This week is SHOT Show 2014, where I’ll get a firsthand look at all the new products. Some companies have been sending out pre-show press releases with a glimpse of what’s in store in Las Vegas this week. Here I’ll share some of the early word on the street — uh, range.
This reminds me: If you’re announcing new products here at SHOT Show 2014 and want to let me — and the entire Police1 editorial team — know about it, simply send us an email. We’ll try to come see you on the floor or connect with you after the show if our schedules don’t quite match.
Speaking of scheduling, Police1 Editor in Chief Doug Wyllie tells me he’ll be holding court — his annual “Doug Day in the Booth” — on Wednesday the 15th from 1400 to 1600 hours at the Police1 booth (#8510). Come to say hello.
Guns, Guns, Guns!
I’m sure everyone is going to want to see Glock’s new Model 42, a single-stack .380 auto. This is a 6+1 in under 14 ounces. Did I mention it’s a Glock? Can’t wait to shoot it.
I’m also anxious to have a look at the Boberg XR9, a 17.5 ounce “shorty” handgun that delivers 7+1 9mm rounds.
Readers often ask me, “What’s the ‘best’ backup gun?” I always begin my reply (usually including a series of clarifying questions and advice) by saying, “It depends on the officer.”
This gun, however, will fit many scenarios.
What’s unique about the Boberg XR9? A quick glance will show that the ejection port is behind the trigger, in a “bullpup” configuration. This does two things: It sets the recoil fulcrum further into the hand, reducing recoil felt by the body. It allows a full length barrel in a compact package. Succinctly, it’s more controllable and delivers faster velocities and a potential for higher accuracy.
How do they do it? It is a rotating barrel, locked breech design. I gotta shoot one.
I’ll also get to shoot IWI’s Tavor B16 and I’m happy about it. The Tavor B16 is a gas piston semi that has inner workings familiar to many of us who shoot 5.56, only much, much shorter. The reinforced polymer platform surrounds the inner workings. This is a compact set up with an almost full length rail (and another 45 degree offset rail). It takes standard-type magazines, too.
What’s the advantage with the Tavor B16? There are two obvious ones. First, it is maneuverable for an advantage when slicing the pie — less barrel sticks out forward of the support hand. Second, the sling mounts keep it high to the chest, making transitions — not just from bullpup to handgun, but bullpup to handcuffs — easier. Like I said, I get to shoot one.
Cartridges, Plates, and Mags
Hornady has it and I’ve been shooting them: Critical Duty 357 SIG. Everyone knows I am a big Vyse Gelatin user. The gelatin does not lie.
The FlexLock bullet has their signature Flex Tip design, which is a plug in the hollow tip. You see, when a hollow point gets fibers in it before it hits its intended target, it tends to behave like a solid point. This results in overpenetration, which is underperformance. Hold this thought for a second.
When the .357 SIG was first conceived, I ran several products through gelatin. I quickly discovered one of the biggest engineering problems in bullet design. You see, most of the companies had just taken 9mm bullets and loaded them into the new cartridges. When I proofed them with Vyse gelatin, the bullets tended to break up or shed their jackets in FBI protocol after-barrier tests. Everyone had new cartridges but no one had really looked at the bullet design.
Hornady uses the same bullet in .357 sig as their 9mm, but this bullet performs. It does well after barrier, through heavy material, and in bare gelatin. Guess what I carry in my Glock?
PROTECH Tactical has introduced their IMPAC-HT1 plate. I’m planning to have a look at this one because it also has a degree of edged weapons protection. It is rated for .357 SIG, by the way.
Lancer has a new hybrid magazine for .308 semi autos. Since Doug and I will be on the range for Media Day today, we’ll be cranking out .308 rounds through this mag. Hybrid magazines have plenty of advantages, including weight, durability and flexibility.
Since someone else is buying the bullets, I’m sure this test will be a ... blast.
