SHOT Show 2025 LIVE; All-Access From the Floor

Many consider January to be a cold and dreary time of year with little happening. However, it is also when the gun industry meets in Las Vegas to determine the state of the industry. SHOT Show 2025 promises to be just as exciting as previous years with tons of new guns and gear being introduced. 

Since this is an industry-only event, SHOT Show 2025 LIVE is your all-access pass to the products and happenings. GunBroker will be reporting on all of the latest news and products of the shooting, hunting and outdoor industries. Be sure to check back often because we will be posting straight from the SHOT Show 2025 floor. 

After the SHOT Show 2025

Getting back home after SHOT is always a little surreal. After four, five, six or maybe many more, days in Las Vegas, it feels weird to be back in the real world with regular issues and problems. Vegas is fun to visit, but it is glitz and glamour way above the average person. Throw in SHOT and everything becomes fuzzy. But it doesn’t mean it wasn’t fun.

By all accounts, SHOT was a success. It registered more than 54,000 attendees, including quite a few famous ones. I personally saw Joe Mantegna in the NRA booth and Colion Noir in the Nosler booth. I heard Donald Trump Jr. was there, but didn’t see him. There were others, but I’ve never really been a fan boy of anything or anybody, so most I just vaguely recognized.

While I had a lot of fun, I didn’t make it to anywhere near as many booths and see as many products as I had hoped and planned. SHOT is just massive with information flying from everywhere. In fact, information is still flying out of SHOT Show 2025.

Colt Optics-Ready 1911 Competition Pistols

Colt was the original maker of both AR-15 rifles and 1911 pistols, as well as the best old single-action revolvers. This company is fixed in American history. Its latest offering puts Colt back into the competition world with both a 9mm and .45 ACP.

The Colt Optics-Ready 1911 pistols deliver performance for high-level competition. To start, these guns feature Colt’s innovative optics plate system and an updated Series 70 Firing System. However, it also comes with a Novak Red Fiber Optic front sight, Black Serrated rear sight, G10 Checkered Blue with Scallops grip, extended thumb safety and upswept beavertail grip safety. It even comes with Colt’s well-known reliability.

Colt used to be king of handguns, and had some pretty nice rifles as well. There is just something about owning the original, especially regarding one of the most famous pistols ever made.

5.11 Range Ready Backpack

Going to the range provides training and a whole lot of fun. It can also be a pain hauling all the gear, especially if it is a distance from the parking lot to the shooting area. It gets a little easier with 5.11 Tactical Range Ready Backpack.

This pack is made of 600D polyester with PU coating and DWR finish and comes fully padded for comfort. It also has a ton of room for gear, which is the whole point of a range bag. It contains pouches for pistol cases, magazines, ammunition and even a water bottle. Even better, it comes with MOLLE attachments on front panel and the shoulder straps. It also comes with lockable zippers, center dividers and even a loop for securing a gun belt.

It is no secret that 5.11 Tactical makes great gear, and the company didn’t skimp on this pack. It is tough enough to be a range bag, go bag or even an everyday backpack.

Stoeger M3K 3-Gun Shotgun

Stoeger has expanded M3K line with two new 3-Gun shotguns for competition. Built on the same pattern as the original, these shotguns come with a Northern Lights Cerakote finish on the receiver, barrel assembly, and end cap, which compliments the black synthetic stock, trigger guard and operational controls.

Both also come with a shim kit for adjusting drop and cast, and it is drilled and tapped for optics. Its oversized controls provide fast operation and its beveled loading port makes for fast and efficient reloads. Finally, it is pretty affordable at $779.

Stoeger makes great shotguns, and the M3K line fits right in with its brands. Those interested in getting into 3-Gun should take a look. It is fast for both shooting and manipulation and just feels like a winner.

Jan. 24 — SHOT Show 2025

SHOT is winding down. Fridays, in fact, are typically pretty slow. Lots of folks have already flown out and everyone is shuffling and looking forward to heading home. It is also a good to time find a few more items that hunters and shooters might find useful.

C&H Precision COMP MAX Pistol Optic

Pistol optics have gotten a whole lot more popular in recent years. This is due to increase in speed and accuracy, as well as aging eyes. C&H Precision has been making optics and plates for a while, and just introduced its COMP MAX.

