Prototype Pistol Announcement Coming Soon

This entry details the Matador Arms MAT-9 Hydraulic Buffer System, a dual piston hydraulic design aimed at significantly reducing felt recoil in the MAT-9 upper receiver. The system is presented as an evolution from direct blowback to smoother roller-delayed operating systems, with the buffer further enhancing this by mitigating recoil. The information is derived from a manufacturer representative at Shot Show 2026.

This video details a ballistic gel test of Federal Hydra-Shok .38 Special +P 129 Grain ammunition, evaluating its performance across different handgun barrel lengths (2-inch, 3-inch, and 4-inch). The test includes chronograph readings and analysis of penetration, expansion, and tumbling within a heavy clothing barrier. The results indicate that while the ammunition achieves good penetration, it consistently fails to expand reliably, particularly from shorter barrels, suggesting a need for higher velocity for optimal performance.

This video demonstrates a direct comparison between suppressed and unsuppressed 12 gauge shotgun fire, focusing on sound reduction and felt recoil. The expert instructor highlights the significant decrease in recoil with the suppressed setup, estimating a 40-50% reduction in noise. The test utilizes a Yankee Hill Victor 12 shotgun, showcasing its performance with a suppressor and a mounted weapon light.

This video demonstrates a durability test of the Tardigrade Industries Maxilla face mask against various calibers, including .22LR, 9mm, .45 ACP, .223, and .500 AutoMax. The mask, rated Level 3A, successfully stopped all projectiles, with only the .500 AutoMax causing significant deformation without penetration. The presenter highlights the mask's resilience and its suitability for personal protection.

This video demonstrates testing the sound suppression capabilities of a CMMG Zeroed suppressor on an AR-15 using blank cartridges. It highlights the significant muzzle flash produced by blanks and assesses the suppressor's effectiveness in reducing the sound. The presenter also briefly compares blank cartridges to live rounds.

This review of the EOTech OGL standard (full power variant) covers its features, included accessories, and performance in reliability and IR illumination testing. The presenter, Kyle from 4MR Ranch, details the unit's adjustment turrets for both laser and illuminator, the flood/spot slider, and the use of pattern generators and diffusers. He also provides an IR illuminator comparison against other devices and discusses zero retention testing on a SCAR 17. The video emphasizes the importance of laser diode consistency and offers insights into the OGL's performance in low-light conditions.

Lucas Botkin, founder of T.Rex Arms, shares his expert insights on optimizing carbine builds based on extensive round counts. He details his philosophy on barrel length versus optic choice, preferring red dots for shorter barrels and magnification for longer ones. Botkin also discusses preferences for muzzle devices, foregrips, lights, lasers, and triggers, emphasizing reliability and simplicity for high-volume use.

This video details a critical incident during a firearms class where a custom-built pistol, featuring numerous aftermarket parts, experienced unintended discharges. The instructors meticulously troubleshoot the issue, identifying tolerance stacking and specific magazine fit as the likely culprits. They emphasize the importance of testing aftermarket components and the potential pitfalls of combining non-OEM parts.

This video discusses the practical considerations of Short Barreled Rifles (SBRs) with firearms instructor Nick Young. Key takeaways include the benefits of SBRs for suppressor use, the legal complexities involving ATF travel paperwork, and the potential reliability issues and increased violence in shorter-barreled platforms. The discussion also touches on the importance of proper buffer systems and the tendency for 'Franken-guns' to fail in training.

Hwansik Kim explains his 'No Friction Grip' technique, developed to maintain control in adverse conditions like sweaty hands or rain. The method emphasizes specific pressure points, particularly using the support hand's index finger on the trigger guard and the top knuckles of the support hand on the firing hand. This technique aims to minimize reliance on grip enhancers and provide consistent control through recoil by creating a stable platform without excessive friction.