by John C. Krull
Gun Week Production Manager

Over the past few issues of Gun Week you have read several reports of new products exhibited at the 25th anniversary Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade (SHOT) Show presented by several different contributors and, surprisingly, we have yet to do any real over-lapping in our presentations of the new and improved products.

Actually, if time allowed, I believe that it would be possible for any one of our writers to contribute an article a week for the next year and still not be able to tell you all there was at the SHOT Show. That is just how big a show it really was. I always hear from friends, when they know that the time for SHOT is coming up, who tell me to have a good time on my vacation. It is a good time to see old friends, and make new ones, and a time to see the new products and wish that we had the money to buy all the old ones that we would like to possess.

It is also a very trying few days with the travel, the setup of and manning the Second Amendment Foundation/Gun Week booth, and whatever time I get to spend visiting with the other exhibitors on the floor seeing their products.

So here we go with some more products that caught our eye in Orlando, FL.

Electronic Hearing Protection
Being an NRA training and hunter education instructor, I teach several classes a year. Also, in the testing of many of the products that I review, I spend a lot of time at the range, but never as much as I'd like to. So hearing and eye protection are very important to me and my students.

While walking the show floor, I came across Aearo Company (8001 Woodland Dr., Dept. GWK, Indianapolis, IN 46268; phone: 800-327-3431; on-line: www.aosafety.com). Their booth featured both hearing and eye protection.

Their AOSafety Peltor Comtac Tactical Hearing Protector takes electronic earmuff performance to a whole new level. With the latest in audio design and electronics, Comtac is unlike any other hearing protector in the industry.

Electronics mute gunfire and dangerous impulse noises to a safe 82dB level with a seamless transition. Comtac also amplifies and enhances low-level sounds up to three times louder. Range commands, conversations and long-distance noises in the woods that often go undetected are brought back to life with clarity. Comtac is the first and only low-profile, water-resistant muff design that protects effectively rain or shine.

Comtac's features include directional stereo sound with dual microphones providing even sound reception, a 250-hour battery life with an automatic shut-off feature and easy-access battery compartment. You'll also enjoy the extra comfort of soft, liquid-foam ear cups in camouflage green and the folding leather headband.

The Comtac is powered by two AA batteries that are readily available and inexpensive. There are two switches on the right-hand side which perform the on/off function and act as volume controls. The muffs are comfortable to wear and protect the ears amazingly well. I tested my
sample shooting pistols in my basement range. The reduction levels and the amplifications levels were as promised.

I was at first disappointed with the sample I was sent and had to go back and read the instructions two more times to find out why I wasn't getting a beep when I pressed both buttons to activate the hearing protectors. Eventually I got the bright idea to put in new batteries. Once I inserted my own new batteries the muffs worked fine. So, if by chance you get a pair of these hearing protectors and do have a problem, check the batteries first. We all know that stuff happens, the batteries supplied were dead. The company didn't make the batteries, just supplied them.

Brush & Mop
I've tested and done reviews on products from Brownells (200 South Front St., Dept GWK, Montezuma, IA 50171; phone: 641-623-5401; on-line: www.brownells.com) several times over the years. Whenever I need technical support, they are the ones that I call. Brownells can always be counted upon to have the answer to my inquiry and the parts that will resolve my dilemma. They continue to come up with new and innovative ideas.

For this article I've chosen their new Double-Up Brush & Mop System. This is a new and unique shotgun cleaning product. The Double-Up Brush & Mop puts threads on both ends of the brush and the mop so you can mix and match them to suit the way you like to clean your 12-gauge shotguns.

You can attach the mop first, soak it with solvent to soften fouling, and the brush will follow and break the tough stuff loose. Or, put the brush ahead of an oil-soaked mop to clean and lube in one step. Or you can get extra mops and brushes and use any combination that you choose.

