Kalashnikov Concern has begun to produce a series of English language videos detailing their advancements and new products. This video details a modernization kit developed by the company, which aims to update older Kalashnikov-style weapons. Adjustments include the inclusion of Picatinny rails, a new muzzle brake/flash hider, and ergonomically-improved furniture.
WEST HARTFORD, Conn. (May 25, 2017) – Colt is excited to announce an update to the incredibly popular Colt Competition Pistol™ line. All models, which were originally offered with Colt’s Series 80™ firing system, will now feature Colt’s Series 70™ firing system. This change comes at no added cost to the consumer; the pistol will continue to be priced starting at $899 for blued and $999 for stainless steel.
“The Series 70™ firing system has long been associated with Colt’s heritage as a top manufacturer of competition-grade firearms,” said Mark Redl, Product Manager and Pro Shooter for Colt. “As we look forward and build more value for shooters into our Competition Pistol™ line, we also seek to pay tribute to that storied heritage. For weekend competitors and those looking to improve their action pistol shooting game, this race ready pistol, which was already an excellent value, has just become even more desirable.”
Colt is pursuing yet another class of competitive shooter now with this recent change. All the great features that have made the Competition Pistol™ Colt’s number one selling handgun remain the same. Whether they prefer stainless or blued finish, competitors who are preparing for their next match can pick up a Series 70™ Colt Competition Pistol™ and shoot the match right out of the box. Featuring the same Novak adjustable rear sight and fiber optic front sight for easy target acquisition, competition ergonomics, Colt branded blue G10 grips, and Colt’s Dual Spring Recoil System™ to ease recoil and keep shots on-target, the Colt Competition Pistol™ continues to be one of the best values in firearms today.
The blued Colt Competition Pistol™ in .45 ACP or 9mm has an MSRP of $899, while the stainless steel model in .45 ACP or 9mm has an MSRP of $999. The Colt Competition Pistol™ is also available in .38 Super in both finishes; $949 for the blued model and $1,049 for the stainless steel model.
About Colt’s Manufacturing Company LLC
Colt’s Manufacturing Company LLC is one of the world’s leading designers, developers and manufacturers of firearms. The company has supplied civilian, military and law enforcement customers in the United States and throughout the world for more than 175 years. Our subsidiary, Colt Canada Corporation, is the Canadian government’s Center of Excellence for small arms and is the Canadian military’s sole supplier of the C7 rifle and C8 carbine. Colt operates its manufacturing facilities in West Hartford, Connecticut and Kitchener, Ontario. For more information on Colt and its subsidiaries, please visit www.colt.com.
We are living in exciting times. It’s an era of small arms innovation; a renaissance if you will. Not since the late-50/early-60s have we seen the potential for such fundamental change in US military issue small arms. We have requirements from the services, but also products already developed by industry, ready to fit the bill. But most of all, we have will and that’s something we haven’t had in a long time. Our President is emphasizing defense and our Congress is actively engaged in hearings to determine what appropriations need to be made to modernize our forces. Exciting times indeed.
What’s happening?
US Army, Marine Corps and Special Operations Command are all engaged in small arms improvement efforts, either on their own or in conjunction with one another. I’ve mentioned most of them over the past few months but I’ll offer a short summary here.
US Army has lead on a Joint effort for a new pistol. The 9mm SIG P320 was selected earlier this year as the M17/18 and will begin fielding soon.
US Army has a directed requirement for over 6,000 Squad Designated Marksman Rifles based on the 7.62mm H&K G28. Additionally, the Army selected a G28 variant for the M110A1 Compact Semi Auto Sniper System.
US Army Marksmanship Unit continues development of .264 USA cartridge.
Multiple programs work on development of polymer ammunition cases.
US Marine Corps is studying increased fielding of the 5.56mm M27 Infantry Automatic Rifle, based on the H&K 416. Outfitted with an optic, the M27 will soon be used to fulfill a Designated Marksman role at the Infantry Squad level and the Marines have issued a Sources Sought Notice to industry for production of additional rifles.
US Marine Corps is studying increased use of suppressors for small arms.
USSOCOM selected and fielded the 9mm GLOCK19 with mini red dot optic as their pistol.
USSOCOM has a requirement for a .300BLK Personal Defense Weapon kit for their SOPMOD M4A1 carbines.
USSOCOM has a requirement for a 5.56mm Suppressed Upper Receiver Group for their SOPMOD M4A1 carbines.
USASOC has stated an interest in an improved 5.56mm Upper Receiver Group with Mid-Gas system, M-LOK handguard and SureFire WarComp for their SOPMOD M4A1 carbines.
USASOC is conducting a 6.5mm family cartridge study in conjunction with the GPF US Army. They’ve already fired 23 different cartridges at a 2,000yd radar equipped Range at Aberdeen Test Center. The user evaluation will be conducted Fall 2017.
USSOCOM has stated an interest in a 6.5mm family Sniper Support Weapon/Carbine and Lightweight Assault Machine Gun once USASOC selects a cartridge.
USSOCOM and USMC have issued a Sources Sought Notice for a Lightweight Medium Machine Gun in .338 Norma Magnum.
