The SHOT Show has enough goodies to make any firearms fan’s heart go aflutter. Truly it is difficult to pick favorites from the event that is wall to wall with every shape and size of gun. Really, the only thing the whirlwind of 1911s, ARs and shotguns seems like it's good for is engorging wish lists to asinine proportions. With that said, I’ve attempted to winnow the the slew of new guns from SHOT 2014 down to a few that really caught my eye. Not saying they're the best, by any means, only that they look plenty interesting to pull the trigger on.
Benelli Ethos
My father passed pheasant hunting and trap shooting down to me. In turn, down deep, I am a shotgun guy. Benelli’s newest model is a shotgun guy’s shotgun. Not only is the Ethos elegantly stocked with high-grade European Walnut and has the option for an engraved nickel-plated receiver. It is also a precision piece of machinery. Benelli’s inertia-driven system is absolutely one of the smoothest in the world of semi-automatic shotguns. This is the type of smoothbore a father would be proud to pass down to their child. MSRP: $1,999. www.benelliusa.com
Remington R51
I have to jump on the bandwagon on this one; Remington’s newest addition to its vast catalog appears to have a lot going for it. The R51 is chambered in America’s favorite pistol round – 9mm. It is tested for +P ammunition, giving it plenty of personal-protection punch. It is a slender .96 inches wide and a petite 22 ounces, giving few excuses not to carry it on daily basis. Finally, it is an all-metal handgun with a MSRP of $389! To top it all off, incorporating Pedersen's action into the pistol should make it appealing to gun geeks of every stripe. MSRP: $389. www.remington.com
Citadel Arms M-1 9mm
The first version of Citadel’s M-1 – a .22 LR – received mixed reviews, which made me tentative about adding it to this list. What made me throw caution to the wind with the new model? The rifle is chambered in 9mm. The round is cheap, available and did I mention cheap? And it seems to be the perfect marriage with the M-1 platform. If the bugs are worked out from the earlier generation of Citadel’s M-1 than the rifle has a lot of potential. The gun seems like it would be as fun plinking pop cans as it would be mist-ifying ground squirrels. MSRP: Synthetic Stock $539, Wood Stock $642. www.legacysports.com
The Boberg XR9-S looks kind of funny. The ejection port is situated rearward and the magazine looks backwards. But when you understand how it works, you realize this thing is the ideal concealed carry handgun.
Boberg XR9 Review
Unusual on first glance but the rearward ejection port and the magazine position allow the XR9-S to be smaller than other pistols of similar calibers.
The pistol uses a pair of tongs (seriously, that’s what they’re called) to pull the top round from the mag, move it up in place behind the chamber, and that’s where the slide starts to move forward to push it into the chamber.
A clever extension across the ejection port keeps the cartridge from popping completely out, and when the slide closes, the tongs drop back down to grasp another round from the magazine.
Here’s the beauty of this design: since the chamber is right on top of the magazine, a full 3-inch barrel can be mounted with the overall length much shorter than comparably chambered and barreled pistols.
For example, this pistol closely approximates a Kahr CW9 type of firearm in chambering, barrel length and capacity, but is just a hair lighter.
Yet it is so much shorter in length and height it’s kind of frightening, being only 5.1 inches long. Placed next to a Glock 26, you would swear it’s a .380 if you knew no better.
It is thin, just under an inch wide, and just over 4 inches in height. Even so, short people with skinny fingers can still actually get all three fingers on the grip below the trigger guard. It’s truly amazing how much difference getting your pinky finger on the grip can be.
Its mass is reassuring, aiding in recoil control, and doesn’t feel like a steel slide atop a weightless frame like many polymer-framed pistols exhibit.
Note the location of the ejection port. It’s over the magazine, not in front of it, while the muzzle actually sits above the front of the trigger guard. for a truly compact, ingenious design.
Daintily fingered folks should have no problem controlling the XR9-S because of this. It’s double action only, but the pull is extremely smooth, repeatable, with a long reset and decent weight for safety considerations.
