SIG Sauer has announced the integration of the Gearfire “Buy Now” option to sigsauer.com to expand the website’s eCommerce capability, allowing consumers to purchase firearms online, direct from local dealers. The new “Buy Now” feature on the firearm product pages, powered by Gearfire, allows consumer to enter a zip code, and select an authorized SIG Sauer dealer in their region they can buy directly from.
“The addition of Gearfire to SIGSauer.com is a great new feature that links our consumers directly from our website to our vast dealer network,” said Tom Taylor, Chief Marketing Officer and Executive Vice President, SIG Sauer. “Consumers can easily browse our website, research the SIG SAUER product they want to purchase from wherever they are at any time, and then be connected with a local retailer for purchase.”
The new “Buy Now” dealer locator feature also identifies the SIG SAUER Elite and Master Dealers in the area. These Elite Dealers receive first priority on shipment of new SIG product from our factory, have access to exclusive Elite Dealer product releases, and offer a SIG “store within a store” format with custom fixtures for a complete SIG experience.
The “In these times that we are living in, where people are limiting their movement, the integration of Gearfire to sigsauer.com is important to insuring our consumers are connected to our retailers to help facilitate the purchase process,” concluded Taylor.
Safariland Training Academy in collaboration with PoliceOne is presenting a series of 23 free online training sessions for law enforcement, focused on responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. Courses include: “Airborne and Bloodborne Pathogens,” “Cybersecurity in the COVID-19 Era,” and “Conducting Police Investigations While Working Remotely.” Sessions last five minutes to one hour and provide best practices being followed now. The curriculum will be available to participants after the course is completed. In addition, the sessions are available on demand.
Sessions are conducted bySafariland Training Academy, a team of highly experienced instructors, most of whom are current or former law enforcement, bringing real-world experience and expertise from U.S. cities including Sheriff Training Center in Monroe, NC; Will County Sheriff’s Office in Joliet, IL; and Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office Training Center in Phoenix, AZ.
High Speed Gear recently expanded its duty line of gear with two new products, the Duty Triple Pistol Taco and the Duty Double Pistol Taco–Covered Plus.
These products were designed to meet popular demand from law enforcement seeking to carry additional magazines or fit high-capacity pistol mags. While the Triple can hold three pistol mags as its name implies, the Plus is designed to fit either 21-round 9 mm magazines, such as for the P320 X-Five, or 10-round 1911 mags. Both products are available now.
“We’re very excited about these two products,” said Bill Babboni, HSGI vice president of sales and operations. “We’ve received a lot of requests for these two in particular and we’re always looking for ways to expand our catalog to better serve our men and women in blue.”
The Rock River Arms RUK-9BT AR Pistol is the latest addition to the company’s expanding lineup of AR-platform pistols. The gun addresses the needs and interests of shooters with an eye toward home- and mobile-defense capabilities.
The RUK-9BT is highlighted by a 4.5-inch chrome-lined barrel chambered in 9 mm. Combined with its 4.25-inch RRA lightweight free-float handguard and SB Tactical SBA3 adjustable stabilizing arm brace, the RUK-9BT is exceptionally compact, light, and sized for maximum portability.
Based on RRA’s own BT-9 billet lower receiver, the RUK-9BT incorporates a flared magwell that accepts Glock magazines. This allows the pistol to work in unison with a 9 mm Glock primary or backup carry gun, ensuring ammo and magazine cross-compatibility.
Additional standard features of the RUK-9BT include an RRA two-stage trigger for precise trigger control and reduced shot disturbance, an integrated winter trigger guard to accommodate gloved hands, Smith Vortex flash suppressor, Low-Pro hand stop, and a Hogue rubber grip that offers superior firearm retention in a pistol platform. Also included are RRA’s NSP flip-up front and rear sights designed for use as the primary sighting system or as a backup for an owner-installed red-dot optic.
