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Dear Forum Members:
I just got back from the SHOT Show and here is some of what I found, by manufacturer:
Beretta: 92A1 and 96A1 - modified 92 and 96 with replaceable front sights and equipment rail.
Colt: Frontier Six Shooter in .44-40 and Sheriff's and Storekeeper models now available in nickel, 1911 Rail Gun available in black, new "Wiley Clapp" Commander Model, 5 inch 1911 with alloy frame, New Agent in DAO and full size Government in DAO.
Browning: High Powers have a tasteful 75th Anniversary marking on the top of the slide this year. This is on Standard with fixed or adjustable or Mark III model.
Glock: Gen 4 Glock 17 and Gen 4 Glock 22 introduced. Gen 4 has a smaller grip frame as standard, with two larger backstraps included. If you want to make the grip larger, you add on the backstrap in either of two sizes. The first size makes it like the Gen 3 G17 or G22, and the second makes it about like a G21 size. The Gen 4 has a larger, reversible magazine catch, the collapsible two piece recoil spring guide like on the G26 and G27 and a different gripping surface, called RTF4 (Rough Texture Finish number 4). This RTF 4 finish is less aggressive than RTF 2, which rips through uniform shirts in about two weeks.
Kel-Tec: Reintroduces the old Grendel 22 WMR semi-auto with 30 round mag. Think of this as sort of the much less expensive American version of the FN 5-7 pistol.
FN: The FNP gets a remake and is now called the FNX. Take all the features of the FN 45 and put those on the FNP in 9mm and .40 S&W and you get the idea.
HK: Nothing much caught my eye except the display about the 75,000 round endurance test on the P30. (Yawn.) I would be shocked if an HK would not do well on such a test. In addition, Glocks and M&Ps have already exceeded that number, so it is not that big of a deal, in my opinion.
Ruger: Flat top Blackhawk in 44 Special now part of regular catalog. 10-22 made up to look like AR and much more expensive. Looks like the Nordic conversion, but not sure. 22/45 offered with 1911 wood grips.
SIG: They are mostly pushing .22 versions of everything - their rifles, their pistols, by conversion units, and their little P250, which is the chassis on which you can exchange grip frame and slide and make different size pistols. Again this year, a SIG salesman got one apart to show me and could not get it back together. If a salesman cannot do it, I would gather your ordinary LE guy might have difficulty. They have a whole bunch of different colors for their little Colt Mustang, for which no one can scare up any .380 ammo.
Smith & Wesson:
Really new stuff: A new series of models called the "Bodyguard" Series (not to be confused with the Bodyguard model). There are two models in the series to start things off.
The first is a polymer .380 roughly the same size as the Ruger LCP, but with additional features like a stainless slide, barrel and sights with melonite finish, slide hold open after last shot and external slide release, manual safety and built in laser by Insight Technologies. The laser is in the area in front of the trigger guard and is part of the pistol, not an add-on.
The second model in the Bodyguard series is a completely new design of revolver, same size as a J frame, but that is all it and the J frames have in common. NONE of the internal mechanism interchanges with the J frame. Trigger pull on all display models was FANTASTIC. The cylinder rotates CLOCKWISE, the revolver is DAO with enclosed hammer and the profile of the frame looks like the Centennial, and it has an ambidextrous cylinder release and also a built in Insight Technologies laser. The front sight is pinned on and replaceable. The barrel and cylinder are stainless, and the cylinder is black to match the rest of the revolver. The frame around the cylinder and the barrel shroud is alloy and the back of the frame and grip frame are reinforced polymer.
There are various new J frames: Black Centennials in .22 LR and .22 WMR, 2 1/2 inch versions of the 642, 638 and 637 in both standard and laser grip, and Pro model J frames cut for moon clips. They also have a new 3 inch Model 63 with fiber optic sights.
New classic models: Models 10, 15 (to be introduced at NRA Show), 48, 17, 18, etc.
Machine engraved models: 4 inch Model 29, Model 640, Model 442 and Walther PPK/S.
Bolt action Rifles: iBolt is discontinued.
Shotguns: Model 1000 line (1012 and 1020) are discontinued. Over/under and side by side (Elite Silver and Elite Gold) are still in the line.
M&P: 3 inch 360 M&P joins the M&P revolvers, new 5 inch M&P Pro in .40 joins the 5 inch 9mm model. Pro Series M&P in .40 and 9mm standard barrel length version. New piston operated M&P15 rifle, along with Viking Tactics model (it has their accessories) which joins the Magpul Original Equipment (MOE) model of M&P15 rifle. There are also new versions of the M&P1522 with A1 type flash hiders as well as compliant versions for weird places with weird laws.
Performance Center: More of the same slab sided snub noses, this time with unfluted cylinders. There are some special fluted barrel J frames with dovetail REAR sights, and there is also a WILEY CLAPP model J frame.
There is so much new stuff at S&W that there is an 11 page catalog supplement to list all of it.
The Model 620 is being phased out. If you want one, better get one now.
Taurus: As usual, their stuff follows S&W, leading one wag to inquire as to who is the "industrial spy." Other than that, I do not look at or pick up Taurus junk catalogs.
Walther: PPKs and PPK/Ss are rolling off the line and selling so fast distributors cannot keep them in stock. PK380s are the same way. There is a kit sold in a brief case that comes with a PK380 and matching P22. The SP22 is selling well also. The P99AS, P99QA and compact versions of each are still available in both 9mm and .40 S&W as is the PPS in both calibers.
I am sure I have left out some info, but I have tried to write about handguns that caught my eye.
