Every year, a number of new firearms geared toward the LE (law enforcement) and tactical market are introduced, and 2010 is no exception. Compact handguns for when an officer is off duty, on backup or in plainclothes appear in the Ruger, S&W and Taurus lines. Following is a look at some of the more interesting additions to the LE/tactical product line in 2010.
Originally offered for Glock and Springfield Armory XD/XD(M) pistols, the Laserlyte RSL is now available for S&W M&P semi-auto handguns. The unit, powered by four 377 watch batteries, is constructed from high-carbon steel is black-oxide-bead blasted for a non-reflective finish.
It replaces the standard rear sight with iron sights that duplicate the original but incorporates a Class 111A 5 megawatt laser on the right side of the sight (the battery compartment is on the left.
The new Ruger SR9c (SRP: $525) 9mm compact pistol is the first extension of the polymer-framed SR9 line. It weighs in at 24 ounces; overall length is 6.9 inches, and it is 5 inches in height.
Like the full-size original, it features a 1911-style ambidextrous manual thumb safety, internal trigger bar interlock and striker blocker, trigger safety, magazine disconnect safety and a visual and tactile loaded chamber indicator.
The recently introduced poly-mer-frame taurus SLIM 9mm pistol proved to be highly popular for off-duty and civilian concealed carry. This year, Taurus follows that with two new calibers in the SLIM series –.380 ACP and .40 S&W. The gun features Memory Pad finger index on each side of the frame to allow an automatic finger locator when the finger needs to be off the trigger while moving, take-down lever for quick field stripping, a visual loaded-chamber indicator, new trigger safety, manual safety lever and the Taurus Security System Key lock. As with all Taurus pistols, the 708 and 740 SLIM are covered by the company's lifetime repair policy.
Compact backup and off-duty guns in .380 ACP, .38 Spl. and .357 Magnum highlight S&W's 2010 offerings in the tactical market. The Bodygaurd .380 Pistol (SRP: $575) features a high-strength polymer frame, 2.75-inch barrel, 6 + 1 capacity and a Melonite-coated stainless-steel barrel and slide.
Smith and Wesson compact revolver from the bodyguard Series.
Smith and Wesson M&P Series
Smith and Wesson Pro Series
The .327 Federal Magnum cartage hasn't gotten the attention that some feel it deserves, but from a ballistic standpoint, it is in the same league as the 115-grain 9mm +P, a proven LE and self-defense round with recoil levels well below that of the .357 Magnum.
As the LE market continues to grow, you can expect to see high interest in compact handguns and optical sights.
Every year, a number of new firearms geared toward the law enforcement and tactical market are introduced, and 2010 is no exception.Here’s a rundown from our friends at Shot Business.
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