Utah Company Releases First Commercial Shotgun Suppressor.

WEST VALLEY CITY, UTAH --(Ammoland.com)- Confirming its place as a trailblazer in the firearms industry, suppressor manufacturer SilencerCo has unveiled the first commercially-viable shotgun silencer ever produced.

The company made the announcement today at an exclusive event near its Utah headquarters.

Every year, millions of sportsmen and women venture into the field to hunt. While advances in technology have spurred a record-breaking proliferation of rifle and handgun suppressors, shotgun owners have been without a real solution for sound protection. Some choose hearing protection in the form of earmuffs or plugs for relief in controlled environments, but most spurn their use in the field or in a home protection scenario, where the ability to detect other sounds is critical.

The new product, named the Salvo 12, provides a much needed option for shooting enthusiasts.

“The Salvo 12 represents a revolution in silencers, not just an evolution,” asserts Joshua Waldron, Chief Executive Officer for SilencerCo. “There is a huge installed base of shotgun hunters and shooters that has been waiting for a product like this for a long time, and we are proud to deliver it.”

In addition to its inherent novelty, the Salvo 12 is a modular design that allows the shooter to add or remove sections to balance length, weight and sound suppression needs. It arrives as a 12 inch suppressor, but can be reduced to 10, 8 and 6 inch configurations as needed.

For SilencerCo, answering the call for new products is nothing new. Since its origins in a Utah garage in 2008, the company has earned a fiercely loyal customer base by pioneering much-needed advances such as this.

Among many others, its first and best-selling product, the Sparrow 22, is the quietest and easiest-to-clean rimfire suppressor on the market. The Osprey pistol suppressor still holds the only eccentric design in existence, allowing the host gun to maintain a flat sight plane.

Adding value to the sale, the Salvo 12 will carry with it the same celebrated lifetime warranty as all other SilencerCo products. To learn more or to find out how to purchase a SilencerCo Salvo 12, visit www.silencerco.com/salvo.

About SilencerCo:
Founded in West Valley, Utah in 2008, SilencerCo started with a belief in the fundamental premise that firearms don’t have to be loud and has now become the market leader in sound suppressors, muzzle devices, and related products. By investing in innovation, customer service, organic manufacturing, advocacy, education, and talent, SilencerCo is now focused on making firearms hearing safe for all hunting and shooting applications, making products that have never been made before, and making the buying experience a better one.

WEST VALLEY CITY, UTAH --(Ammoland.com)- In the not-too-distant future, privacy is a thing of the past.

Undeniable rights degrade like the paper they were written upon, and Big Brother has a constant eye on you and your family.

It will take a determined man and an unequaled weapon to make a stand. And explosions. Yeah, lots of explosions.

If trouble was what they were after, they found it.

Coming Fall 2014, it’s Johnny Dronehunter: Defender of Privacy.

Featuring the SilencerCo Salvo 12 – the first commercially-viable shotgun suppressor ever made. http://www.silencerco.com/products/#/…

About SilencerCo:
Founded in West Valley, Utah in 2008, SilencerCo started with a belief in the fundamental premise that firearms don’t have to be loud and has now become the market leader in sound suppressors, muzzle devices, and related products. By investing in innovation, customer service, organic manufacturing, advocacy, education, and talent, SilencerCo is now focused on making firearms hearing safe for all hunting and shooting applications, making products that have never been made before, and making the buying experience a better one.

USA --(Ammoland.com)- For years, TriStar Arms has offered an extensive tactical and home defense line of shotguns. In 2014, TriStar has added the Cobra Marine Tactical Pump shotgun with an 18.5-inch barrel.

The Cobra Marine will feature a brushed nickel finish with a synthetic stock and forearm.

The entire Cobra Tactical shotgun line will now feature an 18.5” barrel and a mounted picatinny rail under the forearm. TriStar has kept its return spring feature in the Cobra Tactical firearms. Simply pull back on the forearm and release, the spring will return the forearm forward, which will close the chamber. This method makes for rapid firing in a pump shotgun.

Cobra Marine Tactical Pump Features:

• Brushed nickel finish
• Spring-loaded forearm for fast cycling
• Picatinny rail on forearm
• Blade front sight
• 5-round magazine (shot plug included)
• Chrome-lined chamber and barrel
• Swivel studs
• One Beretta® style choke tube

The Cobra Tactical Pump will have a 3-inch chamber to take 2 ¾-inch or 3-inch shells and will allow shooters to shoot a variety of loads ranging from light target loads to heavy buckshot.

“Our line of Cobra shotguns are both affordable and dependable, whether you’re in the field hunting, at the range or protecting your home,” said Gus Bader, president of TriStar Arms. “With the increasing popularity and customer demand, we are extending this line to provide more features for both existing shooters and new shooters alike.”

TriStar is a primary importer of quality shotguns and handguns, and offers a great selection of firearms for hunters and recreational shooters.

For more information about TriStar Arms and its products, visit www.tristararms.com.

Petersen’s HUNTING Editor’s Choice Awards Results Are In,,, Benelli ETHOS Is the Shotgun of the Year!

ACCOKEEK, MD --(Ammoland.com)- Every year, exhaustive field trials by some of the most authoritative outdoor gear experts in the world result in the prestigious Petersen’s HUNTING Magazine Editor’s Choice Awards.

This year, the magazine’s strenuous testing and comparison left one shotgun standing tall in HUNTING’S best-in-class competition—the Benelli Ethos.

The magazine’s Annual Gear Issue lists “best of the best” products for more than 20 categories, from firearms to equipment, apparel and gear. It’s probably no surprise to Ethos shooters that the stylish, easy-handling autoloader scored top spot. When the magazine’s writers and editors put Benelli’s newest shotgun to the test in real-world conditions, they commented on its craftsmanship, specifically the Inertia Driven system’s inherent reliability. The Ethos represents years of research and development—it cycles everything from 7/8 ounce to magnum loads flawlessly, with features like Progressive Comfort System for reduced recoil, interchangeable fiber-optic sights and easy-loading system, with the ultra-clean lines of a classic Benelli shotgun.

“We knew it would be a winner with our customers when the first Ethos came out of production,” said Tom Kaleta, Benelli USA VP of Marketing. “But the Editor’s Choice is the premium acknowledgement—we couldn’t be more proud.”

Petersen’s HUNTING Annual Editor’s Choice Award testers use practical criteria like functionality and performance along with more esoteric measures like quality, ingenuity, craftsmanship and value to make a final determination. Hundreds of products are tested by the team, and to use their own words, “to make the cut for inclusion is a testament to a product’s quality.”

A few highlights of the Ethos report are below. To see the full list, pick up a copy of Petersen’s HUNTING now available on newsstands or visit: www.petersenshunting.com/featured/editors-choice-best-hunting-gear-2014/

Petersen’s HUNTING Editors Choice—Shotgun Category: Benelli Ethos – “If the superbly crafted, ultra-reliable Benelli inertia-driven line has an Achilles’ heel, it’s that sometimes the bolt won’t rotate into battery when it’s eased quietly forward. Not so with the Ethos. The culmination of the finest elements of the inertia system, the Ethos bolt features an “easy-locking” detent that guarantees complete lockup.”

Benelli USA is a world leader in manufacturing quality semiautomatic shotguns and rifles that are known for their ultra-reliability and high-performance standards. For the latest news and product information visit www.benelliusa.com

We are pending approval by the ATF! That’s right! The shotgun arrived at the ATF Technology Branch for review two weeks ago.

Tempe, Arizona. --(Ammoland.com)- This has been a challenge to say the least. There are two agencies that you have to make happy for the import of a shotgun into the USA.

The ATF and the CBP. The ATF agents that I have had contact with have been great to work with on this import. The primary issue is the lack of communication through their website as to the entire process of obtaining approval, the requirements of new models and estimated time frames for the different stages.

Now we are waiting to jump the final hurdle with the Technology Branch at the ATF. Once they approve it, we will be on the way towards getting them in-bound. I am hopeful for approval and inbound shipments of shotguns before Christmas. I will let you know as soon as I know more!

Thank you to everyone for being as incredibly patient as most of you have been. This has been an incredibly challenging year, to say the least. As we move forward into 2015, be on the look out for a lot of activity from Predator Tactical!

New gun models, parts and training materials are in the works and we will start showing them off soon. If you want to keep up to date with us, please use the following resources:

• Predator Tactical
• Matt Burkett
• FaceBook.com
• Google+
• Instagram
• Pinterest
• Flickr

Okay and if you have a sense of humor and DON’T get completely offended by rants and raves which may or may not include some swearing, check out http://trunkmonkeyunion.com/

Predator Tactical LLC provides innovative firearms, accessories, instructional videos, and professional firearms training throughout the world. Visit: www.predatortactical.com

Madison, NC --(Ammoland.com)- Remington Outdoor Company, Inc. (“Remington”) today announced a voluntary recall of Model 887 shotguns manufactured from December 1, 2013 to November 24, 2014.

Senior Remington engineers determined that some of those Model 887 shotguns could, under certain circumstances, unintentionally discharge.

IN THE INTEREST OF SAFETY, THESE PRODUCTS ARE BEING RECALLED

Remington has determined that some Remington Model 887 shotguns manufactured between December 1, 2013 and November 24, 2014 may exhibit a defect causing the firing pin to bind in the forward position within the bolt, which can result in an unintentional discharge when chambering a live round. Therefore, Remington is recalling ALL potentially affected products to fully inspect and repair. Remington has advised customers to immediately cease use of recalled shotguns and return them to Remington free of charge. The shotguns will be inspected, repaired, tested, and returned as soon as possible.

