ThinkingAfield.org

ACCOKEEK, Md. – It is perhaps the most iconic rifle from the era, one widely deployed across the Old West and later glorified in American cinema. The Winchester 1873 was the result of decades of improvement and experimentation; it was light and reliable, perfectly balanced and proportioned.

Available in limited quantities for 2018 only, Uberti USA is bringing this iconic firearm of the Old West to shooters and collectors with enhancements that take this otherwise-basic platform to new heights of beauty and function.

Chambered in .45 Colt with a 20-inch octagonal barrel, the 1873 Limited Short Rifle Deluxe features a rich case-hardened steel frame and lever and an A-Grade walnut stock and forend. The rifle has a 10+1 capacity while weighing a lithe 8.2 pounds.

The rifle is fully engraved using an original pattern from the 19th century featuring game and scroll patterns. The engraving is hand-chased by the renowned Atelier Giovanelli, making each piece wholly unique and highly prized by collectors. Read more

ACCOKEEK, MD – For many, the 16 gauge represents an ideal middle ground for all-around wingshooting. While it doesn’t possess all the power of comparable 12-gauge loads, it more than makes up for any such deficiencies by handling more like a 20 gauge. It’s this dynamic combination that makes the 16 gauge a popular choice for savvy upland hunters and many others.

The Franchi Instinct SL is a line of light, nimble and ultra-reliable over-and-under shotguns that now includes a 16-gauge option to go along with the previously released 12- and 20-gauge configurations. Read more

ACCOKEEK, Md. – Hunters may equate the Benelli Super Black Eagle 3 with waterfowl hunting, but it’s bevy of features and easy-handling characteristics make it just as valuable in the pursuit of upland and small game, as well as in the deer woods.

To bring the proven performance and innovation to these hunters, Benelli has expanded the SBE3 with the addition of a wood version and a rifled slug configuration.

Featuring a satin walnut stock, the wood version of the SBE3 features the Progressive Comfort recoil-reduction system – the same system that buffers recoil in the ETHOS line as well as the R1 Pro. Different from the ComfortTech 3 system used in SBE3s with synthetic stocks, the Progressive Comfort system uses a system of three different layers interlocking fingers housed in the stock. The number of layers that engage are determined by the force of the shotgun’s recoil, which varies with the size of different loads. Developed specifically for use in Benelli models featuring wood stocks, the Progressive Comfort system also incorporates a CombTech pad to help reduce felt recoil on the face. Read more

Firearms manufacturer Weatherby, Inc., is relocating its manufacturing operations and corporate headquarters from California to Sheridan, Wyoming, company officials announced today from SHOT Show in Las Vegas, the world’s largest annual shooting, hunting and firearms industry trade show.

The move is expected to create 70 to 90 jobs and more than $5 million annually in payroll in the next five years. Read more

Advanced Digital Shooting Muff

Walker’s® – The industry pioneer in electronic hearing protection and enhancement, introduces the entirely new XCEL Series Muffs. The radical design was inspired by taking an unconventional approach to engineering the best electronic muffs available. The patent pending XCEL moves the digital control panel and microphones off the muff cup to the headband resulting in more air space inside the cup helping to deliver better protection.

The XCEL’s power & performance goes well beyond it cutting edge design. Powered by an advanced digital chipset, the XCEL is loaded with features that avid outdoorsman & shooting enthusiasts demand.

The modern sound enhancement features are taken to next level with four selectable modes. Universal mode is tuned for over all amplification while Speech Clarity mode is specifically tuned to reduce ambient noise & focus on enhancing vocal frequencies providing a valuable tool where clear communication is critical. High frequency & Power boost modes provide additional options for tuning the XCEL to hear exactly what you need to such as the ring of Steel. Navigating the various modes is easy thanks to programmed voice prompts, taking the guesswork out of know which mode you are in. Read more

ACCOKEEK, Md. – The romance of the Old West cannot be separated from the individuals who lived and died on their way to becoming legendary. Valiant sheriffs and the outlaws they chased; card sharks and cowboys; soldiers and proud warriors – the history of the Old West is gritty and harsh and smells a lot like spent gunpowder.

Uberti USA honors the famous men and women of the Old West with its new limited-edition Outlaws & Lawmen Series. Each piece in the collection draws its inspiration from the actual gun carried by the historical figure after which it is named. Only a limited number of each will be produced each year, making them as rare and collectible as they are fun to shoot.

The legend of Jesse James lives on with the 1873 Colt that bears his name and is included in the first group of Outlaws & Lawmen models. As a fierce outlaw, Jesse owned and utilized a wide array of revolvers, but this stern six-shooter is decked out with an all-black finish and black, simulated bison horn grips to create the ultimate Western antihero revolver. Read more