I was able to talk with one of the Truglo engineers and was given the OK to let everyone know there will be a second generation Tritium Fiber Optic (TFO). (no product was available at the show for pictures) The new TFO will be a Mil Spec version that is more corrosion resistant and should have a more robust fiber optic system. Although not outright mentioned it was implied there may be some type of protection for the fibers in this new Mil Spec version. Even though this new sight is geared towards military applications, it will be available for the civilian market. Version two will not replace the version one sights, but will supplement and grow the TFO product line allowing the customer to choose what features will fulfill their needs. The price was not given but again was inferred that because of the new robustness these would have a somewhat higher price point. Availability could be as early as the end of first quarter 2010. For more information visit Truglo`s website at www.truglo.com.
(click on pictures for larger views)
(left to right) A small sample of the new items that Brownells will be adding to its catalogue,
meeting the great revolver shooter Jerry Miculek, and one of Brownells new AR-15/M16 tools.
Most of the new products at Brownells booth if not in the catalogue have been added to the website and should be available for shipment as early as the last week in January. Some exciting news to the firearms industry is that Brownells has partnered with Jerry Miculek to create what they called the most professionally produced and mass appeal shooting video to date. This video was described has taking an “instructional shooting video” to a new level. Jerry let me know that nothing has been spared to make this video and he is very proud of his first project with several more in the works. This video will have the mass appeal in that it will be a great firearms teaching video with out having having to alienate any one segment with over the top “tactical” elements that could intimidate some shooters. This three disk set has an MSRP right around the 30.00 price range and should be available within the next month with Brownells as the sole distributer.
When it comes to multi tools there is no denying the two largest brands are Gerber and Leatherman. But have you ever used a non name brand multi tool? Most likely you were as disappointed with the quality or function as I have been in the past. Brownells has released and is currently available for sale their Multi tool that has specific tools built in that are made for AR-15/M-16 users. Some of the tools included are a spanner wrench, sight adjuster, and optics wrench. From just examining this tool this is no knock off and is worthy of the Brownells name brand. Ask your local Gunsmith where they get their tools from and most if not all will tell you use and rely on Brownells tools to make their livelihood.
Glock did not release a carbine rifle, but had the Generation 4 Glock on display.
Here is a video of a team Safariland demonstration. The goal was to see who was the fastest draw, fire and reload. From left to right Michael Voight, Kippi Leatham, Scott Carnahan, Doug Koenig and Rob Leatham.
Safariland`s booth was a who’s who of the shooting industry. Just walking around the crowded booth you bump into people like Massad Ayoob from the lethal force institute and gun writer. As far as products, Safariland is expanding its concealed ALS holster line. An XD version should be released soon. The open top paddle ALS is one of the best holsters on the market so this is great news.
Hogue Grips has developed an new grip sleeve for the Springfield Armory XD as part of their Handall series. The rubber sleeve sides over the grip of the XD to give you a solid grip. The XD Handall will be available in three different colors: Black, Desert Tan and OD Green. This Grip was designed to fit the 9mm, 40s&w and 357sig XDs in both the service and tactical models. From initial looks this does not look like it will safely fit the Subcompact XD or XDm series pistols. One special thing to note is that the bottom of the Handall actually inserts into the open area at the heal of the pistol grip. Since the grip is held in place, the Handall wont ride up the pistol deactivating the grip safety. These will be shipping to distributers the last week of January and should hit dealer shelves the first week of February.