The gunsmith in me has to make the following observations. It appears really complicated when you first look at it, but it really isn’t so much.
There are around 50 parts in the entire gun, which isn’t bad. Generally, the fewer parts you have the better for maintenance’s sake, and after sticking my fingers in it, I found that it’s not overly complicated or difficult to service.
Its appearance at first glance (and knowing how it feeds) leads one to assume a certain case of Teutonically inspired over-engineering might be involved, but I was pleased to see that this was not so.
Recoil mitigation is also consciously present by means of semi-flexible plastic grips, which are wrapped around the machined aluminum frame, a rotating barrel housed within a stainless steel slide, a rear buffer and a couple other harder to describe things that I can’t remember cause I was distracted trying to contain my drool with one hand, while keeping the product free from contamination with the other. (Hey man, I can only do two things at one time.)
My only complaint is that because of the design with the barrel set back, there is no traditional slide stop. The slide can be easily locked back manually using the takedown lever, but some purist 1911 trolls will likely take exception to the absence of the last round lock back. On a deep conceal pistol, which this qualifies to be in my opinion, it’s not that big a deal.
Care and Feeding
I should note that the means of feeding has resulted in a new failure type, not experienced by other common auto pistols.
If the cartridges do not have a strong bullet crimp, the bullet will remain in the magazine when the tongs pull the case from the magazine for feeding.
Fortunately, this situation is limited to a few cheap ammo types and that information is included with the manual and also on the web site at bobergarms.com.
Decent self-defense ammo, like that used by just about every serious shooter carrying a pistol, will not be a problem.
I test fired with Winchester white box FMJ and Federal Hydra-Shoks and had no issues. I tested only for self-defense accuracy. I set the target to 7 yards and fired with only my strong hand in a not quite rushed five-shot string, in very, very subdued lighting. I believe it to be fully acceptable in the accuracy department.
Holsters are available, and I would advise against, using the cheap $10 sheath type one-size fits most numbered holsters.
Those no-retention, thin polyester sheaths rely on longer projecting barrels and belt tension to hold the pistol securely, and the setback barrel on the XR9-S will not work so well with those.
There are over 20 holster makers fitting leather and Kydex for the XR9 series and one of those quality products should be obtained.
Boberg Arms is just barely keeping up with demand, and as of this writing, the XR9-S is only available through the manufacturer and a few approved dealers. The MSRP starts at $995.
Innovative pistol maker Boberg Arms rolled out a .45 ACP version of their powerful concealed carry pistol at SHOT Show 2014.
Minnesota-based Boberg Arms last year made big news with their XR-9 reverse-feed technology pistol that promised more firepower in a smaller package.
Now, the company has a .45 ACP version. The new pistol was unveiled at the 2014 Shot Show.
“Everything we’ve learned about the XR9 series of pistols has been rolled into the new XR45-STM representing what is truly the world’s most powerful pocket pistol,” said Arne Boberg, president of the company.
The XR45-STM has an overall length of 5.75 inches and an astonishingly long 3.75 rotating locked-breech barrel. The gun’s width is a scant 1.080 inches and its 6+1 capacity of .45 ACP +P is indeed impressive given its diminutive size.
Boberg Reverse-Feed
Boberg handguns function by placing the rounds in backwards to the magazine (they face forward) and they are extracted with the gun’s “tongs.”
The design allows the ejection port to be located further rearward, concealing a longer barrel while keeping gun length shorter. It’s efficient if nothing else, and has garnered a loyal following.
Good quality well-crimped ammo is a must as bullet separation can occur with cheap ammo. Other than that, shooters say the design is very tame on recoil—and accuracy quite excellent thanks to a “gain twist” rifled barrel, which is said to increase velocity and reduce felt torque.
MSRP is listed at $1199. The guns are Made in the USA.
The 6.8 SPC was born from battlefield observation, but has found a niche a world away.
