The SHOT Show is almost always an exciting place to check out new knives, and the 2023 show did not disappoint. Whether you’re looking for a small EDC fixed blade, a full-sized folder or anything in between, the knife companies have them available. It would take the entire show to cover all the new knives, and that’s a good thing. Here are just a few of the new models making their debut. 

CRKT 3820 Definitive

CRKT

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• Blade Length: 3.7 inches 
• Blade Thickness: 0.13 inches 
• Overall Length: 8.63 inches 
• Closed Length: 4.91 inches 
• Weight: 3 ounces 
• MSRP: $215 

For 2023 CRKT is introducing their first, made-in-USA knives. One model in this new premium line of blades is the Definitive, an MJ Lerch design. It is also one of the first CRKT knives to use a crossbolt-style lock. Not surprisingly this is a one-handed opening, pocket clip folder designed for EDC. It is not petite, sporting a 3.7-inch, clip-point blade made from 154CM stainless steel. The blade is a robust .13 inch thick with the cutting edge all the way to the choil making it easy to sharpen, and it opens via ambidextrous thumb studs.

G10 handles give the knife strength while keeping weight and thickness to a minimum. The texture on the G10 is a bit plain if not nonexistent, and it would be nice to have a lanyard hole for attaching a cord-pull or something similar. Called the “Crossbar”, the lock is exceptionally strong. The ambidextrous locking system and dual thumb studs make this a great knife for lefties. 

Read Next: Best Pocket Knives

Bear OPS 61125 

• Blade Length: 3.25 inches 
• Weight: 3.4 ounces 
• Overall Length: 7.5 inches
• MSRP: $69.99

The Bear 61125 isn’t going to win any awards for innovation or pioneering exotic new materials, but it’s not supposed to. What it does provide is a respectable value for the dollar by combining proven design with affordable materials, in this case stainless steel for the handle and 440 stainless for the blade. 

The 61125 is a frame lock, spring assisted, pocket clip folder that even has ball bearing washers. The blade opens with a flipper tab. The pocket clip is designed for deep carry which is nice, and the handles have enough texture to provide a good grip while still being easy to get in and out of your pocket. This is an easy to carry folder, with a 3.25-inch blade and an overall length of 7.5 inches. Assembled in the USA from both domestic and foreign sourced parts, the 61125 hits the target of providing time-tested features and affordable materials. 

Hogue Counterstrike

Hogue

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• Blade Length: 3.55 inches 
• Blade Thickness: 0.094 inch
• Open Length: 8.35 inches
• Closed Length: 5 inches 
• Weight: 2.8 ounces
• MSRP: $399.85

Ok, let’s be clear, I don’t have a need for this knife. Let’s also be clear that I really want one. The Counterstrike is an out-the-front automatic knife that looks fantastic and functions superbly. It’s like a fidget spinner, but for grown-ups.

This knife has all the premium features: A MagnaCut stainless steel blade, machined aluminum handles with a carbon fiber cover, reversible tip-down pocket clip, ambidextrous blade deployment, carbide glass breaker with lanyard hole, titanium hardware, and an anodized brilliant blue that looks amazing. 

Often machined aluminum handles can be flat, almost two dimensional because it’s easy to manufacture. The handles on the Counterstrike have enough contour to make them comfortable to handle yet remain sleek enough to be unobtrusive in your pocket. The blade springs out the front with authority and solidly locks in place until retracted by pulling the “trigger” rearward. The bottom line is this is an excellent embodiment of this type of knife. If you can legally own one, you’ll no doubt enjoy it. It’s not for the faint of pocketbook however, with an MSRP of $399.95, you’re going to really want this knife to shell out that kind of coin. Did I mention I really want one? 

Gerber Confidant

• Blade length 3.27 inches
• Overall Length 7.7 inches
• Weight: 3 ounces
• MSRP: TBD 

Gerber is a no-show at the SHOT show this year, but it doesn’t mean they’re not introducing anything new at the same time. One of their noteworthy new knives is the Confidant. It blends modern materials and aesthetics, having G10 handles with wood inlays. It’s a nice look. 

It has a folding Nessmuk-esque style blade, which you just don’t see every day. The blade has a sort of wide spear tip shape and will be available in 440A or D2 and is 3.27 inches long. It opens via a thumb stud or flipper tab. The Confidant has a deep carry pocket clip that does not appear to be reversible but should still be serviceable for lefties. The Confidant’s overall size and the blade shape, combined with weighing in at only 3 ounces, would be an effective EDC and hunting pocket knife.

