New Gun Releases

The Bolt action rifle is a staple in the world of firearms; it served as a stepping stone of progress in creating more and more advanced weapons. But the humble bolt action still serves as a pillar. Most precision rifles are still running some sort of bolt, whether it be a rotating bolt, a straight bolt, or some other form of bolt-action system. The Bolt action is such a storied and well-explored system, so the envelope isn’t always getting pushed substantially. This lack of development might be changing, though. I’d like to help get you acquainted with the Black Collar Arms MBA – The Modern Bolt Action Rifle.

Earning your “MBA” – The Modern Bolt Action

The Black Collar Arms MBA is attempting to reformulate and revamp the modern bolt action system. The focus is on a straight pull design that Black Collar Arms describes as revolutionary because of how accurate, lightweight, quick it performs. There also seems to be a substantial focus on the rifle’s modularity and ease of use. It appears that they are confident that this will be a colossal leap in designing modern Bolt Actions.

Black Collar Arms is late in the development and prototyping stage in the creation of the Modern Bolt Action rifle. Fortunately, they’ve been pretty upfront with the development, being fairly public on both the MBA’s homepage and their various social media accounts. You can actually reserve one right now ahead of time if you’re interested in pre-ordering. But we will tackle that again here in a little bit.

Functional Featherweight Firearm

One of the more impressive features that have been shown off so far in the MBA’s development is how much the thing weighs. The MBA is currently a 6lb rifle that’s 2.72 kilograms for those across the pond. I specify currently because Black Collar Arms seems confident that’s not going to be the lightest the MBA will weigh in. Their motto straight from their homepage is “MBA trims the fat, so you’re ready when it counts.”

Modular & Modern Bolt Action Rifle

Like I mentioned earlier in the article, one of the focuses in the evolution of the bolt action rifle that Black Collar Arms was trying to achieve was modularity. Based on everything I’ve seen from them, they can’t help but illustrate how modular this gun is supposed to be. It’s even one of the first things to mention on the landing page for the MBA “AR configurability in a bolt gun.” The MBA’s upper & lower receivers are both a proprietary design, as well as the custom straight pull action and bolt carrier. Every other part or peripherals are all traditional AR parts that are much more readily available. “Right out of the gate, literally, thousands of MBA configuration options are waiting.” – Black Collar Arms.

According to their website, the MBA runs AR-15 triggers, AR-10 magazines, AR-15 grips, Picatinny rail attachments on the rear rail, AR-15 magazine releases, and AR-15 safety assembly. It also has a fungible optic rail that allows you to switch between DPMS High and DPMS Low AR-10 Handguards. Supposedly they have more optic mount accessories in the works for the future. 

The rifle also runs AR-10 Barrels, specifically a DPMS AR-10 barrel. So you have plenty of options to choose from if you decide to build one of these bolt guns out. Keep in mind that if you’re buying barrels, it doesn’t need a gas port since it’s a straight bolt. So if you’re going custom, make sure you ask nicely, or you’re buying built that you block the port! Finally, the rifle also uses AR-10 Bolt Heads and cam pins.

Build-a-bolt-action!

According to Black Collar Arms, the process to build an MBA is going to be easier than making a more traditional AR. This is because the MBA kit comes with all the necessary parts, and the rest is a choose your own adventure with the information they’ve given you. Indeed, a ballistic nerds fantasy. So, hopefully, you’ve been keeping all those extra triggers, stocks, and assorted knobs; it’s time to build your precision lego gun.

Premade Precision & Constancy

Black Collar Arms will also be doing complete MBAs. They’re coming out of the shop with barrel extension paired with a match-grade barrel and a bolt head to compliment. This is all using their own straight-pull mechanism like we previously discussed. Based on what I’ve read, the point is being driven home that this isn’t just a match gun; It’s specifically mentioned that “MBA is at home on the hunt, the range, and the mission. Whether that means you’re in a blind, on a mountain, or overseas, your rifle’s reliability is paramount.” They want to ensure precision, reliability, and repeatability are a cinch.

The Gist From The Gunsmiths on the MBA

Here’s an excerpt of what Black Collar Arm’s had to say about the MBA and why they think its features set it apart. 

