NEW REVIEW: AUGUST 2003

By Chris Choat

M44 HANDGUARD SYSTEM FOR AR-15/M-16 RIFLE

First Samco has introduced their new M44 handguard system for the AR-15/M16 series of rifles and carbines. Law enforcement, military and civilian users worldwide have universally accepted the new system, together with a family of popular accessories, such as their M33 handguard system. The M44 is unique because of its four-sided MIL-STD-1913 rail system that is an integral part of the handguard. The rails let the operator quickly and easily install and remove accessories that are adaptable to MIL-STD-1913 style rails. There is no additional weight or bulk, as the rails are part of the handguards. Thermal rubber rail covers enhance the operators grip and protect the rails when not in use. A metal heat shield dissipates the high temperatures produced during sustained rapid fire. They are available in both rifle and carbine lengths. No tools are needed to install or remove the handguards. Several other accessories are also available from First Samco. These include a Combat Vertical Grip, a Tactical Light Holder and a Universal Equipment Mount. Two more accessories also available from First Samco for the AR-15/M16 are worth mentioning. These are their M16 Magazine Holders and their G-27 Tactical Grip. The Magazine Holders are made from fiberglass and are very lightweight as well as very durable. Their Tactical Grip has finger grooves that provides better control during rapid fire and it also offers a readily accessible secured storage area in the bottom of the grip. For more information on these innovative accessories contact First Samco, Dept. SAR, 1300 Industrial Hwy. Suite B-3, Southampton, PA 18966; phone: 1-215-355-2621; fax: 1-215-322-9223; website: www.firstsamco.com.

TRIRAIL™ SCOPE FROM CLEARVIEW INVESTMENTS

The new TriRail™ Scope-Emerald 4X Series, manufactured by Clearview Investments, Inc., answers many shooters requests for a versatile tactical scope that attaches to MIL-STD-1913 rail interfaces, provides greater visibility in low light with Emerald optics, performs in adverse weather and also includes a lifetime warranty. It also features functional, common sense TriRail? that provide a compact platform to mount laser/light accessories for immediate target acquisition and increased accuracy. Scopes like this were previously cost-prohibitive to most shooters until now. Seen only in the highest quality optics, the TriRail™ Scope-Emerald 4X series is precision crafted from a single billet of 6061 T6 aircraft-grade aluminum and designed with an integral “mounting deck.” This non-detachable deck eliminates the need for rings. The nitrogen-filled, one-piece tube guarantees a tight seal to prevent fogging, making it ideal for extreme weather or terrain. The scope features an anodized matte black finish. Superior “camera quality” lenses provide exceptional clarity and sharp focus. In addition, the lenses are Emerald multicoated to gather more light for increased visibility and minimum glare. This is especially important at dusk and dawn. The 4-power magnification and duplex crosshair provide a 22-foot field of view at 100 yards. Clearview Investments also sells tactical accessories such as lights and lasers to fit the scope. Retail on this great new scope is only $129.99. For more information contact Clearview Investments, Inc., Dept. SAR, 102 Fieldview Drive, Versailles, KY 40383; phone: 1-859-879-0833; fax: 1-859-879-9249; website: www.TriRailScope.com.

WINCHESTER® INTRODUCES NEW SUPREME® PLATINUM TIP™ HANDGUN AMMO

The new Supreme® Platinum Tip™ handgun hunting line of products features Winchester’s patented notched reverse taper bullet jacket design with a deep two-part stepped, hollow point cavity. The new Platinum Tip handgun-hunting bullet incorporates a plated, thick bullet jacket and improved notching mechanism for optimum bullet expansion and massive energy deposit. The new Platinum Tip plated bullet combined with a nickel-plated shell case will deliver excellent expansion, great weight retention, and outstanding accuracy, making it a terrific performer in handgun hunting. Leading the way with the new Supreme® Platinum Tip™ handgun hunting line is a new heavyweight .41 Remington Magnum cartridge. This new 240- grain .41 Remington Magnum offering delivers performance almost equal to the renowned .44 Remington Magnum. In addition to the .41 caliber, this line will offer a .44 Remington Magnum with a 250-grain bullet and a .454 Casull with a 260-grain bullet. All are rated CXP2 for light thin-skinned game. The .41 Remington Magnum 240-grain load has a muzzle velocity of 1,250 fps with 833 ft-lbs. of energy closely matching the .44 Remington Magnum 250-grain load with a muzzle velocity of 1,250 fps and 867 ft-lbs. of energy. The .454 Casull 260-grain load maximizes velocity and energy at 1,800 fps and 1,870 ft-lbs. of energy. For more information contact Winchester/Olin Corp., Dept. SAR, East Alton, Il 62024; website: www.winchester.com.

RIS/RAS QUICK RELEASE FLASHLIGHT MOUNT FROM TACM III

TACM III, Inc., manufacturer of TACM III™ Tactical Light Systems now has a RIS/RAS Quick Release Flashlight Mount that can be attached to any weapon using Rail Interface System (RIS) or Rail Attachment System (RAS). The mount is designed to hold the TACM III 1-inch diameter flashlight. The flashlight is specifically designed to withstand the G forces experienced when rough field handling is encountered. The RIS/RAS Quick Release Flashlight Mount compliments the existing TACM III family of mounts for pistols, shotguns and assault type weapons. The new mount is easy to install and does not interfere with existing weapon accessories. The new mount, when used with the TACM III flashlight with its intense light beam of 105.5 lumens, offers the user the ability to quickly identify targets even in dimly lit environments. The TACM III light can be configured with either a remote pressure activated switch or a momentary switch. The mount is made of aircraft aluminum and weighs just 1.2 ounces. The flashlight is made of unbreakable black Deldrin plastic, which uses two 3-volt lithium batteries to power its 6-volt Xenon bulb. The batteries provide approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes of continuous use and have a shelf of 10 years. There is now also a double flashlight mount available that holds two flashlights, one white light the other with an IR filter. It can also hold other accessories that have a 1-inch diameter. For more information contact TACM III, Inc., Dept. SAR, 2300 Commerce Park Drive #7, Palm Bay, FL 32905; phone: 1-800-530-0644; fax: 1-321-726-0645; website: www.tacm3.com.

INPRINT™ FINGERPRINT SAFE FROM 9G PRODUCTS

9G Products, Inc., has recently introduced their new INPRINT™ Fingerprint Safe for secure storage of handguns and personal property at home. Using military-grade fingerprint technology, the INPRINT controls access to important or dangerous items, and yet opens instantly at the touch of an authorized finger. It’s the most effective solution available today for preventing children from accessing firearms in the home, boat, car and office. Eliminating the need for access codes, combinations and keys, a simple touch on the finger pad is all it takes to open the INPRINT in under one second. It can recognize up to 16 authorized fingerprints. The INPRINT is portable, but it can also be mounted onto any flat surface. It’s priced at $399.00, weighs 7 pounds and is large enough for multiple handguns. For access, you place a finger on the sensor, which then compares the unique pattern to its memory bank. If there’s an accurate match, the door springs open immediately. The INPRINT is powered by two AA batteries or by an optional AC adapter. It also features a key backup. Other optional mounting plates are also available. For more information contact 9G Products, Inc., Dept. SAR, 222 Oak Street, Bonner Springs, KS 66012; phone: 1-913-422-0257; fax: 1-913-441-3646; website: www.9gproducts.com.