SHOT Show 2020: New Product Announcements Abound

It’s here, the 2020 Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade (SHOT) Show, opening Tuesday in Las Vegas to tens of thousands of retailers, wholesalers, manufacturers and outdoor media professionals are congregating at the largest firearms industry show on the planet.

Companies have been holding off in releasing new products information, but here’s breaking news from the SHOT Show floor about products you will be seeing in the weeks and months ahead:

Meopta Unveils 1-inch Optika5 Scope Series

Meopta USA Sport Optics is introducing the 1-inch, Optika5 series of premium riflescopes.

This newest Meopta riflescope line features a 5x zoom, zero-reset turrets, and advanced MeoBright lens coatings that deliver edge-to-edge clarity and exceptionally bright, sharp images.

Available in 2-10×42 RF (rimfire), 2-10×42, 3-15×44, 4-20×44, 4-20×50, and 4-20×50 RD models, Optika5 riflescopes are available with reticles in the second focal plane. All come with capped hunting turrets made of rubber-armored metal for the perfect combination of durability and functionality. The rear-facing magnification display allows for easy viewing of the power setting from behind the scope, and the zoom ring comes with a multi-position throw lever for quick adjustment of the power setting in the field. Windage and elevation adjustments are ¼ MOA.

“We wanted to offer a more advanced line of 1-inch riflescopes and have achieved this with our new Optika5 series,” said Pavel Stastny, Senior Director of Sales and Marketing at Meopta. “In addition to exceptional low-light performance, these scopes offer popular features like the rear facing zoom display and multi-position throw lever on the magnification ring.  Now hunters have a choice between our award-winning 30mm Optika6 series, and our new 1-inch Optika5 series of riflescopes with many different models available in each line.”

All Meopta Optika5 riflescopes are made of aircraft-grade aluminum alloy and feature:

–  One-piece tube design

–  Zero-Reset setting for quick return to zero

–  Zoom ring with a multi-position throw lever

–  Rear-facing zoom display for easy viewing of power setting from behind the scope

–  MeoBright anti-reflective lens coatings

–  MeoShield anti-abrasion lens coatings

–  MeoDrop hydrophobic lens coatings that repel rain, dust and grease

New Bolt-Action Rifle from Benelli

Benelli is introducing the Lupo bolt-action centerfire rifle, the company’s first foray into this market, and it looks like a winner.

Renowned for making high-quality shotguns, Benelli brings expertise and Italian craftsmanship to create a highly-accurate centerfire rifle with precise sub-MOA accuracy, superb ergonomics, patented adjustability and unprecedented recoil reduction. Lupo is the Italian word for wolf.

According to Benelli, the Lupo is loaded with innovative features-including seven exclusive Benelli patents-adding up to a hunting rifle that handles beautifully and provides a truly customizable fit. It makes its debut in three of the most popular bolt-action calibers (.30-06 Springfield, .300 Win. Mag., .270 Win.). The Lupo features a chassis-style construction built from an alloy lower receiver and fitted with a synthetic stock and forend. The stock incorporates Benelli’s patented Progressive Comfort recoil-reducing system and Combtech cheek pad for comfortable shooting.

Accuracy. This 3-shot, sub-MOA rifle achieves repeatable, consistent accuracy thanks to a precision CRIO-treated and free-floating barrel, securely bedded (steel-to-steel) into the alloy chassis receiver. This accuracy is unleashed with a crisp and adjustable trigger mechanism.

An innovative barrel attachment system creates an unaltered chamber and perfect alignment on every gun. The rifle was subjected to rigorous military quality and safety testing while precision accuracy was assured by testing across a wide spectrum of ammunition.

Adjustability. In addition to great accuracy, the Benelli Lupo’s design features modular adjustability to provide the perfect fit between shooter and rifle. The chassis-style configuration of a separate stock, receiver and forend allow the shooter to customize the Lupo to one of 12 drop and cast positions with the included shims. This is easily expandable to 36 postions by utilizing optional combs. Further fit adjustments can be made with included LOP spacers. Finger reach to the trigger is also adjustable with included spacers that can be placed between the receiver and the stock. Additional fit choices include two raised cheek pad styles and one optional length butt pad.

