The video opens with the Classic Firearms crew outlining their plan for NRA Annual Meeting Day 2, calling out booths like Barrett, Sig, High Point, JK Armament, and Desert Tech, and reminding viewers to subscribe to the podcast channel. At Holosun, Adam showcases the SCS 320 optic mounted on an Agency Arms Sage pistol with a DPP footprint. He explains its 2 MOA dot, 32 MOA ring, or combined ring-and-dot reticle, plus an internal rechargeable battery that is constantly topped off by ambient light and solar, effectively eliminating routine battery changes. Attention then shifts to the Holosun 507 Comp on an Agency Arms Ronin, emphasizing its oversized window and multi-ring reticle system with a 2 MOA dot and 8, 20, and 32 MOA horseshoes. The optic uses an RMR footprint, comes in red or green, and offers roughly 30,000 hours of battery life depending on reticle choice, with competitors typically swapping batteries annually. The segment closes by moving to Battle Arms, where Darwin introduces the ultra-light OIP PDW derived from the OIP 16-inch rifle, weighing around 4 pounds for executive protection and long-duration carry.
Continuing at Battle Arms, the hosts dive deeper into the OIP PDW and its 16-inch rifle counterpart. Both platforms use titanium and carbon fiber extensively, along with a proprietary buffer system, muzzle device, and titanium bolt carrier group to cut reciprocating mass and soften recoil. A multi-position, quick-deploy vertical stock is designed for users who carry all day or are smaller statured, prioritizing comfort and speed. The team then spotlights the Solo Blaster, a Star Wars-inspired .22 LR build rushed to completion just in time for the show, with plans to start shipping on May 4th to match the theme. Battle Arms also previews a version-one .308 AR-10 platform featuring a lightweight billet upper and lower, a proprietary handguard, and a design focus on keeping the rifle light and versatile, with a refined second version already in development. The segment transitions to Desert Tech, where the Quattro-15 lower is introduced. Its thick quad-stack magazine uses a single follower and spring, and the lower offers ambidextrous mag release and bolt catch/release while remaining compatible with standard AR-15 lower parts, except for those ambi-specific controls, and can host AR-15, MCX (with adapter), and 416 uppers.
Desert Tech presents the updated 2023 MDRX bullpup, focusing on durability and reliability improvements. The charging handle has been strengthened, magazine retention is upgraded to hold a 15-pound weight, and the Pure Flow gas system is now sealed and press-fit to the barrel. An internally beveled barrel reduces shaving, and the rifle is shown with the Mantis rail featuring an integrated, quick-deploy bipod produced by Black Label. The presenter references Desert Tech’s SRS precision rifles, which carry a half-MOA accuracy guarantee, with many shooters reporting quarter-MOA performance, and mentions the HTI bullpup .50 BMG rifle, recognizable from games like Ghost Recon Wildlands. After a brief cut past a Black Rain Ordnance handgun with a black American flag motif, the crew moves to the HuxWrx (Hux Works) area in the Silencer Shop section. Auburn highlights the Cash 9K suppressor for PCCs and handguns, the lightweight Flow 5.56K and broader Flow line of 3D-printed 17-4 stainless steel cans, and the Rad 45 with thread-on, three-lug, and upcoming KMO mounting options. The HXQD 7.62 is also mentioned, along with in-house fluid dynamic and high-pressure testing and a limited-time free tax stamp promotion on select suppressors.
At the Barrett booth, the focus is on the Mark 22 SOCOM rifle in its 300 Norma configuration. The representative details the three-barrel kit options—338 Norma, 300 Norma, and 7.62x51—plus the folding stock with adjustable length of pull and cheek rest, integrated bag rider, and full-length top rail. The rifle is shown with a Nightforce 7-35x ATACR optic in a Nightforce mount, a Barrett AML 338 suppressor, and a Harris bipod on a LaRue QD mount. The Army’s Mark 22 configuration is contrasted, using the same base rifle but swapping to a Leupold Mark 5 optic in a Badger Ordnance mount with integrated angle finder and level; both optics use Tremor 3 reticles. It is clarified that SOCOM and commercial Mark 22s differ only in serial markings and “Mark 22” vs “MK22” receiver stamping, and that the MRAD and Mark 22 are mechanically identical aside from color and markings. The scene then shifts to Zenith Firearms, where staff announce that their roller-delayed blowback PDW models—the P, T, and K—are now in full production and shipping daily. They outline an end-of-2023 to early-2024 timeline for their AR line and promote a limited-time sale on full-size ZF5s and parts, available online and at booth 5463 through the 17th.
