Drizzt
Member
Copyright 2003 Publishers' Development Corporation
Shooting Industry
January 1, 2003
SECTION: No. 1, Vol. 48; Pg. 33; ISSN: 0037-4148
IAC-ACC-NO: 97232942
LENGTH: 5705 words
HEADLINE: New 2003 products! Extra! New offerings continue to roll out as the industry begins its new business year!
BYLINE: Thurman, Russ
BODY:
The holiday buying is over and the books for 2002 are closed. It is a new year with fresh opportunities. New products for 2003 continue to be introduced with manufacturers competing to grab the attention of distributors, dealers and consumers.
This year, there are an impressive number of new products in all categories. Firearm and ammunition makers lead the drive, complimented by a variety of accessories to enhance hunting, competition and casual shooting.
Here is our second look at new products for 2003. Together with the December 2002 issue, we have presented and unprecedented number of new products at the beginning of a new year. As always, Shooting Industry is committed to providing the latest information to help dealers build their businesses. For additional new products and business information, sign onto www.shootingindustry.com.
FIREARMS
Sturm, Ruger & Co.
(928) 541-8820
www.ruger-firearms.com
Ruger is introducing three variations of its rimfire rifles chambered in .17 HMR.
The Ruger Stainless Steel 77/17 bolt-action rifle features a heavy varmint barrel in Target Gray and a weather-resistant black laminated hardwood stock. It measures 43.25 inches overall and weighs 6 7/8 pounds.
The second Ruger 77/17 bolt action in .17 HMR features a blued finish and lightweight synthetic stock. It is 41.25 inches long and weighs 6 pounds. Both Model 77/17s have nine-round capacities, three-position safeties and includes medium-height 1-inch scope rings.
The new Ruger Model 96/17 lever action features a blued barrel and steel-reinforced, aluminum alloy receiver with a steel bolt. It has a hardwood stock, sliding cross-button safety, folding rear and gold bead front sights and comes with a tip-off scope mount base. It measures 37 3/8 inches overall and weighs 5.25 pounds.
Beretta USA
(301) 283-2191
www.berettausa.com
Beretta's new Stampede SAA Revolver is chambered in .45LC, .44-40 and .357 Magnum and is available in 4.75-, 5.5- and 7.5-inch barrel lengths. Finish options are traditional blue, nickel, and on the deluxe model, charcoal blue with high-grade walnut grips.
The new U22 Neos DLX features an adjustable trigger (pre-and over-travel), Beretta blue rubber grip inlays, interchangeable colored front and rear sights and a laser-engraved slide. It is chambered in .22 LR and is available in 6- and 7.5-inch barrel lengths, with black or stainless finishes.
The new Model 92G-SD and Model 96G-SD feature an integral accessory rail, recoil-reducing heavy slide, and removable front and rear Trijicon three-dot tritium sights. With a 4.9-inch barrel, the pistols are available in 9mm and .40 S&W.
Beretta's new Onyx Pro Series shotguns are offered in new X-Tra Wood, featuring a special waterproof, wood-enhancement process. They are available in 12, 20 and 28 gauge. A 12 gauge in 3 1/2-inch is also available. The shotguns feature TruGlo Tru-Bead sights, extended hunting choke tubes, fluted beavertail forends and Gel-Tek Recoil Pads.
The new White and Black Onyx shotguns, finished in silver or black, feature a carbon-fiber pattern. The White Onyx has a Schnabel forend. The Black Onyx has a fluted Beavertail forend. They are available in 12, 20 and 28 gauge.
The new Silver Pigeon IV shotguns have a selected oil finished Walnut stock and full coverage scroll engraving with gold-filled flushing game birds on the receiver.
Beretta's AL391 Teknys and Teknys Gold, in 12 and 20 gauge, feature deep-relief engraving and nickel silver receivers. The AL391 Teknys, available in field models, comes in new X-Tra Wood with TruGlo sights and a Gel-Tek recoil pad. The Teknys Gold, in field and competition models, features a select oil-finished walnut stock and colored enamel inlays.
The new Sako Tikka T3 is offered in a Hunter wood/blued model and a Lite synthetic stock version, which weighs slightly over 6 pounds. Stainless and blued actions are available. Calibers include: .223 Rem.; .22-250 Rem.; .243 Win; .25-'06 Rem.; 7mm Rem. Mag.; 270 WSM and 300 WSM.
The new Sako 75 Custom Deluxe offers a hand-selected premium-grade walnut stock and custom-shop features. With a hinged floorplate magazine, the rifle is chambered in .270 and .30-'06.
The new Sako 75 Hunter Left-Hand, now available in Action IV size, is chambered in .25-'06 Rem., 270 Win. and .30-'06.