Kershaw 2038 Iridium

Kershaw

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• Blade Length: 3.4 inches 
• Blade Thickness: 0.107 inches
• Overall Length: 7.9 inches
• Weight 3.3 ounces 
• MSRP: $99.99

Kershaw/Zero Tolerance is another knife company forgoing the SHOT show but still bringing us new knives to drool over. One in particular is the Iridium. It caught my eye because the blade had a Grohman-esque shape and size, but in a pocket clip folder that would make it a great EDC/hunting crossover knife. The blade is a comfortable size for EDC at 3.4 inches, made from D2 tool steel. While not the latest in cutting edge technology, D2 offers great performance and value for the dollar. The Iridium features a crossbolt style lock, called the DuraLock. This style of lock is great because it’s ambidextrous. Southpaws are persecuted enough by virtue of limited firearms selection, so it’s nice to see knives that work with either hand. 

In keeping with the basic but solid material choice, the handles are gray anodized 6061-T6 aluminum with steel liners, and an aluminum backspacer and lanyard hole that’s anodized an attractive orange. It’s a nice touch. The blade opens smoothly, solidly locks open, and if you’re familiar with the crossbolt style of lock, closes easily with one hand, with your fingers safely out of the way at all times. 

If I had one change I’d like to see, it would be to have some sort of grooves or texture machined into the aluminum scales, and some jimping on the liner/handle on top and in the finger groove area. That said, the Iridium is a very affordable knife with a great size and shape and reliable materials. I’ll be getting one of these to carry around to see if it lives up to my initial impressions. 

Spyderco FB50GPOD Stok Drop Point

Matt Foster

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• Blade Length: 2.95 inches 
• Blade Thickness: 0.10 inch 
• Overall Length: 6.45 inches
• Weight: 1.9 ounces 
• MSRP: $100 

Small, well-designed fixed blades are gaining in popularity for EDC. The Stock Drop Point is one such knife with a pleasant-sized blade just under 3 inches combined with a well-thought-out sheath making it convenient to carry. The blade looks a bit like a cross between a Wharncliffe and a drop point, giving it a utilitarian shape that looks as at home working around the shop as it does in the field. 

Made from 8Cr13MoV stainless steel, the full-tang blade is .10 inch thick. OD green textured G10 scales provide a secure, comfortable grip. The sheath can make or break a fixed blade knife, fortunately the molded Boltaron sheath for the Stok definitely helps make it. It features their G-Clip mount that provides angle-adjustable, edge-forward or edge-back carry. It works on belts up to 1.5 inches and can also be clipped inside the waistband. If you’ve been thinking about trying a fixed blade for EDC or are looking for a compact hunting/utility knife, you probably want to give the Stok a look.

Read Next: Best EDC Knives

White River FC-PKO Firecraft PKO

Matt Foster

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• Blade Length: 3.7 inches
• Blade Thickness: 0.125 inch 
• Overall Length: 8.1 inches
• Weight: 4.6 ounces 
• MSRP: $200 

It’s a pleasure to see a fixed blade with useful features that aren’t gimmicky. The New White River Firecraft PKO is such a knife. At first it seems to be just a basic fixed blade with the scales screwed to the sides, plain and simple. But as the name suggests, this knife is for use in fire craft, and there are some subtle features to assist with that. There’s a notch in the top of the blade for use with a ferro rod. It’s small, unobtrusive, but will assist with the process of making sparks. 

A ferro rod is include with each knife and is efficiently attached to the well thought out sheath. The handle has a small, attractive steel “divot” for use with a fire bow. Regardless of the pyro-oriented features, the Firecraft is a great take on a puukko style knife, featuring a stout, scandi-grind blade made from S35VN stainless steel, micarta scales with blaze orange G10 “liners”, and a really nice sheath that allows for multiple carry options. 

That ring at the back of the knife makes it easy to withdraw the knife from sheath or attach a lanyard. The Firecraft PKO is just under 5 ounces. Combined with its overall design and durable materials, it would make a great hunting/survival knife combo.