The cartridge that originated in military operations in Afghanistan and Iraq the past decade is now roaming the North American game fields. And MasterPiece Arms is among the most recent entrants into the 6.8 SPC market.
The Georgia-based manufacturer unveiled the MPAR 6.8 at the 2014 SHOT Show. And while the caliber is familiar, the delivery system might be a bit different than almost any other 6.8 on the market.
That is because, MasterPiece Arms MPAR rifles follow different branch of the AR family tree than most modern sporting rifles. The firearm is much more AR-180 than it is AR-15.
The company, better known for its MAC-style pistols and carbines, introduced the MPAR a year ago, chambered .223/5.56 NATO. The MPAR 556 drew some interested sniffs, for good reason. The AR-180 elements give the rifle some unique characteristic.
The three that most quickly jump out, even to the untrained eye, are the rifle’s left-handed side charger, folding stock (there’s no buffer tube) and stamped metal upper and lower.
Get inside the rifle and the departure from many of today’s ARs is even more striking. The firearm’s blocky bolt carrier (triangular in shape) and forward-running guide rods are worlds away from the cylindrical carriers and buffer tubes that have become commonplace in the AR world.
The most striking aspect of following the AR-180 template, however, is not the engineering, but what the engineering reaps – an affordable short-stroke piston rifle.
Where the MPAR 556 turned heads at SHOT 2013 was its price tag, it hit the market with an MSRP around $1,000. Presently MasterPiece Arms lists it at $950 on their website. The MPAR 6.8 is equally light on the pocketbook, the MSRP for a black phosphate finish model is $1,028, it's another $75 for the camo coating.
While the MPAR 6.8 definitely has personal defense and tactical applications, it’s hard to miss MasterPiece’s attempt to get a chunk of the hunting market with the larger-caliber MPAR. The Vista Camo Coating option is a tell the company envisions users hammering hogs, deer and varmints with its new rifle.
Besides some of the aforementioned features unique to the MPAR and other rifles of AR-180 lineage, MasterPiece's 6.8 has a few other goodies. It comes decked out with a two-piece aluminum hand guard with user located Picatinny rails and QD Mount. It has a front hand guard cap to keep debris from the internal elements of the rifle.
The locked-bolt action is side charged, its non-reciprocating handle is also the rifle’s forward assist and it boasts a built in dust cover. The 16-inch barrel has a four-groove 1:11 twist, conducive to most high-pressure loads. The safety is located on the left at the thumb position and the rifle has a standard AR magazine release. It also has a six-position butt stock.
MasterPiece has incorporated some AR-15 features into the rifle, namely the fire control and the gun's compatibility with AR-15 magazines. These are solid features given these are two of the more popular aftermarket upgrades.
From an initial scan of reviews and specs, the MPAR does have some bugaboos. Outside of triggers and magazines, there might not be a ton of other aftermarket AR-15 upgrades for the rifle. This might not win fans among the tinkering crowd of AR fans. And while the gun can be fired with the stock folded, it swings to the right of the rifle and appears to make it difficult to reach the trigger for right handers.
Chambering 6.8 SPC has it problems too. When the round was rumored to become a military staple it was relatively cheap, since the prices have gone way up. A quick survey of retailer’s websites has the round at two to three times the price of .223/5.56 NATO.
Left unanswered at time of writing (though posed to the company’s media liaison) was whether the MPAR 556 and MPAR 6.8 uppers are interchangeable. If they are it would be a big plus.
With that said, the MPAR 6.8 is intriguing and unique addition to the AR family. And it is yet another example that technology never really dies, sometimes it just changes manufacturers.
MPAR 6.8mm SPC Specs Caliber: 6.8mm SPC Barrel: 16″; 1:11 twist Stock: Side Folding Telescoping Stock Action: Semi-automatic short stroke piston; Side charger with forward assist Capacity: 30 Round Magazine Accessories:
Full Feature Handguard
User Locateable Side Rails
Handguard Mounted QD Mount
Stock QD Mount
Editor's Note: Sorry, no video on the MPAR 6.8 was available, but here's a look at the MPAR 566 from the 2013 SHOT Show from the Military Arms Channel. It gives a good idea what the rifle system is about.
