There’s a whole lot of new products coming out at the end of 2015, well in advance of the massive outpouring that’s introduced every new calendar year at the S.H.O.T. Show. Here’s a look at just a few of the new products I’ve seen that may be interesting to gunnies:
ARES Defense Now Shipping MCR Sub-Carbine. ARES Defense Systems is now shipping its MCR Sub-Carbine. The ARES MCR Sub-Carbine is a lightweight, semi-auto 5.56 NATO-caliber firearm featuring gas-piston operation, a 3-second quick-change barrel system, and a left-side folding stock assembly that telescopes for adjusting the length of pull. The charging handle is ambidextrous and interchangeable with standard AR15/M4 charging handles, to suit user preference. Suppressor capable and able to be fired with the stock in any position, the MCR has an edge on many of the folding-stock and telescoping PDWs. The internals are billet machined from aircraft-grade alloys and heat-treated. Aluminum components are Type III, Class 2 hard-coat anodized to MIL-A-8625F for maximum corrosion and wear protection. Also available to complement the MCR Sub-Carbine is an optional SKB briefcase with custom-cut foam insert that holds the firearm, six 30-round magazines, a cleaning kit, operator’s manual and storage space for a suppressor or other accessories.
The MCR quick-change barrel system allows users to configure the MCR in seconds without the aid of tools and is available in 12-inch models (NFA rules apply) and 16-inch lengths. The Briefcase model is $3500.
Savage Arms Unveils Model 11 Scout Rifle. The new Savage Arms Model 11 Scout Rifle, $794 MSRP, is patterned after Col. Jeff Cooper’s idea of a compact, bolt-action rifle — chambered for 308 Win., having a short barrel and handy overall length, and the ability to accept a forward-mounted scope. In a nod to scout-rifle tradition, the rifle’s one-piece cantilevered 17-slot Picatinny rail accepts a variety of forward-mounted, long eye-relief scopes, as well as standard scope-mount locations. But like any good scout rifle, it comes with iron sights, in this case an adjustable Williams receiver sight that doubles as .09-inch peep and .20-inch ghost ring, plus a .37-inch front post flanked by protective steel wings. The rail sits atop an 18-inch carbon-steel barrel that’s threaded and capped with a proprietary muzzle brake for reduced recoil. The brake can be removed with a crescent wrench. The 11 Scout Riflethat’s threaded and capped with a proprietary muzzle brake for reduced recoil. The brake can be removed with a crescent wrench. The 11 Scout Rifle is built on the company’s Model 11 frame. The integral AccuStock rail system cradles the action three-dimensionally along its length, while an aluminum spine molded into the polymer stock adds rigidity. An adjustable spacer system in the butt lets the shooter tweak length of pull, and an adjustable comb makes it easy to tailor cheek height to the shooter’s stature and various sighting options. Also, the front and back of the cheekpiece can move independently of one another, allowing the user to change the angle as well. Other improvements include a hand-straightened, button-rifled barrel, zero-tolerance headspace, and a floating bolt head that self-adjusts for a fit typically reserved for hand-lapped, locking lugs. The 11 Scout Rifle also offers the user-adjustable AccuTrigger system, a trio of swivel studs that accept a variety of sling options, a synthetic stock, a 10-round magazine, a tang-mounted safety, and an oversize bolt knob. Unloaded weight: 7.8 pounds.
Weatherby Modernizes Mark V Rifle. Weatherby has introduced a New Mark V rifle featuring the first significant refinements of the line since its original introduction in 1958. Adam Weatherby, executive vice president and chief operating officer of the company that bears his family name, said, “The rifle features our new LXX Trigger, a highly refined, ergonomically enhanced stock, a hand- lapped barrel, and a sub-MOA accuracy guarantee.” The sub-MOA accuracy guarantee means that a three-shot group fired with certain ammo will measure 0.99 inches or less at 100 yards. The New Mark V stocks have slimmer forearms and sharper, more distinctive lines and contours. The grip diameter has been reduced, a slight right-hand palm swell has been added, and overall weight decreased. The new Weatherby LXX trigger’s surfaces are precision ground, polished, and overall tolerances refined. It is adjustable down to 2.5 pounds.