“Straight Pull: significantly faster and smoother than a traditional, turn-bolt firearm, the linear motion of a straight pull also keeps you dead on target. Eliminating the sideways rotational force required to unlock and lock a turn bolt means no fighting your gun to keep it level. No unnecessary hand movement, no unnecessary gun movement. Just fast, smooth precision.

Two-Piece Receiver System: bedding blocks and recoil lugs integral to upper and lower ensures rock-solid, flawless repeatability. Easily swappable upper assembly allows for rapid caliber changes with a sighted-in optic.

Purpose-Built Action: MBA is not a manually-operated AR-10. We have engineered an entirely new operating system that provides powerful primary extraction and in-battery locking mechanisms with an ideally-placed bolt handle for the fastest possible cycling.”

It seems that Black Collar Arms is just getting started; hopefully, they genuinely do push the envelope; a little competition never hurt anyone. They’re already discussing making more versions of the MBA, licensed variants to different manufacturers, new calibers and conversions, and accessory mounting systems. Hopefully, they don’t bite off more than they can chew; the only way to eat an elephant is one bite at a time.

Reserving MBA Rifles

So if this project has piqued your interest at all, they’re doing pre-orders now. In fact, they’re doing MBAs with limited serial numbers and special bags. Apparently, founders also get behind-the-scenes access in the creation process, including: “update emails, behind-the-scenes photos, insider information, and access to a reservation concierge.”

The MBA – Modern Bolt Action is supposed to ship later this year, the reservation price is $250, and the final price will vary depending on what options you pick. According to Black Collar Arms, the complete rifles will run you an estimated $2,500. If you’re interested, check out more at www.blackcollararms.com/mba-development/

SOUSA Optics recently announced the latest optic for discrete carry, the DARC Micro Pistol Dot. The new DARC Micro pistol dot reportedly offers superb magnification without the obvious bulk.

SOUSA Optics, known as American designers and manufacturers of precision aiming devices and firearm accessories, brings the new DARC to market. DARC, short for Discrete Advanced Reflex Concealment combines precision and durability without the bulk of traditional red dots.

SOUSA says that the DARC Micro Pistol Dot’s compact design can handle the abuse of being mounted to any pistol while maintaining a consistent point of impact. They say that the DARC is ideal for a single stack and concealed carry pistols, and should do well in competition shooting, self-defense, and all other aiming needs.

The 1x magnification, scratch-resistant, hydrophobic coated glass lens on the DARC features an Advanced LED Technol lighting system with a 3 MOA dot for precise aiming. The micro pistol dot automatically adjusts to the surrounding light levels and has a manual override for individual preferences, with ten brightness settings to choose from. The DARC is night vision compatible with two night vision settings.

The DARC has an always-on battery life of between two and three years with average use and four years in dark storage. The DARC runs on a CR2032 battery and has a 12-hour auto-shutoff built-in for the night vision settings.

DARC Micro Pistol Dot Specs

• Glass Lens w/ NV compatible hard coating, anti-reflection, and hydrophobic properties
• Strong aluminum housing w/ matte black finish
• 12-hour auto shut off
• 10 brightness settings
• 2 night vision settings
• Automatic brightness w/ manual override
• Fits factory micro pistol cut mounts and a wide range of 3rd party mounts
• Includes 2 sets of screws to fit Sig® P365 and Glock®
• ASW (Absolute Satisfaction Warranty) Guarantee

The body of the DARC Micro Pistol Dot is matte black made from lightweight aluminum. Thanks to the aluminum housing, it weighs just a hair over 19 ounces with the battery installed. The small footprint means that the DARC is 1.6 inches long and just under an inch tall and wide.

The small size of the DARC Micro Pistol Dot means that installation is a breeze, and it fits directly in the factory slide cuts for the Springfield Hellcat, Sig P365, and Glock 43/48 MOS with no adapter plate needed, thus adding to the low profile of the optic. Additionally, the low mounting helps with co-witnessing with the stock iron sights. Not only that, but the DARC is compatible with a variety of third-party mounts for other applications.

The DARC Micro Pistol Dot has an MSRP of $209.99.

