SHOT Show 2025 | Our Top Picks From Day 1

This retrospective analyzes SHOT Show 2025 firearm announcements, distinguishing successful releases from vaporware. Notable successes include the Primary Arms HTX-1 red dot and the AKB-23 bullpup conversion. Projects like the Insight Armory SVD and BSD Fabrication VSS face significant hurdles, while others like the Gearhead Guns Type 100 and Roswell SR-3M are progressing through production.

This video compares a stock Glock 43X Gen 5 with a modified version featuring the Radian Ramjet and Afterburner system, along with an Aimpoint ACRO. The primary focus is on evaluating the difference in felt recoil and shooting dynamics. The presenter concludes that the modification provides a noticeable, positive difference in recoil management and overall shooting feel, making it a worthwhile upgrade for some users.

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.

Shot Show 2025 revealed several new handguns, including Glock's Aimpoint ACRO package options for G48, G43X, G19, G45, and G47 models. Kel-Tec introduced the P57, a unique 5.7x28mm pistol with a top-loading mechanism. LGO Arms launched the Alien Remis combat variant, and Springfield Armory updated the 1911 DS Prodigy with compact versions. Heckler & Koch debuted the VP9 A1 series, and Taurus released the budget-friendly GX2.

This video covers new firearms and accessories from SHOT Show 2025, featuring detailed looks at Staccato's new 2011 platform with Glock magazine compatibility, Taurus's affordable GX2 and premium GX4 pistols, and their TX22 competition model. It also showcases LMT's MRGG rifle, Glock's new Aimpoint CS optic package, Franklin Armory's latest triggers and the F-22 rifle, Mossberg's R/RM shotgun and 940 Pro SPX, Shyac's M200 sniper rifle with Radical Defense suppressors, and PTR's new 63 roller-delayed blowback rifle and Spirius suppressors. The content highlights design features, intended use cases, and performance aspects from industry professionals.

This review covers the Smith & Wesson Spec Series VI M&P9 M2.0 Metal Compact, highlighting its 4-inch barrel, 15-round capacity in 9mm, and Aimpoint ACRO optic. The firearm features a custom ported barrel and a flat-faced trigger, presented with an enthusiastic and informative tone by a firearms content creator.

This video showcases a .50 Caliber Mag Dump Challenge between an FBI agent and a Navy SEAL, demonstrating advanced recoil management techniques with a Barrett M107/M82A1 rifle. The challenge highlights the proficiency required to handle such a powerful firearm during rapid fire. Expert insights into managing the extreme recoil and maintaining control are implicitly shown through the operators' performance.

This guide details a tactical shooting technique demonstrated by Taran Butler, focusing on the precise hostage shot with the TTI JW4 Dracarys Gen-12 shotgun and rapid target transitions with a pistol. Instruction from an expert shooter highlights speed, accuracy, and proper firearm handling for competitive and tactical scenarios.

This guide details the execution of a magazine dump with a Barrett M107A1, emphasizing rapid firing from various positions. It highlights the importance of proper recoil management and safe range practices, as demonstrated by the CF Clips presenter. The video showcases the significant muzzle blast and impulse associated with .50 BMG rounds.

This video features a competitive magdump challenge between operators representing the FBI and SWAT, utilizing Knight's Armament SR-15 rifles chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO. The challenge highlights rapid firing techniques and recoil control, with participants demonstrating proficiency in managing their AR-15 platforms under high stress. The content showcases the performance of the SR-15 with its Direct Impingement operating system and E3 bolt, emphasizing speed and accuracy in a competitive scenario.