The COMP MAX features an oversized window, which really provides a larger sight picture, making it good for both competition and self-defense. This optic has an aircraft-grade aluminum body for durability and power management. Basically, it shuts down after five minutes of inactivity but instantly turns back on with any movement.

Taurus 850

Those interested in the snubby life should take a look at the new Taurus 850 revolver. Available in .38 Spl., the 850 is a modern take on classic revolvers. It comes in black or stainless with either a 2- or 3-inch barrel in double-action-only. In fact, has a fully shrouded hammer, but still has a very nice trigger pull. It even has a customizable front sight for alignment and personalization.

RCBS UPM-3 Competition Powder Measure

Ammunition prices has gone up over the last decade, so lots of shooters have started into reloading. RCBS provides all of the tools needed to make ammunition. This includes a new powder measure.

The UPM-3 Competition Powder Measure helps with speed and accuracy via a MatchMasterTM Micrometer adjustable screw. This screw lets handloaders precisely adjust charge weight while easily recording and dialing their preferred setting back in during a future loading session. It accurately meters all types of powder by volume, with a range of 0.5 to 100 grains. And it works for both pistol and rifle powders.

Benelli Nova 3 Hunting

Benelli continues to innovate shotguns with its latest the Nova 3 Hunting. This 12-gauge, pump-action features one-piece and corrosion-proof framework with a 100-percent Poly-Mod construction. This forms a strong, unitized receiver and buttstock configuration. This gen 3 version includes a reshaped buttstock and forend with the more aggressive Ergo-Evolved Diamond Grip scalloping for improved grip and operation in all weather conditions. The trigger guard is also enlarged and re-profiled for enhanced use when wearing gloves.

Other features include a larger ejection port and faster 3-inch chamber. And the company provides this, and much more for a very reasonable price. It comes in black synthetic, as well as Mossy Oak Bottomland and Realtree Max-7 camo.

Benelli has long been popular with duck hunters, but not everyone can afford it premier shotgun. The Nova 3-Hunting allows shooters to own a Benelli at a much better price.

CZ Shadow 2 Compact

The CZ Shadow 2 Compact comes from the company’s full-sized competition model. It has the same instinctive fit and feel as its flagship CZ SHADOW 2, with a reduction in size and weight. It measures only 7.5 (L) x 1.4 (W) x 5.4 (H) inches, but still retains a 15-round capacity. With its forged 7075 aluminum frame, it weighs only 30.7 ounces, so it is light but still heavy enough for recoil management.

The checkered grip feels good in the hand, and it has a decent sized trigger guard and an accessory rail on the dustcover. And like most of today’s pistols, it comes optics ready.

Jan. 23 — SHOT Show 2025

It’s the third day of SHOT, and folks are becoming visibly tired. You also hear more complaints about feet hurting, but the after-hour stories are pretty good. There is a lot to do in Vegas after the show closes for the night.

Regardless of how late folks stay out, the work continues early in the morning, with coffee and energy drinks in almost every hand. Things are starting to slow down, but there are still many walking hard and fast to make meeting and see products.

CrossBreed Chest Rig Nomad

I like holsters, always have. Most of the time, I stick to IWB holsters, but every so often I think about others, such as the CrossBreed Chest Rig Nomad. I’ve been kind of wanting a chest rig, especially one that would work with my Buck Commander pack that I’ve had for years. I also have a soft spot for CrossBreed, as I got to know Craig, the guy who started the company.

Unfortunately, he died, but from what I understand, his wife and brother have kept the company moving forward, and, in my opinion, actually made it better. Craig was an awesome man, friendly and genuine. However, he took pride in his little slogan, “The ugliest holster you’ll ever love” and kept the leather looking bad despite the ability to improve. Doesn’t change the fact that I really liked the man and he made a hell of a holster. And I’m looking for a chest for a S&W Model 66 I traded for a few year ago. The company also introduced a couple of slings and a shoulder strap.

Stoeger P3000 Tactical Shotgun

In the world of defense, simple is good. In fact, it is great, especially when it is a straight-forward pump-action shotgun. The Stoeger P3000 Tactical is just a simple shotgun, with some features designed around defense.

