NRA Annual Meet 2023 | Day 2 Part 2

NRA Day 2 Part 2 Overview

Day two, part two of the NRA Annual Meeting 2023 continues with Clint tied up in meetings with representatives from Teractical and Franklin Armory. While he handles that schedule, the team plans to explore more AK-related offerings, including stops at Pioneer and Century Arms. Another team member is off catching up on sleep, leaving the on-camera host to carry on with additional coverage from the show floor. The segment then transitions into booth visits with several manufacturers to discuss new firearms, configurations, and accessories being introduced or highlighted at the event.

Beretta PMXS Semi-Auto Pistol Overview

The first stop is Beretta, where Nick introduces the PMXS, the semi-automatic pistol version of the PMX platform. The PMX itself is the evolution of the legendary PM12, originally developed in response to a request from the Italian Carabinieri, Italy’s military police, to replace the PM12 within a two-year window. Their requirements included maintaining the same controls and muscle memory so officers would not need retraining, and preserving compatibility with existing vehicle and armory racks. They also required a NATO-certified firearm, which drove extensive durability, reliability, and accuracy testing beyond typical commercial standards. The PMXS is the U.S. commercial variant, imported as a pistol without a stock.

PMXS Features, Controls, and Tiger Stripe Launch Edition

Nick details the PMXS configuration: it uses a 6.8-inch barrel and ships with two 30-round magazines. All primary controls are ambidextrous or reversible, and the pistol includes a full-length Picatinny rail on top. The barrel is threaded 1/2x28 for mounting accessories such as a sound suppressor. The trigger mechanism is similar in feel to an AR pattern but is not AR compatible, with a hammer positioned slightly higher. A launch edition in a Tiger Stripe finish, similar to the finish used on the A300 Patrol, will be available in limited quantities. The magazines differ from B&T-compatible mags by incorporating a rubber bumper at the base to reduce cracking when dropped and metal-reinforced feed lips for improved longevity and reliability. The charging handle is reversible, and fieldstripping is straightforward, breaking down into lower, upper, and bolt after removing the interface and end cap. The rear cap includes a QD attachment point for a sling, and third-party vendors are expected to offer rear rail and side-folding stock or brace options for those who choose to SBR the platform.

Franklin Armory 10/22 Binary Trigger and Safety Features

At the Franklin Armory booth, Dan discusses the 10/22 binary trigger developed in collaboration with 22 Plinkster (Dave Nash). The original 10/22 binary trigger is a kit that requires some mechanical skill to install, appealing to users who prefer to work on their own Ruger 10/22 trigger housings. In response to demand for a simpler option, Franklin Armory created a drop-in trigger pack that installs with two pins, similar to removing and replacing the factory 10/22 trigger group. The first 50 units off the production line are available at the NRA show. The trigger features three positions: safe, semi-automatic, and binary. In binary mode, the firearm fires on both the pull and release of the trigger. A safety feature allows cancellation of the release shot by holding the trigger to the rear and switching back to semi or safe, causing the trigger to reset without firing. The host notes prior experience with Franklin’s binary triggers for other popular pistol-caliber carbines, and emphasizes the reliability and enjoyment of the 10/22 version, especially given the low cost of .22 LR ammunition.

Franklin Armory AR Platforms, Militia Series, and F-17

Dan explains that Franklin Armory continues to offer both the original 10/22 binary kits for hobbyist installation and the new complete drop-in packs. Beyond rimfire triggers, Franklin Armory also sells complete AR platforms with factory-installed binary triggers. These rifles are offered in 5.56 and 300 Blackout, as well as in the Militia Series chambered in 7.62/.308. Customers can purchase these rifles with the binary system already installed at the factory in Nevada. Dan then highlights the updated F-17, described as the world’s first gas piston rimfire rifle. The latest version incorporates a low-profile gas piston system, allowing the use of slimmer, more streamlined handguards. Chambered in 17 Winchester Super Magnum, the F-17 delivers muzzle velocities over 3,000 feet per second, providing extended reach and flat trajectory. The host expresses particular interest in a binary-equipped 7.62 rifle from the Militia Series for future use in the Classic Firearms warehouse.

CVA Cascade XT Rifle and Optima Muzzleloader Updates

At the CVA booth, Chris introduces the Cascade XT, new for 2023. It builds on the original Cascade bolt-action rifle with a longer, fluted barrel featuring a heavier taper aimed at enhancing long-range capability. The rifle includes a tactical-style bolt knob, an externally adjustable trigger, and a floorplate magazine system. It is offered in a variety of calibers and weighs in the high seven-pound range. The stock is shown in a Realtree Hillside camouflage pattern. Chris then moves to the Optima muzzleloader line, now offered with a Cerakote burnt bronze finish paired with Realtree Escape camouflage. The updated Optima features a thumbhole stock while retaining the traditional Optima series’ long-range muzzleloading capabilities. The new finishes and stock design are intended to better match what hunters are wearing and the environments they frequent, giving options for both early muzzleloader seasons and later firearm seasons.

Del-Ton 300 Blackout AR Pistol Highlights

The segment concludes with a visit to Del-Ton, a North Carolina-based manufacturer. Joel presents a 300 Blackout AR pistol equipped with a 10.5-inch barrel featuring a 1:7 twist rate. The pistol uses a Carpenter 158 HPT/MPI-tested bolt, reflecting standard AR-15 bolt material and testing practices. It is configured with a slick buffer tube, a choice influenced by current regulatory considerations surrounding pistol braces and related accessories. Joel notes that the pistol is available through local dealers, encouraging interested buyers to check with their preferred shops if they do not already stock Del-Ton products. The focus remains on the basic configuration and core components of the 300 Blackout pistol rather than on additional accessories or optics.