Owners of the recalled shotguns should not attempt to diagnose or repair the shotguns themselves. Remington has established a dedicated website and toll-free hotline to help consumers determine whether their Model 887 shotguns are subject to recall:

PRODUCTS: Remington is voluntarily recalling Remington Model 887 shotguns manufactured from December 1, 2013 to November 24, 2014.

DESCRIPTION OF THE HAZARD: Remington has determined that some Remington Model 887 shotguns manufactured between December 1, 2013 and November 24, 2014 may exhibit a defect causing the firing pin to bind in the forward position within the bolt, which can result in an unintentional discharge when chambering a live round. While Remington has the utmost confidence in the design of the 887 shotgun, it is undertaking this recall in the interest of consumer safety.

REMEDY/ACTION TO BE TAKEN: STOP USING YOUR SHOTGUN. Any unintended discharge has the potential to cause injury or death. Immediately cease use of recalled shotguns and return them to Remington free of charge. Shotguns will be inspected, repaired, tested, and returned as soon as possible, at no cost to you. DO NOT attempt to diagnose or repair recalled shotguns yourself. For your safety, STOP USING YOUR SHOTGUN and immediately contact Remington.

TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS RECALL PROGRAM:

To participate in the recall, please follow the instructions below:

• STEP 1:  Visit http://887recall.remington.com or call 1-800-243-9700 (Prompt #3 then Prompt #2) Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EDT. You will be asked to provide your
  name, address, telephone number, and shotgun(s) serial number.
• STEP 2:  Upon receipt of the information requested in Step 1, Remington will send you boxes and written instructions, and arrange for UPS to pick-up your shotgun(s). Remington will cover all related shipping, inspection, and repair charges. Please do not return your shotgun on your own. Remington will arrange for pick-up of your Model 887.

VERIFICATION OF CORRECTIVE ACTION: Upon repair of your shotgun, you will note a punch mark on the bolt (see photo below). This mark confirms your shotgun has been inspected and repaired by Remington under the recall program.

Remington has also corrected the manufacturing process to eliminate this potential firing pin problem in shotguns manufactured after November 24, 2014. Shotguns manufactured after November 24, 2014 will also have a punch mark on the bolt.

Even after your shotgun has been inspected and repaired under this recall program, always follow the Ten Commandments of Firearm safety, printed below, whenever you handle any firearm.

The Ten Commandments of Firearms Safety

1. Always keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction.
2. Firearms should be unloaded when not actually in use.
3. Don’t rely on your gun’s safety.
4. Be sure of your target and what’s beyond it.
5. Use proper ammunition.
6. If your gun fails to fire when the trigger is pulled, handle with care.
7. Always wear eye and ear protection when shooting.
8. Be sure the barrel is clear of obstructions before shooting.
9. Don’t alter or modify your gun and have it serviced regularly.
10. Learn the mechanical and handling characteristics of the firearm you are using.

Remington is deeply sorry for this inconvenience, but we believe in safety first. It is imperative that Model 887 shotguns subject to this recall are not used until they have been inspected and repaired by Remington. http://www.remington.com/

Accokeek, MD. - Beretta USA Corp. announced today that the Alabama Department of Public Safety has chosen Beretta’s new Model 1301 Tactical as the Agency’s primary semiautomatic shotgun.

DPS has placed an order for 657 units of the Beretta 1301 Tactical Shotgun.

‘DPS has honored us with its trust,” said Stefano Itri, Director of Law Enforcement and International Sales at Beretta USA.

“The Model 1301 is one of the latest embodiments of our dedication to our tactical customers. We designed it only after carefully listening to the recommendations of military and law enforcement professionals who are, in the end, the men and women who rely on our products when they put their lives on the line in service to all of us.  We are proud to know that the Beretta Model 1301 Tactical shotgun will be relied upon by DPS officers.”

Launched at the annual Las Vegas SHOT Show in January, 2014, the 1301 Tactical is a semiautomatic shotgun specifically designed to meet the needs of tactical shooters such as law-enforcement professionals. It has a compact size that makes it easy to use in tight spaces, is accurate and has a fast action for follow-up shots.  Based on the rugged Model 1301 design, the shotgun is also easy to operate and customize and is undemanding regarding maintenance.

The 1301 Tactical has a 18.5” barrel and features a sturdy, protected ghost-ring sighting system as well as a gas-operated action capable of firing 4 shots in less than a second, making it the fastest semiautomatic on the market by a 36% margin.

Its controls are oversized for intuitive use, its action can cycle up to 10,000 rounds without a cleaning, while a top-mounted MIL-STD-1913 Picatinny rail as well as user-adjustability for length of pull, drop and cast make the Model 1301 easily adaptable to a variety of needs.

About Beretta Defense Technologies:
Beretta Defense Technologies (BDT) is the strategic alliance of five Beretta Holding defense companies (including Beretta, Benelli, Laser Devices, Sako and Steiner) that provide products and services to enable superior performance in the Defense and Law Enforcement communities. State-of-the-art machinery, extensive research and development capabilities, and long-standing worldwide experiences allow BDT products to respond to the ever-changing needs of defense and security personnel. These Beretta companies employ nearly 600 individuals within the United States with locations in California, Colorado, Maryland, New York, Texas, and Virginia. For additional information visit www.berettadefensetechnologies.com

About Beretta
Beretta, established in 1526, is the oldest industrial dynasty in the world tracing its roots through 16 generations of continuous family ownership. Firearms bearing the Beretta name have been sold for almost 500 years.  Beretta USA Corp. was founded in 1977 and supplies the standard sidearm to the U.S. Armed Forces.  Today, Beretta manufactures, distributes and markets a complete line of firearms, accessories and apparel.  Beretta also owns and operates six retail Beretta Gallery stores worldwide. For additional information visit www.Beretta.com.

ACCOKEEK, MD --(Ammoland.com)- Benelli’s ETHOS has been on the market for just a few months, and rave reviews are coming in as fast as the shotgun swings on a game bird or target.

The latest report by noted outdoor personality and author Ron Spomer on his Ron Spomer Outdoors YouTube channel spells out in no uncertain terms the superb functionality and shootability of the brand’s newest semi-auto.

Calling the ETHOS “the ultimate refinement” of the renowned Benelli Inertia system, he goes on to illustrate its compatibility and flawless interchangeability with virtually any 12 gauge 2 ¾” and 3” ammo from light to heavy loads. Ease of loading and unloading, assembly and disassembly and even some select footage of Spomer’s trademark field marksmanship highlight the short video.

Already named shotgun of the year by both Petersen’s Hunting and Guns and Ammo, the ETHOS continues to grow its fan base of hunters and shooters, from professionals like Ron Spomer to tried-and-true sportsmen and women in the field and at the range.

The ETHOS represents years of research and development—it cycles anything and everything in 2 ¾ or 3”, from 7/8 ounce to magnum loads flawlessly—and interchangeably. With other features like reduced weight, enhanced sights and shim-adjustable comb and drop for the perfect fit, the ETHOS is available nationwide at dealers carrying Benelli shotguns and products.

To see Ron Spomer Outdoors Benelli ETHOS review, visit: http://video.ammoland.com/video/New-Benelli-Ethos-12-ga.-Auto-T

Benelli USA is a world leader in manufacturing quality semiautomatic shotguns and rifles that are known for their ultra-reliability and high-performance standards. For the latest news and product information visit www.benelliusa.com.

Paso Robles, CA - -(Ammoland.com)- Weatherby’s 2015 product line features new shotguns for turkey hunters and waterfowlers, a new compact pump shotgun, six new WBY-X models and two new Range Certified Mark V rifles from the Custom Shop.

All will be featured at Weatherby’s SHOT Show booth, #12729, starting Tuesday, January 20, in Las Vegas.

Turkey Guns

Based on research, field testing and customer feedback, Weatherby has enhanced its turkey guns for 2015 with new features including the Realtree Xtra™ Green camouflage pattern, vent rib barrels and removable Picatinny rails.

The SA-459™ Turkey semi-auto as well as the PA-459™ Turkey and PA-08™ Turkey pump shotguns all sport the Realtree Xtra Green pattern. Named for its “extra effectiveness,” Realtree Xtra Green is designed for use in early fall until the leaves change, mid to late spring or any time the season or situation calls for green camo. Realtree’s proprietary printing technology creates 3 distinct layers of pattern which combines leaves, colors, open areas and extreme contrast in a multidirectional design that blends with nearly any green habitat.

Available in 12 or 20 gauge, the SA-459 Turkey is fully dipped in Realtree Xtra Green. Key features include a 22-inch vent rib chrome-lined barrel, fiber optic front sight, extended and fluted extra-full choke tube, sporting-style forearm and pistol grip. The SA-459 Turkey is drilled and tapped for a Picatinny receiver rail (included with gun) to mount optics. It is chambered for three-inch magnum loads. MSRP: $799.

Also fully dipped, the PA-459 Turkey has a pistol grip, 22-inch chrome-lined barrel, fiber optic front sight, and extended and fluted extra-full choke tube. It is drilled and tapped for a Picatinny receiver rail (included with gun). Available in 12 gauge only, the PA-459 Turkey is chambered for three-inch magnum loads. MSRP: $599.

