If you are in the market for a quality buttstock but want to get as much plastic out of your life as possible, Samson Manufacturing out of Keene, New Hampshire, has released a brand new aluminum folding stock. Their S.A.S. Tactical Folding Stock, in particular, is their standout product compatible with AR and other platforms. Available initially in an all-black anodized finish, the S.A.S Folder is now offered in FDE.
Samson Manufacturing is now offering their S.A.S Tactical Folder in FDE. [Samson Manufacturing]
The FDE S.A.S. Tactical Folding Stock is an all-6061-T6 aluminum skeletonized folder that weighs only 16.9 ounces and is compatible with rifles with a Picatinny rail or rail-adapted section. The folding mechanism itself is reversible, so the stock can be folded to the right or left side.
The comb of the stock sits low enough for an obstruction-free pull of an AR charging handle, and when folded, the trigger guard and safety selector are still accessible.
The S.A.S. comes with a rubber butt pad for non-slip shooting and an adjustable cheek riser. The length of pull is also five-position adjustable with a total adjustment of 1.25 inches.
The new FDE S.A.S. Tactical Folding Stock is now available with an MSRP of $335.
Since its founding nearly three decades ago, XS Sight Systems has stayed true to its original mission: to deliver reliable sights that were designed and built to be the best for their specific purpose. For 2024, XS Sights has delivered new offerings for the Smith & Wesson and Colt revolvers and the CZ P10 OR pistol.
Improved features for this year include larger and brighter rear tritium dots, PVC rings that surround the rear tritium dots for a more defined edge to improve the sight picture and differentiate the front and rear sight, and XS’ EasyPress features to eliminate the need for filing and hammering while reducing the force needed for installation by up to 50%. All of the new sights also offer a black nitride finish with double the corrosion resistance of the original black oxide surface treatment for increased durability.
Minimalist for S&W K-Frame and L-Frame Revolvers
These include a line of minimalist night sights for Smith & Wesson and K-Frame and L-Frame revolvers that feature a self-illuminating tritium with Orange or Green Glow Dot front sight and serrated, anti-glare, non-tritium rear sight. While retaining the minimalistic design, the dual-illuminated front sight offers a self-luminous tritium vile surrounded by XS’ proprietary photoluminescent Glow Dot that absorbs ambient light to glow in low light. This pairing is meant to ensure the front sight will glow brightly in low light and contrast well against the blacked-out rear in bright light conditions – while it also offers a rear sight ledge for one-handed racking of the slide.
The XS Minimalist sights for S&W K and L frame revolvers bring fast acquisition, front sight focus design, and fixed rear sight durability to a shooter’s S&W revolver
The new sights are available for the S&W Revolver K & L Frame .38 SPL / .357 MAG, or S&W Revolver K & L Frame .44 MAG – and fit K & L frame models with pinned front sights. MSRP of the sights is $120.99.
Product Features
Tritium front and rear with high contrast glow dot
Photoluminescent glow dot absorbs ambient light and glows in low light
Blacked-out serrated rear sight reduces glare and eliminates distractions from the front sight
Durable CNC machined steel and fits standard holster options
Proudly manufactured in Fort Worth, Texas
Standard Dot Tritium for Colt Revolvers
For Colt Cobra and King Cobra revolvers, XS Sight Systems has introduced its new Standard Dot Tritium sights designed to enhance an everyday carry gun. The unique dual-illuminated front sight is offered with either a Green or Orange Glow Dot, while it features a convex shape to maximize light absorption and intensify the brightness.
The XS tritium standard dot fits Colt Cobra and King Cobra revolvers. The front sight features a bright tritium vial and is paired with a photoluminescent glow dot.
Now available for $82.49 (MSRP), it fits Colt Cobra and King Cobra revolvers.