Read Next: Best Fire Starters Rod

Benchmade Immunity

Matt Foster

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• Blade Length: 2.49 inches
• Blade Thickness: 0.09 inch
• Overall Length: 5.49 inches 
• Weight: 2.29 ounces 
• MSRP: $300

Designed to be the little knife that could, in particular for areas that have size restrictions on blade length, the Immunity is a fairly small folder, but it’s built like a tank. It has a stout, Wharncliffe style blade just under 2-inches long with a slight curve along the edge to offer some efficiency when slicing. The black Cerakoted CPM-M4 steel blade contrasts nicely with the machined, textured , anodized aluminum handles. 

Available in blue, green, and flat dark earth, the handles are supported by stainless steel liners. Benchmade’s Axis lock securely keeps the blade open and combined with a reversible pocket clip and dual thumb studs, make the Immunity fully ambidextrous. The Immunity comes with a fob style lanyard, helping to pull the knife from the pocket. Coming in at under 3 ounces, the Immunity definitely hits above its weight class.

W. R. Case & Sons Westline 

• Blade Length: 3.2 inches 
• Overall Length: 7.7 inches 
• Closed Length: 4.5 inches 
• Weight: 4.5 ounces 
• MSRP: $189.99 

Well known for making traditional pocket-knives like the Stockman and Trapper, Case has been introducing more modern EDC pocket clip folders recently. The Westline is their latest offering for this kind of knife. Made in the USA, the Westline delivers the most desired features for an EDC knife. It has an S35VN assisted opening blade, steel liners, machined anodized aluminum handles that are contoured instead of flat which is a nice touch, and a reversible pocket clip. 

The dual thumb studs and reversible clip make this very left-hand friendly. The blade opens with authority and solidly locks in place. The contoured handles are quite comfortable, noticeably more so than flat-profiled handles, although it would be nice to have some grooves or texture machined into the handle for a better grip. That said, the Westline doesn’t offer any pioneering technology, but it’s well built and delivers very practical features, design, and materials for the price. 

Outdoor Edge RazorPro S

• Blade Length: 3.5 inches
• Overall Length: 8 inches
• Weight: 8.3 ounces 
• MSRP: $89.95

For 2023 Outdoor Edge has updated their RazorPro line with the RazorPro S, which features a bone saw. Now hunters can have a replaceable blade hunting knife and small bone saw in one compact unit. A blaze orange TPR covered handle makes the RazorPro S comfortable to grip and easy to find when set on the ground. The RazorPro S comes with six drop point replacement blades and a Kryptek camo sheath. 

The RazorPro’s blade changing system is one of the easiest to use. Simply push a button on the side, remove the blade, insert a new one, and it will “click” when locked into place. The drop point blade is a lockback design while the saw blade is held open with a liner lock. For those that love the replaceable blade feature and also want to carry a small bone saw, this might be a great choice. It will be available in the Summer of 2023. 

Read Next: Best Hunting Knives

The Upshot

The SHOT Show is always an exciting event to check out new knives, and the 2023 show was no exception. There are many more great knives worth checking out and hopefully we will get a chance to do so soon. 

The post New Knives from the 2023 SHOT Show appeared first on Outdoor Life.

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Although new rifle releases have recently been spread out across the calendar, SHOT show is still the ceremonial start to the new year as far as guns are concerned. There are some interesting new introductions, smart line-extensions, and even a couple wood-stocked models hitting the floor at SHOT show 2023. We’ve scoured the aisles and scrambled through press releases to bring you what we think are the most interesting new rifles at SHOT.

Savage 110 Carbon Predator

A new rifle from Savage in 2023 is a variation of the long-running Model 110, the 110 Carbon Predator. The most notable feature of the Carbon Predator is the 18-inch carbon-wrapped stainless-steel Proof Research barrel that’s threaded for a suppressor or brake, though there is also one 22-inch option in the lineup. Savage has used Proof barrels on the 110 Ultralite, but this rifle comes in at just under 7 pounds and is designed with predator hunters in mind. It has Savage’s Accustock that is adjustable for comb height and length-of-pull, and features a granite-type textured finish that we haven’t seen on a lot of Savage rifles. Savage has been producing better stocks in recent years, and this one also features rubber textured panels on the fore end and grip.