The PA-08 Turkey offers a 22-inch vent rib chrome-lined barrel, brass bead front sight, flush-mounted full choke tube and Realtree Xtra Green camo on the buttstock and forend. Available in 12 gauge only and chambered for three-inch magnum loads. MSRP: $429.

Waterfowler Shotguns

The SA-08™ Waterfowler semi-auto and PA-08 Waterfowler pump shotguns feature the Realtree® MAX-5® camouflage pattern. They are available in 12 gauge only with either a 26-inch or a 28-inch barrel. Both models are chambered for three-inch magnum loads.

Designed for maximum effectiveness and versatility, Realtree MAX-5 is filled with cattails, reeds, cane and grasses to blend into flooded marshes. In addition, corn, wheat, oats and sunflowers help hide waterfowlers in open fields. Realtree MAX-5 has branches, twigs and leaves that work in flooded timber, while open areas in the pattern mimic mud, water, bark and shadows. All MAX-5 pattern elements are strategically placed to create super-realistic tone, contrast and shadow.

Key features of the SA-08 Waterfowler and PA-08 Waterfowler include a lightweight and durable injection-molded stock, and a vented top rib. Both guns come with three application-specific choke tubes: Improved Cylinder, Modified and Full. MSRPs: SA-08 Waterfowler, $799; PA-08 Waterfowler, $429.

PA-08 Synthetic Compact

Available in 20 gauge, the PA-08 Synthetic Compact pump shotgun offers a short 22-inch barrel and     12 ½-inch length of pull. It is specifically designed for those of smaller stature, or anyone who wants the benefits of a compact shotgun.

Other features include a lightweight, durable injection-molded black synthetic stock. All metalwork is matte black to reduce glare.

Overall length is 41 inches; weight is 5.75 pounds. Magazine capacity is 4 + 1 in chamber (three-inch chamber). Manufacturer’s suggested retail price: $399.

WBY-X

Weatherby continues to expand its popular WBY-X line with new rifle and shotgun models for hunters and shooters who want to make a statement about who they are and what they carry afield. The new models feature edgy, unconventional patterns from Kryptek and other designers.

WBY-X rifles are built on the popular Vanguard platform, which is guaranteed to shoot SUB-MOA (a three-shot group of .99-inch or less) with Weatherby factory or premium ammunition. These rifles offer a lightweight, composite Monte Carlo stock; match quality, two-stage trigger; and three-position safety. The WBY-X shotguns below are built on the SA-08 platform.

New WBY-X shotgun models:

SA-08 Kryptek Compact, fully dipped in the Kryptek Highlander® Reduced camouflage pattern. Key features include a short 12 ½-inch length of pull for women, young shooters and anyone who wants the benefits of a more compact firearm. Available in 20 gauge only with a 24-inch chrome-lined barrel. Chambered for three-inch magnum loads. MSRP: $799.

SA-08 Volt™ Compact, with stock set sporting a bright green “splatter” design. The Volt has a short     12 ½-inch length of pull. Available in 20 gauge only with a 24-inch chrome-lined barrel. Chambered for three-inch magnum loads. MSRP: $729.

New WBY-X rifle models:

Vanguard Volt, with bright green “splatter” design on the stock. Key features include adjustable (12 ½ inches-13 5/8 inches) length of pull, and a 20-inch #1 contour barrel. Calibers: .223 Rem., .22-250 Rem., .243 Win., 7mm-08 Rem. and .308 Win. MSRP: $749.

Vanguard Saratoga™, with stock dipped in One Nation Vintage pattern (American flag motif), and a     24-inch #2 contour barrel. Calibers: .223 Rem, .243 Win., .270 Win, .308 Win and .30-06 Sprg. MSRP: $749.

Vanguard Kryptek, with stock dipped in Kryptek Highlander Reduced camouflage pattern, and a 24-inch #2 contour barrel. Calibers: .223 Rem, .243 Win., .270 Win, .308 Win and .30-06 Sprg. MSRP: $749. Also available in a Threat Response (TR) model with a 22-inch #3 contour barrel. Calibers for the TR model: .223 Rem. and .308 Win. MSRP: $749.

Custom Shop: New Mark V RC Rifles

Weatherby adds “Range Certified” accuracy assurance to its Mark V rifle line with the new Outfitter® RC and Arroyo™ RC, which come with a SUB-MOA guarantee as well as a factory-shot target signed by company President Ed Weatherby or Executive Vice President Adam Weatherby.

All RC rifles are guaranteed to shoot SUB-MOA (a three-shot group of .99-inch or less) with specified Weatherby factory or premium ammunition.

The Mark V Outfitter RC weighs only 5.5 pounds (standard six-lug action) or 6.75 pounds (magnum nine-lug action). Accuracy-enhancing features include a lightweight aluminum-bedded raised comb, Monte Carlo carbon fiber stock with a Desert Camo finish. The barreled action has a Cerakote “Armor Black” finish for exceptional weather and corrosion resistance. The stainless steel fluted barrel comes in 22-, 24- , 26-inch lengths depending on caliber, and has a recessed target crown.

Available with a Mark V magnum or standard action, caliber options for the Outfitter RC are .240 Wby. Mag., .270 Win., .308 Win., .30-06 Springfield, .257 Wby. Mag., .270 Wby. Mag., 7mm Rem. Mag., 7mm Wby. Mag., .300 Win. Mag. and .300 Wby. Mag., which comes standard with an Accubrake™. MSRP: $2,800 or $3,000 for caliber with Accubrake.

The Mark V Arroyo RC has a hand-laminated, raised comb, Monte Carlo composite stock sporting the KUIU® Vias camouflage pattern. Other features include a CNC-machined 6061 T-6 aluminum bedding plate and a button-rifled, #3 contour free-floated stainless steel fluted barrel with a recessed target crown. The barrel comes in 24- and 26-inch lengths depending on caliber. The barrel has a two-tone finish: Cerakote® “Desert Tan” with Flat Dark Earth flutes.

Caliber options for the Arroyo RC are .240 Wby. Mag., .270 Win., .308 Win., .30-06 Springfield, .257 Wby. Mag., .270 Wby. Mag., 7mm Rem. Mag., 7mm Wby. Mag., .300 Win. Mag., .300 Wby. Mag.,   .30-378 Wby. Mag., .338-378 Wby. Mag., .340 Wby. Mag and .338 Lapua Mag. MSRP: $2,800 or $3,000 for calibers with Accubrake.

Both of the new rifles offer a trigger that is factory-tuned and fully adjustable. Each rifle has a special RC engraved floorplate and a Pachmayr® Decelerator® pad on the buttstock that helps reduce felt recoil.

For more information, go to www.weatherby.com or for WBY-X, www.wby-x.com.

Founded in 1945, Weatherby, Inc.’s line features the new WBY-X™ products as well as the popular Vanguard® and legendary Mark V® rifles (production and custom), Threat Response® shotguns and rifles, semi-auto and pump shotguns, premium ammunition and security/shooting accessories. For more information, go to www.weatherby.com. The company is based in Paso Robles, Calif., and invites all hunters and shooters to visit its free online community at www.weatherbynation.com or Facebook page at www.facebook.com/Weatherbyinc. Follow @weatherbyinc on Twitter.

Paso Robles, CA - -(Ammoland.com)- Weatherby’s new Element Deluxe semi-auto shotgun begins a new line that features an inertia-operated action designed to ensure clean, smooth and reliable performance for round after round of high-volume shooting.

It will be featured at Weatherby’s SHOT Show booth, #12729, starting Tuesday, January 20, in Las Vegas.

Bird hunters and target shooters can choose from three Element Deluxe gauge options—12, 20 or 28—with either a 26- or 28-inch barrel. The 12- and 20-gauge options have a three-inch chamber, while the 28-gauge has a 2 3?4-inch chamber. Each Element Deluxe weighs less than seven pounds.

“Our new Element Deluxe semi-auto brings together the signature fit and finish of a Weatherby with the endurance-tested, field-proven performance of the inertia-operated action,” said Adam Weatherby, executive vice president/chief operating officer. “We are proud to introduce Element as another best-in-class product that inspires the dreams of hunters and shooters.”

Element’s inertia-operated action directs carbon and gas out of the barrel, helping to keep the gun cleaner and functioning smoothly. The chamber and bore are chrome lined for easier cleaning and greater corrosion resistance to withstand years of high-volume shooting. A drop-out trigger system can be quickly removed for easy cleaning.

Each Element Deluxe shotgun sports an AA Grade American walnut stock. Designed in partnership with Minelli of Italy, the stock showcases the best of American and Italian ingenuity in fit and finish. The American walnut forend features 22 LPI wrap-around checkering.

Other key features include a ventilated top rib to provide a better sighting plane and dissipate heat waves. A fiber optic green bead front sight enables quick target acquisition.

The Element Deluxe receiver is crafted from aircraft-grade aluminum alloy to reduce overall weight without compromising strength. All metalwork is gloss finished with the gold-etched Weatherby logo on the side of the receiver.

The bolt head and carrier are chrome plated for reduced friction as well as increased durability and corrosion resistance. A checkered bolt handle provides a sure grip. Element also has a dual-purpose bolt release, which functions as a means of releasing the bolt forward, and as a way to unload the shells in the magazine safely without chambering them.

Element Deluxe 12- and 20-gauge shotguns feature Weatherby’s Integral Multi-Choke System and come with Improved Cylinder, Modified and Full choke tubes that allow shooters to tailor their shot patterns for specific hunting applications. The 28-gauge offers the Beretta Mobil pattern choke tubes.

