At the 2014 SHOT Show in Las Vegas, Gun Tests staffers ran across tons of new products that we’re working to include in future tests. Following are some of the items we saw that intrigued us. The descriptions below are from SHOT Daily, a trade magazine published at the show for the dealers and distributors who attend. Used with permission. — Todd Woodard
Auto-Ordnance
The 2014 SHOT Show saw the reintroduction of the Thompson Custom 1911TC, $813 (below), chambered for 45 ACP in a full-size 5-inch barrel 1911. Overall length is 8.5 inches; empty weight is 39 ounces. The frame is constructed from 420 stainless-steel casting, the slide from solid stainless-steel billet. It ships with one 7-round magazine.
ArmaLite
For 2014, ArmaLite introduced the AR-31 rifle system. It shares the same design features as the company’s AR-30A1 (detachable magazine, precision accuracy), but there are some differences. The AR-31 (below) is a short-action version chambered in 7.62 NATO/308 Win., and as such it accepts ArmaLite double-stacked AR-10B magazines.
Benelli USA
The big news from Benelli this year was the rollout of the new Ethos 12-gauge recoil-operated semi-auto shotgun. According to Benelli, the Ethos (below) is the next generation of the Inertia Driven System, and it will reliably handle 12-gauge loads as light as 7⁄8-ounce target loads up to the stoutest 3-inch magnum shells.
Built on a new platform, the new design includes a patented easy-locking system, which features a detent mechanism that has been added to the bolt body that guarantees the rotating bolt will positively lock up even if it is eased forward without force. A new two-part bolt carrier latch, beveled loading port, and redesigned carrier provide fast and positive shell feeding. An enlarged bolt release and improved cartridge drop lever allow easy operation, even if the shooter is wearing gloves.
Ethos stocks are cut from figured AA-Grade European walnut and incorporate Benelli’s patented Progressive Comfort recoil-reduction system to reduce felt recoil and muzzle climb. The barrel sports interchangeable carbon-fiber ribs that reduce weight and are engineered for quick replacement. Interchangeable fiber-optic bars in the front sight are supplied in red, green, and yellow, allowing for quick changes in order to match lighting or background conditions.
Common specifications to the model line include 12-gauge 3-inch chamber, 4+1 capacity, Crio choke tubes supplied in C, IC, M, IM and F, and interchangeable fiber-optic front sight bars. Overall length is 47.5 inches, and empty weight is 6.5 pounds. SRP: $1,999, black anodized receiver; $2,199, engraved nickel-plated receiver.
Browning
Browning’s new A1 Desert Tan and Compact Desert Tan 1911-22LR handgun models feature a new composite frame in the popular color. These new lightweight models are even lighter than the aluminum frame 1911-22LR models: The Desert Tan A1 (below) weighs 14 ounces and has a 4.5-inch barrel. The Compact Desert Tan version weighs 13.5 ounces, with a 35⁄8-inch barrel. $579.
For 2014 Browning will expand the 725 Citori shotgun line to include nimble new 20-gauge models that offer reduced weight along with Browning’s Fire Lite mechanical trigger system, full-width hinge pin and tapered locking bolt design, InFlex II recoil. SRP: $3,530.
CZ-USA
CZ’s popular 455 bolt-action rimfire will see four new models this year, one of which caught our eye: the 455 Varmint Tacticool Suppressor-Ready ($549). The Tacticool sports a 16.5-inch varmint barrel with a factory-cut ½-28 thread pattern that accepts many aftermarket suppressors.
The CZ 557 bolt-action is a new addition to the line and a departure from the Mauser-style bolt found on the company’s 550 models. It features a short extractor and plunger-style ejector. The 557 Sporter Manners ($1268, above) is available in 30/06 Sprg., 270 Win., and 6.5x55mm. The 557 Sporter ($792) will be available in 30/06 Sprg., 243 Win., 270 Win., 6.5x55mm, and 308 Win. The 557 Carbine ($812) is available in 30/06 Sprg., 243 Win., 270 Win., 6.5x55mm, and 308 Win. Unusual feature on it: an elevation-adjustable fiber-optic front sight.