Photoluminescent glow dot absorbs ambient light and glows in low light
Easy DIY installation
Durable CNC machined steel and fits standard holster options
Proudly manufactured in Fort Worth, Texas
R3D 2.0 for CZ P10 OR
XS Sights has also announced that its R3D 2.0 is now available for the CZ P10 OR Pistol with both standard height and suppressor height options available. The second-generation tritium self-defense sights were designed to be brighter, and stronger, while also being even easier to install than the original R3D models.
The R3D 2.0 sights use brighter tritium lamps in the rear sight as compared to our original version to ensure that you can see the sights in poor lighting conditions.
These feature a notch and post design with two rear tritium dots and a high-contrast, Orange or Green dual-illuminated Glow Dot front sight. The R3D 2.0 was developed to improve both speed and accuracy in any light, and its self-luminous tritium vile glows in low or no light for 12 years while it is surrounded by XS’ proprietary photoluminescent Glow Dot making the front sight brighter than the two rear tritium dots. Combined with the wide notch rear sight, the R3D 2.0 is serrated to reduce glare and features tritium lamps to aid in sight alignment in any lighting condition. It further delivers more visible indexing for increased precision and accuracy, and the rear sight ledge facilitates one-handed racking of the slide.
Available now with an MSRP of $137.49, the R3D 2.0 is the sight you’re looking for to add to the CZ P10 OR
Product Features:
Tritium front and rear with high contrast glow dot
Photoluminescent glow dot absorbs ambient light and glows in low light
Wide notch rear with anti-reflective lens
Corrosion resistant black nitride surface finish
Compatible with CZ P10 Optics Ready pistols
Proudly manufactured in Fort Worth, Texas
The company’s 30-day Satisfaction Guarantee backs all XS products, while XS also offers a 12-year warranty on all tritium products and a limited lifetime warranty on all other products.
ZeroTech Optics is the culmination of three generations of optics manufacturing and produces quality glass ranging from binoculars to rifle scopes. At SHOT Show 2024, Zero Tech introduced the HALO TRAE28 Enclosed Reflex Sight as the latest in their lineup of red dot optics.
ZeroTech is pleased to release the new HALO enclosed reflex sight. [ZeroTech]
HALO stands for Heavy-duty Aspherical Lens Optic. It is built to be intuitive to use, service, and withstand hard use. It uses a 7075-series aluminum housing and multi-coated glass that is shockproof, waterproof, and fogproof. New for 2024, the HALO uses a single CR2032 coin battery that loads from the top of the optic, and it provides up to 50,000 hours of optic life when the light is set to medium intensity.
“The HALO reflex sight is a culmination of our commitment to innovation and excellence,” said Chris Watkins, CEO at ZeroTech Optics, “We’ve pushed the boundaries of technology to offer shooters an optic that not only withstands extreme conditions but also enhances their shooting experience with its unmatched accuracy and reliability.”
The HALO TRAE28 is turret adjustable for windage and elevation up to 80 MOA and uses a precise yet easily seen 3 MOA red dot. There are ten brightness settings, including two for night vision use. In addition, the HALO is equipped with motion sensing technology to turn on or off when used or in storage automatically.
This Aussie-built optic is currently shipping now. Keep an eye out at your local shop and the GMW catalog for availability and price details.
Nightstick, a worldwide leader in weapon lights for four decades, has introduced the new Dual-Beam Long Gun Light Kit to ship in the Spring of 2024. This new light features two independent light streams: one VIS LED for illuminating targets in the dark and one infrared beam for doing the same using night vision.
Nightstick is pleased to announce the new Dual Stream Long Gun Light Kit. It features both IR and VIS LEDs. [Nightstick]
The Dual Stream light is cataloged as the LGL-180-IR and is a dual-wavelength weapons light meant for your long gun. The light is built with a hybrid dual reflector that works off an IR and VIS LED. The conventional VIS LED projects 1100 lumens of bright white light out at an advertised 229 meters and will do so for up to two hours before exhausting the two CR123 batteries. Alternatively, the 1400mw 940 nm Infrared LED beam projects to the same range with the same battery life but is only visible through night vision.
