Mike Boyle
P&SN Presents Its 33rd Annual Roundup Covering New Firearms and Equipment of Most Interest to Law Enforcement
The Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade (SHOT) Show, sponsored by the NSSF, is an annual event where the firearms industry showcases and launches new products. This year’s event was held in the Venetian Convention & Expo Center and Caesars Forum in Las Vegas, Nevada, and included 2,600 exhibitors and 13.9 miles of aisles to navigate. The 2024 show was the largest to date and attracted over 55,400 attendees.
For the last 20 years or so, there have been sections of the show dedicated to products of interest to the law enforcement professional. To say the least, the show itself can quickly put you in sensory overload and it’s impossible to take it all in. What follows is a quick look at some standout products which would be of interest to the armed professional. Let’s take a look at some new offerings which just might fit into your game plan.
CZ-USA
A real sleeper in the world of polymer frame, striker-fired pistols is the CZ P-10. The P-10 arrived on the scene a few years ago and has since evolved into full-size and subcompact versions. At the CZ exhibit, optics ready copies of the CZ P-10 were on hand for perusal which will further broaden the pistol’s appeal.
What really caught my attention was the new CZ Shadow 2 Compact. Truth be told, I have never warmed up to traditional double-action pistols, but the Shadow 2 Compact may be the exception to the rule. I would categorize the double-action trigger pull as superb. The all-metal pistol features an accessory rail, a red fiber-optic front sight and is optics ready. Much like the iconic CZ 75, the Shadow 2 can be carried with the hammer down or cocked and locked with the manual safety engaged much like a 1911. Without question, the CZ 75 is a very classy pistol and has all of the features in demand by discriminating users.
FN America, LLC
A few years back, FN® introduced its line of 509® Series striker-fired pistols which has had great success. A number of agencies have selected the FN 509 as its duty pistol; most notably, the LAPD. This past summer, FN introduced the 509 MRD LE with sales restricted to law enforcement agencies. This variant on the 509 theme features a slightly longer four inch barrel and incorporates all of the in demand qualities which have made the 509 a top dog in the service pistol category.
The FN Reflex™ hit the market a short while ago and is indeed a slick package for discreet carry. This microcompact is very thin, yet boasts a generous magazine capacity of 11 or 15 rounds. But, the quality which really sets the Reflex apart from the other micros is its trigger action. Although it might look like a small striker-fired pistol, the Reflex is very different in that it is hammer-fired. The single-action trigger breaks with approximately five pounds of rearward pressure and is clearly best in the class. The Reflex is outfitted with a rail for those who choose to affix a small tactical illuminator.
GLOCK®
The dominant force in law enforcement pistols continues to expand its line and new for this year are Gen5® upgrades for the GLOCK 29 10mm and the GLOCK 30 .45 ACP. These heavy hitters are now available with ambidextrous controls and GLOCK’s Marksmen Barrel. The Marksmen Barrel features conventional rifling which allows the use of lower cost lead bullets. I was also pleased to see that the annoying finger grooves on the grip frame have been eliminated.
GLOCK also announced a run of special makeup pistols through selected distributors. Most notable is the GLOCK 49 which features the abbreviated grip frame of the G19 with the longer slide and barrel of the G47. Those familiar with the GLOCK line will note that this is the exact opposite of the G19X/45 with the full-size grip frame and shorter slide. To my thinking, this combination makes a lot of sense, particularly for those who carry a concealed pistol in an inside the waistband holster. With pistols, the length and shape of the grip can compromise concealment. I wouldn’t be at all surprised to see the G49 become a mainstream GLOCK offering.
Henry Repeating Arms
Most readers will probably associate Henry firearms with first-class lever-action rimfire and centerfire rifles. Over the last few years, Henry has broadened its horizons and introduced a double-action revolver, the Homesteader 9mm carbine, together with a few different law enforcement tribute rimfire rifles. For 2024, Henry will be introducing a truly innovative rifle which will command broad appeal.
