Straight from SHOT 2011

The New Stag Arms Model 3

Wed, 26 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Stag Arms President Mark Malkowski explains some of the features of the new Model 3 carbine, including a Diamondhead Versarail that's optics- and accessories-ready.

For additional information on the new Stag Arms Model 3 and its features, please visit the Stag Arms website.

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Trijicon RMR

Wed, 26 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Tom Kane of Trijicon discusses the advantages of the new RMR site, which features adjustable dot intensity depending on surroundings and a potential battery life of almost 4 years.‬

For additional information on the RMR or any of Trijicon's other red dots, please visit the Trijicon website.

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Crosman MAR .177 and Rogue .357

Tue, 25 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Chip Hunnicutt and Terry Neumaster of Crosman talk about the two newest additions to the airgun product line with the Modular Adaptive Rifle (MAR) 177 and Benjamin Rogue in .357. The MAR is a drop-in upper designed for competition-quality performance with no additional modifications to your existing AR lower, while the Benjamin Rogue is a .357 caliber air gun.

For additional information on the MAR 177 or the Benjamin Rogue in .357, please visit the Crosman website.

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Viridian X5L-RS

Mon, 24 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

With the new X5L-RS, Viridian has engineered its X5L green laser to fit a rifle or shotgun.

What's unique about this laser sight other than its color? It features a rotary selector dial in multiple light and laser models. The 145 lumen taclight/strobe, Viridian green laser, universal mounting options, two-button pressure pad and infinite amount of custom operating models make this a versatile tactical accessory.

To see if this laser will fit your firearms, check out this chart.

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Wrapping Up the Show

Sat, 22 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

A hat tip goes to Shooting Illustrated for this coverage.

The record-setting SHOT Show signals a good year ahead for the shooting industry. Back in 1979 before the first SHOT Show, organizers worried industry professionals might not show up for the fledgling event.

According to the National Shooting Sports Founding, “The 2011 Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade (SHOT) Show soared above expectations by setting records for buyer attendance at 31,769 and media attendance at 2,074.”

“More than 57,390 attended, including buyers, guests, exhibitors and media. ‘The importance of the SHOT Show to the firearms industry cannot be underestimated,’ said Steve Sanetti, president and CEO of NSSF, which owns the trade show. “The SHOT Show is simply the must-attend business event for all segments of our industry. Based on what we’re hearing, industry has every reason to think that 2011 shows promise of being another strong year.’”

The show attracted 1,600 exhibiting companies the encompassed 630,000 net square feet, representing a $4 billion industry.

Keep checking back for more updates as our editors and staff continue to empty their notebooks filled with new product information.

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The Beretta A400 Xplor Light

Fri, 21 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

American Hunter Managing Editor Jeff Johnston was on hand to stop by the Beretta booth and get a feel for the new A400 Xplor Light shotgun. Weighing in at a paltry 6.2 pounds, the Xplor Light's aluminum alloy receiver helps keep heft down without sacrificing any strength. On top of the low weight, the Xplor Light features Beretta's Blink cycling system, designed to work cleaner and faster than most other semi-automatics on the market.

For additional information, please visit the A400 Xplor website.

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The Mossberg 500 Chainsaw

Fri, 21 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Certainly one of the most unusual-looking guns at SHOT Show 2011 came from Mossberg in the form of their Mossberg 500 Chainsaw. Built on the iconic Mossberg 500 action, the Chainsaw is a pistol-grip pump-action shotgun with no stock. While guns like this are desirable for home defense, they're notoriously hard to control while firing, a problem that Mossberg has solved by attaching a wrap-around chainsaw-style hand grip to the pump. Intended to be fired from the hip, this top handle allows the user to cycle the action while simultaneously maintaining leverage above the gun to help tame muzzle flip.

In addition to the chainsaw-style grip, the 500 Chainsaw has a stand-off barrel that can be used to breech doors and three rails that can mount accessories.

For additional information on the Mossberg 500 Chainsaw, please visit Mossberg's website.

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Cannon Gun Safes

Thu, 20 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Editorial Director John Zent got a chance to look at Cannon's newest gun safe line, the Armory series. The series features three different safest, with the largest available in a 64 cubic foot configuration and capable of storing 64 long guns.

For more on the Cannon Armory safe line, visit Cannon's website.