Switching between the two is as simple as rotating the collar on the anodized aluminum body of the light to either VIS, IR, or OFF. The light has a standard tail cap switch and a reversible thumbscrew Picatinny mount. A six-inch remote pressure pad is included, allowing the light to be used continuously or momentarily.
“Leveraging the success of our LGL-160 long gun light and feedback from law enforcement agencies unsatisfied with the performance of existing IR & VIS WML options available elsewhere, our Engineering Team took on the design challenge and delivered,” says Brian Whalen, Nightstick Marketing Manager for Law Enforcement and Sporting Goods. “The LGL-180-IR’s unique independent reflectors maximize light intensity in the visible and IR spectrums, without sacrificing one for the other. This uncompromising design, not available until now, gives the operator threat identification and confirmation peace of mind, when life depends on light.”
The new LGL-180-IR nominally runs on two CR123 coin batteries, but it is a multi-fuel system and can also use one 18650 lithium-ion battery. These lithium-ion batteries and the compatible charger aren’t included but can be purchased separately. The Dual-Beam is currently available only through authorized Nightstick dealers like GMW.
Threaded barrels on handguns open up a whole new world of options for gun owners. And for owners of Springfield Armory Hellcat or XD-M pistols, there are now drop-in options. Springfield Armory is now offering drop-in threaded barrels for those two models in 9mm, 10mm, and 45 ACP. With a threaded barrel, shooters will be suppressor and compensator ready. These barrels are designed for longevity and accuracy, and are all backed by the Springfield name.
Springfield Armory is now making threaded barrels for the Hellcat and XDM. (Photo credit: Springfield Armory)
Springfield Armory’s drop-in threaded barrels are available for the Hellcat 9mm and XD-M 4.5 inch in 9mm, 10mm, and 45 ACP. Barrels are hammer forged for durability and designed for precision performance. But it isn’t only a barrel. The threaded barrel kit for the Hellcat includes a 3.8-inch hammer-forged threaded barrel with a Self Indexing Compensator. A thread protector is also included for times the compensator isn’t being used. The system features 1/2×28 threading and is compatible with any standard configuration 3-inch Hellcat 9mm. A black Melonite finish on the barrel improves rust resistance and lubricity.
The Hellcat barrel kit includes a compensator. (Photo credit: Springfield Armory)
Regarding the compensator, which is included with the Hellcat kit, it’s made from 8082 aluminum and anodized matte black. The use of a compensator during live fire helps reduce muzzle rise and felt recoil. This, in turn, can improve accuracy and rapid target acquisition. Rate of twist of the barrel is 1 in 10 and it weighs 2.72 oz, and the compensator itself weighs 0.7 ounces. so it doesn’t. Basically, the use of the compensator won’t significantly alter the weight or balance of the pistol.
A threaded barrel with a thread protector is available for the XDM. (Photo credit: Springfield)
The XD-M pistol can also be made suppressor or other muzzle accessory ready. The hammer-forged threaded barrels designed for the XD-M 4.5 inch are, as mentioned before, available for 9mm, 10mm, and .45 ACP XD-M variants. They are drop-in threaded barrels with a black Melonite coating for the purpose of improving rust resistance and overall lubricity. The barrels ship with a thread protector so the muzzle end of the barrel can remain covered until the user chooses to add an accessory.
Twist rate for the XD-M barrels is 1 in 10 for 9mm and 1 in 16 for both 10mm and 45 ACP. The 9mm barrel weighs 4.04 ounces, the 10mm barrel weighs 4.45 ounces, and the 45 ACP barrel weighs in at 3.66 ounces. As for threading, the 9mm is 1/2×28 threading, while the 10mm and .45 ACP barrels both have .578×28 threading.
MSRP for the Springfield Armory Hellcat barrel kit with compensator is $199.99. The XD-M barrels all have an MSRP of $159.99.
Burris, one of the biggest names in optics both in the field and on the range, has upped its offerings with the release of the Signature LRF 10×42 rangefinding binoculars. This unit combines the effectiveness of binoculars in the field with the accuracy of a solid rangefinder to give a new level of fast and accurate ranging.
