Coverage opens with the host explaining that Clint is tied up with meetings at Teractical and Franklin Armory, while the plan is to hunt for more AK-related content around the NRA Annual Meeting floor. At the Beretta booth, Nick introduces the PMXS, a semi-auto pistol variant of the PMX. It features a 6.8-inch barrel, 30-round magazines, ambidextrous or reversible controls, a full-length Picatinny rail, and a 1/2x28 threaded barrel. The trigger mechanism is AR-style but not parts-compatible with ARs. Nick explains the PMX lineage from the PM12, developed to satisfy Italian Carabinieri requirements for unchanged controls, compatibility with existing vehicle and armory racks, and NATO certification. He notes a limited Tiger Stripe launch edition and hints at third-party rear Picatinny and side-folding options, while stressing it must remain configured as a pistol. The scene then shifts to Franklin Armory, where Dan unveils a new drop-in Ruger 10/22 binary trigger unit co-developed with 22Plinkster, contrasting it with the older kit by emphasizing simple two-pin, five-minute installation and limited first-run availability at the show.
The Franklin Armory discussion continues with a detailed look at the 10/22 binary trigger’s three-position selector: safe, semi, and binary. A key safety feature is second-round cancellation, allowing shooters to hold the trigger and switch back to semi or safe to cancel the release shot. Franklin offers both a self-contained drop-in pack and a version that reuses the shooter’s existing housing for hobbyist builders. Attention turns to Franklin’s complete AR platforms in 5.56, .300 Blackout, and the Militia Series in .308/7.62, all available with factory-installed binary triggers. They then highlight the redesigned F-17, a low-profile gas piston rimfire rifle chambered in 17 Winchester Super Mag, capable of over 3,000 fps. Moving to CVA, Chris introduces the Cascade XT bolt-action rifle with a longer fluted heavy-taper barrel, tactical bolt knob, externally adjustable trigger, floor plate, and RealTree Escape and Hillside camo options at roughly 7+ pounds. He also showcases the Optima muzzleloader with new burnt bronze Cerakote, RealTree Escape camo, and a thumbhole stock, emphasizing updated colorways for both muzzleloader and firearm hunting seasons.
At the Del-Ton booth, the focus is on a 300 Blackout AR pistol featuring a 10.5-inch barrel with a 1:7 twist, a Carpenter 158 HPT/MPI tested bolt, and a slick buffer tube. Del-Ton then shows a 16-inch lightweight carbine with a 13.5-inch M-LOK rail, lightweight profile nitrided barrel, and full US-made mil-spec internals. They emphasize their extensive AR parts catalog, covering everything from small pins and springs to barrels, uppers, and lowers, and hint at additional products in development that are not yet ready for public release. The video transitions to POF’s new 6.5 Creedmoor rifle in the Prescuit line. This rifle uses a 20-inch carbon fiber wrapped barrel and weighs about 6.8 pounds, thanks to lightened receivers and the omission of a forward assist. It includes a Dictator adjustable gas block optimized for suppressor use, a 3–3.5 lb flat trigger, Strike Eagle ambidextrous charging handle, Luth Precision adjustable stock, 14.5-inch Renegade rail, and a Micro-B single-port compensator, delivering a lightweight, feature-rich 6.5 Creedmoor platform.
Taran Tactical Innovations takes center stage with a deep dive into its John Wick collaborations. The John Wick 3 Combat Master is presented as a 5.4-inch pistol co-developed with Staccato, offering 23–24 round capacity, adjustable sights, and an Extreme Engineering trigger, hammer, and sear set tuned to roughly a 2 lb trigger pull. The Pit Viper is then highlighted as a 5-inch model with an integrated compensator that vents gases upward, paired with an island-style front sight mounted on the compensator itself. This setup keeps the front sight static for flatter shooting and faster tracking. Taran points out hidden blades machined into the frame that become visible when the slide is removed, a detail showcased in John Wick 4. The discussion shifts to an early horse-riding scene in John Wick 4 featuring a Glock 34 Gen 5 configured with an optic-cut slide, carry magwell, fiber optic front sight, stippled grip, and a newly released Timney trigger. The Timney system is described as a fundamentally different Glock trigger design, enabling approximately 2 lb pulls while still running a full-power striker spring and reliably igniting hard-duty primers, giving a 1911-like custom trigger feel in a Glock platform.
