Guns Out Range Day 2025 opens at the XCAL facility with a packed firing line, sponsors like We the Free, and a mix of content creators and vendors. The focus quickly shifts to Acres Precision, known for turning popular polymer platforms into metal-framed feeling pistols through precision grip modules. They cover the Sig P365 family, including X Macro, AXG, and the 365 Evo 2011, plus Springfield Echelon, multiple P320 variants, OZ9s, and RXM-based prototypes. Acres explains that its R&D is driven by feedback from its internal team, customers, law enforcement, and specialized units, combining repeated requests into new geometry and patented solutions that fix long-standing design issues. Materials and finishes include 7075 and 6061 billet aluminum, 8620 steel, DLC coatings, and brass lock grip panels. They also show prototype full-length slides and a micro Sig Romeo enclosed emitter optic using a proprietary Sig Lock bottom mount, torture-tested with hammer blows and even driving nails into 2x4s without losing zero or structural integrity.
The discussion continues with an M17-mounted optic that survived extreme abuse, including being struck with hammers and used to pound nails into lumber, with the only real downside being its proprietary footprint. Attention turns to a custom Springfield Echelon X configuration that pairs a compact slide with a full-size grip and magazine. This hybrid setup is reported to shoot flatter and feel better than the standard full-size due to reduced reciprocating slide mass, though it requires mixing components Springfield does not sell as a single SKU. Icarus Precision is highlighted as a go-to source for tricking out platforms like the P365, Echelon, OZ9, and P320 with metal grip modules and ergonomic upgrades. Todd from Jade Gray then introduces their Hex line of double-stack 1911-style pistols, a shift from the earlier TWWC9. The Hex pistols use billet construction, aggressive aluminum grip texture developed from customer feedback, three grip colors, two barrel finishes, and magazines from Checkmate and MDX, targeting an MSRP around $3,400.
The video dives deeper into billet manufacturing, explaining that starting from solid billet material for frames and components dramatically increases production cost compared to polymer, which is reflected in MSRPs ranging roughly from $3,400 up to about $6,000. Jacob Gray then unveils the Knox 9, a new 9mm pistol platform packed with patents and design tweaks. The featured 5-inch model uses a modified buffer system, porting and a compensator, and a steel-free aluminum grip to keep weight down while maintaining control. A patented one-piece trigger breaks at about 2.8 pounds, and a newly designed flared magwell speeds reloads. The 2011-style frame allows a very high grip position, and the lines of the gun show over a decade of design refinement. On the range, the shooter strings together rapid hits and repeatedly comments on how flat and soft the Knox 9 shoots, ultimately calling it the flattest shooting gun he has ever handled, validating the manufacturer’s performance claims.
Coming off the Knox 9 demo, the shooter doubles down on calling it the flattest shooting pistol he has ever used, even when compared to other high-end brands. That sets the stage for a visit to the Atlas Gunworks table, where several 9mm models are laid out. The hosts walk through the 5-inch Titan, the Apollo, the Arabus with an open compensator, an older Chaos V1, the non-ported Athena, another Apollo, and the EOS carry gun. The EOS gets a detailed breakdown as a concealed carry-focused pistol with a steel slide and frame, an aluminum grip without separate grip panels, and no magwell to keep the profile slim. It uses flush-fit magazines and full porting to keep the gun flat under recoil, and Atlas tunes it with their Perfect Zero system for a predictable return to target. Pricing is discussed candidly: the EOS is estimated around $6,800–$6,900 MSRP, while the Titan is positioned as the least expensive Atlas option at roughly $5,800–$5,900, without sacrificing build quality.
The next segment focuses on specific Atlas Gunworks pistols tailored for competition. A 5-inch barrel gun inspired by the Titan is shown with a red dot, described as a fast-returning, relatively soft-recoiling option that shines in Limited Optics, especially with 115- or 124-grain ammunition. The Apollo, a 4.6-inch model with barrel porting, is highlighted as a versatile and very popular newer gun that excels in PCSL, multi-gun, and three-gun. Its porting helps blend quick sight return with flatter shooting characteristics. The Athena is presented as a higher-end counterpart to the Apollo, differentiated mainly by slide cuts and aesthetics. It is not legal for certain steel competitions but retails around $6,300–$6,400 and has reportedly maintained performance over roughly 45,000 rounds. The Erebus, another 4.6-inch pistol with a single-port compensator, is slightly longer and adds forward weight to soften recoil and flatten the gun earlier in the recoil cycle. On the range, the host notes minimal muzzle lift, effective grip texturing, and oversized controls before setting up a direct Apollo versus Erebus comparison.
A shooter runs the Apollo and then the Arabus back-to-back to compare recoil and balance. He notes that one pistol feels softer and more balanced while the other has a bit more “umph,” illustrating how subtle differences in porting and compensators change the shooting experience. The Atlas representative explains that preference often depends on the shooter’s background, especially whether they are used to race guns. The video then transitions to the Staccato booth, where Mitch explains the evolution from the V2 line to the V3 and the new HD series. The V2, including models like the X and P XL, is described as a more legacy, competition-oriented line. The thinner V3 is geared toward concealed carry and introduces an external extractor. The HD line is built around a Glock-pattern magazine, fully ambidextrous controls, and an 80-series drop-safe trigger. A distinctive forward-mounted rear sight sits in front of the optic, and Mitch notes that the HD series was heavily influenced by feedback from law enforcement and special operations users, with more variants hinted at for the future.
