After nearly a decade since its initial introduction into the firearms marketplace, production on Arsenal’s SLR-106 series has officially ended. The SLR-106 rifle and pistol series was Arsenal’s answer to the 5.56 caliber as the company looked to compete in that arena. The major selling point of the line was its chrome-lined and hammer-forged barrel. The current stock of SLR-106 5.56 caliber rifles and pistols will continue to be sold until supply runs out. Arsenal’s availability list is displayed in the nearby photo. Additional SLR-106 products can be found by checking with Arsenal’s distributors and various dealers.
Beretta Turns Down WV Move
U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin’s role in the gun control debate has prompted firearms maker Beretta USA to turn down offers from officials and groups in West Virginia that it relocate to the state, a company executive said. Jeffrey Reh, general counsel and vice-general manager, cited comments from the West Virginia Democrat targeting high-capacity ammunition magazines. “That really caused us some consternation and concern,” Reh said. “We’ve decided not to consider West Virginia as a site for future expansion.” Beretta, currently based in Accokeek, Maryland, has said in company statements that it is seeking to leave the state because of new restrictive gun laws that make many of Beretta’s products illegal to possess in Maryland.
Kahr to Move HQ from NY
The Kahr Firearms Group plans to move its corporate offices, currently located in Rockland County in Pearl River, New York, Blooming Grove Township of Pike County, Pennsylvania. The company is already in talks with the Pike County Industrial Park Development Group/Business Development Corporation about purchasing 620 acres of commercial real estate for a new manufacturing site and corporate office, the company said. The first step in the multi-phase plan will begin with site preparation and office construction as early as late this year. This will be followed by the relocation of company corporate offices and the research and development department.
In the second phase, manufacturing operations will be expanded to the Pike County location to meet the increasing demand for its Kahr Arms, Thompson, Auto-Ordnance, and Magnum Research product lines.
The Kahr Group of manufacturing plants will continue production in their current locations in Worcester, MA and Pillager, MN. Kahr said the move was its response to the recently passed SAFE gun act in New York.
‘Triple Nickel’: Specialized Colt Ammunition from Black Hills Colt’s Manufacturing Company LLC has teamed up with Black Hills Ammunition to sell Colt-branded ammunition that is specifically tuned for Colt tactical and competition rifles.
“We are thrilled to offer Colt customers ammunition that matches the high quality of Colt rifles,” said Joyce Rubino, vice president of marketing for Colt’s Manufacturing. “The bar was set very high in the development and manufacturing process with Black Hills, and it shows in the performance of the ammunition.” During the development process, this line of ammo was ballistically tested in Colt rifles with a requirement of consistent five-shot MOA groups at 500 yards (5-shot groups of 5 inches or less at 500 yards). This performance benchmark has been dubbed the “Triple Nickel.”
“We’re very proud of the ‘Triple Nickel’ requirement of this ammunition,” said Rubino. “Our goal with Black Hills was to bring to market a superior line of ammunition for sport shooters to use in Colt rifles, and we feel we have achieved this through the partnership with Black Hills.”
The initial offerings from Colt and Black Hills Ammunition will include 55-grain and 77-grain match bullets from Sierra Bullet Company, and are designed for rifles chambered for 5.56×45 NATO.
The Colt-Black Hills ammo will be available through Midway USA.
Winchester Announces Return of Model 1873
Winchester Repeating Arms has announced it will re-issue the Model 1873 lever-action rifle in 2013. The Model 73 is often described as “The Gun that Won the West.”
The genuine Winchester Repeating Arms Model 73 has an oil-finished walnut stock, classic blued steel crescent buttplate, and 20-inch round barrel, just like the original. Other features include a full-length magazine tube, semi-buckhorn rear sight with Marble Arms gold bead front sight, a steel loading gate, and its receiver rear tang is drilled and tapped for a tang-mounted rear sight.
The Model 1873 will be offered in a 357 Magnum/38 Special chambering. MSRP: $1300.
Magpul PMAG 40 Shipping
Magpul has announced that its next-generation PMAG 40 GEN M3, a 40-round 5.56×45 NATO (.223 Remington) polymer magazine for AR15/M4 compatible weapons, is shipping to dealers and distributors. With the same compatibility as the 30-round GEN M3, the PMAG 40 provides 10 more rounds of capacity before requiring a reload and it’s just 2.1 inches longer than the 30-round version.
Modified internal and external geometry also permits operation with a wide range of non Colt-spec platforms such as the HK 416 and MR556A1, M27 IAR, British SA-80, FN SCAR MK 16/16S, and others. A redesigned bolt catch notch in the rear of the magazine provides increased bolt catch clearance, while an over-travel stop on the spine helps ensure the magazine will not over-insert on compatible weapons.
Similar to the MOE PMAG, the GEN M3 features a long-life stainless steel spring, four-way anti-tilt follower and constant-curve internal geometry for reliable feeding, and simple tool-less disassembly to ease cleaning. In addition, an included pop-off Impact/Dust Cover can be used to minimize debris intrusion and protect against potential damage during storage and transit.
Low profile ribs and new aggressive front and rear texture gives positive control of the GEN M3 in all environments, and a paint pen dot matrix has been added to the bottom panel of the body to allow easy marking by the end user for identification. The new, easy to disassemble flared floorplate aids extraction and handling of the magazine while providing improved drop protection, but is slightly slimmer than before for better compatibility with tight double and triple magazine pouches.
ATK’s Savage Buy Is Complete
ATK has completed the acquisition of Caliber Company, the parent company of Savage Sports Corporation. Savage is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of hunting rifles and shotguns, delivering innovative products for more than 100 years.
“Savage has an outstanding reputation in the hunting and shooting sports industry, and we are pleased we can now include Savage as one of ATK’s highly recognized sporting brands,” said Mark DeYoung, ATK President and CEO. “ATK is committed to delivering affordable innovation to its customers, and this acquisition offers a great opportunity to expand our world leadership in sporting and security ammunition and accessories into the long guns market.” Savage’s revenues for the trailing twelve months ended March 31, 2013, were approximately $200 million (unaudited). ATK financed the acquisition with cash on hand and funds available under its existing credit facility.
Operating under the brand names of Savage Arms, Stevens, and Savage Range Systems, the company designs, manufactures and markets centerfire and rimfire rifles, shotguns and shooting range systems used for hunting as well as competitive and recreational target shooting. The company was organized in 1894 by Arthur Savage and has expanded into market-leading positions. Savage is located in Westfield, Mass. and Lakefield, Ontario, and the workforce includes approximately 600 employees. ATK did not acquire Savage’s BowTech Archery brand.— Compiled by Gun Tests staff. GT
