(GunReports.com) — The 36th edition of the Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade Show (SHOT Show) is ongoing through Friday at the Sands Expo and Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nev. Here are some of the more interesting handgun introductions we’ve seen so far:
Glock
Two new models join the Glock product line this year: a new Gen4 Tactical .45 ACP and an ultra-compact .380 ACP. The new Glock 41 Gen4 .45 ACP is a practical/tactical pistol designed to maximize the sight radius and barrel length while maintaining light weight and balance. It is built with a G34 slide width on a G21 Gen4 frame, and at 24 ounces empty weight, it is 1.5 ounces lighter than the G21 Gen4. The G41 Gen4 features a 5.31-inch barrel. The sight radius is 7.56 inches with its polymer sights. The width is 1.28 inches. The standard trigger is the 5.62-pound module, and the double-stack magazine holds 13 rounds. It features all of the standard Gen4 features, including the Modular Back Strap design, rough-textured frame surface, and dual-recoil-spring assembly. Overall length is 8.90 inches. Height is 5.47 inches with the magazine inserted. For those who want something smaller, the new Glock 42 .380 ACP is the smallest pistol Glock has ever made. This ultra-compact .380 pistol weighs in at 12.35 ounces empty. Overall length is 5.94 inches; barrel length is 3.25 inches. It features the standard 5.62-pound trigger module, polymer sights, and a six-round magazine capacity.
Mossberg
The International 715P semi-auto pistol is a synthetic-stocked MSR tactical-style platform, with no buttstock and just a pistol grip, but it is chambered for .22LR with a 6-inch 1:16-inch-twist barrel that sports an A2-style flash hider. Feeding from a detachable magazine, standard features include an upper Picatinny rail with a short, ventilated quad rail on the forearm. Rail-mounted, removable, and adjustable iron sights are standard on all models. Empty weight is 3 pounds with iron sights, 3.5 pounds with the UTG 1x30mm red-dot sight. The 715P will be available in five models for 2014.
Remington Arms
Remington’s introduction of the new R51 compact 9mm semi-auto was a surprise. Designed for concealed carry, the R51 uses a fixed barrel based upon the original Pedersen action design that incorporates a separate breech block within the slide to allow for the use of high-pressure rounds such as the 9mm. This design places the recoil spring around the barrel instead of the more common spring-under-the-barrel designs. The ejection port is lowered and flared for improved ejection of empty cases. Built on a compact single-stack frame from high-strength aluminum alloy, it features a 3.4-inch 416 stainless barrel. The trigger mechanism is what Remington refers to as a “light, long, and crisp CCW trigger” that provides a lighter pull weight from a longer, consistent, double-action-only style pull. A grip safety is incorporated, eliminating the need for secondary safety levers on the frame. The frame features interchangeable grip panels to allow the installation of larger grips for those with big hands. The trigger guard is undercut to allow a higher hand hold, and the front strap is checkered at 25 lpi. Ambidextrous magazine-release levers make it southpaw-friendly, and all edges have been smoothed and rounded for comfortable concealed carry. Sights are fixed and dovetailed into the slide to allow drift adjustment for windage. The finish is black matte, and the empty weight is 20 ounces. Magazine capacity is seven rounds, and the gun ships with two flush-fit magazines. SRP: $420.
Magnum Research
For the last three years, Magnum Research has offered the classic 1911 Gov’t model .45 ACP in a full-size 5-inch model and in a Commander-length version. For 2014, the company will now expand that line with a 3-inch ultra-compact model—the Undercover (model DE1911U). SRP: $946. The Undercover is chambered for .45 ACP and features a 3-inch bull barrel with an 11-degree muzzle crown. It uses the Series 70 operating action that is much admired by 1911 aficionados. Built on an ultralight frame constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum alloy, it incorporates a 4140 high-carbon-steel slide. Overall length is 6.85 inches. Height is 5 inches, and the empty weight of 25.8 ounces. The Undercover has a 6+1 capacity and is shipped with two 6-round magazines.
