Smith & Wesson’s new bullpup-style pump-action shotgun is called the M&P12 and is designed for home protection. The M&P12 is chambered for 12 gauge 3-inch shells but accepts a combination of standard 2¾- and 3-inch magnum and mini-shell loads. The M&P12 also features completely ambidextrous controls, an M&P grip, Picatinny-style rail, and more. The MSRP on the new M&P12 shotgun is $1165.
Kyle Tengwall, vice president of marketing, said, “Smith & Wesson has a long, storied history of making handguns for self-defense, yet no conversation around personal protection can be complete without mentioning the 12-gauge shotgun. With the introduction of the new M&P12, Smith & Wesson is able to offer a personal protection product in a variety of categories: pistol, revolver, rifle, and shotgun. We’re excited to unveil the M&P12 — a new category introduction for Smith & Wesson, and a firearm that’s purpose-built for protection and a blast to shoot at the range.”
The M&P12 shotgun is built on a pump-action platform with two independent magazine tubes that feature load-assist buttons to simplify loading and unloading. Each tube can hold up to seven rounds of standard 2¾-inch shells or up to six rounds of 3-inch magnum shells. Mini-shells can also be utilized for maximum ammo adaptability. Magazine tubes are selected using a pushbutton selector, providing the operator with a visual cue of which magazine tube is feeding the barrel.
The new M&P grip with four interchangeable palmswell grip inserts customize fit for the user. The M&P12’s bullpup design makes for an overall length of 27.8 inches, as well as M-LOK slots on the barrel shroud to accessorize with lights, lasers, and other devices. The M&P12 shotgun ships with both Modified and Cylinder choke tubes, four palmswell grip inserts, a 15-inch cable lock, choke-tube wrench, and a hard plastic, foam-lined case.
Beretta USA Launches New 92X Performance Defensive Pistol
Beretta USA’s new 9mm 92X Performance Defensive pistols are designed for those shooters who participate in IDPA (International Defensive Pistol Association) competitions, sporting a lightened steel frame and slide, a red-dot-optic-ready slide, and aggressively textured 92X-style thin grips.
“Beretta USA is excited to present the new 92X Performance Defensive handguns, a line extension specifically designed for several IDPA competitions. The Defensive represents the state-of-the-art design for SA/DA pistols to compete in IDPA’s SSP, ESP, and CO divisions. The feature set speaks for itself as it introduces the most innovative characteristics for a competition gun,” said Nicola Lorenzi, Beretta’s pistol business development manager. The Stock Service Pistol (SSP), Enhanced Service Pistol (ESP), and Carry Optics (CO) divisions are the most-shot IDPA specialities.
The 92X Performance Defensive features a lightened steel frame and Brigadier slide adapted to meet the specific weight requirements for IDPA regulation firearms. This weight reduction includes the removal of the traditional Picatinny rail and additional slight modifications on the internal design of the slide and frame.
The red-dot-optic-ready 92X Performance Defensive features integral slide cuts to allow for the mounting of optional optic plate styles. Shipping with blanking covers, the end-user can purchase one of five different plates to mount all of the most popular optic variants on the market today.
The aggressively textured 92X-style thin grips are mated with front and backstrap checkering and saw-toothed front and rear slide serrations. The Xtreme-S Trigger System features a fully adjustable trigger that decreases trigger reset by up to 40%. The skeletonized hammer is combined with a competition standard hammer spring for faster lock times.
The J92XRD21 92X Performance Defensive pistol is a double- to single-action 9mm pistol with a 15-round magazine that lists for $1549. The similar J92XRD20 comes with a 10-round magazine.
Big Horn Armory 2021 Handloader Manual Rev. 2 Now Available
With ammunition shortages still prevailing and prices still at record highs, the Big Horn Armory 2021 Handloading Manual is a wealth of information for new and seasoned handloaders. Cody, Wyoming-based Big Horn Armory’s new Big Horn Armory 2021 Handloading Manual Rev. 2 is now available for download on the Big Horn Armory Blog site. The handloading manual is developed with Big Horn Armory’s technical support staff to ensure accurate load data for individuals who prefer to load their own big-bore cartridges.
Opening with general safety information, Big Horn Armory’s Manual is full of data on bullets, powders, primers, and casings. The format offers handloaders an assortment of manufacturers and products, all tested and verified by the team at Big Horn Armory. Data for building a variety of big-bore calibers include: 500 Smith & Wesson Magnum, 500 Auto Max, 500 Linebaugh, 460 Smith & Wesson Magnum, 454 Casull, and 475 Linebaugh.
“We know handloading your own cartridges is truly an art form, and we take reviewing the data and testing the various loads to ensure maximum performance and accuracy seriously,” said Greg Buchel, founder and owner of Big Horn Armory. “For those who love the thrill of a big-bore guns and big-game hunting, our blog offers lots of information on handloading the Big Horn Armory way.”
