I recently attended the 35th annual SHOT (Shooting, Hunting, Outdoor Trade) Show held at the Sands Expo and Convention Center in Las Vegas. The four-day show, sponsored by the National Shooting Sports Foundation, is the largest trade show of its kind in the world. More than 1,600 manufacturers, wholesalers and retailers from all 50 states and more than 100 countries gathered to exhibit their products. A record 62,000 attendees descended upon Sin City to review new products and improvements upon existing ones.
Although the emphasis of SHOT is on manufacturers and wholesalers, this year, like other recent years, showed continued growth in the law enforcement segment. In addition to the law enforcement trade section, Law Officer again teamed with NSSF to provide a Law Enforcement Education Program (LEEP). Presentations included “From Patrol to SWAT, Barricaded Subjects Lessons Learned,” “Low-light Weapons Training” and “Contemporary/Controversial Issues in Law Enforcement” by some of the top names in the business.
One of the classes I was able to attend was a very informative “Lead Management—Best Practices in Safety, Containment, Maintenance, and Responsibility.” (Note: I can tell you that one of the best ways to “sell” your department’s administration on allowing you to attend the SHOT on company time is by attending not only the vendor show, but some of these law enforcement-specific classes and then bringing back the information to improve your department.)
This year, the following items caught my eye. Some of these may be profiled in greater detail in future product reviews.
SIG Sauer’s SIG 516
This represents the newest technology in the evolution of the AR-15/M-4 platform series. Breaking away from the original gas impingement system, the SIG 516 utilizes a cleaner, easier-to-maintain, and, though arguable, more reliable short-stroke pushrod system. I recently learned from San Diego PD SWAT Lt. Mark Hanten that his team, after extensive testing and evaluation of several manufacturers’ platforms, selected the SIG 516 to replace their aging MP5s and AR-15/M-4s.
Another SIG item to look hard at is the new P227 pistol. This is an improvement on the venerable P220, a much-loved single-stack DA/SA .45 ACP. Unlike the P220, the P227 utilizes a double-stack magazine that holds 10 rounds (an optional extended-length magazine holding 14 rounds is available). The P227 is extremely ergonomic and makes use of a one-piece ultra-thin grip. The P227 fits in holsters designed for the P220 and P226. It’s also available in full-length (4.4-inch barrel), and “carry” length (3.9-inch barrel), similar to the P220/P226 and the compact P229 series. Both versions are available with the modern frame rail for attaching a weapon-mounted light.
Sig Sauer
603/418-8190
www.SigSauer.com
KSG shotgun & RFB Carbine
Though introduced at last year’s 2012 SHOT Show, Kel-Tec continued to draw attention with its KSG shotgun and RFB Carbine.
The KSG is an 18.5-inch barreled 12-gauge shotgun capable of holding an impressive 12 rounds of 3-inch shells. Like all Kel-Tec guns, it makes extensive use of polymer, which keeps the weight down and reduces the potential of corrosion. The KSG is a pump-action design with a bottom ejection and ambidextrous controls. Though it maintains an 18.5-inch barrel, the overall profile is only 26.1 inches due to its unique design. It offers a top-mounted picatinny rail for mounting whatever optic is preferred by the user.
Kel-Tec’s RFB Carbine is an impressive, short-profile, 7.62-x-51 NATO (.308 Winchester) carbine. Due to its bull-pup design, it sports an 18-inch barrel in a 26-inch overall length package. It’s a semi-auto with ambidextrous controls and utilizes a 20-round detachable box magazine (it’s also capable of using any metric FAL-compatible magazine, a nice feature due to their availability as surplus magazines). Like the KSG shotgun, the RFB offers a top-mounted picatinny rail for mounting whatever optic is preferred by the user. All Kel-Tec guns are offered in black, OD Green and Desert Tan Ceracoat finishes.
Kel-Tec
321/631-1169
www.KelTecWeapons.com
SWATSCOPE, Attic-Clear & Lens Adapter Systems
Micro-Times LLC demonstrated their SWATSCOPE, Attic-Clear and Lens Adapter systems. The SWATSCOPE is a modern version periscope that allows the user to remain behind cover and see over or around walls or objects. Constructed of high-quality aluminum alloy, the periscope provides an extendable slide bar that allows 22.5-inch height advantage. It also allows magnification of 4X–9X, which aids the user in achieving positive identification of potential threats. The scope is capable of having a flashlight, laser pointer or lens adapter added to it. The SWATSCOPE is an NTOA “member tested and approved” item.
The Attic-Clear allows the user to convert their Smart Phone into a pole cam. It’s simple to use, lightweight, portable and easy to store with a collapsed length of 33 inches. The user merely slides their smart phone into a padded holder, places the phone’s camera on “record,” extends the pole (up to 77 inches), and maintains a position of cover/concealment while they allow the camera phone to record images inside an attic, crawl space or similar environment. They then retract the phone and view the recorded images to determine whether or not a suspect is hiding within the concealed location.
As an added benefit, an app called “Tango,” allows the user and their partner(s) to use their phones to transmit (without use of WiFi) for real-time viewing at the scene or even at a remote command post. The app can be downloaded for free.
Lastly, the Lens Adapter is a sleeve which allows an iPhone (including the 4, 4S, and iPhone 5) to be attached to the eyepiece of a spotting scope, telescope or NVG (such as the ANPVS14). This innovative device creates the opportunity for greatly enhanced capabilities at a very reasonable cost.
Micro-Times
949/830-4300
www.Micro-Times.com
BTI Burglar Door
Breaching Technologies, Inc. (BTI), one of the most recognizable names in the breaching door industry, has a proven track record of quality. Since 2002, BTI has manufactured mechanical doors—ram, hydraulic and pry—both free-standing and in-frame mountable. They’ve also produced window frames with replaceable glass inserts for practicing window porting, as well as an entire line of breaching tools (including rams, pry bars, brake and rake tools). Over the years they’ve worked diligently to continue to expand their product line, adding shotgun and explosive breaching doors. Their current inventory consists of more than 30 breaching doors, windows and tools.
The BTI Burglar Door is capable of being used as a stand-alone prop or in conjunction with other BTI-manufactured training doors. It simulates a higher level of fortification commonly found at locations where search warrants are conducted. It uses low-cost replacement breaching pins, which offer varying degrees of force to positively breach. The door is designed to be easily and quickly resettable to ensure maximum efficiency in training. The Burglar Door is guaranteed for an impressive 1,500 breaches.
Breaching Technologies, Inc.
866/552-7427
www.BreachingTechnologiesInc.com
Editor’s Pick
Laser Ammo offers a range of products that serve shooters well. From single-dot sights to portable training systems, the products are simple, effective and well-priced. In this tradition, the AimWell 4-x-7 Target is a portable and durable target that pings like steel when hit and lights up across the face. Powered by AAA batteries, the target can be connected to a PC, allowing users to perform timed drills, view performance statistics and interact with trainers. No, it’s not the same as time at the range. But it’s a convenient way to maintain skills and chart performance, and well worth the $200.
Laser-Ammo
www.Laser-Ammo.com
