SHOT Show 2024: Day 4 Part 1

Day 4 kickoff and Bergara booth intro

The hosts open Day 4 Part 1 of their SHOT Show 2024 coverage, joking about being tired after a Freedom Fest party and reminding viewers there will be a Part 2 later in the day. They encourage last‑minute comments and requests for booths to visit. The segment then moves to the Bergara area, where they plan a bit of redemption after a previous bolt‑gun series performance. One host mentions that Ka liked the Bergara Azrael in that earlier series, and both are looking forward to trying Bergara rifles again to see if they can shoot them better this time.

Bergara MG Micro Lite and Crest Carbon

At the Bergara booth, Colin introduces new rifles for 2024 with an emphasis on lightweight and versatile designs. The first rifle is the MG Micro Lite, a 5.8‑pound short‑action model derived from the earlier MG Lite, now offered in .308, 6.5 Creedmoor, and 6.5 PRC. It is described as a compact, very light backpack rifle with a side‑folding stock that surprises the host when he discovers the folding mechanism. Colin then highlights the B-14 Squared Crest Carbon, which uses Bergara’s Cure carbon barrel, shared with the MG Micro Lite. The Crest Carbon features a Bergara‑made stock with full monocoque construction, foam core, and a carbon spine for rigidity, similar to a steel‑barrel version the host shot at the previous year’s range day.

Bergara Stoke and Sierra hunting rifles

Colin next presents the Bergara Stoke, designed for smaller‑frame shooters. It has a 12.25‑inch length of pull, weighs about 6 pounds, and targets a niche of shooters who are often underserved by standard‑size rifles. The Stoke’s MSRP is listed at $899. He then moves to the Bergara Sierra, part of the Wilderness series, described as a hybrid, versatile hunting rifle. The Sierra includes a fluted barrel, omnidirectional muzzle brake, fluted bolt, and an adjustable cheek piece in a sporter‑style stock. It is positioned as a lightweight hunting option at an MSRP of about $1,099. The hosts note that Bergara is offering both higher‑end lightweight models and more budget‑conscious rifles aimed at specific use cases, predicting the Sierra could become a strong seller.

Redemption talk with the Bergara B-14 Wilderness Carbon

The conversation turns to a previous experience with a Bergara B-14 HMR Wilderness Carbon rifle. The host recalls that he did not shoot the rifle to its potential, likely due to setup issues rather than the rifle itself. He mentions concerns that the rifle may not have been properly zeroed and that the scope rings might not have been torqued correctly, noting evidence of the scope sliding under recoil. Because someone else installed the optic, he questions the initial setup and feels both he and Bergara deserve a redemption run. He considers choosing a different Bergara rifle for a fresh evaluation and more accurate representation of the platform’s performance.

Leupold Mark 5HD scope family overview

Coverage continues at the Leupold booth with Sean introducing the Mark 5HD family of rifle scopes. He explains that when shooters hear “Leupold Mark 5,” they think of the legacy scope introduced in the late 1980s or early 1990s, which served widely until it was discontinued in 2018. The Mark 5HD is described as a spiritual successor that incorporates lessons from roughly three to four decades of use. The line includes multiple magnification ranges: 1‑4.5x, 2.5‑10x, 4.5‑18x, 6‑24x, and 8‑32x. The 1‑4.5x and 2.5‑10x models use 30 mm main tubes suited to LPVO applications, while the 4.5‑18x and higher magnification models use 34 mm main tubes, similar to the classic Mark 5 configuration.

Mark 5HD features, configurations, and pricing

Sean outlines shared features across the Mark 5HD line, including a fast‑focus eyepiece, removable throw lever, and locking elevation dial. Depending on the model, scopes come with either capped windage dials or zero‑locking windage dials. The series offers illuminated and non‑illuminated options, with both MOA and mil configurations, though the older mixed mil/MOA setup is no longer used. He notes that Leupold’s custom shop remains closed, so reticles are not custom‑built, but there are roughly 25 to 30 factory configurations to cover most needs, from AR platforms to long‑range precision rifles. All Mark 5HD scopes use a professional‑grade optical system and are designed, machined, and assembled in Leupold’s Beaverton facility. Pricing starts around $1,000 for the 1‑4.5x and runs up to about $1,600 for the 8‑32x model, with other magnifications in between.

Ferro Concepts Chesty Wide V2 chest rig

At the Ferro Concepts booth, Jim presents the Chesty Wide V2 chest rig. He explains that the original version left unused real estate on the sides, so the V2 was widened to accept GP pouches. One example rig is shown fully set up with pouches, while another demonstrates how the front flap can be replaced to support different loadouts. Ferro Concepts offers front panels that can be configured for 9 mm, 5.56, or .308 magazines, attaching via hook‑and‑loop and G‑hooks. Jim highlights the harness design, which allows adjustment at both the front and back so the rig can be positioned precisely for comfort. Excess strap length is managed by routing it into small pockets instead of cutting or taping it, preserving adjustability for cold‑weather clothing or future size changes. The hosts note how the modularity lets users move between minimalist and more heavily equipped setups depending on mission or daily needs.

SilencerCo booth and Spectre 9 teaser

The segment closes at the SilencerCo booth with Craig introducing new products for SHOT Show 2024. The host mentions the Spectre 9 by name and notes that Craig is excited to unveil it. Craig briefly describes it as featuring a new baffle stack, with the discussion set up to continue into more technical details about the Spectre 9 suppressor’s design and performance. The clip ends as he begins that explanation, serving as a teaser for a deeper dive into SilencerCo’s latest 9 mm suppressor offerings in the remainder of the coverage.