Keith is currently at SHOT Show when this was filmed, so Caleb went out and found a large bear to co-host with him. Meet Jack! Jack is a colleague of Keith’s and will be joining us on future episodes. In today’s episode Jack and Caleb swap heavily redacted stories from SHOT Shows past
Vertx Womens Lifestyle Line at SHOT Show 2022
Vertx brought it at SHOT Show this year. Showing off many of their packs, duffles, and clothing they have really shown maturity in their covert clothing and equipment. See a video of their booth HERE.
The Products
My time at the booth was mostly focused on the womens line and learning more about the company.
Trailhawk Jacket
The Trailhawk Jacket is the newest of the womens line. It is a thick casual jacket made with a synthetic wax finish. This jacket will protect you from both wind and water due to the protective coating and thickness of the material. The fit of this jacket still allows you to move, grab items on your beltline with inner access pockets, and have enough pockets to store equipment and personal items. Talking to a R&D employee, he mentioned using this jacket as a fall type jacket that holds up to walks in the woods. I have paired this jacket with jeans and boots and it looked well put together and normal casual wear.
Swift Hoodie
A the new Swift hoodie, I myself have not worn this hoodie yet however I was able to feel the material at the booth and look closer. The neckline is a great high V cut allowing neck movement so you don’t feel like you’re being choked but high enough to still have protection. They are looking at keeping this neckline for future clothing items. The material is a thick and soft material so it will be warm and cozy. Also, it uses the patented 37.5 technology keeping your body at a regulated temperature. Just like the Fury Hardshell Jacket that I previously wrote an article on here after wearing it for 8 months.
Guardian Tank and Collins Henley
The Guardian and Collins shirts both have the mesh fabric inner liner that is SO NEEDED for women. Concealed carry can get uncomfortable and the mesh lining protects your stomach during chafing. They are looking at changing the material of the shirts to allow more airflow and mobility within the shirt. The mesh fabric runs halfway up so it doesn’t feel uncomfortable around your chest which other tanks that run a liner run it fully up causing annoyance over the upper chest area.
Burrell Stretch Jeans
The Burrell Stretch Jeans, which I have been wearing for months, finally give women a comfortable pair of pants to wear while working. It is truly stretch fabric and stays tight to your backside while giving it enough coverage. It is so comfortable that I have worn it to the range and got into weird positions with no issues. Plus, they look like flattering normal jeans and I have worn them to work about three times a week because they are just so comfortable but professional and has enough pockets for equipment.
A little tip that I learned from a R&D employee? If you are looking at a pair of pants and you want to know how well it will cover your backside, which women care a lot about, simply place the jeans flat on the ground and let the pantline fall naturally. If the back of the pants, the butt pantline is above the front it will have more coverage. You will see the natural line is not the same in the front of back, it will show almost an oval shape.
Major Takeaways
The Fit and Process
All of the womens clothing is made after completely designing a new product. They don’t take a mans product and just make it smaller and change the color, they look at everything on a womans body and her job to make the best product that they can. If you are wearing this line make sure to send an email to customer service with feedback, the company wants it and that is how we get better and better items from the companies we love.
Remember, all of the clothing is comms compatible and allows for access to equipment on the body.
The biggest takeaway though? When I was asking about when we are going to see some new products an R&D employee stated that the R&D process from start to finish will take 22 months. 22 MONTHS. To me, that is showing that they want to do it right before pushing it out. I love it.
The Future
In the future, look for more shooting sports capable clothing AND BAGS. Turns out that they have a R&D line just for shooting sports and outdoor clothing. Also on the womens side of the house, keep an eye out for more fashionable but comfortable jeans and a workplace shirt made just for women without the “shrinking and pinking it”.
More VERTX Articles Below
The Modlite Legacy Enhanced Lights Shine Up SHOT
Illumination device company modlite swung into SHOT with a few different products. Plenty worth mentioning, but what stuck out to me was the new Legacy Enhanced light heads. These new heads by modlite promise to take your legacy Surefire systems to the next level. Lots of police officers and soldiers, Marines, and Airmen are stuck with what they are issued, plus no one in that category has struck it rich, so the Legacy Enhanced heads promise to give you more power for less money!
The Legacy Enhanced heads will fit Surefire lights like the M600 and the Defender ultra. On top of that, these heads will outfit shotgun and MP5 forend lights. I see a ton of potential in that market. Both the MP5 and shotguns are tough to illuminate, and making the few options that work the best better is all good by me.
The Legacy Enhanced
As the owner of a very expensive Surefire shotgun forend, I would love to kick the power-up from a mere 600 lumens. A Legacy Enhanced head would ratchet that power up significantly and bring my expensive light to 2022.
The Legacy Enhanced heads will be dual-fuel designs that can work with CR123 and 16650 batteries. The run time will be around 40 minutes total. The new heads will come in T and F models. T stands for Throw, and this prioritizes range more than spill. F stands for Flood and prioritizes Spill over throw. They coordinate with the OKW and PLHv2 style heads.
Lumen and candela haven’t been published just yet. Predictions say that you are looking at 15 to 20% less power than a modlite OKW and PLHv2. Shipping is looking to start in the second quarter of 2022, and the price will be $209 for the head. I’m excited to see the numbers out and watch this space for more information.