Kel-Tec CNC Industries
1-800-515-9983
www.kel-tec.com
Kel-Tec's new SU-16 Sport Utility Rifle is a gas-operated, self-loading .223 Rem. rifle. It features an integrated Picatinny rail, a forend that folds down to form a bipod and storage in the stock for spare magazines. The SU-16 folds for compact carry and storage. It has an 18-inch barrel and weighs 5 pounds.
The new double-action-only Kel-Tec P-3AT pistol is chambered in .380 Auto. The frame is machined from solid 7075 aluminum. The barrel and slide are made of SAE 4140 ordnance steel. The P-3AT is 5.2 inches long, weighs 7.2 ounces and holds a six-round magazine.
Browning
(801) 875-2711
www.browning.com
In addition to introducing two ultra-modern A-Bolt rifles in the new Winchester Super Short Magnums, Browning is chambering more rifles in the original WSM cartridges.
The .270 WSM, 7mm WSM and .300 WSM are now available in the A-Bolt Hunter (left-hand); the A-Bolt Micro Hunter, including left-hand models; the A-Bolt Stainless Stalker with BOSS, including Composite models; the A-Bolt Medallion, including left-hand models; and the BAR series.
Browning is also reviving a look from the past. The new BLR Lightweight '81 features the stock that made the rifle famous. The '81-style straight stock is combined with a modem lightweight lever action. It is available in short and long actions and in calibers from .22-250 Rem, to .300 Win. Mag.
In its rimfire rifles, Browning is introducing the Buck Mark Classic Carbon rifle. It has a gray laminate stock and forend.
In its shotgun line, Browning has added a 28 gauge and .410 bore to its Citori 525 Field series. The Citori 525 Sporting now has a 12 gauge and 20 gauge with 32-inch barrels, plus two new 28 gauges and two .410 bores.
In the BT-99 line is the Golden Clays. It features a ported barrel, beavertail forend and an adjustable comb and adjustable length of pull. In 12 gauge, with 32- and 34-inch barrel-length options, the BT-99 Golden Clays has the GraCoil recoil reduction system and high-post rib.
Browning has added Dura-Touch to its new National Wild Turkey Federation Ultimate Turkey Gun. In Mossy Oak Break-Up, the new shotgun is available in 12 gauge. In its BPS Mossy Oak Break-Up line, Browning has added a 20 gauge with 22-inch barrel.
Browning's new Pro-9 and Pro-40 semi-autos feature polymer frames and stainless steel slides. Other features of the double-action pistols include fixed, three-dot sights; ambidextrous decocker and safety and molded composite grips with interchangeable backstrap insert. A 10-round magazine is standard. Chambered in 9mm and .40 S&W, the pistols have 4-inch barrels and measure 7.25 inches overall.
Charles Daly
1-866-325-9486
www.charlesdaly.com
Charles Daly adds a 20 gauge to its Field Hunter pump-action and semi-auto shotguns. It is masked in Advantage Timber HD and Realtree Hardwoods HD camouflage. Chambered for 3-inch shotshells, the 20 gauge come standard with ventilated ribs, multiple choke tubes and barrel-length options of 24, 26 and 28 inches. It is also available in a Youth Model with a 22-inch barrel and a butt stock that is almost 2 inches shorter than the standard model.
Advantage Timber HD and Realtree Hardwoods HD is also available on Charles Daly's standard 12-gauge Field Hunter and the Maxi-Mag 3%-inch pump and semi- auto shotguns.
European American Armory
(321) 639-4842
www.eaacorp.com
EAA's new Saiga rifle features the Kalashnikov action and is chambered in .223, .270, .308, 7.62x39 and .30-'06. The Saiga has a polymer stock, adjustable sights, 21.8-inch blued barrel and weighs 8.1 pounds. The Saiga is also available as a shotgun in 12 and 20 gauge, and .410 bore.
The IZH-94 shotgun and rifle combination is now available in .410 bore with rifle options of .17 HMR, .22 LR and .22 Magnum. It has double triggers, walnut stock, rubber buttplate, 24-inch barrels and weighs 7.5 pounds.
Winchester Firearms
(801) 876-3440
www.winchester-guns.com
Winchester is chambering the Model 70 in the new .223 and .243 WSSM. The Model 70 Coyote, Featherweight and the new Super Shadow Super Short are available in the new cartridge.
Winchester's new Model 70 Super Shadow features a molded composite stock with oval-dot textured surfaces on the forend and pistol grip, plus a new exclusive recoil pad. The dark 24-inch barrel blends with the stock.
Also new is the Ultimate Shadow in stainless and blued barrel versions, and the Super Shadow Super Short.
In the Model 70 Classic, Winchester has added left-hand version to its Featherweight line.
The new Winchester Model 1885 Low Wall 17 HMR features the falling block design and a free-floating, drilled and tapped 24-inch barrel. The receiver, buttplate and lever are case colored. The stock has a Schnabel forend.
The .17 HMR is also now available in Winchester's Model 9417 Traditional and Legacy.
