Two new exclusives from Smith & Wesson

Smith & Wesson has put together a couple of new exclusives for Talo and United Sporting Companies for carrying concealed with class, a two-tone Model 642 with wooden-inset grip and a fancy engraved Bodyguard, respectively. Both guns blend classic styles with modern function.

The Talo 642 Airweight is based on one of Smith’s most popular revolvers for concealed-carry. It’s built on an alloy frame and chambered for .38 Special +P. A Performance Center revolver, this handgun has been worked over at the factory for a polished and chrome-plated double-action trigger that’s tuned for concealed-carry.

It’s a five-shot J-frame revolver with a polymer grip with hardwood inserts that offers the reduced recoil of a synthetic grip along with the classic looks of a traditional wood grip. The frame has a satin finish on the stainless steel cylinder and aluminum frame for a nice three-tone look.

The rest of the specs are pretty familiar for anyone considering an Airweight. It has a 1.875-inch barrel and an overall length of just over 6.3 inches. It weighs 15 ounces unloaded, which is light enough to carry in a pocket or an ankle holster but still has enough mass to deal with the hottest .38 SPL loads. It sports integral sights front and rear and the double-action-only hammer is concealed for a snag-free draw.

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PTR introduces second South Carolina Commemorative Rifle

The PTR-32 is a modified version of the company’s popular rifle design, based on the proven and worldly G3 design. The PTR-32’s claim to fame is its cartridge and magwell — it’s chambered for 7.62x39mm and feeds from common AK-pattern magazines.

The second-edition South Carolina Commemorative Rifle comes with a unique engraved handguard that reads “We The People” on the right side and “Shall Not Be Infringed!” on the left, painted gold. The rifle celebrates PTR’s relocation out of Connecticut to South Carolina, making a statement for gun rights in their home state and nationally.

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Mega and Hodge team up on new Wedge Lock handguards

Mega Arms and Hodge Defense Systems have teamed up on a slick set of handguards for AR-15-style rifles. Called the Wedge Lock system, these handguards look straightforward at first but open up to reveal a lot of clever elements that make them stand out in a very crowded aftermarket.

One of the obvious leading-edge features is the use of M-Lok slots for accessories. Wedge Lock handguards use the new negative mounting standard that shaves weight and provides a smooth, hand-friendly surface in place of Picatinny rails. The team is leading with M-Lok and will follow with KeyMod, the other new modular mounting system.

Mega is launching with five models measuring in at 7, 9, 12, 14 and 16 inches in length. Unlike most handguards which are machined from 6061-series aluminum alloy, these handguards are cut from 7075-T6 aluminum, which is considerably stronger. The proprietary barrel nut is titanium, for its lighter weight and good thermal conductivity.

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SIG P320 Subcompact X-Change kits are here and more

A lot of P320 owners were early adopters — the gun was an instant hit. Launched in Full Size and shortly after that in Compact many P320 owners have been waiting a long time for the Subcompact conversion kits for concealed-carry. SIG is leading with the 9mm model with a standard 12+1 capacity. With a grip extension the Subcompact can us 15-round Compact mags.

While the Compact is small enough for some people to carry, the Subcompact has a wider appeal in the concealed-carry market. The conversion kit finally allows owners of larger models to move their Fire Control Groups to a Subcompact assembly — without having to buy a complete firearm. Compact 9mm conversion kits are available as well, for Full Size owners (and people who waited for the Subcompact launch).

Priced at $399 they’re a bit steep, although with SIG discount codes for 20 percent off when you register a SIG firearm warranty the can bring the sticker down to about $320 which is a lot more wallet-friendly. And with conversion kits available through the SIG store that means retail availability isn’t far off.

On top of the conversion kits SIG also has various grip modules back in stock. P320s can be modified with small, medium or large grip units to better accommodate individuals’ hand sizes. Additionally olive drab and flat dark earth grip shells are trickling in, first for the middle-size P320 Compact. We also know that grey grips are in the pipe. Grips run $46, on par with a lot of retail outlets.

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6.5 Grendel is back at MGI Industries

MGI Industries is bringing back 6.5mm Grendel parts for Hydra rifles. MGI’s Hydra rifle system features interchangeable barrel assemblies that let shooters swap calibers and cartridges in seconds.

The 6.5 Grendel cartridge is considered one of the most flexible rounds available to AR-15-style rifles. Offering more energy than common 5.56 NATO and .223 Remington loads at all ranges, from point-blank out to extremes, even beyond 1,000 yards, 6.5 Grendel is used for precision and tactical shooting, hunting and other sports in addition to self-defense.

Based on the Russian 7.62x39mm cartridge, 6.5 Grendel has a lot of case volume to work with, which is what gives it legs, in addition to the impressive 6.5mm projectile ballistics.

The Hydra platform’s claim to fame is its interchangeability but for a spell MGI just didn’t have 6.5 Grendel components in stock. Thankfully, the dry spell is over with a full spread of 6.5mm parts from conversion kits to complete rifles and assembled upper receivers.

