Attention Shooting Sport enthusiasts. The annual Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade Show (aka SHOT Show) just wrapped up in Vegas and we thought we would share a few of the new products coming to a retailer near you in the near future. Enjoy InTheBites InTheSight finds.
Bushnell XRS II Riflescope
Bushnell has seriously improved its game in the last couple years, bringing innovative designs to the table at a great price point. For the long-range shooter, its XRS II with the illuminated G3 reticle has everything you need and nothing you don’t. The 4.5-30X magnification covers just about every shooting situation imaginable, and the 34mm main tube and 50mm objective lens gives a bright picture and allows for plenty of elevation adjustment. The G3 reticle provides enough useable reference points to place an accurate shot at any distance, without looking like you’ve got some sort of physics equation in your scope. Now that Bushnell offers the option of the illuminated G3 reticle in the XRS II, it may be one of the best values for the long-range shooter on the market.
Swagger Bipod – Telescoping Field Support For Hunters
The new Swagger bipod replaces a conventional bipod as well as shooting sticks. With a huge adjustment range from 6 3/4″ to 29″, the Swagger is ideal for western hunters, spot-and-stalk situations or anywhere long shots from the ground are likely. Notably, you can switch from a rigid attachment to a flexible attachment. And you can angle the legs forward, rearward, or to either side. When needed, remove the rubber footpads to use spiked feet for more “grip”. The Swagger’s telescoping legs fit inside a polymer housing mounted to your rifle’s forearm. Assembled weight is 23.6 oz, complete with Nitride finish springs/spring housing and reinforced bungee.
Glock G48
This year, Glock is targeting the concealed-carry market with one of their new offerings. The new G48 comes in 9mm, and is essentially the size of the ultra-popular G19, but in a slim size. This should be great for both comfort and concealability, as well as folks who don’t care for the thicker double-stack models. It features beveled edges, front slide serrations, and a silver nPVD coated slide. It has a magazine capacity of 10 rounds. This should be a great option to bridge the gap between the standard sized and compact models. MSRP: $580
Colt King Cobra .357
Following the re-introduction of the Cobra last year, Colt is bringing back the King Cobra in .357 Magnum. You won’t find any new frills in this revolver, but it’s a solid, duty-fit revolver with a 3-inch barrel, that’s ready to live up to the name. It’s handsome stainless steel construction doesn’t cut corners and would be just as suited for life in a holster as in a collector’s case. MSRP: $899
Mossberg 590 Shockwave Shock ‘n’ Saw
Another of the new firearms from Mossberg is the Shock ‘n’ Saw. Built on a 590 receiver, not-a-shotgun firearm uses the same kind of top grip that Mossberg debuted on its Saw shotgun about 10 years ago. This 12 gauge gun handles 2 3/4″ and 3″ shells from its 5 round tube. It has a barrel length of a little more than 14″ with a breacher-type end. Mossberg set the price at $560 for this one. (As with the other not-a-shotgun firearms, I have to stick them somewhere, and this one wound up in the handgun section.)
Mossberg 590 Shockwave with Crimson Trace Laser Saddle
For 2019, O.F. Mossberg & Sons expanded its line of Shockwave firearms. One of the more useful additions to the line is this 590 with a Crimson Trace Laser Saddle. Many people like to point shoot these guns, so adding an aiming laser that does not need a traditional sight alignment and picture can be a real benefit.
Other aspects of this gun I like is that it is based on the 590 platform – as solid shotgun platform as any other. It holds 5 shells in the tube and can chamber both 2 3/4″ and 3″ shells. The corn cob style forend on the pump has a hand strap to ensure a solid hold on the front of the gun during recoil and movement. The suggested retail price is $595
Remington 783 Varmit
Remington Arms expanded the Model 783 line to include a Varmint rifle. The guns feature a 26″ heavy barrel that is free floated, a Picatinny rail on the receiver for a scope, an oversized bolt handle, a brown laminate stock with a SuperCell recoil pad and the company’s Crossfire adjustable trigger. The MSRP on these starts at $625. Initial models will be chambered for the .223 Rem, .22-250 Rem, .243 Win, 6.5 Creemoor and .308 Win.
Thompson/Center Impact!SB Muzzleloader
Thompson/Center launched a new line of break open muzzle loaders. These entry level, .50 caliber guns are called the Impact!SB. These new guns have a hand removable triple lead threaded breech plug, fiber optic sights, the company’s Quick Load Accurizor and an aluminum ram rod. Composite stock finishes include black, Realtree Edge, Mossy Oak Bottom Land and Mossy Oak Break-Up Country. The metal is offered in both blued and Silver Weather Shield. Depending on your finish options, pricing will run from $263 – $324.