The new Henry Supreme is a lever-action which can boast some very unique qualities. It does incorporate the lines of the classic American lever-action and it has the potential to take performance to an entirely new level. The Henry Supreme is a magazine fed lever-action equipped with a rotary bolt much like an AR pattern rifle. Those same magazines used in an AR-15 rifle also work in the Henry Supreme. The action is super smooth and, when combined with a match-grade trigger, the Supreme sets a new standard for lever-action rifles. Initial offerings will be in .223 Remington and .300 BLK.
Improved Optics
Over the last few years, red dot optics moved from the exotic category to mainstream for domestic law enforcement. At the present time, every major manufacturer now offers pistols with an optics ready slide.
A few years back, Aimpoint® rocked the shooting world with the innovative ACRO® with a closed emitter. The advantage of the closed emitter is that it keeps the optic fully protected from the elements which can be a huge advantage for those who work in harsh environments. This year, Aimpoint is back with the ACRO P-2™ which features a 3.5 MOA red dot and boasts 50,000 hours of continuous runtime. Also new is the ACRO S-2™ 9 MOA which can be easily affixed to the rib of a shotgun.
Trijicon® remains the 800 pound gorilla in the red dot sweepstakes and it, too, had some new offerings. The Trijicon RMR® HD is now outfitted with a top loading battery which eliminates the need to remove the optic from the gun when replacing its power source. The user can select either the traditional dot or a complex reticle to suit his/her needs. Brightness can be manually set or automatic, again depending on user preference.
The new RCR™ is an enclosed emitter optic true to the Trijicon tradition of quality. Designed to handle hard knocks, the RCR has a wide optimum field of view and was designed with upgraded electronics and controls. Bolt pattern is identical to the RCR family which simplifies logistics when mounting it to the slide of a pistol.
Mossberg®
Mossberg did not disappoint and is now offering some new variants in its line of shotguns. I would submit that the role of the shotgun within law enforcement is changing and, in some areas, it has become the specialist’s tool rather than a secondary weapon for patrol. But, there is no getting around the fact that, within their limited range, the shotgun is the most decisive tool in the armory.
The super tough Mossberg 590® is widely utilized by law enforcement and the new variations should play very well. New this year is the 590S in an optics ready format. I especially liked the stock which the end user can add or remove inserts to in order to achieve the correct length of pull. As one who has conducted an awful lot of shotgun training over the years, I can tell you that a poorly fit stock is the biggest handicap in comfort and performance with the shotgun. Another winner is the 590S with Magpul furniture and a Holosun optic.
The Mossberg 940® has gone on to be Mossberg’s flagship autoloading shotgun and is widely used for action shooting competition, hunting and law enforcement applications. New this year are a few new spins including the Thunder Ranch 940 Pro optic ready model and the 940 Pro optic ready shotguns with FDE and OD green metal surfaces.
Olympus Arms, Inc.
One of the more unique firearms of the recent SHOT Show was the Vulcan Rifle from Olympus Arms. Chambered for the .308 Winchester, the Vulcan resembles an AR pattern rifle, but with a very big difference. Unlike the Stoner pattern rifle which is gas-operated, the Vulcan is recoil-operated. Olympus describes it as a long recoil, multicaliber recoilless rifle which can be configured in a variety of different ways.
Skeptic that I am, I had to question the “no recoil” claim. However, a buddy of mine shot the Vulcan at the Industry Day at the Range™ shoot and reported that recoil was more like a rimfire rather than a full power centerfire cartridge. This was further supported by a video of the Vulcan being shot off a bench where I noted no rearward movement.
The Vulcan has ambidextrous controls and will be available in different chamberings in the future. I’m not quite sure how they repealed the law of physics, but Olympus is onto something here. For tactical operations, a semi-auto, recoilless rifle like the Vulcan can certainly fill a niche.
Rapid Force Duty Holster and Photon™
Alien Gear Holsters displayed an improved version of its Rapid Force Duty Holster. This holster can be configured several different ways and can be had in either Level 2 or Level 3 retention. The draw stroke is intuitive and fast, an elusive quality in some other designs.
