SHOT Show 2020 Day 2 Coverage - Featuring Beretta, FN, Colt, Arsenal, Ruger, Archon Firearms & More

Intro and SHOT Show Day 2 Setup

The video opens on the floor of SHOT Show 2020 during the second day of the event. The host explains that the team has been working overnight to produce coverage and plans to visit brands viewers have requested. Viewers are encouraged to comment with specific products or booths they want to see while there is still time at the show. The focus is on walking the floor, stopping at major manufacturers, and giving a closer look at notable firearms and configurations rather than broad overviews.

Beretta 92X Line and 92X Performance

At the Beretta booth, the discussion centers on the expanded 92X family. Beretta previously launched the full-size 92X, and the line now includes compact and Centurion versions, along with the 92X Performance model. The 92X Performance is a full-steel pistol with a steel slide and steel frame, a departure from traditional Beretta 92 construction. It uses a frame-mounted safety instead of the familiar slide safety, aligning it with competition and shooting sports needs. All 92X pistols feature Vertec frames, interchangeable sights, and Vertec-style grips as an evolution of the 92 series. The 92X Performance is positioned as the top model, with a heavy feel, accessory rail, and plans for an Open Class race-gun variant with features like gas pedals. Competitive shooter JJ Racaza is slated to run the 92X Performance in matches, underscoring its competition focus.

FN 509 Compact MRD Details

The next stop is FN, where the 509 Compact MRD is highlighted. This pistol extends the 509 family, which already includes a 17-round standard model and a Tactical version with a threaded barrel and night sights. The 509 Compact MRD is a smaller, 12-round handgun that retains the same optics mounting system as the Tactical model. It can accept popular red dot sights such as the Trijicon SRO, Trijicon RMR, Vortex Venom, and Aimpoint ACRO, among others. The pistol is designed to support duty-style weapon lights while remaining as compact as possible. Even with the 12-round magazine, the grip allows a full firing grip without the pinky hanging off, and the gun ships with a 15-round magazine for range use. The model is available in black and Flat Dark Earth finishes, maintaining the 509 technology and co-witness sight capability in a reduced-size package.

FN SCAR 20S in 6.5 Creedmoor and New Finish

Staying at FN, attention shifts to the SCAR 20S. For 2020, FN is introducing the SCAR 20S chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor and adding a black finish option alongside the signature Flat Dark Earth. The 6.5 Creedmoor version uses a 20-inch heavy, chrome-lined, hammer-forged barrel. Compared to the earlier 7.62 NATO SCAR 20S, the primary change is this barrel configuration, which has a straight taper from the gas block to a SureFire ProComp muzzle device. The ProComp is noted for helping manage recoil, complementing the SCAR 20S’s already mild recoil characteristics. The rifle retains features such as the adjustable gas block and extended rail derived from the SCAR 17. FN emphasizes that the 6.5 Creedmoor barrel uses machine-gun-grade steel with a chrome-lined bore and a 1:8 twist, aiming to provide match-grade precision with extended barrel life in this caliber. The black finish is expected to appeal particularly to law enforcement and precision rifle users who want a more subdued color option.

FN SCAR SC Subcompact PDW

Another FN firearm on display is the SCAR SC, described as the subcompact member of the SCAR family. While the SCAR 20S extends the receiver and extrusion for precision work, the SCAR SC shortens the system for personal defense weapon roles. It is a select-fire carbine or PDW chambered in 5.56, using the same SCAR trigger module as larger models but with a smaller bolt carrier and receiver. The SCAR SC has a 7.5-inch 5.56 barrel and a collapsible PDW stock, allowing the platform to collapse into a very compact package. Because of the reduced size, FN equips it with a non-reciprocating charging handle, as a reciprocating handle would be difficult to operate safely on such a short system. The SCAR SC maintains the recognizable SCAR receiver and trigger module architecture while focusing on compactness and maneuverability.

Kalashnikov USA KR-103 AK 100-Series

The coverage then moves to Kalashnikov USA, where the KR-103 rifle is being assembled and discussed. The KR-103 is presented as the U.S.-made counterpart to Russia’s AK-100 series, considered the successor to the AKM pattern rifles. It is chambered in 7.62x39 and is described as closely matching an authentic Russian 100-series rifle in configuration and details. Every component, from the muzzle device to the buttpad, including springs, detents, screws, and even the magazine, is manufactured in the United States. Attention is given to small elements such as the cam rivet and thin stem, emphasizing adherence to 100-series specifications. The rifle includes a side-mounted optics rail on the receiver, allowing the use of traditional AK side-mount optics. A side-folding stock variant is planned for future release; current rifles use a fixed stock, but existing models like the KP-9 already feature the 5.5mm rear trunnion block that will support side folders. The KP-9 is briefly mentioned as a 9mm platform often compared to an MP5-style concept from a Russian design perspective.

Colt Python Return and Trigger Feel

Finally, the team visits Colt to look at the reintroduced Python revolvers. The host notes having fired the new Python at range day and emphasizes the quality of the double-action trigger pull, describing it as something that must be experienced firsthand. Colt’s representative explains that preserving the classic Python trigger feel and the overall shooting experience was a primary goal in bringing the model back. The company focused on maintaining the characteristics that built the Python’s reputation, particularly the smooth double-action pull that often surprises shooters the first time they try it. The booth has been consistently busy, and Colt had already shipped a significant number of new Pythons in December, before formal press releases on January 1. Show attendees frequently share personal “Python stories,” such as missing chances to buy earlier-production guns or never having seen one new on a shelf, underscoring the model’s long-standing status and the interest in its return.