The SHOT Show (Shooting Hunting Outdoor Trade) in Las Vegas is enormous to say the least. The show runs for four days. If you wanted to walk the show floor and visit every booth, you would have about eight seconds at each! While we cannot see it all, we spent plenty of time softening the shoe leather to come up with Day 4’s list of cool new products.
Handguns
Springfield 911 Alpha
The Springfield Armory 911 Alpha features an optimized frame-to-slide-to-trigger guard relationship that creates a uniquely comfortable, intuitive, and accurate shooting experience for a pistol of its size. the crisp, short-reset, 5-pound, polymer trigger ensures a light, yet responsive, pull for reassuring precision, while the loaded chamber indicator provides a visual and tactile indicator of the guns condition. The extended thumb safety encourages easy manipulation of the safety under life-threatening situations where fine motor skills can be compromised under stress. A fiber optic front sight and white, two-dot rear sight allows for quick and clear target acquisition.
To keep the gun invisible until needed, the frame measures 5.5 inches long and less than 4 inches high, with a smooth profile that’s undetectable under clothing. The new 911 Alpha is crafted of 7075 T6 anodized hard-coat aluminum—the same material used in combat-ready firearms like Springfield’s renowned SAINT AR-15 rifles and pistols. Cross Cannon polymer grips and vertical line texturing on the front strap and mainspring housing provide additional traction and a secure hold on the pistol. The 2.7-inch, 416R stainless barrel gives this small gun amazing accuracy at greater than confrontation distance. A full-length guide rod with flat wire spring enhance control and soften recoil. The 911 Alpha is available in Stainless or Black Nitride and ships with a flush 6-round magazine.
MSRP: $429, www.springfield-armory.com
Hi-Point ???
Hi-Point will be introducing a new pistol in latter half of 2019. As of the 2019 SHOT Show, it does not actually have an official name yet. The new 9mm high capacity (also new for Hi-Point) compact pistol will have a threaded barrel and many new features. This is not an old model with a few tweaks like the latest version of someone’s 1911. This is an entirely new pistol of a more contemporary design, and yet, it will retain Hi-Point’s affordable pricing, reliability, robust construction, accuracy, and owner following lifetime warranty.
Hi-Point is not a model flipping company and it has been years since Hi-Point’s last new pistol design was unveiled. Hi-Point’s thought process is basically, if it works well and people can afford it, then it works well! However, Hi-Point’s new owner wanted a more contemporary compact high-capacity pistol that is still Hi-Point affordable, robust, reliable and accurate.
This Stealth prototype stage and our media relations firm could not even get an image of it. However, there will be 3D printed models at the 2019 SHOT Show booth 16144 for examination–bring your 3D printed ammo and we will shoot at 3D printed targets, bet someone does that!
Rifles
Weatherby Unveils the Limited Edition Mark V Wyoming Commemorative Rifle
Even the venerable Weatherby, could not stand in the onslaught of anti gun legislation in California. Last year, at SHOT Show 2018, Weatherby announced its relocation to Wyoming. One year later, Weatherby is nearing the final steps in the move to Sheridan, WY from Paso Robles, California. Weatherby wants to mark the monumental amount of work that has went into the move. The Wyoming commemorative rifle was designed by the team at Weatherby to honor Wyoming and all that the State has done to assist with the move.
There will be two versions of the Wyoming Commemorative rifles, the Gold and the Silver. Both versions will be chambered in the world famous .300 Weatherby Magnum and will feature the widely recognizable “Bucking Horse and Rider” beautifully engraved on the floor plate. The highly figured walnut stocks ensure a seamless union between rifle and shooter with its raised-comb Monte Carlo design, right-side palm swell and a custom designed mountain scene integrated into the classic fine line checkering.
MSRP: $10,000 Gold / $6,500 Silver, www.weatherby.com
Mauser 18 Available in 6.5 PRC
Recognized for its accuracy and ruggedness at an exceptional price point, this popular hunting rifle is among the first chambered for Hornady’s hot new 6.5 PRC cartridge. The 6.5 PRC is a magnum version of the 6.5 Creedmoor and has a flatter trajectory and higher impact velocity than the 6.5 Creedmoor. Utilizing moderate powder charges that result in repeatable accuracy, low recoil and high velocities with performance well beyond 1,000 yards, the 6.5 PRC is an excellent caliber for F-Class benchrest shooting and hunting medium to large game.
The Mauser 18 is a big seller here in the United States because of its ultimate reliability, durability and accuracy at an unbeatable price point,” said Christian Socher, CEO of Blaser USA. “We wanted to add the 6.5 PRC chambering as an additional caliber option for those who hunt and shoot at longer ranges.