USSOCOM has a requirement for an Advanced Sniper Rifle in .300NM and .338NM. The US Army is monitoring.
Additionally, there are numerous Laser and Optics programs in Army, Marine Corps, and SOCOM.
Best Is The Enemy Of Better
During last week’s Special Operations Forces Industry Conference I heard a lot of really knowledgeable people poking holes in every one of the modernization efforts mentioned above. They want the “Best”. Whatever that is, because everyone has a different opinion on just what constitutes the best. Sure, who doesn’t what our guys and gals to have the best equipment they can get? It sounds great on paper, but in practical terms, our troops generally get “Best Value” which means an analysis is made to determine what offers the best bang for the buck. Cost versus Effect. Take a look at the efforts above. There’s a lot of effect there. Some of it game changing.
Instead of seeking the ever elusive “Best”, we need to start accepting the notion of “Better” as in “Better than what we have now.” In each effort above, you can make the case that the proposed capability is better than legacy. Granted, some of the technologies aren’t 100% and may need some refinement, but we have synergy right now. Remember that will I mentioned earlier? Having the money to make these programs happen is essential and sometimes you’ve got to make it happen even if you aren’t completely ready. We can work on the rough edges as we field them. Every weapon system has issues which have to be worked out. If we hold out for “Best” we’ll never get “Better”.
But, What About NATO?
Precisely. What about NATO? There are some who feel we shouldn’t adopt a new caliber because it will violate NATO standards. This isn’t true at all. Take for example .338 Lapua. Although it was initially developed in the US, once the Netherlands adopted it for their Sniper weapons, it became a NATO round. Any development we do here in the US, can and will benefit all of NATO in the future.
None of the efforts listed above threaten current NATO standards but rather work to supplement them. While USSOCOM is working hard to identify a cartridge in the 6.mm family (my money is on .260 Remington), they have no plans to abandon 5.56mm anytime soon, or 7.62mm, for that matter. Instead, the plan is to offer new capability in 6.5mm, .300NM, and .338NM. Once they fully understand how those calibers will effect the mix of small arms at the small unit level, then more informed decisions about the future of the carbine can be made.
Woulda, Shoulda, Coulda
Sure, we’ve squandered opportunities in the past, but that was then and this is now. We have to look to the future and not let history repeat itself. Too often we’ve embarked on a program for a new weapon only to decide there isn’t enough of a leap ahead. When the M16 was adopted over 50 years ago, no one imagined it would still be in use. While industry has developed a myriad of enhancements for the platform, that quest for a leap ahead has caused readily available improvements to stagnate. It’s time to move forward and adopt these new capabilities which will keep the US military at the top of its game and the envy of others around the globe.
Thank You Jim Schatz
If the small arms renaissance had a prophet, that man’s name was Jim Schatz. He carried the fire for small arms modernization for years, even when there was little interest in the services, let alone Congress. Look back on his briefings to NDIA and you’ll see a lot of what is happening now. Thanks Jim, we all owe you!
Baton Rouge, La.—Lipsey’s, a nationally renowned firearms distributor, and industry icon Larry Vickers, continue to up the ante on the popular “Vickers GLOCK” series.
Shipping immediately as a Lipsey’s Exclusive, this new Full FDE GLOCK series is built on the Vickers preferred RTF2 frame. The initial production run will be limited to 2,000 G17’s and 3,000 G19’s.
There are some familiar features that seat this Full FDE model at the Vickers GLOCK table while maintaining its own unique personality. Touting the new AmeriGlo Pro I-DOT tritium front sight and proven Wilson Combat U-Notch rear, Vickers stated this may be the best sight configuration that he’s ever shot. “I’ve run a lot of pistols set up every way imaginable but this yellow/green front sight picks up as fast as anything out there.”
The reliable Vickers TangoDown add-ons include the extended mag release, extended slide catch and matching FDE magazine base plates. The grip plug with integral disassembly tool, new in FDE, is a perfect match. An allen wrench is also included for rear sight adjustment.
Now the fourth GLOCK in the Lipsey’s/Vickers Tactical offering, there are no signs of slowing down as Lipsey’s Vice President and Product Development Manager, Jason Cloessner, eludes. “The Vickers GLOCK project is one of our most popular and requested exclusives. With the popularity of our Full FDE exclusive that’s been around for a few years, we saw a void that this Vickers gun fills perfectly. We had to have Larry’s stamp on it.”
Located in Baton Rouge, Lipsey’s was originally formed as a wholesale hunting and fishing distributor in 1953. Today, the company leads the firearms industry in the collaboration and distribution of exclusive firearms. An authority in NFA regulations, Lipsey’s also offers a robust line of silencers, short barrel rifles and accessories. With a committed focus on relationships, Lipsey’s provides value and innovation to federally licensed dealers and the industry’s top manufacturers.
Sako is manufacturing a limited edition of numbered Sako TRG 22 “Finland 100” sniper rifles with white Finnish camouflage.
The TRG 22 “Finland 100” jubilee model is offered in .308 and the white snow camouflage pays homage to the heroes of the Winter War.