Browning Adds Feather 20 Gauge Model To Citori 725 Line; Rolls Out Complete Ammo Line. Browning is adding a new lightweight Feather 20-gauge model, MSRP $2550, to the Citori 725 line-up. The Citori 725 Feather combines a lightweight alloy receiver with a steel breech face and hinge pin. The new lightweight model weighs only 6.4 pounds will be offered with 26-inch or 28-inch barrel lengths. The low-profile receiver design of the Citori 725 Feather features a silver-nitride finish and high-relief engraving. The action includes a Fire Lite mechanical trigger system, which does not need recoil to set up the second shot. The stock and forearm are made from Grade II/III walnut with close-radius pistol grip and a glossy oil finish. The Citori 725 Feather includes Vector Pro lengthened forcing cones and the Invector-DS choke tube system. It is fitted with an Inflex Technology recoil pad.
Also, Browning has introduced a new, full line of ammunition for hunting, personal defense, and target shooting. Browning and Winchester developed this full line of ammunition products under the Browning brand, which will debut in January 2016. Available calibers will first be pistol and rimfire, followed by shotgun and then rifle ammunition. Pistol calibers include 380 ACP, 9mm Luger, 40 S&W, and 45 ACP. Shotgun shells will be available in 12 and 20 gauge with 2.75-inch to 3.5-inch shells, and 20 gauge will have 2.75-inch and 3-inch shells. Big-game rifle calibers are also planned in 243 Winchester, 270 Winchester, 308 Winchester, 30-06 Springfield, and 300 Winchester Magnum. Some bullets will be called BXC, which is a bonded, gilding-metal jacket boat-tail design. Other nomenclature will be the BXR, the X-Point, and BTP. Target and training rounds will also be available.
SIG Sauer Now Shipping the 9mm 1911 Ultra Compact. SIG Sauer has begun to ship its new 1911 Traditional Ultra Compact chambered in 9mm. This concealed carry pistol offers 1911 controls like the 45 Auto Ultra Compact, but in the 9mm Luger. The 1911 Traditional Ultra Compact features the rounded 1911 slide profile, thumb and grip safeties, and a 5-pound single-action trigger. The natural stainless steel slide stands out from the black hard-coat-anodized alloy frame. Other features include a skeletonized trigger and hammer, low-profile night sights, and custom rosewood grips. Factory specs on the gun measuring 6.8 inches in length and 4.8 inches in height. Capacity: 8.
Federal Rolls Out American Eagle Suppressor Ammunition. As suppressed firearms have gained popularity, Federal Premium Ammunition has turned down the volume without sacrificing performance with its lineup of American Eagle Suppressor ammunition. Specifically designed for use in suppressed firearms, these rounds (22 LR, 9mm, 45 Auto and 300 AAC Blackout) are subsonic, lending themselves to better noise reduction through the suppressor itself and avoiding the ballistic crack inherent to supersonic loads. In addition, special clean-burning powders make it easy for shooters to clean their suppressed firearms. MSRP for 50-round boxes are as follows: $3.95 for 22 LR 45-grain CPRN (subsonic) AE22SUP1; $20.95 for 9mm 124-grain FMJ (subsonic) AE9SUP1; $34.95 for 45 Auto 230-grain FMJ (subsonic) AE45SUP1; and $28.95 for 300 AAC Blackout 220-grain OTM (subsonic) AE300BLKSUP2.
Lipsey’s Adds Two Ruger Revolvers To Exclusive Lineup. Baton Rouge, Louisiana-based firearms distributor Lipsey’s has added two new Ruger revolver exclusives — Super Blackhawk Bisleys chambered in 480 Ruger and 454 Casull. This pair of single actions both feature 6.5-inch barrels and stainless-steel construction with five-shot unfluted cylinders. The popular Bisley grip frame is used to help tame the recoil. Ruger has also incorporated two new features unique to these models: a locking base pin to prevent it from walking out while shooting and recessed chambers to ensure the loading gate is fully supported. Lipsey’s Product Development Manager Jason Cloessner said, “For those who are serious big-bore handgun shooters, the Ruger Bisley has always been the best platform for handling the big calibers. With the addition of the 454 Casull and 480 Ruger, we can put something in the hands of hunters and outdoorsmen that had power, practicality and price point in mind.” The Ruger Bisley RUKRBS-6-454 in 454 Casull shown above is Model 0871, $969. The Ruger Bisley RUKRBS-6-480 in 480 Ruger is Model 0870, also $969.