Really, who doesn't want to score higher when shooting sporting clays, trap and skeet? Doing so, however, can be a matter of knowing where and when to squeeze the trigger. Gil Ash of Texas-based Optimum Shotgun Performance Shooting School breaks down how to analyze the flight path of sporting clays in this video. Ash's pointers are part of series produced by the National Shooting Sports Foundation and if applied correctly will have you busting more blue rock in no time.
Unveiled at SHOT Show 2014, the Sig P320's hammer-less, striker-fired design is out of character for Sig, but what's really remarkable is you basically get two handguns in one, thanks to interchangeability from a full-sized service pistol to a shorter-barreled compact concealed carry gun.
Sig's P320 pistol is clearly being marketed to police and military agencies but methinks the gun will be a hit with us plain-Jane non-police concealed carriers as well.
The Sig P320 Carry.
Now, the gun is interesting for Sig because it's the company's first-ever striker-fired handgun. But more remarkable is how modular this thing is: You can swap between three different grip sizes to fit your hand, and you can change slide and barrel lengths—converting it from a full-size to a compact carry version and vice versa. It's like the Clark Kent of guns.
The full-size configuration has a 4.7″ barrel with an 8-inch overall length. By comparison, it's a wee bit longer than a Glock 17 Gen 4 when compared to the Glock's 4.48-inch barrel and 7.95-inch overall length. The P320 Carry has a tuckable 3.9-inch barrel and is just 7.2 inches in length.
In his recent blog post, Sig Introduces the P320, Massad Ayoob points out that American handgunners didn't do cartwheels over interchangeable barrels in original Dan Wesson revolvers (excellent wheelguns in their own right) and may not do so over this feature in the Sig. It's an interesting point.
However, for a cop needing a full-sized duty pistol part of the time and a concealed carry rig for off-duty or undercover work, the option makes sense. I suppose one could envision someone needing a gun to cover both concealed carry and open carry situations where the goofy laws demand such. Then again, with an MSRP of $713.00 the value added is hard to miss.
The Sig P320 is presently available in popular calibers ranging from 9mm, .357 SIG and .40 S&W (.45 ACP coming soon); in full-size mode you get 17 rounds of 9mm (14 rounds of .357SIG and .40S&W) while the Carry configuration holds 15 9mm rounds (13 in .357SIG and .40S&W).
The insides are P250 DNA, and the gun has an impressive number of built-in safety mechanisms (and options). For instance, in addition to internal safeties like a striker safety requiring trigger pull and a disconnect safety that prevents the gun from firing out of battery, the mag needs to be out for the gun to be disassembled. The slide must be locked to the rear and disassembly is done without any tools or having to pull the trigger.
Note that the gun is not trying to be a Glock: it's frame is a stout stainless steel rather than polymer. The full-size gun tips the scales at 29.4 ounces while the smaller P320 Carry weighs 26.9 ounces.
I like the fact that the gun comes with the excellent Siglite night sights. It's one less thing I have to tinker with.
In terms of operation, Sig lists the trigger pull at 5.5 lbs and, by the way, you can get an optional “tabbed” Glock-like trigger if you so desire. Its ambidextrous slide release is pretty swell, too.
Time will tell how the market responds to the P320. But if the success of other Sigs (like the P250) is any indication I'd expect handgunners—be they police, military or armed citizens—to give it a very warm reception.
What do you think? Sign in and leave a comment below.
Thinking about buying an AR-15 or decking yours out with all the bells and whistles? Then you need the Gun Digest Book of the AR-15 Series Set! Author and gunsmith Patrick Sweeney gives you an in depth look at the modern sporting rifle, helping you get a grasp on all of the AR's iterations, accessories and advancements. Make sure you get everything you want out of your AR-15 with this series. For more resources on guns, shooting and gun collecting check out GunDigestStore.com.
