 At $350 for a German-engineered breakbarrel air rifle delivering 1000fps in .22, with a beach stock and adjustable sights, scope dovetail, 2-stage adjustable trigger and a full 5-star user rating from over 100 reviews, this is a one-rifle choice for someone seeking an airgun they can use for their lifetime and hand down to the kids. Reminds me of a Webley I had in my youth that I successfully used to feed our family throughout my teens. Inherent accuracy is provided by the rear sight being attached to the breech end of the barrel rather than further back closer to the shooters eye. On breakbarrel airguns the loading action of pulling the barrel down, inserting a pellet and returning the barrel to the firing position causes microscpic changes in alignment with each loading that increase over time as the gun ages. With the sight setup of this Diana where both front and rear sights are affixed to the barrel, sight alignment is true regardless of wear and aging. On air rifles where the rear sight is NOT fixed to the breech end of the barrel, but is further back on the chassis, those microscopic changes in barrel alignment will mean your shots are inconsistent leading one to believe the gun is inaccurate. This is also true when affixing a scope to a breakbarrel rifle as the scope sits in the chassis, not on the barrel. My recommendation is you always have your sight on the barrel of a breakbarrel rifle. If you want to use a scope, buy a sidelever, underlever, CO2 or PCP rifle. GOM
 This from the SA website on the long-awaited XD(M) 10MM: Springfield Armory is pleased to announce a highly anticipated new addition to their polymer pistol lineup, the XD(M)® 10mm. This full-size pistol is the latest variation in the series, now chambered in the popular 10mm round for more power in the highly accurate and reliable XD(M)® platform. The new XD(M)® 10mm was torture tested to prove the quality and reliability of this new addition to the line, firing 10,000 rounds of Federal Premium® Hydra-Shok® 10mm ammunition through the gun with EVERY round. Available with a 4.5" or 5.25" barrel, both lengths are well-balanced when combined with the full-size grip frame for maximum controllability and comfort while shooting. The 4.5" model features a low-profile combat rear sight paired with a fiber optic front sight, while the 5.25" version has a fully adjustable target rear sight with fiber optic front. Holding 15+1 rounds, the XD(M)® 10mm tames this potent cartridge for a comfortable shooting experience with each pull of the trigger. Count on comfort with 3 interchangeable backstraps. A small, medium and large size are included. Fully supported chambers and ramped barrels are designed for the most powerful commercially available 10mm spec ammunition.
 This is the long-awaited civilian iteration of the U.S. Army's MHS, with safety in tact (because those who are properly trained in the use of firearms aren't stumped by manual weapon safeties) so undoubtedly this will have limited appeal in the civilian sector. Personally I've seen and heard of too many mishaps with DAO systems to believe foregoing a manual safety on modern polymer pistols was EVER a good idea, so I laud Sig (and our Military) for retaining ye old thumb clicker. And I consider this an aesthetically pleasing sidearm, and with it's inherent Sig reliability and modularity what's not to like? Oh, it's worth noting that the optic cut out on the P320-M17 series guns are cut per the MHS contract, thus are not compatible with the Romeo 1 optic from SIG SAUER without an adapter plate which will be released at a later date. GOM
This from the Sig site: After one of the most rigorous and highly competitive review processes in the history of military firearms the SIG SAUER M17 was awarded the Modular Handgun System (MHS) contract for the U.S. Army. The M17 is a P320-based platform, and was selected for its uniquely innovative modularity, uncompromising performance, and unmatched capability. The P320-M17 closely follows the specifications of the U.S. Army’s M17. “It was truly an honor for SIG SAUER to be chosen as the U.S. Army’s choice with the M17. When the selection was announced, civilian interest in the pistol was immediate,” said Tom Taylor, Chief Marketing Officer and Executive Vice President, SIG SAUER, Inc. “We are proud to bring this P320-M17 to the marketplace to meet the substantial civilian interest, and the high demand, to own the pistol the Army uses as well as the other branches of the U.S. Military.” The P320-M17 is a 9mm, striker-fired pistol and comes with two 17-round magazines. The pistol features a Nitron coated stainless steel slide with the same optic cut as specified by the MHS contract, and black controls just like the pistols currently being shipped to the U.S. Army; it comes equipped with a SIGLITE front night sight and removable Night Sight rear plate. The P320-M17 BRAVO features a black carry-length grip module, available in three sizes, and comes standard with a manual safety.  I've always loved the SP101, and I always wished they made a blued version. So when Ruger's newsletter arrived this morning I was psyched - it finally seems the gun fairy came through. And she's a potent beauty chambered for 357 MAG. Ruger does it again! GOM
 So hot they're already sold out on the Daisy website, though I'm sure it can be found elsewhere online. These were fun when we were kids and believe it or not they're just as fun while wearing big boy pants! This from their site: This Adult-Sized Red Ryder Kit is perfect for shooters who already have the youth-sized gun. It contains one adult-sized Red Ryder (Model 1938ARR) that fits larger-sized shooters and a Rocket Shot Target Launcher so you and your youth shooter can compete while having fun and improving your shooting. You also get a pair of Daisy Shooting Glasses and a tube of 350 BBs. Just add a youth shooter with his or her own Red Ryder and you’ve got the recipe for a wonderful memory.
