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SHOT Show 2020: Speer Introduces New Line of Gold Dot Ammunition Optimized for Carry Guns

Gold Dot, a leader in terminal performance from Speer, has undergone a design modification for compact and subcompact handguns. The result is a new product featuring an optimized G2 bullet design.

January 30, 2020

Gold Dot, a leader in terminal performance from Speer, has undergone a design modification for compact and subcompact handguns. The result is a new product featuring an optimized G2 bullet design. The full lineup is fittingly named CarryGun and will be available in 9mm Luger 135-grain, 40 S&W 165-grain and 45 Auto +P 200-grain.

"Speer's Gold Dot family of ammunition has been the leading choice of law enforcement professionals for almost three decades because it offers exceptional terminal performance and unfailing reliability," said Federal Handgun Ammunition Product Manager Chris Laack. "Last year, we began offering the enhanced Gold Dot G2 ammunition—which had previously only been available to law enforcement—to the public."

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Gold Dot G2 is a recent evolution from original Gold Dot, aimed at achieving better FBI-protocol test scores than its predecessor. Both the standard Gold Dot and the new Gold Dot G2 bullets utilize UNICOR construction, but the G2's unique design is an evolutionary step forward in duty bullet protocol performance, Speer says. Rather than the traditional hollow point design of the Gold Dot, the G2 bullet features a shallow cavity in the nose of the bullet that is filled with durable elastomer. This prevents barrier materials from filling the nose cavity of the bullet which, in turn, inhibits expansion. This provides more consistent performance through tough barriers like wood and steel.

"Optimized for compact and subcompact pistols and featuring a new version of our G2 bullet, Gold Dot CarryGun ammo is exceptional," said Laack. "It offers the same industry-leading performance and exceptional barrier test results that shooters expect from Gold Dot G2 ammunition out of smaller, lighter concealed carry firearms."

According to the company, Speer Gold Dot CarryGun offers not only the best bullet for self-defense but adds features that ensure this ammunition will perform reliably under any conditions. That begins with the use of quality nickel-plated cases that feed reliably. That's coupled with advanced powders that perform consistently and a sealed CCI primer that are sensitive and reliable.

"Gold Dot CarryGun is going to be the highest-scoring protocol round out of a compact gun ever," he Laack said. "We are seeing really great results shooting it through FBI protocol."

Most shooters believe that a defensive bullet—any defensive bullet—will perform well in typical self-defense situations. A duty bullet that is designed for and optimized to a full-sized duty pistol simply won't perform to the same standard from a short-barreled carry or backup gun. By taking the Gold Dot G2 bullet and customizing it to function in short-barreled defense pistols Speer has created a self-defense load that is truly optimized for the guns in which it will be carried.

Speer will launch three new Gold Dot CarryGun in three initial offerings: 9mm 135-grain, 40 S&W 165-grain, and 45 Auto +P 200-grain. All three will be sold in 20-round boxes, and MSRPs range from $28.99 to $33.99.

This new product was announced at the 2020 SHOT Show in Las Vegas, Nevada, January 21-24. New Speer CarryGun is scheduled to ship at the end of January 2020.

Speer ammunition can be found at dealers nationwide or purchased online direct from Speer. For more information on all products from Speer or to shop online, visit www.speer-ammo.com .

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