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FN Creates the Perfect Blend of Concealment and Confidence with the All-New FN Reflex XL

Tuesday, January 14th, 2025

(McLean, VA — January 14, 2025) FN America, LLC is expanding its highly popular FN Reflex® micro-compact, semiautomatic pistol line by launching a class-leading, concealed-carry option: the FN Reflex® XL MRD. Featuring a slightly longer barrel, an extended grip and compatibility with preferred red dot optics, the FN Reflex XL lets users maximize accuracy while still providing deep concealment. 

The FN Reflex XL joins the FN Reflex family, which set a new standard in the world of 9mm everyday carry when it was released in 2023, combining best-in-class trigger feel and pull weight with reliable performance, great ergonomics and accuracy. The FN Reflex XL comes with 15-round standard capacity, plus an 18-round extended magazine, and is available in both black and flat dark earth (FDE) finishes. 

“The challenge in the concealed-carry 9mm category is to create a pistol that is easy to conceal while still being accurate and comfortable for users to shoot and carry,” said Chris Johnson, Senior Product Manager for Pistols at FN America, LLC. “With the Reflex XL, FN has created the perfect blend of concealability and shootability. The standard 15-round grip helps manage recoil and makes the pistol easier to shoot, while still maintaining overall dimensions that make the pistol concealable at just 1.1 inches wide.”  

An enhanced user experience is delivered by the pistol’s internal hammer-fired operation, which yields a smooth, 5-pound trigger pull and an easy-to-rack slide. The FN Reflex XLalso heightens the overall shooting experience. Features include two interchangeable grip backstraps for optimized comfort and length-of-reach adjustability, new palm swell, enhanced trigger guard undercut and an extended beavertail. Deeply concealable at only 6.75 inches and 20 ounces, the FN Reflex XL sports a 3.8-inch cold hammer-forged barrel for long-term durability. 

The FN Reflex XL comes standard with a high-visibility tritium front night sight paired with an all-black, U-notch rear sight. It is designed to be compatible with the most popular concealed-carry red dot optics, including all micro red dots that share the Shield® RMSc or Holosun® 507K footprints. The pistol’s accessory rail is compatible with accessories, including lights and lasers, designed to fit the Glock® 43X® MOS[1] accessory rail. 

“The Reflex has been overwhelmingly positive for FN. Customers appreciate the crisp trigger and compact size, which combine to make the pistol very easy to conceal and operate,” said John Ryan, Director, Product Management for FN America, LLC. “But never being satisfied, we pushed ourselves to continue the evolution of Reflex. The result is the Reflex XL, giving a perfect solution for those looking for the confidence of a concealed-carry option that is more comfortable to shoot, while offering up to 18+1 capacity.” 

Now with both Standard and XL models, the Reflex series is one of the most innovative and easy-to-shoot, concealed-carry options available, featuring a light and crisp, single-action-only (SAO) trigger, optics-ready capabilities and a cold hammer-forged barrel for a lifetime of shooting. In addition, multiple parts, magazines and accessories are compatible across the line.  

The FN Reflex models are also easy to manipulate and safe to maintain. The internal hammer design allows pistol disassembly without pulling the trigger. Plus, multiple internal passive safeties—including firing pin block, trigger safety and fire control safety—make the FN Reflex XL an extremely safe and reliable concealed-carry pistol. 

The new FN Reflex XL will debut in the FN Booth (Booth 12805) at the 2025 NSSF SHOT Show, January 21–24 in Las Vegas. To discover more about the FN Reflex XL, please visit fnamerica.com/pistols/reflex-series. To purchase any FN firearms, find an FN dealer near you at fnamerica.com/find-a-dealer

Announcing the Launch of the Staccato HD Family of Pistols

Tuesday, January 14th, 2025

FLORENCE, Texas, January 14th, 2025 – Staccato, the creators of the Staccato 2011® pistol, Staccato Ammo, and Staccato Ranch, is excited to announce the introduction of an all-new family of 2011 pistol: Staccato HD.

