Post Shot Show Pre IWA (Euro Shot Show)

Stream intro and post-SHOT Show focus

The Classic Firearms team opens a live stream with Brandon hosting alongside Josh and Ryan. They explain that the discussion will center on a delayed SHOT Show recap and a look ahead to IWA in Germany, sometimes called the “Euro SHOT Show.” They mention recent streaming upgrades and bring up a live ticker and comments. Brandon hands the conversation to Ryan to summarize SHOT Show, asking for a concise wrap-up of what stood out and what defined the event this year.

SHOT Show trends: suppressors, pistols, and rare imports

Ryan describes SHOT Show as heavily focused on suppressors and pistol modifications. He notes a lot of innovation in handgun setups, referencing the Ride Out Dragon pistol as an example of distinctive design. He highlights unusual rifles being brought into the U.S. market, including an L85 from Murdoch & Co. and the Roswell Manufacturing SRM3 (or 3M) chambered in 9x39. The L85, a British 5.56 bullpup, and the 9x39 SRM3 appeal to fans of military history, oddball firearms, and video games such as Escape from Tarkov and the original Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2. Ryan adds that many who actually used the L85 in service disliked it, noting its reputation and the British nickname “the civil servant” because it “couldn’t be fired.”

New AR players, suppressor tech, and SCAR Gen 2 impressions

Josh offers his SHOT Show perspective from both a sales and video support role. He agrees that suppressors dominated the show, observing that nearly every company seemed to be releasing a can. He also noticed several new companies unexpectedly entering the AR market, mentioning US Palm as a surprising example. Josh was particularly interested in the Gen 2 FN SCAR, which he recently fired for an upcoming video, and plans to compare it against the legacy SCAR 17. Brandon adds that this was his second SHOT Show and a personal milestone. He characterizes the event as feeling like “Cancon part two” because of the suppressor emphasis, and he recalls a standout can that could be fired for a 30‑round string and then safely touched to the face, identifying it as an Ambient Arms suppressor.

Ambient Arms suppressor and multifunction muzzle devices

Continuing the suppressor discussion, Brandon and Ryan talk about how the Ambient Arms suppressor’s heat management impressed them, allowing rapid fire without becoming dangerously hot. They then shift to the Strategic Sciences MFMD, described as a multifunctional muzzle device with a wild, aggressive design. Brandon remarks that it resembles a dragon’s nose and suggests it should have a dragon-themed name. They also reference another “dragon pistol” at SHOT Show that Brandon did not get to see because the team was largely confined to one area of the show floor. The hosts mention the drone round demonstration and note that while that video performed decently, coverage of the Daniel Defense X1 drew significantly more attention and commentary. The Ride Out Arsenal Dragon pistol content also performed well, and they express interest in actually shooting that platform more extensively.

Audience Q&A and HK expectations at SHOT Show

The hosts pause to acknowledge live comments from viewers in the United States, Germany, and Australia. A viewer mentions the “cold touch” suppressor, which they agree was an interesting design. Another comment calls for an HK-made civilian G36, which the hosts strongly support. Ryan says he expected more from HK at this SHOT Show, not because HK usually underperforms, but because HK USA typically brings notable new products. Instead, HK focused on the VP9 A1, a configuration pairing a compact-length slide with a full-size frame, similar in concept to the Glock 45. Ryan had hoped for something like an SP7 or a true civilian G36. He notes HK also released a short 417 K‑model (MR762-style) carbine earlier, which might have been better saved as a SHOT Show reveal. He feels several companies, including Glock, preempted SHOT Show by announcing products months in advance, reducing the impact of the show itself.

Marksman rifle preferences and realistic engagement distances

Responding to a question about favorite marksman rifles, the hosts discuss options like the SR-25, LMT Mars-H, and the Canadian MRG variant. They emphasize that the ideal designated marksman rifle depends on expected engagement distances and local terrain. Using North Carolina as an example, they describe rolling hills, dense woods, and occasional open fields that realistically limit shots to around 300–400 yards, with perhaps 500 yards along a freeway. In that context, they favor shorter-barreled 6.5 Creedmoor or .308 rifles, such as a 14.5-inch LMT Mars-H or MRG in 6.5 Creedmoor, rather than long 20-inch barrels. They also express appreciation for the classic Mk12 SPR, praising its aesthetics and role as a lighter, accurate 5.56 marksman platform suited to the region’s typical distances.

Strike Industries P90 chassis and anodized red theme

The chat brings in a comment from Strike Industries asking for “more red, please, anodized red,” prompting the hosts to briefly switch their studio lighting to bright red as a playful nod. They then highlight Strike Industries’ new P90 chassis, describing it as a very cool update to the FN P90 platform. They want hands-on time with the chassis to evaluate ergonomics and handling, and they compare its futuristic look to the P90-style weapons seen in the film The Tomorrow War with Chris Pratt. The segment underscores how accessory makers like Strike Industries are modernizing established platforms with new chassis systems and visual themes while maintaining the core functionality of the original firearm.

Galil-style rifles, Gen 1 vs Gen 2 updates, and night sights

A viewer from New Mexico mentions beating SB17 and finally being able to buy a Galil-style rifle, which the hosts celebrate. They note that 13-inch Gen 1 Galils are starting to reappear on the market, and one of the team recently handled a Gen 1 in person. They contrast the Gen 1 and Gen 2 designs, explaining that the Gen 2 modernizes the Galil with updates like different furniture and rail options without going fully into ultra-light M-LOK aesthetics. The Gen 1 retains more of the classic look while still offering practical features such as low-profile iron sights with built-in tritium night inserts. Those sights sit low enough that a co-witness or lower 1/3 optic can be mounted above them, yet if the optic is removed, the shooter still has usable illuminated irons. They appreciate how these details preserve the rifle’s character while improving usability in low-light conditions.