Archive for February, 2008
SureFire EarPro EP-3 Sonic Defenders
Posted by: | CommentsEarPro, a line of hearing products from SureFire, has introduced a new kind of passive hearing protection: the EP-3 Sonic Defenders.
The Sonic Defenders is a product that sets inside of the ear, allowing normal volume sounds to pass freely through to the ear, yet shuts down when loud sounds, such as gunfire, is encountered. The EP-3 is passive technology, meaning there are not any batteries to replace. Using physics principals, SureFire was able to create this new style of hearing protection that reduces loud noises by 16 db, but still allows normal conversations with them in place.
The Sonic Defenders are ideal for soldiers or SWAT officers that find normal hearing protection is not practical. Additionally, recreational shooters, such as hunters, can also find these to be an excellent way to prevent damage to their hearing while enjoying their sport.
The EP-3 Sonic Defenders are reasonably priced at less than $13 through Amazon
Sig Sauer P250 Pistol: “It’s not a gun; it’s a system”
Posted by: | CommentsI just recently had the chance to watch the Cam and Company interview with representatives from Sig Sauer at the 2008 SHOT show.
Cam interviewed Sig Sauer president and CEO Ron Cohen. Cohen and Adam Pinchot demonstrated the new Sig P250 pistol. Cohen emphasized that the P250 is innovative and unique. I agree completely.
“It’s not a gun; it’s a system,” said Cohen. Cohen and Pinchot then demonstrated how easy it is to change grips to fit the user. If you are not familiar with the P250 platform, the serialized receiver drops down into a polymer frame, which comes in three sizes. The different sized frames allows the user to determine which fits his or her hand the best. Switching frames takes only a few seconds.
Sig also offers a short trigger in addition to the standard trigger, creating a total of six different combinations a user can choose from to find the best fit.
What is also exciting about the P250 is that the owner can easily swap between four different calibers: 9mm, .357 Sig, .40 S&W, and .45 ACP. All of this is accomplished with a single receiver.
Cohen stressed that no single gun can fit all people well. As the P250 is not a “single gun,” it allows “the dealer to adapt it to your requirement,” he said. The P250 offers “a suitcase of options” that “lets you change caliber and size at will.”
Cohen said the P250 has a six pound double action trigger with a crisp break. Pinchot stressed that the trigger does not have an unbearable long pull, rather the P250 has a smooth trigger with a quick reset.
Cohen promised “There is no compromise on quality, accuracy, or safety.” Yet, Cohen said the MSRP on the P250 is “around $650,” which makes it one of the least expensive guns Sig Sauer has brought to market. MSRP on Sig’s website lists it at $699.
New Corbon DPX Rifle Loads for 2008
Posted by: | CommentsCorBon has loaded the Barnes Triple Shock X bullets in their DPX Hunter line of cartridges for several years. The Triple Shock X bullet is an all-copper bullet that has proved to offer excellent expansion and penetration. Many hunters have had very positive results with these loadings, and CorBon has expanded the line with 14 new loadings in 2008.
One of the loadings, the 7.62×39 cartridge, also offers the potential of being an excellent self defense round. Many homes have an SKS or AK-47 type rifle that is part of the family home defense plan. The CorBon DPX loading for the 7.62×39 may be an excellent choice for these rifles.
Orlando To Host NRA Range Development Conference
Posted by: | CommentsNews from the National Rifle Association:
Orlando To Host NRA Range Development Conference
FAIRFAX, Va. - The National Rifle Association will hold a five-day Range Development & Operations Conference at the Holiday Inn - International Drive Resort in Orlando, Florida, March 29 - April 2, 2008. The course is designed for current or prospective range owners and operators, and the conference is the NRA’s forum for expert training in range design, construction, operation, and management.
The conference teaches methods for either identifying or avoiding common problems associated with range engineering, administrative controls, environmental issues, and safety. Topics will include:
- Developing business and master plans
- Public hearings and zoning boards
- Environmental sound
- Insurance
- Lead on outdoor ranges
- OSHA lead standards
- Range maintenance
- Range safety
“I have attended the Range Development & Operations Conference and want to commend the NRA and its staff on an incredible job of enlightening me with the proper knowledge and information needed to start up and maintain a safe, clean gun range,” said Tony Doukas of Pompano Beach, Florida, who attended a conference last year in Tampa, Florida. “Also knowing the NRA will be at your assistance with any issue you may incur in the future is a comforting and secure feeling.”
Registration for the conference is $450.00 (non-refundable), which includes all conference materials and a free copy of the NRA Range Source Book on CD-ROM.
