SHOT Show 2019 Picks, and 2018 Fails

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January 10, 2019

It’s January folks and that means SHOT Show 2019 is upon us. New guns, gear, and tons of beef jerky will be had. This will be my third SHOT Show and I haven’t reached jaded gun writer just yet, so I still get excited about these things. There are always big reveals at SHOT, but a few have come down the wire a little early and I want to point out my Top 5 picks for SHOT show 2019.

Walther PPQ Steel Frame

John Moses Browning designed the original Hi-Power as a striker fired gun, and it would be a rare one. Most striker fired guns sport a polymer frame. As a Tactical Hipster, I do enjoy my metal framed guns and my craft beers. The Walther PPQ has always been a master of ergonomics and brilliant trigger design. Walther just revealed the Walther PPQ Q5 Match SF, SF standing for steel frame. Why steel? Steel is heavier and weight reduces recoil and less recoil means faster firing. Best of all it makes for a more ergonomic gun that is absolutely gorgeous. This is my top pick so far of SHOT Show 2019.

Kel-Tec CP33 pistol

The Kel-Tec PMR 30 was cool to me, but 22 Magnum is expensive for just popping off 30 rounds for fun. You know what’s cheap for shooting? 22 LR. The Kel-Tec CP33 is the latest crazy rimfire gun from Kel-Tec that packs 33 rounds of 22LR. It’s a crazy, futuristic looking gun that oughta be fun for the range. It’s coming with a full-length optics rail, as well as a threaded barrel for attaching a can. With an MSRP of $475 it looks like it will be an affordable little blaster as long as it runs. I hope Kel-Tec has one at Range Day for SHOT Show 2019.

Mossberg MC1sc

Mossberg makes a handgun now folks. Admittedly another striker fired, semi-automatic, single stack 9mm handgun isn’t really sexy or innovative. However, something appeals to me about one of my favorite shotgun manufacturers tossing out a 9mm handgun. They aren’t the only one, Stoeger is doing a 9mm pistol too. What appeals to me is the genuine design in the Mossberg MC1sc. This includes the ability to use Glock 43 magazines, and compatibility with SIG #8 sights. The SC in MC1sc stands for subcompact, and this leads me to believe we may see more Mossberg handguns.

Relentless Reach: Leupold Announces RBX-3000 Range-finding Binocular

By

Andy Grossman

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January 9, 2019

BEAVERTON, Ore. — Leupold & Stevens, Inc., has announced the arrival of its game-changing RBX-3000 TBR/W rangefinding binocular.

Leupold’s return to the rangefinding binocular market, the RBX-3000 TBR/W combines excellent glass with incredible ranging distances of 3,000 yards on reflective objects and 2,600 yards on trees and soft targets. Designed for the most relentless hunters and competition shooters, the RBX-3000 TBR/W redefines the rangefinding binocular category.

“Our consumers are incredibly committed to their craft and demand top-of-the-line performance from their optics,” said Tim Lesser, Vice President of Product Development for Leupold & Stevens, Inc. “The RBX-3000 TBR/W has been developed from the ground up to deliver the ultra-premium performance the Leupold brand is known for. We weren’t going to come to market with a new rangefinding binocular until it was the best, and we’re happy to say it has arrived.”

The RBX-3000 TBR/W features easy-to-read, high-contrast data on a red LED display and dual eyepiece diopter adjustment. An on-board atmospheric sensor will display temperature, air pressure, and humidity. The top-tier optical prescription is reinforced by Leupold’s Twilight Max HD Light Management System. Twilight Max HD – the same light management system associated with the company’s award-winning VX-5HD and VX-6HD riflescopes – allows users to glass longer during the early predawn hours to well past dusk. Twilight Max HD combines exceptional light transmission and glare management to provide vivid images with top-of-the-line optical performance in low-light conditions.

The RBX-3000 TBR/W delivers incredibly accurate ranges with its True Ballistic Range/Wind (TBR/W) technology. TBR takes into account the angle of your shot and your rifle’s ballistics to put you dead on target. Other rangefinders will certainly spit out a number, but they won’t produce an accurate range to your target because they use basic trigonometry to calculate a straight-line horizontal distance. When you’re going long, the angle matters.

PHLster Floodlight

By

Keith Finch

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January 8, 2019

One holster for nearly any pistol

“Universal” holsters are rough bunch. Many don’t work or are just to involved to be practical.

PHLster’s Floodlight has basically cracked the code by taking a bunch of differently shaped firearms and giving them a universal mounting point.

