Archive for February, 2008
GeorgiaCarry.org has won again. The cities of Roswell and Sandy Springs, both suburbs of Atlanta, Georgia, had to abandon anti-gun ordinances after facing lawsuits filed by the pro-gun rights group, GeorgiaCarry.org. The city ordinances attempted to preempt state law by restricting citizens’ rights to carry firearms in city owned parks.
GeorgiaCarry.org has had a series of successes in other cities and counties as well. Congratulations guys!
From the Atlanta Journal-Constitution:
Sandy Springs, Roswell scrap local gun laws
Ordinance would have prevented people from carrying guns in city parksOn the advice of attorneys, the cities of Roswell and Sandy Springs scrapped local ordinances this week that prevent people from carrying guns in city parks.
A lawsuit has successfully challenged firearms bans enacted by several local cities and county governments, said Wendell Willard, the city attorney for Sandy Springs.
In December, the Georgia Court of Appeals found a Coweta County ordinance that restricted firearms, had incorrectly superseded state law.
Counties and municipalities with similar ordinances must now revise their laws, Willard said, because the court determined only the state can regulate where firearms may be carried.
The lawsuit challenging the firearms bans, filed by an organization called GeorgiaCarry.org, also affects ordinances adopted by Fulton County and the cities of Kennesaw, Milton, Atlanta, East Point and Union City.
After hearing from Willard, the Sandy Springs City Council revised its ban Tuesday. The city will allow people to carry guns into parks, but will prohibit their discharge.
Roswell’s City Council on Monday took similar action.
Smith & Wesson is offering significant rebates on new pistols, rifles, and shotguns purchased between February 1, 2008 and April 30, 2008. The rebates range from $50 – $100, and some of the deals include free magazines.
The offers are as follows:
Smith & Wesson M&P Pistols – $50 rebate plus two free magazines
Smith & Wesson Sigma Pistols – $50 rebate plus two free magazines
Smith & Wesson SW1911 Pistols – $100 rebate
Smith & Wesson M&P15 Rifles (AR15 style) – $100 rebate
Smith & Wesson i-Bolt Rifles – $75 rebate
Smith & Wesson 1000 Series Shotguns – $50 rebate
As with all offers, make sure you check with the manufacturer prior to buying anything to make sure your purchase will qualify. The coupon you will need to send in for your rebate is available at your dealer or you can download it here.
Jessica Brooks of Barnes Bullets Inc. announced on Tom Gresham’s Gun Talk radio program that the fourth Barnes Bullets reloading manual, Barnes Reloading Manual Number 4, is set to arrive in two months. So, by April, we should see a newly updated and expanded loading manual for all of those innovative bullets Barnes has been producing.
Barnes is taking pre-orders for the book on their website. For $49.99 you get a hard bound edition of the book, plus they are including their ballistics program, a hat, and access to more data on their website.
Barnes Reloading Manual Number 4, an all-new reloading manual from Barnes Bullets, will be available in 2008. Full color illustrations appear throughout the manual, which has a distinctive embossed and debossed cover.
More than 200,000 rounds were fired in testing the new loads. Extensive loading data provided in the new manual covers the full range of Barnes Triple-Shock™ X Bullets® (TSX™) and Maximum-Range X (MRX™) hunting bullets now available. Loading data is also offered for the new Barnes Banded Solids™ for dangerous big game, as well as for the recently introduced Varmint Grenade™—a highly frangible varmint bullet developed from military technology.
The new manual features loading data for many recently introduced cartridges, including Winchester’s Short and Super-Short Magnums, .338 Federal and the .375 Ruger. It also contains data for bigbore dangerous game cartridges like the .470 and .500 Nitro Express, .505 Gibbs and .577 Nitro. Extreme-range accuracy loads for Barnes’ .50 BMG bullets are listed for Very High Power shooters.
New load data is also offered for Barnes’ greatly expanded selection of XPB™ pistol bullets, including those designed for .460 and .500 S&W revolvers. Recommended loads for Barnes’ Expander MZ™, as well as the long-range Spit-Fire MZ™ and TMZ™ muzzleloader bullets appear in a special section.
Customer accounts of Barnes Bullets’ performance in the hunting field are included. As a bonus, noted gun writers like Craig Boddington, Sam Fadala and Brian Pearce share their expertise in feature articles.
Smith and Wesson has produced a lot of quality firearms throughout the years. However, I think Smith and Wesson will always be known for making some of the finest revolvers in the market.
