Weapons of Choice: Savage Model A17

Savage has worked on a rifle that will properly fire the .17 HMR cartridge in a semi-automatic rifle for a little over two years. While the .17 HMR has been around in bolt-action rifles for some time, the modernized so-called 'varmint' ammunition has been an improved cartridge versus the .22 caliber magnum for small game hunting and 100-yard target practice. It is still economical, especially for those who have been using the .223 caliber (5.56mm) for small game hunting rather than using .22 magnum for small game hunting up to the size of boars.

Weapons of Choice: CMMG Mk47 AKM-Mutant

CMMG is offering an AR platform rifle that has the features of the AK-47, a hybrid: Mk47 Mutant.

While the idea of chambering an AR platform rifle with AK47 7.62x39mm rounds is not new CMMG has engineered a hybrid rifle that has the ease of takedown of an AR 15/M16 with a receiver designed for the 7.62x39mm cartridge that has more range/power than the 5.56mm/.223 caliber.

Weapons of Choice: SIG Sauer MCX

SIG Sauer has prided itself in innovative firearms design and the new Model MCX is no exception. It is built with standards for the military, reliable, gas-operated, short-stroke piston system that is the first AR platform rifle that has an auto-regulating gas system which allows shooters to switch between supersonic and subsonic loads, or unsuppressed or suppressed operation, without manually adjusting the gas system. That means quick changes will not compromise its operation.

Weapons of Choice: Ruger Redhawk .45 Colt/.45 ACP Revolver

For 30 years, the Ruger Redhawk revolver has been in production since its introduction in 1979.

In 2007, after success of the 4.2-inch 44 Magnum Redhawk, Ruger produced a wheel gun chambered for 45 Colt. In 2014, Ruger introduced a Redhawk with a 2.75-inch barrel with a round-butt grip (TALO).

Three grip styles for Ruger Redhawk

This year, the newest Redhawk has the round-butt grip with a 4.2-inch barrel in .45 Colt caliber, but also affords the shooter the opportunity of using the .45 ACP ammunition through the use of moon clips. The grips are quality wood that is checkered for a good grip. Those that prefer rubber grips can install a Hogue grip. The rear sight is adjustable for windage and elevation, and the front sight is black with a red insert.

Specs: The Redhawk .45 Colt/.45 ACP revolver weighs 44.8 ounces with a 4.16-inch barrel. Trigger pull is a crisp 7 pounds in single action and 9.9 pounds in double action. Barrel/Cylinder gap is 0.006. The MSRP is $1,029. 

It's a new product in a familiar platform.

Weapons of Choice: MKA 1919

For those who like the M16/AR15 platform, Akdal Arms, a Turkish company is offering a gas operated, semi-automatic shotgun built on an AR frame. It is the MKA 1919. Like the AR, it is easy to maintain and the 19.7-inch barrel can be easily removed from the upper receiver. Charge the shotgun with the familiar charging handle on the receiver and fire with the look and feel of an AR series rifle.

Weapons of Choice: Anderson 'No Lube' Rifles

The M16/AR15 rifle platform has come a long way in configuration and Anderson Rifles, a 35-year-old toll-and-die manufacturer, has taken the platform to a new level: no lubrication required as the following video shows:

Weapons of Choice: Desert Eagle - Magnum Semi-Auto

DE .50 caliber in stainless steel

This gas operated, rotating bolt semi-auto pistol has become famous thanks to Hollywood and Magnum Research quality manufacturing.
The Desert Eagle series of pistols offers calibers from .50 caliber through the magnum line and even the .357 Mag.
Unlike the Coonan 1911 chambered for .357 Magnum, the Desert Eagle will not cycle .38 Special ammunition nor does it offer a recoil spring to do so. Magazine capacity is nine rounds. You can purchase replacement and upgrade parts directly from Magnum Research, including spare mags.

Weapons of Choice: Coonan M1911 Chambered in .357 Magnum

That's right, you read the title correctly - a .357 Mag semi-auto magazine fed pistol.
Revolvers chambered for .357 Magnum has been a favorite of those who cherish "wheel" guns, and get a bonus of being able to fire .38 Special ammunition, which is cheaper at the range.

Classic 5" barrel in stainless steel

Weapons of Choice: Hi-Point Home-Self Defense Carbine

Hi-Point Carbine, 9mm, foregrip, laser, quick-fire scope

Hi-Point was founded twenty years ago by Tom Deeb and his firearms have become popular because of their simplicity and reliability in a competitive world for self defense firearms that are more affordable than the standard tricked out AR-15 that has flooded the market.

Weapons of Choice: Ruger LC380(CA)

Ruger has reintroduced a conceal-carry handgun that was originally manufactured as the LC9 pistol chambered for 9mm, but has been changed to sell to California and Massachusetts buyers as LC380CA. It is chambered for .380 Auto ammunition with a capacity of 7+1 and a compact 3.5-inch barrel.

Weapons of Choice: Lee-Enfield Rifle

Lee-Enfield MKI

The British Lee-Enfield rifle was designed after the similar black-powder rifle used in the American Civil War by Confederate troops, while most of the Union army used the US made Springfield rifle of similar cap-and-ball design using the newly introduced “minié ball” bullet introduced by Frenchman, Claude-Étienne Minié. The newly designed cartridge Enfield rifle was designed with a rear-locking bolt system like Mauser, but quicker to operate. It was fitted with a 10-round magazine and became the British military rifle beginning in 1895 until 1957 with variations in its design and using the .303 British cartridge. It is a valued rifle among collectors no matter what period it was made.