Attention turns to the Genesis / Gen-12 shotgun, where the short-recoil operating system is explained in detail. By eliminating both piston and direct impingement systems, the design improves reliability and gives the shotgun a recoil impulse and feel similar to high-end Benelli or Beretta semi-autos. Addressing criticism over the use of KeyMod instead of M-LOK on the handguard, the presenter notes that the moving barrel and its buffer system require keeping rear rail sections clear so accessories do not interfere with barrel travel, something that fully filled M-LOK slots could compromise. The segment then spotlights the EOTech EXPS3-1 (dash 1) holographic sight, emphasizing its 1 MOA dot without the traditional halo, night vision compatibility, large field of view, and proven durability even when the glass is damaged. EOTech’s handling of past thermal drift issues and subsequent SOCOM re-selection is defended as evidence of the brand’s resilience. The segment closes with thanks to collaborators on the John Wick films and a cut to the Sentry booth, where the host and Adam trade lighthearted jokes about Classic’s on-camera talent and an inside joke involving a fish incident behind the warehouse.
Century Arms showcases an expanded AK lineup, starting with an all-American-made Micro Draco. This compact AK pistol draws design cues from the BFT and Viska models, adds a US Palm grip, and upgraded furniture with a glossier sheen. Century emphasizes improved availability compared to Romanian imports and backs the Micro Draco with a lifetime warranty, positioning it as a domestically produced alternative to classic imports. The discussion then shifts to the Gen 2 Thunder Ranch TR AK collaboration. This rifle features a green Cerakote finish, Magpul furniture, a US Palm grip and magazine with a Thunder Ranch shield engraving, and an extended safety lever with bolt hold-open notch and shelf. It includes an optics mount, top Picatinny rail, and provisions for mounting a weapon light, all while keeping MSRP under $1,000 to remain accessible. New Cerakote variants are highlighted, including a striking white "White Walker-ish" style, with pricing structured so buyers avoid typical aftermarket Cerakote costs. The enduring popularity of the classic "dong" foregrip is discussed with humor, and the segment notes that US-made Micro Dracos should be available in about a month, with plans to send samples to Classic for review at Thunder Ranch.
Leaving Century, the host wraps up plans for future reviews and a return to the warehouse for another shooting challenge before heading to CZ. Dylan introduces the rifle-length "big brother" to the Scorpion 3 Plus micro and pistol variants. This model features a 16.3-inch barrel, a removable faux suppressor, and compatibility with Evo-series handguards and stocks. It incorporates an AR-style magazine release, revised grip and bolt release, and aluminum sights that provide a lower 1/3 co-witness with most red dots. They discuss how CZ Scorpion magazines have become popular in the PCC market, with some non-CZ manufacturers adopting them instead of Glock magazines, and note the aesthetic appeal of the slightly curved Scorpion mags. Dylan then showcases the TS2 Orange competition pistol, a CZ 75-based tactical sport variant with raised safeties for a higher grip, a slimmed magazine release, full-length slide serrations, and a factory-fit bull barrel. The slide-to-barrel and slide-to-frame are hand-fit for softer recoil, positioning the TS2 Orange as a stock race gun with distinctive orange grips. Dave then introduces the 712 G3 Target shotgun, featuring an adjustable comb, 30-inch step rib barrel, gas system with two pistons for heavy and light loads, aluminum alloy receiver with forward crossbolt safety, shim system for fit, mid bead, and user-friendly controls suitable for clay or field use.
The CZ segment transitions into a deeper look at the 712 G3 Target’s proprietary Active Choke system. These chokes use mid-body threads and an extended parallel section to improve shot rearrangement and pattern consistency, with knurled, easy-to-read extensions for quick changes. The focus then shifts to KelTec’s R50, a 5.7x28mm carbine derived from the P50 pistol. It sports a 16-inch threaded barrel, AR-style charging handle, and a top-loading 50-round magazine. A folding stock rotates to either side and nests into a cutout originally seen on the P50, creating a compact, futuristic profile. The segment closes with the introduction of the KelTec KSG410, a compact .410 shotgun that matches the footprint of the KS7 but incorporates dual magazine tubes like the original KSG. Controls are reduced in size to better fit smaller hands, and recoil is described as very mild, making it suitable for women and younger shooters. The KSG 410 holds 15 rounds of 2 3/4" shells or 10+1 rounds of 3" shells, and includes a carry handle with a Hi-Viz chevron sight that can be swapped for a Picatinny rail, all at an MSRP around $495. KelTec’s innovation-focused approach is noted, along with hints of additional firearms in development that remain under wraps.