The Model 110 Carbon Predator also features Savage’s Accutrigger which is user-adjustable down to 1.5 pounds. It has a matte-black-finished carbon steel receiver and uses AICS-pattern magazines. It’s being offered in short action only, and initial cartridge offerings are .223 Rem., .22/250 Rem., 6mm ARC, 6.5 Creedmoor (18- or 22-inch barrel options), .300 Blackout, and .308 Win. MSRP: $1,625

Bergara B14 Squared Crest

An accurate, light rifle that’s rugged enough for the mountains is what Bergara is aiming for with the B14 Squared Crest. The Crest is built around Bergara’s B14 action and housed in a new carbon-fiber stock that’s stiff, light, and contoured for comfortable ergonomics. The fore-end is slender, but behind the action, the stock has a nice vertical grip and elevated comb for comfortable precision shooting. The stock features side QD sling cups as well as swivel studs, and a second front stud for attachment of a bipod.

The Crest will be offered with 20- or 22-inch 4140 CrMo steel barrels (depending on caliber). The barrels are fluted, threaded in 5/8-24, and topped with Bergara’s Omni muzzle brake. Actions and barrels are finished in Sniper Grey Cerakote, and the bolt features an over-sized bolt handle and sliding extractor. The Crest uses AICS-compatible magazines with an external magazine release lever forward of the trigger guard. It has a two-position M700-style safety that allows unloading with the safety engaged. Initial chamberings for the B14 Squared Crest will be 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC, .308 Win., and .300 Win. Mag., and although the starting weight of 6.9 pounds isn’t ultralight, it’s still light enough to pack around. MSRP $1999

CVA Cascade X-Treme

We tested CVA’s Cascade SB in our 2022 Gun Test, and this year, CVA is expanding the line with the Cascade XT (short for extreme). The XT is built to be a slightly heavier, precision-minded Cascade rifle with some key additions to make that happen.

The stock is similar to that of the Cascade SB but comes in Realtree’s new western “Hillside” pattern. It has a nice rubber recoil pad and textured grip panels, as well as two front sling swivel studs for mounting a bipod. The barrel on the Cascade XT is longer and heavier though. It’s a No. 5 contour, fluted, and comes with a radial muzzle brake. It’s also going to be suppressor ready. The heavier barrel should provide better balance and heat up more slowly than lighter barrels.  Finally, it comes with an oversized bolt knob for quick and sure cycling while keeping the rifle shouldered. The Cascade XT should be a great addition to the Cascade lineup. MSRP: $799

Marlin 336 Classic

A new rifle that needs no introduction is the Marlin 336 Classic. Under the ownership of Ruger, Marlin has been turning out stellar 1985’s in .45/70, but many hunters have awaited the re-introduction of the model 336. This classic deer-woods lever gun has been sorely missed, and now it’s back.

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The newly-reintroduced Marlin 336 will first hit shelves in the “classic” configuration: blued steel and walnut furniture. The grip and fore-end are handsome and nicely-contoured, and the glossy blued finish highlights the tight and precise machine work. Other calibers are anticipated, but the 336 will first be produced in the tried-and-true .30/30 Win. MSRP: To be announced

Christensen Arms Modern Hunting Rifle

The new Modern Hunting Rifle from Christensen arms is a sleek blend of chassis and classic-stock designs. It’s designed to capture the accuracy potential and modularity of chassis rifles, while keeping the general lines of more traditional stocks.

Like many Christensen rifles, the Modern Hunting Rifle uses a two-lug, push-feed action and carbon-wrapped barrel. Rather than a stock or chassis, it uses a combination of a mini aluminum chassis and FFT carbon-fiber parts like you’ll see on the Ridgeline FFT Titanium. These parts are interchangeable and customizable to fit the individual shooter’s needs. It has adjustable comb height, length of pull, and modern ergonomics. The MHR comes in several colors and carries a three-shot, sub-MOA accuracy guarantee. MSRP: Starting at $3,499

Browning X-Bolt Target Max

Browning’s X-Bolt has been a reliable and accurate platform for years, but for competitive shooting purposes, it’s always been limited by it’s lower-capacity rotary magazine—until now. The most prominent feature to seasoned X-Bolt shooters is the extended magazine well that’s compatible with 10-round AICS-pattern magazines. That’s not all though.