I just got back from the SHOT Show and here is some of what I found, by manufacturer:
Beretta: 92A1 and 96A1 - modified 92 and 96 with replaceable front sights and equipment rail.
Colt: Frontier Six Shooter in .44-40 and Sheriff's and Storekeeper models now available in nickel, 1911 Rail Gun available in black, new "Wiley Clapp" Commander Model, 5 inch 1911 with alloy frame, New Agent in DAO and full size Government in DAO.
Browning: High Powers have a tasteful 75th Anniversary marking on the top of the slide this year. This is on Standard with fixed or adjustable or Mark III model.
Glock: Gen 4 Glock 17 and Gen 4 Glock 22 introduced. Gen 4 has a smaller grip frame as standard, with two larger backstraps included. If you want to make the grip larger, you add on the backstrap in either of two sizes. The first size makes it like the Gen 3 G17 or G22, and the second makes it about like a G21 size. The Gen 4 has a larger, reversible magazine catch, the collapsible two piece recoil spring guide like on the G26 and G27 and a different gripping surface, called RTF4 (Rough Texture Finish number 4). This RTF 4 finish is less aggressive than RTF 2, which rips through uniform shirts in about two weeks.
Kel-Tec: Reintroduces the old Grendel 22 WMR semi-auto with 30 round mag. Think of this as sort of the much less expensive American version of the FN 5-7 pistol.
FN: The FNP gets a remake and is now called the FNX. Take all the features of the FN 45 and put those on the FNP in 9mm and .40 S&W and you get the idea.
HK: Nothing much caught my eye except the display about the 75,000 round endurance test on the P30. (Yawn.) I would be shocked if an HK would not do well on such a test. In addition, Glocks and M&Ps have already exceeded that number, so it is not that big of a deal, in my opinion.
Ruger: Flat top Blackhawk in 44 Special now part of regular catalog. 10-22 made up to look like AR and much more expensive. Looks like the Nordic conversion, but not sure. 22/45 offered with 1911 wood grips.
SIG: They are mostly pushing .22 versions of everything - their rifles, their pistols, by conversion units, and their little P250, which is the chassis on which you can exchange grip frame and slide and make different size pistols. Again this year, a SIG salesman got one apart to show me and could not get it back together. If a salesman cannot do it, I would gather your ordinary LE guy might have difficulty. They have a whole bunch of different colors for their little Colt Mustang, for which no one can scare up any .380 ammo.
Smith & Wesson:
Really new stuff: A new series of models called the "Bodyguard" Series (not to be confused with the Bodyguard model). There are two models in the series to start things off.
The first is a polymer .380 roughly the same size as the Ruger LCP, but with additional features like a stainless slide, barrel and sights with melonite finish, slide hold open after last shot and external slide release, manual safety and built in laser by Insight Technologies. The laser is in the area in front of the trigger guard and is part of the pistol, not an add-on.
The second model in the Bodyguard series is a completely new design of revolver, same size as a J frame, but that is all it and the J frames have in common. NONE of the internal mechanism interchanges with the J frame. Trigger pull on all display models was FANTASTIC. The cylinder rotates CLOCKWISE, the revolver is DAO with enclosed hammer and the profile of the frame looks like the Centennial, and it has an ambidextrous cylinder release and also a built in Insight Technologies laser. The front sight is pinned on and replaceable. The barrel and cylinder are stainless, and the cylinder is black to match the rest of the revolver. The frame around the cylinder and the barrel shroud is alloy and the back of the frame and grip frame are reinforced polymer.
There are various new J frames: Black Centennials in .22 LR and .22 WMR, 2 1/2 inch versions of the 642, 638 and 637 in both standard and laser grip, and Pro model J frames cut for moon clips. They also have a new 3 inch Model 63 with fiber optic sights.
New classic models: Models 10, 15 (to be introduced at NRA Show), 48, 17, 18, etc.
Machine engraved models: 4 inch Model 29, Model 640, Model 442 and Walther PPK/S.
Bolt action Rifles: iBolt is discontinued.
Shotguns: Model 1000 line (1012 and 1020) are discontinued. Over/under and side by side (Elite Silver and Elite Gold) are still in the line.
M&P: 3 inch 360 M&P joins the M&P revolvers, new 5 inch M&P Pro in .40 joins the 5 inch 9mm model. Pro Series M&P in .40 and 9mm standard barrel length version. New piston operated M&P15 rifle, along with Viking Tactics model (it has their accessories) which joins the Magpul Original Equipment (MOE) model of M&P15 rifle. There are also new versions of the M&P1522 with A1 type flash hiders as well as compliant versions for weird places with weird laws.
Performance Center: More of the same slab sided snub noses, this time with unfluted cylinders. There are some special fluted barrel J frames with dovetail REAR sights, and there is also a WILEY CLAPP model J frame.
There is so much new stuff at S&W that there is an 11 page catalog supplement to list all of it.
The Model 620 is being phased out. If you want one, better get one now.
Taurus: As usual, their stuff follows S&W, leading one wag to inquire as to who is the "industrial spy." Other than that, I do not look at or pick up Taurus junk catalogs.
Walther: PPKs and PPK/Ss are rolling off the line and selling so fast distributors cannot keep them in stock. PK380s are the same way. There is a kit sold in a brief case that comes with a PK380 and matching P22. The SP22 is selling well also. The P99AS, P99QA and compact versions of each are still available in both 9mm and .40 S&W as is the PPS in both calibers.
I am sure I have left out some info, but I have tried to write about handguns that caught my eye.
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