New Gun Releases

Choosing components for your AR-platform rifle or pistol can be a challenge, especially when you’re shooting suppressed. In fact, did you know certain charging handles can decrease gas blowback, making for a more pleasant shooting experience? Enter the new SilencerCo Gas Defeating Charging Handle (GDCH), designed by one of the leading suppressor manufacturers in the country to optimize your suppressed shooting.

According to suppressor maker SilencerCo, their new Gas Defeating Charging Handle reduces the overall blowback of gas commonly generated by the AR-15 platform. They also boldly state that unlike many other models made by other companies for a similar purpose, theirs really works.

How does this new AR 15 charging handle work?

SilencerCo designed their new charging handle with a proprietary design, incorporating an O-ring seal which functions to prevent gas from escaping from the most problematic and obvious point of egress. This seal cuts back on how much gas is blown back into the shooter’s face during live fire which, in turn, makes for a more comfortable day at the range or out hunting.

Other features of the SilencerCo Gas Defeating Charging Handle include ambidextrous levers for easier, smoother charging or clearing an AR-15. The charging handle is totally manufactured in-house and machined from aircraft-grade 7075 aluminum for durability while maintaining the necessary lighter weight. The GDCH is compatible with all current, common chamberings for the AR-15 platform whether on a rifle or pistol.

SilencerCo Product Manager Andrew Herbst had the following to say about the company’s latest product launch: “It’s been a long time since we have seen a product that so greatly improves the user experience while shooting the AR platform suppressed. Now shooters don’t have to choose between protecting their hearing and dealing with hot gas blowing into their eyes and affecting their ability to breathe. The SilencerCo Gas Defeating Charging Handle is the answer to this common problem.”

Even if you do not have a suppressor, you can benefit from this charging handle. After all, when it comes to AR components, quality matters. SilencerCo has a solid reputation backing the design and manufacture of its products, and it extends to smaller parts like receivers and charging handles. If you do run a suppressed AR-15, there are significant benefits to swapping out your existing charging handle for one specifically made to reduce gas blowback. The heat, pressure, and smell of blowback are severe enough that any reduction is certainly a good thing.

The SilencerCo Gas Defeating Charging Handle is available now on the company’s website and at select retailers.

Product Specifications:

• Uses an O-ring seal to redirect blowback
• Machined from aircraft-grade 7075 aluminum
• Type III Hard Anodize finish
• Features ambidextrous design for intuitive manipulation and smooth charging
• MSRP of $114.00

The latest American-made rifle from Century Arms fulfills a particular niche. It’s the Century Arms BFT47, and it’s precisely what it sounds like: an American AK-47 platform rifle. According to the manufacturer, the new rifle is the ideal merging of American engineering on a classic Soviet platform.

Century Arms states the BFT47 was designed specifically to offer superior reliability, durability, and accuracy, all in an AK platform at a more buyer-friendly price point. Features include a Bulged and Forged 4140 steel front trunnion, a carburized 4140 steel bolt, 1.5 mm heat-treated stamped 4130 steel receiver, manganese phosphate finish, and 16” 1:10 chrome-moly 4150 steel barrel.

According to the company, the BFT47 will cycle reliably using all factory 7.62x39mm on the market. They feel this rifle is designed from the trunnion out to “Just keep going.” It’s certainly accurate to say the gunmaker has a long history of designing and manufacturing AK-platform rifles and pistols.

Regarding the launch of the new rifle, Century Arms National Marketing Director Adam Ruonala said, “This is an exciting launch for Century Arms. For many years we have been the leader in AK sales in the US, we have taken that experience as well as the feedback from our millions of customers around the world and developed a rifle that we are confident will deliver in even the toughest of circumstances!”

The reason for a bulged and forged trunnion is its greater rigidity and durability. Yes, it creates a heavier rifle, but it also means the gun in question is designed to hold up better to serious use.

This AK-platform rifle boasts a number of features including an RAK-1 enhanced trigger group, enhanced safety selector with bolt hold open, extended T-shaped magazine release, and an optics mount. It also has a bayonet lug and cleaning rod. Specifications include an overall empty weight of 7.50 pounds, 7.62x39mm chambering, overall length of 37.25 inches, and adjustable front sight. The BFT47 has a 16.25-inch chrome-moly 4150 steel barrel with a 1-in-10 twist rate and the receiver is 1.5mm heat-treated stamped 4130 steel. Each gun ships with a 30-round US Palm AK30R magazine.

