Best & Worst of SHOT'25!

This video provides an in-depth look at the Smith & Wesson Model of 1950, also known as the Pre-Model 21, chambered in .44 Special. The presenter, Hickok45, highlights its historical significance, collector value, and shooting characteristics. He emphasizes that this model is specifically designed for .44 Special and will not chamber .44 Magnum, differentiating it from later models. The review includes live-fire demonstrations and discussions on its rarity and appeal to collectors.

This video provides expert recommendations for reliable handguns suitable for duty use, personal protection, and home defense. The instructor, with extensive military and testing experience, details specific models that have performed exceptionally well under rigorous testing conditions, including high round counts and extreme environments. The recommendations cover a range of firearm types and are presented without sponsorship, emphasizing honest, experience-based advice for enhancing user safety.

This video from Exile Armory provides a comprehensive overview of a diverse inventory, featuring handguns, rifles, and Class 3 items. The presenter, Amber, highlights specific models like the Kimber El Rey, CZ P-10 C, and Maxim Defense PDX, detailing their calibers, finishes, and prices. The showcase includes custom builds and limited editions, offering insights into current firearm availability and market offerings.

This video explores 10 firearms that are gaining popularity in 2026, moving beyond traditional choices like Glock. The expert instructor details specific models such as the Sig Sauer P365 XMacro, Springfield Armory Echelon, and Canik Mete SFx, highlighting their features, capacities, and intended uses. The analysis covers compact carry options, full-size duty pistols, and even pistol-caliber carbines, offering insights into market trends and consumer preferences for feature-rich alternatives.

This video reviews two non-Glock starter pistol options: the Springfield Hellcat Pro Comp and the Smith & Wesson M&P 2.0 Metal. The Hellcat Pro Comp is highlighted for its lightweight, compact design and crisp trigger. The M&P 2.0 Metal is noted for its iconic American status, comfortable grip texture, and smooth, crisp trigger. Both are presented as viable alternatives for new firearm owners.

This video provides an unboxing and initial impressions of the Smith & Wesson M&P 2.0 Metal HD. The presenter highlights its substantial weight, metal frame, and features like the optics-ready slide, flat face trigger, and 18-degree grip angle. Initial shooting impressions suggest reliability and a solid feel.

This video critically reviews five handguns deemed unsuitable for concealed carry by TheYankeeMarshal, an established firearms commentator. The analysis focuses on practical issues like reliability, concealability, metallurgy, and effectiveness in self-defense scenarios, highlighting specific models from Bersa, Ruger, Taurus, Magnum Research, and Kel-Tec. The speaker's extensive experience and direct references to personal ownership and observed failures lend significant authority to his assessments.

The Yankee Marshal provides a practical, budget-conscious review of new handguns available for under $200, focusing on reliability and self-defense utility for a college student. He highlights five specific models, detailing their pros and cons based on extensive personal experience and current market pricing, emphasizing value for money in the entry-level firearm market.

TheYankeeMarshal, an established firearms commentator with practical self-defense knowledge, outlines critical 'don'ts' for concealed carry. He emphasizes avoiding dangerous methods like Mexican carry and pocket carry without holsters, and discourages less secure options such as small of back, improper shoulder holster use, and ankle carry. The guide stresses the importance of proper holsters with reliable retention and safe access, drawing on real-world safety incidents and extensive personal experience.

This guide, informed by TheYankeeMarshal's extensive experience with 14 1911s, helps viewers navigate the diverse 1911 market. It provides specific recommendations based on budget and intended use, from entry-level Springfield Armory GI series to concealed carry options like the Kimber Pro Carry and Para Slim Hawg, value-packed Springfield Armory Loaded series, near-custom Dan Wesson CBOB, and the highly recommended Colt Combat Commander as a customizable platform.