Whether products are brand new or receiving an upgrade, manufacturers are always pushing the envelope to deliver better gear to the end user. This week is no different. Here’s some exclusive relevant news from this week in the shooting industry.
Week of Oct. 30
Hornady launches free mobile ballistic app with 4DOF
Hornady, a world leader in bullet, ammunition, and reloading products is pleased to announce the launch of the new Hornady Ballistic Calculator App that includes the advanced state-of-the-art 4DOF calculator as well as a standard BC (ballistic coefficient) calculator. The new Hornady Ballistic Calculator App is available for free on both the Apple and Android app stores and allows users to calculate trajectories in areas without wireless connectivity.
Introduced in an online, website version in August 2016, the new 4DOF (4 Degrees of Freedom) Ballistic Calculator has become a popular resource for those seeking more accurate trajectories, especially at extreme ranges. The Hornady 4DOF calculator provides trajectory solutions based on projectile Drag Coefficient (not ballistic coefficient) along with the exact physical modeling of the projectile and its mass and aerodynamic properties. Additionally, it is the first publicly available program that will correctly calculate the vertical shift a bullet experiences as it encounters a crosswind; referred to as aerodynamic jump. The use of drag coefficients, correct projectile dynamics, aerodynamic jump and spin drift enable the Hornady 4DOF ballistic calculator to be the most accurate commercial trajectory program available–even at extreme ranges.
“Current ballistic calculators provide three degrees of freedom in their approach; windage, elevation and range, but treat the projectile as an inanimate lump flying through the air,” said Dave Emary, Hornady Chief Ballistician.“ This program incorporates the projectile’s movement in the standard 3 degrees but also adds its movement about its center of gravity and subsequent angle relative to its line of flight, which is the fourth degree of freedom.”
Using Doppler radar, Hornady engineers have calculated exact drag versus velocity curves for each bullet in the 4DOF calculator library. Combined with the physical attributes of the projectiles, the 4DOF calculator is simply more accurate for long range hits than using BC based systems or custom drag curves based on limited data collection points.
The 4DOF ballistic calculator is used with pre-populated bullet files that include long range match and hunting style bullets. This includes Hornady ELD-X and ELD Match bullets along with appropriate BTHP bullets. In addition, popular long range projectiles from other companies like Sierra, Berger and more are included. To view the online, web version of 4DOF and see the projectiles available, visit www.hornady.com/4dof.
The new Hornady App also features a standard BC based calculator for use with other bullets. Users can enter their own G1 or G7 BC, or choose from the entire lineup of Hornady bullets and ammunition in easily filtered pre-populated lists.
The Hornady Ballistic Calculator App is Bluetooth enabled and will toggle with select wind meters. The App also allows users the ability to create “favorites” (rifle/scope/ammunition combinations) and save them for repeated use.
Download the Hornady Ballistic App from the App Store from Apple or Google Play store for Android.
Smith & Wesson Announces New M&P 10 SPORT Rifle
Smith & Wesson Corp. announced the addition of the new M&P10 SPORT rifle to the company’s award-winning M&P10 rifle lineup. As the newest addition to the modern sporting rifle family, the M&P10 SPORT rifle features a popular 16-inch barrel with a .30-caliber A2-style flash suppressor. Chambered in .308 WIN/7.62x51 NATO caliber, the M&P10 Sport is equipped with ambidextrous controls for both right- and left-handed shooters in an optics-ready configuration.
Jan Mladek, General Manager of Smith & Wesson and M&P brands, said, “In 2013, Smith & Wesson introduced the award-winning M&P10 rifle, which quickly became a popular choice with consumers. Today, we’re proud to expand the M&P10 line of modern sporting rifles with the release of the M&P10 SPORT rifle in .308 WIN. The M&P10 SPORT rifle offers consumers a top performing modern sporting rifle at a competitive price, and is well suited for target, hunting and competitive sport shooting.” Week of Oct. 23
MTM CASE-GARD Introduces New .308 Tactical Mag Can
Since 1968, MTM has continued to design and produce products for the shooting enthusiast. From ammo boxes to gun rests to clay target throwers, MTM offers a huge variety of products essential to the sportsman. New for 2017, MTM introduces the Tactical Mag Can, a stackable, sturdy plastic container that is lockable and includes a foam insert designed specifically for .308 magazines.
The heavy duty Tactical Mag Can will support 10, 20, and 25 round magazines for the .308 AR Platform rifles, along with 10 and 20 round magazines for M1A and M14 rifles. It features a reinforced O-ring seal, making it water-resistant and the latching system maintains a tight lock and protects the magazines it holds. The Tactical Mag Can will support a total of 14 mags, each individually secured in pre-cut, closed military grade foam. It measures 17.2x10.7x 9.2 inches, has a double padlock tab and molded-in stacking ridges for practical space saving and organization options. This made in U.S.A. product has strong comfortable handles for effortless transportation and comes in a Dark Earth color. To learn more about this Tactical Mag Can, please visit www.mtmcase-gard.com.
