The annual National Rifle Association meetings concluded last weekend. Over 75,000 NRA members were in attendance and they were treated to some new hardware from firearms manufacturers. Here’s a sample of what is now available or coming in the near future.

First up, a new slim line carry pistol from Springfield Armory®. The XD-E™ is a hammer fired single stack pistol. The little gun holds 8+1 rounds of 9MM with an optional X-Tension magazine that boosts capacity to 9+1. This is a SA/DA gun that is about an inch wide, 6 ¾ inches long, 5 inches tall, and weighs 25 ounces. Springfield® claims that the force needed to rack the slide is 27% less than comparable pistols making it much easier to use for folks with weak or small hands. MSRP is $ 519.

FN® has introduced the FN 509™, a striker fired pistol that is the result of FN’s efforts in the U.S. Military competition for a new duty handgun. The FN 509™ is a new and improved version of the very good FNS™ compact pistol. The gun is a double-action 9MM with magazine capacities of 10 or 17 rounds. Like the XD-E™, FN® claims reduced effort in racking the slide. The gun sports a 4 inch barrel, polymer frame, weighs 26.9 ounces, fixed 3-dot luminescent sights, and is offered as only a non-manual safety model. MSRP is $649.

Remington® is offering a new home defense pistol and it’s a BIG one. The Model 870-Tac 14 is a 12 gauge pump action pistol with a 14 inch barrel and a 4+1 capacity. The gun comes with the excellent Magpul® M-Lock™ fore end and a Raptor™ pistol grip. MSRP starts at $ 443.05; home invaders beware.

SIG® is introducing a new AR model (we still don’t have enough), the SIGM400 Elite. This is a 5.56 chambered direct impingement AR style rifle with a 16 inch barrel, free floated handguard, six position stock, and a SIG® enhanced trigger. Two models are available; one with a SIG® Romeo 5 red dot at $1359 MSRP and the same gun with no sights at $1200 MSRP. SIG® is really becoming diversified manufacturer and after winning the new U.S. Military handgun contract with their P 320, I expect even more innovation from the New Hampshire headquarters.

Finally Savage® through its Stevens® division has introduced a new break-action single shot shotgun. This hammer fired smoothbore is available in 12 and 20 gauge, and .410 bore. All three guns have 26 inch barrels, mattek finished metal, and synthetic (polymer) stocks. I have a soft spot for these little guns as my first shotgun was a little Stevens® 20 gauge single and on occasion, I still take that special little shooter on hunting outings. MSRP on these little singles is $ 173, but I have already seen them advertised for as little as $137, not much for a starter or truck gun.

These are just a few of the new options that have come to market; I’m sure there are many more to follow in the coming months. I can’t hardly wait for next year’s SHOT Show.
Be safe and good shooting.

Colonel Smoothbore