If you use standard bore solvents, pick the bronze Double-Up Brush & Mop System. For those copper-eating, super solvents, choose the nylon system. Extra replacement brushes and mops come in 3-Paks and dozens to help save you money on some of your most-used cleaning supplies.

This is just one of the 29,000 products in the 444-page catalog.

Another nice advantage of ordering from Brownells is their 100% satisfaction, no-hassle, money-back guarantee. There is no minimum order requirement and no small order fee policy. Their full-time tech staffers are all seasoned pros who will gladly answer your questions and help you through your gun projects.

All-in-One Bore Guide
Stoney Point Products (1822 North Minnesota St., Dept. GWK, New Ulm, MN 56073; phone: 507-354-3350, online: www.stoneypoint.com) has created a new bore guide that aids in cleaning almost any caliber of bolt-action firearm with a simple switch of chamber tips. The All-in-One T Universal Bore Guide has three interchangeable tips to fit bores from .17- to .416-caliber, so it's the only bolt-action bore guide you need.

The All-in-One locks into the action in place of the bolt to allow proper cleaning from the breech rather than from the muzzle end. The tapered chamber nose mates snugly into the chamber to keep solvents and bore crud away from the action and trigger. Like the popular "XL" series bore guides, it can be used with any cleaning rod and will provide proper alignment of the cleaning tool with the bore to protect the rifling and crown.

An integrated solvent port allows solvent application to either brush or patch prior to pushing it through the All-in-One Bore Guide and barrel. This means bore fouling and excess solvents are pushed out of the muzzle, and there is no contamination of the locking lugs, receiver, action or trigger assembly.

The All-in-One bore guide has an anodized, tempered aluminum tube that is solvent-proof and durable. Its aluminum action collar fits .700-inch diameter bolt-actions in any action length. Optional collar sizes are available to fit Weatherby Mark V and AR-15 actions. A threaded brass pin locks the action collar and bore guide to the firearm.

Suggested retail price is $21.95.

For more information, consumers may contact Stoney Point Products Inc.

Turkey Hunter Book
While making my rounds of the show, I came upon the booth for Stoeger Publishing (603 Indian Head Hwy., Suite 200, Dept. GWK, Accokeek, MD 20607; phone: 877-GUNBOOK; on-line: www.stoegerindustries.com).

I always like to see what new titles they have in their library. They publish not only gun and hunting related books but also have a few on motorcycles and cars.

One of the new books is the Turkey Hunter's Tool Kit: Shooting Savvy which has just been released. It has 128 pages of technical and how-to information from naturalist and long-time turkey hunter Jay Langston. This book is a must-have for every turkey hunter.

Turkey season will soon be in full swing, and avid hunters around the country are already practicing their calls, checking their equipment and scouting the woods in search of this elusive game bird. With sight and hearing capabilities that far exceed human abilities, the turkey is one of the most sought after and challenging big game animals in the United States. The Turkey Hunter's Tool Kit provides readers with essential information to make turkey hunting more enjoyable. Drawing on his years of experience in the study and pursuit of the American wild turkey, Jay Langston provides the reader with knowledge that will help to make their hunts more successful.

Turkey Hunter's Tool Kit, slated as the first in a three-volume series, covers information on the single most important tool for the turkey hunter: the gun and its ethical and effective use in the field. This book provides both the novice and seasoned turkey hunter with invaluable information on choosing the right gun, improving and estimating that gun's effective range, as well as the sights and scopes for turkey hunting, ammo and its performance, and a host of other important information. Turkey Hunter's Tool Kit retails for $24.95 and is available at local Wal-Mart stores nationwide, on-line at Amazon.com, as well as from local Benelli and Stoeger firearms dealers nationwide.

For over 75 years, Stoeger Publishing has been dedicated to publishing the best outdoor titles available on the market. For additional information, visit their website. You won't be sorry that you did.