That mounting point is an X300U from Surefire. Widely regarded as one of the best lights on the market and can be mounted on a variety of duty sized and compact guns.

Prior to the Floodlight the only real options for me to carry a light were a handheld (which I still do carry for general use) or having a custom holster made for each pistol and light combination.

The flood requires the use of a specific light, but the X300 Ultra is a premier tier pistol light.

Sage Dynamics has the breakdown.

Divided We Stand: States’ Rights and Gun Rights

By

DRGO

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January 7, 2019

(from sierraclub.org)

Should gun advocates embrace States’ Rights?

In McDonald v Chicago, the Supreme Court incorporated the Second Amendment on the States. “[T]he right of the People to keep and bear arms . . .” is now, indisputably, the uniform law of the land throughout the 50 states and D.C. Yet for the foreseeable future, that “uniform” right means nothing more than what the Supremes decide is “. . . the right . . . really worth insisting upon.” Thus, as a purely practical matter, we cannot know the precise bounds of “the right” until the fullness of time when the whim of the Supremes may be revealed to us.

High Capacity Pez Dispensers Banned

By

Dr LateBloomer

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January 7, 2019

*satire alert*

Closing a loophole in the recent New Jersey magazine ban, officials today announced a supplementary ban on the possession of PEZ dispensers.

New Jersey lawmakers have reasoned that if the ATF decided in 2010 that Airsoft guns can be turned into fully automatic weapons then the iconic candy dispensers can also be turned into high-capacity magazine clips of the sort commonly used in fully-semi-automatic weapons. This puts the children’s novelty item squarely within the recently enacted magazine ban, and will make felons out of millions of New Jersey schoolchildren.

“This is a logical extension of both the high-capacity magazine ban and the toy gun buy-back program”, said a spokesman for the Office of the New Jersey Attorney General.

“This will teach kids not to play with guns – even ones that shoot water or spit candy out of Snow White’s mouth. A gun is a gun, and PEZ is a gateway device to more serious gun use.”

PEZ is a candy originally invented in Vienna Austria, and brought to the U.S. in 1952. PEZ comes packaged in plastic spring-loaded dispensers, commonly with the heads of cartoon characters on top, which bend backwards to dispense the candy tablets. The dispensers run afoul of New Jersey law because they hold twelve candies/bullets, which is two more than the maximum allowable ten candy/bullet limit.

New From Henry!

By

Keith Finch

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January 5, 2019

We are pleased to introduce the first new models of 2019 – The Long Ranger in 6.5 Creedmoor and the Henry American Eagle.

BAYONNE, NJ – January 4, 2019 – Henry Repeating Arms, an American firearms manufacturer based out of Bayonne, NJ, and Rice Lake, WI is introducing two new models, including a lever action rifle chambered in the caliber of 6.5 Creedmoor.

The Long Ranger lever action rifle in 6.5 Creedmoor features a 22” blued steel sporter barrel that is free floated above the forestock to maximize and maintain accuracy even as the barrel gets hot through repeated firing. The buttstock and forestock are figured grain American walnut that is deeply checkered and capped with a solid soft rubber recoil pad on the back and a steel forestock cap on the front. The Long Ranger utilizes a geared action that drives a chromed steel bolt with a 6-lug rotary head into a rear extension of the barrel for a strong and consistent lock-up, similar to that of a bolt action rifle. A 4-round capacity box magazine can be removed and reloaded with a push of the flush-mounted blackened steel magazine release button. There are no external safety features on the Long Ranger, so an in-hammer sliding transfer bar safety guarantees the rifle will not fire unless the hammer is cocked and the trigger is pulled. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price for Henry Long Ranger in 6.5 Creedmoor (Model H014-65) is $1,066.
More Information »

The Henry American Eagle rifle is built on the award-winning Henry Golden Boy platform chambered in .22 S/L/LR. The receiver cover, barrel band, and buttplate are all nickel plated with a mirror-like finish. The rifle’s furniture features a wood finish not found on any other Henry models, closely mimicking the look of ivory. The complex process starts with American walnut that gets layers of primers and ivory color that are sanded down between applications to highlight the wood grain and achieve a natural look. The ivory-colored wood is then deeply engraved with aggressive checkering, leafy vine scrollwork, and the head of a bald eagle. After engraving the wood is finished with a fixative to protect the stocks’ color. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price for the Henry American Eagle (Model H004AE) is $950.
More information »

Henry firearms can only be purchased through a licensed firearms dealer. For more information about Henry Repeating Arms and its products visit henryusa.com or call 866-200-2354.

