NEW REVIEW: MARCH 2005

By Chris Choat

DPMS OFFERS TWO NEW ACCESSORIES FOR THEIR PANTHER LR-308 RIFLES

DPMS Panther Arms, with its continued commitment to customer service and philosophy of providing the consumer with an exceptional product, unveils the newest edition to the ever growing line of products available for the Panther LR-308 line of rifles and steel magazines. These new 10 and 20-round steel magazines for the Panther LR-308’s answer the customer’s demand for durable and dependable magazines. Made of heat-treated 1050 steel with a manganese phosphate finish, these new steel magazines will withstand the rigors of the hunt. A steel floor plate, spring and plastic follower complete these tough and durable new magazines from DPMS. Additionally, these magazines will fit in the Knight’s Armament Company SR-25.

Available December 2004, these new magazines will retail for $49.95 (10 round) and $59.95 (20 round) respectively. Also available for the LR-308 is the new .308 Miculek Comp designed by world-renowned shooter Jerry Miculek. Modeled after the Miculek Compensator for the AR, six opposing side ports direct gases outward reducing muzzle jump and giving the LR-308’s a reduced felt recoil similar to that of an AP4 carbine. Made of 4140 steel with a manganese phosphate finish, this new compensator weighs just 7.2 ounces and measures 1.29 inches in diameter and is 3.09 inches in length. The new Miculek Compensator is threaded 5/8 X 24 UNF. Retail on the new compensator is just $64.99. For more information, please contact D.P.M.S., Inc., Dept. SAR, 3312 12th Street SE, St. Cloud, MN 56304. Phone: (320) 258-4448. Fax: (320) 258-4449. They can be found on the web at www.dpmsinc.com.

SMITH & WESSON ADDS GUN SAFES TO THEIR LINEUP

Smith & Wesson, the legendary 152-year old firearms manufacturer, has announced the signing of a long term license for handgun safes with American Security Company (AMSEC) of Fontana, CA. They will introduce a complete line of compact home safes for introduction this Fall to sporting goods and specialty trade channels; and will be featured on the Smith & Wesson e-commerce site, www.smith-wesson.com. AMSEC is a leader in the category and the Smith & Wesson lineup will include some high-tech biometric models that will provide a new level of security. The new line will feature all steel construction, dead bolt locks, fire protection to UL standards, and tamper-proof designs and locks for maximum security and safety. It includes pistol boxes, wall safes and floor models that weigh up to 275 pounds. Retail prices will range from $75 to $750 with a limited-lifetime warranty. Smith & Wesson is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of quality handguns, law enforcement products and firearm safety/security products. The company also provides shooter protection, knives, apparel, footwear and other accessory lines. Smith & Wesson is based in Springfield, Massachusetts with manufacturing facilities in Springfield and Houlton, Maine. The Smith & Wesson Academy is America’s longest running firearms training facility for law enforcement, military and security professionals. For more information, please contact them at Smith & Wesson, Dept. SAR, 2100 Roosevelt Ave., Springfield, MA 01104. Phone: (413) 781-8300. Fax: (413) 747-3317. They can be found on the web at www.smith-wessom.com.

RUGER INTRODUCES MODEL 77 IN .17 MACH 2

Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc., the nation’s largest firearms manufacturer, is proud to introduce two new Ruger 77/17 rotary magazine bolt action rifles chambered for the impressive new .17 Mach 2 rimfire cartridge. At 2,000 feet per second, the .17 Mach 2 offers over 50 percent higher muzzle velocity and a flatter trajectory than typical .22 LR cartridges. Ruger 77/17 rifles chambered for the new .17 Mach 2 cartridge deliver the higher muzzle velocity and flatter trajectory small game hunters and plinkers desire. The Ruger 77/17 rifles offer centerfire bolt action performance in popular rimfire calibers and are the perfect rifles to maximize the performance of this new cartridge. The Ruger 77/17RM2 features a cut-checkered American walnut stock, a blued steel action and a 20-inch barrel. The Target Grey K77/17RM2BBZ features a black laminated wood stock, a low glare stainless steel action and a 20-inch target-crowned heavy-barrel. Research has shown that a 20-inch barrel delivers the optimum performance for the .17 Mach 2 cartridge. Both rifles feature patented detachable 10-round rotary magazines and integral scope mounting systems. A pair of Ruger scope rings is included at no extra charge. For more information, please contact Sturm, Ruger and Company, Inc., Dept. SAR, 200 Ruger Road, Prescott, AZ 86301. Phone: (928) 541-8820. Fax: (928) 541-8850. Their website is www.ruger-firearms.com.

CRIMSON TRACE INTRODUCES RUGER P SERIES LASERGRIPS

Crimson Trace is releasing a new line up of Lasergrips that includes the LG-389 model, designed to fit all metal-frame P-series pistols, including P-85, 89, 90, 91, 94 and 944. Lasergrips for the Ruger P-Series feature the latest third generation design improvements, including: Slimline profile, rubber overmold construction, wraparound design and ambidextrous activation. Lasergrips start as a precision molded polymer base, which is precisely crafted to fit the pistol. Then a special rubber is overmolded to the base, which affords a firm and reliable grip. The wraparound design, with low-profile finger grooves ensures positive control and repeatable grip position. Momentary switches are located on both sides of the grip so that the laser activates when you take your normal firing position. Whether you shoot right-handed or left-handed, it is instantly capable of sending a red laser beam to the target. Crimson Trace’s patented Lasergrip design provides the space needed to locate powerful dual lithium batteries within the grip panels. The ample power supply allows Crimson Trace to use a bright, continuous beam for maximum visibility and speed. The common, inexpensive batteries deliver over four hours of constant run time and five years of shelf life. For more information on these grips as well as their full line of models for other firearms, please contact Crimson Trace Corp., Dept. SAR, 8089 Southwest Cirrus Drive, Beaverton, OR 97008. Phone: (503) 627-9992. Fax: (503) 627-0166. They can be found on the web at www.crimsontrace.com.

BLUE WONDER INTRODUCES NEW GUN CLEANER

Blue Wonder Gun Cleaner is said by the maker to be the best gun cleaner on the market-Hands Down. This powerful concentrated gel adheres to the firearms surface for deep cleaning action. In the bore, it completely removes copper and lead deposits, powder residues and plastic build-up. It also removes black powder corrosion, leaving a chemically clean, bare metal surface. Blue Wonder Gun Cleaner will also remove rust from the exterior finish of a gun and it will not harm or affect the bluing! It is not petroleum based, is not toxic or harmful and is environmentally friendly, being completely biodegradable. When a round is fired through the bore of a gun, a tremendous amount of heat is formed from both the combustion process and the friction between the bullet and the bore wall. The heat forms oxide molecules (lead oxide and/or copper oxide) which bond the copper and lead deposits to the bore. Blue Wonder Gun Cleaner attacks this oxide molecule, breaking the bond, allowing the copper and lead deposits to be quickly, easily and completely removed. It will also quickly emulsify any petroleum based product allowing it to remove Moly from gun bores along with any other grease or oils. For more information on this as well as their full line of gun care products, contact Blue Wonder Gun Care Products, Dept. SAR, 1585 West Sam Houston Parkway North, Suite 200, Houston, TX 77043. Phone: (832) 200-8005. Fax: (281) 384-2968. Their web address is www.bluewonder.us.