Custom Viking Rifle and Stag Arms Pursuit
The video opens at the NRA Annual Meeting with a focus on rifles after previously covering pistols, emphasizing the size of the show and the impossibility of seeing every product. The number five rifle slot goes to Shark Coast Tactical’s custom builds, especially a Viking‑themed rifle covered in intricate laser engraving. Details like the magwell, trigger guard, and other components receive extensive engraving time, creating a striking, themed look that stands out from typical black or FDE rifles. The hosts note Shark Coast Tactical’s broader lineup of themed Glocks and tribute guns, including 1980s Miami‑inspired designs and World War II motifs. Moving to the number four rifle, they highlight the Stag Arms Pursuit, first seen at SHOT Show. It is offered in 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC, and 7.62/.308, and features a twist‑fluted barrel and a TriggerTech trigger. They also reference Stag’s Project Spectrum color‑focused offerings, positioning the Pursuit as a modern, feature‑rich hunting and precision platform.
Stag Pursuit Modularity and Henry Brass Side Gate Lever Guns
The discussion continues with more detail on the Stag Arms Pursuit in 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC, and 7.62/.308. The rifle’s twist‑fluted barrel and TriggerTech trigger are highlighted alongside a Picatinny spigot mount and M‑LOK handguard that support bipods and accessories. A key talking point is its AR‑inspired rear takedown system, using a captured pin similar to an AR‑10, allowing the stock to be removed or swapped for different roles, from hunting to precision shooting. Left‑handed models are available, though the hosts wonder about long‑term durability of the takedown interface. Attention then shifts to Henry’s brass guns, including Golden Boy and Big Boy models, now updated with a Side Gate on traditional brass receivers. A .30‑30 brass Side Gate rifle, jokingly described as “tactically acquired” from the booth, becomes the focus. They share shooting impressions of the Henry .30‑30, contrast its reputation as “America’s cartridge” with their own limited prior use, and compare the fast, rhythmic feel of running a lever action to working a manual transmission.
Henry Side Gate Pick and CZ Scorpion Gen 3 9mm Rifle
The hosts briefly compare lever‑action rifles to bolt guns, emphasizing how quickly a lever can be cycled and teasing future lever‑action content. The Henry brass Side Gate models are locked in as the number three rifle pick, celebrated for combining classic brass aesthetics with the practicality of a loading gate. The video then moves to the CZ/COLT booth to showcase the new Gen 3 CZ Scorpion Evo rifle, a 9mm carbine that evolves the previously pistol‑only platform into a rifle configuration with more AR‑like ergonomics. They describe how controllable and fun 9mm rifles are, especially when paired with a suppressor. A Franklin Armory binary trigger in a CZ Scorpion run full‑time suppressed is mentioned as an example of rapid, yet manageable fire. Safety considerations for shooting steel with 9mm carbines are discussed, including maintaining appropriate distances and aiming to get fast “ding” feedback without risking ricochets. This segment underscores the appeal of pistol‑caliber carbines for training and recreational shooting.
Ultralight OIP Rifles and LWRCI Top Picks
An honorable mention goes to Battle Arms Development’s OIP, nicknamed “O is Pain,” an ultralight AR‑style rifle platform. The hosts note that some OIP rifles and SBR or pistol variants weigh around 4 pounds, making them exceptionally light for field carry or competition. They also tease a new AK trigger in development from Battle Arms, hinting at future upgrades for AK enthusiasts. The countdown then shifts to LWRCI for the top rifle picks. LWRCI’s new, more budget‑friendly direct‑impingement model is introduced, which drops ambidextrous controls to cut costs while retaining the same upper receiver quality. The primary number one choice is the LWRCI A5 300 Blackout short‑stroke piston pistol/SBR. It is praised for its compact form factor, with roughly a 9.5–10.5 inch barrel optimized for 300 Blackout ballistics and designed with suppression in mind. The hosts highlight its suitability as a compact, hard‑use platform and briefly debate whether 300 Blackout offers enough advantages over 7.62x39.
300 Blackout vs 7.62x39 and Final Number One Debate
The closing segment centers on a friendly argument over which rifle truly deserves the number one spot. One host favors the LWRCI A5 in 300 Blackout, while the other leans toward a new Krebs Customs AK as an alternate top pick, citing Krebs’ reputation for high‑quality AK builds. They compare piston‑driven rifles in 300 Blackout and 7.62x39, agreeing that 300 Blackout is significantly better for suppression, especially with subsonic loads, while 7.62x39 can offer a slight edge in distance with the right ammunition, such as 164‑grain loads. Ergonomic advantages of AR‑style controls and ambidextrous features are emphasized, particularly for modern training and left‑handed shooters. The hosts also mention hopes for multi‑caliber options like a 300 Blackout SCAR 16 and express ongoing frustration with NFA regulations. They close by joking that if Krebs sends an AK, LWRCI should answer with an A5 in 300 Blackout, and invite viewers to comment on whose number one choice they support.