Magpul/Maztech X4 System – The Best of SHOT Show
The term ‘Game Changer’ is among the most overused in this industry and it is only once in a blue moon properly used. The X4 System is that blue moon. The communications, heads up awareness, and additional realtime logistics monitoring that the X4 Magpul and Maztech cooperative effort is going to allow on a small teams basis is game changing.
That’s before the coolest feature of the kit and the one likely to be ready to use first, the fire control unit. The unit actively does most of the math (and will do more once the laser range finder is ready) that is required to take a shot and shows a corrected point of aim for the user to make the shot. The only limitation at the current projected juncture is inability to track active wind downrange. The system can monitor the other atmospherics, the angle of the weapon, and will accurately project a point of aim as long as it was given the ballistics data on the round and optic offset.
The system on display is nothing more than a proof of concept prototype, but the pieces are rapidly moving forward and into place for use.
The recent optic that Vortex one the NGSW-FC with is an all in one unit, this will take most existing 30mm or 34mm optics and add the same essential capabilities.
One of the most common comments I saw inquired on was battery life and the current projected is ‘EOTech like’ with about 500+ hours on the two 18650 or quad CR123 cells, or ten hours of use in a week for a year. The low and very manageable power consumption rate is logistically the unit’s strongest internal feature as, unlike certain active systems, it will not consume its charge in under a day of use, or even several days of use. It is subject to the power limitations of flashlights, IR illuminators, and lasers, most of which will be more power hungry and require fresh batteries much sooner.
Game Changer.
The Girsan MC P35 – The Other Hi-Power SHOT 2022
Springfield Armory SA-35 this, FN High Power that, blah blah blah. The Hi-Power phenom is in full swing at SHOT Show 2022, but there is a third Hi-Power no one seems to be talking about. It’s from a Girsan and imported by EAA. The Girsan MC P35 might be the closest we get to the old-school Hi-Power design. Both Springfield and FN made changes to improve the weapon, but Girsan kicks it old school.
The MC P35 and the MC P35 Match premiered at SHOT and showed that you could get in on the Hi-Power craze at an affordable price point. The MC P35 standard offers you a traditional Hi-Power with all the favors and faults the platform has. Although at range day, I didn’t notice any hammer bite, so they might have refined a few things. Yes, the magazine disconnect seems to be present as well, making the trigger less refined.
It’s what you expect. A single-action-only weapon, with a 15 round magazine, an ambidextrous safety, simple sights, simple grips, and a modest price point of $528 bucks. The MC P35 is neat and a good, affordable representation of the Hi-Power. The MC P35 Match is a more interesting choice.
What Sets the MC P35 Match Apart?
Well, the most obvious answer is the rail. Yep the MC P35 Match comes with a Picatinny rail to add accessories and obviously an extended beavertail to prevent slide and hammer bite. We get a little more than that too. The magazines are drop-free, the front sight is a high viz design, and the rear sights are completely adjustable. Girsan includes a beveled magazine well for quick reloads.
The grips are very…well…grippy. Hell, I don’t know how else to describe them. Oh, did I mention the trigger is flat? Cause it is, and the trigger pull itself is super light and very nice. Better than I expected. The Match Model impressed me, and it could’ve been a better contender if it just came optics ready.
The EAA rep did say that was coming, so we’ll see what happens. MSRP on the Match Model wasn’t published yet, but I imagine it will still be cheaper than the Springfield or FN. The real question is, can Turkey build a proper Hi-Power?
Desert Tech Unveils The Trek-22
Desert Tech is the closest we got to an American bullpup company. From the MDR to the super sweet precision rifles, they’ve never been afraid to embrace the bullpup. Typically their bullpups demand a rather high price, and they tend to be high-performance guns. However, their latest option gives us all a bullpup to enjoy. The Desert Tech Trek-22 isn’t a gun but a drop in stock system for your Ruger 10/22.
The Trek-22 – Shrinking Your Rimfire
As you’d imagine, it converts your 10/22 to a bullpup rifle. Lots of people have done that, but Desert Tech’s done it a bit differently. It looks like some form of space wizardry. It’s futuristic and elegant, and downright nice looking. The Trek-22 is very streamlined without an obvious pistol grip. Heck, I didn’t even know it was a 10/22 until it was explained to me.
The kit shrinks your Ruger 10/22 down to 26.75 inches. Your average Ruger 10/22 is 37 inches overall, so it’s a lot of space savings. The downside is you have to have an 18-inch barrel. If you have the carbine like me, the overall length will be too short, and you’ll have an NFA weapon.
The Trek-22 is super lightweight, and the stock feels like it’s a quality piece of gear. Its made from impact-resistant, glass-reinforced polymer and injection molded. Clean and sleek describes it best. The stock holds two spare ten-round magazines, and the front gives you a set of M-LOK slots for attaching goodies. We have an integral optics rail to top things off.
Finally, let’s talk trigger. Somehow Desert Tech improved the trigger of the Ruger 10/22. Bullpup triggers are usually average at best, but the Trek-22 is clean, crisp, and light. The Ruger 10/22 trigger isn’t bad, but it’s not great. The trigger in the Trek-22 is downright great.
The Trek-22 looks awesome feels good, and I wished I had the Ruger rifle instead of carbine. Pre-orders are live down, and the MSRP is $299.
The ONE from ZRODelta
Do you know the one?
You know the one, the one I’m talking about right?
Now that I have that out of my system let’s talk about the latest Lego (or Megablocks for those who had weird family members who didn’t understand they aren’t the same and don’t work together, but thanks anyway) gun from ZRODelta.
