SHOT 2013 ROUNDUP – PART ONE

Every year SHOT Show brings the excitement and anticipation of new products, training, and advancement of the firearms industry. Sadly, this year’s show was somewhat overshadowed by the current political climate and the untimely passing of John Novekse. However, all of us remain hopeful that we as a nation will pull together and examine the gun control issue logically, rather than fall for the play on emotions by those who wish to promote their personal agendas.

Nevertheless, Hilton and I endeavored to find the latest and greatest gear to share with you here. In no particular order:

Centurion Arms’ new tubular forend rail

Centurion Arms debuted their new tubular forend rail, designed to be extremely lightweight and rigid. Accessory mounting holes interface with forthcoming mounts that will attach directly to the rail without having to mount an intermediate section of picatinny rail. The rail shown here is on a 7.62 rifle and the 5.56 rails are on the machines as we speak and should be available soon.

Geissele’s Super Modular Rail Mk 4

Geissele Automatics has a new forend rail as well. The Mk 4 features a highly skeletonized rail and deletes the mounting points, save the full length picatinny rail at 12 o’clock and three small sections of rail on the front end. The aluminum alloy barrel nut also helps shave weight off the entire system.

Oakley’s SI Belt

Oakley Standard Issue program now includes a rigger’s belt made of durable nylon and a Raptor buckle. The female end of the buckle will fit through 1-3/4″ belt loops on kydex holsters, or so we are told. The belt is available now through the Oakley SI website.

Smith and Wesson’s 7.62mm semiautomatic rifle

Smith and Wesson now has an AR format, direct gas operated semi-automatic rifle in 7.62×51. Unknown on pricing and availability, but the rifle will use M110/SR-25 format magazines. Shown here is the version that ships with Magpul MOE furniture.

Magpul’s hand stop kit

Speaking of Magpul, they have a new hand stop kit that attaches to a picatinny rail by clamping on both sides. The kit comes in four pieces and can be configured as desired by the end user. Nice to see Magpul accepting feedback from their training division.

Magpul’s K grip

In addition, Magpul introduced the new K grip, which has a less aggressive forward angle, which many end users prefer. This angle contributes to enhanced weapon control during manipulations and increased comfort.

Safariland’s new 7000x series holster

Safariland has a new injection molded holster which uses the excellent ALS retention system. This holster was designed to meet a similar price point as other injection molded retention holsters on the market, but without the controversial issues surrounding the release mechanism.

Safariland’s Range Series Kydex holsters

Safariland also introduced their new Range Series holsters. Designed for firearms instructors and competitors, retention consists of a detent inside the trigger guard. Several versions are already IDPA approved.

FirstSpear’s Active Shooter Response plate carrier

FirstSpear has a new Active Shooter Response plate carrier is designed to be a lightweight carrier for patrol officers that don’t need extra features that aren’t needed. The carrier uses Tubes Technology which allow it to be donned extremely quickly. The front of the carrier has two magazine pouches and a radio carrier that can be used to hold various items other than a radio as well. This carrier is expected to be affordably priced.

TangoDown’s iO Cover for Aimpoint Micro Series sights

TangoDown will be releasing the iO Cover for the Aimpoint Micro Series sights in approximately 4 weeks. This cover features lens covers that snap together and out of the way when deployed. The iO Cover is designed to protect the sight against bumps and bruises that the sight may be exposed to during rough handling and use.

SureFire’s upgraded handguard rail to replace the M73

SureFire has a new for end rail. Like the M73 rail, the new hand guard can be installed without modification to the weapon system. However, the new hand guard does not add downward pressure to the barrel and is designed so that any effect on accuracy is minimal or non-existent. The sides of the hand guard feature attachment points for picatinny rail sections for the mounting of accessories.

Blue Force Gear’s Hive Satchel / Concealment Pack

Blue Force Gear’s Hive is a sling style pack/satchel designed in collaboration with Chris Costa. It is designed to carry a pistol without announcing to the world that there is a gun inside. While unusual looking, it does not scream “tactical” and will be produced in limited runs of various color schemes. The main body of the pack is lightly padded to protect the contents and an attached smaller side pack is designed to hold accessories like magazines or a flashlight.