American Rifleman TV is in Springfield, Mass., to visit the Smith & Wesson Performance Center, where some of the gunmaker's finest custom firearms are manufactured. What is unique about S&W Performance Center firearms is that although many of the firearms might contain special features that are typically found only in "one off" custom guns, the manufacturer produces them in large enough quantities to keep them affordable and available to everyone. Many Performance Center guns—like the new Ported M&P Shield—originate from standard designs and are then customized and tuned for precision, while others are created from the ground up to include hand cutting and fitting.
The latest Colt Python is identical to its 3", 4.25" and 6" stablemates other than its 5" barrel. The difference and the magic is in that "in between" barrel length.
It’s not often that we introduce new elements into the American Rifleman formula, but in this month’s issue, you’ll find one listed under the “American Rifleman Classics” icon shown above.
A collaborative effort between Taurus Armas S.A. and Jindal Defence Systems Pvt Limited— a prominent company in India—began pilot batch production of firearms this month in India. The joint venture, known as JD Taurus, was undertaken under the guidance of Taurus’ expert team from Brazil.
Starting in the 1980s, Leupold focused on producing optics designed specifically to handle the harsh aspects of military use. "American Rifleman Television" visited the company's Beaverton, Oregon, headquarters to learn more about what goes into making the military Leupold.
While the basic design of modern hunting rifles has changed little since the 1950s, great strides have been made within the realm of hunting optics during that same time.