Ruger Adds 327 Federal Magnum to LCR Line. Sturm, Ruger & Co. has added a 327 Federal Magnum chambering to its Lightweight Compact Revolver (LCR) line. The six-round LCR has an additional round of capacity compared to other centerfire LCRs, and the double-action-only revolver also features a concealed hammer to minimize snagging during concealed carry. Chris Killoy, Ruger President and COO, pointed out that the Ruger LCR revolver is covered by three patents, and in addition to the new 327 Federal Magnum chambering, the LCR also is available in 38 Special +P, 357 Magnum, 9mm Luger, 22 Magnum, and 22 Long Rifle models. The LCR in 327 Federal Magnum utilizes a compact Hogue Tamer grip with finger grooves to reduce felt recoil. The LCR in 327 Federal Magnum has three main components: a polymer fire-control housing, a blackened 400 series stainless-steel monolithic frame, and a fluted stainless-steel cylinder. Other variations of the LCR include Crimson Trace Lasergrips models and external-hammer LCRx models with 1.875- or 3-inch barrels. All LCR models feature a replaceable white ramp front sight and an integral U-notch rear sight.
MasterPiece Arms Reveals New Bolt-Action Side-Folding Chassis. MasterPiece Arms has a new MPA BA SF Chassis – Side Folder as part of the MPA Bolt Action Chassis Systems product line. This chassis system accepts Remington 700, Savage, Howa, and a variety of custom actions, providing a v-bedding system that increases accuracy and adds tactical features to a rifle. The MPA BA SF Chassis – Side Folder is machined to exacting tolerances from 6061 aluminum. The buttstock includes an adjustable length of pull, recoil pad with height and cant adjustment, adjustable cheek riser and adjustable monopod. The monopod locks into vertical position and has a quick-height locating method, extending up to 5 inches with fine adjustment capabilities. When not in use, the monopod tucks into the frame of the buttstock. The monopod will also work at 60 degrees if a shooter needs an in-between height to acquire a target. The length of pull for the chassis is between 13.75 inches and 14.75 inches. It is Cerakoted and is available in a variety of colors. The upper night vision bridge provides a seat for a Picatinny rail with a matching rail mounted to the bottom of the chassis. The MPA BA SF Chassis comes with an A2 pistol grip, machined thumb notch, a handstop/barrier stop system, and a built-in bubble level. User-located side rails are also available. The side-folding assembly is released by depressing a small, low-profile button and locks in place, folded against the shooter’s left side of the chassis body. For left-handed shooters, the assembly can be reversed to allow the stock to fold to the right, opposite the bolt handle. Weight: 5.2 pounds. Colors: Black, Burnt Bronze, Flat Dark Earth, Gunmetal, Tungsten, Sniper Green, and Camo. Action Compatibility: Badger M2013, Defiance Rebel/Deviant Long, Defiance Rebel/Deviant Medium, Howa Long Action, Howa Short Action, Remington Long Action, Remington Short Action, Savage Long Action, Savage Short Action, Stillers Tac 30, Stillers Tac 300, Stillers Tac 338, Surgeon 1086 LA, Surgeon 591 SA, and Tikka T3. Orientation: Left Handed or Right Handed. MSRP: $1,025.
Winchester Adds SXP Ultimate Defender and Marine Defender. Winchester Repeating Arms now offers the SXP Ultimate Defender and Marine Defender pump-shotgun models in 12 gauge for 2015. The Ultimate Defender features an aluminum-alloy receiver with matte-black finish; an 18-inch black-chrome barrel with hard chrome chamber and bore; a 3-inch chamber; and matte-black composite stock. It is drilled and tapped for a scope base, and also includes sling-swivel studs, a rear ghost-ring sight integrated into an included Picatinny scope base, and Door Breacher choke tube, and side-mounted Picatinny rails (included) for laser and/or light attachment. Suggested Retail, $500. The Marine Defender is likewise configured, except it has a matte-chrome 18-inch barrel with hard-chrome chamber and bore. It also employs matte hard-chrome plating on the magazine tube, magazine cap, and slide rails. Suggested Retail, $540.
Compiled by Gun Tests staff. GT
