Build of the Week

New for 2025 EOTech has added an ultra-compact 3-9 scope to their Vudu lineup and @Hoplopfheil stopped by to check it out, and get height mogged by John from EOTech. The new super short variable will be offered with or without a piggyback EFLX red dot, and may have a variety of reticle options in the future.

In this video, @JamesReeves breaks down the top five 5.11 products of Q1 2025 that you need in your arsenal. From the versatile Founder’s Jacket blending professional style with tactical functionality, to the spacious and durable Allhaulla Duffel, and the innovative Sulli UV Hoodie designed for ultimate sun protection, these are the items redefining gear in 2025. Whether you're gearing up for the range, the outdoors, or everyday carry, 5.11’s latest releases deliver unparalleled performance and reliability.

The Smith & Wesson Model 36 Classic is turning heads at SHOT Show 2025 with its no-internal-lock design! This iconic snub-nose revolver in .38 Special maintains its timeless J-Frame appeal while catering to revolver purists. Join us as we break down its features, specs, and what makes this revolver a standout at SHOT Show 2025.

In 2025, Beretta USA partners with Chisel Machining to bring a cutting-edge upgrade to the beloved A300 semi-automatic shotgun: the A300 Ultima Patrol Chisel Edition. This innovative model integrates Chisel's CNC-machined stock, offering unmatched adjustability and customization.

@Hoplopfheil is back at the Palmetto State Armory booth talking with Justin about their new Sabre Mixtape chambered in .338 ARC. Perfect in an SBR or AR pistol, the .338 ARC Mixtape fires a subsonic-focused cartridge that's also capable of supersonic performance. Combined with the more premium parts and features of the PSA Sabre line, the Mixtape is set to outperform the original album... at least according to PSA.

Laugo Arms is known for making one of the weirdest modern handguns, and now they're making a compact version! @Hoplopfheil stopped by at SHOT Show 2025 range day to check it out.

Arsenal first showed their AK-20 concept rifles back at SHOT Show 2020. While retaining AK rifles’ renowned reliable mechanism, these rifles are designed to offer modern features like free floated handguard and adjustable gas system. Well, after five years, the first model of the AK-20 rifle, a 7.62x39 SBR, is finally available for purchase. Let’s take a closer look.

This year at SHOT Show, Hatsan, one of the most established Turkish firearms brands unveiled a few interesting new offerings. Let's start with what they're probably best known for - shotguns.

Winchester Optics have unveiled a new line of thermal optics. The new TSHX 640, TSHX 384 and THSD 384 utilise VOx Sensors they also feature onboard recording, 50Hz frame rate, and a IP67 waterproof rating.

@Hoplopfheil is still stuck in the PSA booth at SHOT Show 2025. This time he and Justin are checking out last year's very popular PSA X-57 PDW as well as the brand new concept gun - the PSA X9 9mm PDW. The new 9mm gun will make use of straight double-stack B&T 9mm magazines compatible with guns like the GHM9 and TP9 PDWs. The X9 will be available to be voted on just like every other concept gun that PSA has showed us this year. Go ahead and let them know if you like the new X9!

Illinois-based optics manufacturers Armasight have entered the booming thermal market with a new magnified thermal optic and a thermal clip on to upgrade your existing optic.

Smith & Wesson unveils the M&P9 Metal HD – Spec Series V at SHOT Show 2025. This 9mm steel-frame pistol delivers enhanced performance with a 23-round capacity, a threaded barrel, a Strike Industries™ compensator, and a premium blue PVD finish. Featuring an aluminum trigger, optics-ready slide, and tall C.O.R.E.™ night sights, the M&P9 Metal HD is built for precision and control. Explore the latest evolution of Smith & Wesson's Spec Series lineup today.

B&T's first AR-15 is here and as you'd imagine, it's top shelf. Featuring a titanium enhanced handguard (which is available for purchase separately), Geissele trigger, barrel, and charging handle, plus a bunch of additional, awesome features, this gun won't be cheap, but it's a top-end AR-15 with no expense spared in its construction.

Palmetto State Armory has been making their long-stroke JAKL rifle for a few years, and one of their concept guns for 2025 is a 2.0 update for the JAKL. The JAKL 2.0 would be a lighter, more elegant version of the rifle but would sacrifice some of the aftermarket compatibility of the original. @Hoplopfheil dropped by the PSA booth to check it out and get the details.

The TP9 Pro takes the tactical platform to the next level with cutting-edge upgrades showcased at SHOT Show 2025. This enhanced version features dual-side M-LOK accessory mounting, a match-grade adjustable titanium trigger for precision control, and a redesigned top cover with an ultra-low-profile Aimpoint ACRO mount for improved optics integration. The Pro model also introduces ambidextrous charging handles and full gas sealing at the rear of the receiver, ensuring peak performance in demanding conditions. Check out the ultimate evolution of the TP9 platform!