Introducing the Weatherby Orion 20 Gauges
Weatherby has added three 20-gauge shotguns to its Orion line of shotguns. The three 20-gauge variants are built on a smaller dedicated action and mirror the current line of 12-gauge offerings.
The field versions of the Orion can be had with 26-inch barrels and a matte finish on the metalwork and wood or with a 28-inch barrel length with gloss finishes. The Orion Sporting carries a 30-inch set of ported barrels, gloss finish to both wood and metal, as well as a four-way adjustable comb to enable shooters to fine-tune the fit of the shotgun.
With the newly-designed dedicated 20-gauge action, the 28-inch field version tips the scales at 6.2 pounds, while the Sporting model weights in 5 ounces heavier.
Equipped with auto ejectors, a mechanical trigger and a manual safety, the Orion has a selectable barrel system that allows the shooter to choose which barrel fires first. Fitted with Turkish walnut, field guns feature a Prince of Wales grip, while the Sporting model carries a standard pistol grip. Checkering is precision cut and 22 lines per inch. Orion shotguns are shipped with a set of interchangeable chokes (flush-mount on field guns and extended/knurled on the Sporting model). These factory chokes are rated for steel shot up to the Modified constriction.
“This Orion 20 gauge has been the single most requested shotgun customers have been asking for. We are excited with how well it feels and performs and we look forward to seeing people hitting the field with them this fall,” said Luke Thorkildsen, VP of sales, marketing, and product development.
Meprolight Introduces Mepro FT Bullseye Front Sight
The Mepro FT Bullseye Front Sight is based on a shooter’s training to focus on the front sight. Additionally, it benefits those who have an astigmatism or age-related eyesight issues. As soon as the dot is centered in the circle creating a bullseye, you’re on target.
Meprolight’s engineers combined tritium with fiber optics to create the FT Bullseye family. Meprolight reduced the length of the optic, added an optical lens, tritium, and a dot/circle reticle. No batteries are needed; the fiber-optics illuminate the reticle during the day and the tritium illuminates the reticle at night or in low-light conditions. The low height over bore single-sight profile allows you to use the holster of your choice without any adjustments.
The Mepro FT Bullseye family of sights withstand being dropped and are not affected by the heavy shock recoil of larger-caliber pistols. Models are available for Glock, Smith & Wesson, Springfield, IWI, Sig Sauer, H&K, and the CZ P-10.
Plano Rustrictor All Weather 2 Pistol Cases
The design of the Plano Rustrictor All Weather 2 (AW2) pistol cases incorporates the Rustrictor technology to create rust-blocking protection to protect valuable firearms. The construction contains an overmolded handle and includes the Dri-Loc seal for maximum protection. Made in the USA, the Plano Rustrictor AW2 Cases are all-weather and meet all flight travel regulations, with options to use padlocks on the outside for even more protection at home or while traveling. In addition to the new design and Rustrictor technology, the case is now available in larger sizes that can accommodate up to four handguns or give users the ability to store accessories alongside the firearm. The AW2 is crafted with an inlay of pluckable foam inserts to give each user a level of customization.
The All-Weather feature within the case means it is fitted with waterproof technology that stops moisture from entering the case, while the Dri-Loc seal and pressure-release valve work with the case to provide a protective environment for its contents. The Four-Pistol Case has interior dimensions of 18 inches by 10 inches by 5 inches and is a grey color with red latches. MSRP $120. The Two-Pistol Case measures 14 inches by 10 inches by 5 inches and has an MSRP $100. The Single-Pistol Case has interior dimensions of 10 inches by 8 inches by 4.25 inches and has an MSRP of $70.
XS Sights Introduces Henry Lever Rail and Ghost Ring Sets
Fort Worth, Texas–based XS Sights is now offering a Lever Rail and Ghost Ring sets for Henry 45-70 round-barrel rifles. Made of anodized aluminum, the XS Lever Rail is CNC machined for good fit. This Picatinny-style rail is lightweight, easy to install, and accommodates XS Ghost Ring sets or any optic from scout scopes to red dot sights. The XS Ghost Ring White Stripe (WS) sets provide an excellent field of view for hunters who prefer iron sights to optics.
“We’ve heard from many Henry owners who want to push their lever guns farther,” said Addison Monroe, marketing manager for XS Sights. “Our new Lever Rail and Ghost Ring sets will allow them to do that by delivering significantly faster target acquisition and offering a durable set that can withstand the abuse of the field.”
The new XS Lever Rail for Henry 45-70 with a round barrel (HN-6000R-N) sells for $71. The lightweight, anodized aluminum rail is machined to Picatinny specs and allows scope mounting directly over the receiver or forward for scout scopes or red-dot sights. Installation requires the removal of the factory rear sight. All screws torque to 20 inch-pounds. Over-torquing them can fracture or break screws in the mounts.