According to Burris, the Signature LRF 10×42 is built off the Signature HD series binoculars and years of research from products like the Eliminator riflescope and the Oracle bow sights. Combining these attributes, the unit brings what is said to blazing fast results up to 2600 yards with a clear image.
Burris has combined two great products with the Signature LRF 10×42 rangefinding binoculars. This unit offers clarity and rangefinding up to 2,600 yards, with four range modes to choose from. With loads of options and uses, this unit is a nice addition to the Signature lineup. (Photo credit: Burris Optics)
With the integrated rangefinder, the Signature FLR 10×42 can give the user anything they would need in any environment with ballistic management data. Thanks to the heads-up display, the information is easy to see and interpret on the go. The display has five ranging options including:
Line-of-sight (LOS) only
Horizontal distance (HOR) only
LOR and HOR
LOS and angle (ANG) above and below horizontal
HOR and ANG
Burris goes on to say that with the data provided, the Signature LRF 1-x42 is accurate to within 1 yard at under 1,000 yards and ±2 yards over 1,000.
Features
The unit has five ranging modes for the shooter to choose from. These include Auto, Sport (closest target), Hunt (farthest range of target), and Scan (range readings). These work great with the HD optical design, delivering high-class performance for sharp images and clarity. The unit is able to do this with the multi-coated HD lenses and BaK-4 roof prisms.
The Signature LRF 10×42 has a shockproof chassis complete with no-slip rubber armor and is nitrogen filled for better function in harsh conditions. As the name implies, it houses a 10x42mm optic giving a low-glare, high resolution that shooters and hunters require. The unit can Fast Focus at an object as close as 12 yards and has a field of view of 334 feet at 1,000 yards.
The Signature LRF 10×42 rangefinding binoculars are a lighter-weight option, weighing only 36 ounces. They are waterproof up to 1 meter deep. According to Burris, the unit is a great companion to the Veracity and XTR line of optics, but is a great stand-alone unit as well. The Burris Signature LRF 10×42 rangefinding binoculars have an MSRP of $1,200.
MDT has provided an increase in the capacity of your Howa Mini. They’ve released a straight fit, aluminum-reinforced, polymer 10-round magazine for all three calibers of Howa Mini rifle: .223, 7.62, and 6.5.
It’s a double stack, single feed (DSSF mag) that weighs just a little more than 1/3 of a pound. Thanks to front and rear mag catches, the new mags are compatible with any MDT chassis and most other aftermarket stocks and chassis.
MDT’s metal bottom place is designed specifically to work with their 10-round straight-wall mags (or vice versa). They’re not required for use but do present some advantages.
These also enable the mags to be used with MDT’s “Howa Mini Bottom Metal” (which features a rear mag latch that helps a lot with reloading).
Speaking of which…
The MDT Aluminum Bottom Metal is a bolt-on upgrade meant to replace the factory’s polymer version.
The aluminum bottom is an inexpensive, simply-installed upgrade for the Howa Mini.
This increased rigidity provides a better platform for torquing action screws down (i.e., harder to crack it). It also moves the mag latch to the rear of the magazine, eliminating the problem of accidental mag releases caused by manipulation of the forend. This provides a secondary benefit by enabling a more natural, efficient reload. It will fit all Howa Mini Factory Stocks and is designed specifically for use with the MDT Howa Mini Straight Fit Magazine.
This brings us back around to…
Howa Mini 10-Round Mag Details
Compatible with all Howa Mini factory stocks
Compatible with all Howa Mini MDT Chassis
Nylon polymer body
Anodized Aluminum feed lips
Available in 6.5 Grendel
Available in .223
Available in 7.62×39
10-round capacity (all calibers)
As you can see from these MDT images, their metal plate (6061 aircraft-grade aluminum) replaces the factory’s plastic version. This provides a more reliable torque setting and faster, more ergonomic reloads.