Other key specifications: overall length, 46 ¾ inches-48 ¾ inches; length of pull, 14 5/8 inches; magazine capacity of 4 + 1 for the 12 and 20 gauge, and 3 + 1 for 28 gauge.

Manufacturer’s suggested retail price: $1,099 for the 12- and 20-gauge Element Deluxe, and $1,149 for the 28 gauge. For more information, contact a local Weatherby dealer, call the company at (805) 227-2600 or visit www.weatherby.com.

Founded in 1945, Weatherby, Inc.’s line features the new WBY-X products as well as the popular Vanguard® and legendary Mark V® rifles (production and custom); Threat Response® shotguns and rifles; semi-auto, pump and over/under shotguns; premium ammunition; and security/shooting accessories. For more information, go to www.weatherby.com. The company is based in Paso Robles, Calif., and invites all hunters and shooters to visit its free online community at www.weatherbynation.com or Facebook page at www.facebook.com/Weatherbyinc. Follow @weatherbyinc on Twitter.

By Thomas Conroy

Midwest, USA --(Ammoland.com)- The 12-gauge shotgun is one of the most versatile firearms on the planet. I have used the same Remington 870 pump shotgun to hunt everything from squirrels to mourning dove to snow geese to deer, shoot trap, skeet and sporting clays, dispatch venomous snakes, explode two-liter sodas for fun, and dispose of a large wasp nest in a tree too close to the house.

Two times when I thought an intruder was approaching my dwelling late at night, I reached for the same pump 12 gauge – Neither instance required me to fire a shot, as one case proved to be a neighbor’s aged, ailing dog, looking for place to die, and the second was a different neighbor’s wayward cow.

Around midnight on moonlit-night, a black cow with a completely white face does a remarkable impression of a man wearing a white t-shirt, running through the yard.

One reason 12 gauge shotguns can serve so many purposes is the vast array of different shotshells you can stuff into them. And if you own a 12 gauge scattergun (and if you don’t what’s wrong with you?) there are some types of ammo you simply must own and shoot – a lot – through your shotgun.

I am going to name some specific brands in the following list, but realize that there are lots of companies that make great shotgun ammunition. And you can find 12 gauge ammo just about anywhere, from Big Box stores, to sporting goods outlets, or even well-known internet retailers like Brownells ( goo.gl/pEhMue ).

Also, I’m going to leave some really great types of shotgun ammo off the list, because I’m listing only 5. If you’re a hardcore Olympic trap shooter or a dedicated goose hunter, you probably won’t find your favorite shotshell listed here, simply because of limited space. But that’s one of the great things about 12 gauge shotguns — you can spend years and years exploring and perfecting something as specific as taking Canada geese at long range, and always have worlds’ more information left to discover.

Top 5 Types of 12 Gauge Shotshells You Need To Own And Shoot

5. Affordable Birdshot

Affordable, inexpensive, or downright cheap, no matter which term you prefer, every 12-gauge owner needs to have several dozen boxes of this type of shotshell lying around. One of my favorites is the classic Remington Game Load ( goo.gl/7LoZkl ) , in shot sizes from #6 down to #8. Winchester’s Super Target and Federal’s Target Load ( goo.gl/dGXw33 )  are also examples of this type of ammo. Although intended mainly for clay birds, I have used them both with great results on feathered birds like dove and crows.

I’ve also found these types of shotshells to be great on snakes, two-liter sodas, even steel targets in 3-Gun competition. And at the price, you can shoot and shoot and shoot and not feel the least bit guilty. A 100-count value pack of this type of ammo plus a case of clay targets and a cheap plastic hand thrower is a recipe for an afternoon of fun with a friend.

For lots of average shotgun shooters, this type of ammo may be the only type they’ll ever shoot. And for good reason. There’s so much you can do with it.

Is it right for every situation? Absolutely not. But it’s plenty good for many types of shotgunning.

4. Specialized Turkey Loads

Lots of companies make “turkey loads,” ( goo.gl/lo0UoZ )  that have bigger size pellets than affordable birdshot, usually #6 down to #5, #4 or even #3. These shells are designed to give reliable hits on targets the size of a turkey’s head out to 45 or 50 yards, and they can be rather expensive compared to the loads listed above. But these turkey loads can give you extra range, and more hitting power, especially if you do your research and carefully select the appropriate choke tubes.

Advances in pellet material, such as tungsten and bismuth, allow for small pellets that weigh more than they would if made of lead. This extra density gives more pellets in the pattern at extended ranges, thus increasing hit probability.

Again, such advanced shells will be more expensive, but they give you outstanding performance.

In addition to turkey hunting, some folks find this type of ammo to be great for coyotes and foxes, also out to 50 yards or so. Another use for this type of ammo that I know first-hand is to instantly flip a shotgun spinner target in a 3-Gun match. With regular birdshot, it takes me at least 3, and sometimes 4 shots to get a heavy steel shotgun spinner to make one rotation. One good smack with a Federal FLITECONTROL Turkey Shells ( goo.gl/ga4Z1N )  usually sets that same target to whirling like a manic Dervish. Before you decide to use a specialized turkey load in your next 3-Gun match, be sure to check the match rules about possible limits on shot size.

The FLITECONTROL specialized wad is so good at keeping the shot pattern denser for longer ranges that it’s also used in buckshot and waterfowl loads. Other companies also make their own version of specialized wads that help extend ranges.

3. Buckshot

Buckshot is okay for deer at close range, but even better as a self-defense load. There are reasons why police shotguns have traditionally been stoked with several rounds of buckshot. The classic 00 or “double-aught” buck load usually delivers 8 or 9 .33-caliber pellets in a standard 2¾” shotshell, or around 12 pellets if you’re using a 3-inch magnum shell. Check your shotgun’s barrel for a stamping that tells you the maximum shell length you should use.

Buckshot ( goo.gl/UEK1vz ) is usually available from #4 size down to 000 or even 0000 buck; but the “sweet spot” for 12 gauge really seems to be 00. As a child, I helped dress and process many deer that my grandfather and uncles quickly and ethically killed with a single blast of 00 buckshot. As an adult, I typically used a rifle for deer, and now that I’ve moved to a Midwestern state with “shotgun-only” regulations, I opt for slugs, as I’ll explain in just a bit.

I’ve practiced for self-defense with buckshot quite a bit, and have found that I must take care to aim it, as the patterns typically remain pretty small at inside-the-house distances. A tight cluster of .33-caliber lead balls arriving at more than 1,000 FPS is simply devastating. I just hope I never have to find out how much so, for real.

If you find the recoil of magnum or even standard buckshot loads to be a bit too much, there are several types of “reduced” or “managed” recoil buckshot loads available. They do kick less, but realize the lighter recoil comes at the price of downrange performance. Just remember to keep your shots short if you choose to hunt with these loads.

Because most self-defense situations happen at such close range the slightly-reduced power of these loads just isn’t much of an issue in that case.

2. Slugs

I love shotgun slugs. And I mean the plain-Jane Remington Slugger ( goo.gl/rurhgb )  or Winchester Super-X ( goo.gl/oq4Uaz )  or Federal Tru-Ball slugs that have rifling on the slug itself, and are designed to shoot through smoothbore barrels. I know that the expensive, advanced, aerodynamic sabot slugs – combined with rifled barrels and scopes – can give rifle-like accuracy out to 150 or even 200 yards.

I just don’t care, at least not enough to spend the cash on a rig like that.

I love that a couple of $5.00 boxes of slugs instantly turn my old 870 pump into a .73 caliber rifle, at least out to 100 yards. With my 18-inch, smoothbore barrel topped with rifle sights, I can choose where on a silhouette target I want to hit out to 75 yards. I can consistently hit the same target at 100 yards, although I can’t call my shots with as much precision.

Once, after watching some Youtube videos of shotgun sluggers hitting at 200 yards and beyond, I had to try the same thing. After getting several hits at 200 yards, I fired 5 shots at a 300-yard silhouette and got two good hits and one graze. I’ll probably never try a “real” shot at 300 yards with a shotgun slug, but it still blew my mind to find out such a thing is actually possible. And a lot of fun to try, if you have the appropriate range for it.

Shotgun slugs are, in a word, awesome. Not only can you hunt deer with them, they’re also a lot of fun on reactive targets, like 2-liter sodas, or watermelons, or old left-over pumpkins.

If you haven’t shot slugs before, you owe it to yourself to drop about $30 on five or six boxes, and head to the range. You’ll be amazed at what you’re able to do out to 100 yards, even if all you have for a sight is a vent rib with a bead.

1. Dragons Breath

Surely I cannot be serious. The gimmicky “Dragon’s Breath” shotshell at number 1?

Yes I am. For the uninitiated the “Dragon’s Breath” round is a low-pressure shotshell that fires a pyrotechnic payload and looks like golden fireworks blazing from your shotgun’s muzzle to about 40 yards or so downrange. Dragon’s Breath shells won’t cycle semi-autos, and have to be single loaded.

They have no value whatsoever for hunting or self-defense.

So why do I put them at Number 1? Because they are pure fun. They are the perfect way to combine playing with fire and shooting guns. If you look around the Internet for Dragon’s Breath videos, you’ll quickly ascertain that these are to be fired at night, and in a location where nocturnal shotgun blasts won’t bring multiple SWAT teams racing to the scene. Be sure to check for local burn bans, and keep some buckets of water or fire extinguishers on hand, just in case.