At the Black Wing Shooting Center, when it comes to firearm sales demand has been diverse.
Sales of concealed carry handguns are strong here and the selection of available models is much better now than it was four to six months ago, owner of the center Rex Gore said.
Top sellers among carry pistols are the various models of the SIG Sauer P238 in .380 auto, priced from $569 to $719, and the SIG 938’s in 9mm, selling for $649 to $759.
Ohio is a shotgun-only state for most deer hunting, and hunters are buying up the new Mossberg FLEX shotgun, as well as the ever-popular Remington 870.
Black Wing is a Class III dealer, and sales of fully automatic firearms are on the upswing.
“They’re being bought more from an investment standpoint than for recreational shooting,” Gore said.
With a very limited supply (civilians can’t buy full-autos made after 1987), prices on full-auto firearms go up steadily; most Black Wing models sell for between $20,000 and $50,000. One exception: full-auto Uzi’s, frequently offered in the $15,000 range and snapped up quickly.
The Jack Carbine, designed by the team at Haley Strategic Partners, is the latest offering in the Gunfighter Select series by BCM.
The gun features components from BCM, Geissele Automatics(SMR Rail), B5 Systems(SOPMOD Bravo), ALG Defense(ACT Combat Trigger), Inforce(WML-HSP), Impact Weapons Components(Thorntail Offset Light Mount) and Joint Force Enterprises(custom Cerakote). MSRP looks to be about $2145.
Jack Carbine Specs
UPPER RECEIVER BCMGUNFIGHTER™ Mod 4 Charging Handle Receivers Machined from Aluminum Forgings 7075-T6 Receivers Hardcoat Anodize per MIL-A-8625F, Type III, Class 2 M4 Feed Ramp Flat Top Receiver Geissele Super Modular Rail T-Marked Upper Receiver
GAS SYSTEM Mid-Length Gas System
ACCESSORIES Diopter Front Folding Battle Sight Rear Folding Battle Sight Haley Strategic Thorntail Offset Light Mount built by Impact Weapons Components Inforce WML-HSP (Momentary Only White Light Black Body) B5 Systems SOPMOD Bravo Stock
WEIGHT 6 lbs 11 oz (with light, mount and irons)
LOWER RECEIVER Receivers Machined from Aluminum Forgings 7075-T6 Receivers Hardcoat Anodize per MIL-A-8625F, Type III, Class 2 Low Shelf for RDIAS Installation – Installation of a registered drop-in auto sear allows weapon to fire on full automatic Low Shelf for Accuwedge Use – Accuwedge Stabilizes fit between upper/lower receiver Un-notched Hammer Compatible with 9mm Use ALG Defense ACT Trigger Fire Controls Marked SAFE and SEMI Enhanced Trigger Guard Receiver End Plate QD with Small D Loop QD Sling Swivel BCM® Milspec 7075-T6 Receiver Extension USGI Mold M4 Stock Staked M4 Lock Nut USGI H Buffer (1 USGI Tungsten, 2 Steel)
BARREL Independently Certified Mil-Spec 11595E Barrel Steel 14.5″ Government Profile Barrel with Permamanent BCMGUNFIGHTER™ Compensator for a 16″ Civilian Legal Barrel 1/7 Twist Rate HPT (High Pressure Test, per Milspec) Barrel MPI (Magnetic Particle Inspected, per Milspec) Barrel M4 Feed Ramp Barrel Extension USGI 5.56mm NATO Chambers Chrome Lined Bore and Chamber Manganese Phosphate Barrel Finish on Entire Barrel
“I don’t know anybody who shoots and the more articles I read about buying a gun the more confused I get. Help!”
Susan you are not alone. Every day thousands of prudent Americans make a commitment to personal defense and decide to buy a gun. Here are three questions to ask yourself prior to going to the store that might help you narrow your search.
Am I going to get a license to carry concealed or is the gun just for home defense?