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Predator Tactical 1911 Shrike

Thu, 20 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Predator Tactical, a custom manufacturer of firearms and motorcycle accessories, was on hand to showcase the Predator Tactical 1911 Shrike, a single stack 1911 that brings a new level of craftsmanship to the high-end pistol market. Available in 9mm, .38 Super, .40 S&W, 10mm and .45 ACP, a lot on this gun can be customized, and as evidenced by the shots below, few things can top the fit and finish.

For additional information on the pistol, please visit the Predator Tactical 1911 Shrike page and watch for AmericanRifleman.org's upcoming in-depth review of the pistol.

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Crimson Trace Lightguard

Thu, 20 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Crimson Trace's Iain Harrison talks about the company's new Lightguard platform for pistols, which integrates both white light illumination and a precision laser into one unit. Both sources of light are pressure-activated for instinctive use, with the laser on the backstrap and the flashlight in the front.

For additional information, please visit the Crimson Trace site.

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Benelli's Joe Coogan and the Super Vinci

Thu, 20 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Benelli USA is maintaining the reputation it gained for marketing genius in 2009 with the introduction of the Vinci with its efforts at the 2011 SHOT Show. They’re calling the newest addition “the evolution of the revolution.” The Super Vinci comes complete with a catchy new commercial, user-friendly website and the aforementioned slogan.

The shotgun’s In-Line inertia driven system has been redesigned to handle 3 1/2-inch magnum loads. It also features the QuadraFit buttstock, the ComforTech Plus recoil reduction system and a newly styled lower receiver. See it all for yourself as we visit with Joe Coogan at the Benelli booth.

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Mossberg's Turkey Thug Shotgun Line

Thu, 20 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Mossberg is stepping up its efforts to serve turkey hunters everywhere this year with the new Turkey Thug line of shotguns. There will be four models offered which come complete with the Lightning Pump Action trigger system, adjustable fiber optic sights and an engraving on the reciever that reads "Turkey THUG Series."

The shotguns will be exclusively featured on Mossy Oak’s Turkey Thug show in 2011-12, which airs on the Pursuit Channel. The unconventional name may be a shock to some, but Mossberg contends that this gun performs flawlessly in the field. We'll be testing that notion this Spring.

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PowerBelt AeroLite Bullets

Thu, 20 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The new Powerbelt AeroLite is specifically designed for the standard 100-grain charge used by most hunters. According company representatives, it is a bullet built to take down whitetails with magnum performance without the magnum recoil. The AeroLite also has a much larger hollow-point cavity than other versions, which maximizes expansion capability while eliminating the weight from the bullet’s core.

PowerBelt has already begun to ship this bullet to dealers across the country.

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The Browning 1911-22

Thu, 20 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

American Rifleman Editor-in-Chief Mark Keefe talks with Browning's Josie Russo about the company's new, scaled down 1911 in .22 cal. The 1911-22 is a dedicated .22 cal. 1911 pistol that features a 10-round magazine and matte blued finish.

For more, visit Browning's website.

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Kristy Lee Cook's Goin' Country, Season 2

Thu, 20 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Kristy Lee Cook talks about the exciting upcoming season of her hit show, "Goin' Country" on the Versus network. Season 2 will feature even more great guests, hunts and action.

For additional information, please visit Versus.com.

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The Burris Eliminator Laserscope

Thu, 20 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Burris' Raquel Houghton walks viewers through the operation of the Eliminator Laserscope, designed to allow users to simply program the scope and have it determine the perfect holdover point. The shot that used to take so much guesswork is as easy as squeezing the trigger.

For additional information, please visit the Burris website.

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Silver Stag Knives

Thu, 20 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Brad Smith of Silver Stag talks about the company's high-quality knives, one of which was chosen as the 2010 Friends of NRA Knife of the Year. Silver Stag is also one of the few companies in the U.S. that will accept horns sent in by hunters for use in making knife handles.

For additional information on Silver Stag knives, visit the Silver Stag site.

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The Springfield Armory Range Officer and XD(M) Compact

Thu, 20 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Tom Macke of Springfield Armory talks about the company's two newest pistols, the 1911-A1 Range Officer and the XD(M) Compact 3.8.

For additional information, please visit the Springfield Armory website.

