Day 2 at the NRA Annual Meeting opens with the hosts outlining plans to hit major manufacturers like Barrett, Sig, High Point, JK Armament, and Desert Tech, while encouraging viewers to subscribe to the Classic Firearms podcast channel. At the Holosun booth, Adam showcases the SCS 320 mounted on an Agency Arms Sage pistol with a DPP footprint. He details its 2 MOA dot, 32 MOA ring, or combined reticle options, plus an internal rechargeable battery that runs off ambient light and solar for essentially continuous operation. Attention then shifts to the Holosun 507 Comp on an Agency Arms Ronin, emphasizing its oversized window, multi-ring reticle system with 2 MOA dot and 8, 20, and 32 MOA horseshoes, RMR footprint, red or green variants, and roughly 30,000-hour battery life. After some humorous on-camera role-play, the crew moves to Battle Arms, where Darwin introduces the ultra-light OIP PDW derived from the OIP 16-inch rifle, weighing around 4 pounds and built with titanium and carbon fiber for contractors and executive protection roles.
The Battle Arms segment continues with a deeper dive into the ultra-light OIP rifles. The OIP PDW features a short barrel, proprietary buffer system, dedicated muzzle device, titanium bolt carrier group, and an adjustable vert stock, all optimized for all-day carry and ideal for smaller-statured shooters or home-defense setups. Battle Arms then unveils the Solo Blaster, a Star Wars-inspired .22 LR build rushed to completion just before the show, with plans to begin shipping on May 4th to match the theme. They also preview a version one .308 AR-10 platform using a lightweight billet upper and lower and a proprietary handguard, aiming for a versatile, lightweight shooter while noting the OIP line has progressed to Gen 3. The coverage transitions to Desert Tech’s Quattro-15 lower receiver. This mostly standard AR-15-compatible stripped lower incorporates a thick quad-stack magazine using a single follower and spring, plus a proprietary ambidextrous magazine release and bolt catch/release. It is designed to work with AR-15, MCX (with adapter), and 416 uppers, promising higher capacity without radically changing the manual of arms.
Desert Tech highlights its updated 2023 MDRX bullpup, focusing on durability and reliability upgrades. The rifle gains a stronger charging handle and significantly improved magazine retention, demonstrated by its ability to hold a 15-pound weight. A sealed Pure Flow gas system is press-fit to the barrel to prevent gas leakage, while an internally beveled barrel reduces shaving, improving reliability and barrel life. The Mantis rail integrates a quick-deploy bipod produced by Black Label, adding versatility. Desert Tech also references its SRS precision rifle, famous from John Wick and advertised with a 0.5 MOA guarantee, with many users reporting 0.25 MOA performance, and the HTI bullpup .50 BMG rifle, known from Ghost Recon Wildlands. After a brief, aborted attempt to interview a neighboring booth and a quick mention of a Black Rain handgun with a black American flag motif, the scene shifts to the HuxWrx area at the Silencer Shop booth. Auburn presents the Cash 9K for PCCs and handguns, the lightweight 3D-printed Flow 5.56K in 17-4 stainless, and hints at additional Flow-line products and mounting options. She explains how 3D printing in stainless, titanium, and other metals accelerates prototyping and in-house fluid dynamic and high-pressure testing. The RAD 45 suppressor is covered with its multiple mounting systems, alongside the HX-QD 7.62, and a Silencer Shop free tax stamp promotion on RAD 45 and HX-QD 7.62/5.56 steel kits running through month’s end.
At the Barrett booth, the focus is on the Mark 22 SOCOM rifle package, shown in 300 Norma. The system includes three barrels—338 Norma, 300 Norma, and 7.62x51—plus a folding stock with adjustable length of pull and cheek rest, a bag rider, a 10 mil full-length rail, and an adjustable trigger. The display rifle wears a Barrett AML 338 suppressor, a Nightforce 7-35 ATACR optic, and a Harris bipod on a LaRue QD mount. Barrett representatives explain that SOCOM and commercial Mark 22 rifles are essentially identical except for serial number markings and the “Mark 22” versus “MK22” receiver stamp. They contrast the SOCOM configuration, which uses Nightforce optics and mounts, with the Army version that runs a Leupold Mark 5, Badger Ordnance mount, angle finder, level, and Tremor 3 reticles. It is clarified that the MRAD and Mark 22 are mechanically the same rifle aside from color and receiver markings, and the hosts mention having both .308 and .338 versions available. The coverage then moves to Zena Firearms, where Shawn and Lauren describe their roller-delayed blowback PDW models—P, T, and K—as being in full production and shipping daily. They outline plans for their AR line, targeting late 2023 to early 2024 after successful function testing, and promote a limited-time sale on ZF5 full-size models and parts, inviting attendees to visit booth 5463 before the sale ends on the 17th.
