The Smith & Wesson Model 57 Classic is a modern version of the original 57 that was introduced in 1964. The Classic Model 57 was introduced by S&W at the 2009 SHOT Show.
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In recent years, Sturm, Ruger & Co. have deviated from the larger, bulkier pistols they were known for and have been producing slimmer and smaller pistols such as the SR-9 and the LCP. The SR-9 has achieved moderate success, while the Ruger LCP has been an undeniable sensation.
The question is: What will Ruger introduce at the SHOT Show?
Michael Bane has made several comments about some new firearms he has seen that will be announced at SHOT. Bane even went so far as to refer to Ruger in his Christmas Eve podcast as the “Makers of the product that is going to absolutely, stone-cold, rock the 2009 SHOT Show in Orlando.” That is a pretty strong statement.
Back in November, Massad Ayoob suggested that Ruger may be introducing an SP101 revolver with an alloy frame chambered in .38 Special. While I think this would be a profitable gun for Ruger to bring to market, would it be the gun that “rocks” the SHOT Show. I don’t think so. After all, several other manufacturers already make lightweight .38 revolvers.
What would excite the public? How about a 9mm LCP. There are a lot of people that really like the LCP, but dislike the .380 ACP cartridge. In my opinion, a LCP chambered for the 9×19 cartridge would be a big hit. Enough to “rock” the SHOT Show? Maybe.
How about a completely new Mini-14? Something along the lines of a Kel-Tec SU-16, maybe. Think of a Mini-14 that would be completely synthetic and stainless, that folds up nicely into a compact size, that can be marketed as a survival tool. The SU-16’s are popular, but imagine the same gun with the Ruger name and Mini-14 heritage attached to it. It might be a winning product. And lets face it…anything .223 is selling right now.
I do not believe that Ruger will be announcing a new full-sized pistol that would cut into the SR9 market. I also can’t see a new 10-22 being terribly revolutionary. I expect that the “show-stopper” Bane has predicted is coming from the concealed carry market or the black rifle market.
Regardless, stay tuned. I will bring you all of the new product announcements from the SHOT show.
Update: The gun was the Ruger LCR. I don’t know if it was quite the show stopper that Bane claimed, but it certainly was popular.
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Smith and Wesson 442 and 642 | No Locks!
Two of the most popular Smith and Wesson handguns, the models 442 and 642, have been re-introduced without the infamous internal locks. These J-frame snubbies are the classic blued and stainless steel .38 Special revolvers with the internal hammers.
Perfect for pocket, ankle, and other forms of concealed carry, these revolvers have been great sellers for Smith and Wesson for many years. Like all S&W revolvers, in recent times, a consumer could only buy these with the internal lock. Unfortunately, these locks have had a few problems and consumer confidence in them is very low. Smith and Wesson have listened to their customers and brought these two classic J-frames back without internal locks.
If you have been wanting one of these sidearms, but have hesitated, wait no longer.
I am a proud owner of the model 642-1 that I bought more than 10 years ago. It is a great gun! I have carried it daily in a pocket and on an ankle. It has always performed perfectly and is very accurate. I have no doubt these new models will be outstanding revolvers.
Update
Smith & Wesson updated the 442 and 642 line with “Pro Series” models. The difference: they do not have locks – the same as these revolvers. Here is what I wrote on the new Pro revolvers when they were announced in December 2009:
The Charter Arms Patriot was a short-lived line of revolvers chambered for the .327 Federal Magnum. In all, three Patriot models were manufactured between 2008 and 2011. The three models were the standard model, the Target Patriot and the Crimson Patriot.
Let’s dig into this line of handguns.
Sturm, Ruger and Company just released a new concealed carry handgun: the Ruger LCP . The new handgun is chambered for the moderately powered .380 ACP cartridge.
According to Ruger, the “LCP” initials stand for Lightweight Compact Pistol. It would appear it gets that name for good reason. Weighing only 9.4 oz unloaded, the polymer-framed gun has an overall length of only 5.16″ and a width of a mere 0.82″. The barrel is 2.75″ long and the trigger pull is an even 8 pounds.