Born out of direct feedback from Staccato’s elite law enforcement and government end users, the Staccato HD incorporates a wide array of new features and technology resulting in the most technologically advanced 2011 pistol design ever brought to market.

The HD’s grip module is built around the Glock pattern magazine, already widely used by the law enforcement community and commonly available to all shooters in the retail market.

The HD’s controls are fully ambidextrous, with dual-sided safety and slide release levers as well as a swappable magazine release. There are also forward thumb index points machined into both sides of the frame.

Our signature forward slide serrations have been re-designed to wrap over the top of the slide with a more aggressive profile, assisting manipulations from the front of the pistol while wearing gloves or under adverse conditions.

Internal upgrades include a buffered, flat-wire recoil system and active firing pin block. Our updated HOST optic mounting system allows direct-to-slide mounting for the most popular miniature red dot optics. The rear iron sight is mounted directly to the slide, forward of the optic to negate the need for BUIS-equipped plates or adapters.

The first pistol to launch in this family is the Staccato P4. The P4 is built around a footprint that’s become increasingly popular among both armed professionals and citizens alike: a 4-inch barrel and slide mated to a full-size grip. The P4 grip will accept any full-size Glock-pattern magazine, but will ship with 18-round, heat-treated carbon steel magazines finished in a low-friction coating.

Coming in spring of 2025, the Staccato P4.5, built on the same full-size frame, features a 4.5-inch DLC barrel with a “sight block” design that increases non-reciprocating weight at the muzzle to help reduce felt recoil while preserving the faster cycle speed of the 4-inch slide.  

The Staccato HD line has been extensively tested for reliability, endurance, and harsh environment conditions both at the factory and by the highest tiers of Federal Law Enforcement.

The Staccato HD P4 will be available for purchase on January 28th, with an MSRP of $2499, and the HD P4.5 to be released at $2699. The HD line offers a new, ruggedized option for 2011 users looking for reliability under the toughest conditions while still experiencing the world’s best shooting handgun. Only from Staccato. Please visit www.staccato2011.com/HD for more information.

Strike Industries Launches New Firearms Brand: Strike Arms

Thursday, January 2nd, 2025

Strike Industries is proud to announce the Strike Arms Pistol (Compact) Frame, designed to fit Glock® Gen 3 components. The polymer-frame striker-fired market is one that Strike Industries has already distinguished itself in recent years across multiple weapon platforms with superior aesthetics, ergonomics and modularity.

Strike Arms has been a behind-the-scenes design powerhouse in the firearms industry for over a decade and is very excited to bring its first iteration of this popular pistol platform to the market.

Crafted with precision, this frame allows users to integrate their preferred Glock® 19 Gen 3 parts seamlessly, offering a highly customizable platform. With Strike Industries’ commitment to innovation and quality, the Compact Frame ensures an unparalleled shooting experience tailored to meet the evolving preferences of firearm builders and enthusiasts.

As the first serialized firearm product of many to come from Strike Arms, the SAP-C is a complete frame inspired by the Glock® 19 Gen 3 that comes with a lower parts kit pre-installed.
It also comes with an aggressive stippled texture straight from the factory. removing the need for aftermarket services and could save the owner some costs.

The grip angle has been improved to be more similar to that of a 1911, creating a significantly more natural point of aim compared to OEM frames which are often known to make shooters uncomfortably push their wrists forward and downwards to properly aim. There is also an extended beaver tail — its extended length is designed to protect the shooting hand from slide bites even for the largest of hands.

Whether users are right or left-handed, as they wrap their hands around the Compact Frame they’ll find that the double undercut around the trigger guard and oversized scalloped areas for the thumb create an extremely comfortable and ergonomic experience. To reduce the chance of accidentally engaging the slide lock lever there is a raised shelf that is stippled which doubles as a great area for the support hand’s thumb to rest on. Towards the front of the frame there are also Dynamic Control™ cuts on both sides designed for maximum recoil control.

