Brownells Releases Gen2 BRN-180 Uppers, Including 300 AAC Blackout
Brownells announced the next generation of its popular BRN-180 uppers, including the much-anticipated version chambered in 300 AAC Blackout, perfect for use with a suppressor.
Launched at SHOT Show 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada, the BRN-180 uppers combine features of the classic AR-180 with modern upgrades such as a full-length Picatinny rail and a free-float M-LOK handguard.
All BRN-180 Gen2 uppers are ideal for folding stocks or braces as the recoil mechanism is totally contained inside the upper.
The BRN-180 Gen2 updates include a new method of securing the handguard and adjustable gas blocks for all barrel lengths to optimize suppressor use. Continue reading
Hi Point Changes Up Their Pistol Line. Finally.
Aside from being big, bulky, heavy, and ugly (all true), one of the main beefs that people have with the budget-friendly firearm brand HiPoint is the low capacity (also true). Their line of pistols and pistol caliber carbines have always featured a limited capacity single stack magazine despite the wide grips. That changes now.
For two decades, the Model C9 – a blowback operated polymer-framed 9mm pistol with Zamak slide – has been the company’s flagship handgun. Throughout that time, the Hi-Point product line has seen precious few changes aside from the addition of new calibers and cosmetic features. This includes the stock flush-fit 8-round magazine capacity that C9 owners have always been limited by.
At SHOT Show 2019 in Las Vegas, the Ohio-based company introduced their latest pistol offering – a higher capacity 9mm with a few new features that will be appreciated by those who don’t immediately turn up their nose at the inexpensive firearms. Hi-Point is quick to point out that the new handgun is not just a tweaked version of their existing pistols but, rather, is an entirely new firearm with a more contemporary design that they say will stick with the company’s affordable pricing structure.
Currently in what they are calling a “stealth prototype” phase, the company had 3D printed rapid prototypes on display in their booth to demonstrate the size and features of the new pistol, which boasts a higher capacity magazine, threaded barrel, improved slide and grip geometry. Continue reading
Range Time with Mossberg’s Centennial Gift to the Shooting: The Company’s First Pistol in 100 Years
To celebrate their 100th year in business, Mossberg is releasing a new pistol, only their second in the company’s history.
Don’t feel bad if you are unfamiliar with the shotgun powerhouse’s first foray into handguns. The Mossberg Brownie was the company’s very first firearm – a four-barreled .22 caliber pistol marketed toward hunters and trappers – was only produced from 1919 to 1932, during which it sold for a mere $5.
The prodigal pistol producer’s latest handgun, dubbed the Mossberg Carry 1 Sub-Compact (MC1sc), is more on-point for one of the hottest market segments today: the sub-compact single stack 9mm carry gun. The GunLink team went hands-on with the MC1sc at SHOT Show 2019, including getting some trigger time with the new pistol during Industry Day at the Range the day before the show officially opened.
My first thought when Mossberg announced the new handgun was that they were late to an already crowded party. A party already attended by a pretty popular in-crowd, including the Glock 43, Smith & Wesson Shield, Springfield XDs, and the newer Sig Sauer P365. Stiff competition for a company with a sparse track record in the handgun arena. Good luck, Mossberg.
My first thoughts when we met the MC1sc at SHOT Range Day were that it was remarkably well executed and Mossberg has a real shot with this pistol. Continue reading
SHOT Show Range Report: Glock’s Single Stack 9mm Pistols
The Glock G43x and G48 Make an Appearance at SHOT Show Industry Day at the Range
The GunLink team was split on whether or not we would like the two new single stack offerings from Glock. On one hand, some of our team thought that the pistol giant was late to the game, as they often are, while others, particularly those of smaller stature, were excited for the simplicity and reliability of the platform in a form factor that would be easier for them to use.
After getting some trigger time on the new models, they seem to make a bit more sense.
A couple members of the GunLink team got to put some rounds down range through three of Glock’s newest pistols – the new 43X and 48, as well as the G45 (a G19 slide on a G17 grip… but now available in BLACK!!) that has been around for a few months. Continue reading
Nighthawk Custom Launches New Compensated 1911: The Firehawk
Nighthawk Custom, manufacturer of the world’s finest custom made 1911’s, is proud to introduce the newest model in their lineup, the Firehawk.
The new pistol offers several advancements in the company’s long line of purpose-built innovation. Nighthawk Custom has utilized a recoil-taming single port compensator, a Bull Barrel and a full-length guide rod that adds weight to the front of the pistol to reduce muzzle rise. In addition, the Firehawk has a modified government length slide that has been shortened from 5” to 3.9”. A newly designed commander length spring and reverse plug system maintains the standard recoil impulse of a 5-inch 1911 for reliability.
“We set out to create a compensated pistol model, starting with the idea that we could use innovative engineering to build a 1911 that fit the profile of a standard government model but would benefit from the effects of a compensator,” stated Mark Stone, Owner and CEO. “We decided the traditional methods weren’t enough and built the entire compensator system from scratch.”
As part of its functional design, the Firehawk features a full Nighthawk Custom prep that incorporates a French Border to showcase the craftsmanship involved in blending the compensator and slide together. The closed front end of the compensator has been bull nosed for an easy draw and a custom touch. Nighthawk Custom has built a stunning custom pistol that has the functional benefits of a compensator, allowing for minimal movement of the front sight while shooting and allows for much faster follow up shots, while maintaining a classic appearance that will impress classic 1911 aficionados.
The Firehawk has an MSRP of $4199.00 and is available with a nitride or stainless-steel finish in 9mm and .45 ACP.
Norma Releases ENVY – A Dedicated 9mm Round for Pistol Caliber Carbines
Norma has announced the introduction of their latest line of ammo, dubbed ENVY. The new ammunition, currently available only in 9x19mm, is designed to bring out the maximum accuracy and performance from PCCs, which continue to grow as one of the latest trends in the modern sporting rifle and tactical platforms.
The halls of SHOT Show 2019 are filled with an ever growing crop of pistol caliber carbines, AR and AK pistols, and SBRs. Several of the new offerings really caught our attention at SHOT Show Range Day and on the show floor itself, so stay tuned to our show coverage for more information about our favorite new firearms from this category.
As the already-high popularity of PCCs has surged in the past few years, so has the need for an improved target load that can bring out the best results for both training and competition. Norma is addressing this need with the ENVY line. With a more precise, uniform bullet design and improved tolerance ranges across production, Norma believes that ENVY is about to set a new standard of accuracy and performance from PCCs.
“ENVY is the choice ammunition for extrapolating the utmost accuracy out of a pistol caliber carbine,” said Paul Lemke, General Manager for RUAG Ammotec USA. “The growing popularity of PCC’s extends out to both competition matches and just general fun at the range. When you can now expect groups of less than an inch at 50 yards, ENVY makes shooting PCC’s that much more fun.”
Norma ENVY 9mm features a 124gr FMJ projectile with a muzzle velocity of 1345 fps. The MSRP for a 50-round box is $13.