Sig Sauer recently announced their latest micro red dot optic, the new ROMEOZero Elite. This ultra-compact reflex sight is reportedly the world’s most advanced lightweight polymer optic, designed for durability and performance.

The new ROMEOZero Elite shares the same size and mounting footprint as the rest of the ROMEOZero micro red dot but has some new premium features. The first prime feature is the proprietary carbon-infused weapons-grade ultralight polymer housing with the shared footprint from the ROMEOZero, Shield, and RMSc.

The upgraded body helps provide increased shock and drop protection to the unit. The ROMEOZero Elite also comes with a hardened steel protective shroud adding to the overall durability.

The glass has also been upgraded. The ROMEOZero Elite comes standard with a scratch-resistant glass aspherical lens for clarity and a distortion-free sight picture and is parallax-free.  Additionally, it features a brand-new circle-dot reticle for an even faster, more instinctive acquisition of the target, or a 3MOA red dot with two different models to choose from.

Product Specifications:

• SKU: SORO1000/SORO1030
• Color: Black/Black
• Adjustment Increments: .25 MOA
• Battery: CR1632
• Reticle: 2MOA dot, 32MOA circle/3MOA dot
• Overall Length: 1.6 in (41 mm)
• Overall Width: 1 in (26 mm)
• Height: 0.98 in (25 mm)
• Weight: 0.5 oz (14.2 g)

Built into the sight is the new TAP (Touch-Activated Programming) technology from Sig that allows the user the ability to change the brightness and reticle options with just a tap on the optic itself. The Circle/dot emitter has eight different daylight brightness settings to choose from, all just a tap away. The highly efficient, point source LED emitted allows for a crisp dot that is said to be 8 times more efficient than conventional red dots.

The ROMEOZero Elite has a built-in MOTAC (Motion Activated Illumination System) that powers up the optic when it senses motion and then powers it down when it’s idle. Thanks to this, the ultra-compact red dot boasts a staggering 10-year battery life running on a CR1632 battery, something that is nearly unrivaled in a micro reflex sight, according to Sig.

All of the rear surfaces of the ROMEOZero Elite housing have anti-reflection grooves molded in, including the backup rear sight notch which is market with Grade A Swiss SuperLuminova pigment for visibility in dark environments.

The new ROMEOZero Elite is compatible with all Sig Sauer P365 optics-ready pistols and comes with custom mounting screws for compatibility with pistols like the Springfield Hellcat OSP or Glock 43X MOS.

As with all the ROMEOZero optic line, the ROMEOZero Elite is fully assembled in the US at their facility in Oregon and has a five-year warranty. MSRP for the new Elite model is $259 for the circle/dot model and $229 for the red dot model.

Uberti recently announced the newest addition to their extensive firearm lineup, the 9mm models of their El Patron and Cattleman Brass revolvers. Uberti, known as one of the world’s leading manufacturers of classical, single-action revolvers, western heritage black powder revolvers, and cartridge revolvers is excited to add the 9mm chambering to these single-action revolvers.

Available in March of 2022, the select El Patron and Cattleman Brass revolvers will come chambered in 9mm as well. The headspace of the revolvers at the cartridge mouth without the need for moon clips, allowing cartridges to be loaded individually into the cylinder and ejected in the regular way.

These 9mm models provide an expanded range opportunity to many single-action revolver fans with another cartridge option. With 9mm ammunition being more readily available, and at lower costs generally, the user will find it easier to spend more time shooting these revolvers without spending too much money on typical revolver caliber ammunition.

Each Uberti revolver is hand-fitted and adjusted from the factory to ensure precision performance right out of the box. These Old West replicas come with a 5-year warranty and are serviced by factory-trained Uberti gunsmiths in the USA.

1873 El Patron 9mm revolver uses the Old West SSA profile in this modern revolver. It comes with checkered walnut grips and has a case-hardened frame with a 5.5-inch blued barrel. The fast and reliable El Patron, or The Boss, includes the numbered cylinder and EasySights standard.

The 1873 Cattleman Brass 9mm revolver is a replica that set the standard for style and performance in the modern-era single-action revolver. The 1873 Cattleman Brass blends a sleek walnut grip with a case-hardened frame and a blued steel barrel. Additionally, it has a blued steel cylinder with a brass backstrap and trigger guard. The added safety feature of the floating firing pin is new this year, all without sacrificing the outward appearance of the original revolver.

