 light/laser combo sheds some light on the Glock 42 and 43.

As would be expected, Glock’s recent venture into single-stack pistols has spurred a ton of new accessories.

From holsters to night sights, nearly every conceivable doodad has hit the shelves to outfit the G42 (.380 ACP) and G43 (9mm). And recently, Streamlight has gotten into the action with a device certain to shed some light on the petite pistols.

The Pennsylvania company added a combination weapons light/laser sight tailored for Glock’s new single-stack handguns. The Streamlight TLR-6 appears to offer shooters a solid light source and aiming solution in a package that shouldn’t weight down the compact platforms.

To that end, the light/laser only adds 1.27 ounces to the relatively light pistols and measures in at 2.3 inches long and .85 inches in width. The size is made all the more manageable, given the device attaches to the trigger guard, thus maintaining the pistols’ balance and trimness.

While small, the TLR-6 packs plenty of power.

The device’s C4 LED illuminator kicks out 100 lumens of light and has a beam distance of 292 feet. Streamlight boasts the TLR-6’s parabolic reflector shoots a trim and intense beam of light, while allowing for some peripheral illumination. As far as the device's sight, it has a 640-660nm red laser, which should prove to be versatile and fit most shooters’ needs.

The TLR-6 can operate its weapons light and laser independently or in unison and is controlled by a button located on either side. The ambidextrous control should allow for ease of use, naturally positioned for an indexed finger.

The Steramlight TLR-6 gives shooter plenty of power and accuracy in a compact package.
The Steramlight TLR-6 gives shooter plenty of power and accuracy in a compact package.

The device operates off two CR1/3N lithium batteries, which provide enough juice to power the LED or LED/laser combo for one hour or the laser only for 11. Streamlight has also included a number of other features that make the power source even handier.

The TLR-6 has an automatic shutoff, that powers down the device after 10 minutes. And its batteries can be changed without removing the device. This is especially nice, given this allows a swap without having to resight afterwards.

The sight itself is fully adjustable, with its windage and elevation screws mounted in brass bushing to help maintain the device’s zero. The TLR-6 also boasts a impact-resistant polymer housing, which is rated IPX4 water resistant.

Perhaps the biggest selling point of the TLR-6, however, is its price tag. The American-assemble device won’t break the bank with an MSRP of $175 and comes with Streamlight’s limited lifetime warranty.

CMMG Now Offering Flat Dark Earth Finish

CMMG is now offering the Mk4 (pictured above) and Mk3 rifles with a flat dark earth finish.
CMMG is now offering the Mk4 (pictured above) and Mk3 rifles with a flat dark earth finish.

Two of CMMG’s most popular black rifles are getting a heck of a lot less, well, black. The Missouri manufacturer recently announced it is now offering the Mk4 RCE and Mk3 CBR in a Flat Dark Earth finish.

The move follows a bit of an emerging trend in AR-style rifles, with more and more manufacturers offering different finishes to existing models. And CMMG’s move to FDE on two of its carbines does have some practical potential.

Depending on the area of operation, the finish could help a shooter blend into their surroundings better. This could be a particular perk for individuals, such as western coyote hunters. But, as one of CMMG’s co-owner's points out, the new finish also continues the ethos of the AR being a rifle that can be tailored to any situation or liking.

“Flat Dark Earth finish gives our rifles a new look and allows customers to further customize the rifle to their liking,” Jeff Overstreet said. “For us, it's a great opportunity to provide something different and further enhance our rifle line-up.”

The Mk4 RCE in FDE is available in 5.56x45mm NATO or .300 Blackout and the Mk3 CBR is chambered in .308 Winchester.

Both are outfitted with 16.1-inch medium taper barrels. In both cases, the barrel has a salt-bath nitride finish (black), which is corrosion resistant. They are also outfitted with SV muzzle breaks, which should aid in reducing recoil.

The Mk4 and Mk3 each boast Geisseler SSA 2-stage triggers, which should provide a much cleaner, less gritty trigger pull over standard MIL-SPEC. Both rifles also feature Magpul MOE Pistol Grips.

The Mk4 and Mk3 both have KeyMod handguards, made from milled 6061 T6 aluminum. And each rifle features a full-length Picatinny rail along its 12 o’clock. Both rifles are also outfitted with Magpul adjustable stocks.

The Mk4 ships with a 30-round PMAG, while the MK3 comes with a 20-round PMAG. The Mk4 has an MSRP of $1,499 and the Mk3 a price of $2,149.


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STI Introduces Two New Competition Pistols

STI’s DVC Open (pictured above) and Limited have all the extras to make them champions.
STI’s DVC Open (pictured above) and Limited have all the extras to make them champions among competition pistols.

STI's 2011 line of competition pistols have a couple new additions with all the bells and whistles to put a shooter at the top of the podium.

STI has cut a wide swath with its 2011 line of competition pistols.

From defending hearth and home to gunning down top honors at a match, the unique 1911 pistols have been tailored for every situation. But there is little doubt the newest additions of the series were definitely engineered for one thing.

The DVC Limited and DVC Open were both built for speed. And the Texas-based STI has provided plenty of extras to make sure these pistols help shooters to the top of the podium.