Thanks to its rugged synthetic stock, the Mauser 18 will withstand daily use in even the harshest hunting environments. A three-position safety allows you to safely carry a round in the chamber without fear of the bolt being nudged out of battery. The steel receiver provides core strength and reliability to protect the action, and a cold-hammer-forged barrel gives further peace of mind that the rifle will perform consistently, round after round.
For optimum grip, the stock features two areas of soft-inlay. The five-round magazine enables fast, fuss-free follow-up shots, and an adjustable trigger allows you to set your own preferred pull weight. Clean lines and high-quality materials result in a premium appearance, so that overall, the Mauser 18 has the look and feel of a rifle twice its price.
In addition to the 6.5 PRC chambering, the Mauser 18 is also available in .243 Win, .308 Win, .270 Win, .30-06, 7mm Rem Mag, .300 Win Mag., and 6.5 Creedmoor.
MSRP: $699, www.mauser-usa.com
Shotguns
IFC Bullpup Shotgun
The design of this new shotgun is highly functional and incredibly effective. With the 20” barrel length and 26” overall length, the IFC Bullpup is one of the more compact shotguns on the market today. Chambered for up to three-inch shells, this shotgun was designed for every shooter in any situation and can handle common field loads up to slug, all cycling through a gas operated system. For further stability and accuracy, the IFC Bullpup comes equipped with an adjustable cheek piece and flip up front and rear sights. Too, adding extra value, the IFC Bullpup Shotgun come with a deluxe case, sling, shooting glasses and a removable front grip.
“When we decided to develop a bullpup, we reached out to our preferred dealers and some of our customers to see what they wanted, what we developed will certainly make an impact in the marketplace,” said Tony Mussatto, Owner of IFC. “We couldn’t be happier with the shotgun, it has every detail and every added incentive that our customers wanted.”
Expect to see the IFC Bullpup 12-gauge Shotgun on shelves late first quarter of 2019.
MSRP: $645, www.internationalfirearmcorporation.com
Accessories
XS Sights Next Generation Big Dot Shotgun Beads for Home Defense
XS Big Dot Tritium shotgun sights are available in two versions—pedestal mount for Remington shotguns or a plain-barrel model that fits Mossberg shotguns. Both are available in Optic Yellow or Optic Orange. The patent-pending glow dot on this front sight absorbs light and glows in low light levels before it is dark enough to see the tritium. A true advantage for any home-defense shotgun.
The new non-tritium Ember Big Dot Shotgun Beads are also available in both Remington and plain barrel models in Optic Yellow or Optic Orange. XS Sights’ proprietary glow technology gives the non-tritium Ember Big Dot a significant performance advantage over fiber optic sights or brass beads in low light conditions, and its large size helps with faster target acquisition.
The size and brightness of our new XS Big Dot Shotgun Beads allow the user to index the muzzle much faster, and this is critical in high-stress home defense situations when every second counts,” said Zack Kinsley, Marketing Manager for XS Sights. “We incorporated our proprietary glow technology into these Big Dot Shotgun Beads to transform them into the brightest sights in any lighting condition.
Optic Yellow is the best option for low light and has the brightest glow intensity. Optic Orange is the best for bright light settings and offers high glow intensity.
MSRP: $39 Big Dot Ember / $66 Big Dot Tritium, www.xssights.com
Swagger Stalker Bipods
This series features three innovative products that are designed to acquire multiple or moving targets down range: Steelbanger Basic, Stalker QD and Stalker Lite.
The Steelbanger Basic fits any 1913 Picatinny Rail and features Swagger’s Flex Ready technology that elevates this bipod above others on the market. The bipod’s legs flex at the base of the mount, allowing the shooter to find a comfortable shooting position regardless of the terrain. The Steelbanger Basic is the smallest of the three products and is ideal for shooting while prone or on a bench rest. With an effective range of seven to ten inches, it is low profile and is easily adjusted with one hand. Whether in the field or at the range, the Steelbanger Basic is an excellent choice for the shooter looking for a compact and lightweight bipod.
Next in the series, the Stalker QD functions similarly to the Steelbanger Basic using Flex Ready technology, only this bipod is available in two sizes: 14 to 42 inches (QD42) and 24 to 72 inches (QD72) at full range and weighs 15 ounces and 17 ounces, respectively. The key feature of the Stalker QD is a simple quick detach button that lets the user remove the bipod from its mount so it can be collapsed and stowed away or reattached rapidly and easily. This bipod features steel tips under removable rubber feet allowing the user to secure their bipod on any terrain. The Stalker QD is ideal for shooting while sitting in tree stands or hunting blinds.