With an integrated flared magwell there is a larger surface area to aid in quick and smooth insertions — its subdued design makes the frame still comfortable and possible to conceal carry without risk of overly printing. Attach whatever weapon mounted light, laser, or other accessory you like with the full length picatinny rail.

Thanks to Strike Industries’ diverse catalog of third party accessories for Glock, users can customize a fully Striked-out pistol with a wide variety of combinations.

The Strike Arms Pistol Compact Frame is now available exclusively at Primary Arms.

For more information on how to build out a new SA Pistol Compact Frame, visit StrikeIndustries.com.

Griffin Armament Announces Full-Ambi MK2 9mm AR Series

Friday, December 27th, 2024

Watertown, WI – December 23rd 2024

The Griffin MK2 9mm PCC series are fully ambidextrous 9mm AR-15s, and are the first full-ambi 9mm AR-15 on the market with a forged 7075-T6 receiver set. They are Colt magazine pattern lowers capable of receiving Colt or Metal Form 10, 20, & 32 round magazines. The lowers are built with a 1/4×28 nylon-tipped tension screw for a tight upper-lower fit that can be adjusted to fit end user preferences. These guns feature the same full-ambi control suite our customers have come to love from our MK2 series of 5.56mm AR-15s.

The feed ramp and magazine interface in this system was improved over Colt. Rather than use a magwell adapter assembled to a 5.56 lower, the magazine well on the MK2 9mm was natively sized to accept Colt SMG magazines. The proprietary feed ramp was tuned to deliver cartridges perfectly to the centerline of the chamber of the barrel, unlike the original Colt design and is affixed via a “whistlenotch” geometry borrowed from CNC drill holders, by three allen screws which pull the 17-4 nitrided feed ramp down into the receiver aggressively for more reliable feeding. The ejector was combined with the bolt catch extension in one component that is intended to work properly as they are put together, needing no “adjustment of the ejector” as with the original Colt system.

The buffer is brass for increased weight and is sized to limit the travel of the BCG so that casings cannot become lodged in the fire control pocket. Coupled with a proprietary action spring, the operation is very smooth and nearly recoil-less.  These 9mm guns come equipped with Griffin’s New Adjustable 2-Stage Triggers, which are configured at the factory for functional use right out of the box, but can be adjusted for overtravel and second stage/disconnector engagement by the end user for a more refined feel if they prefer. This Griffin Armament match trigger is a Milazzo Kreiger style 2-stage trigger, combining a mil-spec 62RC 8620 trigger material and heat treatment regime with a 53RC 440C tool stainless disconnector, and 440C 53RC nickel teflon coated tool steel lightened speed hammer.

Griffin MK2 9mm PCC’s come in three barrel lengths at this time; 4.5” with 7.5” SR handguard, 9.5” with 13.5” SR handguard, and 16” with 13.5” SR handguard. 4.5” and 9.5” models are fitted with a Griffin 3-Lug barrel adapter, and are best paired with the Griffin Sportsman Ultra Light HD™ .36or Bushwhacker® .36 suppressor fitted with a 3-Lug booster interface. The 16” model comes fitted with a Griffin Taper Mount Flash Hider Muzzle Device, and can accept Griffin Taper Mount suppressors, or any HUB-mount suppressor equipped with a Griffin Taper Mount (Plan-A™) HUB interface.

“Making the Griffin 9mm guns was a fun project for us. We were aware of the multiple issues that 9mm PCCs typically struggled with, such as feeding reliability issues, and we wanted to solve some of these issues in a MK2 series full ambidextrous platform. The proprietary feed ramp and ejector design is the most notable of these improvements over the original Colt SMGs, and allows for much more reliable feeding of 9mm cartridges including hollowpoint ammunition. We chose Colt magazines for aesthetic reasons and for reasons of better suitability to the AR-15 platform, to keep the classic SMG look, and to maintain the AR-15 manual of arms. Combining these factors with our buffer system produced a really soft-shooting PCC that we think our users will enjoy.”

