NRA Show Kickoff and Century Arms Thunder Ranch AK
The video opens at the NRA Annual Meeting in Houston, Texas, with the hosts outlining plans to hit major manufacturers like Christensen Arms, HK, Glock, FN, and more, while speculating about new releases such as a possible Multicam FN SCAR. They quickly move to the Century Arms booth to spotlight a new AK-pattern rifle developed with Clint Smith of Thunder Ranch. The hosts emphasize Clint’s reputation for the urban battle rifle concept and his deliberate choice of the AK platform. The Thunder Ranch-inspired rifle includes a US Palm grip and magazine, an enhanced safety selector, and an RS Regulate side mount for optics and accessories. A red accent is incorporated as a nod to Clint’s Marine bloodline. Iron sights and fundamental marksmanship are stressed despite the modern mounting options. The segment closes with details of a major giveaway: one winner receives this rifle and an all-expenses-paid trip to a two-day Thunder Ranch course in August, including lodging, dinners with Clint and Heidi Smith, and training alongside influencers and industry partners as a thank-you to the 2A community.
Aimpoint Acro P2 and Duty RDS Red Dot Optics
The hosts tease an upcoming range trip and giveaway with Clint Smith, then head to the Aimpoint booth. Keith introduces the Aimpoint Acro P2, a second-generation fully enclosed pistol-mounted red dot. It offers a 50,000-hour runtime, weighs about 2 ounces, and can be mounted on pistols or long guns. He notes that demand is extremely high and availability is tight, advising viewers to watch dealers and Aimpoint US announcements as production ramps up, with an MSRP around $599. Attention then shifts to the Aimpoint Duty RDS, a compact, Sweden-made red dot engineered to meet professional law-enforcement requirements at a lower price point. It features a forged aluminum housing, integrated non-QD mount, digital side push-pad intensity controls, and a constant-on battery life of roughly three years. The optic is fully submersible and built for durability, with cost savings coming from simplified controls rather than reduced robustness, allowing a $499 retail price while maintaining Aimpoint reliability.
CZ Scorpion 3+, TS2 Race Guns, and Project Upland Shotguns
At the CZ booth, the hosts examine the new 7-inch Scorpion 3+ variant. It uses an extended barrel with a faux suppressor, lower 1/3 co-witness aluminum sights, and an AR-style magazine release paired with redesigned magazines. Ergonomics are improved with a new grip that prevents the safety from digging into the shooter’s hand and a revised slide stop paddle for easier manipulation. The focus then moves to the CZ TS2 competition pistols, including a .40 caliber TS2 aimed at shooters wanting more power factor than 9mm. The TS2 Green race gun is highlighted with extended ambidextrous controls, an enlarged magazine release, and an integrated thumb rest, positioning it as a higher-end option for serious competitors. The segment closes with CZ’s Project Upland shotguns, a collaboration with Project Upland that incorporates consumer-requested features such as grade 3 wood, detailed engraving, and the Project Upland logo. Limited-run Drake and Bobwhite Project Upland variants are shown, noted as desirable but somewhat hard to obtain.
CZ 457 Manners Rimfire and CZ 600 Centerfire Lineup
CZ continues by showcasing a 457 rimfire variant fitted with a Manners carbon-fiber stock. This version now includes an adjustable cheek piece and a threaded barrel ready for a suppressor, resulting in a very light rifle that is easy to shoot accurately. The discussion then shifts to the CZ 600 series, which replaces the older 527 and 557 centerfire lines. The 600 features controlled-round feed with a short extractor, a vertical safety, and integrated Picatinny rails on some models. Multiple action sizes cover cartridges from .223 up to .300 Win Mag, and CZ offers a sub-MOA accuracy guarantee across the lineup. The Alpha model uses a lighter-profile barrel and more utilitarian configuration, while the Range and Lux models differ in receiver materials, stock designs, and optics mounting, with Range and Lux accepting Remington 700 bases. The segment ends with the host asking about a .308 Bren; the CZ representative acknowledges strong demand but confirms there is no official word yet, encouraging viewers to keep requesting it.