Join us for this exciting and informative five-day industry seminar! To reserve your seat at the Range Development & Operations Conference in Orlando, please call (800) 672-3888 x1276 or visit http://www.nrahq.org/shootingrange/2008fl.asp
Glock 30SF: Glock’s Next “Short Frame” Pistol in .45 ACP
Posted by: | CommentsGlock started their SF (Short Frame) series of pistols with the Glock 21. At this year’s SHOT show, Glock introduced the model 30SF.
The Glock 30SF is based on the Glock 30: a compact, double stack pistol chambered in the ever-popular .45 ACP. The SF version shaves about 3mm from the backstrap, and improves the overall thickness creating a gun that fits better in the hands of many people. The 21SF was a very popular introduction, and the 30SF should be as well.
The Glock 30SF has the typical Glock rail and magazine release, not the Picatinny rail and ambidextrous release introduced with the 21SF.
Glock did not announce a definite shipping date, but they anticipate a mid-year roll out.
Taurus Introduces a New Revolver in 5mm Remington Magnum Rimfire
Posted by: | Comments
With a recent surge of interest in rimfire cartridges not starting with .22, Taurus International has brought out a new revolver in their Tracker line chambered for the 5mm Remington Magnum rimfire.
For those not familiar with the 5mm Magnum, the rimfire cartridge was introduced in 1970 by Remington Arms Co. Along with the cartridge, Remington introduced two rifles chambered for the 5mm, the models 591 and 592. However, a lack of sales prompted Remington to cease sales of the rifles in 1974, and by the early 1980’s, they stopped making the ammunition as well. However, like many discontinued cartridges, the 5mm rimfire has a small, loyal band of followers who have kept interest in this cartridge alive.
In recent years, several new rimfire cartridges (.17 HMR, .17HM2) have renewed the interest of the shooting community for high speed rimfire cartridges. Taurus, never afraid to think outside the box, introduced the first handgun chambered for the 5mm RMR at the 2008 SHOT Show.
The new Taurus revolver is a Tracker revolver with a nine-shot cylinder and 6 1/2″ barrel. According to Bob Morrison of Taurus said the new 5mm RMR Tracker is designed for varmint shooting and the revolver is “very scope-able.”
Taurus has not listed the new Tracker on their website yet, but the revolver should be shipping to dealers in the near future.
Aguila Ammunition announced that they will begin producing 5mm Remington Magnum ammunition for the Tracker. This is also good news for the owners of those Remington model 591 and model 592 rifles.
*** Update: Refer to my post here about the new Aguila 5mm RMR ammunition and when it is shipping. ***
Winchester Repeating Arms Introduces the Speed Pump Defender Shotgun
Posted by: | CommentsU.S. Repeating Arms, the manufacturer of Winchester-branded rifles and shotguns, announced they were closing the New Haven, CT plant in January 2006. Much of the firearms community believed that we would never see another new Winchester rifle or shotgun. Winchester Repeating Arms was at the 2008 SHOT show and proved the doubters wrong.
Winchester Repeating Arms, showed several new guns at the 2008 SHOT show, including the new Speed Pump Defender shotgun. Winchester claims that the Speed Pump is the “fastest pump [shotgun] ever.” That is a pretty bold statement, and I look forward to getting one of these on the range to test out.
The Speed Pump Defender looks a lot like the old Model 1300 Defender. The Winchester shotgun features a chrome-lined 18″ barrel and can handle buckshot and slugs. The Defender shotgun holds 5+1 three-inch 12-gauge shells making it a solid component in your home defense plan.
The new Winchester Defender shotgun sports a synthetic stock with integral recoil pad, and the fore arm is aggressively ridged allowing a sure grip in stressful situations. The metal surfaces have a matte black finish, which eliminates any glare that you might get from shiny parts.
MSRP on the new Winchester Speed Pump Defender is $299.
Barnes Bullets Offers New Varmint Grenade Bullets in .204 and .224 Calibers
Posted by: | CommentsBarnes Bullets introduced several new bullets at the 2008 SHOT show. In their popular Varmint Grenade line, Barnes was showing the .204 caliber, 26 grain bullet for the .204 Ruger cartridge and a .224 caliber bullet in 50 grains for .224 cartridges.
The .204 bullets and the 50 grain .224 were both developed specifically due to customer demand said Jessica Brooks of Barnes Bullets.
The Varmint Grenade line was developed for specialized military applications, but has also proved to be excellent for varmint hunting. The bullet has a powdered copper and tin core with a gilded metal jacket. This bullet is able to be driven to high speeds, yet instantly fragments upon impact.
Barnes has some spectacular videos of these bullets hitting and fragmenting in a seedless grape. Woodchucks and prairie dogs beware!
Both bullets are available immediately through Barnes’ website and other distributors like Midway USA. If you don’t load your own ammunition, fear not. Black Hills currently loads the .223 and .22-250 cartridges using the Varmint Grenande bullets, and I suspect they will start loading with these new calibers as well.