– Austin, Head of Product Development-, Griffin Armament

Key Points:

– Colt Magazine Pattern Fully Ambidextrous 7075-T6 forged Lower Receiver
– Proprietary feed ramps, ejector, 9mm direct blowback BCG, and buffer system
– Type III Harcoat Anodized High-Durability Finish
– Griffin 3-Lug or Taper Mount Silencer Mount Muzzle Device Included
– 416R SS HEDP™ 9mm Barrel
– Griffin SN-ACH™ 9 Gen 2 Ambi Charging Handle
– Full-Ambi Control Suite (Right/Left Side Mag Release, Right/Left Side Bolt Catch & Release, Charging Handle, & Safety Selector Switch)
Perpetual Lifetime Warranty

Griffin Full-Ambi MK2 9mm PCC Specs:

– 4.5” Weight: 5 lbs. 2.4 oz.
– 4.5” OAL (Collapsed): 26 in. (With Sportsman HD .36)
– 9.5” Weight: 6 lbs. 1.7 oz.
– 9.5” OAL (Collapsed): 30 in. (With Sportsman HD .36)
– 16” Weight: 6 lbs. 14.1 oz.
– 16” OAL (Collapsed): 31 in.
– MSRP: $1499.95 (All Models)

To find out more on Griffin Armament’s entire product line, please visit our website at www.GriffinArmament.com.

For attendees of the 2025 SHOT Show, Griffin Armament will be exhibiting the MK2 9mm PCC Series along with the rest of their product line at Booth # 20455.

Introducing SIG Special Weapons Group and the Australian SIGP320978 Pistol

Thursday, December 19th, 2024

SIG SAUER has just launched a new program called the Special Weapons Group or SWG for short. I saw their initial offering and had to jump on it as I was in Australia for the announcement of the F9 pistol contract in 2022 which is part of Lethality System Project (LAND 159).

The pistol is known as Australia SIGP320978 in the SWG program and limited to only 1500 units. I had initially heard rumors that some of these pistols might be offered for commercial sale during SIG NEXT earlier this year and much to my surprise, SIG launched the program along with this limited edition handgun.

The pistol is configured just like an ADF issue F9, which is quite similar to a US Modular Handgun System M18. Where it differs most is in the frame. It features a Coyote X Carry frame with an extended beaver tail and deeper undercuts paired with a PVD coated slide. In addition a to an external safety, it is also equipped with a SIG ROMEO2 Optic and FOXTROT2 Weapon light, right out of the box. Finally, you’ll also find a certificate of authenticity as well as one 17-round magazine and two 21-round magazines in the case.

This isn’t the first time that SIG has offered products developed for defense customers to the general public. For instance, there was a run of surplus M17 and M18 MHS handguns and currently you can purchase a SURG upper receiver group. Now, it’s all under a more formal program. Even better, this isn’t the last project SWG has in the hopper.

Available only at the SIG Flagship Store in the Experience Center and online. Learn more at www.sigsauer.com/swg.

Red Sands III Exercise in Saudi Arabia: Rheinmetall Canada Demonstrates Its Drone Defence Capabilities at Ultra-Short Ranges

Wednesday, December 18th, 2024

A Rheinmetall system for combating drones at ultra-close range has demonstrated its effectiveness in a joint exercise with representatives of the U.S. Army Central Command and the Saudi Arabian Armed Forces. The Red Sands III exercise took place in September 2024 at the Shamal 2 firing range in north-eastern Saudi Arabia and focused on countering uncrewed aerial systems (C-UAS).

The multinational exercise provided a challenging environment for assessing C-UAS solutions. At the same time, it enabled technology developers and operational personnel to work together to close capability gaps. The exercise was preceded by successful qualification tests, which took place in the United States in the summer of 2024.