The ONE is an evolution of the Modulus. They’ve kept developing the concept and now the the new one, the ONE, looks a little like this.
Selectable by the end user back straps, front straps, magazine well and capacity, and the dust cover rail length. Just add Glock or Glock compatible slide and viola pistola.
It’s your very own at home build-a-blaster workshop.
But wait! There’s more.
Is that a prototype adaptive receiver for turning your ONE build-a-blaster into a bigger, better, build-a-blaster?
Well hypothetical internet inquirer…
Yes. Yes it is.
ZRODelta looks to have beaten Glock to a Glock carbine.
By taking the concept the industry has been playing around with in systems like the RONI or the Flux Raider and scaling it up a bit the ONE is also an AR compatible carbine as well as a Glock compatible handgun. Just plug-and-pew.
Now is this a ‘practical’ system one might ask?
That’s absurd. When selling something cool or something fun, practicality comes a distant third. A practical person would stick with very serviceable carbine and a properly mundane but functional sidearm. This is for someone who wants to put pistol parts on carbines and back again with the option to build it out and configure at will. Someone who wants to shoot a handgun with many of the popular after add-ons already ordered and added out of the gate plus the ability to click it into a MK18 clone-ish and go. Same trigger press on both, with the added bonus that all the carbine components can be the robust mil-spec or above type models.
So now (soon) you can put an AR upper on this ONE Glock style pistol too, because mad science shenaniganry like this should absolutely be encouraged.
One last note for those wondering. The Modulus, the previous iteration of this concept, was an alloy frame. Shooters, like I, like an alloy frame sometimes. They’re just pleasant to shoot. So will this come in that legacy material at some point? Yes, that is the plan barring unforeseen complications.
The Caldwell Target Turner – Turn Up
You ever get bored of shooting the same targets? I mean, we have paper targets, steel targets, and of course, a variety of steel and polymer reactive targets. Variety is the spice of life, and sometimes you want to change things up. Well, the Caldwell Target Turner promises to change things up a bit, and as the name implies, it turns target. The Target Turner spins your target 90 degrees and allows for a homemade reactive target.
So far, it’s been my favorite Christmas gift. Well, it’s tied with my Sodastream, to be fair. I’ve been pumping lead into this thing since the day after Christmas, and it’s become a tool I often take to the range.
Setting Up the Caldwell Target Turner
The Target Turner is super simple to assemble. You attach some folding legs and then insert the axle, two target holding rods, and a folding cardboard backer. The Target Turner takes 8 AA batteries, and according to Caldwell, the battery life is 8 hours.
The Caldwell Target Turner breaks down really easily, and the three legs fold together for easy transportation. The legs stay on, but everything pops off easily and fits into a small carry bag for easy transport. The Target Turner can be easily moved to and from the range, and I wouldn’t trust it in the weather.
Best yet, the Target Turner costs about a hundred bucks. All the other previous target moving devices typically cost hundreds of dollars. For about 99 bucks, you can turn any target into a moving target.
How It Works
The axle holds two rods in which you can attach a target backer to. The included target backer works well, but obviously, it will wear out, right? Well, you can swap it with any typical target backer. This includes a simple piece of cardboard. Once the target and target backer is installed, you turn the Target Turner on and go!
Well, kind of. An accelerator dial allows you to turn the Target Turner on and change the speed. At its slowest, the target turns every six seconds or so. At its fastest, the target turns every second or so. There aren’t dedicated adjustments for those settings, and you just got to turn the dial until it’s spinning at the rate you desire.
What About Different Targets?
The target backer that comes with the Target Turner is rather tiny, right? What if I wanted to use full-sized targets? Like the VTAC targets, USPSA targets, etc.? Well, you aren’t limited to the basic backer. You can use a larger cardboard backer.
I did just that, and the Target Turner had no problems spinning the larger piece of cardboard. Even though it was slightly windy, we didn’t have issues with the target blowing over, even with the massive sail-like piece of cardboard. The low center of gravity and massive legs keep the wind from blowing it down. The cardboard will break long before the target falls over.
Spitting Lead
I’ve been using the Target Turner for a variety of different training. This includes rifle, shotgun, and pistol training. I was quite cautious with my shotgun training. I was not too fond of the idea of an errant pellet hitting the unit. Luckily the Turner base sits pretty dang low and out of your firing range. I wouldn’t zero a target on the Target Turner. You’d have to suck pretty hard to miss that low at most ranges with a properly zeroed weapon.
The turning design of the target gives you a new medium to react to. With a timer, we react audibly. With the Target Turner, you’re reacting visually. It’s surprising how used to a beep you can get. I can normally score a subsecond snapshot on a timer, but the visual difference stalled me a few times, and I hit over a second my first few times.
From there, I used the VTAC target to land my shots and rang a number of drills. Some classics like the Failure to Stop, the controlled pair, and reloads. Reloads were fun. I started the reload when before the target turned and needed to have the gun up and firing before he completed the turn. Same with drawing from concealment and engaging.
As I got fast, I increased the speed and had a lot of fun trying to beat the Target Turner.
From A Beginner’s Perspective
I took my lovely wife to the range today. She’s had the hankering to tune up her skills, so we hit the range with a carbine and handgun and did a little training. I saw it as a fantastic way to implement the Target Turner. She saw it that way, too, eventually. At first, she had an ‘Oh crap’ moment and stalled.