About Henry Repeating Arms

Henry Repeating Arms is one of the leading firearms manufacturers in the country and the leading lever action manufacturer. Their company motto is ‘Made In America Or Not Made At All,’ and their products come with a lifetime guarantee backed by award-winning customer service. The original Henry rifle played a significant role in the frontier days of the American West and is one of the most legendary, respected and sought-after rifles in the history of firearms. The company’s manufacturing facilities are in Bayonne, NJ and Rice Lake, WI.

AN INSIDE VIEW OF STI

By

A Girl and a Gun

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January 4, 2019

Recently AG & AG Member Marlene Lagerquist toured the STI factory in Georgetown, TX. She was able to witness the entire manufacturing process from raw steel bars to the beautiful finished product.

“The STI manufacturing process is lengthy with many, many steps and machines,” Marlene explains. “Each one of the small steps throughout the process of fabrication is treated with precision and attention. I was surprised at how much time, effort, monitoring, and attention goes into every little tiny mark, cut, or hole.”

The STI process is an impressive, detailed, precise process using expensive machines for every part of the process. The skillful level of tooling, drilling, polishing, and all the cool machineries used are incredible, and the team ensures that fitting process is precise and each product is perfect. Marlene was surprised to learn that “There were a lot of machines and tools that measured less than a hair width.” Parts are fabricated and then trimmed and fitted down to the perfect size.

Marlene admits that the tour was especially enjoyable because the STI team was cheerful and enthusiastic about their roles in the overall manufacturing process. She said, “The guys were truly excited, knowledgeable, accountable, and devoted to their manufacturing piece of the STI gun puzzle. It was a pleasure listening to each one of them.”

The highlight for Marlene was meeting the team members who fabricated her OMNI and two Staccato-Cs. She was grateful for the experience, and offered special thanks to Hunter Sexton, Alex Bowen, Tony Pignato, and Nate Horvath.

Who Can Be So Stupid?

By

Keith Finch

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January 4, 2019

(from hemantlodha.com)

[Ed: We are very pleased to introduce new DRGO writer, Dr. Dave Light, a clinician who has been active in health care management, federal law enforcement, and federal legislative and regulatory matters for many years.]

The reality is “mass shooting” are not as frequent as the media plays them to be. Their agenda is to see guns removed from society as if by doing so those will end.

Interestingly, you never hear about violence control, only gun control!

Who can be so stupid as to think that even if there were some magic potion to make all guns disappear, violence would disappear along with them? Are we so stupid as to think that gun use causes violence rather than the other way around? Violence uses guns, not the other way around!

Eliminating guns will only shift violent action more toward ramming cars or filling milk jugs with gasoline or knifings or more postal bombs. We surely won’t stop people killing people via gun control.

The only way to resolve mass murder is to investigate the reasons behind it.

Why a young man upset over being jilted by a girl would resort to any violent solution is the issue, not firearms. Was it his immersion in violent video games? Was it that society no longer teaches basic Judeo-Christian moral tenets? Was it that television and Hollywood have indoctrinated us into believing that violence is cool and an appropriate response to being dishonored?

The entire concept of eliminating guns is nonsense. Even if the Second Amendment were removed and all guns were outlawed, who could be so stupid as to think that all guns could be taken off the streets? Urban gangs across the country are in illegal possession of thousands of guns. Their guns are already illegal—they are not going to turn them in because of another new law forbidding them to have them.

How dumb can we be to think that more laws will help reduce violence–the societal issue of violence itself should be on trial, not law-abiding citizens who are the only ones who would follow more laws. A severe lesson would be learned if all guns miraculously disappeared for 90 days, demonstrating how much violence would increase rather than decrease.

The only reason that violence is as low as it is that half the population can defend themselves. If no one could, then those who are evil will take advantage and become far more violent.

It’s long past time for us to stop believing the mainstream media and start addressing the issue of “gun violence” rationally. Just because others with passion and money like Michael Bloomberg say something is so doesn’t turn folderol into fact.

—Dave Light, DMD is a surgeon specializing in head & neck oncology. Prior to being CEO of an international medical management firm, he directed the federal Drug Interdiction Task Force for the northeastern states. He currently advises Congress and other federal agencies on healthcare and drug policies.

All DRGO articles by Dave Light, DMD

New Year, New Gun Control.

