The Best Guns Of SHOT Show 2023

SHOT Show 2023 is now only a few weeks away, so we’ve compiled some of our predictions for the best guns to be announced at this year’s event.

SHOT Show 2023: Which Guns Do We Want To See? 

A few new releases have already been teased while many others have been the subject of much speculation in the firearms community. One thing is for sure, it’s shaping up to be a great year - here’s what has us most excited.

Move Over, Rhino!

A bullpup revolver chambered for the venerable .357 magnum cartridge is an intriguing concept on its own. The Zenk RZMK-357 (rumored to launch at SHOT 2023) combines a frame that looks like a mishmash of several popular semi-auto pistols with a minimalist barrel shroud and a rearward cylinder. 

It is certain to pique the curiosity of passersby, but the real question is whether the RZMK’s novelty will eclipse any practical use it may have in real-life applications. Buzz on the forums is reminiscent of early discussions of the Chiappa Rhino, which has endured despite its numerous detractors; perhaps the RZMK will take its place as the most interesting revolver in 2023.

A Clever New Lever Action

POF USA recently introduced the Tombstone 9mm, a modern take on the classic lever action design that accepts both 10 and 20-round magazines. It has a crisp 3.5lb trigger and includes integrated ghost ring sights as well as POF’s 10.5” Modular Receiver Rail to accommodate any optics or accessories a modern shooter might want.

These contemporary features are likely to attract both the traditional lever action fan and the average enthusiast alike, offering a compelling compromise between form and function. The prospect of an old-school lever action rifle with first-rate shootability - all chambered in the plentiful 9mm - is incredibly exciting and we can’t wait to get our hands on one.

Not Your Granddad’s 1911

Speaking of new iterations of classic designs, American Tactical is supposedly expanding its line of 1911 pistols with a follow-up to the popular polymer frame FXH-45 Moxie. The handgun features built-in finger grooves and optics-ready slides. We may even see a version chambered in 9mm in the future if the trend continues towards optics-ready 9mm 1911 pistols.

Of course, a double stack 9mm 1911 capable of using Glock-pattern sights would be equally as exciting while giving consumers yet another option over the more expensive manufacturers like Staccato. A more cost-effective alternative than the Springfield DS Prodigy, which received mixed reviews upon release last year, would be all the more compelling.

The Perfect Pistol Made Even More Perfect-er?

The Matrix Arms MX19 launched back in 2022 and we’re expecting to see additional variants at SHOT Show this year. Notably, Matrix Arms is soon to launch its own custom shop which will allow customers to design an MX19 to fit their exact specifications. This will likely coincide with the release of new models with enhanced features and more custom options.

Possibilities include but are not limited to long slide variants, models with integral compensators or improved grip textures, and larger frames (analogous to the 19X). The result is a sturdy, reliable metal-framed pistol that affords the flexibility and customization of the most popular polymer handgun in the world.

A New 9mm PCC

The engineers at Smith & Wesson have been busy working on several exciting new handguns these last few years, but they have yet to introduce a pistol-caliber variant of the M&P-15. Given that Springfield just announced the Saint Victor 9mm Carbine, it would make sense for other manufacturers like Smith & Wesson to follow suit.

Moreover, an M&P-15 chambered in 9mm would bridge the gap between less expensive (and also less proven) PCCs and the more high-end models available in today’s market. Smith & Wesson is well known for producing quality yet accessibly priced firearms for the average shooting enthusiast with a budget.

We’re Heading To SHOT Show 2023!

The Classic Firearms team will be attending SHOT Show 2023. We filmed 8+ hours of footage last year and we’re bringing even more people with us this year so we can provide even greater coverage of SHOT Show in 2023.

We’re also bringing our mobile podcast setup with us so we can conduct in-depth interviews with some of the biggest names in the firearms industries. Seriously, you don’t want to miss these episodes with some of our favorite influencers, guntubers, and industry professionals.

Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channels (Classic Firearms & CF Podcast) for ongoing coverage of new product launches, podcasts, and more!