Shooting impressions of the Staccato HD line emphasize its smaller frame, double-stack 1911 feel, and the use of steel Glock magazines. The 4.5-inch HD model is praised for a very linear recoil impulse, aided by an island-style feature that acts like a dead blow weight to smooth cycling. Coverage then shifts to the SAR USA booth. The steel-frame K12 is introduced with its low bore axis and heavier weight that help manage recoil and deliver impressive out-of-the-box accuracy. The Sport competition model adds a 5.2-inch cold hammer forged barrel, lightning cuts, an optic-ready slide, a flat trigger, and modular grip panels. The SAR 9 SOCOM is shown with a threaded barrel, flat trigger, optics-ready slide, raised night sights that co-witness with optics, and a magwell. A new SOCOM Comp variant uses a Dawson Precision ice compensator and tuned recoil spring to significantly reduce recoil. The SAR 9 lineup is rounded out with full size, compact, and subcompact variants featuring lightning cuts, raised night sights, flat triggers, optional manual safety on the full size, and a slim subcompact with optics-ready slide and extended magazines for better grip.
On the firing line, shooters run several Sarsilmaz pistols, including the all-metal K12, the R9 Sport, and a new compensated version tuned by 15 Precision. They highlight how the extra weight and grip shape help control recoil and how the comp works effectively even with standard 124-grain ammunition. The focus then moves to Aimpoint optics. A T2 is shown on an MP5K clone using a 22 mm mount, while a legacy H1 sits on a Ruger Mark V, both praised for long battery life and durability. Staccato P and PNT pistols are displayed with Acro P2 optics in FDE and Sniper Gray. A Glock 45 is equipped with Aimpoint’s new KOA optic, featuring an A-cut footprint, 3.5 MOA dot, and 2032 battery, initially sold only bundled with Glock. Aimpoint representatives explain that starting January 1, the KOA will be sold separately, with manufacturers expected to support it via plates and direct milling. They note the KOA’s more compact housing and larger perceived window compared to the Acro due to its inner tube design.
Sons of Liberty Gun Works introduces the Mark 1 rifle, originally developed for a premier SOCOM government customer. The 5.56 version shown is not yet listed on the company website, underscoring its newness. The handguard features laser-engraved texturing that is grippy without being sharp, along with open slots and a titanium barrel nut to improve heat mitigation. An integrated top rail channel hides light and laser cables to reduce snags. The rifle uses an SPR match-style barrel with a thinner, combat-oriented contour, and billet upper and lower receivers with extended rail channels. Enlarged fencing around the magazine and bolt releases helps maintain a low-snag profile even when extended controls are installed. Internally, the Mark 1 is equipped with the SOLGW L2S two-stage match trigger, a shorter charging handle with a narrow latch, and an A5 buffer system tuned for reliable, soft operation across varied ammunition and environments. A nickel Teflon bolt carrier group adds corrosion resistance and easier cleaning during long training days.
Pricing details for the Sons of Liberty Gun Works Mark 1 are laid out: approximately $2,900 MSRP for a standard anodized version and about $3,199 for the Mark 1 with a Cerakote two-tone green and gray pattern. On the range, the host shoots the rifle and praises its shootability, noting how the tuned gas system and A5 buffer make it soft yet reliable. The action then shifts to a plate rack championship run using a Jacob Gray gun, where the shooter clocks a 6.40-second time. As the dedicated range day coverage wraps, the hosts thank sponsors like Jacob Gray, Staccato, and Icarus Precision. The video transitions to the public range day at XCAL, showing McLarens parked outside and giving viewers a sense of the upscale facility. Inside, XCAL offers multiple ranges, dining options, workout space, and simulation areas, along with 2A-related vendors such as Gun Owners of America and the We The Free Network engaging with attendees.
The XCAL facility is showcased as the host venue for Guns Out Range Day 2025, featuring simulation bays, dining areas, and a turnout of roughly 1,500 RSVPs. Key personalities like Sherm, John Keys, and Vinnie from Monsoon Tactical are mentioned as part of the community gathering. The camera returns to Sons of Liberty Gun Works, emphasizing how smooth the Mark 1 shoots and reiterating the company’s focus on building durable, true fighting carbines rather than just range toys. SAR firearms are highlighted again, with praise for models like the SOCOM and K12 as cool, optics-ready pistols suitable for both competition and modern defensive use. At the Staccato booth, the HD line of 2011-style duty pistols is revisited, with emphasis on their use of Glock-pattern magazines, including metal Glock mags from Mec-Gar. Aimpoint’s lineup is summarized with durable red dots such as the Comp M5, Acro, T2, and the more cost-effective Duty RDS, giving viewers a sense of the breadth of optics on display.
The final segment spotlights several standout brands from Guns Out Range Day 2025. Aimpoint’s Comp M5, Acro, and T2 are shown alongside the Duty RDS, which is described as offering near T2-level durability for under $500, making it a strong value option. Ranger Point Precision displays billet accessories for modern tactical lever-action rifles, featuring a distinctive Miami-themed aesthetic. Icarus Precision is revisited for its extensive lineup of grip modules for pistols like the Springfield Echelon, P320, P365, and RXM-compatible platforms. Jacob Grey’s Hex and upcoming Nox models are mentioned, along with Langdon Tactical’s low optic cuts for HK pistols including the Mark 23, P2000, and USP. Boss Suppressors presents flow-through suppressor designs aimed at reducing back pressure, while Crate Tactical shows cardboard targets, out-the-front knives, wallets, and firearm lubricant. The video closes with praise for the XCAL facility and a final thank-you to Sherm and John from GunsOut TV for organizing the event and bringing the community together.