POF Phoenix 9mm, Barrett M82A1 Giveaway, and EOTech Vudu 1-10x
Patriot Ordnance Factory presents the Phoenix 9mm sub gun, built around an 8-inch barrel with a double-port muzzle brake. It features a non-reciprocating ambidextrous folding charging handle, M-LOK rail, hand stop, ambidextrous safety, and a QD point with a 1913 rail section at the rear. Instead of using MP5 or Glock magazines, it runs a proprietary 35-round double-stack, single-feed magazine. The hosts then promote a major giveaway: a Barrett M82A1 .50 BMG paired with an EOTech Vudu optic, directing viewers to ClassicFirearms.com and a special 2A code word for bonus entries. At the EOTech booth, a representative details the Vudu 1-10x LPVO. The scope has a short overall length, a 34mm tube for enhanced light transmission, a low-profile locking elevation turret, and capped windage. It includes a one-piece eyepiece with a removable throw lever, top-mounted on/off illumination with side brightness controls, three reticle options (two MRAD, one MOA), runs on a CR2032 battery, and carries an MSRP around $1799, with strong eyebox and eye relief even at 10x.
EOTech E-Lex Pistol Optic and Kadex Kraken Multi-Caliber System
The video transitions to EOTech’s first pistol sight, the E-Lex. Unlike EOTech’s rifle optics, it is not holographic, as shrinking that technology to pistol size is challenging. The E-Lex maintains a similar window aspect ratio to EOTech holographic sights, giving users a familiar sight picture, and offers a very clear, color-neutral view compared to the red or yellow tint common on competitors. It uses a CR2032 battery, fits the DeltaPoint Pro footprint, and provides eight brightness settings including an ultra-bright daylight mode plus one night vision setting. Users can configure it to stay always on or shut off after inactivity, with quoted battery life around 20,000 hours on a 6 MOA dot at medium brightness. The hosts then visit Kadex to examine the Kraken multi-caliber rifle system. This short-action platform can be converted among calibers such as .308, .260, 6.5 Creedmoor, .300 PRC, .338 Lapua, and .300 Norma. A proprietary torque tool interfaces through the action to the barrel, enabling swaps with less than a tenth of a mil point-of-impact shift. Shooters can maintain a single scope and manage multiple calibers by creating separate gun profiles and zero offsets in a ballistic computer like a Kestrel.
Glock Slimline MOS and Shadow Systems CR920 & DR920P
Glock introduces its Slimline MOS pistols, focusing on the G43X and G48 with modular optic system cuts, as well as a G45 MOS configured specifically for the Aimpoint Acro P2. The Acro-equipped G45 includes the necessary base plate, demonstrating Glock’s growing support for pistol-mounted optics. Shadow Systems then presents the CR920, a subcompact "covert role" pistol similar in overall size to a Glock 43 but offering a flush-fit 10+1 capacity and an optional 13-round extended magazine. It comes optics-ready and is compatible with many Glock 43X MOS holsters, appealing to concealed carriers wanting higher capacity in a small footprint. The discussion moves to the DR920P, a full-size 17+1 pistol with an integrated compensator that is not threaded, allowing it to be sold in jurisdictions that restrict threaded barrels. The front sight is mounted on the compensator, so it remains stationary as the slide cycles, aiding tracking. Initially envisioned as a fun range gun, the DR920P has been adopted by law enforcement tactical teams seeking a flatter-shooting alternative to long-slide pistols like the Glock 34.
CR920 War Poet Edition and Christensen Arms Precision Rifles
Shadow Systems previews the CR920 War Poet Edition, scheduled for a June 20 release. This compact pistol carries Warrior Poet Society branding, a distinctive red trigger safety, and optional Holosun 507K optic. John Lovell and Warrior Poet Society requested specific design tweaks, including more angular slide serrations, a revised slide pocket, prominent logos, and the red trigger shoe, and these aesthetic and functional changes are applied across MR920, DR, and CR920 War Poet models. The scene then shifts to Christensen Arms, where a new competition-oriented Modern Precision Rifle variant is highlighted. It features a 20 MOA rail, detachable box magazine, carbon fiber bolt knob, and a TriggerTech flat shoe trigger. This version uses a heavier steel competition barrel, shown in 6mm Creedmoor, and a side-port adjustable brake optimized for prone and bench shooting in precision rifle competitions. Christensen also provides an update on its modular Modern Hunting Rifle, a hunting chassis rifle loosely based on the Modern Precision Rifle architecture, with modular components and an anticipated dealer release in roughly four months.
