by Larry S. Sterett

The 24th Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade (SHOT) Show, held at the convention center in Las Vegas on Feb. 2-5, offered a few surprises in the new products area. The slowdown in the economy may have prevented a few firms from exhibiting, but there were others waiting to take their place. Products for Cowboy Action Shooting, .50 BMG shooters, and new versions of, and accessories for, the AR-15/M-16 seemed to be the most numerous, except possibly for new knife designs. Regardless, there is always something to appeal to the taste of every dealer attending.

As this is being written, the Winter Olympics are being held in the Salt Lake City area, and in the Biathlon, Anschutz rifles are much in evidence. At the SHOT Show, J.G. Anschutz GmbH & Co. KG (Postfach 1128, Dept. GWK, Ulm, Germany D-89001; on-line: www.anschutz-sport.com) was exhibiting the firm's new 1717 D Series of bolt-action rifles and a new pistol based on the Model 64 action, all chambered for the new Hornady .17 HMR cartridge. (Anschutz rifles are distributed in the US by Tristar Sporting Arms, 1814 Linn St., Dept. GWK, North Kansas City, MO 64116; phone: 816-421-1400; on-line: www.tristarsporting-arms.com.)

Two models-Classic and Heavy Barrel Classic-with a choice of hand-checkered walnut or Mastergrade stock, are currently available. Based on the Model 54 action, which features dual locking lugs, a fully enclosed bolt face, claw extractor, and a positive safety that locks the firing pin travel, the new rifles have a 4-round detachable box magazine. The button rifled barrels are lapped, target crowned and free-floated in the stock for maximum accuracy. No sights are provided, but the receiver is grooved, drilled and tapped for scope mounts.

CQB Products (13681 Newport Ave. #8330, Dept. GWK, Tustin, CA 92780) was receiving a good bit of attention as the importer/distributor of the AMP Technical Services DSR-1 Rifle, a bolt-action "bullpup" design with a unique spare magazine housing. Weighing 13 pounds empty, with a barrel length of over 25° inches, the DSR-1 measures 39 inches overall, including the high efficiency, dual chamber, horizontal venting muzzle brake.

The stainless steel barrel is fluted, and available chambered for the 7.62mm NATO, .300 Win. Mag. or .338 Lapua Magnum cartridges. Rifling twist depend on the cartridge-1/12-inch for the 7.62mm, and 1/10-inch for the other two. Barrels can be removed and exchanged in seconds, without loss of zero. Magazine capacity is five and four rounds, for the .30 calibers and the .338, respectively. The receiver is manufactured from high strength aluminum, titanium, and glass fiber polymers, and the 6-lug bolt locks directly into the barrel assembly.

A full-length barrel-vented shroud protects the barrel and permits heat dissipation, while the buttstock assembly is fully adjustable for length-of-pull, height, and buttstock position, without tools. A Weaver scope rail is hard-mounted to the receiver, and a Picatinney rail is hard-mounted to the front of the receiver to permit accessory mounting in front of the rifle scope.

Other features of the DSR-1 include an adjustable forward hand grip, an ergonomic pistol grip, and a three-axis suspension bipod system in which the rifle is suspended under the bipod rather than mounted above. The bipod permits canting, pitching, and pivoting movements, and the legs telescope for changes in height adjustment.

Legacy Sports International (206 South Union St., Dept. GWK, Alexandria, VA 22314; phone: 703-548-4837; on-line: www.legacysports.com), importer and distributor of: Howa bolt-action rifles and barreled actions; Mauser 98 rifles and actions; Puma 92 lever-action rifles and carbines, and Silma and Escort shotguns, was receiving a good bit of attention with one of their latest Pumas.

This new Puma 92 is chambered for the .454 Casull cartridge, and features a blued finish, 20-inch round barrel with an overall length of 37° inches, and a weight empty of just over 6 pounds. The magazine capacity is 9 rounds. The forearm and stock, complete with rubber recoil pad, are walnut finished hardwood. Suggested retail is under $470.

The shotguns from Legacy include two autoloading models-Escort AS and PS-with 28-inch vent-rib barrels, and differing mainly in the AS having Turkish walnut stock and forearm and the PS, polymer. A magazine extender, three screw-in choke tubes, and two shims for altering the stock drop, are included, as are sling studs. Weight of each shotgun is approximately 7 pounds, and the overall length is 48° inches.