If you are going to get a permit to carry (good for you) then you need a handgun. If not, then a shotgun is a far better choice for home defense for most people.
Shotguns have a much more threatening image when displayed and can take a greater variety of ammunition, which allows you to regulate the power and avoid over-penetration through walls, which is a risk inside the home.
Am I going to regularly practice shooting with the gun I purchase? (Be honest.)
If you are committed to becoming a hobby shooter, then a more complex firearm is acceptable. Otherwise simplicity of operation should be at the top of your “features” list. That means a revolver rather than a semi-auto pistol and—this may surprise you—a double barrel shotgun rather than a pump.
I’ve spent lots of range time teaching young cops both types of handguns. Based on that experience, revolvers are simply more reliable than semi-autos. With a revolver, you point … you pull the trigger and it goes “bang.”
A semi-auto requires regular practice (at least 50 rounds, twice a year) to maintain proficiency. A revolver can be learned once and, if necessary, put away in a safe place (I always recommend practice, practice, practice, however).
Pump shotguns are great if you practice with them or have a background in wingshooting. However, while under stress new pump operators can “short shuck” the action and jam the gun. A double barrel 12 ga. with a flashlight taped to the business end is an awesome home defense weapon and is very easy to manipulate under pressure. (Note: These handy and reliable firearms are sometimes called “coach guns”).
Can I afford lots of ammo for this particular gun for practice and long term storage?
I recommend you add the cost of 1,000 rounds of ammo to whatever gun you buy. Practice is more important than gun type or caliber and the fear (real or imagined) of government restrictions can empty shelves of ammunition for your gun overnight.
If you are truly “living ready” then you need to have ammo put away—in a cool and dry location, properly stored ammunition will last for decades.
Please remember, this is not legal advice (you should know your laws) every person has different needs and capacities and every gunfight is different. When making tactical decisions, always get a second opinion.
A compilation of the best range test videos of the new Glock 42 from SHOT Show 2014 Media Day at the Range, plus G42 size comparisons and discussion on the release of the pistol in .380 Auto.
Video #1—GLOCK G42 Commercial
Glock's new commercial for the G42 .380. Next video
Gemsbok (or gemsbuck) rank among the toughest of plains game. The hide is elastic, and blood trails are often sparse.
With countless books, articles and photographs to his name, few have cut as wide a swath in outdoor journalism as Wayne van Zwoll. And recently, the legendary journalist’s contributions to the field were recognized.
Bushnell Outdoor Products awarded van Zwoll the Bill McRae Lifetime Achievement Award for his more than 50-year career. The award was introduced in 2011 and is meant to recognize individuals who have had a profound impact on the outdoor industry.
Van Zwoll has certainly left his mark on the outdoors as one of its most respected journalists. He is a long-time contributor to Gun Digest the Magazine and has published a number of books with Gun Digest Books.
His books have touched upon firearms, ballistics and sporting optics – his latest being Mastering the Art of Long Range Shooting. And his expertise has been shaped by a lifetime of sport and competitive shooting. He has spent time afield on five continents and guided in Utah and Wyoming.
Van Zwoll's articles have appeared in Field and Steam, Outdoor Life and a number of other publications. And his “Rifles & Cartridges” column in the Bugle is the longest running feature in the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation magazine. He is a life member of the RMEF and a professional member of the Boone and Crockett Club.
The author allowed a minute of wind to nail this gong at 480 yards with a GreyBull rifle, .243 VLD bullets.
After graduating Michigan State University, van Zwoll worked with the Bureau of Land Management and Washington State’s Department of Game. Later, he was a contract photographer for the U.S. Forest Service before becoming one of the RMEF’s first field directors. His passion for wildlife management led van Zwoll to earn his master’s degree from Oregon State University and then his doctorate from Utah State University.
Van Zwoll has shared his passion for shooting and hunting with more than his writing. He is a former Safari Club International marksmanship instructor, a certified hunter education instructor in five states and teaches at National Archery in the Schools Program in Bridgeport, Wash., where he resides.