At the 2008 SHOT show, Smith and Wesson has introduced a new series of home defense revolvers: the Night Guard line. These bead-blasted black revolvers are a slight departure from what Smith and Wesson has done in the past. The revolvers feature a Scandium-alloy frame with a stainless steel cylinder, so they are lightweight, yet heavy duty.
The front sight on all of the Night Guard revolvers is a “big dot” type night sight from XS Sight Systems. The rear sight, the Extreme Duty from Cylinder and Slide, is a wide, blackened notch allowing for fast visual pick-up of the front sight. Smith and Wesson has installed Pachmayr grips on all of the Night Guard revolvers.
The Night Guard revolvers are all medium framed revolvers with a 2 1/2″ barrel. These Smith and Wessons will come with six to eight shot cylinders depending on caliber. Calibers include .38 Special (model M315), .357 Magnum (model M327 in 8 shot, Model 386 in 7 shot), .44 Special (model M396), .44 Magnum (model M329), and .45 ACP (model M325).
The Night Guard series of handguns are “specifically built for self defense,” said Tom Taylor, President of Smith and Wesson.
Frankly, these handguns look good! But don’t misunderstand: these revolvers are meant for self-defense work, not show. MSRP runs $980-1044 depending on the model. Considering all of the custom work and parts that have gone into these guns, the price tag is very reasonable. Some models have already started shipping, with the rest “in the market in the next 30 days,” said Taylor.
New Sako A7 Rifle “For American Hunters” from Beretta: MSRP Below $1000!
Posted by: | CommentsBeretta USA announced they are offering for the first time a Sako rifle with a sub-$1000 list price.
The Sako A7 offers same “five shot, one inch group at 100 yards” guarantee that comes with all Sako rifles, along with the requisite fit, finish, and craftsmanship the Sako name has come to represent.
Chris Klass, the marketing manager for Beretta, said the Sako A7 was designed “specifically for the average American hunter.” Klass, while speaking to Tom Gresham on Gun Talk, said that modern production techniques have allowed Beretta to produce this high quality rifle at a very affordable price.
The Sako A7 will be offered in 12 calibers, in both short and medium actions, and will hit the dealer shelves in June of 2008.
From the Beretta press release on the Sako A7:
THE NEW SAKO A7 — DESIGNED FOR THE AMERICAN HUNTER
The New Sako A7 rifle offers accuracy, reliability and value.
ACCOKEEK, MD (January 28, 2008) — When it comes to buying a new hunting rifle, nothing is more important to a rifle shooter than accuracy and reliability. But equally important in today’s economy is value. The new Sako A7 meets all of these criteria straight out of the box. Available in 2008 as the new benchmark for the perfect American hunting rifle, mixing the world’s finest out-of-the-box accuracy rating with superior value, the new Sako A7 offers the rare combination of unprecedented accuracy and ultimate reliability at an affordable price.
The Sako A7 improves upon the world famous Sako 75 design, featuring a machined forged-steel bolt, match-grade hammer-forged barrel, adjustable single-stage trigger (adjustable between 2.2 and 4.9 pounds), detachable magazine and synthetic stock. The A7 also integrates the new “Total Control” Magazine Latch introduced on the Sako 85, eliminating any chance that the box magazine can come loose during operation. This new rifle is available in two finishes: blued and Sako’s no-glare Stainless Steel. The A7′s bolt offers a silky-smooth movement with a 70-degree throw. Together with Sako’s super-crisp trigger, the A7 provides an incredibly fast total lock time of less than 1.3 milliseconds.
Since 1921, Sako has led the industry in accuracy by setting the standard by which all other rifles are compared. Each rifle must place five shots within one inch at 100 yards or they don’t ship. Serious shooters know that in order to obtain consistent sub-inch groups one must start with a high-quality firearm and move forward from there. The new A7 not only holds the same level of accuracy as its brother the Sako 85, but it offers a price that makes the A7 the hands down best value in the American market.
The new Sako A7 rifle series is a superbly executed medley of tradition, technology, out-of-the-box accuracy and unprecedented value.
Established in 1921, Sako was originally created to build and service firearms for the Civil Guard in Finland. Since that time, the company has been dedicated to providing innovative solutions to shooters’ emerging needs for precision firearms. For decades now, Sako has developed world-class military, target and hunting rifles. The Sako brand offers the shooter uncompromising accuracy and reliability in a variety of calibers. Along side Beretta and its unique firearms traditions that reach all the way to the year 1526, Sako proudly carries on the precision rifle craftsmanship that has led to the success of the Sako products. Today, Sako manufactures, distributes and markets a complete line of rifles. Beretta USA is the exclusive distributor in North America for Sako products. For additional information visit: www.berettausa.com.
