On Media Day at Shot Show this year one of the guns I was able to handle and shoot was the new Browning A5.  This gun is similar in overall look to the old model A5 but is a light weight gun, much easier to handle and swing.  I am no Shotgun expert but out of about 12 Clays I fired at I powdered all but 3.  Being a pretty average sized guy I can say this is one the best off the shelf shotguns I have ever had the pleasure to shoot.

I just grabbed one of several variation of the new A5 of the table and went to the firing line.  I have an old recoil operated gun in my collection, it’s fun to shoot because I know my Great Grandfather used it on the Farm, now I still shoot that same gun for fun.  My greatest surprise from the new model was how much better it swings than the old model and with about a pound lighter overall weight I guess that should not be a surprise.

First person to correctly post what this means as a comment I will send a Z-Hat Baseball cap.

Chambered in 5.56mm NATO (.223 Rem) Weaver-style basesCombo package includes a pre-mounted and bore-sighted 4-16x50mm variable riflescope, bi-pod and 10-round magazine 24”, button rifled, medium-bull barrel with a 1:9 rate of twist. and an 11 degree varmint crown finishes the barrel off.  A benchrest style stock with a down turned pistol grip.  The trigger is fully adjustable from 2 to 7 lbs.  A nice touch is the spiral fluted bolt standard from the factory.

These rifles could easily be converted to use any cartridge that will fit in the AR Magazine, most notable, the 6.8 SPC, and the 204 Ruger.   MSRP for the rifle is about $650.  Add $100 for the scope package.

This new rifle is already featured on the Mossberg web site.

Pictured here is the Rifle version of the Chiappa 1886.

The latest edition from Chiappa is a carbine with an 18.5″ barre, half round and half octagon, the finish is a brushed electroless nickle.  The stocks are walnut over-coated with a rubberized finish.  Obviously, this rifle is intended for easy handling and wet weather.  Sights are “Skinner Express Sights”.  Caliber is 45-70, however it could easily be converted to 450 or 50 Alaskan.

Lipsey’s is well know to Dealers nation wide as a source for unique limited offerings.  These limited production guns help the local “Mom & Pop” gun shops to compete with the big box stores.  Dealers check out Lipsey’s here.  If you would like to see what this gun will look like Ruger shows the basic model but in blue finish here: Ruger

If you have ever had a chance to shoot a 50 caliber rifle, they are just plain fun.  I need a spotter, lets head to the range!

Click on the graphic if you would like to see what is going on at SHOT Show 2012. Since I am a powerful member of the media I am allowed to share this with you. (He laughs Maniacally!)

Fred will be at the SHOT Show this week interviewing people, Signing is Hawk Manual in booth #4250, and looking for new things that would make a GunsmithTalk.  Watch for updates all this week and more to follow.

For the Month of January 2012 they are hosting a Sweepstakes.  The prize is a 4-day “Defensive Handgun Training” class taught by the professionals at Front Sight Firearms Training Institute.  Here is a chance for some lucky shooter to get some awesome training for Free.
Visit www.4-dproducts.com to enter.

4D is fairly computer savy, you can also find them at Facebook
If you prefer Twitter, 4D figured out a way for you to get extra entries. If folks follow your tweet about the sweeepstacks and enter you get additional entries in the sweepstakes, Click here to Access the Twitter Entry Form

Of course 4D is doing this to build awareness of the services they offer the shooting public and specifically anyone who works on guns.  Why should that stop you from taking a chance on winning a very cool prize, 4 days at Front Sight building your defensive handgun skills!  Sign up right away, this contest ends January 31, 2012.