This year at the SHOT Show in Las Vegas I managed to visit dozens of different companies and see their new products. I have quite a bit of new products to review, but for the sake of brevity, I have limited this article to firearms related products that grabbed my attention. Yes, I have a whole bunch of knives to talk about later.
Browning 1911-380
One of my favorite thrills at SHOT was Browning’s release of their 1911-380, a scaled-down government model faithful to the original design. This gun is made of a composite frame with a generous beavertail safety and a 4.25-inch barrel. The 1911-380 is a follow-up from the 2011 release of the 1911-22, a 22 caliber version. I tried this one when it came out, and it’s as much fun as the 1911-380. As you know, John Browning designed the 380 Auto as an 85 percent scale cartridge of the 45 Auto. The 1911-380 is an 85 percent scale of a 45 Auto 1911.
I know this is a “nice-to-have” kind of gun, but think about this: It has a 4.25-inch barrel, weighs 17.5 ounces empty, and holds 8+1. It is perfect for IWB strong side carry. The barrel length allows for full performance of the Winchester Train and Defend 380 Auto cartridges, which I fired in this gun. How does it shoot? The fixed sights are better than most other factory 380s. The controls are intuitive for a single action user, including a safety which sweeps cleanly. It is very comfortable in the hand and came on target quicker than some of my own guns. I’m sure the design intent was more novelty than LE backup, but I would definitely carry this.
Beretta ARX 100
I also got to shoot the Beretta ARX 100, a 5.56 platform that is completely ambidextrous. The ARX 100 is a short stroke piston gun that is mostly polymer. It can be switched from a right-handed user to a left-handed user in about 30 seconds, without tools. This switch includes the charging handle and ejection, a feat that would leave many engineers scratching their heads. Users can even swap barrels quickly. I found the fact that the controls are within easy reach and the system is well integrated. This is a well executed design.
Armalite M-15 Tactical (M15TAC16)
Armalite released an octagonal profile key mod AR-15 with MAGPUL furniture at a very reasonable price. It comes in 16 inches (1/7-inch)and 18 inches (1/8-inch) barrels. I handled the 16-inch and decided Armalite has really produced a great patrol rifle here.
LaRue MBT-2S Trigger
I’ve heard that Mark LaRue is on a quest for accuracy, and while I was looking at the new SIETE Interceptar, a long range 300 Win Mag bolt gun, Mark talked me through it. This was designed to be a 1,200-yard gun, using a LaRue Action and 22-inch free floating barrel on an Accuracy International chassis. I did not get to shoot this, but I plan to get it downrange.
What I can talk about firsthand is the LaRue MBT, that is Meticulously Built Trigger. Mark told me they took it on as a challenge to create a two-stage trigger with crisp and reliable engagement. The MBT is made of S7 tool steel plates and is a drop in upgrade to the AR-15 platform. After checking out the booth I got a chance to try an installed MBT on the range.
There are plenty of trigger products out there. However, most of them address a need for sports users. First, a two stage trigger, which uses a spring loaded coupling instead of the front of the trigger assembly for engagement, produces a reliable feel for each shot. Second, this trigger breaks at a consistent 4.5 pounds (2.5+2.0) with a smooth reset. This duplicates the stock product, with a better locking action.
What I’m saying here is that the LaRue MBT just became the answer for agencies using DLA (Military Surplus) guns and the drop in upgrade for most law enforcement AR-15s that any armorer can install. Mark LaRue’s a character all right. He just upped the ante for the entire industry.
HPF Wraith
I did not get a chance to shoot the Houlding Precision Firearms Wraith, but since they are only a couple of hours away, I plan to visit and run a few rounds through one. As everyone knows, I have a Houlding upper on my favorite AR-15 platform and my presence is noted up to a half kilometer away with it. The HPF Wraith is an ideal tool for 3-Gunners, but we have to look at the innovation this way: The racing industry produces plenty of trickle-down innovations for the auto industry. The HPF Wraith is a race gun. We can only benefit. By the way, with an MSRP of $2,499, it is within reach of the weekend match shooter—or cheaper than a few Kimbers.