The Sako TRG 22 “Finland 100” sniper rifle has the text “Finland 100”, and the gun’s serial number, laser-engraved on its frame. The rifle is packaged in a carry case with a jubilee knife with the same engravings as the rifle itself. The jubilee model also comes with two magazines, bipod, muzzle brake and removable open sights.
DIMENSIONS
Total length 1000mm
Barrel length 510mm
Weight 4,7kg
SIGHTS
Open sights Standard
Picatinny-rail or Weaver base Optional
TRIGGER
Double stage trigger Standard
MAGAZINE
10 round Detachable Magazine
OTHER FEATURES
Left-handed
Black bolt Standard
Muzzle brake Optional
Muzzle thread Standard
Phosphatized steel parts Optional
www.sako.fi/rifles/sako-trg/trg-22-jubilee-model
Nighthawk, Agency Arms, Railscales, Cerakote, and Hillbilly 223 have all come together to release an incredible gun at the NRAAM this year. The very first gun of this limited 50 gun run is being auctioned on Gunbroker to raise money for SOC-F.
The Special Operations Care Fund (SOCF) is a 501(c)3 non-profit, 100% volunteer, charitable organization that strives to generate funds for the families of wounded or killed Special Operations Forces (SOF). Via our events, we will connect generous people with the SOF community.
Meticulously crafted and designed, the Nighthawk Agent 1 is the exciting result of a collaboration between Nighthawk Custom, Agency Arms, Railscales, and Hillbilly 223. Using the “One Gun, One Gunsmith” approach, Nighthawk has been able to take the 1911 platform to an all new level of hand-crafted quality and beauty.
This specific pistol was designed to push the boundaries of what was possible with the 1911, while ensuring that the aggressive design maintained a practical application. The resulting pistol speaks for itself. The Agent 1 is a truly unique and stunning firearm.
www.gunbroker.com/item/646133386
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 18th, 2017
LAS VEGAS, NV –As part of the consolidation of its product line-up and trimming certain models, Arsenal, Inc. is phasing out the SAM7K and SLR-106UR Pistol models. These 7.62x39mm and 5.56x45mm pistols will no longer be manufactured and all stock will be offered at significantly lowered prices. All configurations will be available at $300-$500 lower than their standard MSRP, while stocks last. Please contact your retailers and distributors for stock status and actual pricing.
SAM7K Pistol – 7.62x39mm caliber pistol, milled receiver (hot-die hammer forged), short gas system, front sight block / gas block combination, 10 1/2 inch chrome lined hammer forged barrel, black polymer, Picatinny Quad Rail handguard furniture options, original pistol grip made to work with ambidextrous safety lever, peep rear sight, side mounted scope rail, integrated flashlight option. Includes one 5-round magazine, sling, oil bottle, and cleaning kit.
SLR-106 UR Pistol – 5.56x45mm caliber pistol, stamped receiver, short gas system, front sight block / gas block combination, 8 1/2 inch chrome lined hammer forged barrel, new style removable muzzle brake/compensator designed to reduce recoil, 24×1.5mm RH threads, black polymer, wood, or Picatinny Quad Rail handguard furniture options, stabilizing brace options. Includes one each 5-round and 20-round magazines, sling, oil bottle, and cleaning kit.
Learn about all the Arsenal Pistol variants here: www.arsenalinc.com/usa/Pistols
Griffin Armaments’ Revolution Silencer Series brings new to market features and versatility in the pistol silencer class. The Mod 3 Revolution Series silencers are now rated for 7.62×39, 300 BLK supersonic, and 5.56mm for hunting applications.
“We saw the market trending In our direction on our modular silencer concept and we thought it was time to kick it up a notch and get back on top of the dog pile. So we decided to re-engineer the product and improve it with a lot of versatility and some high pressure caliber application.” -Austin, Lead engineer and primary owner of Griffin stated. He continued, “With the HPA losing steam, and silencers continuing to have a tax stamp associated, we wanted to give the customers more usability in the product. Ultimately it would be great if the HPA were to pass in some form, but it doesn’t like it will anytime soon. I think consumers are going to be putting their money into versatile products and we are happy to provide those for them.”
The Mod 3 Revolution Series silencers also now support the Griffin Taper Mount Muzzle Devices for hunting application.
In closing, Austin stated,
“I feel these silencers are great for people who want to buy something fun like a pistol silencer but who might want it to do double duty with centerfire and rimfire hunting applications. There’s more to shooting than staying on the range and dumping magazines and these products cater to the practical outdoorsman just as much as the recreational shooter. More states are hunting legal than ever before and it’s a great time to protect your hearing while enjoying one of America’s oldest traditions.”
Griffins Revolution Line includes :
REV 9, 9mm 7.6” x 1.375” $795msrp 11.2oz full size, 9.7oz (short)
SPL: 127db (Full Length) 124db (Short)
REV 45, 45acp 8.2” x 1.375” $849msrp 12oz full size, 10.5oz (short)
SPL: 130bd (Full Length) 138.5db (Short)
Features:
