Industry Day at the Range opens with the Classify/Class Firearms crew introducing the team, noting one regular is missing and another is flying in later. The atmosphere is busy and energetic, with new guns and gear everywhere. A quick cut shows a responsive robotic dog maneuvering on the range, underscoring the high-tech feel of the event. The hosts then head to the FN booth, where an FN representative explains that the commercial SCAR 16S, 17S, and 20S are now considered the Legacy SCAR line and have been discontinued in the U.S. They are replaced by a new generation of SCAR rifles developed over more than a decade, incorporating over 25 user-driven improvements. Key upgrades include a full-length, slim M-LOK integrated rail that fully covers the gas block on carbines, improved suppressor compatibility without warranty concerns, an ambidextrous bolt catch and release, configurable selector levers with 16 possible combinations, extended teardrop magazine releases, the retained non-reciprocating charging handle, and a modular two-piece bolt carrier with an internal hydraulic buffer.
FN’s engineer dives into the new two-piece modular bolt carrier system inside the updated SCAR. An internal hydraulic buffer acts like a shock absorber on both the rearward and forward strokes, slowing the bolt as it closes and dramatically reducing felt recoil. This design aims to eliminate the classic SCAR “thud,” making the rifle smoother and allowing faster follow-up shots. On the firing line, the host confirms the difference, praising the properly engineered controls, large magazine release, and extended receiver while remarking on how soft and controllable the rifle feels. Attention then shifts to the SCAR 16, now equipped with a QD 5.56 suppressor described as a forward-venting, low-back-pressure can. The SCAR 16 shares the longer receiver and hydraulically buffered carrier system from the SCAR 17, but in a lighter package with fully ambidextrous controls. An FN engineer shows off a new gray, tungsten-like colorway alongside black and FDE, while the shooter again notes the oversized mag release, ambidextrous safety, iconic UGG boot stock, and surprisingly minimal recoil when firing the updated SCAR 16.
Shooting impressions continue on a reimagined FN rifle, with the shooter emphasizing how little recoil is felt, how well-balanced the gun is, and how stable it stays through strings of fire. The conversation then moves to FN’s new 309 pistol. Rather than a cost-cut 509, the 309 is described as an entry-level handgun designed from the ground up for new shooters who cannot stretch to FN’s higher-end offerings. It features a notably smooth, light slide that is easy to manipulate and is expected to have a street price under $500. FN positions it as a versatile “utility gun” that can serve both concealed carry and bedside defense roles. The video then transitions to Henry’s SPD Predator, a lever-action rifle built on the H23 platform and guaranteed sub-MOA. It uses a free-floated barrel and an adjustable match-grade trigger, with a very smooth action. The SPD Predator is compatible with 5.56 PMAGs, including drums, and includes an adjustable comb, enabling long-distance shooting out to around a mile—far beyond traditional lever-gun expectations.
The hosts contrast the old stereotype of lever guns as “pie-plate at 100 yards” rifles with Henry’s new precision-focused platforms. The SPD Predator and H23 Predator families, using BSF match-grade barrels and adjustable triggers, are achieving sub-MOA accuracy, redefining what lever actions can do. Henry then showcases updates to the classic H001 .22 LR line, adding pistol grip stocks and, on some variants, threaded barrels for suppressor use. The H001X series stands out with a synthetic stock, an integral Picatinny rail built into the top cover, and a 16.5-inch threaded barrel specifically designed to be suppressor-friendly. A redesigned knob and magazine tube allow the shooter to clear a mounted can for easy loading, while M-LOK slots on the fore-end and adjustable length-of-pull spacers modernize the platform. Finally, the Field Ethos Cruiser appears as a backcountry-oriented guide gun based on the Hush series in .45-70. It features a fully weather-protected burnt bronze and midnight blue Cerakote finish, a match-grade carbon sleeved and tensioned barrel, a shortened Picatinny rail with integrated peep sight, and claimed 1–2 inch groups at 100 yards.