Rock River Arms RUK-9BT AR Pistol Specs
Caliber: 9 mm
Lower Receiver: BT-9 billet aluminum with Glock-compatible flared magwell and integrated winter trigger guard
Upper Receiver: Extruded aluminum A4
Barrel: 4.5-inch chrome-lined, 1:10 twist
Muzzle Device: Smith Vortex flash suppressor, 1/2-36 thread
It’s America’s oldest family-owned and -operated firearm company and the Mossberg legacy thrives at more than 100 years old. The great grandson of Oscar F. Mossberg, who founded the firm in 1919, is CEO today and despite the dramatic changes that have affected the corporate and political landscapes in the last century, the dedication remains to delivering on the firm’s original pledge—“More gun for the money.”
Swedish-born Oscar F. Mossberg emigrated to the United States in 1886, settling in Fitchburg, MA, where he first found gainful employment at a boiler factory. In 1892 he married Alida Peterson and began machining bicycle parts for Iver-Johnson Arms and Cycle Works.
It wasn’t long before supervisors recognized his mechanical aptitude for firearms, and in 1893 he was named on a patent application for a revolver barrel catch strap. He worked on a variety of patents before leaving the company, often without credit due to his junior staff status. His reputation for inventive, yet eloquently simple design grew, however.
He moved to Hatfield, MA, in 1900, where he was production supervisor for C.S. Shattuck Arms, but by 1902 Mossberg was employed by J. Stevens Arms & Tool. There the genius was on full display with his name appearing on a variety of patents. In 1916 he went to work for Marlin-Rockwell, moved to New Haven, CN, and was engaged primarily in the manufacture of machine guns for World War I.
Mossberg branched out on his own in 1919, more than 100 years ago, establishing the O.F. Mossberg & Sons enthusiasts know more simply and affectionately today as Mossberg. It began in a small rented space in New Haven, with three employees—Oscar, the family patriarch and sons Ivan and Harold. The latter was the sole full-time staff member, because the others were still working for Marlin-Rockwell to keep food on the table.
Meet the Brownie
Instead of deep-pocketed financing launching the company, it was a tireless work ethic that introduced its first firearm—a handgun called the Brownie. It was chambered for all three lengths of .22 rimfire, had four barrels and a rotating firing pin that allowed it to deliver a single shot at a time until the ammunition was exhausted. A lever atop the “backstrap” could be depressed at that time, allowing the trigger, barrels and chambers to rotate down in a single unit for a reload.
Word spread and keeping up with demand for the 37,000 produced before it was phased out in 1932 proved a challenge. The price hovered around a five spot, but in the spirit that still lives at Mossberg, MSRP was reduced for a period when the company was able to tool up to fill the orders. As part of its celebration of the company’s centennial, O.F. Mossberg & Sons, introduced the MC1sc in January 2019, its first pistol since the Brownie. In the spirit of “More gun for the money.” In true company fashion, MSRP for a carry version is only $421.
Depression and Beyond
During the Great Depression, the quality and value offered by Mossberg allowed the company to thrive, while others died. During World War II it was called upon to manufacture a variety of firearms for Allied forces and in 1962 it introduced the Model 500 shotgun, the company’s most popular firearm that lives on today.
“When my great-grandfather opened the door of O.F. Mossberg and Sons in 1919, he instilled a set of corporate operating values that we still live by today,” Iver Mossberg wrote in the company’s 2019 catalog. “Always take care of your employees; always embrace change; always listen to your customers. He coupled those operating values with a commitment to a simple philosophy of providing customers with ‘More Gun for the Money.’ That sort of forward thinking is what allows us to celebrate 100 years of U.S. firearm manufacturing.”
The Patriot Predator, above, is one of the company’s latest introductions.
Corporate vs. Family-Owned
Is there another reason the Mossberg legacy thrives at 100?
“There are definite advantages to being a privately held company—the main advantage is having the ability to be nimble,” explained Richard Kirkland, senior director of marketing for Mossberg. “We’re able to course-correct on market fluctuations very easily.”
