(Melbourne, FL) – FightLite® Industries, a special products division of ARES Defense Systems, Inc. announces their new STEP-22LS™ (Strategic Target Engagement Pistol, Low Signature). The STEP-22LS™ is an accurate, rugged, lightweight and reliable patent-pending monolithic pistol receiver chambered in .22LR and features a tensioned target barrel with integral silencer and MIL-STD-1913 Rails at the 6 and 12 o’clock positions for mounting lights, lasers, optics and other accessories.Designed for military, law enforcement and qualified civilian shooters; the STEP-22LS™ is optimized with features ideally suited for the modern warfighter, law enforcement professional and avid civilian shooter who demands cutting edge performance from their weapon. Boasting an incredibly short overall length of only 11″ and weighing a mere 24.3 oz, the STEP-22LS™ provides excellent sound pressure level reduction from a silencer that is integral to its patent-pending monolithic receiver body; delivering extreme performance in a compact and lightweight package!
The tensioned target barrel dampens accuracy degrading harmonics typically associated with lightweight barrels for excellent and repetitive shot placement. And the STEP-22LS™ patent-pending monolithic receiver ensures that there are no sight rails or tubes to loosen during firing. Military, law enforcement and civilian shooters alike will appreciate the ability to place well-aimed, undetected shots in low light and no light conditions.
All STEP-22™ models are designed to readily interchange with the standard pistol receiver on popular RUGER® Mk-I®, Mk-II®, Mk-III® and 22/45® pistols without any tools or gunsmithing required, providing users with a lightweight pistol capable of accommodating lasers, lights, optics and accessories on monolithic rails that won’t loosen during use.
“We developed the STEP-22LS™ with the same design logic that goes into most of our products” said Geoffrey Herring, President & CEO of ARES Defense Systems, Inc. “The historical use of integrally suppressed rimfire weapons by members of the US government and elite special operations forces is well documented. Law enforcement authorities have also used silenced rimfires to reduce their concerns of over penetration and collateral damage that may occur with more powerful weapons when executing violent felon arrest warrants. Certain high-threat law enforcement scenarios require the dispatching of guard animals, knocking out street and porch lights or cameras to maintain the element of surprise with a well-placed and undetected shot. In the civilian world, ranchers will welcome the ability to place accurate shots with the STEP-22LS™ for dispatching rodents or injured animals, without the need for hearing protection and without spooking livestock. And avid shooting enthusiasts in 42 states can enjoy target practice and general plinking with the STEP-22LS™ without the need for additional hearing protection and without aggravating their neighbors. This is another one of our exceptional products that will appeal to a very broad range of customers.”
To handle the STEP-22™ and other ARES Defense and FightLite® Industries products, please visit the ARES Defense/FightLite® Industries booth #4808 at the NRA Annual Meetings May 20-22, 2016 in Louisville, Kentucky.
ARES Defense Distributors:
Ellett Brothers
Amchar Wholesale
RSR Group
Brownell’s
Specifications:
Caliber- .22LR
Magazine Capacity- Uses Standard Ruger® 10 Round
Weight- 24.3 oz (When mounted on Ruger® 22/45® Frame)
Overall Length – 11.0″
Barrel – Bentz Match Chamber, Tensioned and Unported, 1/16″ RH Twist
Muzzle Velocity – 985 feet per second (CCI Mini-Mag Hollow Point)
Sound Reduction – Up to 40db
Handguard – Integral MIL-STD 1913 Rails at 12 & 6 o’clock positions
Finish: MIL-A-8625F Type III, Class 2 Hardcoat, Black anodized finish
100% Made in the U.S.A.
Patents Pending
About FightLite® Industries
FightLite® Industries is a special products division of ARES Defense Systems, Inc. Since its founding in 1997, ARES Defense Systems has focused on the development of military small arms and accessories of unique versatility, innovation and exceptional quality for military, law enforcement and commercial customers. Engineered and manufactured with the highest quality American-made materials, ARES products are produced on state-of-the-art CNC machining centers in an ultra modern facility by a highly skilled workforce.
Headquartered on the USA’s Space Coast, ARES’ intense dedication to mission critical innovation has resulted in numerous patented advancements resulting in lighter, stronger, better performing weapons and accessories for the operator. To learn more about FightLite® Industries visit www.FightLite.com. Follow FightLite® Industries on Facebook at www.facebook.com/FightLite and on Twitter @FightLite. To learn more about ARES Defense Systems visit www.aresdefense.com. Follow ARES Defense on Facebook at facebook.com/aresdefense and on Twitter @ARESDefense.
Notice: FightLite® is a registered trademark of ARES Defense Systems, Inc. RUGER®, Mk-I®, Mk-II®, Mk-III® and 22/45® are registered trademarks of Sturm, Ruger & Co. Accessories shown such as 22/45® grip frame and parts, optics and laser light are not included with product purchase.