David Reeder’s Wu Tang name is Lucky Prophet. He is a retired AF veteran, former Peace Officer, and current Tier 2.5 writer-operator. Over the course of his career, he has worked a variety of military and lE billets, served as an Observer-Controller at the National Homeland Security Training Center, a MOUT instructor, and an MTT tracking instructor – all of which sounds much cooler than it really was. Although he only updates his website once in a very great while, he can absolutely be relied upon to post to social media (@reederwrites) at least once a month. -Ish.
The G-SURF should probably be called SURF-G, but let’s not argue about acronyms, shall we? G-SURF v2 is the most recent iteration of a popular pistol red dot mount from Strike Industries. Their latest multi-optic platform is intended to provide an RDS mounting option that doesn’t require permanent milling or custom work on your slide.
What optics is the G-Surf compatible with?
Strike Industries (SI) says they’ll fit all the following mini/micro red dot sights (MRDS), which means they should also accept any optics that share the corresponding footprints:
C-More
DeltaPoint Pro
Docter/Noblex
RMR Standard
Shield Standard
All Sig Sauer Open Reflex
That’s a pretty wide range of RDS choices and commensurate footprints.
G-SURF without (L) and with (R) its optional charging handle.
How practical is it?
Though it obviously takes up more real estate than a milled RDS, it’s still small enough for practical use in a concealed carry gun and more than compact enough for a duty gun. At just 0.64 ounces, it also won’t add any appreciable weight to your pistol. As for what handguns it will fit, it’ll be easier to explain the ones that won’t take a G-SURF than to list the ones it will.
You’ll be able to use SI’s multi-optic mount if you have any Glock of any generation in any frame except for one of the slimlines or micros. It’s not going to fit a Glock 42, Glock 43/43X, or Glock 48. Other than those four models, you’re good to go.
In addition to the more traditional features of the G-SURF, it also has an optional ambidextrous charging handle. I’m not sure this will appeal to most shooters, but I suppose it’s nice to have that option. Most everyone I know prefers to charge an RDS-equipped pistol with a traditional slide rack or one that utilizes the face of the RDS as a hook point of the blade of the hand. But, there may be some folks who prefer a handle to rack with.
David Reeder’s Wu Tang name is Lucky Prophet. He is a retired AF veteran, former Peace Officer, and current Tier 2.5 writer-operator. Over the course of his career, he has worked a variety of military and lE billets, served as an Observer-Controller at the National Homeland Security Training Center, a MOUT instructor, and an MTT tracking instructor – all of which sounds much cooler than it really was. Although he only updates his website once in a very great while, he can absolutely be relied upon to post to social media (@reederwrites) at least once a month. -Ish.
Hunters demand quality, reliable ammunition in the field, and one of the specifics of that demand is the need for the jacket of the bullet not to separate (in flight or on impact). Remington Core-Lokt has long been the answer for countless hunters and is a stellar, field-proven family of ammunition. Now the ammo maker is expanding that line with Remington Core-Lokt Copper, a fantastic newcomer to the line of ammo they call The Deadliest Mushroom in the Woods.
Remington Core-Lokt Copper is the next evolution of the company’s proven Core-Lokt line of ammunition. (Photo credit: Remington)
Remington’s Core-Lokt Copper is, as you might presume, a round featuring an all-copper bullet. It’s described by the ammo manufacturer as delivering reliable expansion, weight retention close to 100%, and fantastic accuracy. Core-Lokt Copper is made to give hunters and shooters the consistent, precise performance they’ve come to expect from Core-Lokt, only with a lead-free bullet. Bullets are carefully constructed to be rigid and are made using high-strength pure copper so they can and will drop big game. Remington states this all-copper Core-Lokt absolutely does live up to the legacy of the Deadliest Mushroom family of ammunition.