What better way to give a 2nd Amendment flavor to your 4th of July festivities than launching $20 worth of Dragon’s Breath shotshells skyward with a group of good friends? Want a new way to ring in the New Year? Gather on a buddy’s rural property and crack off some of these at midnight. Are you planning a bonfire party of some sort? Talk about a memorable way to get the bonfire started!

And a Warning to Go With The Fun Videos:

Of course, no matter how creative you get with Dragon’s Breath shotshells, be sure to follow strict safety rules. Dragon’s Breath shells are dangerous, and you must practice the same level of gun safety as you would at all other times. Also, you must take extra fire-related precautions, like not firing into dry vegetation, and having some fire control methods available. Most commercial or public ranges probably don’t allow Dragon’s Breath shells. These are pretty much for use on private land only, with permission of course.

And lastly, during your shotgun-as-fireworks-launcher session, take pains to ensure that you have only Dragon’s Breath shells in the area, and not any other type of shotgun ammo. Mistakenly launching a slug into the night sky when you thought it was a Dragon’s Breath could have tragic results.

Enjoy Your Shotgun’s Amazing Versatility

It’s amazing how many different things you can do with just one 12 gauge shotgun. There’s a wide variety of ammo types that you can fire for all sorts of purposes, from hunting birds, to hunting deer, to defending yourself, to making a pretty light show in the sky. Just be sure to stay safe, and take the time to pattern your shotgun so you know where it shoots at a given distance.

Above all else, get your hands on some of these different types of ammo, and get out there and start pulling the trigger. You’ll probably surprise yourself at what you can do.

Thomas Conroy is a writer and firearms aficionado who lives in the Midwest.

Morgan, UT --(Ammoland.com)- For 2015, Browning introduces a new Cynergy Micro Midas 20 gauge over and under shotgun.

Weighing a mere 6 lbs. and having a compact 13″ length of pull, the new Cynergy Micro Midas promises to give smaller shooters a high quality shotgun that is easier to handle.

The Cynergy features Monolock Hinge technology that gives the Cynergy the lowest profile receiver in the industry. This ingenious hinge system pivots on significantly more surface area than other over and under shotguns with low profile receivers. In addition to strength, the low profile receiver design aids in controlling recoil.

The Cynergy also includes the Reverse Striker ignition system. This is a mechanical trigger system that uses an actuator to reverse the direction of the impact force from the pin to the striker. It offers the benefits of crisper feel and lighter pull, plus greatly reduced locktime and overtravel.

To help reduce felt recoil, the Cyngery Micro Midas features a soft Inflex Technology recoil pad. Three ¼” spacers are included to adjust length of pull. The Cynergy Micro Midas will be available with 24″ or 26″ barrel lengths.

Suggested Retail: $1,869.99.

For more information on Browning products, please visit the website at www.browning.com.

Paso Robles, C.A. –  -(Ammoland.com)- Weatherby  Inc. is announcing a product safety recall for the SA-08 28 Gauge semi-automatic shotgun. The affected shotguns display serial numbers on the receiver ranging from AN00001-AN02802 (inclusive).

This safety recall announcement is based on reported incidents of accidental discharge upon bolt closure and chambering of a live shot shell. Weatherby advises customers to immediately cease use of affected shotguns and contact Weatherby for instructions to return them free of charge.

The shotguns will be inspected, repaired, tested, and returned as soon as possible. Customers should not attempt to diagnose or repair the shotguns themselves, but rather contact Weatherby for return instructions.

If you are in possession of one of the firearms referred to above, please contact Weatherby at: 

• 1-805-227-2600 Monday-Thursday during regular business hours of 6:30am – 5:00pm Pacific Time
• 1-800-227-2018 and extension 6 after regular business hours
• Email safety@weatherby.com.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: visit www.weatherby.com/28.

Weatherby apologizes for any inconvenience that may be caused to customers resulting from this safety recall program, but urges owners of affected shotguns to take advantage of this free repair program. Please note no other Weatherby shotguns are affected by this safety recall.

ACCOKEEK, MD --(Ammoland.com)- With two prestigious, back-to-back Shotgun of the Year awards on the trophy wall, it would be hard to surpass the buzz surrounding the new Benelli ETHOS 12.

But the launch of the ETHOS 20 promises to do just that, and in the process drive subgauge enthusiasts over the top and into the nearest dealer.

The spry ETHOS 20 weighs in at just under six pounds, and like the 12-gauge predecessor, cycles any 2 ¾ or 3” load from light to magnum flawlessly and interchangeably. Designed around the same platform as its beefier sibling, the 20-gauge model sports the same improved ergonomics, patented Progressive Comfort recoil reduction system and fetching AA- Grade Satin Walnut stock and forearm. The superb balance and style affording ETHOS 12 shooters faster, more fluid mounting and handling is inherent in the lively 20-gauge version.

Featuring the trademark ETHOS replaceable carbon fiber rib and interchangeable front sight, shooters can quickly switch up between red, green or yellow fiber-optic inserts, supplied with the gun. A newly patented anti-seize magazine cap incorporates a synthetic bushing in the magazine cap to prevent binding from grit or foul weather.

Both 20 and 12-gauge ETHOS versions employ matching innovative technology, including a patented, easy-locking system that features a detent mechanism added to the bolt body.

The design guarantees bolt head lock up every time, even when the bolt is eased forward without force. A new two-part carrier latch, beveled loading port and redesigned carrier ensures that shells glide into the magazine faster and easier, and the larger bolt release and easy access cartridge drop lever makes for quick handling and unloading, even with gloved hands.

Already named shotgun of the year by both Petersen’s Hunting and Guns and Ammo, the ETHOS 12 continues to grow its fan base of hunters and shooters, and the 20-gauge ETHOS promises a comparable entry into the market. The new, nimble ETHOS 20—and the award-winning ETHOS 12—are both available nationwide at dealers carrying Benelli shotguns and products.

COMMON SPECIFICATIONS: Gauge: 20-Gauge Barrel Length: 26″ and 28″ Weight: 5.6 lbs. Finish: AA-Grade satin walnut Crio Chokes: C, IC, M, IM, F Sights: Fiber-optic front sight with red, green and yellow inserts Length-of-Pull: 14 3/8″ Drop at Heel: 2 ¼” Drop at Comb: 1 ½” MSRP: $2,199.

Benelli USA is a world leader in manufacturing quality semiautomatic shotguns and rifles that are known for their ultra-reliability and high-performance standards. For the latest news and product information visit www.benelliusa.com.

 Quality: ****

Reliability:****

Price/Value:***

Referability:****

Average Score 3.75 out of 5 

Elsberry, MO –-(Ammoland.com)-  This isn’t your Grandpa’s A5. When Browning rolled out a redesign of the famous A5 it stirred up lots of nostalgia. The A5 is one of the most famous John Browning designs and when Browning came out with a new version of the gun they added modern updates while still staying true to some of the qualities that A5 owners love so much. Some people may not like that the new A5 has some different features, but I think Browning has done a nice job of updating the gun.

Let’s start out with how the new A5 works. The original A5 is a long recoil operated gun.  When fired the A5’s barrel and bolt recoiled together. This design has been used for generations and has more than proven itself in the field.

The new A5 is also a recoil operated firearm but uses the new Kinematic Drive System. When the A5 is fired an internal spring accumulates recoil energy bounces back unlocking the bolt and cycling the action. This new systems handles a variety of shell loads so no mater what game you are after the gun will cycle the shells.  You can see the gun in action in this video.

The Kinematic Drive System design allows for the A5 to have a much narrower forearm that is easy to handle and maneuver. With the new A5 you will probably feel a little more recoil, but I don’t think it’s that big of a deal. The A5 is faster than I expected when cycling shells and like I mentioned, handles a wide range of loads including the 3 ½ version.

Browning kept the humpback design on the new A5. Besides keeping the same look, the humpback on the gun extends your sight plane to allow for faster target acquisition. If you aren’t used to shooting an A5 it will seem a little awkward at first but doesn’t take long to get used to.

The receiver is made out of aircraft aluminum, making it lightweight and strong. The gun itself feels lightweight, handles well, and depending on what model you get weighs around 7lbs give or take a few ounces. The A5 is very well balanced even with longer or shorter barrels.

For a better shot pattern the A5 features backbored barrels and the Vector Pro lengthened forcing cones.  These features help reduce shot deformity resulting in a better, more consistent pattern.

Browning new Invector-DS choke tubes are featured in the A5. The new choke tube design has a brass alloy band at the end of the choke tube. This keeps gasses and other materials from getting in between the choke tube and the barrel, aloowing the choke tubes to be easier to remove after extended shooting. The entire choke tube redesign was for better performance and more consistent shot pattern. The longer choke tubes have a more gradual taper to help keep the shot column in place. The A5 comes with a Full Modified and Improved Cylinder choke tube.

The A5 does have a bolt latch button that keeps the bolt open when the gun is empty. To operate you push the large button in front of the trigger guard pull the bolt back and it will stay open. When the bolt is closed and chamber is empty, the bolt unlatch button also can be used to take a round from the magazine and moves it on the carrier for loading.

To help reduce felt recoil, the A5 has an Inflex II Recoil pad. The recoil pad is a nice size and for me doesn’t snag on clothing and is very easy to shoulder. The Inflex II Recoil Pad is also designed to move the gun down and away from the shooters face.