The Wraith is a complete gun, using 100 percent carbon fiber in the hand guard and stock, based on the HPF-15 receiver with Geissele SD-3G trigger. Even the buffer tube is carbon fiber. It has a mid-length gas system and 16-inch match grade barrel with the HPF Curse muzzle brake.
Now get this: it weighs 6.5 pounds.
Badger Ordinance
Badger Ordinance went on a diet this year with their Tactical Titanium Series parts. They have a new bolt catch, magazine catch, dust cover hinge pin, pistol grip screw and castle nut. I know this will only reduce weight by ounces, but titanium has great durability for a duty gun.
Speer Gold Dot G2
Speer has improved their Gold Dot cartridge design, which includes an elastomer filling in the nose of the bullet. The bullet has a Uni-Cor bonding process for after barrier performance. Wait…what? Speer has improved the Gold Dot, the standard in cartridge performance? Yes they have. I’m already getting my Clear Ballistics molds ready. We are talking about a cartridge that remained on the top of the heap for years in performance without changing a thing.
SIG-SAUER P320
I shot the MPX, MCX and new P320. First of all—wow, wow and wow. The P320 is SIG SAUER’s first striker fired pistol with an internal sub frame that allows the user to switch from pocket sized to duty sized using the same magazine designs (the big ones fit the smaller frames), similar holsters and different calibers. The configurations are really endless, including short slide/long frame, reduced grip sizes, and suppressor options. I think this is an excellent duty gun and I punched a little steel with one. Off the topic of law enforcement: If there was ever a gun to have in an apocalypse, this is it. Just get every caliber.
Crosman Bulldog 357
This falls under the “gotta have” category. I like airguns. Crosman has come out with several PCP (pre charged pneumatic) guns, the kind that have a pre-filled reservoir. The Crosman Bulldog 357 hold 10 rounds and fires 145-grain, .357 pellets at about 800 fps. I know that hog hunters are starting to use these, but I just want to pound steel with one.
Elite Survival Systems STEALTH Covert Backpack
There is a growing trend for carbine carriers to have lower profile equipment for carrying their tools. This kind of stuff is appropriate for officers who live in an apartments and don’t want to be seen carrying MOLLE covered bags out to their cars. The Stealth backpack is big enough for the broken down or pistol sized carbine. It’s made of Mil-grade, 500D nylon and the good stuff is on the inside.
Alien Gear Holsters Cloak Tuck 2.0
I heard about Alien Gear, but I had yet to try out their holsters. When I got a hold of the Cloak Tuck 2.0, it supported what I was hearing. Not only is it comfortable, at $35.88, it is the best bargain in holster technology this year.
The Cloak Tuck puts neoprene against the body, which allows for breathability and comfort. Attached to the neoprene is a plastic shell, which uses rubber spacers to adjust to the users draw. The cant, ride and retention are all adjustable. Carrying a full sized Glock is an all day thing in this product and the bonus is a very smooth draw. We want our holsters to be safe. We want our holsters to agree with our training. We want our holsters to keep it concealed until we are forced to do otherwise. Alien Gear is my choice.
Breakthrough Advanced Firearms Cleaning Technology
Breakthrough was handing out mini samples. I’m a FrogLube guy myself, but I gave them a try. These are odorless, non toxic and scent free gun products designed to give the hunter an edge. It does a fine job of cleaning guns also. I used them with the triangle shaped patches from BoreSmith, which are much better than square patches.
Copperhead Bullets
There was a display of reloading bullets and they were giving out samples. I looked at them and asked, “Are these monolithic”? Yes they were. I thought, if they are solid copper, they must be expensive. They weren’t, considering this was copper. The .224 55gr. ones were also pretty accurate in my AR-15.
There was plenty more to say about this year’s show. Look for more reviews in the months to come.
Stay safe out there brothers and sisters.