First is the all-new stock system, designed as a hybrid between a traditional fixed stock and a pistol grip/AR-style stock. It also comes with a QD swivel and M-LOK mounting points for multiple sling arrangements and an elevated cheek riser for good eye alignment with the sights. And those sights are a sturdy, impact-resistant rear ghost ring and front post arrangement found on more expensive defensive shotguns. MSRP is well less than $500.

CZ P-09 Nocturne Optics Ready

The Nocturne has been out a while, but CZ didn’t stop improving it. In fact, quite a few customers told the company that they wanted to put optics on the pistol. Now they can. The new Optics-Ready interface is compatible with Shield RMS and Holosun K footprints. This means it will fit most, and additional plates will probably be available soon.

CZ also enhanced the serrations and improved the grip texture. Both are pretty nice, not too aggressive but providing plenty of purchase.

Spyderco

While guns might rule SHOT, there are many other types of products available for viewing. Some of these include body armor, non-lethal defense and, of course, knives. There are lots of knife companies represented, including Spyderco. In fact, Spyderco is a neighbor of GunBroker most years, making it quite easy to check out some pretty cool and useful knives.

Jan. 22 — SHOT Show 2025

The second day of SHOT Show 2025 started in typical fashion, weary heads and sore feet. It seems like folks always overdo it on the first day of SHOT. This is because of the excitement of everything, and the desire to see everything, which never happens.

For day 2, I left the main floor and headed over to the Caesars forum. Some might say that this is were smaller groups are located, but it is also where Ruger/Marlin has been the last couple of years, as well as Henry Arms and a quite a few companies that I sometimes I overlook for whatever reason. Lots of times I’ve heard of the company and seen their products, I just don’t think about them.

Leupold VX6-HD GEN2

Leupold has updated its VX6-HD line. I know, it’s hard to believe that Leupold could make it better, but the company did. It uses Professional-Grade Optical System, providing clarity in all situations, regardless of weather. They also improved the integrated throw lever, and changed a part, of which I didn’t completely understood, to provide even more adjustment. It also has a new custom dial system (CDS) for better long-range shooting, as it is customized to exact load, muzzle velocity and hunting environment. You just have to go to Leupold’s website and complete the form.

Nosler Whitetail Country

There are lots of ammunition choices on the market. All of them do the job on whitetails. Some have better ballistics or velocity to reach out distances. However, most of them are fairly pricey. That’s the benefit of Nosler’s Whitetail Country line.

Available in most of the popular whitetail chamberings, such as .30-06, .270 Win., .308 Win. and even 6.5 Creedmoor, this load is designed to take down white-tailed deer. Sure, it can reach out as far as a shooter’s ability, but most deer are taken at around 100 yards or less. This is where Whitetail Country shines, and it does this at around $35 a box. Nosler even makes it in two straight-walled calibers, .350 Legend and .45-70.

Moultrie Products

While the main items we cover are gun, GunBroker sells a whole lot more than just guns and ammo, in case you’ve never looked. This includes game cameras, feeders and more from Moultrie. Two that caught my eye this year are the Feed Hub and the 3.4 Solar Power Pack.

The Solar Power Pack works with Moultrie game cameras, including the very popular cellular game cameras. This thing keeps your camera running constantly throughout the year, as a full charge will run for nine days without sunlight hitting it.

Hunters in areas that allow feeding need to look at the Moultrie Feed Hub. It attaches to most spin cast feeders, allowing for full control via its app. Hunters receive information about battery power, feed levels and even clogs. You can even control when it activates from the comfort of your couch, including feed on demand.

FIGHTLITE Herring Modern Lever Action

Keeping with the tactical lever actions, I happened to notice the Herring Modern Lever Action from FIGHTLITE. While this was announced last year, it hasn’t actually hit the market. However, it looks like the company is getting close, having received its second patent last month.

The Herring uses a rotating bolt, just like an AR, but it is cycled via a lever. In fact, it can run with any standard AR upper with an adapter. In doing so, shooters can use any standard AR magazine in this rifle. Or, folks can purchase a lower and put it with their own upper. Coming in at $1,700, it is not cheap, but the Herring really increases the cool factor. The only problem is that there is no word on when this rifle will hit the stores.