He added, “Being family-owned for the last 100 years has had a lasting effect on our employees and the heart and soul they put into every gun When our employees come to work at Mossberg, they become part of the family, and because of that, they build and treat every gun like they’re building it for themselves.”
Galco has introduced the Scout 3.0 tuckable inside the waistband holster for the SIG-Sauer P365, one of today’s most popular modern carry pistols! The highly versatile Scout 3.0 merges Galco’s historic quality, comfort, and high performance as an option for daily CCW needs.
The Scout 3.0’s open top and full firing grip accessibility combine for a fast and easy draw—critically important in fast-moving self-defense situations. The reinforced holster mouth provides a safe and simple return to the holster after action.
The Scout is constructed with the rough side of the leather out. This construction method provides additional stability in the waistband, as well as a smooth leather holster pocket for a faster, slicker feel on the draw.
The Scout 3.0’s versatility comes from its adjustability for cant and angle. You like to carry in the currently-hot appendix position? Adjust the belt clip to a neutral (vertical) cant. Prefer a more traditional strongside behind-the-hip position? Just angle the clip to accommodate. Like a crossdraw carry? Move the clip the other direction!
The ambidextrous Scout 3.0 is supplied with two types of interchangeable tuckable clips. The first is the UniClip, designed to go over the belt, but which also works well without a belt. The second is the Ultimate Stealth clip with hook, which fits on the trouser waistband, under or behind a belt with just the clip showing, for the ultimate in stealthy concealment!
Available in natural finish with black mouth band, the Scout’s MSRP is $89.
The company also recently introduced a more classically styled CCW holster for the SIG Sauer P320 XCompact.
Primary Arms Optics is now shipping its new GLx 2.5-10×44 mm FFP ACSS Raptor M2 and GLx4-16×50 mm FFP MIL-DOT rifle scopes. Following the initial release of GLx in 2019, Primary Arms’ Optics latest product line features two new reticle configurations elevated by GLx innovation. Both new GLx scopes are now available for purchase from primaryarms.com and your preferred retailers.
“These scopes are part of our mid-tier lineup of optics, called GLx,” said Marshall Lerner, CEO of Primary Arms. “GLx brings premium technologies and materials into an approachable price range, providing customers an unbeatable value.”
The GLx 2.5-10×44 mm is a versatility-driven powerhouse, offering a 44 mm objective lens without the heavy weight. This lens draws more light than comparable 24 mm LPVO lenses, providing the user with an exceptional image quality for greater precision at distance. In close quarters, the large eyebox and lightweight body make this optic nimble, as targets are quick to acquire with the innovative ACSS reticle. The ACSS Raptor M2 is the perfect pairing for this scope, as it brings peerless utility into a compact, intuitive horseshoe design.
For long distance precision, the GLx 4-16×50 mm FFP Rifle Scope with MIL-DOT reticle blends tradition with GLx innovation. MIL-DOT reticles are among the most proven, well-studied reticles in the world. By bringing the MIL-DOT reticle into the GLx 4-16×50 mm body, users can make full use of its refined features. The enhanced turret design features steel adjustment rings, which guarantees flawless tracking accuracy that is guaranteed to last a lifetime.
Both scopes come with the company’s enhanced locking turrets with return to zero, AutoLive motion sensing reticle illumination, and hardened steel-on-steel adjustment system. In pursuit of this effort, all GLx optics are backed by Primary Arms’ lifetime. The company was recently honored by the state of Texas for the volume of veterans it employs.
How did Arnold Schwarzenegger help launch SureFire? The company was founded as Laser Products Corporation after Dr. John Matthews developed and patented a laser-aiming device tailored for firearms. During its first year of operation it introduced the LPC Model 7, which was mounted atop a Colt Trooper .357 Mag. It was the world’s first commercially available laser-aimed gun, but an exotic accessory with a price tag too lofty for the average gun owner.
