NRA Annual Meet 2023 | Day 2 Part 1

Planning the NRA 2023 Day 2 coverage

The hosts open Day 2 at the NRA Annual Meeting by talking about which booths they plan to visit. They mention interest in Barrett, Sig Sauer, High Point’s 10mm offerings and a .30 Carbine concept, JK Armament, and Desert Tech. The focus is on finding smaller or newer manufacturers and products that did not get as much attention at SHOT Show, since the events are only a few months apart and major releases are limited. They also note that additional podcast content is coming and encourage viewers to subscribe to the Classic Firearms podcast channel before heading out to cover manufacturers on the show floor.

Holosun SCS 320 solar-charged pistol optic

At the Holosun booth, Adam introduces the SCS 320 mounted on an Agency Arms Sage pistol that uses a DPP footprint. The optic offers a 2 MOA dot, a 32 MOA ring, or a combined ring-and-dot reticle. It uses an internal rechargeable battery that is charged by ambient light or solar, designed so that more power is generated than consumed during normal use. The battery is sealed inside the housing, intended to provide essentially continuous operation without routine battery changes. Adam jokes that even in a long-term scenario, Holosun would replace the battery if it ever wore out, emphasizing the design’s longevity and low-maintenance nature for users.

Holosun 507 Comp competition red dot

Holosun then shows the 507 Comp mounted on an Agency Arms Ronin pistol. This optic features a very large viewing window and a new multi-ring reticle system: a 2 MOA center dot surrounded by 8 MOA, 20 MOA, and 32 MOA horseshoes. The pattern gives the impression of multiple concentric aiming references, which the Holosun representative notes works well for competition shooting from close range out to around 100 yards in three-gun style use. The 507 Comp uses the common RMR footprint and is available in red or green. Battery life is stated around 30,000 hours depending on brightness and reticle configuration. The representative mentions running his optic for about six months on larger rings without issues, and notes that many competition shooters simply replace the battery annually to avoid failures during stages.

Battle Arms OIP PDW ultra-light rifle

At Battle Arms, Darwin presents the OIP PDW, a compact evolution of the company’s OIP 16-inch rifle. OIP stands for “ounces is pounds,” reflecting the emphasis on minimal weight. The PDW and rifle versions hover around 4 pounds by using titanium, carbon fiber, and a proprietary buffer system, muzzle device, and titanium bolt carrier group. This combination reduces reciprocating mass and produces a very soft-recoiling rifle that is easy to carry all day. The PDW variant uses a shorter barrel and rail and incorporates the Battle Arms Vert stock, which can be set to multiple positions or configured for a quick-deploy full-extension setting. Darwin notes that the light weight benefits contractors, smaller-statured shooters, and anyone needing a carbine for extended carry or home defense, and mentions that the OIP line is now in its third generation.

Battle Arms Solo Blaster .22 LR build

Darwin then shows the Battle Arms Solo Blaster, a .22 Long Rifle build inspired by science fiction props and memorabilia that the company’s staff enjoys. The project was initiated by the CEO only about two and a half weeks before the NRA show, with the team working up until roughly two hours before their flight to complete a functional, cycling firearm. The Solo Blaster is presented as a fun, fully operational .22 LR platform rather than a static display piece. Battle Arms plans to begin shipping it on May 4th, tying the release date to a popular sci-fi reference. Darwin explains that the company enjoys blending pop culture themes with firearms design, and mentions that their vault includes other themed builds like Iron Man and Cylon-inspired ARs.

Battle Arms AR-10 .308 platform preview

Battle Arms also displays an AR-10 platform chambered in .308, described as version one of an upcoming release. The rifle uses a lightweight billet upper and lower receiver set and a proprietary handguard, with design goals centered on keeping weight down relative to typical .308 AR platforms while maintaining versatility and functionality. Darwin characterizes it as a rifle they expect to be a strong shooter once finalized. No firm release date is provided, and the rifle is presented as an early sneak peek rather than a finished production model. The segment closes with a reminder about the OIP PDW and the existing OIP rifle for those who want either a compact PDW or a non-SBR configuration.

Desert Tech quad stack AR lower teaser

The crew then visits Desert Tech and speaks with a representative about a new AR lower that is expected to release in the coming months. The key feature is a quad stack magazine that uses a single follower and single spring, distinguishing it from coffin-style magazines. The magazine fits directly into the Desert Tech lower, which is designed with adapters that can be installed on either side to allow the use of a standard pistol grip if desired. The discussion is an early look at the system rather than a full technical breakdown, emphasizing the unconventional quad stack design and the modularity of the lower. The segment ends as the host prepares to handle the rifle to get a better feel for the setup.