Century Arms’ BFT47 will be released in a variety of configurations with the first featuring American hardwood furniture. The manufacturer has titled this version “Core.” Future versions will include the “Essential” and the “Elite,” the latter of which will ship with an optic and various accessories. All rifles are backed by the Century Arms lifetime warranty. The company did not mention a specific timeline for release of future variations.

The “Core” model of the BFT47 line has an MSRP of $829.99. MSRP for future variations have not been announced at this time. The Century Arms BFT47 is available now from select retailers.

Federal Ammunition is making an addition to their Punch Personal Defense line of ammunition with a 44 Smith and Wesson Special load (also referred to simply as 44 Special). The popular ammo maker’s Punch line was first introduced in 2020 and has been met with significant demand.  With the expansion to include 44 Smith and Wesson Special, the company will be catering to a broader range of revolver shooters.

As the product line’s name suggests, Federal designed Punch for superior defensive performance, specifically to penetrate through barriers such as heavy layers of clothing. The new 44 Smith and Wesson Special load features a 180 grain jacketed hollow point (JHP) created to cycle and perform well in both revolvers and carbines. Data from Federal’s own testing and studies show the ammunition performs as concealed carriers prefer in its ability to stop a threat, even when it must penetrate heavy clothing before impacting the attacker themselves.

When asked about the decision to include 44 Smith and Wesson Special in their Punch line, Federal Handgun Ammunition Product Manager Chris Laack said, “We saw a need for a reliable, accurate, terminally effective option for the .44 S&W Special that doesn’t have to be the top scoring product in duty ammunition test procedures. So, we looked at specifications from our Hydra-Shok Deep, HST and other bullet designs, and took what made sense for Punch. We modified the thickness of the jacket, skive depth, hollow point geometry and even differences in lead cores to build the recipe for Punch in .44 S&W Special.”

Although barriers like glass, car doors, and wooden panels aren’t unheard of in self-defense scenarios, the average self-defense shooter is more likely to face clothing barriers. Not all defensive ammunition is capable of penetrating heavy layers while maintaining good penetration depth and reliable expansion, but Federal made Punch to do just that. FBI standards for ballistic gel testing were used to ensure superior performance of the new load.

“Shooters need a simple answer to the ‘What ammo do I need for self-defense’, question,” said Federal Handgun Ammunition Product Manager Chris Laack. “Things to consider such as function, reliable ignition, barrier performance, terminal performance, ballistics and other considerations are a lot to digest for most people. What some consumers really need to know is it will function in their gun, every time, and that it will be effective stopping a threat as quickly as possible. Punch’s .44 S&W Special is our easy answer for them.”

Federal Punch’s .44 Smith and Wesson Special Load boasts a variety of features including high-quality brass cases, advanced powders, and the sealed reliability of carefully designed, sensitive primers. According to the ammo maker, when using Federal Punch, self-defenders can be confident their chosen load out-performs comparably-priced competitor’s rounds. Other available calibers in the Punch line include 380 Auto 85 grain JHP, 38 Special +P 120 grain JHP, 9mm Luger, 40 Smith and Wesson 165 grain JHP, 45 Auto 230 grain JHP, and 10mm 200 grain JHP.

Federal successfully launched its HammerDown line in 2020, and now the company is expanding that product line’s options to include the 45 Colt, 35 Remington, and 444 Marlin cartridges. According to the company, HammerDown is the industry’s only ammunition product line truly designed for optimal cycling and overall performance from the time-tested, lever-action rifle platform. 

“Our goal for HammerDown was to deliver enhanced performance in any lever-action rifle. HammerDown provides the velocity and terminal performance required to be an effective and ethical hunting round for big game,” said Federal Ammunition Centerfire Rifle Product Manager Eric Miller. “With the addition of the 45 Colt, 35 Remington, and 444 Marlin options to our lineup, that performance is now available to a broader audience of hunters and shooters.”