All Winchester Model 94s and Model 9410s now feature a top-tang safety, which replaces the safety mounted on the side of the receiver.
In shotguns, Winchester introduces the Supreme Select over-and-under line. The Elegance model features a grayed, low-profile receiver with dual locking pins and deep-blued, lighter-profile barrels. The stock and forend are checkered Grade III walnut and feature a hard buttplate. Other features include back-bored barrels, Invector-Plus Choke system and 3-inch chrome-plated chambers. Barrel-length options are 26 and 28 inches.
Also available in the Supreme Select line are the Field and Sporting models.
Remington Arms Co.
1-800-243-9100
www.remington.com
Remington's new Model 673 Guide Rifle is a modern-day version of the Remington Model 600 Magnum. Available in .300 Remington Short Action Ultra Magnum and the .350 Remington Magnum, the rifle features a wide-striped, weather-resistant, laminated Monte Carlo-style stock. The 22-inch Magnum contour barrel has a steel ventilated rib with iron sights. The receiver is drilled and tapped for scope mounts.
Remington's new Model 700 BDL SS and Model 700 Sendero SF are chambered in .300 Remington Short Action Ultra Mag. and 7mm Remington Short Action Ultra Mag.
The new Model 700 BDL SS (Stainless Synthetic) has an all-weather black synthetic stock with swivel studs. The short-action receiver and 24-inch magnum contour barrel are constructed of 416 stainless steel with a satin finish.
The Model 700 Sendero SF (Stainless Fluted) has a 416 stainless action, bedded in a hand-laid composite stock. It features swivel studs and a 26-inch free-floated, 416 stainless steel barrel with longitudinal fluting.
Remington is now offering the Model 597 in .17 HMR with a matte-black synthetic stock with swivel studs, and 20-inch sporter contour barrel with satin blued finish.
Remington's Model 7400 now comes in an all-weather version. The Model 7400 Weathermaster has a black synthetic stock and forend, and matte nickel-plated receiver, barrel and magazine. It is chambered in .30-'06 and .270 Win.
In shotguns, Remington is following the reintroduction of the 16-gauge Model 870 with the return of the Model 1100 Classic Field and Model 1100 Synthetic field, both in 16 gauge.
The Model 1100 autoloader is now available in a 12-gauge version for skeet. The Model 1100 Tournament Skeet has a semi-fancy American walnut stock and forend, and polished blue receiver and barrel.
Remington is introducing a factory-built, competition-ready, 12-gauge autoloading shotgun. The Model 1100 Competition Master features a matte-gray synthetic stock and forend, matte-black finished receiver and barrel, and the new Remington R3 Recoil Pad. A magazine extension tube holds eight 2 3/4-inch shells. A receiver-mountable ammo carrier holds seven extra shells. A fiber optic front sight and steel mid-bead sight top the 22-inch vent rib barrel.
Smith & Wesson
1-800-331-0852
www.smith-wesson.com
Smith & Wesson's SW99 line now includes a full-size .45 ACP pistol and two compacts. The .45 ACP SW99 pistol features a 4.25-inch barrel, 9+1 capacity and weigh 25.6 ounces. The compacts are available in a 9mm and .40 S&W. These latest SW99 pistols feature interchangeable backstraps, interchangeable front sights and adjustable rear sights.
The new Smith & Wesson 1911 has a 5-inch barrel, three-dot sights, a drop safety that is not connected to the trigger assembly, and an extended beavertail. The SWl9lI has the Smith & Wesson style external extractor and comes with two eight-round magazines.
The Smith & Wesson Value Series will soon be available in stainless steel. These include the compact Models 908S in 9mm and the 457S in .45 ACP, the full-size, double-stack magazine Model 910 in 9mm and the Model 410 in .40 S&W.
The .22 Magnum is returning to the Smith & Wesson product line with the re-introduction of the Model 648. It has a 6-inch barrel. New for 2003 is the Model 647 chambered in .17 HMR, featuring a 8 3/8-inch barrel. Both guns are six-shot stainless steel K-frame revolvers.
Three more Performance Center products will be available to all distributors in 2003. They are the Model 945 single-stack .45 ACP pistol with a 5-inch barrel; the Model 629 .44 Magnum Hunter with a comped 7.5-inch barrel; and the F-Comp, a stainless steel 3-inch PowerPort barrel Model 66 revolver chambered for .357 Magnum.
Weatherby Inc.
(805) 466-1767
www.weatherby.com
Weatherby's new 12-gauge SAS Slug Gun features the Italian gas system, internal dampening to reduce felt recoil, a 7075 T6 alloy receiver, 22-inch rifled barrel and a cantilever base. The semi-automatic will handle 2 3/4- and 3-inch shells. The walnut raised-comb Monte Carlo stock features a shim system for adjusting cast on, cast off and drop. The SAS Slug Gun weighs 7.25 pounds and is 39 inches long.