 Premium 1911 at a premium price. This from their website:
Over the past year, the Ruger® Custom Shop has worked closely with professional shooting team captain and world champion competitive shooter, Doug Koenig, to develop the first Custom Shop SR1911®. This full-sized 9mm pistol is the ideal SR1911® for competitive shooting in IDPA, IPSC, USPSA, Bianchi Cup, Pro Am Shooting and Steel Challenge disciplines. This SR1911® leaves nothing to chance, featuring the precision-machined Koenig Shooting Sports low-mass hammer and competition sear. When combined with the custom flat-faced trigger shoe, precision-machined disconnector and hand-tuned sear spring, you can expect a match-grade, crisp and clean break with every trigger pull. The hand-fitted slide and frame provide a remarkably tight, yet smooth, action. The Ruger® Custom Shop’s uncompromising attention to fine details ensures a world-class level of performance suitable for the most demanding competitors and shooters.
 Half the price of other similar manufacturer's coats and really affordable at $429, this is a premium item of clothing for the security-conscious gentleman. Ballistic clothing is no longer just for g-men and private contractors, BulletProofEveryone.com makes everyday styles available to the common man at realistic prices. In a world with increasing dangers to the innocent and unwitting, this'll stop knife blades and most bullet calibers below 44MAG. So if you're planning a trip to England (notorious for random stabbings) or Afghanistan (where who knows what risks abound), grab yourself one of these pea coats. If you need a lighter jacket they have those too, and other products, for both men and women. Oh, and they also have a cool video where a company employee shoots himself at point blank to prove their garment's bullet-stopping viability. Ouch! Ed.
This from their site: Each product has been tested and meets the abbreviated NIJ 0101.06 IIIA Standard This rating covers calibers from .22LR to .44 Magnum, as well as 00 Buckshot. - Three button closure - Left and Right inner chest pocket - Two side pockets - Inner Zip-up Bib - 70/30 Wool Blend FEATURES
WARRANTY 5 Year manufacturer warranty on all ballistic panels Every bullet resistant panel is 100% Made in America  The HW97 is the successor to the popular HW77 model. Made in Germany by Weihrauch, this underlever airgun has all the power and accuracy you'll need to shoot field target or knock down metallic silhouettes (.177 recommended) or hunt small critters and eliminate those pesky rodents around your yard (.22 highly recommended).
