SHOT Show 2025 | Range Day Part 2

Intro and SHOT Show Range Day Part 2

The segment opens at Industry Day at the Range for SHOT Show 2025, continuing coverage in brisk conditions. The host explains this is Part 2 of the range day series, with more companies and products still to visit. Viewers are encouraged to follow along as additional firearms, suppressors, and optics are tested on the line. The team notes that full SHOT Show floor coverage will begin the next day, emphasizing that this portion focuses specifically on live-fire impressions from the outdoor range environment.

KelTec PR57 5.7×28mm Pistol Demo

At the KelTec bay, Hammer introduces the new PR57, described as the slimmest and lightest 5.7 pistol currently on the market. It weighs approximately 13.86 ounces and holds 21 rounds of 5.7×28mm in the grip, emphasizing capacity in a compact package aimed at concealed carry. The pistol uses a double-action trigger with no external safeties and no traditional magazine release, since it is loaded via a stripper clip system. Loading involves indexing a cutout on the clip into the breech, then using a plunger to push in 10 rounds at a time before dropping the slide. The host fires the PR57 and notes very low felt recoil and minimal muzzle movement.

KelTec PR57 Recoil, Camming System, and Optics-Ready Setup

After shooting the KelTec PR57, the host comments that the 5.7×28mm cartridge feels extremely manageable, with almost no fight in the hand. Hammer explains that the pistol’s rotating, camming barrel system helps reduce recoil and also contributes to the low overall weight. The 21-round capacity is highlighted again as a strong point for a small carry-oriented handgun. The 5.7×28mm round is mentioned as having notable penetration characteristics, including against body armor in certain contexts. The PR57 is shown in an optics-ready configuration using an RMSc footprint, with options for mounting a red dot or running traditional iron sights. Multiple color variants are visible on the table, giving users flexibility in setup while maintaining the same core features.

Carbon Research CR-45 Carbon Fiber Suppressor

Coverage moves to Carbon Research, where Chris presents the CR-45 suppressor. It is a .45 caliber can rated up to .458 SOCOM and described as the heavier-duty version in the line, weighing 9 ounces, with a 7-ounce pistol-focused model planned. The suppressor uses a true carbon fiber baffle system with an inboard diameter design, combining titanium and carbon fiber construction. Chris hands the host a rifle equipped with the CR-45 and has him fire multiple magazines to generate heat. After shooting, the host is surprised that the suppressor remains cool enough to touch comfortably, even against bare skin, underscoring the thermal behavior of the carbon fiber design compared to traditional metal cans.

Carbon Fiber Baffles, Heat Rejection, Cleaning, and Full-Auto

Chris explains that carbon fiber acts as an insulator, rejecting heat while metal tends to absorb it. The low mass and material properties mean the suppressor will eventually get hot, but it takes significantly longer and does not soak up energy as quickly. The carbon fiber baffle system also changes the acoustic signature, producing a different vibration and tone than metal baffles. Cleaning is simplified because carbon fouling does not adhere strongly to carbon fiber; users mainly clean the metal front components and internal tips. A cutaway 9mm suppressor is shown, weighing about 6 ounces in full configuration and roughly 4 ounces in the cut sample, with Kevlar reinforcement and titanium armor tips. Chris notes one displayed suppressor has over 8,000 rounds through it with only minimal brushing. The cans are full-auto rated for calibers including 9mm and .300 Blackout, and Carbon Research has demonstrated extended full-auto strings, such as with an MP5, while maintaining safe handling temperatures.

Aimpoint’s New Closed-Emitter Optic and COA Mounting System

The final stop is Aimpoint, where Jonas introduces a new closed-emitter pistol optic and the associated COA mounting system. The optic weighs about 1.7 ounces and has been tested to 40,000 rounds while remaining submersible to 80 feet. Compared to the Acro, it offers a roughly 25% perceived larger aperture because there is no internal tube constricting the view. Aimpoint designed the optic and mount as a one-piece shooting solution with a very low index, matching typical iron sight height. To address common issues like sheared mounting screws, the COA interface uses multiple contact surfaces along the slide and a rear wedge that locks the optic in place, secured by two M3.5 screws with thread locker. The wedge itself serves as the rear sight, and the same interface works on both Slimline and standard-frame Glock pistols, with only the wedge differing. Aimpoint collaborated with Glock for several years to validate the system, and plans to release the interface specification to the wider market after Glock’s exclusivity period ends in January 2026.