Lever-action innovation continues with the H23 Predator and Lever Action Supreme models. Both use match-grade carbon sleeved barrels and free-floated setups to push accuracy far beyond traditional lever guns. An ambidextrous tang safety modernizes the manual of arms, and certain configurations in .45-70 and 450 Bushmaster accept standard AR-15 PMAGs, blending lever heritage with AR magazine convenience. The focus then shifts to HUXWRX and its new Flow 45M suppressor. This 3D-printed titanium modular .45 can runs in full-length or short configurations, weighing about 7.4 ounces in long form and 5.4 ounces in short. It is rated from .45 ACP all the way up to .45-70, making it highly versatile. On the range, shooters test the Flow 45M on .45 ACP and 9mm platforms, reporting minimal gas blowback, a soft sound signature, and little impact on the host firearm’s operating system. The flow-through design is emphasized as key to its low back pressure and shooter comfort.
Shooters then mount the HUXWRX Flow 45M on a .45-70 lever gun, expecting a punishing report but instead finding it surprisingly soft on the ears for such a large round. Recoil and blast feel significantly tamed, and the hosts call the performance impressive, encouraging viewers to take advantage of the current environment where NFA tax stamps are effectively free to get into suppressors. The scene shifts to Shield Arms, starting with the DS series magazines. The DS18 for Glock 19 and DS20 for Glock 17 each offer plus-three capacity over OEM magazines while remaining flush-fit, and they support extensions, dedicated mag catches, and a Gen 6 magwell. Shield Arms then reveals a new modular pistol system built around the Glock 43/43X/48 ecosystem. It uses a chassis-based design with changeable grip modules and will launch with an aluminum grip module, targeting a price under about $1,000. The system remains compatible with OEM slides, triggers, recoil assemblies, and top ends. A 10-round frame for S10 series magazines is also shown, delivering a super micro-compact footprint with an integrated flared magwell, eliminating the need for add-on magwells.
At the Q booth, Eric introduces several standout products. The 8-inch Boom Box AR platform is highlighted alongside the Tall Boy suppressor, the new flow-through Lefty silencer, and the Mega Fix rifle. The Mega Fix is described as a lightweight magnum-capable platform, with unsuppressed weights ranging roughly from 5 to 12 pounds depending on configuration. It launches in .300 Win Mag, with planned chamberings including 7 PRC, .375 Ruger for African hunting, and likely 28 Nosler. Eric explains updates to the 8-inch Boom Box, including a new left-side Cam Track insert and an upcoming brass deflector to better manage ejection patterns for both subsonic and supersonic loads. A new adjustable gas block is likely for the 8-inch version to handle sub/super tuning, while the 12- and 16-inch variants are expected to run without adjustment. Jack from Q then presents a 5.56 Honey Badger fitted with the Lefty silencer using “slowblow” flow-through-style technology to reduce gas to the shooter’s face. On the line, shooters note the rifle’s very light weight, soft recoil, lack of noticeable back pressure or gas, and reliable cycling with the updated handguard and QERT features.
Leo from Q introduces the Mini Fix in 300 Blackout paired with the new Tall Boy 30 caliber suppressor. Positioned alongside Q’s Blind Tiger and Speak Easy cans, the Tall Boy is described as Q’s quietest 30 cal option at about 11 inches overall length, optimized for bolt guns and short hunting platforms. On the range, shooters fire the Tall Boy-equipped Mini Fix and describe it as extremely quiet and very lightweight, with pricing targeted around $900–$950, making it Q’s quietest can under $1,000. Attention then returns to the Mega Fix, shown here as a magnum-capable evolution of the Fix rifle. This prototype features an 18-inch .300 Win Mag Proof barrel, AR-style controls, a 45-degree bolt throw, and a quick-change barrel system. A Speak Easy steel 30 cal suppressor is mounted. Shooters comment that recoil is substantial, as expected for a lightweight magnum, but praise the optional “Big Butt” butt pad for noticeably mitigating the hit to the shoulder. Q notes that this Mega Fix is still an early prototype, with ongoing refinements planned for bolt lift and striker springs before final production.
Stenzel Industries presents the SAK21, an AK-style rifle that retains familiar AK manual of arms while adding modern refinements. A rear takedown button allows easy disassembly, and the top cover is designed to return to zero, simplifying maintenance without sacrificing optic alignment. The rifle uses a crossbolt safety engineered so it will not be accidentally wiped off when slung across the chest, and the safety is fully reversible for ambidextrous operation. Proprietary magazines feature a bolt hold-open follower, and shooters can release the bolt in multiple ways, including a distinctive flag-style release with an American flag motif or traditional AK-style manipulation. Internals are DLC-coated for smooth operation and durability. The SAK21 employs a suppressor-focused short-stroke piston gas system with two main settings plus a fine-tuning set screw, prioritizing reliable function with cans. It is a true multi-caliber platform: users can convert from 7.62x39 to calibers like 5.56 and 6.5 Grendel by swapping the trunnion and barrel assembly and changing the bolt face. A modular rifle variant allows front screws to be removed to swap trunnions and barrels, and it is compatible with a wide range of magazines, including AK and many 5.45 mags, with ongoing experimentation for 5.56 AR-15 mags. Multiple configurations are shown, from short commando setups to longer PRS-style builds, with an MSRP around $4,000, positioning it as a high-end, military-grade rifle that feels worth the price when shot. Mounted on one configuration is the Unorthodox Suppression Spooky can, a 3D-printed titanium suppressor weighing about 10 ounces with a hexagonal profile, praised for adding minimal weight and delivering strong performance.
The focus shifts to Ridgeline, where Josh introduces a 3D-printed Inconel 718 suppressor aimed at the AR market. This can emphasizes high flow-through performance, low back pressure, and low flash, while remaining extremely durable and quiet in a compact, modular, direct-thread configuration. Another Ridgeline suppressor is shown in a modular format that can run as a direct-thread can or with an over-barrel extension. The extension adds roughly five inches both in front of and behind the barrel, significantly increasing sound suppression. Internally, the suppressor is fully 3D-printed Inconel, allowing complex baffle geometries that would be impossible with traditional manufacturing. The Hush can variant uses a carbon-fiber wrap with an adhesive-free, fully compressive construction designed to prevent long-term failure. This design greatly improves heat mitigation, often eliminating the need for a separate suppressor cover. An optional brake system is available so PRS and NRL shooters can maintain sound suppression while still getting enough braking effect to watch impacts and trace. A Ridgeline rifle setup with a carbon barrel, barebones Hush can, and 168-grain .308 ammunition is fired, with the shooter noting an excellent recoil impulse, no noticeable gas blowback, and comfortable sound levels when using ear protection.
On a tripod-mounted precision-style rifle, a Ridgeline suppressor is tested further. Shooters emphasize the very soft recoil impulse and how effectively the system seals gas over a Mark 12-type setup, producing a comfortable sound profile at the shooter’s ear. The rifle itself uses an aluminum chassis with hardened steel wear components, built-in QD points, and custom spiral-cut barrel work, all backed by a lifetime warranty. Only the grip and buttpad are user-swappable, underscoring the rifle’s integrated design. A second, performance-oriented suppressor is then demonstrated. This can has a natural built-in brake effect, directing some gas and sound to the sides. While slightly louder off to the flanks, it keeps the report very manageable and enables faster follow-up shots in open environments where side blast is less of a concern. The video then shows an 11-inch Geissele Super Duty Mod 2 DI rifle, left completely stock except for a HUXWRX-style flow-through suppressor. On the line, the rifle is praised for its surprisingly smooth recoil and quiet report at the ear, all achieved without any gas system tuning, highlighting the benefits of flow-through technology on short direct-impingement platforms.
The video closes with a recap of Industry Day highlights. The hosts single out the Stenzel SAK21 as a particularly versatile, though expensive, rifle platform thanks to its multi-caliber capability and refined AK-style ergonomics. They return to the new FN SCAR in .308, noting how impressed they are with its recoil characteristics. Thanks to the improved bolt and hydraulic buffering system, the .308 SCAR reportedly recoils more like a supersonic 300 Blackout than a traditional .308, making it unusually soft and controllable. Q is described as consistently intriguing, with products like the Tall Boy, Lefty silencer, and Mega Fix leaving strong impressions. Ridgeline suppressors are also praised as standouts, especially for their combination of low back pressure, heat management, and precision performance. The FN 309 pistol earns special mention, being called “money” for its balance of price, shootability, and intended role as a utility handgun. The crew expresses enthusiasm for the event, hints at a possible part two, and wraps up the day ready for lunch and water after a long session on the range.
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