New Guns and Gear for 2014

Here are some of the new product introductions for late 2013, early 2014.  I expect to see all of these at the SHOT Show, if not before.

Federal Fresh Fire .22 LR Ammo

Federal Ammunition is now offering Fresh Fire packs of .22 LR ammo.  These round cans of rimfire ammo are nitrogen-sealed and designed for protecting the ammo from the effects of time and corrosion.  Right now the only ammo available is a 36 grain copper-platted hollow point, but I could see this expanding into other loads and calibers.

Each can holds 325 rounds and carries a MSRP of $19.99.

Barnes 300 AAC Blackout Bullets and Ammo

Barnes Bullets will start shipping a new 120 grain bullet for the 300 AAC BLK cartridge in February 2014.  The bullet will be a TAC-TX style, all copper hollowpoint and will also be loaded in the company’s VOR-TX line of ammo.  No additional specs on the bullet or ammo are available yet.

Cerama-Coat

Wheeler Engineering is jumping into the after-market gun finishing craze with Cerama-Coat.  This do-it-yourself finishing product will be available in black, flat dark earth, foliage green and olive drab.  Wheeler Engineering calls is “custom gun armor” and claims that the ceramic-infused product is “the most durable finish on the market.”  It looks like this product will come in pre-mixed spray cans.  No MSRP yet.

Weaver Prism Scope

The new Prism scope is a 3x illuminated optic designed for AR-type rifles.  The unit has eight brightness levels and can still be used if all illumination is turned off.  MSRP is $319.99.

Caldwell E-MAX BTH Ear Pro

The E-MAX line of affordable hearing protection will expand in 2014 with the addition of the BTH model.  The BTH, or Behind The Head, is a set of electronic hearing protection muffs that decrease loud noises, while allowing for the amplification of soft sounds.  I’ve previously reviewed the standard E-MAX ear muffs and found them to be a very good value.  The BTH is only rated to reduce harmful noises by 21 dB, but they offer the advantage of being very low profile.  The muffs also come with an audio input jack for a two-way radio, music, etc.  No suggested retail price yet.

Howa Rifles in Kryptek Camo

New Howa rifles will soon be available in Kryptek camo patterns.  The rifles will be available in short-, long- and magnum action calibers and will be available in a variety of configurations including hunting, heavy barrel and scoped packages.  I don’t have any additional information yet, but will bring it when I get it.