Gun Of The Week: TriStar Arms Raptor II

This video provides a comprehensive overview of new firearm releases and industry news. It details new models from Beretta, Wilson Combat, Springfield Armory, Savage, Henry, Chiappa, Sig Sauer, and FN, including specifications, calibers, and MSRPs. The presenter also discusses new optics, suppressors, and firearm accessories, offering insights into their features and potential value.

This review of the TriStar Raptor II shotgun highlights its suitability for waterfowl hunting. Expert assessment notes its reliable gas-operated semi-automatic action, available configurations in 12 or 20 gauge with various finishes like Mossy Oak, and practical features such as a 3-inch chamber, fiber optic sight, and comfortable ergonomics. The shotgun proved reliable with diverse ammunition types after a brief break-in period.

Honest Outlaw provides an enthusiastic overview of the new Mossberg Maverick 88 Semi-Auto shotgun, revealed at SHOT Show 2026. The review highlights its anticipated street price of $400-$500 against an MSRP of $600, its 28-inch vent rib barrel, walnut stock, and gas-operated system. The presenter, Chris, emphasizes Mossberg's reputation for reliability and his long-standing personal experience with the Maverick 88 platform.

This video provides a practical comparison of pump-action and semi-automatic shotgun reliability, featuring the Maverick 88 and Beretta A300 Ultima Patrol. The host, demonstrating high authority and practical expertise, tests both platforms with a wide range of 12-gauge ammunition, concluding that modern semi-automatics can match the dependability of traditional pump-actions.

This review of the Mossberg 990 Aftershock, presented by Brass Facts, highlights its performance as a gas-operated, semi-automatic 12 Gauge shotgun. The analysis, conducted with high-round count stress testing, reveals significant reliability issues, particularly extraction failures, and a pickiness with ammunition. While compatible with some aftermarket parts like the Magpul SGA stock, it struggles with cheaper loads, making it less versatile than some competitors. The review emphasizes a critical, data-driven approach to understanding the firearm's limitations.

This video reviews several new firearms and industry developments. It covers new Performance Center pistols from Smith & Wesson, Rock River Arms' A1 carbine SPR, and Springfield Armory's updated Echelon with an Aimpoint ACRO cut. Shotgun news includes the Thompson Center Pro Hunter Turkey Encore. The video also touches on industry drama involving Beretta's stake in Ruger and a dispute between BNT USA and BNT Switzerland, alongside new gear releases from Timney, Radian, Harrington Arms, and White Label Armory.

This video from NRA Publications provides an in-depth look at the manufacturing process of Hornady ammunition, from bullet creation to final packaging. It details the steps involved in forming bullets, annealing and shaping cartridge cases, and rigorous quality control testing to ensure product reliability. The expert-level instruction highlights the precision engineering and domestic manufacturing of Hornady products in Grand Island, Nebraska, USA.

This video provides an expert overview of the British L1A1 SLR, a variant of the FN FAL. Mark A. Keefe IV, Editor-in-Chief of American Rifleman, details its design differences from the Belgian FN FAL, its extensive service history in conflicts like the Falklands War, and its eventual replacement. The segment highlights the rifle's robust construction, its adoption strategy by British Ordnance, and its legacy in firearm history.

This video documents a startling bobcat attack on a turkey hunter. The hunter's calls, intended for turkeys, attracted a bobcat which stalked and then pounced. The hunter's reaction caused the bobcat to retreat, highlighting the unpredictable nature of wildlife encounters and the importance of situational awareness.

This video details the revival of Remington Ammunition under Vista Outdoor's ownership, focusing on the Lonoke, Arkansas facility. It highlights the brand's historical significance, the challenges faced during bankruptcy, and the strategic steps taken by Vista Outdoor to restore production, quality, and employee morale. The narrative emphasizes a commitment to American manufacturing and supporting the Second Amendment.