The A5 also has the Turnkey Magazine Plug like the Maxus has.  This feature allows you to easily remove the magazine plug using a car or house key. I really like this feature because I usually send the magazine spring flying when I take the plug out of my Winchester SX3.

Speed loading is an original Browning feature that has been passed down to the new A5. This feature allows the first shell loaded into the magazine to feed directly into the chamber. This feature also allows you to completely unload the A5 without having to run each shell through the chamber.  You can see this work in this video.

As an owner of my Grandpa’s A5 I have to say I like the new version. It handles nice, shoots a variety of loads and has the nostalgic feel with modern updates.

Quality: It’s a Browning so it has the same quality and reliable features that has made the company so popular.

Reliability:  Browning has a 5 year or 100,000 shot guarantee on this gun. Talk about having faith in your product!

Price/Value: Depending on the model the A5 is on the higher end of what I call hunting shotguns.  With the different models and camo patterns available Browning has the right A5 for your hunting needs.

Referability: If you are looking for a recoil operated shotgun, look no further.

USA – -(Ammoland.com)- Buckets of ink and ba-jillions of electrons have been spilled in the last year or so navel gazing over the subject of who owns guns here in these United States.

Listen to the bleatings of the Gun Control Industrial Complex (if you dare) and you’d be forgiven for concluding that there are really only 167 guys with bottomless gun safes (and wallets) who buy up just about all of the firearms GLOCK, S&W, Ruger, FNH, Springfield, Taurus et al. are busily cranking out.

See? Guns aren’t popular any more. It’s just that those last few bitterly clingy, easily frightened old fat white guys keep buying ‘em. There’s just one problem with that bit of doctrinaire disinformation . . .

Just about every scrap of anecdotal and empirical evidence available to anyone who really wants to look for it contradicts the more-guns-fewer-gun-owners twaddle. Besides willful blindness all that eyewash they’re peddling fails to take into account one of the biggest growth factors in gun ownership;

The effect video games have had on what’s come to be called Gun Culture 2.0.

And gun makers and their marketing mavens haven’t missed it. Being the rational actors they are, some of them – Weatherby being one – have noticed the allure anything that goes boom has for gamers. Thus the new WBY-X line of snazzified rifles and shotguns.

All you have to do to grok the difference is bring up the WBY-X web site. It looks more like the bastard spawn of American Eagle Outfitters and Eddie Bauer than your typical firearms manufacturer portal. They even include a link to their latest totally dope Facebook post right there below the pics of the relatively fashionably dressed teens and twenty-somethings posing with their guns.

You don’t need Hawking-level analytical powers to see that in creating the WBY-X line extension, Weatherby’s aiming (metaphorically speaking, of course) at a younger, possibly even hipper demographic. People who may not have been brought up hunting by gramps and dear old dad, but instead learned what they know about ballistics from watching Zombieland and playing Medal of Honor Warfighter.

You don’t need Hawking-level analytical powers to see that in creating the WBY-X line extension, Weatherby’s aiming (metaphorically speaking, of course) at a younger, possibly even hipper demographic. People who may not have been brought up hunting by gramps and dear old dad, but instead learned what they know about ballistics from watching Zombieland and playing Medal of Honor Warfighter.

Keep that in mind and the skulls-in-the-mist paint scheme that adorns their Turkish-made PA-459 “Black Reaper” shotty will make a little more sense to you traditionalists who might look at the gun and utter a disapproving “harrumph” at that non-traditional paint job. This thing’s just what you’ll want to reach for when something goes bump in the night, especially if it looks like it just shambled off the set of The Walking Dead.

The WBY-X PA-459 is, ultimately, just a gussied-up version of their Weatherby PA-459 TR with some sprayed-on spookitude. They offer it in 12 and 20 gauges and we got the big boy to test run. For an MSRP of $549, in addition to all those scaaaary skullz, the scattergun features an aluminum receiver that’s chambered for 3-inch shells on top of which is mounted an adjustable rear ghost ring to compliment the blade-style front sight with a HiViz-ish fiber tube that glows like the last guy out of Chernobyl.

There’s that top-mounted rail that’s right for mounting another optic if that’s what you’re into. Weatherby also included sling swivels fore and aft. To complete the whole effect, the PA-459 (PA for pump action, 459 for the California penal code number for burglary – seriously) comes with a ported cylinder bore choke tube that adds about an inch and a half to the barrel length. It looks kinda bad-ass, but I’m not sure I’d try breaching any doors with it or anything.

While the 459 is very much a home defense gun, if you get bored fending off marauders and offing the un-dead, you can swap out that one supplied choke with any other WinChoke-threaded tube. That will let you use the Black Reaper for other pursuits like blowing the heads of Tommy Turkey or blasting holes in Bambi. You could even break some orange clay disks at your neighborhood trap and skeet range (though those sights are less than ideal for that), as long as that tactically-correct rubberized Feinstein grip doesn’t give the old-timers who haunt the place a case of the vapors.

To give the 459 a decent go, I ran it with a variety of loads including rifled slugs, 00 buck, Winchester’s devastating PDX1 12 Defenders, ( http://tinyurl.com/lsborlk ) as well as some of my own home-brewed #8 trap loads.

How did it do? Come on. This is, after all, a pump gun so nothing I did made the PA-459 so much as flinch. The same can’t be said of the guy pulling the trigger after sending a few dozen slugs, showers of buckshot and those hybrid Defenders downrange. The 459 is pleasantly light to hold, weighing in at only about seven pounds. The equal and opposite reaction that touches off, however, means your shoulder won’t thank you for launching anything heavier than birdshot from such a svelte smoothbore.

In a vain effort to try to trip it up, I loaded her magazine with a mixture of shells. I combined lighter 2¾-inch target loads with 3-inch buckshot and slugs and cracked them off as fast as I could. No dice; the gun still cycled ‘em like a champ.

Once I regained consciousness, I tried it out at 25 and 50 yards with the aforementioned sluggos. Ouch. Still, other than shooting too low out of the box (don’t fret, that rear sight’s adjustable) those honkin’ hunks of plumbum hit where I aimed…and kept right on going. I didn’t put a scope on it…

Read the rest of TTAG’s Weatherby WBY-X PA-459 Shotgun Review at The Truth About Guns Blog: http://tiny.cc/lk593w

About Weatherby :
For more information, contact a local Weatherby dealer, call the company at (805) 227-2600 or visit www.weatherby.com. Founded in 1945, Weatherby, Inc.’s line features the popular Vanguard® and legendary Mark V rifles (production and custom), Threat Response shotguns and rifles, semi-auto and pump shotguns, premium ammunition and security/shooting accessories. The company is based in Paso Robles, Calif., and invites all hunters and shooters to visit and join its free online community at www.weatherbynation.com.

About The Truth About Guns :
Robert Farago founded The Truth About Guns in February of 2010 to explore the ethics, morality, business, politics, culture, technology, practice, strategy, dangers and fun of guns. The TTAG team’s been at it ever since. We’ve built the site on word-of-mouth, strong writing, and a no-holds-barred attitude. Visit:www.thetruthaboutguns.com

By Nick Leghorn

USA – -(Ammoland.com)-  It seems like double-tubed shotguns are all the rage these days. Kel-Tec kicked off the craze in the U.S. with their KSG and the response from the public was so overwhelming that there were bound to be other players trying to muscle in on the market.

One of those competitors is Turkish maker Utas Makine who have come out with their UTS-15 shotgun — a redesigned version of the Neostead NS2000.

And while the shotgun looks like it’s right off the set of Aliens, is it something you’ll want to put in your safe or nuke from orbit? . . .

The first version of the gun was pretty much game over, man.

In short, the original UTS-15 didn’t work. It would fire for two or three rounds and then the gun would have a malfunction. Either the shell failed to eject or it double fed. But it was impossible to get through more than five rounds without having to clear a stoppage. Some might blame this on the shooter, but when we tested the original UTS-15 shotgun, four experienced people tried it and it failed for all of them. And as for the proficiency of the shooters, they were Kevin Brittingham (founder of Advanced Armament), Reed “Trey” Knight, III (of the Knight’s Armament dynasty), Johnny (weapons instructor for special operations teams) and me. So we’re pretty sure it was the gun and not us.

This shotgun has been on the market for a couple years, but needles to say the guys at Utas weren’t happy with the Gen 1 version. In fact, when I asked them to give me one to review they told me that they were in the process of revising the design and that they’d send me one as soon as that was done. Now, over a year later, that revision is complete.

There are many things that Utas has improved in the newer rev of the UTS-15, but the primary visual difference is the addition of a light and laser combo in the bottom section of the shotgun (the tube that the pump rides along). Previous versions had the markings and requisite holes for the device, allowing it to be installed as a kit. Now, in the latest version, it comes pre-installed. A switch on the right side of the gun allows the shooter to activate either the flashlight or a laser — but not both at the same time. The light and laser work fine, though.

Looking over the rest of the gun, you can see that this is a very different design than the Kel-Tec KSG. While the KSG had the magazine tubes mounted below the barrel, the UTS-15 carries them above the barrel. This lowers the relative position of the barrel into a more AR-15-esque firing position, allowing the impulse from the recoil to come straight back into the shooter’s shoulder. That reduces muzzle rise, which is a neat trick.

That lower firing position (relative to the magazine) means that the lifter mechanism is reversed. It’s more like a smackdown ramp. Anyway, the mechanism works and the rounds find their way into the chamber somehow. In order to enable the mechanism to work in a bullpup configuration, practically the entire buttstock is used to house the operating mechanism. The top cover lifts off if you pull on it (no pins or screws required) and gives you access to the internal workings of the gun, much like an FS-2000, if you need to clear a jam.