Finally, the Stalker Lite is the largest of the three products, but unlike the other two, the Stalker Lite is designed to be a rapid deploy shooting rest. The effective range of this rest is twenty-one to thirty-six inches and it weighs ten ounces.The Stalker Lite also utilizes Flex Ready technology, so shooters can find a comfortable resting position from any stance on any terrain. No touch adjustments help users rapidly adjust their position and track multiple or moving targets. The Stalker Lite is best suited for the shooter looking for an easy to deploy, easy to adjust and highly versatile shooting rest.
MSRP: Steelbanger Basic $149, Stalker QD42 $129, Stalker QD72 $139, Stalker Lite at $69, www.swaggerbipods.com
Pro Ears Stealth 28
The Stealth 28 is an in-ear hearing protection solution that uses a temple hugging design to ensure a secure and comfortable fit while being worn behind the user’s head. The Stealth 28 allows the user to wear headgear without impacting the protection offered by the device. Pro Ears includes three different size sets of earbuds allowing for a superior fit for any size ear canal. Weighing only twenty grams, the Stealth 28 can be worn all day comfortably.
The most important job the Stealth 28 performs is protecting its wearer’s hearing from sudden and unexpected loud noises. Utilizing Pro Ears’ proprietary Dynamic Level Sound Compression technology, Stealth 28 users can enjoy sound amplification of noises under 70 dB and sound reduction of noises over 70 dB.
New for 2019, the Stealth 28 features an upgraded noise reducing wind cover over its exterior microphones, so the wearer doesn’t have wind noise amplified over the sounds they need to hear. This new protective foam further reduces the amount of wind noise a wearer may encounter while using them outdoors. Pro Ears wants wearers to enjoy the benefits and comfort of the Stealth 28 for as long as possible, which is why it features a rechargeable battery that lasts up to eighteen hours. It also features a convenient micro-USB charging port that can have the battery fully charged in one hour.
MSRP: $60, www.proears.com
TacSol Aeris Suppressor
The new TacSol Aeris is an accumulation of years of research and development, engineering ingenuity and design, creating the perfect suppressor for the rimfire firearm. This suppressor is compact, lightweight and rugged, designed for performance in a minimal sized package. Machined from titanium and stainless steel, the Aeris is incredibly durable for its small size and weight. The patented “split-tube” design makes it extremely easy to clean and service.
“We at TacSol are very proud of this engineering feat and are very anxious to release the Aeris out into the marketplace,” said Chet Alvord, Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “I firmly believe our customers will be very pleased with the functionality and performance, but more importantly the size and overall weight.”
MSRP: $297, www.tacticalsol.com
Ultradyne Pegasus Muzzle Brake
Ultradyne, an American designer and manufacturer of advanced shooting accessories, has officially released its Pegasus muzzle brake specifically tuned for 6.5mm Creedmoor and compatible with 6.5 PRC and 6mm Creedmoor. Utilizing advanced imaging and precision instrumentation, the Pegasus has been engineered to provide excellent recoil reduction and muzzle-rise compensation while directing percussion ninety degrees from the shooter. Ports are progressively shaped to maximize efficiency and increase the duration of their recoil-reducing effect for a smoother shooting experience.
6.5mm Creedmoor has grown to be a favorite among precision shooters for its flat trajectory, long-range accuracy, and relatively-low recoil. With the Ultradyne Pegasus now in 6.5mm Creedmoor shooters can watch their shots and be ready for follow-up shots more quickly with less atmospheric disturbance to those nearby.
Pegasus includes the Ultradyne-exclusive shrouded timing nut along with a Dynamount collar for quick, easy mounting. 416 stainless steel is 100% CNC machined and then treated with a salt-bath nitride finish for looks that last and endure, Pegasus provides classic tanker-style braking with a more modern and efficient design. Like all Ultradyne muzzle devices the Pegasus is Dynamount ready.
BOG Deathgrip Shooting Tripod
The DeathGrip has been engineered to be the most stable shooting tripod on the market. Keeping true to its name this tripod is designed for unmatched durability and stability giving the hunter an accurate shot every time. Its patented clamp secures any weapon providing a 360-degree swivel and tilt for maximum adjustability. The DeathGrip lets the hunter be hands-free to glass or call on the hunt with ease. The ergonomic design was built to feature strength and durability to ensure it will be ready for many hunts to come.
- Patented DeathGrip Lock quickly clamps weapons into a secure position. The non-marring over molded rubber prevents damage to weapons.