Both models are gas-operated, and will handle standard or magnum length shells. The Silma over/under models are available in standard, lightweight (just over 5° pounds) and Deluxe grades. Chamberings include 12-, 20-, and 28-gauge and .410 bore, depending on the grade. Stocks and forearms are walnut and the ventilated rib barrel lengths are 28 inches on all but one 12- and one 20-gauge standard version at 26 inches.

A single mechanical-set trigger is standard, as are automatic ejectors, safety, and recoil pad. Blued barrels compliment the low-profile brushed steel receivers. Weights depend on the stock densities, but range around 7 pounds.

Professional Ordnance
Professional Ordnance (1070 Metric Drive, Dept. GWK, Lake Havasu, AZ 86403) has been turning out their lightweight carbon fiber Type 97 and Type 21 rifles and pistols for several years. These Carbon 15 arms are chambered for the .223 Remington/5.56mm NATO cartridge, and weigh approximately 4 and 3 pounds, respectively.

Now there's a new member of the family, a blowback version chambered for the rimfire .22 Long Rifle cartridge. Same basic appearance as its predecessors, even to having the rimfire magazine housed within a regular .223 magazine body, but not gas-operated. The model exhibited did not feature the quick-detachable muzzle compensator, but it was hoped to be available on production guns. It should be an ideal pack gun for campers in areas where firearms are permitted, or for any use calling for a lightweight rimfire rifle.

Shooters-civilian and military-seem to have a fascination with drum magazines for firearms. Witness the Thompson, Suomi, Lewis, Luger, Beta, and various other designs over the years. It takes up less space to store a large quantity of ammunition in spirals than in a straight line. The problem has been power needed to move the cartridges along and into the chamber. Even shotguns have been so promoted, but to a much lesser degree; in recent years the Striker-12 and USAS-12 featured drum or rotary magazines. Now a retro-fit kit is available to fit various pump-action Mossberg 500 Series and Remington 870 model shotguns with a detachable drum or box magazine.

Knoxx Industries
Manufactured by Knoxx Industries (PO Box 2848, Dept. GWK, Paso Robles, CA 93447; phone: 877-465-6699; on-line: www.knoxx.com), the magazines are currently available for most Mossberg pump shotguns, plus the Remington M870, with others possible later. Constructed of synthetic materials, the magazines consist of an ambidextrous 10-round drum or a 6-round box, each of which will accept 2- or 3-inch 12-gauge shells. The standard Sidewinder conversion kit for the Mossberg consists of the new replacement magazine tube, forearm, and one drum magazine. (Additional box or drum magazines are available at extra cost.)

Because Remington magazine tubes are sweated in place, additional work is required for conversion, other than removing the forearm, unscrewing the magazine tube, and installing the new assembly. No permanent changes are made to the shotgun, and magazines can be changed at the push of a button, permitting the interchanging of loads in seconds.

Other new products from Knoxx Industries include a top folding COPstock for Mossberg, Remington, and Winchester pump guns, and a COMPstock HardSleeve stock which cuts recoil about half. The COPstock folds over the receiver, and includes a non-slip rubber-covered pistol grip. Recoil reduction using this sturdy, but compact stock, is stated to be as much as 54.8% over the recoil with a standard Mossberg stock.

Using the COMPstock, which consists of a conventional-shaped pistol grip stock fitted with a unique extension spring with built-in roller cam lever concealed by a slipover butt sleeve, the peak recoil reduction is just under 55%. The stock features ambidextrous palm swells, a Cobblestone finish grip surface, and a Soft-Start Cam to compensate for differences when using light and heavy loads.

Remington
Remington Arms Co. Inc. (870 Remington Drive, Dept. GWK, Madison, NC 27025; phone: 800-243-9700; on-line: www.reming-ton.com) has a host of new products for 2002. Among them is another Bullet Knife, The Apprentice. This limited edition folding model, the R295T, features two stainless steel blades, hardened to 56-59 Rockwell, non-rusting brass liners, and Tortoise Shell Celluloid handles with a "bullet" shield on the right handle.

