Rock Island Armory has introduced the little brother of the VR80, the 20-gauge semi-auto magazine-fed VR82 shotgun. The VR82 features the a 7075 T6 aluminum structure with lightening cuts combined with an 18-inch barrel for lighter weight. The VR82’s attributes include ambi controls, flip up sights, a barrel shroud, and a forend that is compatible with most aftermarket accessories. The magazines have five-round capacities. The contoured barrel accepts Mobil chokes. The black-polymer thumbhole stock matches the color scheme of the black-anodized receiver.
Weight Empty: 7.5 pounds. Weight Loaded: 8.5 pounds. Overall Length: 38 inches. Overall Height: 7 inches. Overall Width: 2 inches. Barrel Length: 18 inches. MSRP, $729.
Benelli Adds 20-Gauge and 3-Inch 12-Gauge Shotguns to Super Black Eagle 3 Line
Benelli’s venerable Super Black Eagle 3 shotgun line now has 3-inch 12 gauges along with 3-inch 20-gauge shotguns that are a little lighter than the 3.5-inch models.
“For three decades, the Super Black Eagle platform has dominated the semi-auto waterfowl market as a 3.5-inch 12-gauge shotgun,” said Tim Joseph, VP of Brand Marketing for Benelli USA. “We’ve applied all of the Super Black Eagle 3 enhanced updates and ergonomics to 3-inch 20-gauge and 3-inch 12-gauge models for 2021. We know the 20-gauge in particular will be a welcome addition for hunters who want the feature sets of a SBE3 but prefer a lighter gauge, as well as for waterfowlers who are hunting areas that mandate the use of sub-gauge shotguns.”
The Benelli Super Black Eagle 3 uses an inertia-driven action, which is centered around an Easy-Locking Bolt System, an enhanced breech-closing system that eliminates the possibility for a shooter-induced stoppage when trying to softly close the bolt or when the shotgun is treated roughly in the blind. Also, the new SBE3 is designed for easier operation with gloved and/or cold hands with an oversized bolt handle, oversized bolt release, oversized safety, and redesigned magazine cap, along with an enlarged load port.
The Easy Fitting System of the SBE3 includes a shim kit that allows for up to eight different cast-and-drop configurations. The third generation ComforTech 3 stock and Combtech cheek pad stock and forend design make the shotgun easier to shoulder and swing on passing targets.
The new 3-inch SBE3 shotguns are available in Black synthetic, Realtree Max-5, Gore Optifade Timber and Mossy Oak Bottomland camo patterns in both the 12-gauge and 20-gauge chamberings.
Chambering: 2.75 and 3 inch. Barrel Lengths: 26 and 28 inches. Overall Length: 47.5 to 49.5 inches. Weight: 5.8 to 6.9 pounds. Sights: Fiber-optic red-bar front sight. Length of Pull: 14.4 inches. Drop at Heel: 2.1 inches. Drop at Comb: 1.5 inches. MSRP, $1699 to $1799.
Stoeger Expands Pistol Line with STR-9S Combat Pistol
Stoeger recently entered the striker-fired, semi-automatic pistol market with the introduction of the 9mm STR-9. The latest update to the pistol line features performance upgrades and features to create the STR-9S Combat pistol. The pistol combines high suppressor sights, threaded barrel, flared magwell, optics-ready slide, three backstaps and three magazines.
The STR-9S Combat features a corrosion-resistant black nitride finish, included interchangeable backstrap grips for a custom fit and 4.17-inch, threaded barrel to attach a suppressor. The pistol’s accessory rail accepts a variety of pistol lights and laser sights for low-light conditions. The reversible magazine release supports right- and left-handed shooting. The STR-9S Combat pistol has an overall length of 7.44 inches and weighs 1.6 pounds.
The striker-fired semi-auto STR-9S Combat’s grip angle is engineered to match the drift-adjustable, raised suppressor fiber-optic sights with a low-bore axis for reduced muzzle rise. Aggressive front and back slide serrations provide a firm grasp with or without gloves. The trigger houses an internal safety for extra security. The pistol also features four interchangeable plates for attaching some of the most popular after-market red-dot sights to the top of the slide. The STR-9S Combat is available with a 20-round magazine or a 10-round magazine for states with capacity regulations.
Barrel Length: 4.17 inches. Grip: Three interchangeable backstraps. Safety: Trigger safety. Sights: Raised fiber optic. Metal Finish: Black Nitride. Capacity: 20+1, 10+1. Warranty: 5 years. MSRP, $549.
Kinetic Concealment Offering Holsters for Ruger-57
Hybrid-holster maker Kinetic Concealment is offering holsters to fit the popular Ruger-57 centerfire pistol, which we gave an A grade in the October 2020 issue. The Ruger-57 is a semi-automatic chambered in 5.7x28mm and available with 20+1 capacity or state-compliant 10+1 capacity.
Kinetic Concealment’s Kydex shell hybrid holsters for the Ruger-57 handgun include the original Hybrid IWB holster, KC Baby appendix carry holster, or OWB holster for a carryable self-defense package.
The original Hybrid IWB holster and KC Baby appendix carry holster feature the patented neoprene-backed leather and Kydex combination. They use Chicago Style flat-head screws so that the cants can be easily adjusted and the Kydex shell can be tightened back down after continued use. Kinetic Concealment’s OWB holster is made with a Kydex shell mounted to a cowhide leather backing. These holsters will fit most any gun belt 2 inches thick or thinner.
ArachniGRIP Offers Slide Grips for Glock 44
ArachniGRIP, which makes adhesive slide grips, is now offering a Slide Spider grip for the Glock 44. The Slide Spider grip is designed to increase safety and control by adding extra grip to the slide serrations, thereby making it easier to operate the polymer and steel hybrid slide. We tested the rimfire Glock in the December 2020 issue.
The G44 feels very much like the venerable G19 on a severe weight-loss program. The newer Glock is fun to shoot, and because of lower recoil, is an ideal candidate to be used in training, on the range or simply good old plinking. And, considering recent ammo shortages and price increases, the 22 Long Rifle cartridge makes the G44 a fun way to shoot without going broke at every magazine change.
The Slide Spider grip products enable the shooter to gain increased control of a handgun through a safe and secure hold. In addition, these products aid shooters with weak or weakened hand strength and those with medical conditions such as arthritis. MSRP, $19.95.
