The news broke sometime back that GLOCK was making some changes in their single-stack, small pistol lineup. I had no special information, just the open-source internet chatter. One interesting bit was the advent of a GLOCK-marked (and “manufactured”) 15-round magazine for the G43X/G48 line.
They were allegedly to come online this month and at least one “influencer” has one (or more) in hand. He noted that it didn’t seem difficult to load to max capacity unlike some micro-9 magazines. That doesn’t speak to the potential for functional reliability or for durability; like with any products, that remains to be seen.
Before his video, I was unsure they were going to be produced. A quick look at Lipsey’s showed some interesting product news in that regard.
They’re showing G43X shipping with fifteen-round magazines; they’re not saying they are available now – just that this model is approaching. They likewise show the G43X COA – with the Aimpoint optic installed – and fifteen-round magazines.
If those are forthcoming, that will be an interesting development. I’ve still seen nothing on a potential “Gen6” line of slimline GLOCK pistols from the factory.
The NRA Annual Meeting is upon us, April 16-19, in Houston. The National Friends of NRA Event is part of the program. The organization announced their event, taking place April 17th, is sponsored by Henry Repeating Arms. Taurus is a contributing sponsor, along with GunBroker and OtterText as supporting sponsors.
The release stated “Guests can take part in crowd-favorite games like the Wall of Guns and Kill It, Chill It, Grill It, along with a special giveaway presented in partnership with Berger Ammo and OtterText. One lucky winner will receive 1,000 rounds of ammunition of their choice.”
Sign up to attend here.
Recently, Ruger announced a line of 250th Anniversary firearms for collectors and shooters, “… commemorating the United States Semiquincentennial and celebrating the Company's deep roots in American manufacturing. Echoing the iconic commemorative line introduced for the nation's Bicentennial in 1976, each limited production model in this new series is distinctly marked: "Made in the 250th Year of American Liberty."”
According to the Ruger website, the special line includes the 10/22 rifle, LCP MAX pistol, Ruger American Gen II rifle, Mark IV 22/45 pistol, Super Wrangler revolver and AR Lower.
The 10/22 comes in three variations; the first is traditional with a hardwood stock, one has the blue synthetic stock with red and white splatter. The last features an engraved Altamont walnut stock.
As I’m doing a piece on the proliferation of pistol optics, it’s notable that Lipsey’s has announced an exclusive product offering joining Ruger and Aimpoint, the Ruger RXM COA Edition.
The new gun/optic combo is offered in “compact” (15-round) and “full-size” (17-round) RXM frame versions, with three frame color options. These include black, gray and OD green.
I’ve used the RXM for some time; it’s a winner thus far. The Aimpoint COA Red Dot Reflex Sight is something I used in a package deal from GLOCK some time back. The optic is aces all the way. Pairing the COA with the RXM is a smart move.
For those who came in late, the COA is an enclosed emitter 3.5 MOA dot optic using the low-mount A-CUT system. This keeps the optic low over the bore. That they estimate 50,000 hours of battery life is an added advantage.
I’m sure there will be more innovation forthcoming at the NRA Annual Meeting.
– Rich Grassi