The hosts emphasize Zenith’s American-made, roller-delayed blowback firearms, praising their proven reliability, fun shooting characteristics, and U.S. manufacture in Virginia. They then move to the Canik booth, noting the high energy around models like the Rival S, MC9, and colorful Miami-themed pistols, while briefly underscoring the importance of supporting gun rights organizations such as Gun Owners of America. The Canik Rival S is highlighted for its striking chrome and black finishes, with high-polish accents on raised surfaces and matte treatment on low points, blending premium aesthetics with strong performance at an aggressive price point. Attention turns to the Canik MC9 micro-compact, where feedback centers on its surprisingly soft recoil compared to typical micro-compacts. This is attributed to redesigned grip texturing, a double undercut trigger guard, and a beavertail that improves control. The MC9 offers 12- and 15-round capacities and maintains a slim 1.1-inch width while remaining fully compatible with all Canik magazines, including 20-rounders and SFX line mags, giving users substantial capacity flexibility in a concealed-carry-friendly package.
A lighthearted interlude shows a booth claw machine challenge where a participant attempts to win a magazine, leading to a bet over performing 10 push-ups in front of onlookers. After losing the bet, the challenger drops and completes the push-ups, adding a fun, informal moment to the show coverage. The focus then shifts to Savage’s 2023 lineup. The Impulse Driven Hunter straight-pull rifle is introduced alongside the lighter Impulse Mountain Hunter, which uses a Proof Research carbon-wrapped barrel, and the 110 Carbon Predator. New Stevens centerfire rifles in synthetic and walnut configurations are also mentioned. Savage’s rimfire offerings include the A22 Takedown with compact takedown capability and onboard extra magazine storage, plus the 64 Precision. The 110 PCS pistol-chassis firearm, which earned a handgun of the year Gold Bullseye award, is showcased, as is the Renegauge Security shotgun with an extended 6+1 magazine, raised night sights, and a tactical stock. Additional highlights include the 110 Ultralight with Savage Woodland Camo and carbon-wrapped barrel, the Stevens 555 Sporting over/under with ported barrels and dual chokes, and the Stevens 560 shotgun with walnut stock. The segment concludes with a demonstration of the Impulse straight-pull Hexlock ball-bearing system, which reduces the traditional four bolt motions to two.
The next stop is the High Point booth, where Dave explains the logic behind a 30 Super Carry carbine. It is designed as a complementary long gun for shooters who already own a 30 Super Carry handgun and want to stay in a single caliber, mirroring High Point’s earlier 380 carbine concept. High Point then unveils a new 10mm pistol that shares its simple blowback action with the 10mm carbine but incorporates YC9-style modernizations. These updates include a redesigned slide with front and rear serrations, Glock-compatible front sights, a modular rear sight that can be swapped for a red dot, and a standard threaded barrel for suppressors or compensators. The pistol also features a modern accessory rail and redesigned textured grips, while using the same magazine as the 10mm carbine to streamline logistics. Discussion turns to recoil, noting that 10mm ball ammunition feels relatively mild, while hotter self-defense loads are noticeably snappier. Despite the higher cost of 10mm ammunition, the pistol itself is positioned as an approximately $225, reliable 10mm option that delivers significant power at a very low entry price.
After briefly reiterating that the roughly $225 High Point 10mm handgun is inexpensive to buy but costly to feed due to ammunition prices, the host flashes the flashy C9 Sparkle variant before heading to Black Rain Ordnance. Tyler outlines their .22 LR lineup, starting with the Sportsman model featuring a Hogue overmold stock, a billet drop-in 3.5-pound trigger, a 6061 receiver, and a 16-inch chromoly barrel. The Professional model upgrades to a Luth AR stock and a lightweight Proof carbon fiber barrel for reduced weight and improved handling. The Deluxe model uses a Void Stocks laminate wood stock, a blasted and satin-mag-coated barrel, and a shaved “pineapple” muzzle device for distinctive styling. Moving to centerfire offerings, Tyler details the Fusion AR line, which includes an MFT stock and grip, a 12-inch slim rail, and the in-house Castle Comp muzzle device. The rifles are available in a wide range of Cerakote colors such as Tiffany/robin’s egg blue, zombie green, tiger’s eye brown, and white battle-worn, with MSRPs starting around $1,329. On the way out, the host showcases Black Rain’s custom Cerakote and new Cerakote FX finishes, including a black-on-black American flag pattern, a rifle blending the American flag into the Gadsden flag, and a Copperhead theme with laser-engraved snakeskin scales and two-tone white and brown, underscoring the company’s extensive custom paint capabilities.