- Available in carbon fiber and aluminum tripod
- Leg angle adjustment for three preset angles
- 20° – Standing Position
- 45° – Sitting Position
- 85° – Prone Position
- Feet are adjusted for use on hard or soft terrain. Ability to expose spiked feet for soft terrain for ultimate stability.
- Level is included to give the most stable shooting position
Galco Paragon AIWB Holster
Galco Gunleather’s Paragon AIWB easily adjusts for the desired angle from strongside to crossdraw. The ambidextrous Paragon is ideally suited for the popular appendix mode of carry.
With a Kydex holster body, the Paragon offers comfortable carry, fast draw and easy return to holster. Dual tuckable belt clips ride in slots fore and aft of the gun body, allowing adjustment for ride height and carry angle. Twin tension units allow easy adjustment of the draw stroke. Raised sweat guards on both sides of the handgun protect the wearer’s body from the gun and promote a smooth and safe return to holster. Included with the Paragon is an optional claw-type stabilizing wing for those gun carriers who prefer it.
The Paragon comes with Galco’s patent-pending polymer UniClip for excellent concealment, stability and easy on-off capability, and functions well with single or dual clips. Galco’s Ultimate Stealth clips are available as an optional purchase for those who prefer even deeper concealment.
MSRP: $79, galcogunleather.com
Guntec USA Extended Bolt Release
Guntec USA’s new AR-15 release was an accumulation of extensive research and development and customer feedback. The result was an ergonomically contoured release that extends the bolt release option to the right side. Extremely lightweight and durable, the release fits over any 5.56 mil spec bolt catch and is locked in place with a 3-set screw system, creating a very user-friendly release.
MSRP: $24.95, www.guntecusa.com
Air Guns
Umarex Ruger 10/22 Air Rifle
The Ruger 10/22 Air Rifle from UMAREX is true to form except that it is powered by two 12-gram CO2 cartridges instead of the ever-popular .22 LR round. President, Richard Turner, expressed, “The 10/22 has earned its place in shooting history and we couldn’t be more excited that Ruger backed our development of the Ruger 10/22 Air Rifle. Lots of people pulled a trigger for the first time with an airgun and if it wasn’t an air rifle, it was a 22. Very few guns can lay claim to that fact.”
The level of detail in the Ruger 10/22 Air Rifle transcends its looks. “Umarex did a great job in developing the 10/22 Air Rifle,” said Ruger Vice President of Marketing, Rob Werkmeister. “We are truly impressed by the level of authentic detail and craftsmanship incorporated into this airgun, and we are proud to be affiliated with a company that shares our passion of providing quality products and exceptional service for shooters around the world.”
The 10/22 Air Rifle from UMAREX was designed to shoot .177 caliber pellets, the most readily available and most popular selling airgun caliber for recreational shooting. The magazine is authentic in shape and the magazine release pushes forward in authentic fashion giving you the ability to pull the magazine from the receiver. The magazine holds a red, removable rotary clip that accepts 10 flat or round-nosed pellets instead of the traditional .22 LR cartridge and is cleverly held in the magazine by a sliding lever, which allows for the easy exchange of a pre-loaded clip available as an accessory.
MSRP: $129,
HatsanUSA Vectis
Providing a modern take on an old classic, Hatsan’s new Vectis is a unique, lever-action, Pre-Charged Pneumatic (PCP) airgun. Reminiscent of a lever-action cowboy rifle, the Vectis is capable of delivering up to 35 shots on a single fill, making it easy to empty a tin of pellets in no time.
Based on the Flash platform, the Vectis maintains the same lightweight characteristics. Weighing 7 lbs., the Vectis features a one-piece receiver and a sturdy, synthetic-polymer QuietEnergy barrel shroud that protects the barrel and dampens noise up to 50%. The airgun’s 165cc fixed-air cylinder is constructed from lightweight, strong aluminum alloy. A combo optics rail is machined into the receiver and continues down the length of the barrel shroud to provide shooters with 17 inches of uninterrupted rail space. The Vectis is capable of accepting both 11mm and 22mm mounts.
Just like the rifles of the old west, the sturdy trigger guard acts as the rifle’s cocking lever. Simply rotate the lever 45 degrees to cock the rifle. Follow-up shots are quick and easy, thanks to the S/Roto Index Magazine. Each of the 2 included magazines can hold up to 14 pellets. A single-shot tray is also included for those who might want to precision-load pellets individually. The Vectis is available in.177, .22, and .25 caliber.
MSRP: $399, www.hatsunusa.com
Check out The Shooter’s Log’s Day 3 Coverage here!
Check out The Shooter’s Log’s Day 2 Coverage here!
Check out The Shooter’s Log’s Day 1 Coverage here!
Which new products top your must have list? Share your answers in the comment section.
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