When I see a S&W Model 642 clone that has an even half-tolerable trigger (cough Taurus cough), I pay attention. When I see a $360 MSRP price tag, I don’t even mind that it comes in more colors than Crayola. Needless to say, we’re angling for a tester as we speak.
But wait! There’s more!
The Patriot is a DAO polymer-frame .45 ACP with a 6+1 magazine and a vibe that positively screams ‘Kel-Tec.’ With a street price in the low $400s (or less) we’re curious to see what it’s got that a Springfield XD Compact doesn’t. We do like the second-strike ability and the fact that it has a slick slide and NO manual safety.
FYI, I’ve talked to WWG about getting this combo (I actually wanted .270/35 Whelen) and they shut me down multiple times. The closest thing to a yes I got was at least $1500 a barrel (with me supplying the gun) and probably more than a year wait. Basically, they want top dollar and it will happen when ever they feel like it because it is out of their norm. Their bread at butter is the marlin copilot, there is a lot of demand and at $3g’s a pop that’s a lot of butter. I can’t really blame them. It does say on their website that they do these but that doesn’t really make a difference. Now maybe if you’re a movie star or something the answer might be different. They do have the ghost ring set up available. I got one, it’s not bad. It’s well protected with the heavy side wings. If you want to throw on a peep aperture you will need the extended length. You will also need a monster front blade too. It might not be as extreme with the 450 (bigger, thicker barrel) but with a 30-06 it takes quite a lot to get high enough to line out with the receiver mounted sight.