Most firearm enthusiasts didn’t know about the invention, anyway. Then in 1984 a pair of unrelated events proved pivotal in the company’s success. The movie “The Terminator” hit the silver screen, and Arnold Schwarzenegger’s character made his first attempt on Sarah Connor’s life with a .45 Longslide (seen above, courtesy of SureFire) carrying a SureFire laser. The same year the Los Angeles Police Department’s SWAT Team borrowed SureFire lasers for shotguns pulling security at the Olympics in Southern California.
SureFire celebrated its 40thanniversary in 2019 and owes part of its success—at least the early part of it—to the movie.
“I’m proud of what the SureFire team has accomplished, but I’m even more excited that we’re already laying the groundwork for the future, developing innovations that will redefine several market segments in which we are involved, and a few new ones as well,” SureFire President and founder Dr. Matthews said. “But this has never been about us. It has always been about our customers and helping them win the fight. They’ve had our back, and we’ll continue to have theirs.”
As demand for the technology grew in the military, law enforcement and with civilians, the company also developed weapon-mounted lights and introduced the first compact high-intensity flashlight, the Model 6P. It created an all-new premium tactical lighting market, where SureFire’s innovation has shined for 30 years.
“We made our mark with laser sights and tactical illumination tools, but we didn’t stop there,” said Dr. Matthews. “Our basic mission has always been to produce products that help good guys who go into harm’s way, and we’ve never stopped innovating to give our customers the advantage they need and deserve.”
Now in its 41st year, SureFire not only produces extreme-duty illumination products and tactical tools, it offers and Ear Pro hearing protection and communication devices. In addition, its battlefield-proven suppressor designs include the SOCOM model, the official suppressor of the U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, U.S. Air Force and U.S. Marine Special Operations. This year it even introduced the flash hider every fashionable Ma Deuce wears for .50-caliber civilian rifles.
It’s an interesting success story, yet another one from the firearm industry. I apologize in advance, however, to your family and friends. You’ll never watch “The Terminator” again without interrupting that scene with Schwarzenegger to explain how he helped launch SureFire.
Thank you for visiting my modest blog. Leave a comment if you have time and I hope you have a glorious day.
The Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute (SAAMI) accepted the Winchester .350 Legend as a new cartridge and chamber standard in early 2019, but there is still some confusion. Here’s a direct link to the .350 Legend and technical specs and drawings, courtesy of SAAMI.
The cartridge uses a modified, .223 Rem. shell case with a 1.71-inch length and a bullet diameter of .357 inch. “The .350 Legend is a high-performing, straight-walled cartridge that dominates in velocity, energy, recoil and affordability,” said Winchester Ammunition Vice President of Sales and Marketing Matt Campbell. “Winchester is dedicated to innovation and it’s paramount that we continue to deliver meaningful, technology-driven products that have a tremendous impact on the hunting and shooting sports industry.”
“SAAMI member ammunition and firearm companies are driven by technological innovation,” said Randy Bimson, director of technical affairs and technical advisor for SAAMI. “Winchester’s .350 Legend cartridge brings a fresh look and innovation to a very mature cartridge category opening up new options to both the hunter and recreational shooter.”
There are a variety of companies offering the ammunition. For obvious reasons Winchester was the first, Hornady joined in and just recently introduced a 165-grain FTX load (the company also offers a 170-grain InterLock) and Federal has several loads to choose from. Browning rolled out a line in January, 2020, at the SHOT Show. If your local sporting goods store doesn’t have it in stock, I suggest Wideners. I rely on it for ammo when testing guns. Good folks and reliable service.
• Maximum Average Pressure: 55,000 psi
• Overall Length: 2.125 to 2.260 inches
• SAAMI Tested Bullet Weight: 145-grains
• Velocity at the Muzzle of a 16-inch Barrel: 2,250 fps
• Muzzle Energy: 1,630 ft-lbs.
