Freedom Arms Model 2008 Single Shot Handgun

 Currently Offered Cartridges (Jan 2010 - Cartridge line up to increase)

(Factory Fitted Barrels Only - Forend/Sights not included)

I examined two examples of the Freedom Arms Model 2008 (15" barrels) at the show and with both the action was smooth as silk and the lock-up impressively tight. Fit, finish and wood were also very impressive. Freedom Arms is now taking orders for the model 2008 @ Freedom Arms

Also from Freedom Arms. FA has traditionally used the Iron Sight Gun Works (ISGW - brand name) adjustable rear sight on silhouette and competition revolver models. FA now uses the Champion rear sight, very close in appearance to the very high quality Bo-Mar rear sight (no longer made). I received a Champion rear sight from FA for evaluation at the show, once I get home I'll set it up with a dial indicator and check it out for both windage and elevation uniformity. Also of interest with this type of sight is the diameter of the rear windage screw, too small and they bend very easily from even a minor bump, if this happens, when a windage adjustment is made a radical elevation change is also made, not good for competition (or hunting) arms. From initial examination of the Champion sight it appears to be everything the Bo-Mar sight was and maybe more. I'll report the results after checking it out, so far this appears to be very good news for competitors and hunters using Freedom Arms Revolvers or the Freedom Arms Model 2008.

Also new from Freedom arms for 2010 - Freedom Arms is now producing a Reddot Sight mount for Trijicon & J.P. Enterprises Reddot Sights!

They are available for the Model 83 & the Model 97 revolvers along with holsters that fit the sight mounted revolvers.

The mounts are available through your dealer or direct from Freedom Arms for $48.00. Dot Sight is not included.

Call FA for details 307-883-2468.

Hornady: New Products For 2010

Hornady is introducing 2 3/4 inch 12 Gauge #4 Buckshot Varmint Express. Loaded with 1 1/4 ounce (24 pellets) high antimony shot that Hornady swages in house.

Critical Defense Ammunition in 40 S&W, 45 Auto, 357 Mag. and 12 Gauge Buckshot.

Innovative: Superformance is a cutting edge technological advancement in ammunition design that transcends convention and achieves the highest performance of any ammunition on the market today.

Specialized: Superformance uses ultra progressive propellants that take your favorite SST or GMX bullets to levels of performance that are simply unattainable with conventional propellants. In order to get more velocity in the past – shooters have used a brute force approach – large charge weights of a slow burning powder in a larger cartridge case. Ultimately this leads to more recoil and muzzle blast. The Superformance solution is an elegant approach that utilizes specialized powders…at NORMAL charge weights, that impart ALL useable energy to the bullet reducing the ROCKET NOZZLE EFFECT at the muzzle while still increasing velocity!

Two new Hornady Lock & Load Products: Lock & Load Auto Charge Powder Measure and Lock & Load UltraSonic Cleaner.

For those familiar with the RCBS ChargeMaster this unit is similar in construction and function at about 1/3 smaller.

The Ultra Sonic Cleaner is a fascinating unit and holds 200 223 cases or about 100 308 cases at a time. According to the Hornady Rep, depending on how dirty the brass is, each time the unit is charged with new solution it can be used 3-4 times. The solution comes in 1 quart bottles as a concentrate and 1 ounce is used to recharge the unit.

Oehler Research

I had a short chat with Ken Oehler at the show and discovered it's possible, there is a chance, just maybe Oehler may re-introduce the personal chronograph. His words were "all I can do is suggest and recommend, the decision is up to these young pups running the company". Interesting, we'll just have to wait and see if there will be a new Oehler on the horizon.

The Ruger 22 Charger Pistol

The time tested Ruger 10/22 action and it's superbly reliable rotary magazine have been paired with a warp proof, ergonomically designed pistol stock (Rear grip) and a precision adjustable bipod. Comes with unique combination scope base (accommodates both Weaver and tip off scope mounts), bipod and a quick and easy magazine release.

Ruger® Introduces the SR9c™ Compact Pistol

The SR9 is one of the slimmest and most ergonomic 9mm pistols on the market today, and the compact model offers an even smaller, more concealable option, ideal for discreet carry.

Ruger® Offers New Model Blackhawk® and GP100® Chambered in .327 Federal Magnum

The .327 Federal Magnum offers near-.357 Magnum performance with less recoil, pushing a 100-grain American Eagle load at an astounding 1,655 feet per second out of the 5-1/2" barreled New Model Blackhawk, and 1,525 feet per second out of the 4.20" barreled GP100. In addition to the high-velocity performance, cylinder capacities have been increased, with the New Model Blackhawk holding eight rounds and the GP100 holding seven.