The new Mark V Special Varmint Rifle (SVR) has a 22-inch, #3 contour chrome moly 4140 steel Krieger Criterion button-rifled barrel with a muzzle diameter of .739-inch. The short, heavy free-floated barrel is finished with an 11-degree target crown. The bore is hand-lapped. The SVR's black Monte Carlo stock incorporates a CNC-machined aluminum bedding block, and a Pachmayr Decelerator pad. The rifle measures 42 inches overall and weighs 7.25 pounds.
North American Arms
(801) 374-9990
www.naaminis.com
NAA's new handgun, the 32NAA, is chambered in the company's new proprietary cartridge, the .32NAA. The cartridge was developed in partnership with Cor-Bon Ammunition. The 25NAA is also under development.
Two NAA mini-revolvers, the MiniMaster and Black Widow are chambered in .17 HMR.
NAA is also introducing its new Internal Locking System (ILS). According to NAA, the system meets the requirements of a manual safety and permits the company to reintroduce the .32 ACP in California. The .380 ACP model is currently being tested. Taurus engineered the system for NAA.
NAA is now offering a laser sighting system for the .380 ACP and .32 NAA. Made by C.C. Manufacturing, the laser breaks the firearm's outline.
AMMO AND RELOADING
Remington Arms Co.
1-800-243-9700
www.remington.com
Remington's new Express BuckHammer Attached-Sabot Lead Slug is available in 12-gauge, 2 3/4-inch loads. According to Remington, when used in a fully rifled barrel, the 1.25-ounce slug delivers 3-inch or better groups at 100 yards with 13 percent more energy than any other lead sabot slug on the market.
Remington has expanded its Premier Core-Lokt Ultra ammunition line with four new offerings: .243 Win. 100 grain, 7mm Remington Magnum 160 grain, .30-'06 Springfield 150 grain and 308 Win. 150 grain.
The .17 Hornady Magnum Rimfire is now available from Remington.
The Remington Premier .17 HMR features a 17-grain V-Max bullet that produces a muzzle velocity of 2,550 feet per second.
Remington has added a 20-gauge load to its Premier Core-Lokt Ultra Bonded Slug line. In a 2 3/4-inch shell, the slug weighs 260 grains. The company has also added the .243 Win. to its Premier Scirocco Bonded centerfire rifle ammunition line.
The new Remington Slugger High-Velocity in 12-gauge, 2 3/4 inch offers a muzzle velocity of 1,800 feet per second.
In its Hevi-Shot line, Remington has added a 10 and 20 gauge to its Hevi-Shot Magnum Turkey Loads. The 10 gauge in 3 1/2 inch has a 1 7/8 ounce magnum loading. The 20 gauge is offered in a 3-inch, 1.25-ounce load. Also new is Hevi-Shot Buckshot in 12 gauge, 2 3/4 inch; Premier Hevi-Shot High Velocity Nitro Magnum in 12 gauge, 3 and 3 1/2 inch; and Premier Hevi-Shot Nitro Magnum in 12 gauge, 3 inch.
Nosler Inc.
1-800-285-3701
www.nosler.com
Nosler's new AccuBond bullets will initially be offered in .277 140 grain (.496 BC), 7mm 160 grain (.531 BC), .308 200 grain (.588 BC), .338 225 grain (.550 BC) and .375 260 grain (.473 BC).
The hunting bullets have tapered, highly concentric bullet jackets constructed of gilding metal using Nosler's exclusive impact extrusion process. The AccuBond's core is highly concentric, uniform in weight and made from a special lead alloy. It is bonded to the jacket using a proprietary process that, according to Nosier, produces a virtually inseparable bond between core and jacket.
AccuBond bullets feature distinctive white polycarbonate tips that prevent deformation in the magazine, boost aerodynamic efficiency and initiate expansion.
Nosler's new .277 Partition bullet is designed to add flexibility to the .270 Winchester, .270 Weatherby and .270 WSM cartridges.
According to Nosler, the .277, 140-grain Partition is ideally suited to deer and elk-sized game at most hunting ranges and virtually all hunting velocities. The Partition is manufactured using Nosler's impact extrusion method. The front core is made of softer lead and is held in a tapered jacket that allows rapid, uniform expansion, even when impact velocities are low or ranges are long. The rear core is held in a thicker jacket with a positive heel closure that prevents core slippage and encourages excellent penetration and weight retention.
Mitchell Manufaduring Corp.
1-800-274-4124
www.mitchellsales.com
Mitchell's new .50 BMG ammunition features a 700-grain FMJ bullet and a muzzle velocity of 2,910 feet per second. The muzzle velocity variance is a maximum of plus/minus 30 feet per second.
According to Mitchell, the new bullet's supersonic range is 2,000 yards, while effective range is 4,000 yards. The bullet stays supersonic beyond 2,000 yards.
