New Review: April 1999

By Chris A. Choat

SPRINGFIELD ARMORY’S “BUREAU MODEL” PISTOL

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has officially adopted Springfield Armory’s 1911-A1 pistol specially built in the Springfield Armory Custom Shop. Beating a field of competitors that included some of the most famous gunsmiths and custom shops in America, Springfield Armory won the contract to supply 5,000 customized 1911-A1 pistols to specially trained FBI agents nationwide. The contract is the largest of its kind ever issued by the FBI. The nation’s foremost law enforcement agency intends to issue the Springfield Armory pistols at a rate of 250 guns every six months to its SWAT-trained agents. The FBI issued incredibly stringent accuracy and reliability standards. The pistols endured a 20,000 round torture test and still shot into 1.5 inches at 2 5 yards. Known as the “Bureau Model, the pistol specified by the FBI will also be available in a limited supply to the public (authentic in every detail). Specifications include: match frame and slide, match throated barrel with polished feed ramp and match bushing, tuned and polished ejector, fitted beavertail grip safety, checkered front strap, flat checkered mainspring housing. Other features include Novak combat rear sight with three-dot tritium inserts, fitted S&A mag well, Springfield Custom hammer and sear, carry bevel package on the entire pistol, checkered Coco Bolo grip panels, ambidextrous thumb safety, lowered and flared ejection port, custom fitted Videcki trigger with a tuned 4.5 pound pull, Black finish on the entire pistol, and special Bureau Model markings and serial number. Springfield has also introduced a less expensive civilian series of pistols that are based on the “Bureau Model” called the TRP (Tactical Response Pistol) series. For more information on this new line of pistols contact Springfield Armory at Springfield, Inc., Dept. SAR, 420 West Main Street, Geneseo, IL 61254. Phone: 1-309-944-5631. Fax: 1-309-944-3676.

WIN MAG AMMO FROM BLACK HILLS

This is an entirely new caliber from Black Hills. With the success of their .308 Match loading they have received many requests to introduce a .300 Win Mag loading. This load is their response. Patterned after the Navy’s .300 Win Mag sniper round, this long range accuracy load features Sierra’s 190 grain boat tailed match hollow point bullet traveling at 2950 feet per second. It is also available with the optional moly coating. Many military special operation teams and civilian law enforcement SWAT teams are going to the .300 Win Mag round for their long range rifles. This load will provide an off the shelf match grade round for them as well as for the individual requiring long range precision and power. For more information contact, Black Hills Ammunition, Dept. SAR, P.O. Box 3090, Rapid City, SD 57709-3090. Phone: 1-605-348-5150. Fax: 1-605-348-9827.

STEINER ULTRA COMPACT 8X22 MINI-SCOPE

Steiner has now introduced their uniquely designed 8×22 Mini-Scopes. The new scopes combine precision optics into an ultra compact designed monocular to provide unmatched utility and versatility for any occasion where enhanced vision is needed. The miniature monocular delivers 8 power magnification and bright, super sharp images with precision-ground German optics in a slim-profile design. The mini-scopes light transmission actually exceeds that of many binoculars. The new Mini-Scope weighs only 3 oz. and is less than half the size of a wallet, so it fits easily into a shirt or pants pocket or can be conveniently carried on a lanyard. The scope’s portability makes it a great accessory for anyone on the go. The Mini-Scope is so small that wanna-be spies can fold it in the palm of their hand so that it’s not visible when observing. Steiner is highly regarded among sportsman for making touch-as-nails, yet extremely precise and bright binoculars and scope. The Mini-Scope is no exception. Its rigid, shock-resistant body and the multi-coated lenses deliver clear, bright images, even in low light. The Mini-Scopes are offered in a choice of brushed metal silver finish or a forest green matte finish with a leather carrying case and optional adjustable neck lanyard. Also available is a classy Limited Edition Mini-Scope, in silver, presented in a cherry case with the distinctive Steiner-Germany logo deeply etched on the lid. For more information, about Steiner and its full product line contact Pioneer Research, Dept. SAR, 97 Forest Road, Suite 5, Moorestown, NJ 08057. Phone: 1-609-866-9191. Fax: 1-609-866-8615. On the web at www.pioneer-research.com.

GLOCKWORKS 3.5 CONNECTOR

Glockworks, a division of Gunworks International, has introduced its latest custom manufactured part for the Glock line of pistols, the Glockworks 3.5 Connector. This new part results in a smoother take-up and lighter trigger break. This is a drop-in part that will noticeably improve the trigger pull of any Glock pistol. It’s a must for the competitive, practical and recreational shooter. The Glockworks 3.5 Connector is heat treated for increased strength, durability and performance. It is available in three finishes which include a Factory Finish which matches the Glock factory finish, the Stainless Steel finish which allows shooters and gunsmiths to polish or tune the connector for custom trigger jobs without losing corrosion resistance and the Stainless Steel with GWI Tuf-Coat finish. This last finish offers the ultimate in superior corrosion resistance and lubricity. The Glockworks 3.5 Connector comes with a lifetime replacement guarantee. Glockworks also offers a complete line of firearms, custom services and accessories for the Glock shooting enthusiast. For more information contact Glockworks International, L.L.C., Dept. SAR, 9 Pennywise Lane, Old Saybrook, CT 06475. Phone: 1-860-388-4591. Fax: 1-860-388-026. Visit them on the web at www.glockworks.com.