The New Model Blackhawk in .327 Federal Magnum has a 5-1/2" barrel and overall length of 11.38". It weighs 48 oz., holds eight rounds, and features a fully adjustable rear sight and a stainless steel finish.

The new GP100 in .327 Federal Magnum features a 4.20" stainless steel barrel and an overall length of 9.50". It weighs 40 oz., holds seven rounds, and includes a fully adjustable rear sight. All GP100 double-action revolvers utilize solid steel sidewalls (no side-plates) and frame widths that are increased with extra steel in critical areas that support the barrel.

Ruger Introduces the 22/45™ RP Rimfire Pistol

The Ruger® 22/45RP Mark III™ pistol is an even more realistic understudy for the venerable 1911 pistol. Now, the classic 1911 grip angle and feel of the Ruger 22/45 pistol is enhanced by replaceable 1911-style grip panels.

Ruger Announces New Ruger® SR-22™ Rifle

The Ruger SR-22™ Rifle is an autoloading, rimfire rifle that combines the legendary reliability of the Ruger 10/22® with the ergonomics and configurability of the new AR-style Ruger SR-556™.

Because it utilizes the unique rotary magazine supplied with the Ruger 10/22, the SR-22 Rifle offers the same gold standard for reliability in autoloading rimfire rifles. Like the 10/22, the AR-style SR-22 Rifle also has an extensive array of accessories available.

The SR-22 Rifle uses a standard 10/22 action inside a top-quality, all-aluminum chassis that faithfully replicates the AR-platform dimensions between the sighting plane, buttstock height, and grip. The SR-22 Rifle provides a Picatinny rail optic mount, and includes a six-position, telescoping M4-style buttstock (on a Mil-Spec diameter tube), plus a Hogue® Monogrip® pistol grip. Buttstocks and grips may be swapped out for any AR-style compatible option.

The SR-22 Rifle also features a round, mid-length handguard mounted on a standard-thread AR-style barrel nut. Picatinny rails, specifically designed for this handguard, are available from Ruger, allowing the handguard to be configured to accept any number of rail-mounted sights or accessories. A barrel support block is installed in the handguard, ensuring accuracy and allowing the standard 10/22 V-block barrel attachment system to be used.

The SR-22 Rifle is equipped with a precision-rifled, cold hammer forged alloy steel barrel. The 16-1/8" barrel is capped with an SR-556/Mini-14 flash suppressor mounted with a 1/2"-28 thread.

Ruger Announces the New Ruger® 10/22VLEH Target Tactical Rifle

The Ruger 10/22VLEH Target Tactical rifle, a new version of the 10/22T Target rifle that provides many of the features offered in the Hawkeye® Tactical bolt-action rifle.

Ruger® No.1 rifles in additional calibers

Fans of single shot rifles will have even more to choose from in 2010 as Ruger has announced two additional calibers, one old and one new, in the classic Ruger No. 1 rifles. The classic .300 Holland & Holland Magnum round is now available in the Ruger No.1 Medium Sporter. This 7.25 pound Ruger 1-S rifle features a 1:10 right hand twist 26” blued alloy steel barrel and receiver on an American walnut stock.

The new, super accurate 6.5 Creedmoor caliber is now available in the Ruger No. 1 Standard 1-B single shot rifle with an American walnut stock with blued receiver and 26” barrel. The Ruger No.1-B has an overall length of 42.5 inches and a weight of 8 pounds. The rifles are equipped with quarter-rib scope mounts machined to accept Ruger patented scope rings (provided at no charge).

Mini Thirty® Rifle

The popular Ruger Mini Thirty rifle is now available with 20-round magazines. Chambered for 7.62 x 39, the Mini Thirty is an ideal autoloader for deer-sized game. Featuring the reliable action of the Ruger® Mini-14® series of rifles first introduced in 1974, the Mini Thirty is simple, rugged and reliable.

The Mini Thirty rifle features an adjustable "ghost ring" aperture rear sight and a protected non-glare post front sight. Patented Ruger scope bases are machined directly into the receiver and can never shoot loose. A set of Ruger scope rings is included at no charge with each rifle. Side ejection of cartridge cases easily clears the lowest-mounted optics, and a patented recoil buffer helps protect optics from damage over repeated firing.