The 1873 Cattleman Brass Dual Cylinder comes with both 9mm and .357 Magnum cylinders. It has the same performance and features as the 1873 Cattleman Brass with the addition of the second cylinder option.

The Uberti line of replica revolvers has been said to set the standard by which Cowboy Action Shooting competitors and big game hunters judge other vintage firearms. The MSRP for these rifles are $729, $599, and $749 respectively.

Fresh out of SHOT Show 2022, Streamlight announced their newest Sidewinder flashlight, the Streamlight Sidewinder Stalk. This military helmet light system has a flexible stalk and is designed to minimize the number of illuminators or beacons the operator needs to carry.

The flexible stalk allows the beam to be aimed in any direction and allows for ultimate maneuverability for the user, all while being low-profile. The Sidewinder Stalk comes with white, multicolored and IR LED each with low, medium, high, and strobe modes in addition to the IR/IFF beacon.

Sidewinder Stalk Specifications

• High Lumens: 76
• Run Time on High: 5.6 hours
• Run Time on Low: 95.00 hours
• Beam Distance: 28 meters
• Max Candela: 12-200
• Battery Type: AA Alkaline, AA Lithium, CR123 Lithium
• Battery Quantity: 1
• Length: 5.51 inches (14.0 centimeters)
• Weight: 2.88 ounces (81.65 grams) – 3.2 ounces (90.72 grams)
• Color: Coyote

The Streamlight Sidewinder Stalk features a push-button power switch and a pull-to-turn rotary selector knob. The knob is designed to prevent accidental mode changes and allows for the selection of LED colors. The powers on at low output and progresses to high intensity in three discrete steps. The IFF (Identification, Friend or Foe) strobe is activated by a three-position switch with a center “Off” position and two “On” positions.

The Streamlight Sidewinder Stalk comes with one CR123 lithium battery and an AA alkaline battery but can accept an AA lithium battery for power in extreme temperature conditions. The Stalk doesn’t need to be removed from the mounting position for the batteries to be changed.

With an impressive 76 lumen 28-meter beam on the White high mode for the CR123 battery and a run time of 5.6 hours, it should last for most user applications. The AA battery supplies a 57 lumen 23-meter beam and a run time of 6 hours (lithium) or 3.8 (alkaline) also on the White high setting.

The Sidewinder Stalk can be configured to mount on to any type of combat, vehicle crew or aviation helmet system, and/or MOLLE platforms, or directly on to a brim of a hat. The durable belt or clothing clip also includes an integral helmet mount, or the user can opt for an ARC Rail Clip, or even the hook and loop adapter plate for mounting versatility.

The Stalk is IP67 rated meaning it is dust-tight and waterproof to 1 meter for 30 minutes and meets MIL-STD-810H, Method 512.6 Immersion. The O-Ring and gasket sealed openings keep things tight and in working order. It also boasts a 3-meter impact resistance and comes from the factory with a one-year warranty.

Going to SHOT is a lot like getting lost, and sometimes getting lost reveals the hidden gems. It’s happened several times this show, and one of the bigger surprises to me is that Nightstick is throwing its hat into the realm of pump-action shotgun lights with the Nightstick SFL. SFL stands for Shotgun Forend Light.

Nightstick’s got stiff competition from Streamlight and Surefire but might have some real promise to it. Nightstick plans to manufacture four different models of the light for two different shotguns. Predictably they are tackling the Remington and Mossberg shotguns, the 870, 500, and 590 series specifically.

The SFL Lights and Lasers

The SFL will come with just a light or a light or laser. Nightstick’s chosen a green laser backed by 1,200 lumens of light. That 1,200 lumens are backed by 10,315 candela. It seems to be brighter than most dedicated shotgun lights with similar candela. The bright green laser sits in the middle of the beam and can be easily seen. The laser-equipped SFL models have the option to switch between light and laser simultaneously, laser only, and light only.

I really like the design and shape of the SLF. It doesn’t have a weird shelf that can punish your hand with recoil every time you pull the trigger. It’s a mix of hard polymer with a softer, more grippy material. You can dig into it for proper recoil mitigation without issue.