Designed as the last line of defence against small low-flying and fast-moving drones, Rheinmetall’s ultra Short-Range Air Defence (SHORAD) system offers an engagement range from 50 to 800 m. The Mission Master XT uncrewed ground system (UGS) serves as the carrier platform.

Developed by Rheinmetall Canada, the system consists of the Rheinmetall Fieldranger Multi remote-controlled weapon station with a twin Dillon Aero M134D minigun, a radar, an electronic optics package and an artificial intelligence (AI)-based target acquisition and tracking system. This advanced layered defence system is capable of engaging multiple threats with formidable fire power. It offers multi-domain capabilities that execute with precision when detecting, tracking and engaging aerial and ground threats.


Rheinmetall’s ultra SHORAD system mounted on the Mission Master XT

Strong performance despite harsh desert conditions

In the final phase of Red Sands III, five challenging scenarios were set up to simulate real-world threats. In all scenarios, participants’ capabilities were assessed against Group 2 and 3 multi-rotor drones as well as Group 3 fixed-wing aircraft. Rheinmetall’s ultra SHORAD system demonstrated superior capabilities, scoring hits on all drones and successfully neutralizing every multirotor drone on the first pass. This performance was only matched by Rheinmetall and participants with costly advanced missile systems.

Even under the extreme conditions of the Saudi Arabian desert – where temperatures sometimes reached up to 45 °C – Rheinmetall’s ultra SHORAD system excelled thanks to its rapid operational readiness and its resistance to weapon interference, overheating and interruptions to the power supply. Earlier exercises at Fort Drum NY, USA, also demonstrated the system’s resilience in high humidity and heavy rain. Another outstanding feature is the system’s AI-driven tracker, which detects and classifies drones long before they are engaged, even in dusty conditions and poor visibility.
In addition to its operational success, Rheinmetall’s system proved to be extremely efficient. With a low cost per engagement, it represents a sustainable and economical solution.

A benchmark for the future development of CUAS

The exercise – an example of the partnership between the Saudi Arabian Armed Forces and U.S. Army Central Command – provided a valuable platform for assessing and refining systems in real-world scenarios. “We are proud to have played a critical role in enhancing operational readiness and fostering innovation to effectively counter emerging threats,” said Alain Tremblay, Vice-President Business Development and Innovation at Rheinmetall Canada. Rheinmetall’s performance at Red Sands III underscores the company’s leadership in providing reliable, adaptable and cost-effective solutions that meet the evolving requirements of modern defence operations worldwide.

US Army Marksmanship Unit Prepares Soldiers with New Weapons System

Tuesday, December 17th, 2024

SCHOFIELD BARRACKS, Hawaii — The U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit’s Instructor Training Group recently trained Hawaii-based Soldiers on the fielding of the Next Generation Squad Weapon system, Nov. 7-22, 2024, at Schofield Barracks. The training introduced Soldiers to the advanced capabilities of the NGSW, a weapon system designed to give U.S. troops a decisive edge on the battlefield.

Staff Sgt. Joseph Enloe, a Weapons Squad Leader with the 25th Infantry Division, expressed his enthusiasm for the training, describing it as “phenomenal” and a key factor in shaping future combat tactics.

The NGSW system, which includes the XM7 rifle, XM250 automatic rifle and the XM157 fire control system, is designed to enhance a Soldier’s lethality and survivability by providing precise targeting, improved range and advanced optics. However, as with any new technology, its effectiveness relies heavily on proper training and the integration of that technology with foundational marksmanship skills.

The integration of the XM157 Fire Control Unit is one of the most notable features of the NGSW. The system provides real-time range data and a corrected aim point for the shooter, significantly improving accuracy and engagement speed, said Staff Sgt. Jacoby Fannon, an instructor/shooter assigned to the USAMU. The technology is not a substitute for basic marksmanship training, it is designed to augment and enhance a Soldier’s existing skills.