Lyman Products, New For 2010

The book that belongs on every casters bench, The Lyman Cast Bullet Handbook has been updated and expanded for 2010 with the 4th edition and it should be on dealers shelves by about June. In addition to chronicling data for Lyman’s entire line of rifle and pistol moulds, the new 4th Edition Cast Bullet Handbook is the first with data for selected moulds from other manufacturers where those bullet designs or weights would be of interest to cast bullet experimenters. New calibers like the Ruger Compact Magnums, .327 Federal have also been added as have a number of black powder loads for the popular older cartridges.

Lyman Adds An Economical New Casting Furnace, Starter Kit and Cast Iron Lead Pot

The new “Big Dipper” is an economical electric casting furnace which offers a more than 10 lb. capacity with wide mouth designed for easy ladling. The new furnace also features a top mounted thermostat with an easy “on-off” temperature dial that can control alloy temperatures to +/-10 degrees. The heavy duty aluminum construction offers a stable, compact non-tip design with fast a heat-up using standard household current.

The “Big Dipper Casting Starter Kit” offers the economy-minded bullet caster everything needed to start casting top quality bullets. In addition to the new “Big Dipper” furnace, with its 10+ pound capacity, the kit includes a Lyman Casting Dipper, Ingot Mold for storing excess lead, Super Moly Bullet Lube and the Lyman Reloading and Cast Bullet Guide. All the starting bullet maker needs to add is lead alloy and a bullet mould in his chosen caliber.

A 10 Pound Cast Iron Lead Melting Pot has also been added to the Lyman casting line. Taking advantage of the thermal properties of cast iron, this new pot allows a caster to use his own heat source to melt and alloy up to 10 pounds of material while keeping his casting furnace free of impurities often found in scrap material. The pot is designed with a rugged wire bail, grasping tab and convenient pour spout for safe dispensing of molten alloy into ingots.

(Webmaster note, the 10 pound cast iron lead melting pot is very similar to the RCBS 10 pound cast iron pot that I have been using for years as a 5 and 10 pound ingot mould. The biggest difference is the Lyman pot is of heavier construction (thicker sidewalls), the exception being the grasping tap, a bit thinner on the Lyman. The Big Dipper Starter Kit is easily the best and most economical way for new casters to get started in the fascinating hobby of bullet casting, it is easily the best new casting product at the show.)

Winchester Model 94 is back

I stopped by the Winchester booth & the new Model 94 is now in production & on display. The 110+ year proud American tradition is now a Japanese tradition. Yep, after closing the American plant and putting ALL of the employees in the soup line Winchester has helped ease the unemployment rate, in Japan.

The price tag on the "new" 94? Well over $1000.00 according to the Winchester rep. for an average plain Jane model. Of the examples on display (4) two were priced at $1500.00 and two were $1995.00. The bluing (the rep insisted it was bluing) looked almost like it was some kind of baked on powder coating "or something", it simply didn't look "blued". The action was no smoother or felt any tighter than most previous Win 94's I've handled though the wood was improved on these high dollar commemorative models. No standard models were on display, only the four commemorative models.

The Winchester web site does not currently list a "Plain Jane" model. Only a Model 1894 Custom Grade and Model 1894 High Grade are shown. Is there a $1000.00+ "Plain Jane" model planed for the future? The Winchester rep mentioned one. The caliber list for the new Win 94 . . . 30-30 Winchester.

This writer was not impressed. A fine example of searching for quality through cargo ship, not craftsmanship.

Thompson Center News

Thompson/Center Arms Introduces The New HotShot^TM Youth Rifle

Designed to look just like Dad’s T/C Pro-Hunter, the Thompson/Center HotShot features an easy to operate break-open design, accessible via the trigger guard release. Manufactured with a blued steel 19-inch precision rifled barrel with target style crown, the new HotShot delivers the top-notch accuracy that consumers have come to expect from all Thompson/Center firearms. With an unloaded weight of only 3 pounds and an overall length of 30 ¼ inches, the HotShot provides youth and first time shooters with a versatile rifle that incorporates safety features and is easy to use. The new HotShot also employs Thompson/Center’s patented hammer and trigger mechanism for safe, simple and quick operation. In addition, Thompson/Center has made first time instruction for novice shooters even simpler with an adjustable peep sight and ramp front sight along with an ambidextrous composite stock that has been scaled down to allow for an 11.5-inch length of pull. The rifle is also drilled and tapped, allowing users to easily install optics.