Shooting Industry
January 1, 2003
SECTION: No. 1, Vol. 48; Pg. 33; ISSN: 0037-4148
IAC-ACC-NO: 97232942
LENGTH: 5705 words
HEADLINE: New 2003 products! Extra! New offerings continue to roll out as the industry begins its new business year!
BYLINE: Thurman, Russ
BODY:
The holiday buying is over and the books for 2002 are closed. It is a new year with fresh opportunities. New products for 2003 continue to be introduced with manufacturers competing to grab the attention of distributors, dealers and consumers.
This year, there are an impressive number of new products in all categories. Firearm and ammunition makers lead the drive, complimented by a variety of accessories to enhance hunting, competition and casual shooting.
Here is our second look at new products for 2003. Together with the December 2002 issue, we have presented and unprecedented number of new products at the beginning of a new year. As always, Shooting Industry is committed to providing the latest information to help dealers build their businesses. For additional new products and business information, sign onto www.shootingindustry.com.
FIREARMS
Sturm, Ruger & Co.
(928) 541-8820
www.ruger-firearms.com
Ruger is introducing three variations of its rimfire rifles chambered in .17 HMR.
The Ruger Stainless Steel 77/17 bolt-action rifle features a heavy varmint barrel in Target Gray and a weather-resistant black laminated hardwood stock. It measures 43.25 inches overall and weighs 6 7/8 pounds.
The second Ruger 77/17 bolt action in .17 HMR features a blued finish and lightweight synthetic stock. It is 41.25 inches long and weighs 6 pounds. Both Model 77/17s have nine-round capacities, three-position safeties and includes medium-height 1-inch scope rings.
The new Ruger Model 96/17 lever action features a blued barrel and steel-reinforced, aluminum alloy receiver with a steel bolt. It has a hardwood stock, sliding cross-button safety, folding rear and gold bead front sights and comes with a tip-off scope mount base. It measures 37 3/8 inches overall and weighs 5.25 pounds.
Beretta USA
(301) 283-2191
www.berettausa.com
Beretta's new Stampede SAA Revolver is chambered in .45LC, .44-40 and .357 Magnum and is available in 4.75-, 5.5- and 7.5-inch barrel lengths. Finish options are traditional blue, nickel, and on the deluxe model, charcoal blue with high-grade walnut grips.
The new U22 Neos DLX features an adjustable trigger (pre-and over-travel), Beretta blue rubber grip inlays, interchangeable colored front and rear sights and a laser-engraved slide. It is chambered in .22 LR and is available in 6- and 7.5-inch barrel lengths, with black or stainless finishes.
The new Model 92G-SD and Model 96G-SD feature an integral accessory rail, recoil-reducing heavy slide, and removable front and rear Trijicon three-dot tritium sights. With a 4.9-inch barrel, the pistols are available in 9mm and .40 S&W.
Beretta's new Onyx Pro Series shotguns are offered in new X-Tra Wood, featuring a special waterproof, wood-enhancement process. They are available in 12, 20 and 28 gauge. A 12 gauge in 3 1/2-inch is also available. The shotguns feature TruGlo Tru-Bead sights, extended hunting choke tubes, fluted beavertail forends and Gel-Tek Recoil Pads.
The new White and Black Onyx shotguns, finished in silver or black, feature a carbon-fiber pattern. The White Onyx has a Schnabel forend. The Black Onyx has a fluted Beavertail forend. They are available in 12, 20 and 28 gauge.
The new Silver Pigeon IV shotguns have a selected oil finished Walnut stock and full coverage scroll engraving with gold-filled flushing game birds on the receiver.
Beretta's AL391 Teknys and Teknys Gold, in 12 and 20 gauge, feature deep-relief engraving and nickel silver receivers. The AL391 Teknys, available in field models, comes in new X-Tra Wood with TruGlo sights and a Gel-Tek recoil pad. The Teknys Gold, in field and competition models, features a select oil-finished walnut stock and colored enamel inlays.
The new Sako Tikka T3 is offered in a Hunter wood/blued model and a Lite synthetic stock version, which weighs slightly over 6 pounds. Stainless and blued actions are available. Calibers include: .223 Rem.; .22-250 Rem.; .243 Win; .25-'06 Rem.; 7mm Rem. Mag.; 270 WSM and 300 WSM.
The new Sako 75 Custom Deluxe offers a hand-selected premium-grade walnut stock and custom-shop features. With a hinged floorplate magazine, the rifle is chambered in .270 and .30-'06.
The new Sako 75 Hunter Left-Hand, now available in Action IV size, is chambered in .25-'06 Rem., 270 Win. and .30-'06.
