M16A5 Concept

By

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January 11, 2019

The M16 is the most iconic “Old War Horse” of the modern militaries. Entering service in 1964. The M16A1 rolled out in ’69. The M16A2 in ’83 and finally the M16A4 started entering the field in 1998.

In 2007 you could still find a mix of A2’s and A4’s in the Marine Corps fleet armories, I trained on the A2 while the series behind me received A4’s. Here at the end of 2018 I bid farewell to the A2 from National Guard armories in Michigan, replaced by the M4A1.

The M16 is 20 years from it’s latest revision and technology, especially ancillary tech, has never been at a faster pace for development.

Slings, optics, triggers, and fire control were all still in a mid development latency when the A4 rolled out, then everything got a kickstart from GWOT. The thought of keeping things as close to ‘legacy’ as possible to avoid confusion was as prevalent as it was misguided in larger military circles also.

The A4 is due for a revision for continued greatness and modernity…

A5 Concept: Product Improvement Program

A few critical updates in various schools of thought have rolled into the tactical rifle sphere since the A4. The rifle in 1998 was essentially an A2 hoping to catch as many upgrades as feasible, but not knowing necessarily what those would be.

Here are the four foci.

Optics are standard
Lights are important
Ambidexterity has its place
Nice triggers make a difference

The Anti-Gun Association on Aging

By

DRGO

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January 11, 2019

[Ed: Aging Today and AgeBlog, the American Society on Aging’s media, published an article, “Grandparents,Gun Violence and Gun Policy”, this fall. Teri Kennedy, a PhD grandmother with the School of Social Work at Arizona State University, advocated the straight gun restriction party line, from the claim that the Dickey amendment “barred”research to universal background checks, banning “assault weapons” and “high-capacity magazines”, and “gun safety technology”. OK, we have no disagreement with “promot[ing] safe storage of guns” (interpreted correctly) or “improve[d] access to and delivery of mental health services”. But, seriously . . .

DRGO correspondent Warren Lind, LCSW, a member of the ASA took enough interest to send the editor an extremely well- documented rebuttal. It follows here, with excerpts from the editor’s reply. His biggest may have been including my name as a co-author.]

To the Editor:

Dr. Kennedy’s article does not have anything to do with the goals and vision of ASA and as such should have never been accepted as an article. (See http://www.asaging.org/2015-2020-strategic-plan-summary.)

“Gun violence” is not a leading cause of death in America. The five leading causes are:

Magpul’s GL9 Line Adds 27rd PMAG.

By

Keith Finch

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January 11, 2019

Competition Rules Ready

The PMAG 27 GL9 is a 27-round Glock 9mm magazine featuring our proprietary all-polymer construction for flawless reliability and durability over thousands of rounds. Meeting the overall length requirements for a 170MM competition magazine, the PMAG 27 GL9 offers additional capacity without the need for expensive extensions. It includes a high visibility, controlled-tilt follower, a stainless steel spring, and an easily removable floorplate for cleaning. Also includes a paint pen dot matrix for magazine marking, ridged floorplate edges for better grip, and capacity indicator windows. It was designed to drop free when loaded or unloaded. The PMAG 27 GL9 is compatible with all full-size, compact, and sub-compact double-stack Glock 9mm variants with some protrusion below the grip.

Designed and manufactured in the U.S.A.

Features

Compatible with all 9mm double-stack Glock handguns
Durable, lightweight, and rigid polymer construction
High visibility, controlled-tilt follower
Long-life stainless steel spring for corrosion resistance
Flared, easily removable floor plate
Dot matrix panel for magazine marking and identification
Magazine indicator windows on both sides of the body at 10, 15, 20, and 27 rounds remaining
Drops free when loaded or unloaded

Colors

Black

MSRP: $19.95

Desantis Offers 55 New Holster Fits!

By

Keith Finch

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January 10, 2019

AMITYVILLE, NY – For nearly five decades, DeSantis has been developing, designing, and manufacturing the very best gun holsters that money can buy. We pride ourselves on using the best American-Premium hides and the toughest synthetics available for our holsters and accessories.

DeSantis will be offering 27 new products for the Glock 43X, 10 for the Glock 48 and 18 for the New Mossberg MC1SC. These items will be on display at SHOT Show 2019 (booth 10962) and will be available for purchase on the DeSantis website.

Please click links below for additional information including specs, pricing and images of all of the products by model:

Glock 43X

Glock 48

New Mossberg MC1SC

DeSantis Gunhide® is a leading holster manufacturer for city, state and federal law enforcement agencies, the U.S. armed forces, as well as hunting/sport shooting organizations around the world. DeSantis delivers a full range of holster products and accessories designed to meet or exceed the needs of its customers.

For more information, please visit www.desantisholster.com or Facebook www.facebook.com/DeSantisHolster. You may also email us at sales@desantisholster.com or speak with one of our Customer Service Representatives directly at 800-GUNHIDE.

SHOT Show 2019 Picks, and 2018 Fails

By

Travis Pike

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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.