“The new T/C HotShot is the perfect firearm for introducing new shooters to the joys of recreational shooting while also providing a great option for small game hunting,” said Tom Kelly, Vice President of Marketing for Thompson/Center Arms. “The most important features on the HotShot are safety and accuracy. With the rifle’s single shot design and hammer block trigger, the HotShot is designed not to fire until the hammer is cocked. Coupled with a T/C performance barrel, the HotShot is the best choice for beginning shooters.”

The HotShot will be available in April 09 with an anticipated retail price of $229 to $249. For more information on the Thompson/Center HotShot, or to view the complete line of Thompson/Center Arms firearms and accessories, visit www.tcarms.com.

Webmaster note: The HotShot is the best thing to come along for Junior shooters in many years. At only 3 pounds and 11.5-inch length of pull, a fairly decent trigger, hammer block safety and an action that opens easily enough for even the youngest marksmen. The HotShot is an outstanding way to get our youth interested in the proud American traditions and values of shooting, hunting and outdoor life.

T/C Spec Sheet for The HotShot

Handloading, Components (Primers)

Lot's of rumor's flying around about the shortage of primers. Ok, I'm at the SHOT Show, the manufacturers are at the SHOT Show so I went to each and asked fairly basic questions about primer availability.

First I spoke with Scott Hanes of Remington. Mr. Hanes mentioned two main problems for primer availability during 2009, military and government contracts and panic buying. While ATK is the primary military supplier of small arms both Remington and Winchester supply components to meet demand. Mr. Hanes said that it takes 6+ months to properly train new employees for the manufacture of primers and Remington began that process in early 09, in August 09 Remington significantly expanded primer production. That increase continues today and into the foreseeable future. Ok, Mr. Hanes, what does the future look like? He sees 2010 as an improved situation from 2009, his biggest concern was now that primers are starting to hit the store shelves again and people see that they are available again that panic buying will resume once again. He said that under normal conditions the average handloader would buy a brick (1000 primers) but once panic buying started a large percentage of people started buying by the case (5000) and demand went up 10X. He said that the combined industry cannot meet 10X demand. The bottom line is that if panic buying doesn't resume and with increased production, the future if not bright does look better.

As a side note, it was a pleasure to speak with Mr. Hanes, he was a gentleman, had no reservations about answering questions and seemed honestly concerned about the problems of the past year.

Next I went to ATK which includes both Federal and CCI primers. Suffice it to say that Mr. Hanes does not work for ATK. I spoke with three different reps and the best answer was "that is not a subject we talk about". I told them that I wasn't looking for any government or military secrets, I'd just like to know what the next year or so looks like for handloaders? The answer, "look on our web site and see if there is anything there about it". Needless to say that wasn't a very fruitful expenditure of my time or sore feet.

Winchester was next and the answers were much the same as Remington's Mr. Hanes. Winchester primer production is now running 24/7 and at max production. As for the future,  the Winchester rep also says that the combined industry cannot meet a sustained 10X demand and military and government contracts, the future supply at retail outlets depends on panic buying.

Forster Products

Forster Products on Jan 19, 2010 announces the addition of the first 3-in-1 carbide case mouth cutter to their broad line of precision gunsmithing and reloading products. For use with their outstanding original or power case trimmer in one step it will length trim, outside chamfer to an angle of 30⁰ and inside chamfer case mouths to an angle of 14⁰. The Forster 3-in-1 carbide case mouth cutter is the first cutter to employ high quality carbide blades made from US-manufactured carbon steel. They should never need sharpening if used exclusively on brass cases. Currently available in .224, .243 and 308 with more calibers coming soon.

Redfield^® Returns with Affordable New Optics Line for American Hunters

September 22, 2009 – Redfield’s new line of riflescopes and other sports optics signals the rebirth of a legendary American brand, rejuvenated specifically for American hunters seeking the utmost in quality and performance at commonly affordable prices.

Acquired by Leupold & Stevens, Inc. in 2008, Redfield^® has become a brand of the Oregon-based company. Revolution^™ riflescopes, the first products in the new Redfield line, are built at the plant near Beaverton, Ore. Other Redfield product offerings will include imported Rebel^™ and Renegade^™ binoculars, Rampage^™ spotting scopes and Raider^™ rangefinders, all designed, built and tested according to Redfield’s exacting specifications.

