Armalite update

[Grayrider]

Gang,

   Mark Westrom called on Friday and filled me in on progress from his trip to Turkey.  It sounds like they are on track for a fall release of the AR-24 pistol in 9mm.  It will be steel framed with some of the modifications he envisioned as well as our suggestions.  I will give you more information as it becomes available.



GR

[Southern Forester]

Shouldn't it be AP-24 (Armalite Pistol instead of Armalite Rifle)?

Davis

[Grayrider]

You know that did not even occur to me.  I had been thinking AR was just for ArmaLite.  AP does make sense.

GR

[KingPolymer-III]

blued steel or stainless? full size only or full size and compact as well? and any MSPR$ info?  thanks for keeping in the loop with your updates?   The 9mm is good start,  I am assuming that the .40SW, .45ACP , and 10mm will follow.

[Grayrider]

I don't have any information on finish yet.  He sent me some planning documents that indicated both full size and compact to start with.  Calibers are still in progress on the Turkish side as they have only been making 9mm for the military contract.  Mark is still suggesting that pricing will be around an XD or Glock, so pretty competitive given what you will get for the money.

GR

[Southern Forester]

It occurs to me, being lazy and not checking the Sarsilmaz webiste, that they may not be tooled for large-frame pistols, and that the only pistols that might be offered would be 9mm and 40S&W.  I would prefer a .45ACP version over a Witness, purely for semantic reasons to be sure.  I honestly wish the CZ-TT's had been offered in a steel frame for just that reason.

Davis

[Grayrider]

The 45 is in prototype stage.  I made some comments that it should not be under valued as I think the 45 will compete evenly with the 40.  If the 40 only holds 12 shots, many shooters will pick the 10 shot 45 (assuming Tanfoglio/CZ magazine capacities are the norm here).  To me 40 becomes a preference over 45 to buyers in general when it offers significantly more ammunition in the magazine.

In Tanfoglio pistols at least, the 45 caliber guns are not that much bigger than the 40 based on the standard 12 shot frame.  I actually suggested they might want to hold off on the 40 and base it on the 45 frame as EAA is now doing (rather the 10mm frame).  This would produce a 15 shot capacity in 40, with the side benefit of providing a platform for 10mm or an 18 shot 9mm.

GR

[KingPolymer-III]

"Mark is still suggesting that pricing will be around an XD or Glock, so pretty competitive given what you will get for the money."

  Grayrider:
     Thanks so much for the update, but the above quoted is certainly not good news.   If the prices are going to be on par with XD or Glock, that means that they will be the same price as a CZ,  I don't see any CZ clone, other than maybe a Sphinx ,being equal in quality.  Tanfoglio is up there as well, but much cheaper and the Sphinx is double the price of a CZ,  Tanfoglio is exceptional,  CZ is phenomenal , and Sphinx is platinum,  so if the AR import is the same price as a Glock or an XD,  ie $425-$550, then that is exactly what new CZs are selling for, and new Tanfoglios are selling from $300-$400, and even a used Sphinx is $600+,  so in my estimation,  the AR imports have to be better than a CZ to justify the price, and I don't see them being better than Tanfoglios necessarily, but its premature to say without testing them first, I am just saying that the price seems high.  They need to be priced in between Tanfoglio and CZ to justify the sale, IMHO.  

[Grayrider]

It may be a risk but I think if they offer some improvements over the base 75 it can work.  Adjustable sights, better trigger, forged steel components, perhaps checkering, and hard chrome.  The goal is to offer the customer more for their money.

GR

[KingPolymer-III]

Well, if that is the case , then CZ will have to make further upgrades to their base models.   I am very excited to see the finished products.

[LDD]

I saw the Turkish pistols at the SHOT Show and they seemed to be higher quality than an EAA Witness so they might be worth a bit more in price.

[Grayrider]

Mark Westrom sent me some pics of the prototypes but I am not at liberty to release them.  He is working to make the guns look a lot like a Sig P210.  I hate to use the term retro, but that seems to fit.  I like what I am seeing a lot.  Expect a pistol with smooth, classic lines and elegant curves rather than an angular, blocky chunk of metal.  So far they are still working through such cosmetic changes so I don't have much to offer in terms of news.  I will keep you all informed as new information becomes available.

GR

[KingPolymer-III]

grayrider:
  Will they come with one mag or two?

[nvrquit]

... is okay for a single model within the line, but I for one would not like to see the entire line styled in P-210 mannerism. It just wouldn't warm me and therefore place the entire line if so styled, somewhere near the bottom of my list to purchase.

I still like the K2 Sig-styled model. While I would prefer such with a frame mounted condition-1 type safety arrangement, I'd accept the slide safety if that's all that would be offered. I'd even prefer a K2 with the frame mounted decocker(ala Tan/Baby Eagle) if available, before a P-210 styled model.

Just personal preference, not bashing anyone e;else on their desired preference(s).


Grayrider,
Thanks for the updates and please keep them coming. Pics when available(and allowed). Please make sure that Mr. Westrom knowns the provided info is appreciated.

[Grayrider]

I think we can expect two magazines.  I was very strong in suggesting that the EAA one magazine idea is a mistake.  Of course I am just playing the role of advisor, so I really don't have any firm say.

The 210 styling is really pretty attractive.  I understand it may be hard to picture.  I could not envision it at all until I saw the shots of the prototypes and was quite concerned about that results.  I think once the final pictures come out it will look pretty neat.  Essentially it is just a contouring of the slide, not that far from what Tanfoglio has recently started doing on their polymer gun slides.

GR