Curious as we are about what's new, at press time not all manufacturers were willing to share with us what plans they had for '09 as it's traditional for them to play the cards pretty close to the chest until the grand unveiling at the industry's major trade show, which occurred after press time for this issue. However, I did persuade several to give me a glimpse of the future. There are introductions as well as variations on themes that, for true handgun lovers, just might cause a bad case of hyperventilation. Does anyone have a paper bag?

Springfield
The excellent XD(m) line has been broadened to include .40 S&W caliber. This gun leads the industry in factory stock pistol capacity: 16+1 in .40 caliber and 19+1 in 9mm. One of the most ergonomic handguns available, the XD(m) offers interchangeable backstraps, grip safety, minimal reset trigger and match-grade barrel as well as a great sight system. An integral tactical rail makes mounting accessories such as lights and lasers easy, and the USA (Ultra Safety Assurance) trigger system and loaded chamber/cocking indicators provide an extra measure of safety. Weight: 32 ounces. Barrel length: 4.5 inches. the-m-factor.com

Ruger
The super-successful Super Blackhawk revolver is 50 years old this year, and Ruger is honoring it with an anniversary model. In .44 Magnum (of course), it features gold trim, checkered hard rubber grips and a high-gloss blue on its 7.5-inch barrel.

Traditionalists like myself will be glad to see the Vaquero line now includes a Bisley version. Initially offered in .45 Colt and .357 Magnum, it sports simulated ivory grips and a high-gloss finish. Made of stainless steel. Barrel length is 5.5 inches.

An Axiom-stock version of the 10/22 Charger line features a black synthetic stock. A bipod, scope base and gun rug case are included. And to wrap it up, the Mark III line is featuring a new stainless-steel Hunter model with Cocobolo grips and fiber-optic sights on its 4.5-inch fluted barrel.

Also, good news for those in restrictive states, the updated SR9 pistol has been accepted onto the approved lists of California and Massachusetts.

CZ-USA
Hard on the heels of the popular new SP-01, CZ-USA has announced a polymer-frame version that's a full 33 percent lighter than the steel frame model. The CZ 75 SP-01 Phantom has a forged steel slide with a weight-saving scalloped profile, accessory rail and two interchangeable grip inserts to accommodate users with different size hands. It also features a decocking lever, accepts all previous CZ 75 magazines, and holds 19 rounds of 9mm ammo. Weight: 28.2 ounces. Barrel length: 4.6 inches.

The CZ P-07 Duty features the ergonomics and accuracy of the CZ 75 with a totally new, simplified and improved trigger system called the Omega. A polymer frame and new sleek slide profile reduce weight, making the P-07 Duty a great choice for concealed carry. Capacity: 16 rounds of 9mm. Weight: 27 ounces. Barrel length: 3.74 inches.

The BD version of the RAMI improves on the 2075 platform with several new features: a decocking lever, weight-lightening scallop on the slide and tritium three-dot combat sights. It's a great choice for backup or concealed carry.

Most intriguing of all, the semiauto version of the CZ vz. 61 Skorpion submachine gun is now available. Chambered in.32 ACP (7.65mm Browning), it's classified as a handgun and does not include a folding stock.

It's a very cool firearm originally developed for use with security forces, then adopted by the Czechoslovakian Army in 1961 as a sidearm for vehicle drivers, armored vehicle personnel and special forces. Capacity: 20 rounds. Weight: 45 ounces. Two 20-round and one 10-round mags are included.