“Redfield will be a complete line of affordable, quality optics that appeal to American hunters, whether they are young or old, inexperienced or very experienced,” said Andy York, Redfield’s vice president of sales, marketing and technology. “For example, the Revolution is an ideal choice for the whitetail deer hunter who wants a ‘best in class,’ American-made riflescope for around $130". 

The Redfield Gun Sight Company was founded in 1909 by John Hill Redfield. Over the years, Redfield became one of the leading American manufacturers of hunting optics, known for the accuracy, ruggedness and reliability of its products. In 1998, the company went out of business and closed its facility in Denver, Colo.

Redfield mounts are not associated with the new Redfield optics line. The new Redfield optics are covered by a warranty, but Leupold^® did not assume the former Redfield warranty and does not service previous Redfield products. For more information, go to www.redfield.com.

IMR Powders (Hodgdon Booth)

IMR 8208 XBR

The newest powder from IMR and billed as "The Least Sensitive Powder to Temperature Change in The Universe".  Ideally suited to mid capacity cases such as 223 Rem, 308 Win, 6mm PPC, 204 Ruger, 6mm BR, 22/250.

New From Nosler for 2010

New Chamberings For The NOSLERCUSTOM® Model 48 Rifle

Four new chamberings have been added to the line of NoslerCustom Model 48 Sporter rifles. Added this year are the ever popular staples of long time rifle tradition; .243 Win, .270 Win, .30-06. Springfield and of course the .300 Win Mag. MSRP for the NoslerCustom Model 48 is $2,995 in short action and $3,195 in long action. 

NOSLER Introduces The Model 48 Trophy Grade Rifle

Nosler introduces The Model 48 Trophy Grade Rifle™ (TGR).  The new TGR features the Nosler Model 48 action, a free floating 24” chrome-Moly barrel and a crisp, 3 lb. Rifle Basix™ trigger. All exterior metal surfaces are protected by a special application of CERAKOTE™, while the critical interior working parts are protected by a smooth, corrosion-resistant coating of MicroSlick™. The whole package is custom aluminum bedded in a Bell and Carlson™ composite stock. Hunters can expect sub MOA performance for three-shot groups at 100 yards. Nosler will offer the Model 48 TGR in nine big game calibers, with suggested retail prices of $1745.95 for short action models and $1895.95 for long action models.

New Chamberings For The NOSLERCUSTOM® Model 48 Varmint Rifle

Two new chamberings have been added to the line of NoslerCustom Model 48 Varmint rifles; the .204 Ruger and .223 Remington. These calibers have been included to fully compliment Nosler’s Varmint Rifle series.

NOSLER Adds Two New Bullet Offerings In Custom Competition™ Line

Nosler has announced that they are expanding their Custom Competition line of bullets for 2010; a 6.8mm 115 gr. and a .30 cal 190 gr. bullet will be added to the already extensive competitive shooting line.

NOSLER Announces Four New E-TIP® Offerings

E-Tip®, Nosler’s high quality and consistent performing lead-free bullet has expanded by four additional offerings; .25 caliber-100 gr., 7mm-140 gr., .30 caliber 168 gr. and an 8mm-180 gr. bullet giving reliable lead-free hunting even more versatility.

Nosler’s Combined Technology® Ballistic Silvertip®

Nosler is pleased to introduce three new bullets available for the Combined Technology® Ballistic Silvertip® bullet. Nosler has added the .204-32 gr., 8mm-180 gr. and the 45-70 Gov’t 300 gr. Ballistic Silvertip®.

Three New Cartridge Brass Offerings In NOSLERCUSTOM® Lineup

NoslerCustom®, the brass division of Nosler, Inc., is expanding its’ cartridge brass line with the 6.5x55 Swedish, 300 WSM and 375 H&H Mag. Each piece of brass will bear the “Nosler” headstamp, each round of NoslerCustom cartridge brass is sized to precise dimensional standards. Flash holes are trued and case mouths are deburred and chamfered, every piece is hand inspected, weight-sorted and packaged in 25 or 50 count, fully prepped and ready to load right out of the box.

Lapua

The news from Lapua is the introduction of their new .308 Winchester brass with the small primer pocket. A lot of reloaders and wildcatters have been looking forward to this. Lapua is also adding the 22-250 Remington case in their line. Not only will this be a plus for the 22-250 Remington reloaders but also for the folks wanting to use it as a parent case. These should be available in late spring and Sinclair International will stock them.