The segment opens with praise for Zenith’s roller-delayed blowback firearms, emphasizing their classic design, proven reliability, and shooting enjoyment. The hosts note that Zenith’s guns are now American-made in Virginia, underscoring domestic manufacturing. The scene then shifts to the busy Canik booth, where enthusiasm centers on models like the Rival S, MC9, and Miami-themed pistols. The presenters briefly encourage viewers to support advocacy organizations such as Gun Owners of America to help protect Second Amendment rights. Focus returns to hardware with the Canik Rival S, highlighted in chrome and black finishes. High-polish accents on raised surfaces contrast with unpolished low points, delivering a premium aesthetic without sacrificing performance, all at an aggressive price point. Attention then turns to the Canik MC9 micro-compact. User feedback suggests it feels less snappy than many micro-compacts, thanks to redesigned grip texturing, a double undercut trigger guard, and a beavertail that improves control. The MC9 offers 12- and 15-round capacities, remains only 1.1 inches wide, and maintains compatibility with larger SFX and other Canik magazines, giving concealed carriers flexibility in capacity and reload options while preserving a slim profile.
A lighthearted claw machine challenge for a magazine escalates into a bet over doing 10 push-ups in front of a crowd, which the challenger ultimately loses on camera, providing comic relief before more product coverage. At the Savage booth, the discussion centers on new 2023 offerings. The Impulse Driven Hunter straight-pull rifle is showcased, along with the Impulse Mountain Hunter featuring a Proof Research carbon-wrapped barrel for weight savings. The 110 Carbon Predator is highlighted as another lightweight, accuracy-focused option. Savage’s Stevens line is covered, with new centerfire rifles in synthetic and walnut configurations. Rimfire fans see the A22 Takedown, which breaks down compactly and stores an extra magazine onboard, and the 64 Precision as a plinking and target choice. Award-winning models include the 110 PCS, recognized as handgun of the year, and the Renegauge Security shotgun, named shotgun of the year, featuring 6+1 capacity, raised night sights, and an extended magazine tube. The 110 Ultralight with Savage Woodland Camo and a carbon-wrapped barrel, plus Stevens 555 Sporting and 560 shotguns, round out the lineup. The segment concludes with a demonstration of the Impulse straight-pull action and its hex lock ball-bearing locking system.
Coverage transitions from historical rifle actions to the Hi-Point booth, where the brand’s reputation for affordable, reliable carbines is front and center. The 30 Super Carry carbine is introduced as a logical companion for shooters already invested in the 30 Super Carry handgun platform, mirroring Hi-Point’s earlier concept of a 380 ACP carbine that matches pistol caliber to simplify logistics. The discussion then spotlights a new 10mm Hi-Point pistol. This updated design features a redesigned slide with front and rear serrations, Glock-compatible front sights, and a modular rear sight system. A standard threaded barrel and a modern, usable accessory rail expand mounting options, while significantly improved textured grips enhance control. The pistol shares magazines with the 10mm carbine, streamlining gear. Recoil is described as similar to .40 S&W with ball ammunition but noticeably snappier with hot self-defense loads. Although 10mm ammunition remains relatively expensive, the pistol itself comes in around $225, offering a powerful, always-running option at a very low entry price for shooters seeking 10mm performance without a premium handgun budget.
The segment briefly revisits the roughly $225 Hi-Point 10mm handgun, emphasizing its reliability and the higher cost of feeding 10mm, with a quick visual nod to the flashy C9 Sparkle variant. The host then heads to Black Rain Ordnance, where Tyler presents a lineup of five .22 LR rifles. These include models with Hogue overmold stocks, billet drop-in 3.5-pound triggers, 6061 aluminum receivers, and 16-inch chromoly barrels. One variant features a Proof Research carbon fiber barrel, and several wear Black Rain’s distinctive “pineapple” muzzle device. A laminate-stocked deluxe model produced by Void Stocks adds a more traditional aesthetic. Moving to the Fusion AR line, Tyler describes rifles equipped with MFT stocks and grips, 12-inch slim rails, and the new in-house Castle Comp muzzle device. Multiple Cerakote color schemes are offered, including Tiffany blue or robin’s egg, zombie green, tiger’s eye brown, and white battle-worn, with MSRPs starting around $1329. As the crew exits, they return to highlight Black Rain’s custom Cerakote FX work, such as a black-on-black American flag pattern, an American flag blending into a Gadsden flag, and a laser-engraved copperhead snake-skin theme, before transitioning toward the Springfield booth.