The velocities of all-new HammerDown offerings are customized to produce superior ballistics and terminal performance through lever-action barrel lengths. The construction of the molecularly bonded soft point bullets has also been adjusted for the best accuracy and expansion at those velocities. The geometry of each round’s case, bullet, and cartridge ensures flawless cycling through a tubular magazine and typical lever-action feeding systems. HammerDown is now offered in .45 Colt, 35 Remington, and 444 Marlin in addition to the original loadings of 30-30 Win., 357 Magnum, 327 Federal, and 44 Rem. Magnum.

“One of the enhanced design features found in all HammerDown ammo is that we chamfered the front face of the case rim on all the nickel-plated cases. This removes any sharp edges to increase reliability of feeding,” continued Miller. “This feature essentially improves cycling in all lever-action feeding systems, such as side-gate loading and tubular magazines.”

Strike Industries recently announced their new product, the Strike Bipod Grip, which the company says offers versatility and efficiency for the rifle while maintaining a firm grip on the move or a steady stationary platform in the prone position.

The Strike Bipod Grip offers a sleek and simple option that is also affordable, according to Strike. There are advantages for an attachment that is both a grip and a bipod in multiple shooting situations and scenarios.

Strike Industries states that navigating in CQB (close quarters battle) the bipod grip combo will benefit those individuals, as well as those outside that are laying prone allowing for steadiness for mid- to long-range shots. For the competition shooter, hunters, and day range users, the bipod grip size and weight will be beneficial for the overall handling and balance of the system.

Product Specifications

• Length: 4.71 in (119.66 mm)
• Width: 1.71 in (43.54 mm)
• Height: 1.75 in (44.38 mm)
• Weight: 4.60 ounce

The Strike Bipod Grip is easy to install and remove on the 1913 Picatinny rails thanks to the quick detach clamp and a 3-arm knob. The smooth pull mechanism to deploy the bipod legs only requires a light squeeze, while a push up is all that is needed to stow the legs. The angle of the grip on the handrail sits at just under 90 degrees at 89 degrees for optimum comfort for the user.

The Strike Bipod Grip was designed with textured palm and finger areas in addition to the flat sides for easy handling and movement of the firearm. It is made of a durable lightweight polymer, thus giving the user two useful tools in one piece to save rail space without adding any significant amount of weight.

The Strike Bipod Grip does have a warning for users, saying that it is designed for casual or light duty shooting use and excessive abuse will damage or break the product so keep that in mind for applications. It comes in with a price tag of $34.95.

So if you didn’t know, earlier this month, right before SHOT, Henry Repeating Arms announced two new lever guns. Although we’ve already tackled the Long Ranger Express, it’s time to address the other new Lever-Action from Henry. Presenting the Lever Action Axe .410, “Not all firearms need to fit neatly into categories like hunting, home protection, or good ol’ backyard plinking.” It seems like Henry is trying their best to provide something that is primarily just a blast to shoot. I’ve always had a soft spot for lever guns, and I am excited to see where this .410 Axe goes. 

.410 Bore, Never Bored

While the focus of this release seems to be how enjoyable it is, there seems to be some practicality to it. The Axe has a 5-Round capacity of 2 1/2″ shells like larger .410 Shotguns. It also has a loading gate, so you’re constantly at max capacity if you want to be—no need to remove a tube magazine. Henry also uses size as a measure of its practicality. The Axe .410 has a barrel just under 16″ and the total length of the firearm at a hair over 26″. So the Axe can be stored in more places than your average shotgun; it seems like it might be a decent candidate for a trunk gun. 

The muzzle of the Axe is internally threaded for invector chokes, and it comes with a full choke straight out of the box. Additional chokes are available for sale, as well. When it comes to sights, though, the barrel of the Axe is topped with a brass bead front sight. No rails for you tacti-cool operators. I am sure with enough duct tape and epoxy, anything is possible. Although the specifications page does mention that it is drilled and tapped, maybe you won’t need too much epoxy. 

You might be wondering why I keep referring to it as the Axe? The “Axe handle” grip on the level gun is what seems to have solidified its name; the bottom of the handle even has the Henry “Cowboy” logo to top off the old west aesthetic.

