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SHOP NOWThis NRA 2025 Day 2 segment focuses on new firearms, suppressors, and storage solutions from RIA USA, Savage, and a case manufacturer. Discussion centers on design details, handling characteristics, and practical field use.
The segment opens with ongoing NRA 2025 coverage produced specifically for the Classic Firearms CF Clips channel, with additional content mentioned on the main Classic Firearms channel. The host notes that this is day two of the show and previews several planned stops at different booths. The focus for this portion of the coverage is to walk through notable new products, including handguns, rifles with suppressors, and firearm storage solutions, while speaking directly with company representatives on the show floor.
At the RIA USA booth, the discussion centers on the RIA 5.0 pistol, described as Rock Island Armory’s first pistol that is 100% built in the United States. It is a 9mm handgun with a 17+1 capacity and an internal hammer-fired system. A key visual feature is the square barrel, which immediately stands out and is tied to a proprietary lockup system unique to this model. The pistol uses internal slide rails and a non-tilting barrel that travels straight back and forth. The representative explains that this design allows the components to sit very low in the frame, contributing to a notably soft recoil impulse and easy controllability. An enhanced version, the RIA 5.0 E, adds improved slide serrations and additional hand-fitting time from builders compared to the entry-level configuration.
The conversation shifts to how the RIA 5.0 feels in hand and on the trigger. The internal hammer-fired design is highlighted as a factor in achieving a very smooth trigger pull. The host notes that the trigger has an easy take-up and a consistent, soft press through the break, which makes the pistol straightforward to shoot and manipulate. The representative reiterates that the low bore axis, straight-line barrel movement, and internal rail system combine to produce one of the softest shooting pistols he has handled. The slide profile and rail arrangement draw a comparison to certain CZ-style designs, particularly in how the slide interfaces with the frame, while still remaining distinct to the RIA 5.0 platform.
Coverage then moves to the Savage booth, where new Axis 2 Pro rifles for 2025 are shown alongside Savage’s ACU Can series of suppressors. The representative focuses first on the AC30 suppressor and the newly introduced AC30 BOB variant. The standard AC30 mounts conventionally at the muzzle and adds roughly six to seven inches of length. The AC30 BOB, which stands for “back over barrel,” is designed so the barrel extends into the suppressor body, shortening the overall length of the rifle-suppressor package. Both cans are demonstrated on .308 rifles with 20-inch barrels. Despite the more compact configuration, the AC30 BOB is described as approximately three to four decibels quieter than the standard AC30 on the same setup, with the difference attributed to internal gas flow and the thicker body, while maintaining or improving performance in a shorter overall system.
The discussion transitions to the Axis 2 Pro rifles themselves, described as the first fully cataloged Axis line that is threaded from the factory across the board. Savage redesigned the stocks for the entire Axis platform with an emphasis on ergonomics, particularly in the pistol grip area. The representative mentions extensive prototyping, including multiple 3D-printed bolt handle designs, to refine how the bolt feels and how much leverage it provides without protruding excessively or snagging in the field. The final bolt handle has a hexagonal-inspired shape that offers improved grip and leverage while remaining compact. The Pro models are offered with various camouflage stocks, including Savage Western, Savage Woodland, and a hand-painted Forest SP camo. The Forest SP pattern is presented as a darker, versatile option, while the Western and Woodland patterns are oriented toward different regional environments. A subtle “Savage” logo is integrated into some of the camo designs.
Further details on the Axis 2 Pro line cover barrel, finish, and mounting features. The Forest SP camo model includes spiral fluting on the barrel, a visual and functional detail that will be used across all Pro variants. The metalwork is finished in a custom-mixed Cerakote color described as a gunmetal bronze, blended in-house rather than taken directly from an off-the-shelf Cerakote option. Depending on the stock pattern, this finish can appear slightly warmer or cooler in tone. The rifles feature recessed steel sling studs to keep the forend flatter on bags while retaining traditional sling strength. Because some bipods require a more exposed stud, the stock interior includes a marked drill location so users can add a secondary stud for a conventional bipod. All Pro models ship with a one-piece scope rail installed from the factory, secured with four screws to improve optic mounting rigidity compared to split two-piece bases. MSRP for the Savage Western and Savage Woodland Axis 2 Pro rifles is stated at about $599, with the Forest SP camo version, which includes spiral fluting and the hand-painted stock, at approximately $639.
The final segment visits a case manufacturer’s booth to look at a new Ragar foam system. The representative explains that this foam uses interlocking pieces that can be rearranged to accommodate different rifles and accessories without the drawbacks of traditional pull-and-pluck foam. Instead of tearing or losing structural integrity, the interlocking design maintains its shape and grip over time. The foam includes small bumper-like elements that help secure the firearm, allowing the rifle to effectively float within the case while still being held firmly in place. Users can adjust how tight or loose the fit is by changing the configuration of the pieces. The system is presented as a repeatable, modular alternative to conventional foam inserts, aimed at improving protection and retention for rifles and their mounted accessories during transport.
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