Modular Driven Technologies dropped their new chassis on our doorstep a week before the 2017 SHOT Show. We had just enough time to unpack it and check out the features before we hit the road for the trip to Las Vegas. We plan on discussing the new ESS chassis at SHOT and we will have a full review published after we put it through its paces.
Magpul is now shipping the new Pmag 12 GL9 magazine for the Glock 26. We have had great results with the Pmag 17 and 21 GL9 magazines and wasted no time in ordering a Pmag 12 GL9. Once we get a chance to run a few boxes of ammo through it we will post a full review. If you want to get yours now, click on over to the Magpul Website and order one (the site would only allow us to order ONE). 
Keystone Sporting Arms, LLC. just announced the new Crickett Precision Rifle on their Facebook page. There is not a lot of information out yet, but it appears the rifle will be available in January 2017 and retail for approximately $310. This small .22 bolt action should appeal to Accuracy International hands who want to outfit their little shooters in style. We hope to have some more information as the 2017 SHOT Show approaches.
CTK Precision has released several new accessories for the Ruger Precision Rifle. CTK’s new bolt knob is CNC machined from 6061 Aluminum and features a steel knob extension for strength. The Bolt Knob is Type III Hardcoat Anodized. The extension is parkerized an countered to blend into the factory bot stem. The unique design will definitely stand out on your rifle. ($46 MSRP)
If you are concerned about your buttstock rubbing against the chassis in the folded position, CTK offers their new Ruger Precision Rifle Stock Bumper. It quickly replaces the factor length of pull adjustment knob. ($19 MSRP)
CTK has also released an enlarged and ambidextrous magazine release extension. The Mag Release Extension quickly attaches to the factory magazine release. The mag release should make it easier to drop the magazine with your trigger finger, speeding reloads. ($37 MSRP)
More information and pricing is available on the CTK Precision website.
Early in November, Nightforce was kind enough to invite us to CORE Shooting Solutions in Baker, FL. to check out some of their new products. There was an update to the SHV 5-20×56 elevation turret, a new reticle (Mil-C) and a slick new Nightforce branded Carbon Fiber Tripod. Those were interesting, but the star of the show was the new ATACR F1 7-35x56mm. Continue reading First Look: Nightforce ATACR F1 7-35x56mm
It is “official”! Lapua has announced that brass for the 6.5 Creedmoor cartridge will be available in the first quarter of 2017. The Lapua brass should offer some improvements over currently available brass. In addition to Lapua’s usual consistency, the new 6.5CM brass will use small rifle primers. Lapua also opted for a 1.5mm flash hole versus the industry standard 2mm. Hopefully this will help alleviate the need for small diameter firing pin holes on 6.5CM rifles.
While shooting the Guardian Long Range Competition at the Marksmanship Training Center, I had a chance to speak with Kirk Young of Precision Rifle Media. Kirk extended an invitation to bring me on the Precision Rifle Media Podcast to discuss the Guardian Match. Kirk has some great content and brings on a wide variety of guests. The Precision Rifle Media Podcast is available on the web and on iTunes for Apple fans. Make sure you check it out!
In a recent thread on Accurateshooter.com, Kevin Thomas from Lapua stated that they are currently working on 6.5 Creedmoor brass. This may be the first reason we have to look forward to the 2017 SHOT Show.
“May as well go ahead and drive a stake through the heart of this thread right now; Yes, we currently have 6.5 Creedmoor in to works. We discussed this one at length in Finland during a new products development meeting a few months back. Several of us were pushing this one rather hard, due to the tremendous feedback we’d taken on the cartridge, and the popularity that the cartridge has already earned. Not a big one in Europe, but the US market is a significant share of our business, and we most definitely do listen to customer input. The first set ups are currently being done, and the initial trial run and in-house testing will be done shortly after that. If all goes well, we’ll move on with production and hopefully make the formal introduction of this one during the SHOT show in January.
Hang on guys, it’s coming.”
It’s too early to be an April Fool’s Joke. Magpul just announced the shipment of their anxiously awaited, 10 round AICS compatible magazines. The mags should be showing up at dealers shortly. Unfortunately, Magpul does not have them for sale on their site yet. Hopefully you have your “notifications” in place at your favorite online retailer. These are sure to go fast. Continue reading Magpul Pmag 7.62 AC 10 Round Mags Shipping
You cannot discuss defensive firearms without the topic of modifications rearing its evil head. The common argument is that you should never modify a firearm that will be used for duty or defensive applications. The peanut gallery will claim that you will be torn apart in court. They will argue that any modification will be paraded in front of the jury and the lawyers will show your bloodlust led you to turn your firearm into the most efficient weapon of mass destruction. Continue reading Form vs. Function: Modifications on Defensive Firearms
