It’s that time of year again, the annual SHOT Show in Las Vegas, Nevada. Manufacturers from all over the firearm industry are gathering this week to showcase their newest products. Follow along with us all week as we take a look at some of the best and most unique products on the showroom floor.
Day 1
The first day of SHOT Show kicked off with some incredibly interesting new firearms as well as a few upgrades to some existing ones.
Smith and Wesson M&P 5.7
Smith and Wesson announced the new M&P 5.7 pistol chambered in the 5.7x28mm. This is a full-size pistol with a 5-inch threaded barrel, flat-face trigger, and 22-round magazines. It has an optics-ready slide perfect for mounting a red dot Pic rail for attaching lights and lasers.
Henry Homesteader
Henry released a new 9mm semi-auto carbine that looks to be an absolute blast at the range. The key to the Henry Homesteader is its modular magazine well that can be converted to accept a wide range of different popular magazines, such as Glock, SIG P320, and M&P models. This 9mm carbine has the classic look and feel of wood furniture, while maintaining modern features like a threaded barrel and optics rail.
Glock 20/21 Gen 5
Glock has finally updated the G20 and G21 models with the Gen 5 treatment. This includes modern features such as the tapered muzzle, forward cocking serrations, and removal of finger grooves. The “Marksman” crowned barrel will provide you with repeatable accuracy you can depend on and I’m sure it packs all the reliability we’ve come to expect from Glock.
Diamondback Sidekick Birdshead
Diamondback has introduced a new birdshead grip version of the popular Sidekick revolver. This cowboy style revolver features modern double-action/single-action operation. With swappable .22 LR and .22 Mag cylinders that hold 9 rounds, you’re ready for everything from plinking to pest control. The Birdshead version utilizes a 3-inch barrel that makes for a handy little piece. This original Sidekick was a hit with shooters all across the board, so it’s exciting to see Diamondback build off of that success.
Beretta 80X Cheetah
Beretta announcing the new and improved Cheetah has me excited. The 80X is a 13+1 .380 ACP that’s a bit larger than the common pocket pistol alternatives, but the Cheetah design shoots and handles like a dream. This is a classic double-action/single-action design with a manual decocker/safety that is host to a number of modern upgrades. A Picatinny rail is present for mounting lights and lasers, and the slide is cut for optics and features improved slide cocking serrations.
Beretta 92XI
Beretta brought even more to the table this year with the 92XI. This single-action-only version of the Beretta 92 is sure to be a hit among competition shooters and tactical plinkers alike. A frame-mounted thumb safety gives Beretta fans a long-awaited version of this popular pistol. Chambered in 9mm, the 92XI shares many of the same features as the standard 92X DA/SA counterpart, such as the Pic rail, forward slide serrations, and optics-mounting system.
FN 545 and 510
FN added two new pistols to its striker-fired line with the 545 and 510 models. These .45 ACP and 10mm Auto pistols incorporate features in line with the popular 509 Tactical series. Both models feature optics-ready slides, threaded barrels, ambidextrous controls, and high-capacity magazines. Additionally, shooters can choose between FDE and black color variations. FN firearms are built like tanks, so this is an exciting addition to the lineup.
Day 2
Glock G47
News on this next pistol broke a bit before SHOT Show, but we’re excited to see the new Glock 47. This is a sort of cross between the G17 and G19 in components, but functions like a G17 in most ways you’ll notice. However, because the longer slide is paired to a frame with a shorter dust cover, it can be swapped onto a standard G19 lower, basically giving you a Glock 19 longslide — something many shooters have wanted for a long time. This gives you a pistol with the better ballistics of the G17 and the improved concealability of the G19. Only time will tell if this leads to a standard factory G19L configuration, but it’s a step in the right direction.
Safariland SafariVault
Safariland has introduced its new holster, the SafariVault. The SafariVault is a duty holster that’s robust, secure, and modular. It’s said to be the strongest holster body Safariland has ever built. The improved ALS system combined with the self-clearing optics cover secures the pistol while keeping it readily accessible. Currently available for Glock and SIG P320 pistol models, the SafariVault is sure to be put through its paces.
FN Individual Weapon System
FN added to its line of rifles too with the new Individual Weapon System. Developed and reserved for government use, the IWS is chambered in the new .264 USA cartridge. At first glance, this may look like just another AR-10 pattern rifle, but upon closer inspection, you’ll note some key changes to lighten the weight and accommodate the new cartridge. The rifle uses a long-stroke gas piston system and is designed to run both suppressed and unsuppressed with a self-regulating gas block. There’s not much data on the .264 round, but it’ll be worth keeping an eye on.