Slug users will appreciate Remington's new 12-gauge Core-Lokt sabot slug, featuring a 385-grain bonded, jacketed bullet, leaving the muzzle at approximately 1,900 fps. Generating some 3,086 foot-pounds of energy (fpe), the new Ultra Slug is designed for use with rifled barrels, and has a long history of Core-Lokt rifle bullets performance preceding it.

The Remington Model 700 muzzleloaders are now available with a three-way ignition system, and a conversion kit is available to handle those MLs currently in use. New Models include the 700 ML, 700 ML Magnum, and 700 ML Magnum Camo with Mossy Oak Break-Up. Calibers include .45 and .50, and barrel lengths are 24 or 26 inches, depending on the model selected.

The shooter may now choose to use standard No. 11 percussion caps, musket caps, or No. 209 shotshell primers.

With lower bag limits, and shorter seasons, except on snow geese, waterfowl hunters are always looking for new ways to entice birds within shooting range. RoboDuk Manufacturing (10198 Hwy. 70, Dept. GWK, Marysville, CA 95901; phone: 877-525-9571;
on-line: www.roboduk.com) has the answer in their Mallard drake or hen RoboDuk, Honker RoboGoose, or Snow RoboGoose decoys.

Featuring full body models with rotating, direct drive ABS plastic wings which will run up to 12 hours on the 6-volt rechargeable battery, the decoys do attract waterfowl. Goose decoys have doubled their previous wing span, and all come with waterproof motion timers which automatically cycle the wings between spinning and no motion. (On/off times can be adjusted from 0.5 to 14 seconds.) Each unit comes with battery, charger, bag and two-piece snap-together pole, and upgrade kits. Remote control units and other accessories are available.

Schrade Cutlery
Whether there were more new knives at the SHOT Show or firearms is debatable, but Schrade Cutlery (7 Schrade Court, Dept. GWK, Ellenville, NY 12428) had a couple of the most interesting new products. One new Schrade product, the i-QUIP, was recognized for its high-tech design with the "2002 Design & Engineering Award" by Popular Mechanics magazine. The heart of the i-QUIP is a computer module outfitted with an altimeter, barometer, digital compass and clock, all attached to a base unit (implement pod) via a "tether" cord and bayonet-style lock-up.

The pod contains: a saw; cutting blade; scissors; Phillips and regular screwdriver blades; can opener; corkscrew; cap lifter; signal mirror; survival whistle; LED light, and a compartment to hold waterproof matches or a lighter. Constructed of anodized aluminum, thermoplastic rubber, and stainless steel, the new Schrade i-QUIP weighs only 8° ounces and includes a handy belt clip.

Without the computer module, including the altimeter, barometer, digital compass and clock, but with a liquid-filled compass and the other tools, the unit is available as the Navitool at a lower price.

Another new Schrade product is the Tough Grip, a combination tool designed for hunters and outdoorsmen. Starting with American Tool's time-tested Vise-Grip needlenose pliers, Schrade has added a locking knife blade, locking saw blade, wire stripper, cap lifter, Phillips and regular screwdriver blades, and more.

The Old Timer folding line has three new models: the Rhino with a large guthook and thermoplastic rubber handle for a sure grip when field dressing game; and two others-the Bearhead and the Bruin. Both feature stainless steel blades, liner locks, brass accents, thumb studs for easy opening, and green, sawcut handles.

For those who like to carry a knife on their keychain or belt loop-except when aboard commercial aircraft-there's the new Simon (simple, that is) 3-inch folder which features a blade length of 2 inches, anodized black aluminum housing, and a weight of 1 ounce.

Avatar Models
For individuals with a preference for knives with a futuristic appearance, Schrade has introduced three new Avatar models-the AV2, AV22, and AV77. All feature stainless steel blades with tear-drop shaped piercing for easy one-handed use, and thermoplastic rubber gripping strips co-molded into the handles-blue on the two-blade AV2 and black on the AV77 and two-blade AV22, both of which feature midnight black blades. The AV77 also has a stainless steel pocket clip.