“Soldiers are given increased capabilities to achieve overmatch when leveraging NGSW technology with continued outcome-focused training,” said Fannon. “The purpose of NGSW technology is to augment, not replace, a Soldier’s training. This approach ensures that even when the technology is unavailable or inaccurate, Soldiers can still rely on their basic skills, such as range estimation and manual targeting, to engage the enemy.”

“Training is very important, and we always have to train as we fight,” said Sgt. 1st Class Austinnick Rosario, a Platoon Sergeant assigned to Apache Troop, 3rd Battalion, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, “If we do it right, our jobs will be easier.”

The training structure included preliminary marksmanship instruction and evaluation to more advanced marksmanship tables that progressively build a Soldier’s skills. This layered training is designed to reinforce the basics while allowing Soldiers to fully integrate the advanced features of the NGSW system.

Marksmanship training remains consistent, regardless of the weapon system. The Army’s marksmanship tables are structured to provide all Soldiers, regardless of experience level, with the tools needed to develop proficiency. The training starts with the fundamentals and builds to more complex exercises that simulate real combat scenarios.

Throughout the training, Soldiers were guided by expert instructors from the USAMU. These instructors are not only experts in weapons systems but also in the science of teaching marksmanship.

“USAMU instructors were invaluable during the training, providing a lot of knowledge to share, and offering tips and feedback to help Soldiers maximize their effectiveness with the new system,” said Staff Sgt. Joseph Enloe, a weapons squad leader assigned to B. Co, 2nd Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division.

The USAMU’s role goes beyond simply teaching Soldiers to shoot well. They also emphasize the mental and strategic aspects of marksmanship.

“Qualification should be a confidence booster for both the operator and their leadership, underscoring the importance of mental readiness in addition to physical skill,” said Fannon.

Fannon’s insights into marksmanship training highlight how critical it is for Soldiers to develop the ability to think strategically.

“Practice will challenge the operator to trust their skill set by forcing the quick acquisition of stable firing positions,” he said. “Engaging targets at limited exposure times furthers the development of the mental chess match, a necessary skill when facing a well-equipped enemy.”

The fielding of the NGSW is a critical step toward ensuring that the U.S. Army remains at the cutting edge of combat technology. However, as these recent training exercises demonstrate, success in battle is not solely about the weapons you carry. The real key lies in the integration of new technologies with ongoing training, mental preparation and an emphasis on marksmanship fundamentals.

“The weapon system’s capabilities alone are impressive, but it’s the Soldiers’ ability to effectively use those capabilities that will determine success on the battlefield,” said Rosario.

By embracing a holistic approach to training that combines advanced technology with foundational skills, the U.S. Army is preparing its Soldiers for the future warfare.

By MSG Kulani Lakanaria

Barrett Lands New US Army Contract for M107 Rifle System

Saturday, December 7th, 2024


A U.S. Army soldier fires down range with the Barrett M107. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Michael J. MacLeod)

MURFREESBORO,TN — Barrett Firearms Manufacturing Inc. has secured a new U.S. Army contract for the M107 Rifle System and variant systems, such as the Model 82A1 and M107A1, extending the company’s long-standing support of America’s military.

The Barrett M107 has been an integral part of the U.S. Armed Forces’ long-range arsenal for more than two decades, delivering unmatched firepower, accuracy, and reliability in the field.

The new$14,999,500 contract, which includes accessories, spare parts and training support, will be delivered through late 2029.

Barrett Vice President of Business Development and Sales Ryan Krantz said the latest contract ensured the continued supply of the M107 Rifle System and its variants to support U.S. Army missions worldwide.

“This contract reaffirms the trust that the U.S. Army has placed in the M107 Rifle System and Barrett’s commitment to excellence,” he said. “We are honored to continue providing our troops with a superior platform that has stood the test of time in both performance and reliability.”