2005 new products: manufacturers launch new business year, unveil latest products!

Shooting Industry, Jan, 2005 by James McGregor, Russ Thurman

It's January, and the new year's business is in full Magnum mode. Manufacturers continue to debut new products at a rapid-fire pace, as they prepare for their grand premier at SHOT Show 2005.

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This is our second review of 2005 new products. Armed with this and our December issue, dealers can better prepare for their attendance at trade and buying shows. In our April issue, we'll provide extensive coverage of SHOW Show 2005.

NEW FIREARMS--2005

Smith & Wesson

Smith & Wesson's latest addition to its large-caliber X-Frame revolvers is the Model 460XVR (Extreme Velocity Revolver). Firing the new .460 S & W Magnum, Smith & Wesson reports the revolver delivers a muzzle velocity of 2,300 feet per second. Weighing 73 ounces and measuring 8 1/3 inches, the five-shot, single/double-action revolver features a stainless steel finish and interchangeable compensator.

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The Model 990L pistol is available in two full-size versions chambered in .45 ACP, 9mm and .40 S & W, and a compact model chambered in 9mm and .40 S & W. The pistols feature a black polymer frame and Melonite stainless steel barrel and slide, and interchangeable backstraps.

From the Performance Center, the Model 945 .45 ACP features a competition match trigger with over-travel stop, micro-adjustable rear sight, Hogue black/silver checkered laminate grips and stainless steel, glass bead-polished finish.

Two Model 1911s are also available from the Performance Center. They feature Doug Koenig speed hammers, adjustable rear sights, and oversized external extractors.

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Smith & Wesson, under a licensing agreement from Carl Walther GmbH, is now manufacturing the original Walther PPK in .380 ACP. The model is smaller and almost 3 ounces lighter than the PPK/S.

Smith also continues it successful collaboration with Crimson Trace. Models 410S, 432PD, 637, 1911 and 1911Sc are now available direct from S & W with Crimson Trace Wraparound Lasergrips.

Bushmaster Firearms Inc.

Bushmaster's Carbon 15 .22 Rimfire Rifle closely conforms to the look, feel and function of Bushmaster's traditional 5.56mm/.223 models. The upper and lower receivers, buttstock and charging handle are molded of Carbon Fiber 15 material. The lightweight rifle has adjustable sights, a Picatinny rail on the upper receiver and includes a 10-round magazine.

The Carbon 15 Type 21S pistol weighs less than 3 1/2 pounds and features a Quick Detachable Compensator; full-length, anodized aluminum Picatinny rail on the upper receiver; and adjustable sight. It comes with a 30-round magazine.

The Carbon 15 Type 97S pistol, with many of the same features at the Type 21S, has an auxiliary rail mounted to the underside of the foregrip.

Bushmaster now offers a dedicated .22 Rimfire Upper Receiver-Barrel Assembly that fits all Bushmaster lower receivers and other Mil Spec AR--15 lower receivers. Featuring blowback operation, the kit includes a 10-round magazine.

The Carbon 15 Model 4 Carbine features an Izzy compensator, telestock and is shipped with a 30-round magazine.

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Rossi Firearms

Rossi's fully rifled slug gun is button rifled, equipped with factory porting and features TruGlo sights. The 12-gauge model has a drilled and tapped rail; the 20-gauge is drilled and tapped for installation of the included scope mount base.

Rossi's Heavy Barrel rifles feature button-rifled barrels, are hand-fitted and incorporated transfer bar technology and a manual safety. A scope mount base is included.

Rossi extends its Matched Pair line to include a .50 caliber muzzleloader and rifled-barrel slug gun in either 12- or 20-gauge.

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FNH USA

FNH USA's five-seven USG semiauto in 5.7X28mm features a polymer frame, integrated accessory rail, reversible magazine release and textured grip. With a 4.82-inch barrel, it measures 8.2 inches in overall length and weighs 1.36 pounds. The single-action pistol comes with a 20-round magazine.

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The FNP 40 features an ambidextrous manual decocking lever; reversible magazine catch; hammer-fired, double/single action mechanism, firing pin safety and optional magazine disconnect. It ships with three 14-round magazines.

The FNP 9 M compact pistol has a 3.8-inch barrel and measures 7 inches overall. It features an ambidextrous manual de-cocking lever, reversible magazine catch and hammer-fired DA/SA mechanisms.

Heckler & Koch

HK offers the USP 40, USP 40 Compact, USP 45 Tactical and Mark 23 in three new frame colors: desert tan, green and gray. They feature the H & K Hostile Environment finish on all metal parts.

To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the P7, HK is issuing a special edition P7M8. It has special engraving, checkered custom walnut grips and is packaged in a wooden presentation case, which includes a commemorative coin.

In June 2004, HK became the sole importer of Merkel long guns. For 2005, HK is introducing new features on the Merkel shotguns. These include side-by-sides with beavertail forends, interchangeable screw-in choke tubes, round-knob pistol grips and lighter style engraving.