I think that stall was valuable as it got her mind and body moving together on the next turn. She also had a limited engagement time. Like a moving par time almost. By the time we left, she was landing three shots before the target turned back with the speed cranked up. Not bad, and her reactions became flawless and quick.
Turning Targets
The Caldwell Target Turner has a very modest price for its performance. It turned out to be an excellent and capable gift. I’ve used it for various training tasks, including dry fire, air guns, and with the Mantis Blackbeard. All in all, it’s a fantastic setup that delivers.
The CSX – Smaller Than I Thought
A running theme of this SHOT Show has been me meeting people I’ve only ever spoken online and over the phone with. Most of the time, they say something like, “You’re taller than I thought.” I had a very similar experience with the Smith and Wesson CSX, except it went in the opposite direction. The CSX was a helluva lot smaller than I thought it would be. It’s tiny, and I’m surprised it can fit ten rounds in that short little grip.
Oh, I did confirm CSX stands for Chief’s Special X, so we cleared that up.
Like every other gun writer, I poured over the specs when the gun was released, but numbers on paper are just that. When you get the gun in your hand, it’s teeny-tiny, and maybe it’s just my big paws, but this thing is miniature. The all-metal grip is comforting, and the polymer textured inserts grip your hand. You’ll need it because the grips are super small and don’t give much purchase, at least not for me.
What’s In a CSX
Yet, the gun sits comfortably in my hand. The CSX ergonomics might be an issue for me. My hand eats up the safety and chokes up on the beavertail. I have a concern that recoil and my fat hands might activate the safety accidentally. This happened with the SCCY pistols years ago, and I’ve been conscious of it ever since.
The CSX sights are nice, larger than you’d think, and easy to see. The mag launches out when you press the button. The all-metal design gives it a nice heft that I’m sure helps fight recoil. It’s a very comfy gun, and the smooth, streamlined design makes it feel perfect for deep carry—no real sharp corners or edges to catch, poke or prod.
The trigger, well, it’s average at best. You expect more from a single action-only gun, but it’s closer to a Glock trigger than a 1911 trigger. I really think this would have been a great choice for 30 Super Carry too. Sadly, one wasn’t at Range Day, so all I have is dry fire dreams.
However, I really want to take one out to a lead and brass dinner. I appreciate that it’s something different in the micro-compact world. A metal frame, single action only weapon seems to stray from the pack significantly, and that’s a good thing. Options are always a good thing.
NoDak Spud At SHOT 2022 – Retro Rifle Lovers Rejoice
Retro rifle lovers rejoice! When we heard PSA (technically H&R) purchased NoDak Spud a lot of us were a little apprehensive. NoDak Spud produced niche products for those who loved the retro rifle market. Could they handle being mass produced without losing that little magic? That was the question. SHOT Show 2022 put my fears to rest.
At the PSA booth, I spotted an M16A1 and was drawn to it like a moth to a light bulb. I like retro rifles, and I love full-length 20 inch barreled ARs. This rifle was right up my alley. I began a torrid affair that lasts only a few moments before someone came up and introduced themselves. I won’t dox them, but what he said gave me a ton of confidence in the NoDak Spud products.
No Fears About NoDak Spud
The man who introduced himself was the owner of NoDak Spud and he’s now the CEO of H&R who owns NoDak Spud. H&R was recently purchased by PSA when Remington went belly up. The man behind the magic of NoDak Spud is still behind the magic at PSA/H&R. He even expressed that his main concern would be keeping with the quality that people expect from the brand he back-breakingly built.
Rifles like the M16A1 I handled were indeed going to be produced. They’d be as authentic as possible, and hopefully available soon. However, the main focus, for now, was producing the uppers and lowers, as well as some Ruger 10/22 upper receivers. Retro rifle builds like to be picky and use authentic G.I. parts so the receivers are the big deal for most of these guys.
I’m not so picky. I just want a plug-and-play retro AR and hopefully, the team-up will produce them sooner than later. The M16A1 on display was absolutely gorgeous. It’s super lightweight and every time I touched I faintly heard the song, Fortunate Son.
We don’t have an official timeline for the rifles or receivers just yet, but stand by and we’ll release more information as it comes in.
Brugger and Thomet’s SPC9 – Making PCCs Great Again
Brugger and Thomet hit SHOT Show 2022 with a bang, well, with more of a pew. The Special Purpose Carbine 9mm, or SPC9, was originally designed for a European police contract, but B&T is now bringing the gun to the United States in a wide variety of configurations. This includes several SBR variants, a PDW style design, a more traditional SBR with a AR 15 stock, and an NFA-free version with the 16-inch barrel.
I’m trying to find the best way to describe the SPC9. It’s a frankengun. We see major influences from the B&T APC 9mm series, the AR 15, and even a little MP5. The layout looks and handles like a AR 15. It has a buffer tube but not an AR-style buffer. Instead, you have the APC buffer in that tube. The gun uses the APC style lower with the awesome ambidextrous controls. You can use B&T magazines, and different lowers will accommodate Glock and SIG magazines too.
Where’s the MP5 come in? Well, the SPC9 charging handle is all HK and mounted near the front of the gun, right by the end of the handguard. You have a standard AR 15 charging handle too. You can use either to load, unload, and fix malfunctions.