That stock design does have some drawbacks…

Read the rest of TTAG’s Utas UTS-15 Shotgun Review at The Truth About Guns Blog: http://tiny.cc/xuq04w

About The Truth About Guns :
Robert Farago founded The Truth About Guns in February of 2010 to explore the ethics, morality, business, politics, culture, technology, practice, strategy, dangers and fun of guns. The TTAG team’s been at it ever since. We’ve built the site on word-of-mouth, strong writing, and a no-holds-barred attitude. Visit:www.thetruthaboutguns.com

Written by: Irwin Greenstein

Pikesville, MD – -(Ammoland.com)-  Highland Hills Ranch is a sensuous indulgence for upland hunters.

The contours of Oregon’s high-desert rolling hills summon womanly curves shamelessly gorgeous beneath sun-infused blue. After a day of stalking valley quail, chukars, pheasants and huns over dogs, Chef Keith Potter seduces you with a perfume of homemade bakery and dinners fragrant of Western, Latin and Pacific Rim influences as the provincial pinot noirs comfort body and soul. Come dessert, you’re spent and benevolent. The vaulted log great room is aglow with amber lamplight. You plop into a supple leather couch for single malts, bourbon and camaraderie, savoring the warmth of a stone hearth blaze.

A weekend at Highland Hills Ranch shows why the little-known Beretta Premium Division conducted a briefing in mid-September 2013 at this Beretta Trident destination to share a compelling vision for 2014 and beyond that combines shotguns we lust after with Italian sporting fashion and breathtaking journeys into a fabulous hunting lifestyle for new and experienced shooters.

The sessions proved much more than Powerpoint show-and-tells. In the large mudroom at Highland Hills Ranch stood a rack of more than 20 Beretta luxury shotguns for our upland hunts and an afternoon of clays that launched targets from the ravine and hilltop bird habitats.

The collection was a candy store of shotgunning extravagance that displayed the multi-Olympic-winner SO5 Sporting sidelock ($27,500), the gorgeous sidelock SO10 ($90,000), the legendary Giubileo ($13,150), the heavy-artillery clays crusher DT11 ($9,000), the SO6EELL sidelock ($50,000), the SO6EELL-derived Sparviere with it’s amazing “gullwing” side plates ($90,000) in addition to the forthcoming 20-Gauge Beretta 486 Side by Side among others built by the Beretta Premium Division in Brescia, Italy.

Beretta’s executive clout in attendance at Highland Hills Ranch substantiated an impending Renaissance in the American shotgun market — an opportunity Beretta identified by field and competition models that essentially start at $10,000 and escalate to $100,000 and more.

The baseline segmentation evolved from a reorganization that spanned Beretta Italy and Beretta USA. The new corporate offspring is called the Beretta Premium Division. It’s an amalgamation of the Premium Shotgun Group, the Gallery Stores, the Clothing & Accessories Group and the Beretta Trident Program. The consolidation of resources under the Beretta Premium Division forms a sporting lifestyle marketing powerhouse directed at the affluent.

Antonio Pavan, a relatively new appointment to Vice President of Beretta’s Premium Division, explained that the group’s emphasis is on the cream of the consumer market.

Well-heeled connoisseurs will be immersed in a veritable boutique of exceptional Beretta shotguns, adventure-inspired fashions and bravura hunting holidays. The Beretta Premium Division will provide exclusive membership incentives and so-called value-added experiences at super-luxe places like Blackberry Farm, such as the one held November 9-10, 2013 in the eastern Tennessee foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains.
IMG 2149Clemente Scribani Rossi, Beretta USA Premium Gun Sales Manager, displays the open “gullwings” that expose the precision sidelock action of Beretta’s SO6EELL-derived Sparviere at Highland Hills Ranch.

At Blackberry Farm, for $5,000 to $15,000 per night depending on accommodations, 30 guests participated in a lavish Beretta junket that included culinary presentations, clays shooting instructions by two-time Olympic skeet gold medalist Vincent Hancock, a discussion by Ed Anderson who is the gunsmith at the Beretta Gallery in New York City, demonstrations by Beretta’s Master Engraver Luca Casari and a finale dinner hosted by Franco Beretta who serves as the company’s Vice President and Managing Director in Italy as well as Executive Vice President of Beretta USA. He gave away a new 486 Parallelo 12-gauge side by side.

Ian Harrison, who recently assumed management of the Beretta Trident Program from his role as Manager of the Beretta Dallas Gallery, explained that the purpose of partnering with resorts like Blackberry Farm, Sea Island, the 14 Beretta Trident affiliates and other elegant venues worldwide is to evangelize the Beretta lifestyle.

Read the compete article at ShotGun Life: http://tiny.cc/3cu56w

About Shotgun Life:

Shotgun Life is published by SGL Media, LLC. Prior to founding Shotgun Life in 2009, Irwin Greenstein spent 15 years in Silicon Valley as a marketing and media-relations executive specializing in technology start-ups. Visit Shotgun Life at www.shotgunlife.com.

USA – -(Ammoland.com)-The third year of the Browning High Grade Program is here and elegance and function are on display in two new Citori 725 Sporting 12 gauge over and under shotguns.

These High Grade models receive as much as 30 hours of hand-engraving and touch-up prior to being precisely set into finely wrought, high-grade walnut.

The new Citori 725 Sporting Grade V is built upon a deep-relief engraved receiver with a silver nitride finish. The stock and forearm feature oil finish Grade IV/V walnut with close radius pistol grip and palm swell. A fitted canvas/distressed leather case is included. The Citori 725 Sporting Grade V will be available with 30″ or 32″ barrel lengths.

The new Citori 725 Sporting Grade VII stock and forearm feature oil finish Grade VI/VII walnut. The Grade VII also has a close radius pistol grip and palm swell on the stock. Adding to the beauty of the gun, it will showcase a richly blued receiver with deep-relief engraving and gold accents. A John M. Browning Signature fitted case is included and will be offered with 30″ or 32″ barrel lengths.

Other features found on all Citori 725s include the Fire Lite Mechanical Trigger System, tough full-width hinge pin and tapered locking bolt design and the Invector-DS choke tube system.

• Citori 725 Sporting Grade V Suggested Retail: $5,339.99.
• Citori 725 Sporting Grade VII Suggested Retail: $6,269.99.

For more information on Browning products, please visit the website at www.browning.com.

By Norman Gray
Mossberg 510 Mini Turkey THUG Shotgun Review

Arizona – -(Ammoland.com)- I have fond memories of hunting with my dad and helping carry his well-used Mossberg 500 shotgun into the field.

Those memories also include how heavy and long that 500 was to an 11 year old and me wishing they made a shotgun sized for kids.

The only fix at that time was to purchase an extra stock and barrel and have your local gunsmith do a bit of surgery.

Luckily for kids everywhere, the too much shotgun era has passed away and Mossberg has put that issue to rest with their Mossberg 510 Mini Turkey THUG Shotgun, 510 All-Purpose and 510 Mini – Muddy Girl youth pump action shotguns. Designed from the ground up with youth in mind, it grows with your son or daughter and allows them to focus on the hunt not the length and weight.

What a novel concept, why didn’t someone think of this years ago?

Now there are hunters who like to hunt and then there are hunters who live to hunt and one thing fathers and mothers long for is the day when they can take their kids into the field with them. Holding up that extra weight is hard for some kids and adults, “trust me I know,” they’re not able to stay on target very long unless the weight is supported. The overall length has a negative effect causing them to lean backwards when they shoot.

My oldest son fell into this category and since he was over a foot shorter than all the other kids his age and he struggled with this. He’s older and stronger now and has more years of shooting under his belt, but still favors a shotgun that’s built for his stature.

Mossberg 510 Mini Turkey THUG Shotgun

When I received the Mossberg 510 Mini Turkey THUG Shotgun for testing I showed it to my oldest son, to say he liked it would have been an understatement, he couldn’t wait to shoot it. What I wasn’t prepared for was my wife’s reaction to the 510, she liked it as well. At 5’3” she has the same issues with larger, heavier shotguns as my son does. They both enjoyed shooting the Mossberg 510 and that my friends made for a happy husband, father and hunter. As writers we’re obligated to report the cold hard facts along with our knowledgeable opinion in the hopes of selling you on the featured product. After witnessing my wife and son’s reaction to the 510, it sold me and allowed my whole family to appreciate the art of shotgunning again.

The 510 is taken from Mossberg’s Bantam and Super-Bantam youth lines, just reduced so it fits younger hunters without sacrificing the features found on its big brother. A smaller adult may find the 510 fits well enough to allow them to hunt or shoot clays pigeons without the handicaps experienced with a full size shotgun. I’m sure by now you’re also wondering what the acronym T.H.U.G.S stands for.

It’s the name of the hunting series, “Turkey THUGS” sponsored by Mossy Oak and it stands for Todays Hunters United for Good. Mossy Oak contributes a portion of the licensing proceeds from the sales of all Turkey and Deer THUGS gear to help veterans.

