GunReports.com, a website affiliated with Gun Tests, recently asked its members, “Which is the better platform: The AR or the AK?” The 467 respondents showed a strong preference for the designed-in-America ArmaLite Rifle model. The tally was 282 votes for the AR platform and 185 votes for the AK. 288 More than 100 voters left comments, and those comments broke down into wide areas of agreement about each design’s positives. Among the most-cited AR positives were its wide cartridge availability, accessorization, and familiarity. Dennis [his online handle] wrote, “Our military has chosen this rifle as the shoulder weapon of choice to defend our nation. The Taliban has chosen the AK. Need more be said?” N. Mex. Declines Utah Carry Licenses. Effective immediately, New Mexico will no longer recognize concealed carry licenses issued by the State of Utah for the purposes of reciprocity in New Mexico. Reason: “We’ve had situations where certain concealed carry instructors in New Mexico solicit clients with the promise that if they train here and obtain a Utah license, which entails significantly less training than does a New Mexico license, it will qualify here,” said Department of Public Safety Secretary John Denko. “This is nothing less than an effort to circumvent New Mexico concealed carry requirements.” Lipsey’s Announces Exclusive Ruger 44 Special Vaqueros. Since the success of the Flattop 44 Special in 2009, the company has had numerous requests for a Vaquero in 44 Special. They will be offered in both blue and high polish stainless steel with black hard rubber checkered grips, and fixed sights. Barrel lengths will include a 3.75-inch Sheriffs Model and the classic 45⁄8-inch model. Remington’s new 1911. Big Green will start delivering its new hand-built R1 45 ACP pistol this month. Features include double-diamond grips, polished aluminum trigger, flared and lowered ejection port, beveled magazine well, loaded-chamber indicator, high-profile dovetailed single-dot front and two-dot rear sights, a 3.5- to 5-pound trigger pull, and a match-grade stainless-steel barrel and barrel bushing. It also has the Series 80-style firing pin block safety. Stainless Takedown Offered. Browning is adding a new 81 Lightweight Stainless Takedown to its BLR line of centerfire rifles for 2010. The new rifle is offered in both short and long actions, both have pistol-grip stocks, satin-nickel finish receiver, stainless barrel, and satin-finish gray laminate stock and forearm. MSRP: $1149 to $1199. Gun Tests is now on Facebook. To follow the day-by-day progress of tests from development to publication, “Like” the page. To read up-to-date information on new firearms and firearms-accessory introductions, gun legislation, and the latest political efforts to restrict our 2nd Amendment freedoms, log on to our sister site, GunReports.com.