The bullets are lead-free, all-copper, and made to perform. (Photo credit: Remington)
Features of Remington Core-Lokt Copper
Designed for dead-on accuracy
All-copper projectile made from high-strength, pure copper
Trust Core-Lokt performance
Precision hollow point for reliable expansion and performance down range
High-quality, carefully selected components
Brass and propellants are precisely loaded according to exacting specifications for consistency shot-after-shot
Lead-free primer for reliable ignition for peak performance
These bullets are created for reliable expansion with a weight retention of almost 100%. (Photo credit: Remington)
The new Core-Lokt Copper rounds will be offered in the following calibers:
300 BLK, 120 grain
30-06 Springfield, 150 grain
243 Win, 85 grain
308 Win, 150 grain
270 Win, 130 grain
300 Win Mag, 180 grain
MSRP for the Remington Core-Lokt Copper loads will vary by caliber with prices starting at $40.99.
Kat Ainsworth Stevens is a long-time outdoor writer, official OGC (Original Gun Cognoscenti), and author of Handgun Hunting: a Comprehensive Guide to Choosing and Using the Right Firearms for Big and Small Game. Der Teufel Katze has written for a number of industry publications (print and online) and edited some of the others, so chances are you’ve seen or read her work before, somewhere. A woman of eclectic background and habits, Kat has been carrying concealed for over two decades, used to be a farrier, and worked for a long time in emergency veterinary medicine. She prefers big bores, enjoys K9 Search & Rescue, and has a Master’s Degree in Pitiless Snarkastic Delivery.
It’s finally here. We knew the 400 Legend was in the works months ago thanks to paperwork being filed for it with SAAMI (Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute). Now that it’s here, everyone’s excited to see just what it can do. The Winchester 400 Legend is a straight-walled cartridge created for hunting, but of course it’s versatile enough for a variety of applications. Interested in learning more? Read on.
The Winchester 400 Legend is a straight-walled cartridge designed with hunters in mind. (Photo credit: Winchester)
According to Winchester, the 400 Legend is a straight-walled cartridge made to deliver superior ballistics for hunters and sport shooters alike. Its ballistics make it an optimal choice for hunters interested in using a cartridge that produces moderate recoil and excellent terminal performance, all with excellent results down-range. Winchester states this cartridge is ideal for hunting situations within 300 yards.
This is a hard-hitting cartridge that can be used on a wide variety of pests and game animals. (Photo credit: Winchester)
Because this is a straight-walled cartridge, it’s qualified for use in many states that restrict bottle-necked cartridges for hunting purposes. This is a heavy-hitting cartridge that’s great for everything from deer to hogs to black bear, and big game, too. It also offers significant ballistic advantages over many similar cartridges.
Hunters and sport shooters alike will benefit from using this cartridge. (Photo credit: Winchester)
Features of the 400 Legend include:
Energy similar to that of the 450 Bushmaster, only with 20% less recoil
More than 20% more energy on target than the 30-30 Winchester
25% more energy than 350 Legend (Winchester states also greater penetration)
100% more energy than a 12-Gauge slug at 100 Yards
55% less recoil than a 12-Gauge slug
Ben Frank, senior product manager for Winchester Ammunition, said, “As the leader in cartridge development, the 400 Legend is a testament to our Winchester team that continues to prioritize innovative products and our world-renowned brand. Our recent successes in the development of the 6.8 Western and 350 Legend demonstrates our ability to offer hunters and sport shooters tremendous value. Our legacy in manufacturing high-quality products with improved ballistics is unrivaled.”
MSRP for the Winchester 400 Legend will vary by specific load and quantity.
Kat Ainsworth Stevens is a long-time outdoor writer, official OGC (Original Gun Cognoscenti), and author of Handgun Hunting: a Comprehensive Guide to Choosing and Using the Right Firearms for Big and Small Game. Der Teufel Katze has written for a number of industry publications (print and online) and edited some of the others, so chances are you’ve seen or read her work before, somewhere. A woman of eclectic background and habits, Kat has been carrying concealed for over two decades, used to be a farrier, and worked for a long time in emergency veterinary medicine. She prefers big bores, enjoys K9 Search & Rescue, and has a Master’s Degree in Pitiless Snarkastic Delivery.