Recoil Reduction and Ergonomics. The Benelli Lupo tames recoil with a patented built-in Progressive Comfort system and a Combtech cheek pad. The double-stack box magazine is incredibly easy to load in or out of the gun. A two-position, tang-mounted safety offers ambidextrous manipulation. Airtouch Grip surfaces provide a safe and firm hold on the rifle. A threaded muzzle (5/8 x 24 thread) gives the option of adding a muzzle brake or suppressor. The short bolt throw quietly chambers and ejects rounds for quick and smooth follow-up shots.

Specs:

Stock/Finish: Black synthetic/black.

Trigger: Adjustable (2.2-4.4 lbs.).

Barrel: Free-floating CRIO/threaded (5/8×24 threads).

Capacity: 5+1.

Length of Pull: Adjustable 13.8 – 14.75 inches.

Warranty: 7 years.

Caliber choices: 

• .270 Winchester – Barrel Length: 22 inches. Overall Length: 44.625 inches. Overall Weight: 7 lbs. Rate of Twist: 1:10 RH
• .30-06 Springfield – Barrel Length: 22 inches. Overall Length: 44.625 inches. Overall Weight: 7 lbs. Rate of Twist: 1:11 RH
• .300 Win. Mag. – Barrel Length: 24 inches. Overall Length: 46.625 inches. Overall Weight: 7.1 lbs. Rate of Twist: 1:11 RH

Benelli Announces 20-ga. Model 828 O/U Shotgun

Benelli’s acclaimed Model 828U is now available in a 20-gauge configuration.

The 20-gauge version has been properly scaled around the smaller shotshell. Known for its innovative redesign of the over/under platform, the 12-gauge 828U has been garnering accolades worldwide since 2015 for its exquisite form, flawless function and rock-steady performance in the field and on the range.

Benelli’s 828U delivers mandatory point-ability, included custom drop and cast adjustments and the kind of ergonomic feel and balance Benelli users are accustomed to. It is at once both contemporary and beautifully practical, from the smooth body and exquisite checkering to the low-profile carbon fiber rib, no side rib and innovative monoblock treatment.

Functionality and safety of the 828U is a given with an auto-safety, easy-operating opening lever and steel lock-plate opening system. The shotgun’s impulse-driven ejection keeps unfired shells handy. All 828U shotguns are equipped with Crio barrels and Crio chokes, a weight-reducing carbon-fiber rib and a high-grade alloy receiver complimented by fine AA-Grade satin walnut on the stock and forend. Durable steel-on-steel hinges and easy-to-remove trigger system make for easy cleanup.

The patented, recoil-taming Progressive Comfort System, already popular with many Benelli shooters, is nicely integrated into the 828U over/understo keep muzzle flip to a minimum and provide a more comfortable shooting experience. The new 20-gauge version is available with 26- and 28-inch barrels.

Stoeger Expands M3500 Shotgun Series

Stoeger is expanding the popular M3500 shotgun line with the versatile M3500 Predator/Turkey Special shotgun.

Whether calling coyotes or a puffed-up tom across a field, the newest Stoeger M3500 is the go-to 3 ½ -inch semi-auto shotgun.

At the heart of the M3500 Predator/Turkey Special is the ultra-reliable Inertia Driven operating system. With fewer moving parts, this system is the fastest, simplest, cleanest, strongest and most reliable operating system in the world. The Inertia Driven action is contained primarily within the receiver, providing a better, more centered balance and swing. The receiver also stays cleaner longer.

The Predator /Turkey Special features a SteadyGrip pistol grip buttstock for a rock-solid grip while the ported barrel reduces muzzle rise and recoil, allowing shooters to get back on target quicker. Chambered to take shells from 2-3/4 up to 3.5-inch magnum loads without adjustment, the shotgun’s receiver is drilled and tapped to mount the included Weaver 93 base. A fiber-optic front sight sits atop the 24-inch barrel.

Fully covered in Mossy Oak Overwatch camo, the M3500 Predator/Turkey Special also comes with two extended Mojo hunting chokes to deliver consistent and deadly patterns. An included Para cord sling offers a convenient carry option while in the field.