Four new models enter the classic Mauser bolt-action 550 line this year. The 550 Badlands ($2,599) is chambered for the 338 Lapua. The 550 Badlands action is anchored in an American-patterned Kevlar-reinforced stock with a full-length aluminum bedding block. The 550 Sonoran ($3,199) is a long-range hunting rifle. Designed for rough use, the Sonoran is ferritic-nitrocarburized inside and out. That results in a Rockwell hardness of R72 while providing exceptional corrosion resistance. Other 550s include the Magnum H.E.T. II ($3,929), a redesign of the High Energy Tactical precision long-range platform, and the 550 Varmint Tacticool .308 Win. ($924), which is upgraded with a Boyds foliage-green Tacticool stock.
The CZ P-09 Suppressor-Ready ($577, below) pistol is available in 9mm. It has low sights and an extended muzzle that is threaded with ½-28 threads to accept a variety of aftermarket suppressors. The P-09 Flat Dark Earth ($596) features a flat dark earth frame coupled with Tritium three-dot night sights.
The new CZ 75 B Omega ($544) features a simpler and more robust version of the CZ-75 trigger system. The interlocking design of the new trigger system allows for easier detail stripping without the need for tools. The trigger parts themselves are made from more durable materials for enhanced service life.
Cimarron Firearms
For 2014, Cimarron Firearms is introducing new side-by-side shotguns from Daudsons Armory. They will be available in the Model 1883 side lock (below) and the Model 1889 box lock, 12-gauge, and .410.
FNH-USA
For 2014, FNH-USA is rolling out the FN 15 Carbine (below) and the FN 15 Rifle. The FN 15 Carbine features a 16-inch chrome-lined barrel and is chambered for 5.56mm NATO. A black two-piece, ribbed, round polymer forearm and a six-position collapsible buttstock are standard and provide a length of pull from 9.9 to 13.2 inches, with an overall extended length of 35.2 inches.
The FN 15 Rifle features a 20-inch chrome-lined bore in 5.56mm NATO chambering (and 1:7 rifling twist) with an A2 fixed front sight and compensator and an A4 removable rear sight. Empty weight is said to be 7.9 pounds.
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.
That’s a full-size pistol. But for those who want something smaller, the new Glock 42 380 ACP (below) should do. It is the smallest pistol Glock has ever made. This 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.
Legacy Sports International
The new Citadel M1 carbine could emerge as one of the true “fun guns” for 2014. Chambered for 9mm, it uses a blowback action and Beretta M92 steel magazines. Two magazines are supplied with each carbine, in either 10- or 17-round capacity. The front and rear sights are steel, as are the trigger and barrel band spring. The barrel length is 18 inches, and overall length is 35 inches. Empty weight is 5.5 pounds.
Marlin Firearms
Among planned reintroductions for the year are the Model 1895 CB in 45-70 Gov’t ( $840), the Model 444 Marlin ($669), the Model 338 MX in 338 Marlin Express ($683), and the Model 338 MXLR in 338 Marlin Express ($900). In addition, a Marlin 336C Limited Edition is planned, and it is projected to be the first of a multi-year series. It features the Marlin horse-and-rider logo engraved on the left side of the receiver in 24-carat gold, with scrollwork on the right side.
Magnum Research
For 2014, the company will make a 3-inch ultra-compact model—the Undercover DE1911U, $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. Built on an ultralight frame constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum alloy, it incorporates a 4140 high-carbon-steel slide. The sights are a fully adjustable (windage and elevation) rear and a ramp front sight. The Undercover (below) has a 6+1 capacity and is shipped with two 6-round magazines.
Mossberg
The big news is the addition of the 7.62 NATO/308 Win. and the 300 ACC Blackout to the company’s MVP line. Offering all of the standard MVP specifications (synthetic stock, 16.25-inch barrel, A2-style flash suppressor, 10-round magazine), the new Model 27718 is chambered for 300 ACC Blackout. The new Model 27738 is chambered for 7.62 NATO/308 Win. The new Model 27739 is the Patrol Scoped Combo in 7.62 NATO/308 Win. Its stock features a neoprene comb-raising kit to achieve the proper comb height for use with the mounted 3–9x32mm scope with a lighted reticle.