The control is ambidextrous and takes the form of a big ass button. It provides great feedback and is easy to activate. Holding both buttons for five seconds activates a lockout mode for transport purposes.

Getting Hands-On

Nightstick looks to start shipping the SFL in March. With the supply chain issues we’ve been having, they couldn’t launch any sooner. Nightstick has impressed me in the past, and I hope to get hands-on with an SFL as soon as possible.

Lots of new products are released every year at SHOT Show, many of which require a closer look.  One such thing is the Greyman Line of accessories from Timber Creek Outdoors. This battle-ready line of AR-15 accessories has six new products to cover your needs.

The new Greyman Line from Timber Creek Outdoors includes a 15” handguard, charging handle, dust cover, ambidextrous safety selectors, quick detach endplate, and oversized takedown pins. The parts will be sold as separate pieces or can be purchased in a 12-piece build kit that also has a buffer tube, forward assist, low profile gas block, trigger guard, mag release, and muzzle brake.

“Timber Creek has become known for bright colors and cool cutouts on our AR accessories,” commented Timber Creek Outdoors CEO Tyler Tiller, “But our entire goal with the Greyman line was to offer a more tactical, battle-ready line of products. From the colors to the function, the entire Greyman line accomplishes just that.”

An aggressive patent-pending machined texturing on the parts not only gives them a unique look but also provides them with a tactile surface for efficient engagement.

Greyman 15” Handguard

The Greyman 15” Handguard is a replacement that is rugged-built of the most mil-spec handguards on modern sporting rifles, according to Timber Creek Outdoors. With an all-new barrel nut, the handguard is machined from 7075 aluminum and the mounting system creates zero shift in point of impact when shooting supported.

The new handguard does require the use of the low-profile gas block. If the 15” isn’t your cup of tea, don’t worry. Other lengths of handguards are already in development for the Greyman Line.

Greyman Ambidextrous Charging Handle

The new Greyman Ambidextrous Charging Handle is a tactical drop-in replacement for mil-spec charging handles that is also low-profile. The handle is CNC machined out of aircraft-grade billet aluminum and boasts the patent-pending machined texturing on the handles that allow for easy engagement while the shooter is wearing gloves.

It features a patented Roller Bering Technology which means that the handle smoothly and effortlessly unlatches when manipulated from either side of the weapon, regardless of hand dominance.

The Greyman line is available in five colors including four custom Cerakote finishes of Forest, Desert, Stealth, and Urban, as well as type III Hardcoat black anodize.

One of the more exciting new products we got to see at SHOT Show 2022 was a new Dynamic Pistol Rest from Accurate Pistol Systems (APS). You may have seen the USA 1 Shot before, but this version, the USA 1Shot GS, is the first universal fit.

Background

Back in 2016, one of my local industry buddies told me that there was a new product out that would allow you to shoot a pistol with a stock without going through the NFA (National Firearms Act) process of paperwork, fingerprints, photographs and the $200 tax stamp. As always I’m a bit skeptical of such claims. Within a few months I was introduced to the designer and saw for myself what he had unveiled.

The original version was almost like a work of art in its construction. The price was on the high side to reflect the workings of a one-man operation running a start-up business and the original intent was the military and police markets.

The concept is simple, You have a grip which overlays that of your pistol, and attached to it is a stock or a brace. Because it does not attach to the pistol, itself, it is not considered to be a stock or any other regulated item for that matter.

USA 1Shot GS

I have been lucky enough to watch the product evolve over the years. Picatinny rails were on some versions to allow the mounting of a red dot sight. Some versions could hold a smartphone or tablet and paired up with a fiber optic cable to capture a shooting similar to a body cam. The original fixed version was quickly replaced by models with a telescopic tube. The design has become lighter, more streamlined, and more portable.

This latest version, the USA 1 Shot GS, uses a blade-type brace. The ATF has not issued a ruling on the legality of the dynamic pistol rest, instead saying that “the agency does not regulate accessories” and since it never attaches to the handgun outside of grip pressure, the accessory cannot be considered a firearm part. It does not hurt to be cautious.