Tactical Mag Can .308 Features:
· Pre-cut, closed cell military grade foam
· Water-resistant O-ring seal
· Heavy duty, latching system
· Strong handles
· Holds up to 14 Magazines
· Double padlock tabbed
· Molded-in stacking ridges
· MSRP: $27.99
· Made in U.S.A.
Week of Oct. 16
FN ISSUES MANDATORY SAFETY RECALL OF ALL FN M249S RIFLES
FN America, LLC, announces today the mandatory recall of certain FN M249S semi-automatic, belt-fed rifles in both standard and PARA configurations. A recently identified design issue within the hammer group of the rifle may adversely affect the rifle’s reliability. Under certain circumstances, a reset failure within the hammer group may cause the M249S to cease to function, causing an unsafe firing event. To correct this condition and restore consistent, proper and safe operation of the firearm, it is necessary to replace the hammer group.
FN is instructing customers to discontinue use of these rifles immediately and return affected products to FN directly for installation of a new hammer group, at no cost.
Not all FN M249S serial numbers are affected by this recall. Therefore, FN M249S owners are asked to please visit the FN M249S Safety Recall webpage and input their serial number. If the firearm is affected, further instruction on returning the FN M249S for service will be provided.
Note: Please do not ship any affected product to FN until a FedEx label has been generated and sent. If the firearm is not affected, a message stating such will be displayed. In the interim, FN asks that customers not operate their FN M249S standard or PARA until the hammer group has been replaced.
FN is deeply committed to providing customers with the safest, most reliable firearms possible. As such, it is imperative that all recalled product is received back as soon as possible. Patience and cooperation is appreciated as we receive, inspect and service these firearms. We will make every effort to return the product back to customers within 30 days of receipt.
For questions about the recall or assistance in returning a firearm, contact the FN M249S Recall Support team at (800) 635-1321, extension 145, or by email at M249Srecall@fnamerica.com. Hours of operation are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Eastern time, Monday through Friday.
New Pulsar Locking QD Mount: The best just got better 
Improving on its already stellar night vision and thermal optics, Pulsar is proud to release a new Locking QD mount (PL34000), sure to be welcomed by shooting and hunting enthusiasts. Better suited for mounting Pulsar scopes on MSR platform rifles, this new and improved mount features a compact design half the length of the original mount.
The locking latch found on these new mounts prevents the latch from accidentally opening during hard use in the field. Able to return to zero, this user-friendly QD mount is ideal for hog and predator hunters who like to switch their optics between multiple rifles. Weighing in at a mere 3.5 oz., this aluminum picatinny mount is lighter than the counterpart it replaces.
The Locking QD mount includes 3 mounting screws and is compatible with various Pulsar riflescopes including the Trail, Apex, Digisight Ultra and Core product lines.
For more information, visit www.pulsarnv.com.
MTM CASE-GARD Introduces Gun Cleaning Rod Case
Since 1968, MTM has continued to design and produce products for the shooting enthusiast. From ammo boxes to gun rests to clay target throwers, MTM offers a huge variety of products essential to the sportsman. For 2017, MTM is proud to release the first case made exclusively for cleaning rods— The Gun Cleaning Rod Case.
The Gun Cleaning Rod Case was designed for the sportsman dedicated to rifle and shotgun shooting. The rugged case is capable of storing four rifle or shotgun cleaning rods up to 47 inches long within its foam padded interior. Each rod is held in an individual slot making transportation rattle-free; perfect for the field or in the back of your truck. Inside the case there is room allotted for storing patches, jags and brushes. Finally, long gun enthusiasts no longer have to fumble and search for miscellaneous cleaning equipment since it will all be in an easy to access container. For more information on these practical products, please visit http://www.mtmcase-gard.com.
Gun Cleaning Rod Case Features:
- Holds four rifle or shotgun cleaning rods up to 47 inches long
- Room for storing patches, jags and brushes
- Rods are held in their own individual slots
- Foam padded for rattle-free transportation
- Color: Red
- MSRP: $29.99
Week of Oct. 9
MTM CASE-GARD Introduces the Game Trail Camera Case
Since 1968, MTM has continued to design and produce products for the shooting enthusiast. From ammo boxes to gun rests to clay target throwers, MTM offers a huge variety of products essential to the sportsman. MTM releases the new Game Trail Camera Case for ease of transportation and storage.
The Game Trail Camera Case is redefining the way hunters store and transport their game cameras. The price of trail cameras is too steep to not have them properly cared for so MTM provides a solution for outdoorsmen. This resilient case comes lined with sturdy foam padding that holds up to four cameras. Each camera fits in its own slot, preventing collisions between them. Included is an SD card case that protects SD cards with important images of big bucks and other game animals you are dying to see again next season. The Game Trail Camera Case can be quickly and easily secured to an ATV for those who travel through the roughest environments to hang trail cams. For more information on these practical products, please visit http://www.mtmcase-gard.com.