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The Yamaha Grizzly 450

Thu, 20 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

American Rifleman Managing Editor Aaron Carter and a few other NRA editors got a chance to tear up the Nevada desert on theYamaha Grizzly 450 at Bass Pro Media Day at the SHOT Show. This automatic 4x4 has many of the same great features as big brothers Grizzly 700 and 550, including four-wheel independent suspension, and it’s powered by a fuel-efficient, liquid-cooled engine.

Ride along with the guys, and get a few details on what quickly became our favorite ATV on the market.

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Photos from the Floor, Day 3

Thu, 20 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Day three is just getting started here in Las Vegas. The floor is filling up once more, as the entire hunting and shooting industry spills into the many exhibit halls at the Sands Expo and Convention Center. It’s hard to describe the chaos that is the SHOT Show, but we’re doing our best to bring you the highlights. Keep checking Twitter for instant updates, and come back to this blog for more action throughout the day.

For now, check out a few photos from the floor.

Matt Hughes signs autographs at the Browning booth.

The NRA booth offers free copies of American Rifleman.

Attendees check out the 2011 offerings from Taurus.

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The Micro 9 Class Escalates: Kimber’s Solo 9

Wed, 19 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

I knew Kimber had a handgun of import, but sources inside the company were silent as to what it actually was. Those Kimber guys can really keep a secret. Pleasant surprises are few and far between these days, but the Kimber Solo 9 is indeed one. The Yonkers, New York, manufactured gun is recoil-operated six-round-capacity 9 mm that is 5 ½" long with a 2.7" barrel that weigh only 19 ounces without ammunition. It is a striker-fired design with 90 percent of the striker being pre-loaded on slide movement, making for an excellent trigger. It comes with an ambidextrous safety, three dot sights and is available in stainless on silver anodized frame or a two-tone. It is handsome gun worthy of the Kimber name … and well worth the wait. The Kimber guys, despite its short barrel and mere 4.4” sight radius, that the little gun is extremely accurate. The frames is of 7075-T7 aluminum and the slide is of stainless steel. It resembles a Model 1903 Colt with an M1911 grip angle, and the all silver-tone gun looks like an AMT Back-Up with a touch of class. The best ergonomic part of the gun is the raduised angle at the top rear of the grip strap. It is wide and smooth, and this might be one of the most shootable guns in the class. Only range time will tell.

There is indeed a new wave in the discrete carry handgun. Since Right-To-Carry has become law in many states, new licensees would often try to follow the Col. Jeff Cooper model and carry a full-size M1911 daily. But full size guns are big, heavy and can make your pants fall down, Thus, the rush to ultra-compact .380 ACP pistols. But the power of the .380 as a defensive caliber left some unfullfilled. That and the price and seeming scarcity of .380 ammunition have led to the next tend. Compact 9 mm Luger pistols not much larger than the .380s but deliver adequate power in a not much lager package. Ruger and SIG Sauer have recently answered the call and the micro 9 mm tide will no doubt continue to surge.

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New Guns from CZ-USA

Wed, 19 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The CZ-USA P-07 Duty in 9mm Luger and .40 Smith & Wesson, a new addition to the company's handgun family, has all the accuracy of the CZ 75 with the added benefit of the new Omega trigger system. This versatile, compact top seller can be easily converted from a manual safety model to a decocker model.

CZ is also introducing its CZ 455 Lux rimfire bolt-action in .22 LR and .22 WMR as the eventual replacement for the 452 line of rifles. The Lux features a Turkish walnut stock, and the barrel is easily replaceable by the user. Check out the combo model of the rifle from CZ's booth on the SHOT Show floor.

For additional information, be sure to visit the CZ-USA website.

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Federal Premium Guard Dog Ammo

Wed, 19 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Federal Premium has announced its newest personal-defense ammunition: Guard Dog Home Defense.

Available in 9mm, .40 S&W and .45 ACP, Guard Dog Home Defense is a full-metal-jacket style non-hollowpoint that's filled with an expanding polymer, which is designed to minimize over-penetration when shooting through interior walls. Guard Dog Home Defense expands rapidly but doesn't fill with barrier material. During Federal's testing, Guard Dog was shot into four wall-like surfaces and a layer of ballistic gel. Results were that the ammo did not penetrate the gel. Conversely, traditional hollowpoints punched through 15 inches of gel after passing through the same four wall-like surfaces.