At the 2008 SHOT show, Ruger announced that their run-away hit pistol, the Ruger SR-9, will now be available with an OD green frame.
One of the thinnest, full sized handguns in production, the Ruger SR-9 has quickly become very popular with the self-defense and concealed carry buyers. Now with the availability of the OD green frame, Ruger’s customers have one additional way to customize their pistol.
The SR9 with the OD green frame and blackened stainless slide retails for $565 and comes with two 17 round magazines.
Sturm, Ruger and Company have released a new concealed carry handgun: the Ruger LCP chambered in .380 ACP. The new Ruger is called the Lightweight Compact Pistol (LCP) for good reason. Weighing only 9.4 oz unloaded, the polymer framed gun has an overall length of only 5.16″ and a width of a mere 0.82″. The barrel is 2.75″ long and the trigger pull is an even 8 pounds.
Although the Ruger LCP looks like a less expensive brand, Stephen L. Sanetti, president of Sturm, Ruger & Co., was quick to point out that the LCP is not cheaply made. Sanetti told Tom Gresham on Gun Talk that the LCP has a machined extractor, loaded chamber indicator, and a slide stop (hold open) which are features not found on other brands of pistols in this category.
Sanetti also said the pistol is a lock breech design, not a simple blow back, and the frame is a tough glass filled nylon, not cheap plastic.
The Ruger LCP holds 6+1 rounds of the popular .380 ACP load. Ideal for concealed carry, the LCP would also make an excellent back-up gun for police officers and armed citizens.
The Ruger LCP retails for only $330, and comes with one magazine, safety lock, and a soft-sided case. Sentti said the LCP is currently in production and thousands will be shipping to dealers by the end of February.
Holsters for the Ruger LCP are available from Galco, RKBA, DeSantis, and others.
Read Ruger’s press release below.
********* UPDATE ************
In October 2008, Ruger announced a Ruger LCP recall. Ruger stated they received a few reports of the LCP discharging if dropped onto a hard surface. The recall includes updating the hammer system. A full report is here.
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********* UPDATE ************
In September 2008, Crimson Trace released the LG-431 Laserguard for the Ruger LCP. The new laser sighting system allows the shooter to make very accurate shots and is compact enough not to interfere with many of the hosters used for the LCP. A full post is here.
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Ruger® Introduces the LCP™ .380 Lightweight Compact Pistol
February 2, 2008
Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. (NYSE-RGR) enters a major new market with the introduction of the Ruger LCP (Lightweight Compact Pistol), a .380 autoloader that offers legendary Ruger reliability and quality in an ultra-light, compact carry pistol. Following quickly on the heels of the successful introduction of the Ruger SR9™ 9mm pistol, the LCP is the latest addition to the Ruger Hard-R™ line of products, and it demonstrates a firm commitment by the Company to respond to customers.In fact, “The development and introduction of the Ruger LCP is in direct response to customer demand,” said Ruger President, Stephen L. Sanetti. “We have not been part of this market, but the growing number of states authorizing the licensed carry of pistols for personal protection by law-abiding citizens, and continued demand by law enforcement for quality back-up guns, cannot be ignored. The Ruger LCP is a .380 Auto pistol with superior ergonomic design and handsome styling. It incorporates state-of-the-art polymers, aircraft quality aluminum alloys and high-grade precision steel components engineered for strength and maximum weight savings.”
The 9.4 ounce LCP pistol has a capacity of 6 + 1 rounds of .380 Auto. With a height of only 3.6 inches and a width of .82 inches, the small, lightweight LCP pistol is a reliable back-up or carry pistol. The high-performance, glass-filled nylon frame is topped by a through hardened blued slide. The Ruger LCP features a 2.75 inch barrel and an overall length of 5.16 inches. When size and weight savings count, the Ruger LCP pistol is a natural for personal defense carry, in a purse, briefcase, or inside hiking gear.
Each LCP comes with a soft case, instruction manual, external locking device and one magazine. For more information on the Ruger LCP pistol, visit the specially designed microsite at www.ruger.com/LCP/.