The first significant change to this version is that it is a universal fit as opposed to being made for specific firearm models. I’ve tried it with Glocks, Sigs, Smith & Wesson M&Ps, and HKs and while some fit a little better than others, it does seem universal.

Secondly, there is an optional attachment that resembles a miniaturized trailer hitch in the blade body. This mounting stud can be locked in another product called the X-holster. Its inspiration comes from behind the scenes in Hollywood as a secure holster for carrying expensive lenses on set. Weighing a few ounces, it can clip to a garment, belt, MOLLE, etc. and the stud fits inside the slot. A quick-release button frees it when you need it in seconds but for carrying around the USA 1 Shot it’s effective and sturdy. Retail on this holster is about $100.

I definitely plan a more in-depth review to see the capabilities of the latest iteration in the coming weeks.

MSRP on the new USA ! Shot GS is $199.99.

For more information see https://usa1shot.com

Going to SHOT is a lot like getting lost, and sometimes getting lost reveals the hidden gems. It’s happened several times this show, and one of the bigger surprises to me is that Nightstick is throwing its hat into the realm of pump-action shotgun lights with the Nightstick SFL. SFL stands for Shotgun Forend Light.

Nightstick’s got stiff competition from Streamlight and Surefire but might have some real promise to it. Nightstick plans to manufacture four different models of the light for two different shotguns. Predictably they are tackling the Remington and Mossberg shotguns, the 870, 500, and 590 series specifically.

The SFL Lights and Lasers

The SFL will come with just a light or a light or laser. Nightstick’s chosen a green laser backed by 1,200 lumens of light. That 1,200 lumens are backed by 10,315 candela. It seems to be brighter than most dedicated shotgun lights with similar candela. The bright green laser sits in the middle of the beam and can be easily seen. The laser-equipped SFL models have the option to switch between light and laser simultaneously, laser only, and light only.

I really like the design and shape of the SLF. It doesn’t have a weird shelf that can punish your hand with recoil every time you pull the trigger. It’s a mix of hard polymer with a softer, more grippy material. You can dig into it for proper recoil mitigation without issue.

The control is ambidextrous and takes the form of a big ass button. It provides great feedback and is easy to activate. Holding both buttons for five seconds activates a lockout mode for transport purposes.

Getting Hands-On

Nightstick looks to start shipping the SFL in March. With the supply chain issues we’ve been having, they couldn’t launch any sooner. Nightstick has impressed me in the past, and I hope to get hands-on with an SFL as soon as possible.

Yeah, she’s thicc. By she, I mean the Desert Tech Quadmag-53 magazine and the Quattro-15 AR lower receiver. Desert Tech introduced this new lower receiver and magazine combination at SHOT Show 2022. They took a traditional AR mag and turned it into a quad stack magazine. Quad magazines have been done before, but not like this.

This magazine is a quad stack from the ground up.

Quattro-15 – Don’t Be Afraid of Thiccness

The Quadmag-53 doesn’t taper up into a single stack magazine. It’s a quad stack from the ground up, and that ensures it’s short, at least relatively short. It packs 53 rounds in a space that’s shorter than a normal P-MAG. To accommodate the Quadmag-53, Desert Tech opened up the magazine well of the Quattro-15.

At I first I had some doubts. A proprietary lower receiver? Ugh, that’s a tough sell. However, Desert Tech includes a magazine adapter to allow the user to shoot normal AR magazines as well. The main benefit of the Quadmag-53 is more rounds with fewer magazines. You can carry a standard military loadout with four magazines instead of seven. According to Desert Tech, this results in an 8% lighter loadout.

Plus, I’m a big fan of more ammo on than less, though. The receiver looks nice, and it has big features and nice ambi controls. The big problem is that the receiver will cost $299 stripped, and the mags will cost $74.99 each. That’s a tough sell in a world where P-MAGs cost less than 20 bucks. Also, I asked about 300 Blackout and these magazines and got a resounding no on that answer. Stick to the .223 and 5.56 options.

Still, the Quattro-15 and Quadmag-53 are elegant solutions to a complicated problem. Quad stack magazines have historically had their problems, but maybe Desert Tech has figured it out?

Learn more in the…

Desert Tech Quattro-15 Video