Perhaps the most helpful aspect in doing this is a feature common to the entire 2011 line — capacity. In a unique twist, STI has made the august John M. Browning design a double-stack, a feature that is certain to help shave seconds by cutting down on reloads.

Both the DVC Limited and Open feature all new sear designs that look to give shooters an edge. The triggers have a snappy 2- to 2.5-pound trigger pull, which should make it simple to quickly break shots, while keeping the pistols on target.

The competition pistols are outfitted with hand-textured grips that have been reduced and undercut by Extreme Shooters of Arizona. This should give shooters a greater purchase on the pistols, thus helping the handguns' controllability, and reducing recoil and muzzle flip.

The two new models utilize Dawson Precision tool-less guide rods, an addition that STI said is a first among factory guns. Like its name implies, the guide rod does not require a tool or a wire to capture the recoil spring, making it possible to field strip the gun anywhere and anytime.

The DVC Limited and Open have 5-inch bull barrel, coated with titanium nitride. The thickness of the barrels should help it dissipate heat more quickly, while the coating increases the hardness, lubricity and longevity of the barrel.

Milled slide, tool-less guide rod and bull barrel are a few of the outstanding features STI is offering competitors with their DVC Limited and Open models.
Milled slide, tool-less guide rod and bull barrel are a few of the outstanding features STI is offering competitors with their DVC Limited and Open models.

The pistols each have material removed from their slides to give them more desirable tendencies. The cuts increase the firearms' cycle rate and keep them balanced, while reducing forward recoil.

Both of the competition pistols have hard-chrome finishes and come with two 140mm magazines. Concerning the magazines, this equates to 20 rounds of 9mm or .38 Super or 17 rounds of 40 S&W.

The DVC Open has a couple of extras to make it perfect for the wild west of Open Division competition. These include a Trubor style integrated compensator (another recoil reducer), a reversible dual detent slide racker and a C-More 6 MOA Dot Sight.

The DVC Limited is available in 9mm and .40 S&W, while the Open comes chambered in .38 Super and 9mm. Presently the MSRP on the Limited is $2,799, while the Open is listed at $3,699.

Video: Primer on First and Second Focal Plane Scopes

Really, there is no shooting accessory that swims in more intricacies than scopes. Even the simplest examples of indispensible devices have a number of concepts that must be grasped to get the most out of them. More and more, a facet that has confronted shooters is choosing between a first and second focal plane scope. Mechanically speaking, the difference is purely where the reticle is located in the erector lens assembly. If it’s in front of the assembly, toward the objective lens, then the reticle is on the first focal plane; if it’s at the rear, toward the eyepiece then it’s on second focal plane. It’s a pretty simple concept, but as the above video from Vortex Optics shows it has a huge impact on how variable-power scopes operate. And if you are in the market for an optic, it is most definitely an aspect of which you’ll want a firm grasp. Each has its pros and cons, of which shooters should carefully weigh before dropping hard-earned cash on an accessory that can cost a small fortune.

Colt Brings Back Limited Run of Model 1903 Hammerless

Colt and U.S. Armaments Corp. are releasing a limited run of the classic Model 1903 Hammerless.
Colt and U.S. Armaments Corp. are releasing a limited run of the classic Model 1903 Hammerless.

When you’re a firearms enthusiasts it doesn’t matter what direction your fancy wonders off, sooner or later you'll run into John M. Browning.

Many of the rifles, shotguns and pistols the prolific gun designer came up with a century ago are still with us today. Heck, just think of the profusion of the iconic 1911 pistol or venerable over-under shotgun today just to get a grasp of his impact.

Some of Browning’s other designs, however, have fallen to the wayside for one reason or another over the years. One, however, is making a comeback, albeit on a limited scale.

Colt is has teamed up with U.S. Armament Corp. to produce a limited run of the Model 1903 Hammerless pistol. It was a project that came out of the woodwork at the 2015 SHOT Show and looks to be coming to fruition soon (test pistols are being sent out to the media as this is being written).

This is the second such project the companies have partnered up to tackle. Colt and U.S. Armament’s made a Gatling gun a few years back.

For obvious reasons, the 1903 should have much wider appeal that that venture, especially for fans of authenticity. The new pocket pistols are designed to be spitting images of the originals.

The bad news is there won’t be many of the .32 ACPs available with a run of around 3,500 initially planned. Of that run, 500 of the pistols will be commemorations of the General Officers issue pistol.

These pistols will have the same markings, finish and grips as the original. And they will also have a special run of serial numbers coinciding with originals pistols that were issued to Generals such as Eisenhower and Patton.

The new Colt Model 1903 is dang near a spitting image of the original.
The new Colt Model 1903 is dang near a spitting image of the original.

Adding a little bang for the buck, the guns will come with a historical fact sheet discussing the General of which the particular serial number was issued.

The 1903s will be Type 2, which means they come without a magazine disconnect and have separate barrel bushing. The majority will be Parkerized, but there will that will come with a blued or nickel finish.