Coverage moves to Maxim Defense, where Logan introduces a new roller-delayed blowback system for 9mm PCCs designed to drop into standard mil-spec carbine-length direct-blowback AR9 platforms. Using ball bearings at the rear of the gun, the system adds resistance and emulates the smooth roller-delayed feel of platforms like the SP5, reducing recoil and improving shooting characteristics. Maxim’s MD9 PCCs are slated to ship with this system in multiple barrel lengths. The discussion continues with a roller-delayed, captured buffer system for 9mm PCCs that replaces the traditional buffer and spring. This design allows reliable operation across varied 9mm loads without swapping buffer weights and is offered in both carbine and CQB lengths, including on the MD9. Maxim then presents the MS9 modular 9mm suppressor, a can suitable for both pistols and PCCs. It ships with a barrel spacer for PCC use, runs around 134 dB on a 4-inch Glock 19X with Federal 147-grain ammunition in its short configuration, and can be extended with an additional baffle module for more suppression. The MS9 uses Dead Air pistons for broad mounting compatibility. Finally, Maxim’s MD10L forged mil-spec rifle line is introduced, featuring a 16-inch .308 and an 18-inch 6.5 Creedmoor with spiral-fluted barrels, Magpul furniture and MBUS sights, a Blackout Defense Zero trigger, and an MSRP around $1,895.
The video transitions to Pioneer Arms, starting with their 5.56 (not .223) AK-pattern rifles featuring nitrided barrels and US-made magazines. Alongside these, Pioneer shows a wood-and-steel .22 LR AK-style trainer that accepts standard AK triggers and is paired with an in-house .22 suppressor. These .22 cans are planned to retail for less than the cost of a tax stamp while offering about a 31 dB reduction, making suppressed rimfire shooting more accessible. The presenters argue that 5.56 AKs represent a strong future direction in the U.S. market, given ongoing 7.62×39 ammunition availability and quality issues. They contrast the accuracy potential of 7.62×39 AKs using premium Hornady and Black Hills loads versus typical surplus ammo, and explain how nitrided 5.56 barrels can deliver excellent performance without the extreme longevity of chrome lining that most shooters will never fully exploit. Pioneer also details their 7.62 suppressors and AKs with concentric barrels and button hooks, plus adapters that convert left-hand "communist" threads to right-hand threads so users can mount existing .30-cal muzzle brakes or suppressors. A major highlight is the reintroduction of the PM-63 9×18 Makarov machine pistol in a semi-automatic, closed-bolt configuration. To comply with U.S. law, Pioneer designed a new lower receiver, new firing system, and a non-shoulder-rest stock interface. The PM-63’s video game fame and collectability are emphasized, along with pricing that undercuts previous imports. The segment closes with praise for Pioneer’s responsiveness to customer feedback, noting that while economical cast rifles remain in the lineup, all 5.56 rifles use forged components due to an original military contract requirement, underscoring that material and process control matter more than the simple forged-versus-cast debate.
Pioneer further explains that nearly 100% of its guns, including magazines, wood, steel, polymer, and even springs, are produced in-house, enabling full control over quality. The casting process for trunnions is detailed: material is analyzed and adjusted, cast at high temperature, then X-rayed for internal flaws. Cast trunnions are tested to 62 tons, and all rifles are backed by a lifetime guarantee, reinforcing confidence in the design. The company emphasizes keeping rifles as affordable as possible for working-class buyers while maintaining fast customer service response times. Responding to customer demand, Pioneer has introduced a true AK-pattern .22 and multiple 5.56 AK options, but declines to pursue 5.45x39 AK-74s due to ongoing ammo scarcity. Looking ahead, they describe a 20-inch gun evolving into an RPK-style rifle in .308 instead of 7.62x54R, offering a modern take on a classic squad automatic concept. They also tease development of a .50 cal bullpup and mention plans to send out the new .22 AK-style rifle for media testing. The host then begins closing out coverage of NRA 2023 Day 2 Part 2, signaling the end of the day’s extensive booth tours.
In the final moments, the host reminds viewers that there is a separate Day One video and encourages them to go back and watch it for additional NRA Annual Meeting coverage. Viewers are told that coverage will continue the following day, with more booths and firearms to be featured, and are urged to stay tuned for those uploads. The host highlights a personal favorite from the event, a new Gen 3 rifle from the CZ Scorpion line, and recommends checking out the CZ-related segments for a closer look at that platform. With filming complete after a long day on the show floor, the team decides to wrap up and go get food, officially closing out Day 2 Part 2 of the NRA 2023 coverage.
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