Blackhawk AR Case_phatchfinal
Blackhawk Diversion Racquet Bag: Out of sight means out of mind, and when taking your AR out to the range it is often best not to rile up the neighbors or draw too much attention to yourself. Accordingly, Blackhawk has just introduced one of the most discreet gun cases I have ever seen: the Blackhawk Diversion Racquet Bag. This case is modeled after popular padded tennis-racquet cases and features bright white and blue colors and patterns. On the inside are separate pockets where you can comfortably and securely store a broken-down AR plus some ancillary gear. This bag will go anywhere and never arouse any suspicion—although you may get some tennis questions. Other bags in the Blackhawk Diversion line include a gym bag, courier bag and very traditional looking backpack. We had a chance to get a “sneak peek” at this product line at the show, but it will not be officially introduced until Jan. 2013. Keep an eye out for it! (blackhawk.com; 800-694-5263)

CPD Magazine_phatchfinal
C Products Stainless Steel AR Mags: C Products Defense is manufacturing high-quality, all stainless steel AR magazines. While other manufacturers have made steel AR magazines in the past, the mags were steeply priced. But CPD magazines cost about the same as standard USGI aluminum mags and offer a much higher degree of durability. These mags weigh 2 ounces more than aluminum magazines, but the difference in performance is worth it. The CPG features a proprietary non-tilt follower and a tough black finish that is ridiculously scratch resistant. The CPG’s .02-gauge steel is much stronger than aluminum and thinner than the USGI mags. The CPG’s interior dimensions are, in fact, larger than those of the standard USGI, allowing staggered rounds more room for proper stacking and better reliability. CPD magazines are available in a wide variety of calibers for all AR rifles. (cproductsdefense.com; 941-727-0009)

GunVault AR 1_phatchfinal
GunVault Quick Access AR Safe: GunVault has made a name for itself selling high-quality and super-quick-access pistol safes, both with fingertip-combination and biometric access. New for 2013 is GunVault’s first quick-access long-gun safe, the TacVault. The compact steel safe can be had with either method of access and securely stores two or even three AR rifles or shotguns, so they’re ready when you need them. I have always been a big fan of GunVault safes for their ease of use, reliable fast access and durability, but the new TacVault now offers those who keep long guns for home defense the same level of security and convenience that pistol owners have had for so many years. (gunvault.com; 800-222-1055)

GunVault AR 2_phatchfinal
GunVault Quick Access AR Safe: GunVault has made a name for itself selling high-quality and super-quick-access pistol safes, both with fingertip-combination and biometric access. New for 2013 is GunVault’s first quick-access long-gun safe, the TacVault. The compact steel safe can be had with either method of access and securely stores two or even three AR rifles or shotguns, so they’re ready when you need them. I have always been a big fan of GunVault safes for their ease of use, reliable fast access and durability, but the new TacVault now offers those who keep long guns for home defense the same level of security and convenience that pistol owners have had for so many years. (gunvault.com; 800-222-1055)

Hornady ammo_phatchfinal
Hornady Critical Defense Lite Ammo: Hornady has a new line of self-defense ammunition specifically geared toward women who carry compact revolvers for personal protection. Critical Defense Lite is .38 Special ammunition that offers significantly reduced recoil over standard loads. As you know, very lightweight revolvers have a tendency to kick hard. But Hornady’s new load uses its proven FTX bullet, which will expand reliably through a variety of barriers while providing good penetration. The 90-grain FTX bullet also features a pink Flex Tip and comes in a specially marked box with pink writing. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of this ammunition will also go to the fight against breast cancer. (hornady.com; 800-338-3220)

LaserLyte laser 2_phatchfinal
LaserLyte Kryptonite Green Shotgun Laser: For a lot of folks there is no replacing their home-defense shotgun, and with good reason: It is one of the most effective self-defense arms available. LaserLyte, a longtime leader in firearms laser-sighting technology, has just introduced its Kryptonite Center Mass green laser. It features a nine-dot pattern (one in the center surrounded by eight), which represents a first for the industry. The Kryptonite is specifically designed for use on a shotgun, and as the distance to the target increases so does the circular dot pattern. With the Kryptonite you get faster target acquisition; with the cylinder bore, guidance for the shot’s spread at various distances. The laser pattern expands an inch per yard from the target, so at 15 yards you get a 15-inch pattern. The laser also features easy-to-use controls and a corded remote switch. (laserlyte.com; 928-649-3201)

LasrLyte Green laser_phatchfinal
LaserLyte Kryptonite Green Shotgun Laser: For a lot of folks there is no replacing their home-defense shotgun, and with good reason: It is one of the most effective self-defense arms available. LaserLyte, a longtime leader in firearms laser-sighting technology, has just introduced its Kryptonite Center Mass green laser. It features a nine-dot pattern (one in the center surrounded by eight), which represents a first for the industry. The Kryptonite is specifically designed for use on a shotgun, and as the distance to the target increases so does the circular dot pattern. With the Kryptonite you get faster target acquisition; with the cylinder bore, guidance for the shot’s spread at various distances. The laser pattern expands an inch per yard from the target, so at 15 yards you get a 15-inch pattern. The laser also features easy-to-use controls and a corded remote switch. (laserlyte.com; 928-649-3201)

Walther PPX_phatchfinal
Walther PPX Pistol: U.S. shooters have been familiar with Walther handguns for many years. After all, the Walther is the preferred pistol of super spy James Bond. The Walther PPX is a new double-action-only, hammer-fired, full-sized, high-capacity, semi-automatic pistol available in both 9mm and .40 S&W. The PPX comes in all black with a stainless steel slide and, unlike the PPQ, features a standard pushbutton magazine release, which is more familiar to U.S. shooters. The PPX’s magazine release is not ambidextrous but is reversible. (waltheramerica.com; 800-372-6454)

WMD NiBX_phatchfinal
WMD Guns NiB-X Coating: There are a lot of ways to improve the reliability of your self-defense firearms while refurbishing worn finishes. One of the best ways is by refinishing them with a NiB-X (Nickel Boron) coating. WMD Guns is the industry leader in this technology and provides NiB-X coating for several manufacturers and especially for AR bolts and bolt carriers. This coating is extremely hard, provides extreme corrosion-resistance and has a high level of lubricity so that parts can run dry. This vastly improves reliability. With the NiB-X coating, it is also extremely easy to clean carbon buildup from coated parts. WMD Guns will refinish your entire pistol, and the NiB-X can be left as is in a matte finish or polished bright. It can also receive a surface coating in several colors. (wmdguns.com; 231-421-4867)