Christensen FFT Lightweight Upgrades, 22 Plinkster, and CAA Texas Edition
Christensen Arms showcases its Flash Forged Technology (FFT) carbon fiber stock, which cuts about one pound compared to their standard sporter composite stock. The updated rifles receive a new paint scheme, a carbon fiber bolt knob, and a chopped carbon fiber hinged floorplate. Barrels are shortened by two inches for improved handling, and the traditional radial brake is replaced with the new RFR brake, designed to perform better from the bench or prone. On the show floor, the host runs into 22 Plinkster, and they discuss his collaborations with WhistlinDiesel, including importing multiple Toyota Hilux trucks from Japan only to destroy them in over-the-top videos. They joke about safety, insurance concerns, and the pain of watching the vehicles get ruined, while talking about plans to shoot together again and extending an open invitation to visit 22 Plinkster’s range. The segment closes at the CAA booth, where a Texas Edition Gen 2 setup is displayed with a Texas flag finish, a 50-round drum magazine, and accessories like a mounted knife, bayonet, and integrated glass breaker.
CAA Gen 3 Charging System, Thumb Rest, and FN 509 Midsize Tactical
The CAA representative explains the bayonet attachment and integrated glass breaker, noting their intended use for law enforcement vehicle takedowns and emergency window breaking when rapid access is needed. A new Gen 3 charging handle system is shown, which threads into a proprietary back plate, initially for Glock models with plans to expand to Sig, Smith & Wesson, and others. This setup allows ambidextrous configuration and easier charging under stress. A detailed look at the thumb rest follows, describing how its ergonomics were modeled on the owner’s hand to add a stable point of contact, improve recoil control, and help prevent an improper grip during high-stress situations. It is also useful for shooters with finger issues who need extra leverage. CAA outlines upcoming fitments for Canik, Ruger American, HK, 1911, and Sig P320 X series pistols, along with continued R&D on the Gen 3 system. The scene then transitions to FN, where Chris introduces the FN 509 Midsize Tactical, which brings the tactical feature set of the compact and full-size models to a 15-round midsize frame.
FN15 DMR3, Multicam SCARs, and Browning Wicked Wing A5
FN details the 509 Midsize Tactical, emphasizing its 15-round grip frame, included 24-round extended magazine, MRD cut topped with a Trijicon optic, suppressor-height night sights, threaded barrel, and fully ambidextrous controls. It is positioned as a do-everything 509 variant suitable for duty, carry, or range use. The focus then shifts to the FN15 DMR3, which builds on the FN15 TAC3 with an 18-inch cold hammer-forged 5.56 barrel with a 1:8 twist, a Geissele G2S two-stage trigger, and a pinned rifle-length gas block for softer recoil and enhanced precision. The slightly heavier, longer barrel and SureFire ProComp muzzle device further support its designated marksman role. FN also showcases SCAR rifles in a new Crye Precision Multicam hydrographic finish, available on the SCAR 16S (5.56), 17S (7.62), and 20S (7.62). These models feature FDE accents on the stock, pistol grip, and magazine assembly, and retain the non-reciprocating charging handle; bipods are not included. The segment ends at Browning, where a retro "vintage tan" camo pattern inspired by 1980s–1990s Browning camouflage is shown on the A5 and other models, alongside the Wicked Wing A5 variant tailored for waterfowl hunting.
Browning X-Bolt Target, Polymer80 PF Series, and 2A Homebuilding Message
Browning’s A5 Wicked Wing shotgun is highlighted with its enlarged bolt release, extended Goose Band choke tube, and Cerakote finish with an etched camo pattern, optimized for waterfowl hunters. Browning big game rifles are then shown wearing a new OIX camo pattern and Cerakote metalwork, including a suppressor-ready configuration with a short barrel and 5/8x24 threaded muzzle for compact handling with a suppressor. The X-Bolt Target rifle appears with a pinned-on rail, a new trigger adjustable down to 2.5 pounds, MDT magazine, Recoil Hog muzzle brake, heavy target barrel, and a fully adjustable Max stock aimed at precision shooters. The focus shifts to Polymer80’s new optics-cut slides for PF series pistols, featuring a direct RMR footprint, and the PF320 pistol based on the SIG P320. The PF320 includes a proprietary grip module, RMR-cut slide with cover plate, Warne tactical sights capable of co-witnessing with some optics, and an included magwell. Polymer80 promotes its "AFT" slogan, meaning "assemble for thyself," underscoring its mission to responsibly provide tools and materials for individuals to build their own firearms. The hosts encourage viewers to exercise their Second Amendment rights through homebuilding and close by noting this is the end of part one of day one, with part two coming next.
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