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SHOP NOWDay one, part two of SHOT Show 2025 highlights new lights, pistols, and rifle platforms from major manufacturers. The team walks the floor to examine design updates, ergonomics, and practical use cases.
The segment opens on the SHOT Show 2025 floor with a visit to the SureFire booth. Andrew from SureFire explains a new hub fast-attach system designed for hub-mount suppressors. The adapter uses a hub-compatible thread combined with the SureFire SOCOM fast-attach locking ring, allowing hub suppressors to mount on existing SOCOM muzzle devices such as SureFire three-prong flash hiders and muzzle brakes. It will be offered in both 5.56 and 7.62 variants. The goal is to give users the speed of a quick-detach SOCOM mount while retaining the flexibility of the hub standard. MSRP for the adapter is listed at $299.
Attention then shifts to the SureFire XC3 compact handgun weapon light, shown mounted on a Glock 19. The XC3 produces 550 lumens and 7,200 candela from a single CR123 battery. It features ambidextrous, tactile switches that provide momentary activation with a press-and-hold and constant-on with a quick tap from either side. The light uses a front-loading battery compartment so it can be serviced without removing it from the pistol. Weight is about 2.65 ounces, aiming to balance concealability with duty-grade durability. Its footprint is similar to a TLR-7, making it compatible with many existing Kydex and duty holsters, including Safariland options, to avoid forcing users into new holster purchases.
SureFire’s XC3 includes a lockout function accessed by loosening and retightening the head. When the head is turned back to a middle position, the switches are disabled, preventing accidental activation during storage or travel and preserving battery life. The discussion then moves to the SureFire UDR Dominator handheld light. Although the model has been on the market, it has been significantly upgraded to nearly double its previous output. The updated UDR Dominator now delivers 4,400 lumens and 350,000 candela, giving it substantial throw for long-distance illumination. It weighs just over 2 pounds and carries an MSRP just under $1,600. The host briefly notes that Classic Firearms has a separate video explaining terms like lumens, candela, and lux for viewers who want more detail.
The video pauses for a sponsor segment highlighting Sonoran Desert Institute. The host notes extensive personal experience building firearms and connects that to SDI’s distance education programs for people who work on or repair guns at home. SDI’s online courses cover topics such as armorer certification, general gunsmithing, ballistics, woodworking and gun finishes, and sport shooting management. The school ships tools and materials directly to students so they can complete hands-on projects alongside the coursework. Viewers interested in applying the training to a current job or starting a new career are directed to contact SDI by phone at 480-999-4767 or visit sdi.edu for more information.
The crew then visits the IWI booth to discuss the Masada Slim with Tom Alibrando, IWI’s law enforcement sales manager. He introduces two new variations, starting with the Masada Slim Elite. Building on the original Masada Slim, the Elite adds interchangeable backstraps to better fit different hand sizes. The magwell has been made deeper and larger to ease magazine insertion, and a front accessory rail has been added so users can mount compact weapon lights such as a Streamlight micro light for concealed carry. The pistol retains its optics-ready configuration, and the iron sights use a SIG-style cut, allowing owners to swap to preferred sight sets. Grip texturing has been made more aggressive in response to user feedback, improving control under recoil.
Another Masada Slim variant on display uses an aluminum lower receiver from Mischief Machine. This frame replaces the original polymer with an aluminum construction that adds some weight and rigidity. The added mass in the lower helps reduce perceived recoil and makes the pistol feel less snappy, which can be beneficial for shooters with larger hands. The frame features aggressive texturing and screw-on grip panels, with plans for different panel sizes in the future. It includes a large magwell and flared mag chute to speed reloads, and it retains the Masada Slim’s reversible magazine release. The integrated rail system remains, allowing users to mount a light. The aluminum receiver can be purchased directly from IWI or from Mischief Machine, and IWI may eventually offer complete kits built around this configuration, minus optics.
The final stop is the Century Arms booth, where Aaron discusses new offerings inspired by classic HK-style rifles. Century has partnered with MKE to bring out additional variants that consumers requested, including 5.56 and 7.62x51 (.308) versions. On display is the AP53, a 5.56 platform reminiscent of the HK53. It features a wide foregrip, a four-prong flash hider, and a Navy-style lower grip module. The lower includes markings for users who have select-fire capability, echoing the original burst and full-auto selector positions, though it remains visually appealing even on semi-automatic configurations. The segment emphasizes that Century is expanding its lineup to include both 5.56 and 7.62x51 options in this classic pattern, responding to demand for these calibers in a familiar roller-delayed style platform.
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