Going Pew With The SPC9
At SHOT Show 2022’s Range Day, they had two SPC9s on deck. Both were SBR variants, and one was the more traditional B&T SPC9 SBR carbine and the other is the SPC9 PDW. Both wore B&T cans. Sadly, they didn’t have the non-NFA rifle variant of the SPC9 at Range Day. There doesn’t seem to be a braced pistol, at least not yet.
Both SPC9 variants handled like kittens. These guns utilize a straight blowback system, but the hydraulic buffer takes all the sting out of the blowback-operated guns. I dinged targets repeatedly at 50 yards with absolute ease. A great trigger and cold hammer-forged barrel ensure the gun’s super accurate. I found the standard 16-inch model on the floor and it’s an impressive gun.
As you expect from Swiss engineering, everything is meticulously crafted. The trigger is fantastic, the ergonomics are outstanding, and the gun handles very well. The SPC9 is a ton of fun to shoot suppressed, and my face wasn’t assaulted with gas with every shot.
I’m excited to see where B&T takes the SPC9. It’s a bit different than their previous entries, and while it’s unusual, I took a real shine to this new little PCC.
Holosun at SHOT Show 2022
The Product
The SCS, Solar Charging Sight
Luis Chirino from Holosun states this, “We would like to introduce the SCS (Solar Charging Sight). This product brings the next level of our Solar Failsafe system to the red dot user. Being an auto-adjusting only system, it uses multiple sensors to be able to accurately adjust the brightness level of the reticle to the correct setting, even when using flashlights! Furthermore, the system does not require the user to replace batteries. It uses the ambient light not only to power itself, but maintains charge to an internal battery for when low-light situations arise. All this is uniquely fitted in an ultra low system that is not only compatible with standard height BUIS, but is uniquely shaped to direct fit to an existing manufacturer’s slide profile and still offer features you expect from Holosun such as M.R.S. (Multi Reticle System) in a Grade 5 titanium housing.
As pictured, this model was made specific to interface with the Glock MOS slide profile.”
Large Takeaways
The Auto Adjust
Due to this sight having two sensors, taking light from both the front of the sight and the rear, the auto adjust is said to be “the best auto adjust system” by a big player in the industry, I won’t say the name. This can be important when using flashlights or room entry scenarios going from a dark room to a lit.
The Height Over Bore/Housing
Due to the housing being made to direct fit, it offers a very low height over bore allowing you to run your standard sights. Also since there is no removal battery, that removes the need for a plate and larger housing features. You will need to order it specific to the firearm that you are running. I will be excited to see how the mounting system holds up to recoil.
The Battery
The battery on this is an internal factory battery that only Holosun can remove and service. The main power will be derived from the solar calculator powering the battery inside. This will both power the system and charge the battery for when low-light operations are at hand. Due to this system not having shake awake and only a hard shut off method, Holosun states that if left on the power from the battery can run up to two years straight.
Lack of Controls
This sight really takes all of the “extras” out. Due to only having one manual button there isn’t a lot of thinking needed to function the system. This button, the small yellow button on the left side of the optic, changes both the reticle (2MOA dot and 32MOA circle with 2MOA dot) and allows for hard shut off. One thing that was noticed on these SHOT models is that the button varied in how deeply set/proud it was dependent on the slide that it was mounted on.
The Product
The EPS and EPS Carry (Enclosed Pistol Sight)
From Holosun, “The new EPS (Enclosed Pistol Sight) and EPS Carry offer the benefits of a fully-enclosed optic like Holosun509T series, but on our popular K footprint with zero distortion. This now gives the user more options for a fully enclosed optic on both Full-Sized pistols and now Slim-Line pistols that are all the rage! The EPS and EPS Carry will offer features such as IPX8 waterproof rating, Solar Failsafe, Shake Awake, a generous 6MOA dot reticle, and the lowest deck height which facilitates the use of standard height iron sights on many pistol models.” The reticle options are in both red and green.
Finally, a closed emitter for your small carry guns. Carry guns are often subject to sweat and nastiness due to being right on your stomach so the fact that we can now wipe away with no worry of distorting or damaging the sight, life is good.
Large Takeaways
Footprint
The footprint on the EPS Carry will be the same as the 407k footprint, which I currently have direct mounted on my SIG P365 so this was exciting to see as it will be an easy swap.
Body
The height on the EPS and EPS Carry are the same height.
The Release
They’re looking at this releasing as soon as March or April DEPENDENT ON RECIEVING THE RESOURCES.
The Products
RML, Rail Mounted Laser and PID, Holosun Positive Identification
Large Takeaways
These are still newer products so I will just scramble together what I got from them. The PID has an aluminum housing. It will be 1000 lumens on high power and 500 on low and has a USB-C charging port on the underside of the light allowing charging without removal (YAY). Retailing around 120 dollars. As far as holsters the PID is small and slimmer than a X300 or TLR which allows it to fit into your duty holster already such as a Safariland.
The RML, rail mounted laser, has a polymer housing and has been shock tested by holosun. The adjustments are 4 MOA for each click and it does indeed have the positive click adjustments ensuring that you don’t miss your mark. The buttons are very different due to being recessed, so just be aware of that dependent on how you manipulate your laser.
The future? Supposedly, Holosun is looking at putting a laser INSIDE their PID. Meaning no baby bump. This was a new term for me. So instead of the laser being attached to the light on the underside, (baby bump) affecting space usage and holsters, the laser will be inside the same body of the light.