At SHOT Show 2025, Colt introduced a new optics-ready 1911 pistol expanding their Competition series of pistols. The new pistol is available chambered in 9x19mm or .45 ACP and features Colt National Match match-grade barrels and Updated Series 70 Firing System match triggers. Let’s take a look at other specs and features of the new Colt optics-ready competition 1911s.

The Vietnam War saw the US military experiment with a whole range of different technologies and weapons and small arms weren't left out of that. Not only did the US military adopt one of the finest service rifles ever developed but within just a couple of years of that adoption they began to explore how they could suppress it.

The PSA Vuk combines elements of their own JAKL platform with the AK platform, and was one of the winners of their concept gun poll from SHOT Show 2024. They've made some changes to the gun for 2025, so @Hoplopfheil stopped by the booth to check out the current iteration of the concept.

Introducing the Sako 90 Finnlight, unveiled for 2025, a hunting rifle designed for all conditions and versatile performance. Showcased at SHOT Show 2025, this rifle combines a fluted barrel for reduced weight, adjustable stock and trigger for customization, and a weather-resistant build using stainless steel and composite materials. Ideal for hunters in rugged terrains, it offers unparalleled precision and durability. Available in multiple action sizes (S, M, L), the Sako 90 Finnlight is the ultimate lightweight solution for demanding hunts.

Shield Sights have a couple of new micro compact red dot sights in their line up for SHOT Show 2025 - the RMSsc and the brand new OMSsc.

Last year Palmetto State Armory pitched the 570 shotgun as one of their 2024 concept guns, and it was our favorite gun from the entire show. Since then they figured out a way to build a semi-auto shotgun off of the same receiver, allowing end users to swap between action types while keeping the same receiver and furniture. @Hoplopfheil stopped by the PSA booth to check it out and implore viewers to cast their vote for the shotgun because it is very cool.

DSA and Harrington & Richardson, now owned by Palmetto State Armory, have teamed up to create a near-perfect clone of the original H&R T48 FAL. This SHOT Show 2025 exclusive showcases the iconic rifle with incredible attention to detail, true to the legacy of Harrington & Richardson's original design. Check out our first look at this exciting collaboration and learn what makes this rifle a must-have for enthusiasts and collectors alike.

Palmetto State Armory has reached the point where they have so many ideas they can't possibly develop all of them. Starting last year they got the community involved. @Hoplopfheil stopped by the PSA booth at SHOT Show 2025 to see all their new prototypes, and the customers will vote on the ones they want to see developed into real products.

At SHOT Show 2025, RISE Armament introduced a new two-stage AR trigger called RA-100. It is advertised as being designed for durability, built for reliability and priced for everyone. I had a chance to pull this trigger a couple of times and examine it at the show floor and it seems to be a solid one, which is something expected from RISE Armament. With an MSRP of $109.99, it is indeed a budget-friendly option. Let’s take a quick look at the specs and features of the RISE RA-100 trigger.

In 1899, when FN introduced the John Browning-developed .32 ACP round, I bet people couldn't have imagined that 125 years later it would still be around. The venerable round has had its highs and lows but the new Beretta 80X Cheetah in .32 ACP is definitely a high point.

March Scopes is a high-end scope manufacturer from Japan, and they came all the way to SHOT Show again in 2025. I met them at the show last year and got to borrow their dual focal plane FX 1.5-15x42 optic last year for a review, and it lived up to thir reputation. This year they have a new optic focused on the PRS-style competition market and they gave me the full run-down on it.

The new VX-6HD Gen 2 line is launching with an impressive six different models which boast four different reticle options. Fairly aimed at the hunting market the VX-6HD has a range of premium features.

Maztech Industries hit the scene at SHOT Show 2024, and they were back this year to show the latest improvements to their products. They are not on the market just yet but are getting close to release and we got to see them in their functional forms. Keep reading for details and more pictures.

Burris Optics has a new affordable enclosed emitter red dot option for your pistol, carbine or shotgun - the new FastFire E.

This week we’re bringing you some SHOT 2025 relevant news with Jordan S from Meprolight USA. Meprolight has been putting out a lot of new consumer-focused products recently and for SHOT 2025 they’re releasing not only a whole brand new line of optics for the company, but they’re also updating some of their MIL/LEO-only products so that they can be sold to regular consumers as well. Today, Jordan and I will talk about some of those products as well as what we can expect to see in the future from Meprolight in the coming months after the SHOT Show.