Schuerman Arms Ltd. (9301 E. Adobe Dr., Dept. GWK, Scottsdale, AZ 85255; phone: 480-473-2980; on-line: www.schuermanarms.com) were exhibiting their new M40 bolt-action rifle. Featuring controlled round feeding with a fully enclosed case head, the M40 utilizes a bolt having three locking lugs, and a handle lift of approximately 70 degrees. The lugs are contained within the bolt as it moves within the bolt way, eliminating the need for locking lug raceways; emerging for locking as the bolt is rotated, lugs provide a large bearing surface.

A fully shrouded and gas blocking bolt sleeve all but eliminates possible gas escape to the rear in the event of case rupture or a pierced primer. The firing pin is lightweight to provide faster lock time, and a cocking indicator is standard. The M40 utilizes a three-lever fully adjustable, target grade trigger, and a three position sear locking safety on the right rear of the receiver. The staggered double column box magazine is detachable, with an ambidextrous release button, and single cartridges can be loaded into the chamber or magazine without removing the magazine. The large extractor is virtually unbreakable, and ejection is positive with the force dependent on the operator.

Taurus International Mfg. Inc. (16175 NW 49th Ave., Dept. GWK, Miami, FL 33014; phone: 800-327-3776; on-line: www.taurususa.com) continues to add to their already extensive line of sporting arms. The Raging Hornet was exhibited more than two years ago, but is just now making it to dealer shelves, and two new members have been added to the Raging family-long barreled Bulls in .41 Magnum (M416) and .30 M1 Carbine (30C). The latter is tabbed the Raging Thirty, and it uses the Taurus Stellar clip for easy loading of the rimless .30 Carbine cartridge. These latest models feature: the heavy underlug barrel; dual cylinder lock; cushion insert grip; the Taurus Security System, and the Unlimited Lifetime Repair Policy.

Other than the older calibers-such as the .32-20, .38-40, and .44-40-revolvers chambered for bottlenecked cartridges have been rather rare. The .22 Remington Jet and .356 Winchester cartridges never really achieved great success in revolvers, and custom chambered Smith & Wesson and Colt revolvers for the .22 K-Hornet, .22 JGR, .22 Snapp, etc. are not overly abundant.

Now Taurus has introduced two models chambered for the excellent .218 Bee cartridge. The first is the Raging Bee based on the Raging Hornet frame and featuring an 8-round cylinder and 10-inch barrel, adjustable sights, and scope mounting hardware. The second is the Model 218 Target Silhouette, featuring a 12-inch ventilated rib barrel without the heavy underlug. Adjustable sights, and a trigger with fully adjustable tension and a stop is standard. Now if the .256 Winchester can be tamed.

Another new chambering for revolvers is the Tracker 17, for the new .17 HMR cartridge. Featuring an 8-round cylinder, the latest Tracker rimfire model has the ventilated rib barrel with heavy underlug, and adjustable sights. Two other Tracker models for 2002 are the .45 Colt Tracker (M450) and the .45 ACP Stellar Tracker (M455), with the latter utilizing the 5-round Taurus Stellar Clip for quick, easy loading.

Protector Model
To compliment the CIA model introduced in 2001, Taurus has introduced a 5-shot Protector model with fully shrouded hammer and low profile adjustable rear sight. Available in a choice of .38 Special (M851CIA) or .357 Magnum (M651CIA), in four finishes, the Protector can still be manually cocked for single-action operation when necessary.

The Taurus line of autoloading pistols is extensive, but not so the number of plinking pistols. The new PT-922 appears to be a real winner in this field. Having many of the features of the larger centerfire models, and derived from the PT92, the PT922 is chambered for the rimfire .22 Long Rifle cartridge with a 10-round magazine, and a choice of blued or stainless finish.

Winchester rimfire rifles of the early 1900s were always well received by shooters, and the pump action Model 62 had many followers. After it was discontinued by Winchester, the Model 62 design was picked up and has been produced in Brazil for many years. For 2002 Taurus has added an Upstart 62, with a shortened buttstock designed for smaller shooters.

Available in stainless or blued finish, each Upstart 62 comes with an extra full-size stock hand-fitted to that particular rifle, and installable at any time with the aid of a screwdriver. In addition to the patented Taurus Security System, each Upstart is also equipped with a manual safety on top of the breech bolt.

