It has become a tradition that on the day before the SHOT Show officially opens, media can live fire with newly introduced guns and at noon, the range is opened so attending dealers can do the same.\u00a0 The host range was the Boulder City Rifle and Pistol Club.<\/p>\n
The new shotgun that most got my attention was the Super Black Eagle, the old model enhanced with changes to the bolt mechanism to keep it from being knocked out of battery if the user accidentally bumps the operating handle rearward.\u00a0 The feedway to the magazine has been relieved to keep from catching fingertip or glove in the shell lifter.\u00a0 Extended bolt handle and bolt release also make things easier for cold, gloved hands in duck blinds.\u00a0 Finally, I like that the comb of the stock has a soft, cushiony cheekpiece.\u00a0 An excellent example of a manufacturer tailoring a product to needs the end user has determined in the field.<\/p>\n
In rifles, the feature I liked most was the bolt operating handle located forward on the left side of the receiver of Savage\u2019s first AR15 clone, the MSR, which in their catalog stands for Modern Savage Rifle instead of Modern Sporting Rifle.\u00a0 It\u2019s somewhat like operating an FN FAL. Southpaws and righties alike will probably find it much more ergonomic than the rear-mounted T-handle on Stoner\u2019s original and now ubiquitous AR15.\u00a0 I first saw this feature a few years ago on an Arizona-built AR15, the American Spirit brand.\u00a0 The feature hasn\u2019t caught on as much is it deserves to; maybe Savage\u2019s greater name recognition and advertising budget will help there.<\/p>\n
Also, more long range tactical rifles on display than ever. Which, in this day and age, is a lot.<\/p>\n
In handguns, the greatest interest seemed by be generated by the new Hudson pistol, a 1911-ish frame with very easy trigger sitting under a Glock-like striker fired barrel\/slide assembly. With a low bore axis to begin with, muzzle jump is further reduced by burying the recoil spring and guide more deeply below the barrel.\u00a0 Looks funny, shoots great. I\u2019ve ordered one for testing.\u00a0 The most interesting revolver by far is the first double-action six-shooter Colt has produced in many years. Dubbed the Cobra, it\u2019s actually more like the old Cobra\u2019s progenitor the Detective Special in that it\u2019s all steel.\u00a0 Lockwork and overall appearance are somewhat similar to the last of the small frame Colts of the past, the SF\/VI and Magnum carry. Available to start only in .38 Special, it comes with Hogue grips and interchangeable front sights (fiber optic to start, night sight module coming soon). The most significant design improvement is a trigger guard extended to the front to allow a gloved finger. On most double action revolvers, particularly these small-framed ones, the thickness of glove material often blocks the trigger\u2019s forward return, and renders the five- or six-shot revolver a single shot.\u00a0 I tried the new Cobra with gloves and was pleased with how it worked that way. Got one of those coming too.\u00a0 Action is VERY nice.\u00a0 Manufacturers\u2019 suggested retail prices are about $1149 for the 15-shot Hudson 9mm and $699 for the new Cobra revolver.<\/p>\n
The Evil Princess demonstrates the controlability of the new Hudson 9mm pistol. Spent casing from last shot is airborne, muzzle already back on target.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n Hudson looks funny, shoots sweet.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n The new Benelli Super Black Eagles are up-featured for deep cold weather shotgunning…<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n …and this very soft cheekpiece on the comb of the stock is a welcome “face-saver” with heavy loads.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n Lotsa new tactical precision rifles, including this DAN in .338 Lapua…<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n …from Israeli Weapon Industries.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n![\"RangeDay2017_07\"](\"http:\/\/backwoodshome.com\/blogs\/MassadAyoob\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/RangeDay2017_07.jpg\")
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