Categories
news

Ruger GP100 and Blackhawk now in .327 Federal Magnum

Ruger Blackhawk 327 Magnum revolver
This is the new Ruger Blackhawk 327 Magnum revolver.

Ruger is offering two new revolvers chambered for the .327 Federal Magnum: the New Model Blackhawk and the GP100.  These two revolvers shows the commitment of Ruger to the new Magnum caliber.

The Blackhawk is a single-action revolver with a 5 1/2″ barrel.  It will hold eight rounds of the powerful .327 Magnum cartridges.  The GP100 is a standard double action revolver that will hold seven of the .327 Federal Magnum rounds.  Barrel length is 4.2″.

Shooting a Federal 100 grain soft-point bullet in the American Eagle line of ammunition, Ruger states the Blackhawk achieves 1655 fps, while the GP100 manages 1525 fps.

Categories
news

New S&W 642!

smith_642_01aSmith & Wesson is updating one of their best selling handguns:  the model 642.  The 642 is an aluminum framed .38 Special revolver that is carried by thousands of cops and armed citizens as a pocket or ankle gun.  In fact, it may be the most popular back-up gun in the United States.

The new S&W 642 features a 2 1/2″ barrel and a full-length, shrouded extractor.  The current 642’s have a 1 7/8″ barrel and a diminutive extractor.

The new 642 has a pinned, black blade front sight, the standard fixed rear notch and the seemingly “hammerless” fully enclosed hammer.  Unloaded weight is only up to 16 ounces, and the overall length is 7″.

Categories
news

Smith & Wesson Model 627 in .38 Super

The new S&W model 627 revolver in .38 Super.
The new S&W model 627 revolver in .38 Super.

Smith & Wesson introduced the limited edition model 627 in .38 Super.  This competition-caliber revolver features red, white and blue grips and a glass bead finish that give it a very distinctive look for both the range and the Sunday BBQ.

Designed and built by the Smith & Wesson Performance Center, the model 627 has a 5 1/2″ barrel with compensator, a Patridge front sight and adjustable rear sight.  And yes, it has an internal lock.

The S&W 627 comes with full-moon clips and a spent case removal tool.

The standard S&W model 627 is an eight-shot .357 Magnum.  This version is in .38 Super, a cartridge frequently associated with competition shooting in the United States.  Combined with the styling of this handgun, it would appear S&W is gearing this firearm for the competition market.

The model 627 is available to your dealer only through Birmingham-based Bangers distributor.  Pricing is set by the dealer, and no MSRP is given by Smith & Wesson.

Specifications:

  • Model: 627
  • Caliber: .38 Super
  • Capacity: 8 Rounds
  • Action: Single/Double Action
  • Barrel Length: 5 1/2″ Angled
  • Front Sight: Patridge
  • Rear Sight: S&W Adjustable
  • Overall Length: 11″
  • Weight: 45.5 oz.
  • Grip: Red, White, & Blue Wood
  • Material: Stainless Steel Frame and Cylinder
  • Finish: Glassbead

2013 Update

At this time, the S&W model 627 in .38 Super is no longer available through any normal channels.  The limited production gun was made only as a short run for the Bangers distributor, and no more were made.  The revolver is not listed in the Smith & Wesson catalog or on the company’s website.

Occasionally, a model 627 in .38 Super will come up for sale or auction on one of the internet gun sales sites, and a collector can find the guns there.  However, one can expect to pay a premium over the original price because of the relative rarity of the gun.  Do not expect to pick up a pristine, unfired gun on the cheap.

Categories
Optics and Sighting Systems

Crimson Trace LG-375 Lasergrips for the Taurus Judge and Tracker

Crimson Trace LaserGripsCrimson Trace announces the latest addition to the Taurus revolver line-up is now available. The new Model LG-375 fits both the Taurus Judge and Tracker models and offers an ergonomic and comfortable grip designed with the advantage of an ergonomically located laser with the proven performance you’ve come to expect from Crimson Trace.

The LG-375 offers a rubber overmolded construction for comfort during extended shooting sessions and the instinctive activation that is synonymous with Crimson Trace.

The new LG-375 features an integrated two-piece design for easy installation, snap-in battery retainers, and generous relief in the side panels to facilitate speed loaders along with a master power switch. The Lasergrips are sighted in for 50 feet at the factory but can be zeroed in at different distances by using the windage and elevation adjustments.

Categories
news

Tuff Quick Strips: Reload Your Revolver

For years, Bianchi Speed Strips have been an effective method of carrying an extra load of ammunition for your .38 or .357 revolver.  I have personally used and recommended the Speed Strips to a lot of people needing extra ammo when carrying concealed.

However, for calibers other than .38/.357, shooters were out of luck.  That has changed with the introduction of the Quick Strips from Tuff Products.

Tuff Products has brought a line of ammunition carriers to market that appear to be very similar to the old Speed Strips, but the Quick Strips are available in a wide range of calibers.  The currently available calibers are:

  • .22 rimfire (10 rounds)
  • .327 Federal Magnum (8 rounds)
  • .38 Special/.357 Magnum (6 rounds or 8 round models)
  • .410 shotshell
  • .44 Special/.44 Magnum (6 rounds)
  • .45 Colt (6 rounds)
  • .460 S&W Magnum (6 rounds)
  • .475 Linebaugh (6 rounds)
  • .480 Ruger (6 rounds)
  • .500 S&W Magnum (6 rounds)

Additionally, new calibers are scheduled for release in May: the .41 Magnum, .45 AutoRim, .500 Linebaugh, and .50 Bowen Special.