For many years, Lone Wolf Distributors (LWD) of Oldtown, Idaho has built a reputation providing high quality parts and accessories for Glock handguns at reasonable prices. Most notably is their diverse catalogue of aftermarket barrels that include a number of conventionally rifled alternatives for all Glock models. These can be had in stock lengths, extended lengths to satisfy Canadian legal requirements or handgun hunters, extended threaded versions for sound suppressor owners, and conversion barrels that permit the firing of alternate ammunition (such as 9mm in a .40 pistol). They have also built a quiet reputation of innovation that has included their own versions of popular Glock items and those not available from the original manufacturer such as extended slides for certain models.

LWD unveiled their latest innovation at the 2010 SHOT show in Las Vegas, NV; a replacement polymer frame with modular interchangeable grip back straps to accommodate shooters with smaller grip preferences. This new frame is called the Timberwolf, and like an original Glock frame, is a serial numbered part that must be transferred like any other firearm. The first of these were produced as prototypes and distributed in the summer of 2010 to customers willing to give them an immediate 1,000 round test drive. The Timberwolf is intended as a replacement for the original frame while making use of all original slide and internal components from the host gun. The one tested for this article was assembled with a LWD slide and barrel in .40 S&W, and further tested with an original slide and barrel from a Glock counterpart (Model 22).

Some of the Timberwolf features include:

• Oversized magazine release button (previously available from LWD as a user modification for existing Glock models)
• 3 channel accessory rail that fits most existing Glock compatible lights and mounts
• Extended beavertail
• Two grip back strap panels (one straight, one curved)
• Textured grip sides and front strap finger grooves with trigger guard undercut
• Tapered frame to match beveled face of LWD slides

When assembling the Timberwolf, the only specialized parts required are a trigger/ejector housing from a slim frame model and a late generation locking block, which are available from LWD if the host Glock is of an earlier vintage. Otherwise, it accepts all original parts and most qualified Glock armorers should be able to assemble the finished product easily. The Timberwolf looks well designed cosmetically and internally. The seams and fit of the back strap panels are snug and there are locking block cutouts absent from earlier Glock models where tiny frame cracks were known to develop.

The grip texture on the front is excellent allowing for good retention but not so sharp as to be uncomfortable. The rear of the grip is significantly smoother and could be improved if retextured to match the front. The back strap panels are removed by pressing the hook internally within the magazine well and pushing downward. The early versions could also be removed with a sharp impact to the bottom of a seated magazine while firmly gripped by overcoming the hook tension with direct force. The downside of this fact was that a sharp magazine seating motion could dislodge the back of the grip. This was more likely with the smaller of the two grip panels initially tested but not a problem with the larger one for some reason and subsequent versions seem to work flawlessly. The larger panel was meant to feel similar to a SIG Sauer grip shape and the smaller panel is simply the smallest grip you can find for a Glock handgun: no grip reduction could ever do better.

Test firing the Timberwolf was accomplished with both a Glock slide and barrel and a LWD slide and barrel. Accuracy was good for each but slightly better with the original Glock parts. Reliability was excellent with either slide when using the original Glock barrel; however, most reloaded ammunition and a few varieties of factory ammunition had feeding problems using the LWD barrel. This includes reloaded ammunition specifically tested by hand chambering the cartridges in the barrel in lieu of a chamber gauge prior to their use. LWD barrels are known to have tight chambers that fully support the case and this makes them less forgiving when it comes to feeding and chambering reliability. For customers with problems shooting reloads, LWD offers a number of suggestions and remedies including chamber modifications they’ll do to customer specifications.

Most factory ammunition functioned reliably with the occasional stoppage just short of achieving a full lock up in battery and one failure to fully eject a fired case in 700 rounds. This should not be a problem once the parts are sufficiently broken in and/or appropriate lubrication is applied. This pistol was assembled dry and thoroughly tested without lubrication for the first 1,000 rounds. No other cycling problems were identified, although ejected cartridge cases tended to have a diverse distribution and a number went to the left (a few even struck the shooter in the forehead). When the ejector was replaced with one intended for a .40 S&W Glock pistol, the ejection pattern normalized.

When reloading the pistol, the magazine seated and was locked adequately by the release button, although there appeared to be some up and down slop in the final seat position when locked into place, but no reliability consequences of this were identified. The magazine fit in the well is snug to the point of not allowing the loaded or unloaded magazine to drop free unless generation 4 magazines are used; however, LWD has assured the author that this issue was rectified for the final production models. A cutout on the lower front area of the grip gives access to the magazine to grip and remove it but no such cutout exists in the back so this task requires more dexterity than one would like. Because the thickness of the grip sides is greater than the width of the stock magazine floor plate, gripping the magazine from the side is not easy unless an extended floor plate is installed.