Winchester Wildcat .22 LR
Winchester Repeating Arms rolled out a new rimfire rifle for 2019. The Wildcat is a brand new semi-automatic .22 LR. Winchester calls it “light, rugged, accurate and ultra-reliable.” Here are some of the details:
- feeds from Ruger 10/22 compatible magazines – it ships with one 10-rounder
- the lower receiver is removed by pressing a single button; no tools required
- the action can be locked open
- 18″ chromoly steel barrel with a target-style crown
- ghost ring rear sight, ramp post front
- Picatinny top rail for an optic
- concealed Picatinny rail on forend for bipod or other accessory
- skeletonized polymer stock
MSRP: $249.99
Winchester 350 Legend
Winchester Ammunition rolled out a new cartridge called the 350 Legend. Using a straightwalled .223 Rem case with a .357 caliber bullet, Winchester states this will produce more energy that the .30-30 Win, .223 Rem and 300 BLK for superior hunting – especially in areas with straight walled deer hunting. The company states it also produces less recoil than the .243 Win and 450 Bushmaster.
The new cartridge will be available in the company’s Deer Season XP, Super X, Hog Special, USA White Box, Power Max Bonded and Super Suppressed lines. Bullet weights range from 145-180 with the Super Suppressed line using a heavy 265 grain bullet. Here is an introductory video on the cartridge from Winchester:
Winchester Ammunition Xpert Snow Goose
Winchester Ammunition announced its new line of Xpert Snow Goose ammo for 12 gauge shotguns. The company is producing it in both 3″ and 3 1/2″ shells. The two 3″ loads offer either 1 1/4 oz of BB (@ 1,475 fps) or 1 1/4 oz of a #1 & #2 blend (also at 1,475 fps). For the 3 1/2″ shells, you get either 1 3/8 oz of BB or 1 3/8 oz of a #1 & #2 blend. Both of the longer shells are sending their loads at 1,550 fps. Winchester Ammunition states the loads are shipping now.
Browning TSS Tungsten Turkey Ammo
Browning Ammuniution announced a new shotshell load: the TSS Tungsten Turkey. Available to the public in the Spring of 2019, the new ammo line will offer a total of 7 new loads with something for 12 gauge, 20 gauge and .410 bore hunters.
The offerings for 12 gauges are:
- 3″ shell, 1 3/4 oz #7 tungsten shot
- 3″ shell, 1 3/4 oz #7 & #9 blend of tungsten shot
- 3 1/2″ shell, 2 1/4 oz #7 tungsten shot
- 3 1/2″ shell, 2 1/4 oz #7 & #9 blend of tungsten shot
In 20 gauge, the load choice comes down to one of two 3″ shells: 1 1/2 oz of #7 shot or 1 1/2 oz of a #7 & #9 blend.
If you are taking turkey with the .410, you have but a single load: a 3″ shell loaded with 13/16 oz of #9 shot.
Kent Cartridge TK7 Penetrator Turkey Load
Kent Cartridge announced a new load for 2019 called the TK7 Penetrator. Designed for hunting turkey, it uses #7 tungsten pellets, buffered shot and a special loading process to deliver tight patterns of dense shot with more pellets on target than similar #6 loads.
The company will offer both 12 and 20 gauge loads. Muzzle velocities are the same with either – 1,100 fps – with the 12 gauge sending a 1 5/8 oz load and the 20 gauge delivering a slightly lighter 1 3/8 oz load. These will be packaged 5 shells to a box. No word yet on pricing.
PSE Evoke Series
PSE hit a home run 2 years ago with the launch of the Evolve 35, and now the company has taken that original platform and improved upon it with three new flagships: Evoke 35 SE, Evoke 35 EC and Evoke 31. All three new bows promise outstanding shootability thanks to the proven Evolve Cam System (right). A notable upgrade from Evolve to Evoke is the stiffer and stronger next-gen caged riser platform.
Hoyt Redwrx Carbon RX-3 Series
This high-end bow is an expansion of the Redwrx series, and it brings new carbon riser technology for a rigid, lightweight shooting experience that has dampened down vibration considerably. An all-new grip system allows left-to-right adjustability for the shooter, increasing tuning ability and center shot alignment for personalized accuracy. And shock pods dampen vibration even further. This is a bow designed to be quiet, smooth, and powerful.