The Rapid Force Holster is available in both light bearing and non-light bearing configurations. It will also accommodate most red dot optics. For duty use, most officers would prefer the locking belt slide variant with the QDS (Quick Detachable System). Swivel Drop Leg options are available for SWAT operations.
A few months back, Alien Gear introduced the Photonconcealment holster. The Photon is an ambidextrous design which can be configured for either OWB or IWB carry and offerings are available for both light bearing and non-light bearing pistols. To date, the Photon has proven to be the perfect companion for my Springfield Armory® Hellcat® OSP™ complete with a Streamlight® TLR-7® sub illuminator.
Rock River Arms, Inc.
Precision rifles with long-range capabilities have been a hot ticket in recent years and Rock River Arms recently introduced a contender with the XM24. Available in .308 Winchester and .338 Lapua Magnum, the XM24 is outfitted with a 26 inch stainless steel nitride and cryo-treated barrel, an oversize bolt handle and a non-folding MDT ESS chassis stock. For threats in the distance, the XM24 is more than capable of a decisive resolution.
Rock River Arms AR-15-style rifles are widely used by law enforcement agencies, including the DEA. Several months ago, the company introduced a quartet of Operator DMR (Designated Marksman Rifles) rifles including two in .223/5.56 NATO and two in .308/7.62 NATO. Copies are available with both 16 and 20 inch barrels with features which enable the user to be far more effective in dealing with threats in the distance. In a very crowded field, these offerings from Rock River Arms are clearly a cut above the ordinary.
Safariland®
It’s no secret that Safariland is the dominant force in police duty holsters and it continues to raise the bar on performance. However, its line of concealment holsters for plainclothes operatives and off duty wear also excels. The Safariland SOLIS™ is a holster optimized for small pistols which is both red dot and compact light compatible. The SOLIS is an outside the waistband, open top rig which utilizes the innovative Safariland ALS® (Automatic Locking System) security measure. The ALS allows for an intuitive fast draw by swiping the thumb release as you acquire a shooting grip. Crafted from SafariSeven™, the SOLIS can handle hard knocks and the worst the elements have to offer.
Safariland is also a leader in the development of soft body armor and the new APEX® Concealable Body Armor Vest certainly warrants a hard look. Unlike traditional vests, the APEX features a zip-up front for easy on and off and this design eliminates the need for VELCRO® and elastic straps. The four piece carrier design integrates two side panels with their front and rear counterparts which ensures unparalleled articulation, allowing the armor to protect the body when twisting or turning. The floating front and rear panels overlap the side panels providing continuous protection no matter how you move. Not only is protection enhanced, but comfort is as well.
Scouts Anyone?
Many years ago, Colonel Jeff Cooper popularized the concept of a short, relatively lightweight bolt-action rifle which he dubbed the scout rifle and could fill a variety of roles. Might such a rifle fill a niche for the law enforcement professional? There may indeed be applications when a military sporter or heavy precision rifle may not be the best choice and a scout would be just the ticket. Such a rifle could certainly fill a role for officers who work off the beaten path and may have to euthanize large animals, as well as give them capabilities to defend themselves against threats in the distance.
The Franchi Momentum All-Terrain Elite is a relatively new entry to the market and looks every bit like a winner. Available in .223 Remington and .308 Winchester, the Momentum Elite is loaded with desirable qualities like a sleek modular stock, flip-up sights, a free float Picatinny rail, and an 18 inch barrel with a muzzle brake. Other frills include M-LOK and QD sling attachment points and the rifle ships with a detachable ten round Magpul magazine.
Savage® Arms had its improved 110 Scout on hand and it, too, showed a lot of potential. I liked the AccuFit Stock which allows the user to adjust both length of pull and comb height. Savage’s adjustable AccuTrigger™ can be user set for a clean, crisp break. The barrel on the Savage Scout measures 16½ inches in length, complete with a muzzle break and a forward mounted Picatinny rail. The Savage Scout is available in .223 Remington, .308 Winchester and .450 Bushmaster. A ten shot detachable magazine completes the package.