For more, visit Federal Premium's Guard Dog Home Defense page.

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Umarex's New 1911 and Air Guns

Wed, 19 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Umarex was excited to announce its new Regent 1911 pistols, which feature a lowered ejection port, wide beavertail safety, Hogue grips and, best of all, an MSRP of $499.

In addition to the firearms, Umarex unveiled some impressive airguns, including a full-sized replica of the Smith & Wesson M&P45, which has an 8-round rotary magazine and retails for under $100.

For more on Umarex's newest products, please visit the Umarex site.

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SHOTLOCK Solo-Vault

Wed, 19 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

SHOTLOCK was on hand to show off its Solo-Vault, the only universal shotgun vault of its kind designed to hold pump-action, break-action and semi-auto shotguns. Featuring a reversible left- or right-hand opening door, the Solo-Vault is a push-button operated personal vault that wraps around the trigger and breech of the shotgun. This allows a firearm to be simultaneously accessible and securely locked.

In addition to storing a firearm, the Solo-Vault can be mounted to a wall or vehicle, acting as both a safe and a rack. It comes standard with a 2-year warranty. For more, visit the SHOTLOCK Solo-Vault product page.

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The Kel-Tec KSG Shotgun

Tue, 18 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

SHOT Show 2011 provided the perfect opportunity to get an up-close look at Kel-Tec's anticipated KSG, one of the first bullpup shotguns to hit the market. Looking very similar to the RFB, the KSG is Kel-Tec's first attempt at a pump-action shotgun, and, in addition to being a bullpup, features dual magazine tubes, each offering a capacity of 7 2 3/4-inch 12-gauge shells. This gives the gun a 14+1 capacity total, though the magazine tubes have to be manually selected in order to chamber rounds. On top of its unusual bullpup shotgun design, the KSG ejects empty shells downward instead of towards a certain side.

Couple all that with an 18.5-inch barrel, and Kel-Tec has certainly produced an extraordinary shotgun. The MSRP is expected to be around $880.

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New Period-Accurate Colt M1911

Tue, 18 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

In celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Model 1911, Colt has announced a new, limited-edition, period-accurate M1911 pistol.

Based on the Model 01918 configuration and finish, the "new" pistol features custom rollmarks on the receiver and slide to commemorate the pistol's longevity, as well as special edition 100th anniversary packaging and a unique serial numbering system that ends in "1911." The MSRP on the period-accurate pieces is $1150.

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Glock 25th Anniversary Edition Pistol

Tue, 18 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

In honor of its 25th anniversary in the U.S., Glock is putting out a special edition pistol that features a crest inside the grip. The limited-edition Glock is a G17, 4th generation model in 9mm that features a branded slide and frame emblazoned with the words, "25 Years of Glock Perfection USA." In all, only 2,500 will be manufactured.

In addition to the limited edition, Glock was also showing off its newest interchangeable backstraps that work with the Gen 4 frame. The large backstrap has an enlarged beavertail, which effectively prevents the shooter's hands from wandering too high and interfering the slide as it cycles.

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SIG556 R

Tue, 18 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

SIG Sauer had their new SIG556 R on hand to show off, and with good reason. Based on the SIG556 platform, the SIG556 R is chambered in 7.62x39 mm, and features a gas-piston, rotating bolt operating system. The 1 in 9.5" twist in the 16-inch barrel helps to give it greater accuracy than standard AK-style rifles. Originally designed with the special forces operator in mind, the SIG556 R is designed to accept most AK magazines. The MSRP is $1266.

Below, Shooting Illustrated's Adam Hegenstaller had a chance to chat with Product Manager David Grimshaw about some of the key features of the 556 R.

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Taurus's New Raging Judge

Tue, 18 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

NRA Publications Editorial Director John Zent got the chance to speak with Taurus USA President Bob Morrison about the latest expansion of Taurus' popular Judge line with the powerful Raging Judge. The Raging Judge accepts 5 28-gauge shotshells, making it one of the most poweful revolvers on the market today.

For more information, be sure to vist the Taurus USA website.