The RX-3 Turbo shoots up to 350 fps, making it one of the fastest bows in the lineup. Across the series, you can find bows at draw lengths from 25″ to 32″ and weights from 30 to 80 pounds. Axle-to-axle heights are available at 30.5″, 31″, and 34″. And at 3.9-4.1 pounds in hand, you’re looking at a lightweight shooting experience. This bow is the most expensive in the lineup, but the variance allows you to dial in to your specifications. MSRP $1699
Matthews Vertix
The 2019 VERTIX is the peak of versatility and performance. Switchweight modules allow you to change peak draw weight in 5 pound increments. Available in 60, 65, 70 and 75 pound peak weights, each set of mods are programmed for an incredibly smooth draw. The new Engage™ Grip interface was designed to ensure consistent hand placement, reducing torque and increasing accuracy. While more versatile than ever, silence and efficiency remain king, and with 20% less vibration than the TRIAX, the VERTIX delivers an experience that is both unexpected and unforgettable. MSRP $999
Bear Divergent
Designed with the whitetail bowhunter in mind, the Divergent offers amazing performance in a short 28″ axle-to-axle bow without breaking your wallet. With speeds of 338 feet per second, the Divergent’s compact platform and hybrid cams give shootability a whole new meaning. MSRP $700
PSE Carbon Air Stealth 35”
PSE added the 35″ to its line at the request of its customers, and it’s a badass-looking bow. This is the lightest 35″ bow in the lineup, with the carbon adding up to a featherweight 3.5 pounds. The upgraded carbon monocoque riser is not only light but stiff and strong for a smoother shooting experience. It features the Evolve cam system.
This bow shoots at 342 fps, with a 90 percent letoff. The draw length measures out at 26.5-31.5″, and it’s offered in 60- and 70-pound versions. MSRP $1499
Bowtech Realm SS & SR6
Bowtech adds to its Realm line with the SS and SR6. The SS stands for “Super Smooth,” and Bowtech took to the laboratory to cut down on breakover and vibration for this particular model. At 32″ axle-to-axle with a brace height of 6″, this bow provides a stable but packable platform for treestands or spot-and-stalk. The 337 fps is quick, and three available draw weights (40-50, 50-60, and 60-70 pounds) plus a 25-31″ draw length provides variability for a multitude of shooters.
The SR6 is “Speed Redefined,” and it adds a new level of speed and power to the Realm line. A speed of 352 fps is fast, fast, fast, and it’s also a 32″ axle-to-axle with a 6″ brace height. The same three draw weights are offered in the SR6, but the draw length is 25.5-30″, so a little less variance there. Weighted overdrive binary cams combined with a front-heavy draw cycle allow for an increase in speed and power while remaining smooth on the draw. MSRP $1099
CZ Bobwhite G2
Back by popular demand — and at a very nice price! The updated version of our traditionally-styled Bobwhite, the G2 gets a CNCed receiver and modern internals that slim the action while increasing longevity and reliability. With double triggers and an English-style straight grip, quick choke decisions can be made on the fly.
Finished in our hardy black chrome from head to toe, the Bobwhite G2 will resist rust much better than a blued gun while still looking classy. Its 28″ barrels are threaded for choke tubes and it ships with five flush chokes spanning from Cylinder to Full.
Built on gauge-specific frames, the Bobwhite G2 is available in 12, 20 and 28 gauges. MSRP $655
Berretta A400 Xtreme Plus
For 2019, Beretta’s excellent A400 Xtreme now comes in a new Plus version, enhanced for waterfowl hunting, and the best part is that you get a bunch of new features that you don’t have to pay one penny more for. These include a stepped rib with a middle bead, a lengthened forcing cone, a recoil- and vibration-reducing rubber comb, enlarged bolt and magazine releases, and a loading port that’s been ground open for easier loading. It also has the shock-absorber-like Kick-Off recoil reducer, which does a very effective job of taming magnum recoil (the gun will shoot everything from very light target loads to 3½-inch shells). The new Xtreme Plus retains one of my favorte gadgets, too—a magazine cap the releases with a push and half a turn, like a child-proof cap. $1900; beretta.com
Winchester SX4 20-Gauge
The next level of performance. This Super X4 follows on the heels of the most successful Winchester autoloader ever: the Super X3 Black Shadow. There would be no point to the new SX4 if it did not take function, handling and egonomics to the next level. And it does. This is a dedicated hunting machine with it’s all-black exterior that is definitely non-glare to prevent spooking game. Critical functional controls are larger and easier to operate — a real benefit in damp weather and cold conditions.
The feel is right. You will need to go to your dealer to prove this to yourself, but the grip area has been totally redesigned for improved comfort and pointability. It feels thinner and it feels right. The same goes for the forearm. Both have gripping panels positioned to help prevent slipping and the texture feels good against your hands especially when you are not wearing gloves.