MuzzleLoader Dry Box
One of the companies that I always like to visit every year is MTM Case-Gard (3370 Obco Ct., Dept. GWK, Dayton, OH 45414; phone: 937-890-7461; on-line: www.mtmcase-gard.com). I've been using their products for years and have always found them to be as advertized and often moreso. This year is no exception. For 2003 they have introduced 10 new products. Some are redesigned products for which just a few changes have created a whole new use. The MuzzleLoader Dry Box (ML-1) is a good example.

Muzzleloaders know that blackpowder and blackpowder substitutes are heavily affected by moisture and must be stored in a controlled environment. This is why MTM feels the new MuzzleLoader Dry Box is the ideal storage and carry box for blackpowder enthusiasts. No matter what the weather, the ML-1's roomy base interior shuts out moisture problems with a tight, weather resistant, O-ring seal. A large lift-out tray helps to organize gear, keeping smaller items on top, not crushed or buried at the bottom. The 80% usable, top access lid compartment divides specialty tools into five sections for quick retrieval at the range. Thick side-wall construction, a heavy-duty latch and padlock tabs assure a secure barrier against uninvited guests. MTM Case-Gard's MuzzleLoader Dry Box is just the ticket for the muzzleloader. For more information check the MTM Products website.

Lasergrips
Over the years I have used and reviewed with great accolades the laser light-emitting grips from Crimson Trace (8089 SW Cirrus Dr., Dept. GWK, Beaverton, OR 97008; phone: 800-442-2406; on-line: www.crimsontrace.com). They started out several years ago with just a couple of models and just keep on expanding their line so that they now even have a laser sighting device for the AR15 which was one of their introductions for 2003.

This year also sees a rubber-overmold Lasergrip for the Smith &Wesson K and L frame family of revolvers. If you haven't ever tried one of their products you owe it to yourself to do so.

The Lasergrip for the K/L frame has a slimline design with an open backstrap. This allows for a full, comfortable firing grip, yet the K-frame remains perfect for concealed carry. The grip also features a deep relief on the left side for easy speedloader use. The Lasergrips speed target acquisition and accuracy thanks to an instinctive activation system, and the user's equally instinctive placement of the bright red dot.

All Lasergrips feature instinctive activation for left- or right-handed shooters. A strategically located sensor on the frontstrap activates the system without switches or levers. All you have to do is grip the gun and you're ready to aim.

Lasergrips are used by police agencies, military units and responsible citizens all around the world. Maybe it's time you checked out a set for your favorite carry gun.

Youth Varmint Rifle
In these pages over the years I have reviewed several models of the firearms produced by Savage Arms (118 Mountain Rd., Dept. GWK, Suffield, CT 06078; phone: 413-568-7001; on-line: www.savagearms.com). Actually, as a dealer, I believe that I have sold more Savage rifles in centerfire than any other make. So I do have confidence in their products.

Many of my articles over the years have been aimed at new shooters, featuring products that they designed for the slighter-framed female and youth shooters. Let's face it, the ladies and the kids were ignored for many years. While they may not be a formidable force on the firing line, they represent the future of our shooting sports.

Savage, in an on-going effort to service the youth market, has introduced a new 12FVY Youth Varmint model to the successful Varmint Series of centerfire rifles.

The Youth Varmint rifle is available in a short action and is chambered for .223 Rem. or .22-250 Rem. and weighs 8° pounds. This rifle features a black synthetic youth stock with positive checkering. It comes with a 26-inch heavy free-floating barrel that is drilled and tapped for scope mounts. The rifle has an internal box magazine that holds four rounds. Swivel studs are standard.

The most significant feature of the 12FVY is the new Savage Arms AccuTrigger, a standard feature on all Savage Varmint rifles for 2003. The AccuTrigger is adjustable by the owner for a trigger pull between 1° and 6 pounds. The suggested retail price for the Youth Varmint model is $515.

Over the next several months we will be writing articles about the new products we found after we have tested them. Remember, when contacting any of these manufacturers, tell them that John at Gun Week sent you.

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