Rock Island BBR 3.10
The RIA Baby Rock 3.10 chambered in 9mm gives you a new unique option for concealed carry. This single-action 1911-style pistol utilizes a double-stack 10-round magazine, providing you a good reserve of ammo. The 3.1-inch barrel makes this subcompact pistol accurate, yet concealable. The G10 grip panels provide excellent traction while firing, even with wet or sweaty hands. If you’re looking for a hammer-fired CCW piece, the Rock Island BBR may be just the ticket!
Zastava Underfolder
The new Zastava M70AB brings you a true modern production underfolder AK rifle, where the folding element is integrated into the receiver, not just a bolt-on kit. The rifle incorporates a bayonet lug and classic wooden handguard for that old world feel. Additionally, a side-mounted optic rail allows you to securely attach a red dot or scope. If you’ve been looking for a quality modern AK, you’d be hard-pressed to beat a Zastava.
Shadow Systems CR920P
Shadow Systems is no stranger to innovation, and the new CR920P is no exception. Designed for concealed carry, the CR920 features a similar footprint to the G48/43X line. The “P” model now incorporates a compensator. The brake used on the CR920P attaches with a clamping lock that latches around some cuts on the muzzle. This is great for a carry piece, because you don’t need to reindex the comp after removal. It also makes for a simple fieldstrip process.
Beretta A300 Ultima
Tactical shotgun lovers, listen up! Beretta’s got something new for you. The American-made Beretta A300 Ultima Patrol incorporates many of the features you love about the legendary 1301, into a more budget-friendly package with a redesigned operating system. This semi-auto 12-gauge comes in under $1,000 and is ready to take on whatever you have to throw at it.
RIA 5.0 ST
Rock Island Armory has announced the new RIA 5.0 9mm pistol. This double-stack 17+1 handgun is designed similar to the CZ 75 in that the slide rides inside the frame. This makes for excellent recoil control and accuracy. The RIA 5.0 incorporates a two-piece modular grip frame and features a fiber-optic front sight paired with an LPA adjustable rear. The RIA 5.0 is sure to make some waves in the competition scene.
Day 3
Magpul/Zevtech FDP-9 FDC-9
Started by Magpul and finished by Zevtech, the FDP-9 and FDC-9 have reemerged. This transformer of a firearm folds in half to disguise as a handheld flashlight, and then flips into position to become a shoulder-fired gun. It looks like it will be offered in pistol configuration as the FDP and a SBR variation as the FDC. This certainly brought excitement and nostalgia to SHOT this year.
IWI Carmel
IWI introduced a U.S. semi-auto version of the Carmel rifle. This 16-inch 5.56 NATO rifle has been upgraded with an M-Lok forend and side-folding stock. It takes Magpul PMAGs and provides a great AR-15 alternative for those looking for something different. IWI is known for making some hard-use firearms, so you can expect the Carmel rifle to hang with the best.
Holosun DRS Series
Holosun has a couple of new optics out this year. Most noteworthy, the DRS Series incorporates both Thermal (TH) and Night Vision (NV) models. These optics produce thermal and digital NV overlays with red dot. These are perfect choices if you’re just getting into the thermal/night vision game, or simply need another optic. There will also be “Pro” versions of each model available with more refinements for those looking for the best.
Iver Johnson
Iver Johnson brought out its array of 1911 pistols to showcase. From longslide .45’s to compact 9’s, these classics look and shoot great. My favorite is the Eagle XLC with the 6-inch ported barrel. Iver Johnson pistols come in at a great price point and offer incredible quality. There are tons of options in different styles all across the board, so there’s a perfect Iver Johnson for you.
Savage A22 Takedown
Savage brought its new A22 Takedown rifle, a semi-auto rimfire carbine that can be separated in half for storage and transportation with a simple twist of the forend. Obviously, it’s competing with the Ruger 10/22 Takedown here, and I think it brings new life in a useful design. There’s a top rail for mounting scopes and storage for a spare magazine in the stock. This lightweight .22 sure is ready to go!
Matrix Arms Cage
Matrix Arms turned some heads with the Cage dual pump handguard. The Cage is designed for standard AR-15 rifles and allows the user to select between semi-auto and pump-action modes. With your gas system installed, the shooter can toggle between them. They can also remove the gas system for only pump mode. This is a great solution for those living in restricted states or who just want something different.
GPO-USA Spectra Red Dot
GPO has entered the compact red dot market with the new Spectra Reflex Dot. Built for fast target acquisition with pistols and MSRs, the Spectra offers dependable performance. This new introduction offers the next generation of red dot sight technology with a high-quality, dense polymer lens built to withstand serious use in a variety of environmental conditions. It’s fully multi-coated and incorporates high light transmission technology to give you a clear picture.
Don’t forget to check back frequently, as we will be updating you throughout the day for the rest of the week on everything new and exciting at SHOT Show 2023!