Mossberg’s International 715P semi-auto pistol is a synthetic-stocked MSR tactical-style platform, with no buttstock (above) and just a pistol grip. It is chambered for 22 LR 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. The 715P will be available in five models.
Mossberg’s shotgun partnerships go even further this year when they link up with the Robertson clan, who have become a national phenomenon with their top-rated TV series Duck Dynasty. The result is the Duck Commander series of shotguns, which all feature Realtree’s new Max-5 camo pattern on a synthetic stock and the Duck Commander logo engraved on the stock or receiver.
Two new Mossberg 500 Tactical Rail models enter the line this year with an Center Mass LaserLyte laser designed specifically for tactical shotguns. The Center Mass laser displays a ring of red dots surrounding a center aiming dot. The outer ring of dots expands at the rate of 1 inch per yard—approximating the spread of shotgun loads at close range—while the center aiming dot remains constant in the pattern center. This “spreader pattern” laser provides quick target acquisition while showing a visible reference relating to the pattern spread at any range.
Para USA
Three new 9mm 1911 patterned handguns enter the Para line this year. The Expert 9mm ($663), a classic full-size single stack 1911 with a 5-inch match-grade barrel, the Black Ops Recon 9 ($1,299), built on a double-stack stainless-steel frame/slide with a ramped 4.25-inch match-grade barrel, and the compact Warthog 9mm ($884), which has a double-stack aluminum frame with a black anodized finish. The barrel is a stainless-steel 3-inch match grade.
Remington Arms
Remington’s new R51 compact 9mm semi-auto pistol (below) 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. That, in turn, produces a lower bore axis to help reduce muzzle flip. 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. A grip safety is incorporated. 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. Magazine capacity is seven rounds, and the gun ships with two flush-fit magazines. $420.
On the rifle side, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the .223 Remington cartridge, 2014 will see a Limited Edition Model 700 CDL chambered for the 223 Rem. It features a satin-finished American walnut stock with a 24-inch stainless-steel fluted barrel (above). The trigger mechanism is the X-Mark Pro externally adjustable trigger that is factory-set at 3.5 pounds. “Limited” is marked on the left side of the receiver, and it wears a 50th anniversary commemorative floor plate. $1,226.
The VersaMax Tactical 3 Gun ($1,699, above) shotgun is designed to be a serious competitor in increasingly popular 3-Gun events. Built on the proven 12-gauge VersaMax gas-port action, it features a 22-inch barrel, a green Cerakote receiver with an enlarged feeding port for faster reloading, an enlarged bolt closure, safety button, and cocking handle, and an adjustable XS rear sight for increased accuracy with slugs. It is equipped with an 8-round one-piece carbon-fiber magazine tube, with a two-shot carbon-fiber extension tube that can provide a 10+1 capacity. QD sling swivel cups are provided on stock and forend.
Ruger
The American-made Ruger Red Label over/under shotgun has been an American classic for years. Discontinued in 2011, it returns this year in a redesigned format that features refined inner workings, a new center-of-gravity balance point, and reduced recoil.
The new Ruger Red Label ($1,399, above) is available in 12-gauge (chambered for 3-inch shells but able to handle all 2¾-inch shells) and can be had with a 26-, 28-, or 30-inch barrel. All barrels now feature 2-inch lengthened forcing cones and maximum backboring to produce tighter patterns and reduce recoil. The Red Label’s traditional low-profile receiver is enhanced with a new stainless-steel top lever.
SIG Sauer
Two new modern sporting rifles using a gas-piston operating system enter the SIG Sauer line this year. The SIG516 Carbon Fiber ($2504, below) is chambered for 5.56mm NATO. The action is mated to an A1 carbon-fiber stock with an extended 12-inch free-float carbon-fiber handguard.
The new SIG556xi Russian ($1599) is chambered for the 7.62x39mm. It features a 16-inch chrome-lined barrel with 1:9.5 twist four-groove rifling. It uses a three-position advanced push-rod gas-operating system. The magazines are the AK-47 type, and it accepts U.S. Palm magazines.
