New Guns in 2004
Some New Guns In '04
Every year around this time, just before the annual Shot Show, manufacturers start to leak information about new products to the hunting and shooting industry. Besides hunting season it's my favorite time of year. Some manufacturers bring out items that are truly innovative and others bring out products that we sometimes wonder what took so long. While it may be tough to follow last years introduction of the 500 S&W for innovation, this may be the year the pendulum swings the other way. Freedom Arms and Ruger attended the Safari Club International convention in Reno, Nevada this month and they each had some new guns to show off.
Ken Jorgensen, now with Sturm, Ruger, proudly displays the new Single Six Hunter in 17 HMR. Photo by Gary Smith
Following the re-introduction of their popular big bore Super Blackhawk "Hunter" models, available in 41 Magnum and 44 Magnum and 45 Colt, Ruger is again giving the handgun hunter a great new gun. The Single Six Hunter isn't totally new and officially it's called the New Model Single Six Hunter but it does sport some great new features. The most noticeable new feature is the heavy barrel rib similar to it's big bore brothers. This one is slightly different though and it not only has the Ruger integral scope mounts but it's also grooved to accept tip-off scope rings. It comes with the standard Ruger rings just like other "Hunters". Another great addition is not the wide front blade hunters find so inadequate but a very fine gold bead front sight and a shallow V-notch rear. Of course the sights are fully adjustable for windage and elevation. It's available in 22 L.R./22 Magnum convertable and 17 HMR and comes with a 7" barrel. The Single Six Hunter should hit dealer shelves in March or April.
New from Freedom Arms is a round butt Model 97. It will be available this spring in all barrel lengths and calibers as the standard model 97. Although I didn't get to shoot the round butt gun it felt great and with the short barrel it would make a great carry gun to be used as a backup in certain situations. With fixed sights I wouldn't really consider it a primary hunting handgun but their next one should be fantastic. It's a model 97 chambered for the 17 HMR. The 17 will be available in barrel lengths of 5.5, 7.5 and 10 inches and is only available with adjustable sights. Bob Baker of Freedom Arms said they had a number of 3 shot groups that measured in the 1/2" range at 100 yards with Hornady ammo. A customer could expect groups to average in the 1-2" range at 100 yards. Match grade ammo could improve the group sizes with this gun considerably. This one will be accurate enough for head shots on squirrels and powerful enough for woodchucks. Note: Model 97's with adjustable sights accept scope mounting systems from Freedom Arms as an accessory.
The round butt 97 (front) is shown in 45 Colt with a 3 3/4 inch barrel while the gun in the rear is chambered for the 17 HMR. Photo by Gary Smith
Good Hunting,Gary
Author: GunMuse Date: Wednesday Sep 22 2004 18:21:23 pm