The Lever Action Axe .410 Specifications

• Action Type: Lever Action
• Caliber: .410 Bore
• Chamber Size: 2 1/2″ Shells
• Capacity: 5 Rounds
• Barrel Length: 15.14″
• Barrel Type: Round Blued Steel
• Overall Length: 26.4″
• Weight: 5.75 lbs.
• Receiver Finish: Blued Steel or Polished Brass
• Rear Sight: None
• Front Sight: Brass Bead
• Scopeability: Drilled and Tapped
• Scope Mount Type: Weaver 63B
• Stock Material: American Walnut
• Buttplate/Pad: None
• Length of Pull: N/A
• Safety: Transfer Bar
• Extras: Internally threaded for Invector style chokes (Full included), Swivel Studs, 2 1/2″ Shells Only

So this might be your lever-action if you’re in the market for what seems to be a fun plinker or a decent old-timey truck gun. “Simply being fun to pull out of the scabbard and shoot again and again should be a category all its own.” Hopefully, soon I will get hands-on one of these. Until then, if you’re interested in checking out more on the Lever Action Axe .410, feel free to check it on Henry’s website, www.Henryusa.com. The MSRP for the Lever Action Axe .410 Bore is $1,049 and $1,132 for the Brass. 

Nosler, Inc. has recently announced the expansion of its product offerings to firearm suppressors. These rifle suppressors reportedly incorporate cutting-edge materials, features, and manufacturing methods and are specifically designed for hunters using modern rifles. 

The new Nosler suppressor lineup includes four suppressors from two different families, a hybrid aluminum/titanium and all-titanium family with 22 caliber and 30 caliber models. Both suppressor lines utilize an innovative modular design that attaches the baffle stack to the blast chamber with an exterior jam nut. The Nosler suppressors are easy to disassemble for maintenance, cleaning, or the replacement of certain parts.

All four models attach via the Nosler Muzzle Brake or direct thread on with the included adapter. The thread adapter is compatible with 5-8×24 (for 30 caliber models) and 1/2×28 (for 22 caliber models) threaded muzzles.

“Hearing protection is a critical part of shooting firearms safely, but traditional methods such as plugs and muffs can be challenging to use in the field. I’ve used these models for several big game hunts in a variety of conditions, not to mention many range sessions and they have impressed me at every turn. I am confident they will impress you, too.” John Nosler, President.

Hybrid Aluminum/Titanium Suppressors

The hybrid aluminum/titanium family of Nosler suppressor models includes the 22-AlTi (22 caliber) and the 30-AlTi (30 caliber). They are said to be manufactured to offer the same balance of size, weight, and sound mitigation at an attractive price point.

Both models come in at 9 ounces with the 22-AlTi taking noise and weight reduction to another level for all .22 caliber firearms, including 5.56mm rifles. Both models come in black or gray for finishes. The aluminum/titanium body of the SR-30AlTi suppressor minimizes noise and weight, making it ideal any time weight is a factor with overall weight at 9 ounces and only 7.5 inches long.

Product Specs

• Calibers: 22 cal / 30 cal
• Weight: 9.0 oz / 9.2 oz
• Length: 7.533 in / 7.963 in
• Diameter: 1.740 in / 1.740 in
• Colors: Black or Gray for both calibers

All-Titanium Suppressors

The all-titanium Nosler suppressor family includes an SR-22Ti (22 caliber) and the SR-30Ti (up to 30 caliber). This family of suppressors is designed to strike an ideal balance between size, lightweight, exceptional durability, and sound mitigation. Both come in black or gray finishes.

Reportedly incredibly strong and lightweight thanks to all-titanium construction, the SR-30Ti modular suppressor fits all .30 caliber and smaller firearms. The lightweight suppressor comes in at just over 13 ounces and is under 8 inches long.

Product Specs

• Calibers: 22 cal / 30 cal
• Weight: 12.8 oz / 13.1 oz
• Length: 7.533 in / 7.963 in
• Diameter: 1.740 in
• Colors: Black or Gray for both calibers

The new Nosler suppressors MSRP range from just under $650 for the 22-ALTI suppressors to $ $949.99 for the SR-30Ti suppressors.