Kel-Tec CNC Industries
1-800-515-9983
www.kel-tec.com
Kel-Tec's new SU-16 Sport Utility Rifle is a gas-operated, self-loading .223 Rem. rifle. It features an integrated Picatinny rail, a forend that folds down to form a bipod and storage in the stock for spare magazines. The SU-16 folds for compact carry and storage. It has an 18-inch barrel and weighs 5 pounds.
The new double-action-only Kel-Tec P-3AT pistol is chambered in .380 Auto. The frame is machined from solid 7075 aluminum. The barrel and slide are made of SAE 4140 ordnance steel. The P-3AT is 5.2 inches long, weighs 7.2 ounces and holds a six-round magazine.
Browning
(801) 875-2711
www.browning.com
In addition to introducing two ultra-modern A-Bolt rifles in the new Winchester Super Short Magnums, Browning is chambering more rifles in the original WSM cartridges.
The .270 WSM, 7mm WSM and .300 WSM are now available in the A-Bolt Hunter (left-hand); the A-Bolt Micro Hunter, including left-hand models; the A-Bolt Stainless Stalker with BOSS, including Composite models; the A-Bolt Medallion, including left-hand models; and the BAR series.
Browning is also reviving a look from the past. The new BLR Lightweight '81 features the stock that made the rifle famous. The '81-style straight stock is combined with a modem lightweight lever action. It is available in short and long actions and in calibers from .22-250 Rem, to .300 Win. Mag.
In its rimfire rifles, Browning is introducing the Buck Mark Classic Carbon rifle. It has a gray laminate stock and forend.
In its shotgun line, Browning has added a 28 gauge and .410 bore to its Citori 525 Field series. The Citori 525 Sporting now has a 12 gauge and 20 gauge with 32-inch barrels, plus two new 28 gauges and two .410 bores.
In the BT-99 line is the Golden Clays. It features a ported barrel, beavertail forend and an adjustable comb and adjustable length of pull. In 12 gauge, with 32- and 34-inch barrel-length options, the BT-99 Golden Clays has the GraCoil recoil reduction system and high-post rib.
Browning has added Dura-Touch to its new National Wild Turkey Federation Ultimate Turkey Gun. In Mossy Oak Break-Up, the new shotgun is available in 12 gauge. In its BPS Mossy Oak Break-Up line, Browning has added a 20 gauge with 22-inch barrel.
Browning's new Pro-9 and Pro-40 semi-autos feature polymer frames and stainless steel slides. Other features of the double-action pistols include fixed, three-dot sights; ambidextrous decocker and safety and molded composite grips with interchangeable backstrap insert. A 10-round magazine is standard. Chambered in 9mm and .40 S&W, the pistols have 4-inch barrels and measure 7.25 inches overall.
Charles Daly
1-866-325-9486
www.charlesdaly.com
Charles Daly adds a 20 gauge to its Field Hunter pump-action and semi-auto shotguns. It is masked in Advantage Timber HD and Realtree Hardwoods HD camouflage. Chambered for 3-inch shotshells, the 20 gauge come standard with ventilated ribs, multiple choke tubes and barrel-length options of 24, 26 and 28 inches. It is also available in a Youth Model with a 22-inch barrel and a butt stock that is almost 2 inches shorter than the standard model.
Advantage Timber HD and Realtree Hardwoods HD is also available on Charles Daly's standard 12-gauge Field Hunter and the Maxi-Mag 3%-inch pump and semi- auto shotguns.
European American Armory
(321) 639-4842
www.eaacorp.com
EAA's new Saiga rifle features the Kalashnikov action and is chambered in .223, .270, .308, 7.62x39 and .30-'06. The Saiga has a polymer stock, adjustable sights, 21.8-inch blued barrel and weighs 8.1 pounds. The Saiga is also available as a shotgun in 12 and 20 gauge, and .410 bore.
The IZH-94 shotgun and rifle combination is now available in .410 bore with rifle options of .17 HMR, .22 LR and .22 Magnum. It has double triggers, walnut stock, rubber buttplate, 24-inch barrels and weighs 7.5 pounds.
Winchester Firearms
(801) 876-3440
www.winchester-guns.com
Winchester is chambering the Model 70 in the new .223 and .243 WSSM. The Model 70 Coyote, Featherweight and the new Super Shadow Super Short are available in the new cartridge.
Winchester's new Model 70 Super Shadow features a molded composite stock with oval-dot textured surfaces on the forend and pistol grip, plus a new exclusive recoil pad. The dark 24-inch barrel blends with the stock.
Also new is the Ultimate Shadow in stainless and blued barrel versions, and the Super Shadow Super Short.
In the Model 70 Classic, Winchester has added left-hand version to its Featherweight line.
The new Winchester Model 1885 Low Wall 17 HMR features the falling block design and a free-floating, drilled and tapped 24-inch barrel. The receiver, buttplate and lever are case colored. The stock has a Schnabel forend.
The .17 HMR is also now available in Winchester's Model 9417 Traditional and Legacy.