SHOT 2022: Aero Precision Lives Their Name and Dots… Dots Everywhere
This hasn’t been a bad SHOT 2022.
Companies have kept on innovating and moving product forward to the consumer and several have kept their releases in this traditional beginning of the year schedule. Whether they are at SHOT or not they’re bringing us a new guns and gear list to consider for 2022.
Most of the exciting items I’ve seen right now are optics. Dots are getting better and more diverse. LPVOs are continuing to trend lighter and more robust. 2022 is looking to be a good year for glass.
Aero Precision was the Day 1 winner, in my opinion
2022 is also going to be a good year for bolt guns and Aero Precision is among the chief reasons why.
Their new precision rifle action and chassis are going to allow the end user to put together their own short-action (for now) from scratch or in a partially assembled group that you then finalize yourself. This is bringing the popularity of the DIY or FIY (Finish It Yourself) marketplace to bolt guns from another popular partsmaker.
This will come as a standalone chassis and a standalone action, offered both barreled and unbarreled (for those who want to add a Savage pattern barrel of their own choosing) and drop into the Aero chassis or any Remington 700 chassis.
The action isn’t a Remington action, it is of their own design, but its mounting surfaces are Remington pattern.
Barrel offerings are planned in most of the popular short action calibers, starting with 6.5 Creedmoor and .308 Winchester. Barrels will be steel offerings from Ballistic Advantage with Carbon Fiber collaborations being worked on as well.
The precision rifle chassis is a clean work of aluminum art, QD’s, adjustable cheek and LOP, comfortable and convertible grips, all your modern creature comforts. Getting these guns built out for under $2k shouldn’t be a problem either when they are released to the wild later this year.
DOTS
Seriously… All the dots.
Pistol dots continue to pour out of the optical houses. Holosun released several. EOTech dropped the EFlx you see above. Meopta, Sig, Steiner, the optical market is starting to fill out like the AR market when it comes to choice.
Gone are the days where your red dot choice was an Aimpoint Comp series at the premium price and a Bushnell TRS-25. The $129 offering of today is magnitudes better than that of even a few years ago.
I think we’re going to start to see the leveling off of the RDS market though. We’ll continue to see improvements, but like the AR market before it we have the common roles well covered in the space and the most common improvements going forward will be efficiency increases.
What’s the floor like?
There’s elbow room.
Don’t get me wrong, you can still run into a crowded booth. Between 3 and 5 when kegs start making appearances and folks are getting tired on their feet things get fairly full up in certain locales.
There isn’t the can’t get anywhere without swimming the sea of humanity, gotten my toes run over seven times, did I just run into a man wearing nothing but overalls type of crowding that shows can often see.
Part of this is due to Caesars. Part is due to attendance. But the result is that I’ve never been able to move around this show this fast, and that does not suck at all.
What’s the masking mandate like?
There seems to be a direct correlation between how tired everyone is and how much effort anyone is putting into chasing down the maskless. That is to say, this is a chaotic sea of humanity like it always is and with Omicron peaking nationally I don’t foresee this year’s SHOT crud being much cruddier than any other year’s SHOT crud. Staff just politely remind people that the rules say mask unless you’re doing a thing that the rules say no mask. Most people are moving to fast in any given direction for it to be anything other than what it will be. Lots of hand sanitizer and hand washing, but that was always a part of SHOT.
The Renegauge Grows By Two Models at SHOT 2022
The sporting model of the Savage Renegauge has been available for a few years now and has been an impressive firearm. This gas-operated shotgun utilizes Savage’s D.R.I.V. system, which stands for Dual Regulating Inline Valve. This gas-operated system bleeds excess gas and ensures consistent reliability, ejection, and reduced felt recoil. Savage has taken that same system and pushed it into a Security and Competition Market.
The Renegauge Security
The Renegauge Security model gives you a light and short home defense style shotgun that’s feature-filled. It’s a 12 gauge shotgun outfitted with a six-round magazine tube and 18.5-inch barrel. That larger magazine tube is clamped to the barrel with a clamp I’ve fallen in love with. This clamp features an M-LOK slot to accommodate attaching a light or other goody.
The stock comes with a set of spacers that allows you to adjust the length of pull, which is ingenious. Honestly, why did it take this long for a company to realize how valuable this is? It rocks, and the Renegauge Security model came equipped with a short LOP making it comfortable and easy to shoulder.
The barrel is fluted, so it balanced well and honestly looks good. The controls are massive and very easy to engage, and I can’t help but love it. From the ground up, the Renegauge can be the best stock defensive shotgun on the market. With an MSRP of $1,499, it will be priced with the big boys.
The Renegauge Competition
We get the brightly adorned red Renengauge Competition model on the flip side. The comp model is a fair bit bigger with its 24-inch barrel that’s outfitted with a nine-round magazine tube. It’s huge, swings easy, and feels great. Instead of a bead of ghost ring with have a huge fiber-optic insert mounted to a vent rib.
Like the Security model, Savage installed huge controls, the stock adjusts for LOP, and the barrel’s fluted. The Competition model looks large but handles well and is relatively lightweight.
The Renegauge Competition will be outfitted with Benelli threads for chokes. The Renegauge Competition has an MSRP of $2,089 and is ready out of the box for your next 3-gun match.