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Winchester PDX1 Defender

Tue, 18 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

NRA Publications Editorial Director John Zent explains the most recent expansion of Winchester's PDX personal defense ammunition line with the PDX1 Defender. The Defender is a .223 bullet composed of two different layers that, when working in tandem, help to overcome many of the inherent self-defense problems that a high-velocity round like .223 can present.

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The Gunny Gives It To Our Online Hunting Editor

Tue, 18 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

It just so happens that the first person we ran into at the 2011 Bass Pro Media Day here in Las Vegas was by far the coolest. R. Lee Ermey, the infamous “Gunny,” was holding court at the Glock booth when we walked by, and I thought it seemed like a perfect time to live out one of my dreams—to be berated by the Gunny, Full Metal Jacket style.

We'll have more from the Media Day thoughout the morning.

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Patrick Flanigan Kicks Some Cans

Tue, 18 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

As his website says, a front row seat at a Patrick Flanigan show is guaranteed to take you back to the times of the old west and into the present day of the world’s greatest sharpshooting entertainment. We got the chance to get a look at an abbreviated version of Flanigan’s show, and he continued to prove he can shoot and entertain with the best of them.

Flanigan jumped ship from Winchester to Mossberg this fall, and Mossberg has moved quickly to promote its sponsorship of the Xtreme Sport Shooter. He has already used a Mossberg 500 pump-action to break seven hand-thrown clays, besting his previous record. He certainly wowed the crowd at Bass Pro Media Day.

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Sincerest Form Of Flattery With A Twist … Or Clip

Tue, 18 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Taurus may have created a category with its Judge revolvers, but Smith & Wesson just upped the ante in Las Vegas. At American Shooter’s during the Smith & Wesson Shoot Out, the Governor made its debut.

Despite the superiority the marketing one-upsmanship moniker implies (who appoints judges in many states?), the Governor is of the pattern set by the Judge. It is a double-action/single-action revolver with its cylinder stretched to accommodate a .410 shotshell.

What’s really different about the Governor is its ability to accept not only .410 shotshells, .45 Colt and .45 Schofield, but its rear cylinder face is recessed to accept either full-, half- or two-shot moon clips. Why? America’s pistol cartridge—the .45 ACP—was adapted to the S&W Hand Ejector and Colt New Service (as the U.S. M1917 Revolvers) by the addition of a flat stamped steel clip that grabbed the cartridge rim, keeping the rimless case from dropping into the cylinder. It was also one of the first effective speedloaders, and, of course, designed by Smith.

The Governor accepts only 2 1/2-inch, .410 shells at present—no 3 inch—but its cylinder increases the odds with six chambers. The gun is based on a new frame, basically a stretched N-frame with a K-frame butt, Smith calls the Z frame. The Springfield maker might hit the wall soon on frame names unless it doubles up on letters as it is out of alphabet at this point.

The American-made gun has 2 3/4-inch barrel, a Scandium frame, a black stainless cylinder and weights a reported 29.6 ounces. Options include a Tritium front sight dovetailed into the frame and a Crimson Trace Laser Grip. In the hand it points well, and if it’s a Scandium alloy frame, I’m pretty sure I don’t want a 3 inch. Sometimes a little mass is a good thing.

It was only a matter of time before Smith answered in the shotshell revolver arena, and it appears Taurus will have some competition when it comes to the .410/.45 game. Taurus is way out front with a big lead, but the Governor is promising, and samples are promised by mid-February.

Mark Keefe

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Jim Land Receives Defender of Freedom Award

Tue, 18 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The ring of the first bell at SHOT Show Bob Morrison (left), President and CEO of Taurus International, was pleased to announce NRA Secretary Edward J. Land (USMC Ret.), as the 2011 Taurus Defender of Freedom Award recipient.

“I am humbled and honored to receive this award, said Major Land. "Actually, I’d like to say I represent all of you. It’s a team. It’s the industry, it’s the NRA, it’s our volunteers, and I can’t thank Taurus and Bob (Morrison) enough for everything that they do. I checked before I came out here and Taurus has given over 8,000 NRA memberships with the purchase of their firearms. Each and every one of us does the best that we can every day in recognizing without the Second Amendment, there are no other amendments.”