Another Browning design introduced in 2002 and hopefully available in time for squirrel season is the autoloading Model 63, available in stainless or blued finish. Featuring a tubular magazine in the buttstock, and cocking via the rod projecting from the forearm tip, the Model 63 has the excellent handling qualities of a rimfire rifle. Tang sights similar to those originally available for Winchester rifles will also be available. Fully adjustable for windage and elevations, they can be folded down out of the way when not needed.

Copper Bullets
In addition to new handgun and rimfire rifle models, Taurus' big news at the 2002 SHOT Show was the Copper Bullets featuring the HEX design. The result of nine years of research and development by Randy Brooks of Barnes Bullets, Bob Morrison, executive vice president of Taurus International, and writer Dick Metcalf-the bullets are 99.95% pure copper and feature a 0.270-inch diameter pre-scored hollowpoint measuring over 0.525-inch deep. The bullets, which begin their expansion upset at a threshold of 650 fps, will normally achieve full expansion at approximately 850 fps. Non-fouling, the new Taurus bullets tend to have nearly 100% weight retention at standard .45 ACP velocities.

The new Taurus ammunition will be loaded by PMC Ammunition, using the Barnes-produced HEX bullets, Hodgdon Titegroup powder, and El Dorado cases. The result should move the .45 ACP cartridge into the 21st century in good shape.

Many domestic riflescope manufacturers no longer grind their own lenses, using instead plastic or imported glass lenses produced to their specifications. One firm who still produces their scopes entirely in the USA is US Optics (5900 Dale St., Dept. GWK, Buena Park, CA 90621; phone: 714-994-4901; on-line: www.usoptics.com). United States Optics Tech Inc., as it's officially known, turns out custom and production telescopic sights and spotting scopes for civilian, police and military use.

A couple of the latest models are the SN-12 Rapid Response and the SN-9-2A&B ASA-ERTS Extreme Range scopes. The SN-12 is a fixed 3.5X power, with a 2X Power Booster available as an option. It features a 35mm main tube, 4-inch eye-relief, choice of four, triple sandwiched optical glass reticles, with custom designs possible, and a built-in Picatinney rail mount.

Threaded Housings
The eyepiece and objective housings are threaded for accessories, and light transference is approximately 99.4% for each of the 10-12 lens elements. The field-of-view is rated at 42 feet at 100 yards, and the maximum minute-of-angle (MOA) adjustment is about 140. Weight of the SN-12 is 26 ounces, and the length is 7.5 inches. It has a lifetime warranty and a host of optional features are available at extra cost.

The SN-9 scopes are available in both fixed power (17X, 22X, 30X, and 37X) and variable (3.2-17X 3.8-22X, 7-33X, and 10-40X). The scopes measure just over 17° inches long, and feature external windage and elevation adjustments. The weight depends on the specific scope, and as does the field-of-view. Several reticles are available as options, but the Mil-Dot is standard, as is a 58mm diameter objective housing.

Elevation and windage click values on the SN-9 scopes depend on the location of the rear turret, but possible values range from approximately °-MOA to
1/20 MOA; a table of power and sustentions is included with each scope. Several options are available for the SN-9 scopes, including smaller (44mm) or larger (80mm or 140mm) objective lens.

Cowboy Action Shooters and military reenactment fans will enjoy two new reproduction arms exhibited at the Show. US Fire Arms Mfg. Co. (55 Van Dyke Ave., Dept. GWK, Coltsville Heritage Park, Hartford, CT 06106; phone: 877-227-6901; on-line: www.usfirearms.com) is bringing back the Colt Lightning Rifle chambered for the .45 Colt cartridge. Featuring a 26-inch round barrel, oil-finished walnut stock and forearm, the new Lightning will have a 15-round magazine. This shooter has always wanted a shootable Lightning, and now if they will just bring back the Carbine with 20-inch barrel.

Interstate Arms Corporation imports Norinco pump action shotguns from China, and copies of the Winchester Model 97 are currently available and used by many CAS devotees. By mid-2002, dealers should have available authentic reproductions of the 1917 WWI M97 Trench Gun, complete with ventilated metal handguard and bayonet lug. The prototypes appeared identical to the original 1917 Trench Guns, and the wait should be worth it.

The SHOT Show always has something of interest to every shooter/hunter. The 2002 Show was true to tradition. The products mentioned here were only a few of the many being exhibited.