Escort Shotguns Releases Modern Sporting Shotgun – The DF12
A bold new design loaded with smart features, the Escort DF12 stands out in an ever-growing world of modern shotguns. This auto-loader is a sporting enthusiast’s dream and is ideal for close-range hunting applications. Using the modern sporting rifle design and capitalizing on adaptable features, the DF12 reaches beyond its potential as a mere shotgun. Its 5-piece multi-choke system accommodates heavy slugs as well as it does light bird shot, making it a great all-around option for a wide variety of game.
With an overall weight of 8.9 lbs., this shotgun is manufactured from tough aircraft grade alloy. The upper and lower receivers are overbuilt with a robust construction that is meant to take a beating. The semi-automatic DF12 runs on a gas-powered system, similar to those found in traditional autoloading shotguns, but without the added bulk of a tube below the barrel.
This 12-gauge magazine fed shotgun is chambered in 3″ magnum and will cycle both 3″ and 2 ¾” loads without hesitation. The DF12 comes outfitted with an Escort standard oxidation-proof, chrome plated, drilled steel barrel. To ensure the utmost strength, each barrel is proof tested at the factory. A muzzle cover protects the barrel and locks the forend into place, adding to the robustness and modularity of this shotgun platform.
The DF12 makes field-stripping and cleaning a breeze. The upper and lower receivers are detachable, much like their modern sporting rifle brethren, allowing enthusiasts to feel at home with this shotgun. Continue reading
Mossberg Introduces New Shockwave Models for 2019
O.F. Mossberg & Sons, Inc., a leading American firearms manufacturer announced today the introduction of three (3) new 12-gauge 590 Shockwave variants for the 2019 model year. The new models include the 590 Nightstick, 590 Shock ‘N’ Saw and the 590 Shockwave SPX.
Built on Mossberg’s proven pump-action design, each 590 Shockwave features an overall length of 26.37 inches; 14-inch heavy-walled barrel; non-binding twin action bars; positive steel-to-steel lock-up; an anti-jam elevator; dual extractors; and an ambidextrous top-mounted safety. 590 Shockwaves also feature convenient magazine clean-out cap; drilled and tapped anodized aluminum receiver; cylinder bore barrel with a single brass bead sight; and sling swivel studs. Unique to the 590 Shockwave models are a “bird’s head” shaped-profile grip that allows for greater control while lessening felt recoil.
The 590 Nightstick, a Talo Distributors exclusive, is a 6-shot, 12-gauge firearm with a 14-inch barrel; black anodized receiver; matte black barrel and magazine tube; and is equipped with a hardwood bird’s head grip and corncob forend. MSRP is $539, but retail prices should provide a welcome savings over buying a standard Shockwave and adding wood furniture from an outfit like Black Aces.
The 590 Shock ‘N’ Saw is another 6-shot, 12-gauge firearm with a 14-inch barrel featuring a breacher muzzle; black anodized receiver; matte black barrel and magazine tube; Shockwave Technologies Raptor polymer bird’s head grip; aluminum MLOK-equipped forend; and signature Mossberg chainsaw foregrip. MSRP is $560 for this model, which should be popular with shoot-from-the-hip Shockwave enthusiasts.
Rounding out the trio of new Shockwave models, the 590 Shockwave SPX is a 6-shot, 12-gauge firearm with a 14-inch barrel featuring a breacher muzzle; black anodized receiver; matte black barrel and magazine tube; Shockwave Technologies Raptor polymer bird’s head grip; heatshield; aluminum side saddle with 7 polymer shell-holder units, allowing for positioning of extra shells on either side of the receiver; and a top-mounted picatinny rail. This model is also offered at an MSRP of $560.
With an overall length of 26.37 inches, the BATFE (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives) has classified the compact 590 Shockwave platform as a “Non-NFA Firearm,” requiring no tax stamp for transfers. It has been classified and is considered a “firearm” under the Gun Control Act of 1968 (“GCA”), but it is not a long gun under GCA, and therefore Federal Law requires the purchaser of a 590 Shockwave to be 21 years of age.
Mossberg® was the first manufacturer to bring these 14-inch barreled, non-NFA firearms to the marketplace and now offers six 12-gauge models, a 20-gauge option and 410 bore from which to choose. For more information on the 590 Shockwave series, please visit www.mossberg.com.
Remington Introduces Semi-Auto Non-NFA 12ga with 13″ Barrel
Company says V3 TAC-13 Represents Ultimate in Compact Personal Defense
Remington’s advanced, patented gas-operated system now available with a 13″ barrel and a Birdshead pistol grip, maintaining an OAL of greater than 26″, allowing it to escape the purview of NFA regulation as a short barreled shotgun or AOW.