For more than a decade Taurus International has awarded the Defender of Freedom Award to an NRA member who has staunchly defended the Second Amendment and freedom to keep and bear arms. Past recipients include Dave Butz, Chris Cox, Sandra Froman, Joe Graham, Wayne LaPierre, Ted Nugent, Mark Keefe and John Zent.

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Shooting Winchester's Blind Side at Media Day

Tue, 18 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The new Blind Side ammunition combines ground-breaking, stacked HEX Shot technology and the new Diamond Cut Wad in the most deadly Winchester waterfowl load available.

Loaded with 100 percent HEX Shot, you get more pellets on target, a larger kill zone and more trauma inducing pellets than ever before, meaning quick kill shots.

“This is a superior duck and goose load that we’ve spent a tremendous amount of time designing and perfecting”, said Brett Flaugher, vice president of Sales and Marketing for Winchester Ammunition. “As the industry leader in innovative new products, this product is without question, a quality product that waterfowl hunters can shoot with confidence.”

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Getting Our Hands on the Thompson/Center Venture

Tue, 18 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

American Hunter Editor-in-Chief Scott Olmsted got his hands on Thompson/Center Arms' new rifle at Smith & Wesson's Media Day.

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The Judge Goes Even Bigger Bore

Mon, 17 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

*UPDATE* 1/25/2011

Truth Missing From Raging Judge 28 Gauge Rumors
With the vast array of new guns in the Taurus booth at the 2011 SHOT Show, it was easy to go into new-product overload. But the one gun that stood out most was the 28-gauge Raging Judge revolver. Whenever there is something truly new and different, there are bound to be juicy rumors, which included that the gun had been declared a National Firearms Act item by ATF and "removed."

This is simply not the case. Taurus President and CEO Bob Morrison invited officials from the ATF's Technology Branch to discuss some of the firm's new product introductions. "I asked them to come and give some advice," Morrison said. By all accounts the meeting was cordial, professional, and not a "raid" or "gotcha" as erroneously reported elsewhere. No determination on the gun's status was made at the show.

Remember, to even be in the United States at all, the prototype had to be cleared by ATF for importation. On the 28 gauge Raging Judge revolver, Taurus sought ATF's advice on some modifications to the gun and is the process of implementing the results of those suggestions.
This is a very common practice; gun manufacturers and importers regularly work with ATF as the firearm industry's regulatory agency. Also, despite rumors to the contrary, the .45 Colt/.410 Bore
lever-action Ranch Hand with the rifled barrel is good to go for importation, as is the 28 gauge Circuit Judge. You'll see them later on this year, as well as the 28 gauge Raging Judge with minor
modifications.

Rumors also abound regarding an impending ATF ruling regarding shotguns and "sporting purposes," but they have nothing to do with the 28-gauge Raging Judge.

There is no doubt that the Taurus Judge series of revolvers has created an entire new category of handguns. The .45 Colt/.410 bore wheelguns have proven immensely popular as defensive and recreational guns due to the versatility of the chamberings (.45 Schofield, .45 Colt or .410 Bore shotshells), together with new improved defensive ammunition from firms such as Federal and Winchester. The basic Judge has expanded into both 2 ½” and 3” chambers, the smaller Model 85-based Public Defender, a polymer version and even the Circuit Judge carbine. The latter fixed the cylinder gap issue that has plagued revolving long guns since Samuel Colt had his factory in Patterson, New Jersey.

--Mark A. Keefe, IV

1/17/2011
This morning, Taurus announced the “Raging Judge” revolver chambered for, wait for it … 28 gauge. With this gun, the Judge not only get a bigger bore but also the features that made the Raging Bull in .454 so distinctive and more friendly to the shooter when it comes recoil, including a cushioned insert grip. Initial barrel length is 6 ½” with an overall length of 13 ¾” and a weight of 67 ounces. The nominal bore diameter of 28-ga. is 0.550”, but the land and groove diameters or the twist rate of the Raging Judge are unknown at this time. We haven’t seen the gun yet, but anticipate getting it in our hands on the opening day of the SHOT show.

Unlike the .410 Bore, there are not many loads suitable for defensive use in 28 gauuge, but don’t worry, it won’t take the big ammunition makers long to tool up to catch the newest wave form Taurus.