All Winchester Model 94s and Model 9410s now feature a top-tang safety, which replaces the safety mounted on the side of the receiver.
In shotguns, Winchester introduces the Supreme Select over-and-under line. The Elegance model features a grayed, low-profile receiver with dual locking pins and deep-blued, lighter-profile barrels. The stock and forend are checkered Grade III walnut and feature a hard buttplate. Other features include back-bored barrels, Invector-Plus Choke system and 3-inch chrome-plated chambers. Barrel-length options are 26 and 28 inches.
Also available in the Supreme Select line are the Field and Sporting models.
Remington Arms Co.
1-800-243-9100
www.remington.com
Remington's new Model 673 Guide Rifle is a modern-day version of the Remington Model 600 Magnum. Available in .300 Remington Short Action Ultra Magnum and the .350 Remington Magnum, the rifle features a wide-striped, weather-resistant, laminated Monte Carlo-style stock. The 22-inch Magnum contour barrel has a steel ventilated rib with iron sights. The receiver is drilled and tapped for scope mounts.
Remington's new Model 700 BDL SS and Model 700 Sendero SF are chambered in .300 Remington Short Action Ultra Mag. and 7mm Remington Short Action Ultra Mag.
The new Model 700 BDL SS (Stainless Synthetic) has an all-weather black synthetic stock with swivel studs. The short-action receiver and 24-inch magnum contour barrel are constructed of 416 stainless steel with a satin finish.
The Model 700 Sendero SF (Stainless Fluted) has a 416 stainless action, bedded in a hand-laid composite stock. It features swivel studs and a 26-inch free-floated, 416 stainless steel barrel with longitudinal fluting.
Remington is now offering the Model 597 in .17 HMR with a matte-black synthetic stock with swivel studs, and 20-inch sporter contour barrel with satin blued finish.
Remington's Model 7400 now comes in an all-weather version. The Model 7400 Weathermaster has a black synthetic stock and forend, and matte nickel-plated receiver, barrel and magazine. It is chambered in .30-'06 and .270 Win.
In shotguns, Remington is following the reintroduction of the 16-gauge Model 870 with the return of the Model 1100 Classic Field and Model 1100 Synthetic field, both in 16 gauge.
The Model 1100 autoloader is now available in a 12-gauge version for skeet. The Model 1100 Tournament Skeet has a semi-fancy American walnut stock and forend, and polished blue receiver and barrel.
Remington is introducing a factory-built, competition-ready, 12-gauge autoloading shotgun. The Model 1100 Competition Master features a matte-gray synthetic stock and forend, matte-black finished receiver and barrel, and the new Remington R3 Recoil Pad. A magazine extension tube holds eight 2 3/4-inch shells. A receiver-mountable ammo carrier holds seven extra shells. A fiber optic front sight and steel mid-bead sight top the 22-inch vent rib barrel.
Smith & Wesson
1-800-331-0852
www.smith-wesson.com
Smith & Wesson's SW99 line now includes a full-size .45 ACP pistol and two compacts. The .45 ACP SW99 pistol features a 4.25-inch barrel, 9+1 capacity and weigh 25.6 ounces. The compacts are available in a 9mm and .40 S&W. These latest SW99 pistols feature interchangeable backstraps, interchangeable front sights and adjustable rear sights.
The new Smith & Wesson 1911 has a 5-inch barrel, three-dot sights, a drop safety that is not connected to the trigger assembly, and an extended beavertail. The SWl9lI has the Smith & Wesson style external extractor and comes with two eight-round magazines.
The Smith & Wesson Value Series will soon be available in stainless steel. These include the compact Models 908S in 9mm and the 457S in .45 ACP, the full-size, double-stack magazine Model 910 in 9mm and the Model 410 in .40 S&W.
The .22 Magnum is returning to the Smith & Wesson product line with the re-introduction of the Model 648. It has a 6-inch barrel. New for 2003 is the Model 647 chambered in .17 HMR, featuring a 8 3/8-inch barrel. Both guns are six-shot stainless steel K-frame revolvers.
Three more Performance Center products will be available to all distributors in 2003. They are the Model 945 single-stack .45 ACP pistol with a 5-inch barrel; the Model 629 .44 Magnum Hunter with a comped 7.5-inch barrel; and the F-Comp, a stainless steel 3-inch PowerPort barrel Model 66 revolver chambered for .357 Magnum.
Weatherby Inc.
(805) 466-1767
www.weatherby.com
Weatherby's new 12-gauge SAS Slug Gun features the Italian gas system, internal dampening to reduce felt recoil, a 7075 T6 alloy receiver, 22-inch rifled barrel and a cantilever base. The semi-automatic will handle 2 3/4- and 3-inch shells. The walnut raised-comb Monte Carlo stock features a shim system for adjusting cast on, cast off and drop. The SAS Slug Gun weighs 7.25 pounds and is 39 inches long.