The Mossberg 510 Mini Turkey THUG Shotgun comes with a full, modified and improved choke tubes, choke tube wrench, black padded QD sling, owner’s manual and lock. Mossberg has also included two company stickers for your young shooter to express their pride in ownership. If your young hunter or shooter is small, then the 510 comes ready to use out of the box, if they’re a bit larger or an adult, you can add the included one inch spacer to the stock. Simply take off the recoil pad and add the spacer using the included longer screws and re-attach the recoil pad. I recommend that younger and new shooters first experience with the 510 be on a family trip to the range or favorite shooting spot.

If it’s their first shotgun, start them with the lightest box of 20 gauge 2 ¾ loads you can find and adjust up as they become more confident , then in their time, work them up to heavier three inch loads. Plastic bottles filled with colored water or skeet suspended from strings or propped up will provide fun exploding targets they can concentrate on while shooting. Once they realize the recoil is manageable and won’t hurt them they will begin to have fun and will want to shoot more and eventually you may have to drag them home. Down the road they may be willing to attempt slugs for deer if you live in a place that only allows shotgun hunting. All this will give them the confidence they need for the field and help them work out any fears they may experience along the way.

When I confiscated the 510 back from my oldest son to finish this article, I still couldn’t get over the size and weight. It took a few minutes for me to wrap my mind around a functioning miniature 20 gauge shotgun you can hold in one hand. Even though my nine year old told me that the Mossberg 510 Mini Turkey THUG looked like the toy shotguns you find in Wal-Mart, he knows better from all my repeated training.

Younger kids tend to look at firearms as toys and the Mossberg 510 Mini Turkey THUG Shotgun certainly looks like one, but a steady routine of firearms safety will help keep it real. I took my oldest son to a pond and told him to shoot into the mud bank with the 510. After shooting one 20 gauge, 2 ¾, #8 shot, he looked at the large hole it left and realized the power and responsibility he held in his hands. Of course you know your child better than anyone and what it will take to teach this critical lesson in firearms safety.

The Mossberg 510 Mini Turkey THUG Shotgun is just as stout as the larger models with all the controls being in the same spot, so if you own a Mossberg 500 Shotgun and your child is familiar with it, their learning will be simplified. The 18.5” vented rib barrel threading is smooth and easy for a child to change their own choke tubes. The two bead sighting system is easy for kids to use.

The large white front bead is easily seen in any lighting conditions and when used in conjunction with the brass rear alignment bead, aiming is easy. The pump action was a bit stiff in the beginning, but like most pumps, it began to loosen up and smooth out with use. By its very nature the forgrip is designed for small hands, but they are large enough to accommodate an adult’s hands effectively and employs diamond type checkering and finger holds on both sides for a firm secure grip.

The aluminum receiver is drilled and tapped (threaded) with four holes to accept either a Weaver style base or Picatinny rail mount. This gives you great flexibility to choose the appropriate sight for your hunting needs. The trigger, action lock lever and safety button are all steel as they are high stress parts while the trigger housing is a high impact polymer. The safety, as with all Mossberg shotguns, is on the top of the receiver and easily accessible with your shooting hand thumb. The safety is off when forward and on when rearward and the red dot is covered. On the ejection port side of the shotgun are the words, “MOSSY OAK TURKEY THUGS,” written in black letters and the opposite side is action lock lever and serial number.

The stock is a pistol grip design and offers a good secure hold with both sides being diamond checkered. It’s well suited for smaller hands, but my XL hands had no issues making it work. The LOP (Length of Pull) is 10 ½ inches without the one inch spacer and 11 ½ inches with it installed. The recoil pad is nice and soft to absorb recoil, but the three inch turkey loads will still let you know you’re alive.

My youngest son, just 8 at the time, did not like want any part of a second shot with turkey loads.

The Mossy Oak Obsession pattern covers the entire shogun and where it does not, the parts are matte blue. A few rub spots were apparent where the forgrip rubbed the receiver on both sides, but a black sharpie will touch this up quickly and of course the vitality of the pattern depends on how hard the shogun is used in the field.

Out of the box, the Mossberg 510 Mini Turkey THUG Shotgun will only hold one round in the chamber because the extra-long limiting plug will not allow any rounds to be loaded into the magazine. After successful firearms training the adult can cut down the wooden limiting dowel to 9” to comply with the local hunting laws. After this the 510 will hold four, 2 ¾ or 3 inch shells with the limiting plug removed and with the modified limiting plug installed it will now hold one in the chamber and two in the magazine.

To remove the limiting plug, first unload all ammunition and remove the sling, then remove the barrel by taking out the takedown screw. Point the shotgun towards the ground and shake it back and forth until the dowel protrudes from the magazine tube. The rubber “O” ring will keep it from falling out, grab the end and remove it.

Patterning a 12 gauge shotgun is normally done at 40 yards with an extra full turkey choke and 3” or 3.5” turkey loads. Patterning the 20 gauge 510 with its full choke and 3” turkey loads worked best between 25 to 35 yards depending on the load. I like to pattern and hunt with a Primos Jim Shockey Tall Tri Pod because it adjusts from 24″ to 62″ with a squeeze of the trigger. It’s also great for kids and adults to use as a walking stick while hunting and then to stabilize their shot either sitting or standing. I used Birchwood Casey’s Turkey Splattering Targets to mark the shot hits and recorded the results below. For the slugs I used Caldwell’s Orange Peel 12” Bullseye Targets and achieved a 3.2 inch group at 50 yards with just the front bead sight. Since all firearms shot different, you’ll have to find your ideal range with the loads you choose and find what load your child is comfortable using in their 510.

Depending on how much you shoot and the conditions you shoot in, I suggest you completely disassemble your shotgun once a year for a good thorough cleaning. If the environment you’re shooting in is wet, cold and muddy, you should clean the shotgun as soon as possible to avoid rust. Mossberg recommends you clean your shotgun every 200 rounds of normal shooting, followed by regular lubrication to keep your shotgun performing well. Shotgun dis-assembly is nothing more than attention to detail. The Mossberg owner’s manual cover the dis-assembly and re-assembly process thoroughly and after several times you will have the procedure down. Dis-assembly past this point is not recommended by the manual, and only to be done by the factory or a qualified gun smith and could possibly void your warranty.

Mossberg 510 Mini THUG Shotgun ǀ Test Results

Patterns were fired from a supported position at a range of 25 to 35 yards using a Primos Jim Shockey Tall Tri Pod Trigger stick and Birchwood Casey Turkey Splattering Targets. Slug results were recorded using the Caldwell Orange Peel 12” Bullseye Target. Patterning results will vary from shotgun to shotgun so you must conduct your own pattern testing using your preferred ammunition. Velocities were as stated from the manufacturer except the Hornady SST FTX slugs which were run through a CED Millennium 2 chronograph at 15 feet.

Living vicariously through my wife and sons time with the Mossberg 510 Mini Turkey THUG Shotgun was the answer to my youthful wish from all those many years ago. Today’s young shooters and hunters don’t have to settle for good enough like I did and for this I’m glad. This was my oldest son’s first true experience with Mossberg and soon it will be his younger brother’s turn, but I know it definitely will not be their last. I still take my father’s well-loved Mossberg 500 out to the field shooting dove and that old dog still hunts well. Introduce, “if you haven’t already,” your kids to the sport of shotgunning and take them to the skeet or trap range or the field and hunt.

I guarantee any of these great Mossberg youth shoguns will help you build some fun and lasting memories your kids won’t forget.

O.F. MOSSBERG & SONS | Mossberg 510 Mini Turkey THUG Shotgun Specs:

• Item number: 50495
• Gauge: .410 or 20 Gauge (20 Ga. tested)
• Capacity: 4 – 2 ¾ & 3” – 1 with plug
• Barrel Length: 18.5” Vented rib
• Chokes: Accu-Set
• Chamber: 3”
• Overall Length: 35.25” with spacers and recoil pad – 34.25” without spacer
• Weight unloaded: 5 lbs.
• Stock: Adjustable Synthetic
• Action: Pump
• Trigger Pull: 6-7 lbs.
• Length of Pull: 10.5” – 11.5”
• Receiver Finish: Mossy Oak Break-Up Infinity
• Front Sights: Dual bead
• MSRP: $515.00
• Warranty: 10 years
• Address: O.F. Mossberg & Sons, Inc. 7 Grasso Ave. North Haven, CT 06473
• Phone: (203) 230-5300 (8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. E.S.T.)
• Fax: (203) 230-5420
• For Service Inquiries: (800) 363-3555

Sources:

• O. F. Mossberg & Sons: www.mossberg.com
• Birchwood Casey: www.birchwoodcasey.com
• Caldwell: www.btibrands.com/brands/caldwell
• Federal Premium: www.federalpremium.com
• Hornady: www.hornady.com
• Kent Cartridge: www.kentgamebore.com
• Primos: http://www.primos.com
• Sure – Shot Game Calls: www.sureshotgamecalls.com

Check this video of more tiny 8 year olds taking their first shots with a different model Mossberg 510 Mini Shotgun.

About Norman Gray:
Norman Gray has been involved in the shooting sports for well over 30 years. He has served in both active duty and reserve component of the United States Army as an Infantryman and was honorably discharged at the end of his service. Moving to Arizona, he began assisting his long time friend and mentor Bob Shell, an accomplished writer and author in his own right. Norman is freelance contributor with Handguns Magazine, Canadian Firearms Journal and Manzano Valley Outdoors. He is also a member of (POMA) The Professional Outdoor Media Association, the (NSSF) National Shooting Sports Foundation and a Life Member of the (NRA) National Rifle Association. Visit: http://www.unleaded-ink.blogspot.com/