Both the LWD slide and barrel are stainless steel with a black oxide coating that matches the frame nicely. LWD barrels are conventionally rifled with 6 sharp lands/grooves and a left hand twist. For unknown reasons, this particular barrel would come to rest in battery in one of two positions: normal (fully parallel with the top of the slide) or slightly below. In the normal position, direct pressure to the top of the barrel would snap it into the lower position but not unlock the action in any way. This occurred with either slide and the only noticeable effect from this condition is a slightly off center firing pin impact that never caused a misfire.

The LWD slide has fine sharp serrations both front and back and a tapered forward contour that matches the Timberwolf frame and is similar to the subcompact Glock pistols. The loaded chamber indicator extractor functioned perfectly and the slide shape conforms to the most current ejection port profile with the 15 degree rear angle. The only exterior markings are a small Lone Wolf logo on the right rear portion of the slide; internally the slide is marked “LONE WOLF” with the designated caliber. Front sight cutout and rear dovetail match standard Glock sight dimensions.

As with any new product, some improvements are likely in the near future and Lone Wolf’s beta-test marketing strategy should help this process considerably. After 2/3 of the first 1,000 rounds, a small crack developed on one side of the frame by the left rear corner of the locking block. A similar problem was common in 1st and early 2nd generation Glock pistols and like those early Glocks, this presented no problem with functionality and did not appear to worsen. Because this was the first of that kind, LWD requested a return of the frame for immediate replacement and study. It was later discovered by LWD staff that the cause was the installation of an older locking block by the author – in other words, operator error. The subsequent replacement frame with correct locking block showed no such faults in subsequent use.

My list of desired changes is short and includes a looser magazine well for drop-free reloading with early magazines, improved grip back strap texture, and some kind of rear magazine well cutout so that the magazine can be pinched between two fingers and removed if stuck. Regarding the LWD barrel and slide, chamber modifications to improve feeding reliability and wider slide serrations that are not quite as sharp would round out the list. The barrel modifications were already completed for this particular barrel and the results are enhanced reliability.

New FN PS 90 and P90 Ultra Low Scope Mounts from TROS USA

Two new ultra low scope mounts are now available for the semi-auto FN PS90 carbine and the FN P90 SMG from TROS (The Riddle of Steel) USA. These are optic specific scope mounts. They offer the lowest possible mounting for the optic and are much lower than the same optic when mounted on a Picatinny rail. TROS USA currently offers two models. Both are made from black anodized aluminum and come with self locking mounting screws. They do not require any drilling or modification to the receiver and can be used with side rails. The Aimpoint mount will work with any M/ML 2 or 3 series Aimpoint. It comes with an A.R.M.S. 22M68 Aimpoint ring and all mounting hardware. The price is $99.95 and package deals with new Aimpoint M3/ML3 optics are available. The second is for use with the Trijicon Mini ACOG scopes with the M16 base. The price is $56.95 for the mount. They can also supply the mount with a Trijicon Mini ACOG 1.5×16 with red cross hair reticle for $799.95. For more information please contact TROS USA, Dept. SAR, P.O. Box 680, Clackamas, OR 97015. Phone: (503) 658-3708. Their website is www.trosusa.com.

Brownells Introduces New AR-15/M16 Magazines in SOCOM Tan

Brownells, long known for their beefy catalog of gunsmithing tools and gun accessories, have been building their own 20 and 30-round magazines for the AR-15/ M16 series of rifles. All components of the new magazines are made of mil-spec materials and are manufactured under strict, IOS quality control standards. The heat treated welded aluminum body are hard anodized for superior corrosion resistance then given a tough, dry lube coating to eliminate the need for additional lubricants. Until now they were available in the standard military gray. Now they are available in Socom Tan. The magazines also feature a military-type glass reinforced composite follower to further guarantee flawless feeding in the harshest tactical conditions. The magazines can be ordered with either a mil-spec stainless steel spring or the new high lubricity, dry lube coated chrome silicon spring that’s corrosion-resistant certified to 500 hour salt spray standards and less prone to take a spring “set”. For more information on these new magazines or any of Brownells tools and gun accessories, please contact them at Brownells, Dept. SAR, 200 South Front Street, Montezuma, IA 50171. Phone: (800) 741-0015. Fax: (800) 264- 3068. They can be found on the web at www.brownells.com.

Command Arms Accessories Introduces New Front Sight Mount Rail

Command Arms Accessories (CAA), manufacturer of unique and innovative weapon accessories, is proud to introduce their new polymer front sight mounted rail system. TPR15P securely mounts to the front sight providing two rails for laser and light equipment attachment. This new product has 2.5 inch long Picatinny rails on each side. Constructed of high density polymer it is easy to install and remove. It is secured by three Allen bolts with no gunsmithing required. For more information please contact Command Arms Accessories, Dept. SAR, 76 Vincent Circle, Ivyland, PA 18974. Phone: (267) 803- 1518. Fax: (267) 803-1002. Website: www.commandarms.com.