Smith & Wesson®
Smith & Wesson has been very busy over the last year and had a number of new products to showcase. Although not intended for the law enforcement market, its new 1854 lever-action rifle caught everybody by surprise. However, two offerings which may appeal include the FPC® and Response™ 9mm carbines.
The FPC was introduced midyear, but this was my first opportunity to look it over. This novel design folds to just a shade over 16 inches and lends itself to environments where a longer shoulder weapon just doesn’t make the cut. The FPC utilizes M&P® pistol magazines and ships with one 17 round stick and two with a capacity of 23 rounds. Spare magazines are stored in the stock.
The FPC is optics ready and M-LOK slots accept accessories such as lights or laser aimers. I had the chance to shoot the FPC at the Las Vegas Metro Police Department (LVMPD) range the day before the show and came away impressed. A Smith & Wesson rep reported that the FPC has attracted quite a bit of interest from police agencies.
Yet another spin on a pistol caliber carbine is the Response. With lines similar to an AR-15, the 9mm Response is a blowback rather than gas-operated firearm. The FLEXMAG™ feature of the Response allows the user to run either M&P double stack magazines or GLOCK 17/19 magazines which will no doubt broaden its appeal to the police market.
Springfield Armory
This year, Springfield Armory has introduced new colors, as well as 18 and 20 inch barrel lengths, for the highly acclaimed Hellion™ rifle. With the standard 16 inch barrel and 28.25 inches in total length, the bullpup Hellion is ideal for working in confined spaces where a traditional shoulder weapon would prove awkward.
Springfield Armory has also expanded and enhanced its extensive line of 1911 pistols. The workhorse Garrison now includes variants with a 4.25 inch barrel length in 9mm and .45ACP. To my thinking, the Commander length 1911 with a 4.25 inch barrel is the best for discreet carry.
For several years, the flagship pistol in the Springfield line has been the TRP™ (Tactical Response Pistol). When the FBI was looking for the perfect pistol for the elite Hostage Rescue Team, they went with the Springfield Armory Professional. The TRP is a semi-custom variant of that design and has been further refined for 2024. Standard features include VZ Hydra™ grips for a positive hold, tritium three dot sights, top slide serrations, and an accessory rail for mounting lights and lasers. I was particularly impressed by the Carry Contour model with the bobbed grip frame.
The Springfield Armory Echelon™ pistol arrived on the scene in mid-2023 and has already made a huge impact. Just when you think that polymer frame, striker-fired pistols have reached their apex, somebody builds a better mousetrap. Right now, the Echelon is right at the top of that mountain.
Externally, the Echelon resembles the Hellcat on steroids, but there is much more to the picture. Most notable is the Central Operating Group and removable trigger system. The Echelon is modular in nature and the Central Operating Group can be switched from one grip module to another. Three different size group modules are available along with three different backstraps to ensure proper fit to the hand. The one quality I found most desirable is that, by removing the slide cover, over 30 different types of red dot optics can be fitted without a plate. That is a huge advantage. Right now, the Echelon is only available as a full-size service pistol, but I would anticipate different sizes and chambering to be available in the near future.
What’s coming up in the near future for Springfield Armory? A totally blacked out Emissary in 4.25″ and 5″ models (in both 9mm and .45) should be available by the time you read this issue of P&SN.
Springfield will also be introducing their SA16-A2 (a retro-style M16A2). Basically, this is a recreation of the classic A2, but with SA markings and some internal upgrades for performance and function (including an Accu-Tite™ system, M4 cut feed ramps and a funneled Magwell). This should be released in a few months and should be somewhere in the $1,200 to $1,300 range.
Captain Mike Boyle served with the New Jersey Division of Fish & Wildlife, Bureau of Law Enforcement, and has been an active firearms instructor for more than 30 years. He has been an assistant police academy director and remains active as an academy rangemaster and instructor. Mike has served on the Board of Directors of the International Association of Law Enforcement Firearms Instructors (IALEFI) since 1996. He is the architect and coordinator of IALEFI’s Master Instructor Development Program.