Weapons of Choice: Beretta PX4 Storm

Kate Beckinsale (Underworld) with a pair of Berettas

Anyone who knows me is aware that of all European firearm manufacturers, I favor Beretta, Uberti, and Sig Sauer, in that order. As far as quality is concerned, Glock stands among those names of quality manufacturers; but not my personal preference because of its design and feel. Scuttlebutt is that the US Army may ditch the Beretta in favor of something else, possibly replacing it with Glock.

Weapons of Choice: Ruger SP101 Revolver

The Ruger SP101 double-action revolver has been around for awhile and popular. Ruger upgraded it and re-introduced the .327 Federal Magnum cartridge [Model #5773] for this popular revolver that is available in .22 LR, .38 Special, .357 Magnum and now .327 Magnum. Also new is its recoil-reducing grip in with checkered and engraved walnut inserts. It still comes in stainless steel. The .327 Magnum and .22 LR comes with fiber optic adjustable rear sight. The .357 Magnum lineup of 2.25” and 3.06 barrels come with a black ramp front sight with fixed rear sight; and a 4.20” barrel with fiber optic front and adjustable rear sights. 

MSRP runs from $679 to $719, depending upon which model you purchase. (Model #5773, #5765, #5718, #5719, #5720, #5771, and #5737)

Weapons of Choice: Taurus Curve

Taurus has come up with an innovative pistol in .380 ACP that is designed for conceal carry to fit the curve of the body in concealment – the Taurus Curve model. Featured at the 2015 SHOT Show in Las Vegas, it has a smooth curved grip-frame that gives it a space-age look and features an integrated LaserLyte LED Light and Laser combination system built in. It resembles the pistol models found in the Mass Effect futuristic role-playing game, for those familiar with the EA-Origin game series. 

Weapons of Choice: Benelli 828U Over and Under

Benelli 828U

Except for English shotguns, Benelli remains the premium among the best. Purchased by Beretta, the oldest firearm manufacturer and kept in the family; it has retained its excellent quality.

Featured at the 2015 SHOT Show was the Benelli 828U, an over/under smoothbore with a beautiful nickel receiver and the standard quality walnut stock. It also features floating barrels with adjustable drop and cast. If you like the nickel receiver, the MSRP is $2,999. The black-anodized receiver has an MSRP at $2,499. Custom engraving, of course, is extra.

After Action Report, 2015 SHOT Show: Glock Generation 4 Series with MOS

Glock 41 with MOS [Modular Optic System]

I am liking the new Glock “G” Models: G34 (9mm), G35 (.40 Cal), G41 (.45 ACP), and G40 (10mm Auto). It has the lines of a classic semi-auto and the quality of a Glock. The only thing I have had against Glock and similar “boxy” pistols was its shape. 

Will US DOD Replace M9 Beretta, If So, With What?

Beretta M9

Despite that Beretta fixed the slide problem of the Beretta 9mm military service pistol with the Model 92-FS, it appears that the Department of Defense and US Army is looking to replace the Beretta M9 with something else after 25 years of service that replaced the Colt M1911 that served the US military for 75 years.

So, beginning in 2012, there has been a search for a possible replacement for the Beretta, which, by the way, is a great semi-automatic pistol in my opinion. I have admired the Beretta shotguns for years, the oldest firearm manufacturer in the world; especially interested in their new line of assault rifles (beyond their 9mm carbine) that is represented in the Model ARX 100 carbine that is so impressive.

Weapons of Choice: Colt M2012 and Armalite AR-30/AR-31

The Colt M2012 family of bolt-action rifles had two new models added to the line. The M2012MT308T is chambered for .308 Winchester, designed for long sessions at the range, as well as ruggedness and accuracy. It comes accurate out of the box even including the target it was tested on. Colt has teamed up with Cooper Firearms of Montana that is part of production of the M2012MT308T, M2012LT308G, and M2012LT260G. 

Weapons of Choice: Beretta Pico and Nano Semi-Automatic

The Beretta Pico, introduced in October 2014, is a new line of firearms the prestigious company offers that is the smallest conceal carry semi-automatic on the market, so far. It is only 18mm wide and is chambered for the .380 semi-auto cartridge. It has adjustable sights, a low-recoil mechanism and a tough finish that will last for decades with proper care. It weighs only 11.5 oz unloaded and is a double-action only pistol. Stainless steel and polymer constructed, it is easy to maintain and sweat resistant. 

Weapons of Choice: CMMG Ak47 Mutant

CMMG makes AR platform rifles in .22Lr (Mk4), 5.56mm (Mk4), .308 WIN (Mk3), 300BLK (Mk4), and 9mm (Mk9). Now there is the Mk47 in 7.62x39mm (Russian-AK ammo) it calls the “Mutant”. It is an AK47 platform with the modular ability of an AR-15, where you can upgrade the trigger, pistol grip, and stock.

Mk47-Mutant-T, click to enlarge