The V3 Tac-13 is based off the VersaPort gas system. The Remington V3 Tac-13 cycles all 2 ¾ to 3-inch 12 gauge loads while reducing recoil to what Remington calls “a level previously unheard of in autoloaders.” All that comes with a price, however, with the Tac-13 commanding an MSRP just north of $900.
Remington TAC-13 Features:
- Birdshead Pistol Grip – Allows for more ergonomic hold to help control the firearm and reduce recoil for the shooter.
- Hand Strap – User adjustable to help control muzzle flip and improve handling characteristics.
- Lightweight Aluminum Receiver – For easy, comfortable transport anywhere.
- 13″ Light Contour Barrel – Compact and easy to carry anytime its needed
- Reliable Feeding – Gas system optimized to run common light field loads or full power buck and slug and anything in between
- Low Recoil – Patented Versaport gas system is self regulating and offers very manageable recoil in a compact package
- Self Cleaning – Self-cleaning gas piston system greatly reduces time required for cleaning. With fewer parts than conventional gas systems, not only is cleaning easier but there are fewer parts to maintain.
Mossberg and Remington Unleash Double-Barreled Blast of Mag Fed Shotguns at SHOT Show 2018
Mag Fed Shotgun Showdown
A few weeks ago, Big Green made a lot of noise with their launch of the new Remington 870DM that involved a bunch of marketing-department-generated secrecy and rumors and buzz that culminated in a live online product unveiling of what turned out to be (much to nobody’s surprise) a detachable magazine fed model of their popular pump action 870 shotgun.
Then, last week at SHOT Show 2018, Mossberg introduced a competing detachable box magazine fed version of their popular pump action 590 shotgun called the 590M.
Nothing ground breaking, earth shattering, or game changing, but pretty cool products from the two main sport and defense shotgun manufacturers in the US. But the big question on our minds around here is “why did it take so long?” Or maybe it’s “which one is better?” We’ll try to answer at least one of those below.
Of course, box magazine fed shotguns are nothing especially new. Semi-auto box-fed shotguns have been around for a while. Black Aces Tactical does it with their Mossberg 500-based shotguns. And what about Hurricane Butterfly’s Typhoon 12, based on Hawk’s Chinese Remington 870 clone? Adaptive Tactical has been offering their Venom conversion kits for Mossberg/Maverick shotguns for a number of years, although they kind of cheat by feeding into the magazine tube and/or using a rotary magazine.
So, while feeding fat, blunt, sometimes ribbed, plastic, rimmed cartridges with varying lengths and weights from a magazine may be a challenge, it is not impossible. So, other than being difficult, why did it take so long for the major players to make their own? Our guess is that they were just taking a wait-and-see track and finally noticed the interest in this market segment based on the other third-party offerings.
As for which one of the new offerings from the big manufacturers is better, we’ll give you some info about them and let you decide. Continue reading
Fausti Celebrates 70 Years of Beautiful Shotguns at SHOT Show 2018
While visiting the exhibitors at the 2018 SHOT Show, we had the opportunity to stop by the Fausti booth, congratulate them on their platinum anniversary, and have a look at their high end shotguns.
Fausti has been manufacturing hunting and competition shotguns since 1948, when Stefano Fausti founded the company. Although the beautiful looks and craftsmanship of their classic over-under and side-by-side guns are a bit north of our typical scattergun budget, we can certainly appreciate them and would be proud to have one in our collection.
The Fausti mantle is carried into the company’s 70th year by Stefano’s three daughters, Elena, Giovanna, and Barbara. Giovanna took some time out of her schedule to go over some of their core and boutique shotguns and show us what they are doing to mark seven decades of craftsmanship, as well as invite us to their Fredericksburg, Virgina, headquarters of Fausti USA branch which was established in 2009.
Fausti is celebrating the occasion with introduced two handmade new shotguns, an commemorative O/U and a commemorative SxS model. Continue reading
Remington Announces New 870 Variant with Detachable Box Magazine
Since the Remington 870 was introduced in 1950 to replace the struggling Model 31, Remington’s has sold a lot of their popular pump shotgun.
Over 11 million, in fact, in a number of variants such as the base model Express, Police, Super Mag, Wingmaster, and recently released non-NFA short shotgun, the Tac-14.
In a live official unveiling tonight, “Big Green” announced their latest variant, the 870 DM, with DM being short for Detachable Magazine, and those detachable magazines being Remington’s in-house production three and six round box mags.
The 870DM line will initially be comprised of six sub-variants including the Hardwood, Magpul, Predator, Tactical, and Tac-14 editions that supplement the base model.
The 870DM base model sports a synthetic stock with “corncob” fore-end and 18.5″ cylinder bore barrel. This model, like most others, will ship with a single six-round magazine.
The Hardwood model is similar in most aspects such as barrel, choke, and magazine, except that – as you might guess from the name – it has hardwood furniture. Both of these models are planned to retail for $529. Continue reading