2010 SHOT Show Part III

SHOT SHOW Day 3

I spent entirely too much time at the Sig-Sauer booth, getting briefed about their P250 modular system. This was mostly because they had chairs so we could sit down!  The P250 uses a modular action that can essentially be moved from frame to frame. If you purchase a full-size pistol, you can obtain an X-CHANGE kit to allow you to swap the action into a smaller frame. This conversion can be in the same caliber or your choice of 9mm, .357 Sig, .40 S&W or .45 ACP. This means that you have the same trigger from one size gun to the next. In addition, the P250 features a reversible magazine catch and ambidextrous slide release for lefties, DAO action with a 6.5 lb trigger pull. There are three different grip sizes to fit any hand (2 sizes for the subcompact frame).

Sig offers .22 LR conversion kits for the P220, P226 and P229 pistols too. These kits include a slide, barrel, recoil spring and magazine. Conversion is accomplished through a simple field stripping operation. Kits are also available for caliber swaps between the popular centerfire pistol cartridges.  In theory, your P226 could be purchased in 9mm and you could have a .22LR conversion kit AND a .40 S&W conversion, giving you three calibers you can use.

LaserLyte now offers laser sights that fit Glock, XD’s, Ruger’s SR9 and the S&W M&P series pistols. The laser module replaces the rear sight set and aims the laser from on top of the weapon. It’s a neat, clean solution, but you only get 1 hour of solid run time from the four #377 watch batteries. The sights are extremely rugged and water resistant. Installation simply uses the existing dovetails

Talo Distributing is offering what they call the 21st Century Commander 1911. When I see that a pistol’s main claim is that it was designed by a gun-writer, in this case Wiley Clapp, my first impulse is to approach it very cautiously. This 21st Century gun has a lot of 20th Century designs, including the 70-series action, small safety, standard slide lock, flat mainspring housing. In fact, the only “21st Century” items are from the late 20th Century – front & rear serrations, Colt’s new style beavertail grip safety, Novak dovetail sights with an extra-wide notch and bead front sight. Custom grips are added with a taper to aid your grip. It’s advertised as “Everything you need and nothing you don’t.” Aside from the sights, grips and front serrations on the slide, this isn’t much different than your Grandfather’s Commander.

Olympic Arms has resurrected the 1950’s designed Whitney Wolverine .22 LR pistol. This time they’ve used a polymer frame and vent rib barrel. Lightweight, fun to shoot, ergonomic grip angle with a 4.625” barrel, optional adjustable sights, 10 round magazine. MSRP is only $294

Beretta’s new Model 92A1 and 96A1 pistols represent Beretta’s commitement to the world famous 92FS pistol and the Beretta 90-Two. The –A1 platforms both models feature high capacity magazines,17 rounds in 9mm in the 92A1 and 12 rounds in 40 S&W in the 96A1, and are completely interchangeable with other 92 family magazines. An internal recoil buffer increases service life by reducing stress on the receiver created by the more powerful .40 S&W caliber ammunition. Each pistol includes three magazines.

The frame of the 92 and 96A1’s have an integral MIL-STD-1913 rail for rapid attachment of tactical lights and laser aiming devices, removable front sight allows the user to easily replace a damaged sight or replace it with an accessory sight. The rounded trigger guard reflects updated styling to conform with current pistol gripping practices.
That’s it for now. No posts on Friday as that’s when I’ll be driving back home after a partial day at the show.