Lone Wolf Introduces New Stainless Steel Glock Slide

Lone Wolf Distributors’ (LWD) new custom Glock slides provide the features serious shooters demand. The LWD slides are designed after the current production 3rd generation Glock original slide, the strongest ever offered. They include the most sought after custom features at no additional charge including front and rear c o c k i n g serrations, beveled rails and lowered ejection port. The LWD Stainless slide will be available for all Glock models. Custom laser engraving and Bullnose available on request. Manufactured from forged 416 stainless and hardened to 42/46 Rockwell standards, these rugged slides easily convert current production G17/17L/34 FGR frames to fire .40 S&W and/or .357 SIG. Competitive shooters will be able to compete in both Limited and Open class using the same gun with these slides. Glock owners will now have the ability to build custom guns like a G19L/G23L or G26L/G27L. They are also perfect for building the new CCF m e t a l frames. These new slides have a retail price of $ 1 7 4 . 9 5 each and are part of Lone Wolf’s line of custom Glock components. They offer the largest selection of Glock parts and accessories in the world. Contact them at Lone Wolf Distributors, Inc., Dept. SAR, 57 Shepard Road, P.O. Box 3549, Oldtown, ID 83822. Phone: (208) 437-0612. Fax: (888) 279-2077. Their website is www.lonewolfdist.com.

Winchester Model 70 is Back
The Winchester Model 70 is one of the most respected bolt-action rifle designs in the world. Winchester Repeating Arms is excited to announce the return of the Model 70 for 2008. The All-American Model 70s will be built by American craftsmen in Columbia, South Carolina, at the same stateo f – the-art factory (FN Manufacturing) as the rifles and machine guns used by A m e r i c a ’ s Armed Forces. For 2008 the new Model 70 has the all new M.O.A. Trigger System, improved fit and finish and enhanced accuracy to go along with its classic Pre-64 Controlled Round Feeding, Three-Position safety and solid, sure handling. The improved three-position safety on the new Model 70 has proven effective and highly popular with hunters and shooters for decades. Convenient to operate with the thumb of the firing hand, the Model 70 safety lifts the firing pin away from the sear. When the safety selector is in the middle position, the action can still be operated, allowing unfired cartridges to be cycled with the safety on. Model 70 barrels are cold hammer-forged from a solid billet of steel for accuracy and long life. The Model 70’s blade-type ejector allows full control when ejecting a fired case. It also helps to eliminate short-stroking malfunctions. The new Winchester Model 70 will be offered in a Super Grade, Featherweight Deluxe, Sporter Deluxe and Extreme Weather SS models. All will feature a thick black Pachmayr Decelerator pad that will help take the bite out of recoil. For more information please contact Winchester Firearms, Dept. SAR, 275 Winchester Avenue, Morgan, UT 84050. Phone: (801) 876-3440. Fax: (801) 876- 3737. Website: www.winchesterguns.com.

Ruger Introduces New Striker Fired SR9 Pistol

Ruger & Company, Inc. is proud to announce the Ruger SR9 pistol, the first striker-fired pistol from Ruger, and number one in a new line of high-performance pistols to meet the demands of today’s firearm owner. The Ruger SR9 pistol delivers legendary Ruger reliability with a 17 + 1 capacity 9mm pistol in a comfortable to- shoot package. The structurally rigid, recoil-reducing glass-filled nylon frame features a unique reversible backstrap that allows owners to quickly customize the size and feel of the grip, without having to carry separate inserts or use special tools. The SR9 will appeal to both left and righthanded shooters as it features an ambidextrous manual safety and magazine latch. The glass-filled nylon frame and stainless steel slide combine to create a low maintenance handgun that resists finish punishing elements. This is not a copy of any existing Ruger pistol, although it does have the new Ruger look, similar to the current P345 pistol. A slim, ergonomic grip features a 17-degree grip angle and three 22-lines per inch checkered panels that provide a sure grip without being abrasive. The rear sight, part of the low profile, high visibility, three-dot sight system, is click adjustable for elevation. Both front and rear sights are drift adjustable for windage to put shooters on target with any choice of ammunition. The Picatinny rail accepts firearm-mounted lights for target identification in all light conditions, and lasers to provide users with modern sighting options. The first striker-fired pistol from Ruger is loaded with modern safety features like a 1911-style ambidextrous manual safety, internal trigger bar interlock and striker blocker, trigger safety, magazine disconnect, plus a visual and tactile loaded chamber indicator. For more information on the Ruger SR9 pistol and the extensive line of Ruger’s other products, please contact them at Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc., Dept. SAR, 1 Lacey Place, Southport, CT 06890. Phone: (203) 259-7843. Fax: (203) 255-5201. Website: www.ruger.com.