At the Springfield booth, attention centers on the XDM Elite 10mm pistol. The handgun features fully ambidextrous controls, enhanced slide grasping grooves, and Springfield’s META (Match Enhanced Trigger Assembly) trigger. An extended and flared removable magwell supports faster reloads, while the pistol offers a 16+1 capacity. The OSP (Optical Sight Pistol) slide cut allows direct mounting of optics, and a new Desert Flat Dark Earth color option is showcased. Discussion covers the resurgence of 10mm, with ballistics likened to .41 Magnum revolver performance, making it suitable for roles like bear defense. Modern ergonomics and design help manage recoil better than older 10mm platforms. The META trigger is emphasized as unusually crisp for a polymer-frame striker-fired gun, with competitive shooter Rob Leatham contributing to achieve a 1911-like break while maintaining appropriate travel and weight for defensive and tactical use. The segment then shifts to the Saint Victor 5.56 carbine, a 16-inch, free-floated AR-pattern rifle with folding iron sights. A Magpul-equipped configuration is highlighted, featuring a collapsible buttstock, pistol grip, and AFG angled foregrip in Flat Dark Earth, OD Green, and Gray, bundled as a value package for shooters seeking a ready-to-run setup.
The Springfield Saint Victor coverage continues briefly, showing a package that adds a flat trigger and 45-degree ambidextrous safety to the Magpul-equipped rifle, offered in three color options. The focus then shifts to Krebs Customs and the new M23 rifle, heavily inspired by the AK-12 but extensively redesigned. Mark Krebs explains that the M23 uses a welded gas tube and is serviced from the front end for cleaning. It incorporates an M21 three-position gas block with open, suppressed, and cut-off settings, and a rigid fore-end tied into the gas tube for improved stability. A Texas Weapons Systems top cover, left-hand safety, and a raised stock line aligned with the bore enhance ergonomics. The rifle includes a modest brake/compensator, Midwest fixed sights, an extended magazine release, an ALG trigger, and a customized safety with bolt hold-open capability, all while keeping weight under 7.5 pounds. Krebs introduces the IMS (Interchangeable Muzzle System), featuring a titanium muzzle brake, a compensator that installs like an A2, and a blast can, all self-timing on a common interface. Originally intended for short rifles and 16-inch guns, the system allows easy swapping of flash hiders and brakes, with a dedicated muzzle brake forthcoming. The M23 is projected to be about 10 weeks from market release, and plans are mentioned to send a demo to Classic Firearms for range testing against other AKs.
Attention turns to Bergara’s 2023 rifle lineup, starting with three new models. The Wilderness Ridge Carbon is presented as a lighter, sporter-style hunting rifle featuring a carbon fiber barrel for weight reduction without sacrificing accuracy. The Wilderness HMR Carbon (Hunting Match Rifle) is highlighted as a best-selling configuration that now benefits from the same carbon barrel treatment, trimming weight while retaining its versatile, competition-capable ergonomics. The B14 Squared Crest is positioned between Bergara’s Wilderness and Premier series. It uses an in-house designed monocoque stock with a solid foam core and a carbon spine for rigidity, paired with a fluted barrel with a heavier taper to balance stiffness and overall weight. The host teases an upcoming bolt-gun series that will use these rifles for in-depth content. The segment then moves to Timney Triggers, where the company’s 77-year history is summarized. Timney focuses on easily installed, adjustable replacement triggers that enhance accuracy for platforms such as Mausers, Enfields, Springfields, AR-15s, Glocks, and Mosin-Nagants. Their product development is described as customer-driven, responding to demand for new platforms, with a brief mention of potential interest in triggers for can pistols or similar firearms.
A trigger manufacturer briefly notes that they now release new products whenever they are ready rather than timing launches around major trade shows, underscoring a focus on continuous innovation. The coverage then shifts to Beretta, where Jessica introduces the Beretta Ladies Training Gear line. This collection includes tops, pants, sweaters, jackets, fleece, and athleisure pieces designed for comfort during training and everyday wear. She highlights the Hook Ripte pants, developed with input from a women’s focus group, featuring four-way stretch ripstop fabric, a hidden elastic waistband, a high waist with low belt loops for competition belts, cargo pockets, and internal knee pad pockets that pair well with concealed carry setups like the Filster Enigma. Matching tops, vests, and jackets use moisture-wicking, ventilated, flexible materials, some with light padding for shotgun buttstocks and hidden elbow pad pockets, all designed to avoid constriction while shooting. A jacket’s ventilation and lack of armpit binding are emphasized as hallmarks of the Betta gear design philosophy, reflecting extensive development and training use. The video closes by situating these segments within the crowded NRA 2023 event, joking about missing team members and reminding viewers that full Day 1 coverage is already available.
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