Categories
Optics and Sighting Systems

LaserLyte Rear Sight Laser

LaserLyte has introduced a new red laser sighting system for pistols called the Rear Sight Laser. The LaserLyte Rear Sight Laser, or RSL, mounts in the position of the rear sight on a handgun, rather than as a grip or guide rod solution marketed by other companies such as Crimson Trace and LaserMax.

LaserLyte claims that by having the laser mounted to the rear sight, the holster can be used in all of the gun’s normal Level I and Level II holsters. While I do not have the laser on hand to test this claim with my own holsters, I can see how it should work with most holsters. However, there are no standards on what a Level I or II holster is, so the claim is a bit nebulous.

The laser is activated by a switch on the rear of the sight system. One press of the switch turns the laser on in a “constant” mode. A second press pulses the laser. A third press turns the unit off. Run time is marketed as one hour in continuous mode, two hours in pulse mode.

Continue reading “LaserLyte Rear Sight Laser”
Categories
Rifles

Ruger SR-556: Ruger’s New Piston Driven AR-15

Ruger SR-556
The Ruger SR556 rifle.

Ruger announced a new piston-driven AR-15 rifle: the Ruger SR-556. Announced at the NRA convention, the SR-556 is a completely new line for Ruger, and part of an obvious effort to redefine the company.

The SR-556 has a host of quality features, the most significant of which is the two-stage piston system. But, in a market that seems to have an overwhelming number of AR-15 makers, will the SR-556 be interesting enough to survive?

The “black rifle” market is clearly hot, as AR-15’s have been selling extremely well throughout the United States. Some manufacturers have stated that orders are backlogged six months or more. Bringing a new AR-style gun into the market now may be good timing for Ruger, as a scarcity of all AR rifles may push more customers into their rifles.

Let’s take a look at some of the features of the SR-556.

Continue reading “Ruger SR-556: Ruger’s New Piston Driven AR-15”
Categories
Ammunition

Ammo Prices Are Getting Crazy

327_federal_magnum_02

It’s no secret that ammunition prices have been on the rise for some time now. But ammo prices have skyrocketed since last November, when Americans started buying up everything in the supply chain. Walk into your local WalMart and you are not likely to find any pistol or .223 ammunition. Traditional hunting calibers, such as .270 and .30-06, are pretty scarce too.

With demand up and supply gone, some stores are starting to price ammunition at levels that I would have considered completely crazy just a year ago.

One major catalog retailer sent out a flyer recently. All of the ammunition was very expensive (compared to what I am used to paying), but two things caught my eye as being really outrageous.

The first was the Wolf Military Classic 7.62×39 124 gr hp. After seeing what was reported on this load in gelatin over at StoppingPower.net, I picked this cartridge to load into my own Eastern-Bloc surplus guns. Less than a year ago, I was able to pick up 1,000 rounds of this ammo for $189. If I recall correctly, that price even included shipping. In the current catalog, try $499.97 per 1,000!

Continue reading “Ammo Prices Are Getting Crazy”
Categories
Reloading

RCBS Introduces Bullet Feeder for Progressive Presses

RCBS bullet feeder

With the promise of increasing your loading rate by at least 50% on most progressive presses, RCBS has introduced a new electric bullet feeder.

The feeder fits most progressive presses that use 7/8″-14 threaded dies, including the RCBS Pro 2000.

Designed to work with jacketed pistol bullets only (no lead), the feeder ships with adapter plates for the most common handgun rounds: .355-357″ (9mm, .38 Special, .357 Magnum), .400″ (10mm and .40 S&W) and .451 (.45 ACP). The feeder holds about 200 bullets in the hopper. According to RCBS, you should not use this feeder with cast or swaged lead bullets. While technically not jacketed, I imagine plated bullets like those from Berry’s are probably good to go.

The feeder runs on 110v AC, and features a two-year warranty. MSRP is $495.95.

2013 Update

The shipping version of the bullet feeder comes with a country adaptable plug to handle 120 – 240v AC. This means non-US residents can also use this with their reloading press.

The RCBS bullet feeder kit for progressive reloading presses now carries a MSRP of $541.95. Compare that to the MSRP of the Hornady Lock-n-Load bullet feeder which is $363.52. Like the RCBS bullet feeder, the Hornady feeder is designed to work with any press using 7/8″-14 threads. while I like RCBS products, I don’t know what their bullet feeder is offering for your extra $200.

Continue reading “RCBS Introduces Bullet Feeder for Progressive Presses”
Categories
Reloading

Barnes Buster Bullets

barnes_buster_bullets

Barnes has introduced their new Barnes Buster line of bullets designed specifically for hog, moose, bison and bear hunting. The Buster bullets are “heavy-for-caliber” handgun and lever gun bullets that are designed to penetrate these notoriously tough animals.

The Buster line of bullets use a heavy lead core with a thick copper jacket for “minimal expansion, deep penetration and maximum weight retention.” The bullets will track straight through dense muscle and heavy bone. Barnes reported that using a T/C Encore, a .45-70 drove straight through a bison, which was anchored on the spot.

The bullets will be available for .44, .45, and .500 magnum revolvers and .45-70 rifles. The .45-70 bullets (.458″ @ 400 grains) are available at the Barnes site now. The handgun bullets should be available sometime during the middle of the year. The bullets are designed for deep penetration, especially on potentially dangerous game like bear. The loads would also be good for other tough critters like feral hogs and the like. I would expect that these rounds would do quite well against all of the feral hogs that we have here in the south eastern United States. We seem to be overrun by the darn things.

Continue reading “Barnes Buster Bullets”