By

Keith Finch

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January 3, 2019

2018 saw several legal changes passed set to implement in the new year. Over 100 in fact. A wave of gun control activism surged across the U.S. in 2018

California

As of January 1, the Golden State has raised the minimum age to buy rifles and shotguns from 18 to 21 (with exceptions for members of law enforcement, the military, or those who have a hunting license). Anyone convicted of certain domestic violence charges after January 1 will face a lifetime ban on gun ownership, as would anyone committed to a mental institution twice in one year. Californians who want to carry a concealed weapon now must undergo at least eight hours of safety training. And starting July 1, ammunition dealers will have to check with the Justice Department before a sale to make sure the customer is not banned from gun purchases.

Illinois

A new law called the Firearms Restraining Order Act creates a system to take guns away from people who are deemed dangerous to others or themselves. Relatives or police can request an emergency order of protection against someone who has shown threatening or suicidal behavior, which could include social media posts. The order could lead to that person’s guns being seized immediately for two weeks, or up to six months in more extreme cases.

An example of the emerging “red flag” laws that are becoming popular, removing firearms prior to adjudication.

The state also amended several of its gun laws. The waiting period for purchasing rifles has jumped from 24 hours to 72 hours. Schools, employers and places of worships are allowed to file orders of protection against individuals. Hospitals are required to report involuntary psychiatric admissions, which could lead to some gun owners losing their concealed carry licenses.

I believe 5 states now have active red flag laws in place that do not even tie to an arrest, a charge, or any adjudication in the defense of a gun owner.

Bolt Actions Obsolete?

By

Keith Finch

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January 2, 2019

Yes

Yes they are. Could they be used if the alternative is nothing? Obviously a well made and reliable rifle is well made reliable rifle, however modern semi-autos are better in every facet. It’s like arguing the original community line phone is not obsolete on the basis that you can still talk to someone.

But… the comments section is what it is.

The New Nighthawk Custom V.I.P. Black

By

Keith Finch

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January 2, 2019

Rolling in 2019 with class

Nighthawk Custom, manufacturer of the world’s finest custom made 1911’s, is proud to introduce the newest model of the VIP Series, the Nighthawk Custom VIP Black.

This 1911 VIP series gun is a true masterpiece of craftsmanship with luxurious amenities. Hand engraved details by Master Engraver, Bertram Edmonston, coupled with a black diamond like coating (DLC) and built by Nighthawk’s top tier gunsmiths. A presentation grade work of art, the VIP Black, has a durable finish that can be carried and used daily. The VIP Black is the ultimate connoisseurs’ pistol.

“The VIP Black is one of our most exclusive models,” explains Mark Stone, Owner, and CEO of Nighthawk Custom, “this 1911 is built with a focus on true craftsmanship and will be an heirloom piece that will garner attention in any collection.” The VIP Black is built based on Nighthawks, “One Gun – One Gunsmith” philosophy with all the finest customizations.

Desert Tech’s Elusive MDR

By

Keith Finch

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January 1, 2019

This futuristic bullpup from a famous bolt gun bullpup manufacturer is certainly a unique item in the space…

But does it work?

Mike found out. It’s a mixed bag.

The SIG Romeo5 XDR

By

Travis Pike

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January 1, 2019

So Christmas was afoot and people were asking what I wanted for Christmas? That was a question I had a hard time answering, I’m a simple guy with simple tastes. What could I want? hmm, my 80 lower jig is worn out, but I ave a ton of ARs already. I had plenty of guns but not enough optics so I asked for a red dot sight, something simple, something well made. The SIG Romeo5 had caught my eye early on but I never pulled the trigger so to speak. I asked and I received. Even better I received a model of the Romeo5 I didn’t know existed, the XDR. The X stands for extended life and the DR stands for dual reticle. The Romeo5 XDR has a standard 2 MOA reticle and an additional 65 MOA red circle with a 2 MOA dot in the center. Extended life means 50K hours on a single triple-A battery

I’m not the patient type and after receiving the optic I spent a little time with the family, ate a healthy dinner and early the next morning hit the range. Of course what gun should I mount the SIG Romeo5 XDR? Plenty of options in the safe, from shotguns to ARs. Hmm, I settled on my Scorpion 9mm rifle. It’s a fun, accurate, and easy shooting rifle and the 9mm round makes it a close quarter’s rifle and red dots excel for close quarter’s use.

In the Box

The SIG Romeo5 XDR comes with a single battery, bikini style lens covers, a small tool to tighten the optic down, a cleaning cloth, and a riser to bring the 1.41-inch absolute cowitness to a 1.63 inch lower ⅓ cowitness. The SIG Romeo5 XDR is a bit tougher to find, and as I mentioned I had never seen it before but was pretty pumped to receive it. So a quick thank you to that special person who gifted me this.