At the Springfield Armory booth, attention turns to the XDM Elite 10mm pistol. The representative outlines its Elite upgrades, including fully ambidextrous controls with an ambi slide lock and magazine release, enhanced slide grasping grooves, and the META (Match Enhanced Trigger Assembly) trigger. The pistol features an extended, flared, removable magwell paired with a 16-round flush-fit magazine, giving 16+1 capacity in 10mm. Discussion covers the resurgence of 10mm, comparing its ballistics to .41 Magnum revolver performance while offering higher capacity and faster reloads, making it attractive for bear defense and as a hunting backup. The META trigger is described as having a crisp, 1911-like break in a polymer-frame striker-fired platform. Rob Leatham worked with engineers to refine it into a defensive and tactical trigger with some travel and a positive reset, rather than an ultra-light competition-only feel. The conversation then shifts to the Saint Victor 5.56 carbine, a 16-inch AR-pattern rifle with a free-float handguard and folding iron sights. Springfield now offers a custom Magpul configuration that bundles a collapsible buttstock, pistol grip, and AFG angled foregrip in flat dark earth, OD green, or gray as a value package.
The Saint Victor 5.56 is shown in more detail, highlighting its flat trigger and 45-degree ambidextrous safety selector, along with the Magpul furniture options that give shooters color and ergonomic choices. The coverage then transitions to Krebs Customs, where Mark Krebs introduces the M23, an AK-12-inspired rifle refined for civilian and professional use. The M23 retains a traditional long-stroke AK piston system but incorporates a welded gas tube that is cleaned from the front and an M21 three-position gas block with open, suppressed, and cut settings. A rigid fore-end is tied into the gas tube, and a Texas Weapon Systems top cover provides a stable optics platform. Ergonomics are improved with a left-hand safety, a raised stock line to better align with the bore, and a modest brake/compensator to manage recoil. The rifle includes Midwest fixed sights, an extended magazine release, an ALG trigger, and a bolt-hold-open safety, all while keeping weight under 7.5 pounds. Krebs explains that the design addresses perceived AK-12 drawbacks and reduces weight through changes to the gas system and support structure. He also describes the IMS (Interchangeable Muzzle System) with titanium muzzle brake, compensator, and blast can that screw on like an A2, originally developed for short rifles. The M23 is projected to be available in about 10 weeks, with plans to send a demo to Classic Firearms for range testing.
The next segment features Bergara’s 2023 rifle lineup. Three new models are highlighted: the Wilderness Ridge Carbon, a lighter sporter-style hunting rifle with a carbon fiber barrel; the Wilderness HMR Carbon (Hunting Match Rifle), a popular configuration now updated with a carbon barrel to shed 1–2 pounds; and the B14 Squared Crest, positioned between the Wilderness and Premier series. The B14 Squared Crest uses a Bergara-designed monocoque stock with a solid foam core and a carbon spine for rigidity, paired with a fluted, heavier-taper barrel that balances weight savings with stiffness and heat management. The host teases an upcoming bolt-gun series featuring these rifles, noting limited prior bolt-gun experience but strong impressions of Bergara actions and triggers, and invites viewers to suggest ideas for the series. The scene then shifts to Timney, where Chris explains that Timney has been building replacement triggers since 1946, focusing on improving accuracy through better trigger pulls, easy installation with common tools, and user-adjustable characteristics. He encourages customers to suggest new platforms, such as specific pistols or rifle lines, to guide future trigger development.
A trigger manufacturer explains that the company focuses exclusively on triggers, is the largest and oldest such maker in the United States, and now releases new products whenever they are ready instead of timing launches around NRA or SHOT Shows. The video then moves to the Beretta booth, where Jessica introduces the Beretta Ladies training gear line. This collection includes tops, pants, sweaters, jackets, fleece, and athleisure wear designed for women who train, shoot, and carry while wanting comfort and style. She details the Hook Ripte pants, developed with a women’s focus group, featuring four-way stretch ripstop fabric, breathability, a hidden elastic waistband suitable for appendix carry with systems like the Filster Enigma, a high waist with low belt loops for competition belts, cargo pockets, and internal knee pad pockets that avoid bulky external pads. Jessica also highlights tops, vests, and a two-tone jacket with light padding for shotgun buttstocks, hidden elbow pad pockets, extensive ventilation panels, moisture-wicking technical fabrics, and patterning that prevents armpit constriction during drawing and shooting. The lack of armpit constriction is emphasized as a consistent design trait across the line, reflecting extensive testing and training use. The segment closes with a brief note on the hectic NRA 2023 Day 2 crowds, mention of having lost track of team members on different days, and a reminder to watch the full Day 1 coverage already available.
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