The base model MSRP is said to be $1,395. Latter on, additional magazines and barrels will be available. There is also talk the companies might release a Model 1908 (a .380 version of the 1903) some time in the next couple of years, as well.

Model 1903 Specs
Caliber: .32 ACP
Finish: Parkerized, Blued, Nickel
Weight: 24 ounces
Length: 6.5 inches
Barrel Length: 3.75 inches
Magazine: 8 rounds
Sights: Fixed front, rear drift-adjustable for wind

Gamo Introduces New Hard-Hitting Air Rifle

Gamo's new Mach 1 Pigman Edition has enough pop to handle most varmints.
Gamo's new Mach 1 Pigman Edition has enough pop to handle most varmints.

Air rifles have come a long way. No longer are they just backyard plinkers; instead many can deliver accurate and potent fire.

One of the companies at the forefront in developing what has become known as adult air rifles is Gamo. And recently, the Spanish company introduced the latest addition to its catalog of high-powered air rifles.

Like many of the Gamo’s offerings, the Mach 1 Pigman Edition Air Rifle has the capability of pushing pellets to impressive velocities. But, overall, that’s not the most eye-catching aspect of the new rifle.

The new Mach 1’s power plant is the big upgrade on the rifle with Gamo jumping from a more traditional spring on the line to an inert gas cylinder. The IGT Mach 1 technology was unveiled a few years ago and offers some advantages over more traditional rams.

Perhaps the biggest pluses are, gas cylinders last longer, are lighter and produce more power. On that final point, Gamo lists some pretty impressive specs for its new Mach 1 Pigman Edition.

For the .177 caliber version, the rifle pushes Gamo’s PBA Platinum ammo 1,420 fps. In the .22 caliber model, it shoots the same ammo 1,020 fps. This should provide plenty of hitting power, giving the new gun potential as a varmint rifle.

More so than other air guns, gas-cylinder systems produce quite a bit of recoil. But Gamo has tackled this issue with its Recoil Reducing Rail system that dissipates the shock of the ram’s stroke.

According to the company, this piece of technology does more than make the rifle a more pleasant shooters. It helps maintain an optics' zero (the gun comes outfitted with a 3-9×40 scope) and protects the gun’s components, extending its life.

The Mach 1 is set up to be a quiet shooter, featuring Gamo's Whisper Fusion noise reduction system. And it comes with an number of other features that should prove popular with air-gun shooters, including: recoil pad, rubberized grips, adjustable two-stage trigger and polymer stock.

The rifle’s size and weight specifications were not available. Presently, the Mach 1 Pigman Edition, in both calibers, is retailing at Gamo for $369.

Benchmaster Introduces New Slider Gun Rack

Benchmaster's new Slider Gun Rack.
Benchmaster's new Slider Gun Rack.

Options abound for quick-retrieval systems for self-defense handguns when you’re out and about. Around the house or office, well, that can be a bit of a different story.

There certainly are storage systems that are designed for use around your home turf. But, they typically have some drawbacks. One of the most obvious is many of them don’t exactly put a firearm at your finger tips. This can be a major problem, especially when seconds count.

This issue, however, appears to be one Benchmaster has addressed with one of its newest products. The subsidiary of Michigan-based Altus Brands has recently introduced a storage system that should keep a self-defense handgun stowed and within reach.

The Slider Gun Rack is a simple system, a hard-case exterior, with cushioned interior to snugly hold a handgun. The clever aspect is how it is mounted — a twin magnet system.

With the ability to attach to any metal surface, the slider gives shooters a fair amount of flexibility. When a handgun needs to be kept under lock and key, it conveniently fastens to the interior of a gun safe. When it needs to be within reach, it can be kept much closer at hand.

The system is designed to work with nearly any handgun, with its soft interior molding to fit itself around the firearm. While Benchmaster does not specify what the material is, it does point out that it will not corrode firearms and is resistant to rot, mold and mildew.

At time of writing, no price was given for the new Slider Gun Rack. However, most of Benchmaster’s other WeaponsRac storage systems run $29 to $49.

How Gas-Operated Rifles Do Their Job

Gas_OPRCurious how a majority of semi-automatic rifles go about their business? These animations will give you a solid idea about how a gas-operated rifle cycles.

For some, how a gas-operated rifle cycles can be a mystery. But no matter if it's direct impingement or piston driven, the principal is the same. Basically, some of the expanding gas from a fired round is diverted from the barrel and used to thrust the bolt assembly rearward, ejecting the spent cartridge and stripping a fresh round off the magazine into the chamber on the return.

Whether that energy goes straight to the bolt assembly or is transmitted to it via a piston all depends on what sort of system you happen to be running.

The below animations, while a bit basic, and missing a few parts of the operation, give a pretty solid idea of how direct impingement, short-stroke and long-stroke gas-operations go about their business.

Direct Impingement

The dominant operating system of AR-style rifles.
DIRECTM16

Short-Stroke Piston

The operating system found on the M1 Carbine and SCAR 17, also popular option on AR-style rifles.
PISTONM16

Long-Stroke Piston

Best known as the operating system of two of the 20th Century's most venerated battle rifles – the M1 Garand and AK-47.
Gas_OPR

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