Goals for 2019

By

Dr LateBloomer

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December 31, 2018

It’s time for the new year, and time of course for the obligatory “New Year’s Resolutions”.

Except I’ve never been good at “Resolutions”. I’m better at “Goals to work toward” instead. There’s less pressure that way and less feeling of failure if as often happens, life gets in the way and I don’t get to be as diligent as I intended to be.

So my “Goals to Work Toward” for 2019 are:

Get more exercise. I’m a frumpy middle-age woman – I am never going to be a gym rat. My joints hurt and my knee builds up fluid. But I can work more on aerobic exercise and upper body strength so that a day in the woods on my feet with a nine-pound rifle and thirteen-pound pack do not completely wear me out. To that end, the other week I made myself a redneck “gun weight” out of leftover PVC pipe and paving sand I had in the garage. Now I have a roughly ten pound, forty inch long weight I can heft around while I’m “stepping” in the living room. Hopefully that will help build some upper body shotgun and rifle strength. At least that’s the plan.

Shoe myself properly. I need to invest in a good pair of high-quality waterproof hiking boots. This past year I spent a lot of time afoot in the woods – tracking turkey, tracking deer, hunting, berry picking, and getting to know the property. But it rains a lot up there. The hiking boots that I had and which were “supposed” to be waterproof leaked so badly during one such rainy excursion that my wool socks were literally squishing by the time I got back to the car. I am a tough shoe fit. I usually need men’s wide sizes due to my frankenfeet and my grandfather’s bunions. Women’s footwear is just too narrow for me. So I usually have to settle for whatever is leftover and available in my size, (Men’s 8.5 – 9 EE-EEEE). Usually the choices are slim. This year I want to do it right. Let the search begin.

Take a class. Last year I was scheduled to take Melody Lauer’s Armed Parent/Guardian class, but carpal tunnel surgery got in the way and I had to cancel. I still want to do that this year. I also still want to get into some sort of Trauma class. I’m already signed up for a Stop the Bleed class in January through a friend’s A Girl and A Gun Club chapter, but I want to take something a little higher level in addition. I have also toyed with the idea of a carbine class, but I probably need to work on my upper body toning before I attempt an all-day long-gun class.

Get over my fear of tree stands. I am afraid of heights. Tree stands give me the willies. But that might be the best deer hunting option for me if I ever want to bag my first buck. Thus, I need to get over myself. I have a friend who is willing to get me up in her tree stands over the summer to help me conquer my fear, so we shall see. I’ll also be looking at tree stands and safety equipment at SHOT 2019.

Continue my turkey and deer education. I learned reams of new information this past year, but I am a “never stop learning” kind of gal.

Practice more with the guns I ALREADY have instead of continually lusting after the next new thing. I know – what fun is THAT!!?? “New” is half the fun. Okay, maybe I’ll let myself have a Sig P365 … or maybe this will be the year that Benelli comes out with an 828u in 20 ga. I’ll let you know what I decide after I do some drooling at SHOT Show.

What are some of YOUR goals for 2019?

Gun Control For New Years…

By

Keith Finch

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December 28, 2018

With the enacting of age increases for purchases, magazine capacity bans, and the reclassification of bump fire devices, the Second Amendment has taken some significant direct fire this year.

It wasn’t all bad news but lets face it… it was rough.

10 States banned bump fire stocks in an asinine gesture to say “mass murder is bad.” Hawaii kicked that effort off in July with a unanimous passage.

In Hawaii, which has an estimated 1.6 million registered guns, according to the state attorney general’s office — around 150,000 more guns than residents — some people have legitimate reasons to own firearms, Rhoads said, alluding to the state’s feral pig problem. But, he said, there’s still a desire to pass gun-safety measures. Hawaii has some of the strictest gun laws and fewest gun deaths in the country, according to the National Center for Health Statistics.

“For us, it’s taking away the final loopholes,” Rhoads, a Hawaii legislator, said.

The ATF then reclassified them as machine guns last week.

Eight states enacted “Red Flag” laws, with Hawaii wanting to be the ninth, that allow various levels of non-adjudicated intrusion and property confiscation. Texas is even considering a ‘Red Flag’ law this legislative session.

Gun Control efforts are evolving as we head into 2019. As we enjoy the festivities of New Year’s Eve and the annual anticipation of SHOT Shot, we’re going to have work to do on the legal front.