Henry Lever Action Supreme

For the last few months, Henry has been shipping its Lever Action Supreme rifles. These guns come chambered in .223 Rem. and .300 Blackout currently, but the design lends itself to any AR type caliber. In the Supreme, Henry uses PMAGs, and while it held 10-round mags at the show, they handle any higher capacity mags, include drum mags. I’ve got to say, I was surprised, as when I worked the lever, it looked like would hit longer magazines. It doesn’t.

ESCORT BullTac Mag Fed & ERX Rifle

ESCORT makes affordable shotguns. In fact, the company makes some pretty nice affordable shotguns, as well as some interesting ones. This includes the BullTac shotgun, which now has a magazine version.

Currently, it comes in pump-action only, using the same BTS magazines at other shotguns, and all for less than $400. Even better, you can pick up in 12, 20 and .410.

And for the first time in its history, ESCORT has introduced a rifle. A pretty nice looking bolt-action rifle. In fact, one of these rifles comes with a pretty nice piece of wood. That wood stock is nice enough to be way beyond the rifle’s $699 price tag. You can also get it with a polymer stock.

Ruger & Marlin

I’ve long been a fan of Ruger, starting with the fact that a Vaquero was the first handgun I ever purchased. Getting to know the people just makes me like Ruger/Marlin even more. I specifically went to Caesars to make it by the Ruger/Marlin booth.

The main item Ruger is pushing this year is the RXM, which we’ve already covered. It did lead to a conversation with the media rep about how the company handled the RXM introduction. They admitted it was a Gen 3 clone, but Ruger did it better.

I did look at a couple of carbon fiber 10/22 rifles. One has aTextured White Speckle Black Magpul MOE X-22 stock, while the other uses a Grey Birch Chassis. The first is extremely light, like one finger light. The other uses a collapsible stock that really shortens the rifle down for storage and carry, and actually make sit lighter than the 10/22 Takedown.

On the Marlin side, the news was still on lever guns, especially the Dark series. The aluminum forend features M-LOK attachments and it has a nylon-reinforced polymer stock, also with M-LOK, all in lever-action calibers. These include .45-70, .30-30, .44 Mag. and even .357 Mag. Even better, you don’t have to get tactical lever action. Marlin also makes lever-action rifles in these chamberings with wood stock and a choice of stainless or blued barrels.

Jan. 21 — SHOT Show 2025

SHOT had begun. It is still early but the floor is open and people are walking around. There is excitement, but it seems just a little paired down this year. None of that matters, however, because there will be some interesting products introduced at SHOT Show 2025 and GunBroker will be there when it happens.

Mossberg Pro & Magazine Models

Mossberg might only be doing line expansions, but they’re pretty cool line expansions. The Mossberg 940 Pro feels like a monster, especially the Tactical, with all of the oversized controls, ghost ring sights, red-dot cutouts and extended magazine. Then, you have talk about the Mossberg magazine shotguns.

The 590M Standoff, with the 10-round detachable magazine and bird’s head grip, is a little impractical, but who cares. It has a wow factor that makes any shooter want this shotgun. You can even get a 20-round magazine for this gun.

Mantis Titan X

Good shooting requires trigger time, but it is getting a lot more expensive to send rounds downrange. There are a few dry fire training groups, but Mantis is one of the best. This company has been around for a while, with the first product I remember being the Blackbeard. This trigger reset system for ARs let you train without constantly pulling the handle to get trigger resistance.

Mantis has expanded to bring out a few more products including lasers that work with apps and provide very accurate information about how you shoot. The one I mess with yesterday was called the Titan X. This training tool looks like a pistol but has a computer system that records shooting strings and then explains what you did wrong and how to fix it. It told me that I use a little too much trigger finger, especially during quick shooting strings. I already knew that.

Bergara BMR-X Carbon

Bergara has been making big-game barrels and rifles for a while. Well, the company also makes rimfires, and the BMR-X Carbon is super light and easy to aim or swing. It comes with adjustable length of pull, a nice vertical hand grip and a 30 MOA rail for mounting optics. You can pick it up in .22 LR, .22 Win. Mag. and 17 HMR.

It had a bit of a crowd around it, which is why I couldn’t really get a photo of the BMR-X Carbon. So, I pulled it from the website, but it shows the potential for this small-game hunting rifle.