The Savage World
I got to shoot some clay pigeons at Range Day with both guns. The people at Savage were generous with their ammo, and I blasted a ton of them out of the sky. The guns were soft, shooting with minimal recoil. I’m talking about a lot less recoil than I expected, and I’d hazard to say they are softer shooting than most semi-auto guns. Sure, it was just birdshot, but still, it was a dandy.
I’m looking forward to seeing both of these guns on the market, and I’m certainly gonna grab the Renegauge Security for my own home defense needs.
Taurus’ Tuesday at SHOT
January 2022 (Bainbridge, GA) – Taurus®, manufacturer of premium handguns for defense, hunting, and sport shooting, has announced a limited-time rebate on all new Taurus® G3c handgun purchases.
From January 24, 2022 through April 15, 2022, handgun buyers are encouraged to take advantage of the Taurus G3c 2022 Savings Event. For every new Taurus G3c compact 9mm pistol purchased, buyers can receive a $25 mail-in rebate redeemable through the manufacturer. Add the rebate to a tax refund and there has never been a better time to acquire one of Taurus’ most popular everyday carry handguns.
The G3c is a polymer-frame, striker-fired semi-auto 9mm that offers the handling, operational function, and overall performance of a full-size handgun but in a size ideally suited for EDC use and deep concealment. Sporting a rugged, wear-resistant finish and 10- or 12-round capacity, the single-action G3c includes restrike capability, exceptional ergonomics, integrated accessory rail, and a drift-adjustable rear sight that can be upgraded to a popular aftermarket night sight system.
Taurus® G3X – Item No: 1-G3XSR9031
OVERVIEW:
The Taurus® G3 Series continues the proven polymer-frame profile now in a hybrid configuration with a full size grip and generous
stippling patches across the grip for maximum control and retention in any shooting condition, but a compact size slide to allow
better comfort and concealment. The frame has an integrated Picatinny rail. Slide release lever is optimally positioned above the
thumb for easy manipulation. The G3X has NO manual safety.
A refined element of the G3 is the 6-lb. trigger, designed with a smooth take-up and a surprisingly crisp, clean break exceeding that of typical striker-fired pistol trigger performance. A short reset promotes quick, controlled follow-up shots.
KEY FEATURES:
- Drift Adjustable Rear Sight
- Loaded Chamber Indicator
- Picatinny Rail
- Re-Strike Capability
- NO Manual Safety
- Flag Faced Trigger Safety
PRODUCT SPECS:
- Caliber: 9×19
- Capacity: 15 RDS
- Magazines: 2
- Firing System: Striker
- Action Type: SA w/Restrike
- Front Sights: Fixed
- Rear Sights: Drift Adjustable
- Safety: Striker block, Manual Safety, Loaded Chamber Indicator, Trigger Safety
- Frame Size: Full
- Grip Material: Polymer
- Slide Material: Alloy Steel
- Slide Finish: Tenifer Matte Black
- Overall Length: 6.30 in.
- Overall Width: 1.20 in.
- Overall Height: 5.20 in.
- Packaging Weight: 36.20 oz
- Packaging Size: 9.80 in. x 6.00 in. x 1.80 in
TaurusTX™ 22 Competition – Item No: 1-TX22C151-T
OVERVIEW:
From the short, smooth pull of its precision-designed Taurus Performance Trigger System (PTS) to the built-in comfort of its ergonomic grip, the TaurusTX™ 22 Competition is one performance-driven full size that’s ready to race right out of the box.
Now offered as a package with the TandemKross Game Changer Pro Squared Compensator and Eagle Talon Extractor for even higher enjoyment.
The TaurusTX™ 22 Competition model comes with 2 two-sided adapter plates to easily mount almost any red dot sight.
KEY FEATURES:
- Taurus T.O.R.O. (Taurus Optic Ready Option)
- TandemKross Game Changer PRO Squared compensator
- TandemKross “Eagle’s Talon” aftermarket extractor
- Custom bull barrel
- Custom Ejection Port
- Custom feed ramp
PRODUCT SPECS:
- Caliber: .22 LR
- Capacity: 16 RDS
- Magazines: 3
- Firing System: Striker
- Action Type: SAO
- Front Sights: Fixed White Dot
- Rear Sights: Fully Adjustable White Dot
- Safety: Striker block, Manual Safety, Trigger Safety
- Frame Size: Full Size
- Grip Material: Polymer
- Slide Material: High Grade Aluminum
- Slide Finish: Hard Anodize
- Overall Length: 8.15 in.
- Overall Width: 1.25 in.
- Overall Height: 5.44 in.
- Packaging Weight: 57 oz.
- Packaging Size: 10.25 in x 12.35 in x 3.5 in
Taurus® Defender 605 – Item No: 2-6053CNS
OVERVIEW:
Lightweight. Easy to conceal. Exceptionally reliable. The Taurus® Defender 605 is finely tuned to deliver the ultimate peace of
mind for home and personal defense situations. The all-new Taurus® Defender 605 comes with night sights and special grips from
Altamont®.
KEY FEATURES:
- Night Sights
- Altamont® Wood Grip
- Extended Ejector Rod
- Transfer Bar
PRODUCT SPECS:
- Caliber: 357 MAG / 38 SPECIAL +P
- Capacity: 5 RDS
- Firing System: Hammer
- Action Type: DA/SA
- Safety: Transfer Bar
- Grip: Altamont®
- Front Sights: Night Sight w/ Orange Outline
- Rear Sights: Fixed
- Cylinder Material: Stainless Steel
- Cylinder Finish: Tungsten Cerakote
- Overall Length: 7.50 in.