--Mark Keefe

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John Zent Wins 2010 Outdoor Writer of the Year

Mon, 17 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Editorial Director for NRA Publications John Zent was awarded the 2010 Outdoor Writer of the Year by Carl Zeiss Sports Optics. The award was presented on January 17 at the Zeiss writers party during the Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade (SHOT) Show week in Las Vegas, Nev. In addition to the plaque commemorating his contributions to hunting, shooting and the outdoor sports, Zent will receive a Zeiss Victory 10x45 T* RF laser rangefinding binocular.

Over his 28-year career in the shooting and hunting world, Zent has worked on both American Rifleman and American Hunter magazines and authored more than 240 bylines promoting the sports. He had this to say about the honor:

"Naturally I am grateful--and more than a little surprised--that Zeiss would select me for this honor that is so highly regarded throughout the shooting sports media. I have been lucky to work for so long in an organization where the creative environment insists that we produce at a very high level, and because NRA members possess such intense interest and expertise in firearms, shooting and hunting, we continually must learn and grow," said Zent. He then went on to thank Zeiss, in turn, for taking a very proactive role in educating outdoor writers about how optics actually work. "My colleagues and I have benefitted greatly from those efforts, and as a result we are able to do a better job in reporting on new products and how to get the most from the optical gear shooters and hunters depend on."

For the complete write-up on the award, be sure to read the press release explaining Zent's contributions and achievements.

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A Guide to the SHOT Show

Thu, 13 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

NRA Publications editors and staff will be part of the thousands of media members (1,804 attended last year) that will descend on Las Vegas, Nev., next week for the world’s premier exposition of combined firearms, ammunition, archery, cutlery, outdoor apparel, optics, camping and related products and services. They call it SHOT Show.

Here are the dates and times:

January 18 - 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
January 19 - 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
January 20 - 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
January 21 - 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Check out the floor plan of the Sands Expo and Convention Center and the breakdown of the different areas of the floor. Not enough? A SHOT Show iPhone app and a mobile website for other smartphone users are now available for all show attendees. Users can find exhibitors, view the floor plan, find sessions and events, show news and alerts, new products and show specials.

Our team will be using the app to help them tackle the 700,000 net square feet of exhibit space and estimated 1,500 exhibitors over the frenzied four-day show.

Follow American Rifleman on Twitter and Facebook to get real-time updates and this blog for multiple posts each day. The SHOT Show also has its own Twitter feed and the National Shooting Sports Foundation, owner and sponsor of the show, has been tweeting for the last month about its signature event. If you're not on Twitter, the SHOT Show has its own blog.

We’ll be tracking down stars like Ralph and Vick Cianciarulo, the “Top Shot” Season 1 cast, Jerry Miculek, Jim Scoutten, Craig Morgan, Matt Hughes and many more. Check out the full list of appearances here.

We’ll be attending the Outdoor Channel’s Golden Moose Awards, the Sportsman Choice Awards, and we’ll cover the 2011 Taurus Defender of Freedom Award at the first bell.

We certainly can’t leave out the new products. Subscribe to the RSS feed above, and you’ll have direct access to every single innovative gun and gadget we can find.

Also, through special arrangement with SHOT Show organizers and select exhibitors, the nation’s hunters and shooters will get a look at those products on GunBroker.com at the same time they are announced to the trade.

They’ll be a lot more to come. For now, we’re packed up and ready to go.

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Straight from SHOT 2011

Wed, 05 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The Shooting, Hunting, Outdoor Trade Show and Conference (SHOT Show) is the largest and most comprehensive trade show for all professionals involved with the shooting sports and hunting industries. It is the world's premier exposition of combined firearms, ammunition, archery, cutlery, outdoor apparel, optics, camping and related products and services. The SHOT Show attracts buyers from all 50 states and more than 100 countries. In short, it's a gun lovers' dream. Every brand is represented, and every type of firearm is on display.

This year the AmericanRifleman.org team is traveling to the Sands Expo and Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nev., on Jan. 18 to take on the organized chaos that embodies this event. With a busy schedule that includes range time with new products, celebrity interviews, award ceremonies and so much more, we're dedicated to bringing you the highlights from this epic industry gathering.

But before we trudge forth into the madness in just 14 days, we need to get your opinion. This is your chance to let us know what you want to see.

Vote on the poll, and feel free to comment to tell us more. Also, don't forget to follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Youtube for updates before, during and after the show.

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