Nemo Arms Mongoose

At SHOT, sometimes others point out things you might have missed. I can’t say for sure I wouldn’t have, but I can’t promise I would have stopped at the Nemo Arms booth. And if I hadn’t, I would have missed the Mongoose.

The Mongoose is the coolest gun I’ve seen so far at SHOT Show 2025. It is just a 9mm pistol caliber carbine, but it has that little wow feature. Part of it is the full ambidextrous controls, the M-LOK and Picatinny rails or maybe the Magpul magazines. I liked the short recoil operation. This is not a blowback gun, which means it will run a whole lot smoother with less recoil. Finally, it just have that little machine gun look that will bring some attention at the range.

KelTec PR57 & Sub2000 Gen3

Saw a bit of a crowd and slipped over to check out what was happening at KelTec. There were two guns that caught my eye. The first was the Sub2000 Gen3. 

The pistol caliber carbine has been out for a while, but it still merits interest. This blow-back system rifle comes in either 9mm or 5.7mm, but what’s really cool is that it folds back upon itself. And KelTec has made it so it rotates as it folds, allowing optics to remain in place. It is compact, light and optics ready with a long Picatinny rail. The 9mm version even accepts GLOCK 17 and 19 magazines, of which there are plenty. 

KelTec PR57

The PR57 has a rotary barrel and is top loaded with a 20-round capacity in 5.7mm. The top loading makes it was it needs 20 rounds, as it is not going allow the fastest reloads. It is loaded via two, 10-round stripper clips, which is really cool in concept, but might not be what I want as a primary carry gun. Might make an interesting back up or longer-distance shooting pistol, though. 

SureFire XC3 Red Dot & RTM

While everyone knows SureFire makes great flashlights, the company makes a whole more, from suppressors to optics and mounts. 

Today, I took a look at a new red dot sight and mount. The SureFire XC3 attaches nicely to the Rapid Transition Mount, providing a close-quarters and backup sight on a rifle. Moving between main optic and backup rolls easy. I’m thinking I might was to see how well it works in action.

Viridian RFX45 on Pinch

Instead of running from meeting to meeting this year, I’ve been walking the floor, hoping to find some gems, whether new or not. At the Viridian booth, I saw both.

The company has brought a new closed emitter green dot reflex sight, the RFX45. It is a nice little sight that would work on a pistol. Viridian, however, had mounted it on a rifle with a Pinch Adjustable mount. Kicked off to the side, as a backup, the RFX45 works great. It was quite easy to bounce from main sight to backup or up-close sight.

I also saw an interesting reflex for the Ruger LCP Max. It was just as narrow as the Max, but it pretty high. Because of this, finding the dot was pretty instinctive.

Dry Fire Mag

Ammunition is getting kind of expensive, and winter isn’t my favorite time of year to be outside shooting. However, I still need trigger time, and I’m not the only one. The Dry Fire Mag just might be answer. This trigger reset magazine allows dry firing without having the rack the slide every single time.

Folks can choose among quite a few gun magazines, from GLOCK to Springfield, with more coming. The reset can be adjusted to increase or decrease tension, making the trigger harder or easier. The can even be pick up with a laser that shows shot placement. The magazines run around a bill, with the laser including running a couple of hundred more.

Garmin Xero C1 Pro Chronograph

With new rounds, you have to be able to ensure they actually fire as fast as advertised. The Garmin Xero C1 Pro is the easiest chronograph I’ve seen. I have not actually fired anything through one, but am seriously considering trying to get hold of one.

With the Xero, you just set it beside the rifle and let the radar do its trick. It is quite small and accurate and extremely easy to use. You just have to download the app.

Federal Ammunition Booth

The first stop today was actually a bit of an accident. Stopped in to say hi to a friend and they started showing me the new lines, which ranged from 7mm Backcountry to HEVI-Hitter duck loads and even a paper hull Upland load. Remington, a part of Federal now, is even bringing back the .22 Short.

Regarding 7mm Backcountry, they answered some of the questions folks have had. The first is barrel wear. According to Federal, pressure doesn’t affect barrel wear that much. In fact, the rep said 7mm BC test barrels have already passed 7mm PRC test barrels.

