Firearms 2014

Weapons•Photos 8

Each year the latest firearms, law enforcement gear, and shooting sports products make their debut at the Shooting Hunting and Outdoor Trade (SHOT) Show. This year's show is scheduled for the middle of this month at the Sands Expo Center in Las Vegas. And from what the POLICE editorial staff is hearing from some of the top law enforcement product manufacturers, the guns making their debut (or U.S. debut) at SHOT 2014 will continue some of the trends that we have seen in the last five or so years.

Since the expansion of concealed carry laws nationwide, some of the biggest sellers in the firearms market have been compact or even pocket-sized pistols. The word from major pistol makers is that this trend will continue and probably gain steam.

The other major trend in the firearms market is the AR-variant rifle. These semi-automatic versions of military-style rifles called "modern sporting rifles" in the industry continue to be extremely popular as target and hunting rifles with gun enthusiasts and as patrol rifles for law enforcement. Both new and improved versions of ARs will be on display at this year's SHOT.

FNH USA is introducing the FN 15 line of 5.56mm NATO AR-variant rifles. The FN 15 Carbine offers a 16-inch chrome-lined, alloy steel barrel with a 1:7-inch right-hand twist. Features include a six-position collapsible stock, A2-style compensator, fixed A2-style front sights, and a removable M4 carrying handle. The FN 15 Rifle has a 20-inch chrome-lined, alloy steel barrel and all the features of the FN 15 Carbine.

Lewis Machine & Tool Co. has been busy over the last year. The first new product from LMT is the SLK8, a long, slick upper that was developed for competitive shooters. Four inches longer than the company's previous LM8MRP, the SLK8 allows greater hand distance for better accuracy. The SLK8 ships standard with a 16-inch stainless steel 1:7.5 twist barrel but is available with a 20-inch barrel. The SLK8 also includes a two-stage match trigger. LMT has also designed a new DMR Buttstock. The new DMR Buttstock allows greater operator customization over the company's previous SOPMOD Buttstock and offers 45 positions for adjusting length of pull and cheek rest height. The DMR Buttstock incorporates the SOPMOD-style cheek rest, SOPMO

A.J. George reviewed the new Daniel Defense DDM4 Lite Rail II in the January issue: "Most rail systems, although highly functional, add a lot of weight and typically cause the gun to be very front heavy, leading to quick shoulder fatigue. Daniel Defense's new Lite Rail II gives the DDM4 a huge weight advantage over most similar systems. A 7-inch carbine length Lite-Rail II weighs in at just 8.7 ounces. The 12-inch Lite Rail II is a hair under 14 ounces, a few less than most of the competition."

Israel Weapon Industries' Jericho is the standard duty pistol of Israel's police units. For 2014 it has been improved with a loaded chamber indicator. The IWI Jericho comes in polymer- or steel-framed versions and is available in standard, short, and compact models chambered for either 9mm, .40, or .45. Features include an ergonomic grooved grip and an integral Picatinny accessory rail.

Late in 2013 Kahr introduced its first value-priced full-sized pistols, the CT40 and CT45. The new CT4043 and the CT4543 feature a full-size polymer frame with a stainless steel slide and white bar-dot sight configuration. Chambered in .40 S&W, the CT4043 has a 4-inch barrel and weighs 21.8 ounces with the magazine. The CT4543 is chambered in .45 ACP and has a 4.04-inch barrel and weight of 23.7 ounces with the magazine. Both models offer 7+1 capacity. They each retail for $499 and are expected to be available in February 2014.

Glock's new G42 is the smallest and lightest pistol ever produced by the Austrian gunmaker. Chambered in .380, the striker-fired G42 has a 3.25-inch barrel and a loaded weight of about 14.4 ounces. Glock characterizes its new .380 as "super-concealable" but rugged. "This slimline subcompact pistol is able to withstand the rigors of any situation," says Glock vice president John Dorsey. "It's safe, simple, and fast. The G42 is a Glock in every sense."

IWI introduced a flattop flat dark earth model of the Tavor bullpup rifle late last year. The Tavor SAR Flattop series includes a full-length Picatinny top rail and shorter rails. It is available with a 16.5-inch barrel or an 18-inch barrel.

Up-and-coming AR maker Windham Weaponry announced a new .308 rifle in late fall. At 7.5 pounds, the Windham .308 SRC is one of the lightest 7.62mm AR variants on the market. Features include a 16.5-inch medium profile chrome-lined barrel, Picatinny rail, six-position telescoping buttstock, Hogue overmolded beavertail pistol grip, and 20-round Magpul Pmag. Retail price is $1,431, and the rifle is covered by Windham's lifetime transferable warranty.