- Overall Width: 1.41 in.
- Overall Height: 4.80 in.
- Packaging Weight: 40.00 oz
- Packaging Size: 9.80 in. x 6.20 in. x 2.00 in
Taurus® 327 – Item No: 2-32721
OVERVIEW:
The new Taurus 327 is a double-action/single-action, chambered in .327 Federal Magnum (also compatible with .32H&R Magnum
and .32 S&W). Available in 2 and 3 inch barrel. The matte black carbon steel or stainless-steel barrel, cylinder, and frame are backed by a recoil-absorbing rubber grip that is comfortable and provides excellent retention in a compact handgun platform. The Taurus 327’s front serrated ramp sight and no-snag rear sight channel provide quick and clear targets acquisition supported by consistent accuracy.
KEY FEATURES:
- Rubber Grip
- Transfer Bar
PRODUCT SPECS:
- Caliber: 327 FED MAG
- Capacity: 6 RDS
- Firing System: Hammer
- Action Type: DA/SA
- Safety: Transfer Bar
- Grip: Soft Rubber
- Front Sights: Removable Serrated Blade
- Rear Sights: Fixed
- Cylinder Material: Alloy Steel
- Cylinder Finish: Matte Black
- Overall Length: 6.55 in.
- Overall Width: 1.41 in.
- Overall Height: 4.80 in.
- Packaging Weight: 31.60 oz
- Packaging Size: 9.80 in. x 6.20 in. x 2.00 in.
Taurus® Defender 605 – Item No: 2-60531NS
OVERVIEW:
Lightweight. Easy to conceal. Exceptionally reliable. The Taurus® Defender 605 is finely tuned to deliver the ultimate peace of mind
for home and personal defense situations. The all-new Taurus® Defender 605 comes with night sights and special Hogue®Rubber
grips
KEY FEATURES:
- Night Sights
- Hogue® Rubber Grip
- Extended Ejector Rod
- Transfer Bar
PRODUCT SPECS:
- Caliber: 357 MAG / 38 SPECIAL +P
- Capacity: 5 RDS
- Firing System: Hammer
- Action Type: DA/SA
- Safety: Transfer Bar
- Grip: Hogue® Rubber
- Front Sights: Night Sight w/ Orange Outline
- Rear Sights: Fixed
- Cylinder Material: Stainless Steel
- Cylinder Finish: Matte Stainless
- Overall Length: 7.50 in.
- Overall Width: 1.41 in.
- Overall Height: 4.80 in.
- Packaging Weight: 40.00 oz
- Packaging Size: 9.80 in. x 6.20 in. x 2.00 in.
Taurus® Defender 605 – Item No: 2-60535NSVZ
OVERVIEW:
Lightweight. Easy to conceal. Exceptionally reliable. The Taurus® Defender 605 is finely tuned to deliver the ultimate peace of mind
for home and personal defense situations. The all-new Taurus® Defender 605 comes with night sights and special grips from VZ
Grips.
KEY FEATURES:
- Night Sights
- VZ Black/Gray Grip
- Extended Ejector Rod
- Transfer Bar
PRODUCT SPECS:
- Caliber: 357 MAG / 38 SPECIAL +P
- Capacity: 5 RDS
- Firing System: Hammer
- Action Type: DA/SA
- Safety: Transfer Bar
- Grip: VZ Black/Gray
- Front Sights: Night Sight w/ Orange Outline
- Rear Sights: Fixed
- Cylinder Material: Stainless Steel
- Cylinder Finish: Matte Black
- Overall Length: 7.50 in.
- Overall Width: 1.41 in.
- Overall Height: 4.80 in.
- Packaging Weight: 40.00 oz
- Packaging Size: 9.80 in. x 6.20 in. x 2.00 in.
Taurus® Defender 605 – Item No: 2-60539NS
OVERVIEW:
Lightweight. Easy to conceal. Exceptionally reliable. The Taurus® Defender 605 is finely tuned to deliver the ultimate peace of mind
for home and personal defense situations. The all-new Taurus® Defender 605 comes with night sights and special Hogue®Rubber
grips.
KEY FEATURES:
- Night Sights
- Hogue® Rubber Grip
- Extended Ejector Rod
- Transfer Bar
PRODUCT SPECS:
- Caliber: 357 MAG / 38 SPECIAL +P
- Capacity: 5 RDS
- Firing System: Hammer
- Action Type: DA/SA
- Safety: Transfer Bar
- Grip: Hogue® Rubber
- Front Sights: Night Sight w/ Orange Outline
- Rear Sights: Fixed
- Cylinder Material: Stainless Steel
- Cylinder Finish: Matte Black
- Overall Length: 7.50 in.
- Overall Width: 1.41 in.
- Overall Height: 4.80 in.
- Packaging Weight: 40.00 oz
- Packaging Size: 9.80 in. x 6.20 in. x 2.00 in.
About Taurus:
Taurus Holdings, Inc. (“Taurus”) and its subsidiaries continues to evolve and produce revolutionary new products. In addition, new standards for quality and efficiency help deliver reliable and affordable guns to the market. Taurus is based in Bainbridge, Georgia. Taurus is owned by Taurus Armas, S.A. which is a publicly traded company based in Brazil. Taurus Armas S.A. manufactures a wide variety of consumer and industrial products that are distributed worldwide. For additional information, visit www.taurususa.com.