The second is reloading. The 7mm BC is reloadable. It is an alloy steel that acts as a lot like brass. However, the company claims shooters might not get as many reloads as brass. It is something to think about. Otherwise, the company asked folks to be patient. Federal is shipping orders and working with RCBS on reloading. It will take time.

Other products include new HEVI duck loads. HEVI Hitter features a mix of steel and tungsten pellets. The load is 80-percent steel and 20-percent tungsten of the same size. HEVI Metal Xtreme features two different sized pellets in a 70/30 steel/tungsten mix.

My favorite two they’re bringing out, however, is the CCI Suppressor Max and the Remington .22 Short. I have an old .22 Short pistol, which will be testing this round soon.

Jan. 20 — Range Day

Smith & Wesson Stealth

Lots of folks said last year was the year of the lever action. This year might be as well. There are rumors of few being introduced this year as well, and Smith & Wesson has already announced the Stealth.

Built on the 1854 platform, the Stealth comes in one of three calibers — .44 Mag., .45 Colt and .357 Mag. It comes with a long Picatinny rail, M-LOK points for attaching accessories a HIVIZ H3 fiber-optic front sight and a 16.3- inch 410 stainless-steel barrel. It even has a larger loop for better hand fit and quick cycling.

I’m going to flat say that I am going to try to get one of these in for testing in .45 Colt. It will go right with my Ruger Vaquero, but with a much different look and feel. This lever-action rifle is smooth and cool, and just keeps 2025 as the year of the lever action.

Beretta 1301 Tactical Mod.2 Chisel Stock

Sure, the Beretta 1301 has been out for a while. And its Chisel Machining stock has been out for a while as well. But how many folks have actually gotten to put hands on one, even those in the industry. And Beretta improved it.

The Beretta 1301 is awesome, probably one of the reason why the ATF took aim at it a few months ago. The Chisel stock just makes it even better. This thing is skeletonized with a pistol grip that folds back. It is also extremely light. Even better it adjust for length of pull and comb height. Of course, that is not its coolest feature. That would be that it is pretty scary to those who don’t know. You know, you know. Of course, you know.

CVA Unveils Scout Series

CVA is going back to single-shot rifles with its Scout series. It is bring out three new rifles, making me think the company is going back to its roots. I’m pretty excited about this, as I’ve always liked single-shot rifles. In fact, I’ve owned a couple of CVA’s over the years.

The Scout is available in 14 different calibers, from .223 to some of the new straight-wall calibers, such as .360 Buckhammer and .400 Legend. The Scout Spur is in .410 for turkey hunting, while the Scout TD comes in eight popular chamberings.

Even better, the Scout and Scout TD are both suppressor ready, the TD even comes with a muzzle brake, and all three have Picatinny rails for easily mounting optics. These will be a lot of fun come next hunting season.

Jan. 19 — Beretta Range Day

While SHOT Show 2025 doesn’t really get started until Tuesday. There are earlier events, some of which include some shooting. The official Range Day is held Monday. However, a few groups hold their own in different locations, including Beretta.

Tikka T3X and T1X Series Rifles

Tikka is ready to go gaming with their new line of Ace T1 X and T3X rifles. The T3K comes in two flavors, the Target and Game versions. The Target model is ready out of the box for PRS Production category, and the Game version is built for NLR competition. These chassis guns come straight from Finland with two-stage target triggers; Picatinny, M-Lok and Swiss ARCA Rail systems. They fit just about any bipod, tripod, rangefinder or other long-range accessories.

For NRL22 shooters, or centerfire competitors looking for less expensive practice options, the rimfire rifle is soft-shooting even by .22 LR standards. The triggers on the test guns we shot were almost mind-controlled, with minimal travel and a break that was announced by the suppressed thwip of the shot more than a break of the sear.

If you are looking to get into PRS or NLR competition, or need a new setup, these are out-of-the-box tack drivers, just need to apply an optic and ammunition. With calibers ranging from .223 to .300 Win. Mag., including the ever-popular .308 and 6.5 Creedmoor.

Langdon Tactical Labyrinth Cable Management System 

One of the hidden gems at the Beretta range day was found at the Langdon Tactical booth. Their new Labyrinth Cable Management System comes as an integrated handguard on their customized Beretta 1301 Tactical shotguns, but they are also available in single and multi-packs for adding onto your own shotguns and rifles. With Picatinny rail and M-Lok versions, the Labyrinth has multiple channels to weave light and laser cables through, as well as cable hangers and underside grooves.