At the 2008 SHOT show, Federal announced a new load for the .327 Federal Magnum: the EMFJ. The EMFJ, or Expanding Full Metal Jacket, bullet is a bullet that has an internal rubber piece that collapses when the bullet impacts the 
target, allowing the front edge to widen, expanding to a width much greater than the unfired bullet. Unlike a hollow point design, it is literally impossible to “plug” it with any material, thereby guaranteeing expansion.
Federal is already loading the HydrShok and a soft point round for the .327 Magnum. Federal’s sister company, Speer, is also loading the Gold Dot bullet in a .327 Federal Magnum offering.
Smith and Wesson has encountered a great deal of success with their M&P line of pistols. These polymer pistols have taken the shooting world by storm, and 2008 looks like another good year for M&P sales.
Polymer duty pistols were once the exclusive domain of Glock, but no more. “To date, 276 domestic law enforcement agencies have purchased, approved for purchase, or approved for on-duty carry” the Smith and Wesson M&P line of pistols said Leland Nichols, president of Smith and Wesson Corporation.
The latest agency to place an order for M&P40 pistols is the Colorado Springs Police Department. The CSPD order of 500 M&P40 pistols is separate from the order of 850 M&P pistols made by the Colorado State Police earlier in the week.
Other departments ordering the M&P are Atlanta PD (1900 M&P40 pistols), Charlotte PD (1650 M&P40 pistols), and Syracuse PD (500 M&P45). The Iowa State Patrol issue the M&P40, while the New Hampshire State Police issue the M&P45, and the New Mexico State Police issue the M&P357 pistols.
Smith & Wesson M&P Pistols Continue to Win Law Enforcement Agencies
Colorado Springs Newest to Equip Officers with M&P40 Polymer Pistols
Atlanta, Charlotte and Syracuse Police Departments Convert to M&P Pistols
SPRINGFIELD, Mass., Jan. 31 — Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation, parent company of Smith & Wesson Corp., the legendary 156-year old company in the global business of safety, security, protection and sport, announced today that it has recently received several orders for its Military & Police (M&P) polymer pistols. Most recently, Smith & Wesson received an order from the Colorado Springs Police Department to equip the city’s officers with 500 M&P40 polymer pistols. Other sizeable agencies that have recently converted to the M&P pistol series include the Atlanta Police Department, Charlotte Police Department, and Syracuse Police Department. A total of 1,900 M&P40 pistols have been shipped to the Atlanta Police Department; 1,650 M&P40 pistols have been shipped to the Charlotte Police Department; and 500 .45 ACP M&P pistols have been shipped to the Syracuse Police Department.
Officials at each of the four agencies indicated that the M&P pistol was selected after an extensive testing and evaluation process. During the testing, which in some cases exceeded eight months in duration, the M&P pistol was noted for its enhanced ergonomics, ambidextrous controls and proven safety features. Officials added that the polymer pistol’s interchangeable grip sizes, accuracy, and ability to be disassembled without pressing the trigger are features that were all highly valued by their officers. The M&P pistol will replace early model Smith & Wesson and non-Smith & Wesson firearms currently used by the four agencies.
On January 28, the Company announced that it had secured an order from the Colorado State Police, citing that orders from state agencies have the potential to help drive future orders from smaller, municipal agencies within the same state. Today’s announcement references the Colorado Springs Police Department, a municipal agency which is distinct from and in addition to the Colorado State Police order announced earlier.
Leland Nichols, President of Smith & Wesson Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation, said, “The M&P line of polymer pistols has been widely accepted in numerous police agencies across the globe. To date, 276 domestic law enforcement agencies have purchased, approved for purchase, or approved for on-duty carry, our M&P polymer pistols. We are honored to continue delivering high quality products that support men and women in law enforcement throughout United States.”
The M&P pistol features a Zytel(R) polymer frame reinforced with a rigid stainless steel chassis and a through-hardened black melonite finished stainless steel barrel and slide for durability; a passive trigger safety to prevent the pistol from firing if dropped; and a sear release lever that eliminates the need to press the trigger in order to disassemble the firearm. A loaded chamber indicator is located on top of the slide. The firearm also features an ambidextrous slide stop and a reversible magazine release, as well as an enlarged trigger guard designed to accommodate gloves. The M&P40 has a 15 + 1 capacity while the M&P45 is standard with a 10+1 capacity. The Smith & Wesson lifetime service policy is standard with each pistol. The M&P pistol series is available in 9mm, .40S&W, .357SIG, and .45ACP calibers. Compact versions of the M&P pistol are also available for concealed carry and back-up use.