The P290RS-380 ($570, shown below) is a 380 ACP added to the sub-compact line. Built on a polymer frame, it features a 2.9-inch barrel and weighs in at 17.5 ounces. The P290RS-380 has repeat-strike capability, and SIG claims a trigger pull of 9 pounds.
The company’s new P320 Modular Pistol was designed for law-enforcement use. It allows departments to take a basic pistol and, through the use of interchangeable grips, interchangeable grip/frame shells with steel inserts, and different barrels and slides, modify one basic model to full-size duty configuration or compact and sub-compact models for plainclothes or back-up use. It will be available in 9mm, 357 SIG, 40 S&W, and 45 ACP, and calibers can also be interchanged with the modular design.
Walther Arms
The PPQ M2 5-Inch ($749) is available in a 15-round capacity in 9mm and an 11-round capacity in .40 S&W. It features a 5-inch barrel with the PPQ Quick Defense Trigger that operates from a pre-cocked position and provides a constant 5.6-pound trigger pull weight. Finished in a matte black, the overall length is 8.1 inches, and it has an empty weight of 23 ounces.
The new rimfire version is the PPQ M2 22 LR. It utilizes a blowback action, has a 12-round magazine capacity, and deploys a 4.85-pound trigger-pull weight. A firing-pin block and trigger safety and loaded-chamber indicator are standard. The polymer-frame handgun features a slide-stop lever. The slide is anodized aluminum, and a Picatinny rail is incorporated into the dust cover.
It will be available in a pair of 4-inch barrel models (weighing 19 ounces empty with an overall length of 7.1 inches). They both feature a polymer front sight with a metal rear that is adjustable for windage and elevation. The PPQ Tactical version in the 4-inch-barrel length features a threaded barrel for the installation of a suppressor.
A 5-inch Target Model (20 ounces empty weight, with a 8.1-inch overall length) has a high-visibility fiber-optic front sight, in addition to the fully adjustable rear sight. SRP: $429 to $469, depending upon model.
Weatherby
Weatherby’s new SA-08 28-Gauge Deluxe ($849, below) offers upland hunters a light-recoiling smoothbore with reliable wingshooting performance and a distinctively handsome look. This SA-08 model features a frame that has been scaled down to a true 28-gauge size. Weighing in at 5.5 pounds, it will be available with a 26- or 28-inch barrel.
Winchester Repeating Arms
Last year Winchester Repeating Arms announced the return of the Model 1873 lever-action rifle touted as “The Gun that Won the West.” For 2014 Winchester Repeating Arms will expand its offerings in the Model 1873 to include a new color case-hardened model, along with adding the 44-40 Win. and 45 Colt. $1,580, below.
Also new in the company’s line of historical rifles is the Model 1885 Hunter Rimfire single-shot. For something a little unusual, this low-wall rimfire edition of the 1885 rifle is chambered in 22 LR, .22 WMR, .17 HMR, or the new .17 Winchester Super Magnum. $1,470.
Another Winchester Repeating Arms historical rifle that will be re-introduced for 2014 is the $1260 Model 1892 Large Loop Carbine (below). It will feature a walnut straight-grip stock and classic carbine-style forearm in a satin finish. It is available in 357 Mag., 44 Rem. Mag., 44-40 Win., and 45 Colt.
New in Winchester Repeating Arms’s SX3 semi-auto shotgun line for 2014 is the SX3 12-gauge 3.5-inch Long Beard (above). Unique features found on this turkey gun include a Briley X-Full Long Beard Invector Plus extended choke tube designed for Winchester Long Beard ammunition, a pistol-grip stock with three interchangeable recoil pads to adjust LOP, and three interchangeable comb pieces to adjust drop on the comb. Other features include a TruGlo fiber-optic front sight with an adjustable folding rear sight and
Weaver-style cantilever scope-mount-rail design on the barrel. $1270.
Winchester’s new offering in the SXP pump shotgun line for 2014 is the Field Compact. It has a compact, 13-inch length of pull that is scaled down to fit younger shooters and those of smaller stature. The SXP 12-gauge Field Compact (chambered for 3-inch shells) will have a satin-finished stock and forearm with traditional checkering to maintain a sure grip. Other features include black chrome protection on the bolt and other components and a hard chrome chamber and bore. GT