These simple, fairly inexpensive are 3D printed and NIR compliant. They can be trimmed to length and are possibly the simplest cable management systems I’ve ever seen. As an added benefit, they add a ton of grip to the forend and look damn sharp.

Jan. 17 — SHOT Show 2025

SHOT Show might be a couple of days away, but manufacturers are already making product announcements. A lot of them do this to stay out of the roar of announcements coming out during that week.

Pretty much every gun and product company will be in Vegas doing everything possible to get the word out about new products. Many will, in fact, also make announcements about products that have been out for a while.

RETAY USA Launches the RXP 22 Pistol

Few guns are as fun to shoot as a .22 LR pistol. And it is even better if that pistol is pretty affordable. RETAY USA brought out an affordable rimfire in the RXP 22 Pistol. The company is calling it a training pistol because it gave the RXP the feel of a compact 9mm.

The RXP features an aerospace-grade 7075 aluminum alloy internal frame and slide integrated into a durable polymer lower chassis. The compact polymer frame comes with a textured grip for enhanced control and a weighted metal magazine. It even comes with aggressive front and rear serrations, and optics cuts for fitting RMR and RMSC optics. Shooters can even choose a threaded barrel version for attaching a suppressor on this DA/SA pistol.

However, the best thing about this .22 is the price. It lists for $279.99, which means you can probably pick up for around $250.

Heckler & Koch VP9A1 F and VP9A1 K

H&K has upgraded it VP9 pistol line with two new models. The VP9A1 F and VP9A1 K both feature ambidextrous controls, as well as fully customizable grips. These include interchangeable backstraps and side panels. They even come with an enhanced trigger with a nickel-Teflon-coated trigger bar for a smoother pull and cleaner break. What’s really interesting, through, is that there is now a compact version, the VP9A1 K.

This smaller pistol is designed for concealed carry, which is very popular in the U.S. It holds 15 rounds in the magazine, 10 for certain areas that we don’t like to mention, and comes optics ready via nine plates that fit most popular pistol optics.

NEXTORCH TA30W EDC Flashlight

NEXTORCH also announced a product early. In fact, the company announced two products early. One I have in hand. The TA30W is an everyday carry flashlight is fairly small considering if light output. It measures only 5.5 inches long with the body being just under an inch is diameter; the bezel is 1.2-inches wide. However, it put out 1,500 lumens out to 300 yards. It is thin and light, but what I like best is that it runs on either two CR123A batteries or a single rechargeable battery.

I have already started testing out the NEXTORCH TA21 Pocket Carry Tactical Flashlight. In fact, it will be in my pocket at SHOT Show 2025. The TA21 is just under 4-inches long with the head and body being the same diameter as the TA30W.

It has multiple modes including a red for low-light situations and three “I’m looking for something” in the dark modes. It even comes with a lock mode to keep from killing the battery in the pocket. There are two features, though, that make me really like the TA21. The first is the tactical mode. In this position, a light push on the back turns on the light at full power. Pushing harder, on NEXTORCH’s patented one-step-strobe switch, kicks on a full-powered strobe.

The other is the company’s FR-1 Tactical Ring. The ring can be removed, it also fits on the TA30W, and is designed to help maintain a grip in situations. However, the ring contains a neat little knob that could be used for self-defense in an unarmed area.

Galco’s KingTuk Air Cloud IWB Holster

Galco has been around for a while, a long while, making some great ways to carry a gun. I’ve owned quite a few Galco holsters over the years, finding them to be of great quality. One of my favorites is the KingTuk. Well, Galco has improved on this design to make it cooler and more comfortable.

The KingTuk Air Cloud is an IWB holster that comes with Galco’s Comfort Cloth, which is moisture wicking, as well as, a perforated leather panel for ventilation. It comes with adjustable height and cant, tuckable clips and a Kydex pocket. The wide backing spreads weight for comfort, while the Kydex provides a smooth draw.

I have not gotten my hands on one, but I will. In fact, this is the main contender for my latest purchase, the Ruger RXM. It is currently only available for GLOCK 17/19 pistols, meaning it should fit the RXM, but more fits are coming.

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