The hardwood Monte Carlo stock has a raised cheekpiece and checkered pistol grip and forearm. The rubber buttpad gives you additional control. It comes without sights, so you must mount a scope. The 11mm grooves in the receiver make that a quick job. If you like the ease of shooting a spring-piston gun, then the HW97K should be your next airgun. User rating is 4.5 stars out of 5. MSRP $599  From their website:
Standard Manufacturing’s SKO Mini, proudly made in the USA, offers superior firepower due to its fast semi-auto action and quick interchange magazines. It possesses the most reliable gas operated system available with smooth and flawless operation across a variety of loads. And even has bolt hold open after last round. Classified as an "other" firearm by the ATF, the SKO Mini is the smallest firearm of its kind on the market. It offers superior reliability because it is built on the time proven SKO and SKO Shorty platform. Machined from 7075 aircraft grade aluminum with the latest technology in CNC machining, then Mil-Spec hard anodized, the SKO Mini is both lightweight and durable. Internal components are salt bath nitride coated for optimum lubricity. Notable features include an ambidextrous safety, familiar AR-style controls for an easy transition to this platform, and a threaded muzzle to accept a variety of choke tubes, door breachers, and accessories. The length is 27" and has a 14 3/4” barrel made from 4140 steel that accepts both 2 ¾” and 3” shot shells; which can be loaded in the included 2 round magazine with optional 2, 5, or 10 round magazines available. **PLEASE NOTE: This item MUST be shipped to Licensed Firearms Dealer. We will contact you for a copy of the FFL that you would like to use to transfer this firearm. ** Specs:
YOU NEED TO BE AT LEAST 21 YEARS OF AGE TO OWN THIS WEAPON. $25.00 shipping  Text from their website says it all:
The Switchback 22 is the most versatile rimfire silencer ever developed. Not only does its modular construction allow the end user to choose from three lengths, but its long configuration can be optimized for either a pistol or rifle host. Inspired by technology used in rocket diffusers, when oriented in one direction the front section exhibits the most competitive sound reduction on the market for pistols, but when the orientation is flipped the result is unprecedented sound reduction on rifles. The Switchback 22 delivers the quality and versatility you have come to expect from SilencerCo’s premium rimfire silencers including compatibility with a variety of cartridges, durability, user serviceability, and our industry leading lifetime warranty and customer service.  Finally, Savage's kid rifle made for grownups! I've been dreaming of doing all these upgrades to my own Rascal 22LR since I bought it two years ago but the expense of modding it was, well, just excessive considering it's less than perfect accuracy. Now Savage have gone and done it for us and appropriately added an accurized bull barrel which justifies the beefed-up MSRP. (Their cue to build the XP was probably taken from Crickett's Precision Rifle, their threaded bull barrel version and their Crickett Adult Rifle, all good contenders.) The beauty of the Rascal is the weight (it's barely heavier than 1911), and it's length (barely legal), which makes it an excellent backpacker for treks out in to the woods for a stint of living-off-the-land. Being more accurate also makes it more fun for training your kids how to shoot, and being suppressor-ready means you can converse about your shots without having to remove ear protection and shout "What?" all the time. All good things come to those who wait. ED.
This from their website: The industry’s safest micro rimfire has come of age—and it’s ready to shoot, right out of the box. The Rascal Target XP comes with a mounted and boresighted 4x32mm scope, as well as a bipod sling swivel stud mount. It’s built for accuracy and adaptability, thanks to a precision hardwood stock, heavy 16 1/8-inch barrel, one-piece Picatinny rail and threaded (1/2-28) muzzle. Like the original Rascal, the single shot rifle cocks by lifting the bolt and unloads easily—without pulling the trigger. The design also builds superior shooting skills thanks to full-size rifle features, including Savage’s user-adjustable AccuTrigger™ system. The platform offers far better safety, functionality and accuracy than competing designs. Features
 Glock lovers everywhere may or may not be drooling over the latest iteration but it does have some nifty updates despite displaying a whole new level of ugly proportions (just a personal opinion, that is). This is essentially a new improved 19X for civilian and LEO markets that pinches the color black from...well...all other Glocks, has no mag well cutouts to pinch sensitive fingers, adds forward slide serrations for easy pinch checks, utilizes a longer grip to pinch more rounds from the mag and, in case you're pinching yourself from all the excitement, no more finger grooves! While Glock is not lauded for elegance, they are for excellence: they are unabashedly utilitarian firearms that have proven themselves globally in Military, LEO and civilian applications for five generations (that's pistol generation, not human). GOM
This from their website: The Compact Crossover pistol G45 in 9x19mm combines a compact slide with a full size frame and has all the benefits of a Gen5 model. Utilizing the design and engineering GLOCK developed for its military pistols (G19X), combined with Operator and worldwide Law Enforcement specifications. |
the afd blog
Previews and reviews on newly available items are written-up by our team as quickly as we can find them. Please let us know if we've missed something debuting on the market. As a firearm enthusiast or an AFD listed company you are welcome to submit a blog entry about a new product. You may also submit a firearm related commentary, idea or nostalgic musing: we like things celebratory of American ingenuity and manufacturing. All entries are subject to editing and/or fact-checking. Archives
April 2023
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