The new Mark V Special Varmint Rifle (SVR) has a 22-inch, #3 contour chrome moly 4140 steel Krieger Criterion button-rifled barrel with a muzzle diameter of .739-inch. The short, heavy free-floated barrel is finished with an 11-degree target crown. The bore is hand-lapped. The SVR's black Monte Carlo stock incorporates a CNC-machined aluminum bedding block, and a Pachmayr Decelerator pad. The rifle measures 42 inches overall and weighs 7.25 pounds.
North American Arms
(801) 374-9990
www.naaminis.com
NAA's new handgun, the 32NAA, is chambered in the company's new proprietary cartridge, the .32NAA. The cartridge was developed in partnership with Cor-Bon Ammunition. The 25NAA is also under development.
Two NAA mini-revolvers, the MiniMaster and Black Widow are chambered in .17 HMR.
NAA is also introducing its new Internal Locking System (ILS). According to NAA, the system meets the requirements of a manual safety and permits the company to reintroduce the .32 ACP in California. The .380 ACP model is currently being tested. Taurus engineered the system for NAA.
NAA is now offering a laser sighting system for the .380 ACP and .32 NAA. Made by C.C. Manufacturing, the laser breaks the firearm's outline.
AMMO AND RELOADING
Remington Arms Co.
1-800-243-9700
www.remington.com
Remington's new Express BuckHammer Attached-Sabot Lead Slug is available in 12-gauge, 2 3/4-inch loads. According to Remington, when used in a fully rifled barrel, the 1.25-ounce slug delivers 3-inch or better groups at 100 yards with 13 percent more energy than any other lead sabot slug on the market.
Remington has expanded its Premier Core-Lokt Ultra ammunition line with four new offerings: .243 Win. 100 grain, 7mm Remington Magnum 160 grain, .30-'06 Springfield 150 grain and 308 Win. 150 grain.
The .17 Hornady Magnum Rimfire is now available from Remington.
The Remington Premier .17 HMR features a 17-grain V-Max bullet that produces a muzzle velocity of 2,550 feet per second.
Remington has added a 20-gauge load to its Premier Core-Lokt Ultra Bonded Slug line. In a 2 3/4-inch shell, the slug weighs 260 grains. The company has also added the .243 Win. to its Premier Scirocco Bonded centerfire rifle ammunition line.
The new Remington Slugger High-Velocity in 12-gauge, 2 3/4 inch offers a muzzle velocity of 1,800 feet per second.
In its Hevi-Shot line, Remington has added a 10 and 20 gauge to its Hevi-Shot Magnum Turkey Loads. The 10 gauge in 3 1/2 inch has a 1 7/8 ounce magnum loading. The 20 gauge is offered in a 3-inch, 1.25-ounce load. Also new is Hevi-Shot Buckshot in 12 gauge, 2 3/4 inch; Premier Hevi-Shot High Velocity Nitro Magnum in 12 gauge, 3 and 3 1/2 inch; and Premier Hevi-Shot Nitro Magnum in 12 gauge, 3 inch.
Nosler Inc.
1-800-285-3701
www.nosler.com
Nosler's new AccuBond bullets will initially be offered in .277 140 grain (.496 BC), 7mm 160 grain (.531 BC), .308 200 grain (.588 BC), .338 225 grain (.550 BC) and .375 260 grain (.473 BC).
The hunting bullets have tapered, highly concentric bullet jackets constructed of gilding metal using Nosler's exclusive impact extrusion process. The AccuBond's core is highly concentric, uniform in weight and made from a special lead alloy. It is bonded to the jacket using a proprietary process that, according to Nosier, produces a virtually inseparable bond between core and jacket.
AccuBond bullets feature distinctive white polycarbonate tips that prevent deformation in the magazine, boost aerodynamic efficiency and initiate expansion.
Nosler's new .277 Partition bullet is designed to add flexibility to the .270 Winchester, .270 Weatherby and .270 WSM cartridges.
According to Nosler, the .277, 140-grain Partition is ideally suited to deer and elk-sized game at most hunting ranges and virtually all hunting velocities. The Partition is manufactured using Nosler's impact extrusion method. The front core is made of softer lead and is held in a tapered jacket that allows rapid, uniform expansion, even when impact velocities are low or ranges are long. The rear core is held in a thicker jacket with a positive heel closure that prevents core slippage and encourages excellent penetration and weight retention.
Mitchell Manufaduring Corp.
1-800-274-4124
www.mitchellsales.com
Mitchell's new .50 BMG ammunition features a 700-grain FMJ bullet and a muzzle velocity of 2,910 feet per second. The muzzle velocity variance is a maximum of plus/minus 30 feet per second.
According to Mitchell, the new bullet's supersonic range is 2,000 yards, while effective range is 4,000 yards. The bullet stays supersonic beyond 2,000 yards.