Game Trail Camera Case Features:
- SD card case included
- Securely stores up to four modern game trail cameras
- Sturdy foam padding holds each camera in its own individual slot
- Case is easily secured to ATV’s for easy transportation
- MSRP: $27.99
CrossBreed Holsters Outfitted for Smith & Wesson M&P 2.0 Compact
CrossBreed Holsters, a leading manufacturer in the category of concealed carry, adds the Smith & Wesson M&P 2.0 Compact to their ever-growing product line of holsters.
CrossBreed has hand-crafted each of their popular holster models for the newly released Smith & Wesson M&P 2.0 Compact handgun. Smith & Wesson’s new gun is designed for personal protection, shooting at the range or law enforcement use. CrossBreed Holsters are built for ultimate comfort when carrying and features premium leather backing with custom molded Kydex® for security. CrossBreed Holsters are an ideal companion for the new Smith & Wesson M&P 2.0 Compact whether you carry inside- or out-of-the waistband.
Visit CrossBreedHolsters.com to view the holsters available for the new M&P 2.0 Compact to fit your everyday carry needs.
Week of Oct. 2
FN Launches Fourth-Quarter Free Gear Promotion
FN America, LLC is pleased to announce the launch of the fourth and final installment of the FN Free Gear promotion for 2017. Customers who purchase an eligible, new model FNX-45 Tactical pistol, FN 15 rifle or carbine will receive a free Vortex optic.
Customers who purchase an eligible, new FNX-45 Tactical are eligible to receive a Vortex Venom red dot optic with 6 MOA dot, valued at $329. The optic promotes rapid target acquisition with precise point of aim. The FNX-45 Tactical, one of the first optics-ready pistols available, comes standard with a plate mounting kit to easily mount your new optic.
Customers who purchase any new FN 15 rifle or carbine are eligible to receive a Vortex Spitfire AR 1x Prism scope, valued at $349. This optic enhances the performance capability of FN’s optics-ready FN 15 platforms in an ultralightweight package with MOA accuracy.
To view the full program terms and conditions or to redeem for this promotional offer, please visit www.fnamerica.com/promo. To qualify, customers must provide a copy of their dated sales receipt, full legal name, physical shipping address, contact information, product and serial numbers, and the dealer where the purchase was made. Promotional redemptions can be submitted online or by mail to FN America Free Gear Promotion, Dept. #FN17-3800, PO Box 472, Scottsdale, AZ 85252-0472. Please allow 6 to eight weeks for processing and shipping.
Week of Sept. 25
A*B Arms MOD*X is now shipping
American Built Arms Company (A*B Arms), a veteran-owned, Type 07/NFA FFL manufacturer of firearms and firearms parts and accessories to the law enforcement, military and civilian market, is now shipping the A*B Arms MOD*X Side Folder Mechanism for the KRISS Vector line of firearm products.
Made in the U.S., the MOD*X Side Folder Mechanism is an affordable, lightweight adapter compatible with the KRISS Vector. The MOD*X Side Folder Mechanism allows KRISS Vector owners to add their own AR-style pistol braces or butt stocks to be used in a side-folding configuration.
“The MOD*X Side Folder Mechanism was originally designed around the extremely popular MOD*X GEN III™ Modular Rifle System,” says Jason Combs, President and Founder of American Built Arms Company. “We found that our MOD*X Side Folder Mechanism works perfectly with the KRISS Vector.”
The MOD*X Side Folder Mechanism can be purchased on the A*B Arms web site at www.abarms.com or through a variety of A*B Arms Dealers and Distributors.
For more information on American Built Arms Company and their products or programs for manufacturers, distributors and dealers please visit, www.abarms.com. Follow A*B Arms on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest.
Delta introduces Chunk archery target
Delta McKenzie, the leader in manufacturing and supplying archery targets, has introduced the Chunk layered target for broadhead and field-point practice. Chunk’s innovative features include integrated handles so no ropes or wraps are needed. The cube design offers equal arrow penetration depth on all sides providing an increased total shootable area. With the ability to shoot all sides, archers will appreciate getting more use out of their target. Additional features include bright white aiming spots and durable Mo’Foam. Patented Mo’Foam is the densest foam on the market and Delta’s exclusive heat process fuses it together into a single block. The welded-solid design eliminates the straps and bands that are needed to hold other brands’ layered targets together. Chunk is rated for high-speed bows and most crossbows. Visit dmtargets.com to see the Chunk and full line of Delta McKenzie archery targets.
Features:
· Cube design — shootable on all sides
· Integrated handles
· Heat-welded layered durable Mo’Foam construction
· Field-point and broadhead compatible
· Available in three sizes: 12, 15, and 18 inches
· MSRP: 12 inches: $39.99; 15 inches: $74.99; 18 inches: $119.99
Featured image: iStock