SAAMI has set the firearms and ammunition industry’s technical standards since it was founded in 1926 at the request of the Federal Government—a move that standardizes pressures and dimensions for an added layer of safety in the industry. Its track record makes the dedication of the organization and its members obvious.
All CZ P-10 semi-automatic pistols, from CZ-USA, feature a swappable magazine release, which operates smoother than the ambidextrous release of the past. Just a few minutes’ work reverses the release, so lefties can hit the release with their thumb from the right side of the pistol.
P10s feel right in the hand much like the classic CZ 75 and their trigger feel is at the top of the class when it comes to striker-fired pistols. With a solid wall, a clean break, and a tactile, audible reset, the P-10’s trigger leaves many other striker guns in its dust.
Built to withstand the rigors of military use, the P-10s are constructed around a fiber-reinforced polymer frame coated with a hardy nitride finish. Ardent shooters will appreciate the ruggedness of these P-10s. The generous trigger guard allows use with gloved hands and is undercut to allow as high a grip as possible. With CZ reliability, engineered ergonomics and a bevy of features both familiar and new, the P-10 is the complete package.
CZ P-10 F Suppressor-Ready
With an extended barrel threaded 1/2×28, this striker-fired pistol can fill every role—from range-day plinker or duty weapon to bedside protector (the later with the addition of a light and compact can). High night sights provide impressive visibility over most 9 mm cans, while the extended magazine bases boost ammunition capacity by two rounds.
Model Variant:
CZ P-10 C Suppressor-Ready – 17+1 capacity
Specs CZ P-10 F Suppressor-Ready
Caliber: 9 mm
Mag. Cap.: 21
Frame Material: Polymer
Slide Finish: Nitride
Grip: Polymer
Overall Length: 8.6 inches
Barrel Length: 5.11 inches
Width: 1.25 inches
Weight: 30 ounces
Sights: High Night Sights
Safety Elements: Trigger Safety, Firing Pin Block
MSRP: $577
CZ P-10 F OD Green
With its OD Green frame and a set of tritium 3-dot night sights, this full-size P-10 holds 19+1 in the magazine and features CZ-USA’s, easily swappable magazine release. Built with the same crisp trigger and engineered ergonomics that have made the P-10 platform a favorite, the full-size frame of the F model brings a longer sight radius, longer barrel, and longer grip for more consistency and control. Result: superior accuracy in all shooting scenarios.
Model Variants:
CZ P-10 F – Black frame, standard 3-dot sights
CZ P-10 C – Black frame, compact size, 15+1 capacity, standard 3-dot sights
Specs CZ P-10 F OD Green
Caliber: 9 mm
Mag. Cap.: 19
Frame Material: Polymer
Slide Finish: Nitride
Grip: Polymer
Overall Length: 8 inches
Barrel Length: 4.5 inches
Width: 1.25 inches
Weight: 28.2 ounces
Sights: Fixed Night Sights
Safety Elements: Trigger Safety, Firing Pin Block
MSRP: $563
CZ P-10 F FDE
Ditching the black frame for one in Flat Dark Earth, the P-10 F FDE is outfitted with a set of 3-dot tritium night sights to put you on target fast and accurately, even in poor lighting conditions. A high-quality, ultra-reliable pistol at a very affordable price.
Model Variant:
CZ P-10 C FDE – Compact size, 15+1 capacity
Specs: CZ P-10 F FDE
Caliber: 9 mm
Mag. Cap.: 19
Frame Material: Polymer
Slide Finish: Nitride
Grip: Polymer
Overall Length: 8.0 inches
Barrel Length: 4.5 inches
Width: 1.25 inches
Weight: 28.2 ounces
Sights: Fixed Night Sights
Safety Elements: Trigger Safety, Firing Pin Block
MSRP: $563
The company also introduced a new CZ Shadow 2 OR last month, ideal for competition.