The Hydra system isn’t a novelty. It’s a clever way to turn one rifle into many, with the option of shooting a huge range of AR-compatible cartridges, from .22 Long Rifle to .50 Beowulf. The conversion system is rugged and simple, and doesn’t require any tools.

It does command a price premium, though. At a time when ARs are cheaper than ever the price may seem a bit steep. Hydra lowers also feature a modular magazine well that can be adapted to AR, Colt and AK mags. The 6.5 Grendel kits run $699 with AK-magazine bolt carriers and magwells optional extras and come standard with AR-pattern magwells.

The complete rifles run $1,400 which gets you a carbine built on 7075 receivers with a MIL-SPEC anodized finish with a 16-inch phosphated barrel and standard A2-style furniture and the Hydra custom flash hider. The modular handguard retention system is railed for use with optics and accessories.

Like all Hydra rifles, the 6.5 Grendel model can be converted to all the MGI-supported calibers, including 5.56 NATO/.223 Remington, 300 AAC Blackout, 7.62x39mm and 9mm Luger, in addition to the others. Complete rifles ship with a foam-line hard case and one standard-capacity magazine where available.

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Court ruling to reconsider Kalashnikov trademark dispute appealed

A firm established by the designer of the iconic AK-47 rifle filed an appeal with the Russian Supreme Court challenging a lower court’s decision to reconsider a lawsuit filed by gun maker Kalashnikov Concern, the Russian Legal Information Agency reported this week.

Kalashnikov Concern sued for early termination of legal protection of a trademark owned by the firm, M.T. Kalashnikov. The firm registered the trademark in 2004 and extended it in 2012 through 2022, according to the news report. However, a Russian court ruled in favor of the designer’s family in 2014.

The news service reported that Kalashnikov Concern wants the trademark rights because it manufactures weapons, including the iconic rifle. Whereas M.I. Kalashnikov uses the trademark, which includes an image of a Kalashnikov rifle and the name “AK-47,” for toys and games.

Mikhail Kalashnikov, the designer of the famous rifle who passed in 2013, established M.T. Kalashnikov in 1999 with his daughter and grandson, and it planned to focus on photography.

Kalashnikov Concern is an association of the largest companies in the Russian small arms industry.

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Quarter Circle 10 teasing upcoming side-charging Glock AR

Quarter Circle 10 is prepping the announcement of the next big advancement in pistol-caliber AR-style guns with a teaser shot of the upcoming side-charging upper receiver. Quarter Circle 10 is one of three primary manufacturers of AR-based pistols, rifles and short-barreled rifles that use everyday Glock-pattern magazines.

Details are sparse about the new upper and the price is not public at this time. We do know that it will work with all supported Glock calibers including 9mm Luger, .40 S&W, .357 SIG and .45 ACP. Quarter Circle 10 is working on 10mm Automatic parts as well. Quarter Circle 10 manufactures both bolt carrier groups and barrels, offering everything necessary in-house.

The side charging handle is non-reciprocating to allow all types of grips and stances. Side charging handles are more than a novelty, particularly with guns intended for use in tight quarters. The charging handle was designed so that users can lock the bolt back one-handed — it’s possible to reach the bolt catch with the same hand drawing back the bolt carrier.

Quarter Circle 10’s side-charger sports an integral “trap door” dust cover to prevent debris from entering the action when not in use. While it isn’t available today they do have a notification system that lets you register for email alerts about future availability.

The side-charger is shown here as a complete short-barreled rifle with a flat dark earth finish. This is just for display and there may be some changes between now and the official release. It’s also shown with Quarter Circle 10’s impending bolt-on KeyMod handguard. The stumpy rail is compatible with standard MIL-SPEC ARs but is clearly best-suited for pistols and short-barreled rifles.

Quarter Circle 10 is one of three emerging names in the Glock-compatible pistol-caliber AR sector along with Angstadt Arms and New Frontier Armory in addition to Lone Wolf Distributors which has been working on their Glock mag ARs for a few years.

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Raven Concealment taking pre-orders for XC1+holster combos

Raven Concealment Systems is taking pre-orders for the upcoming SureFire XC1 light bundled with their Phantom Modular Holster. The XC1 is SureFire’s newest streamlined weaponlight and the Phantom is Raven’s custom light-compatible Kydex holster that can be rigged for a handful of different carry styles.

Raven Concealment is taking pre-orders and will begin shipping light and holster combos as soon as the XC1 becomes available. The company will be pairing the lights with custom molded holsters for Glock 19, 23 and 32, Heckler & Koch VP9, SIG P229 pistols in 9mm Luger with rails and Smith & Wesson M&P Full Size pistols in 9mm and .40 S&W.

Those who pre-order will receive a special treat, more than 25 percent off the standard combo price of $410. The XC1 is expected to hit retail channels by late September when the combos will begin to ship. This looks like the fastest way to get a custom holster and XC1 pistol light at unbeatable price starting at as little as $299.

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