In addition to the achievement award, Bushnell endowed a scholarship in van Zwoll’s name at the University of California-Davis for students pursuing a degree in optical sciences and engineering.
Cincinnati, Ohio (January 8, 2014) – First-time and experienced AR rifle owners alike can now turn to Patrick Sweeney’s new book, Gunsmithing the AR-15 Volume 2, to find updated information on everything they need to know to operate and maintain their firearm.
The latest title from Gun Digest Books provides step-by-step instructions and 350 detailed photos to guide readers through the ins and outs of the AR-15. After offering thorough explanations on how to successfully operate the AR-style rifle, the book then aims to extend the life of an AR-15 and save owners a trip to the gunsmith with its guide to performing simple firearm maintenance and repair. In addition to simple at-home repair procedures, readers can also explore the numerous AR-15 aftermarket accessories and learn how to install them to improve the capability of their firearm.
This second volume picks up where Sweeney’s popular Volume 1 leaves off. The author looked to his readers for suggestions on additional AR topics they wanted to see covered. New, reader-requested material includes field-stripping instructions and illustrated disassembly instructions.
Gunsmithing the AR-15 Volume 2 by Patrick Sweeney, Gun Digest Books ISBN-13: 978-1-4402-3848-2 ∙ Price: $29.99 ∙ Paperback: 8.25 x 10.88
About the Author Patrick Sweeney is Gun Digest Books’ best-selling author. His titles include The Gun Digest Book of the 1911 Vols. 1 & 2, The Gun Digest Book of the Glock Vols. 1 & 2, The Gun Digest Book of the AR-15 Vols. 1, 2, 3 & 4, Gunsmithing: Rifles, Gunsmithing: Pistols & Revolvers, and Glock Deconstructed.
Gun Digestthe Magazine is the source for firearms news, pricing and guns for sale. With a subscription to Gun Digest the Magazine, readers benefit from in-depth editorial expert advice, show reviews, how-to instructions and Second Amendment issues.
The new Kimber Advanced Tactical SOC rifle accepts detachable magazines.
Kimber has upped its game with the new Kimber Tactical II SOC (Special Operations Capable) Rifle. It features a proprietary aluminum side-folding stock with integral 1913 MIL-STD rail, along with a second rail for secure attachment of optics and accessories.
Photos by Chris Berens.
The New Kimber Model 8400 Advanced Tactical SOC (Special Operations Capable) rifle is chambered in .308 Win. and .300 Win. Mag. and the gun ships with a 5-round detachable magazine for fast reloading, with additional 5 and 10-round magazines available as accessories.
It features a proprietary aluminum side-folding stock with integral 1913 MIL-STD rail, along with a second rail for secure attachment of optics and accessories.
The top rail has 20 MOA elevation built in to maximize the adjustment range of high-magnification optics.
For precision shooting in any position, the stock is adjustable for both comb height and length of pull, and even has an adjustable rear monopod for additional stability when used in conjunction with a bipod mounted to the lower forend rail.
To ensure the rifle's accuracy lives up to its outstanding looks (my opinion) Kimber pointed out the barrel and chamber are machined to match grade tolerances.
Barrels are made from stainless steel blanks and are fitted with a SureFire muzzle brake/suppressor adapter.
The Model 8400 action incorporates a full-length Mauser claw extractor for true controlled feeding and extraction. It also has a 3-position wing safety that is positive, quiet and fast. The match grade trigger is carefully tuned to break clean at 3-3.5 pounds right outta the box.
I think for the price it should ship with a case and Kimber got that part right, too. The Model 8400 Advanced Tactical SOC ships in a waterproof hard case suitable for both storage and deployment. Suggested retail price is $4,099. Learn more at Kimber.
Looking to go armed, but are stuck in the weeds as to what to arm yourself with? Here are 20 of the best concealed carry gun options that will keep you on the defensive.