The X-Bolt Target Max features a heavier, stiffened receiver that’s topped with a 20-MOA Picatinny rail. It uses a new Browning target trigger that’s user-adjustable from 2 to 3.3 pounds and has a heavy stainless bull barrel that measure’s 0.9 inches at the back of the muzzle threads. The barrel is fluted and threaded in 5/8-24. It comes with Browning’s Recoil Hawg muzzle brake, but it’s suppressor ready as well. The Target Max has a heavy-duty composite target stock with a vertical grip, wide fore-end, and adjustable comb. The fore-end has a section of Picatinny rail for mountain a bipod. The X-Bolt action has a short 60-degree throw and a bolt override button to open the action when the rifle is on safe. It will initially be offered in 6mm Creedmoor, 6.5 Creedmoor, and .308 Win. MSRP: $1,729

Gunwerks Werkman Rifle System

Gunwerks is known for its accurate, range-verified, expensive rifle packages, but they just announced a more affordable option that’s still guaranteed to 1,000 yards—the Werkman. With an optic and ammunition verified at distance, many Gunwerks packages ring in at $10,000 or more. The Werkman is a package offered at half that price, which is competitive with several other companies that offer accuracy-oriented package rifles.

The Werkman has fewer frills than other models but should offer excellent performance. It’s built on Gunwerks’s stainless GLR receiver with a 22-inch non-fluted stainless cut-rifled barrel. It uses the Gunwerks Gen 1 Magnus carbon-fiber stock that’s ARCA-compatible. The Werkman has a TriggerTech trigger, two-baffle directional muzzle brake, and comes topped with a Revic RS25 5-25×56 FFP scope. The scope includes a custom BDC turret with yardage and MOA markings that are calibrated to Hornady’s ELD Match ammunition. The rifle comes with a data package for that ammunition out to 1,000 yards. It’s chambered only in 6.5 PRC and, as delivered, weighs 9.6 pounds. MSRP $4,950

Marlin 1895 Guide Gun

Ruger’s acquisition of Marlin has turned out to be a good thing so far, and the rifles they’re producing might just be the best Marlins ever. We had a chance to test and review the Model 1895 SBL last year at our 2022 Gun Test, and late in 2022, Marlin announced that they were bringing the Model 1895 Guide Gun back into production—the third rifle to be revived.

The 1895 Guide Gun is the first Ruger-produced Marlin to be offered in blued-finish alloy steel (the SBL and Trapper are stainless) and it comes with an oversized lever loop. This first model of guide gun is chambered in .45/70 Gov’t. and has many of the features Marlin users know and love. It has a 6+1-round capacity, side-gate loading, and durable laminated wood furniture. The receiver is tapped for scope mounts, but the rifle comes with a hooded brass bead front sight and semi-buckhorn rear sight. Like other new Marlins, the muzzle is threaded 11/16-24 and includes a tight-fitting thread protector. It also has a nickel-plated bolt for smooth cycling. The new Marlins we’ve tried are some of the cleanest and tightest-fitting Marlins yet, and we expect the same from the Guide Gun.  MSRP $1,239

Henry Lever Actions in .360 Buckhammer

This isn’t so much a new rifle as it is a new cartridge. Remington just officially announced the .360 Buckhammer, which is a rimmed straight-wall round based on a .30/30 that takes a .358-caliber bullet. It is geared toward deer hunters in straight-wall states who fancy lever-actions—and Henry Repeating Arms, which has partnered with Remington on the Buckhammer, is rolling out three different models this coming year.

We just did a review of the cartridge (link here), but as far as Henry goes, they will be producing .360 Buckhammers in their Lever Steel, Lever X, and Henry Side Gate lines. The Lever Steel has glossy blued metal work and walnut furniture, the Lever X features a synthetic stock with a small section of Picatinny rail on the fore-end, and the Henry Side Gate has a hardened polished brass receiver and upgraded wood.

Savage A-22 Takedown

A notable rimfire introduction for 2023 is the Savage A-22 takedown. The A-22 family has seen some great success, and unlike many semi-auto rimfire families that begin with a .22 LR model, the A-22 began with the A-17 in .17 HMR, followed by one in .22 WMR, and .22 LR. The platform uses rotary magazines, has a variety of styles, and has proven to be a good, reliable .22 rifle. A takedown model is a logical next step in the lineup.

The Savage A-22 takedown was introduced late in 2022 and comes apart with a simple twist. The rifle breaks down into two segments. The rear segment consists of the buttstock and receiver, and the front segment is the barrel and fore end. The low-profile sights are both mounted to the barrel, and the receiver comes with a Picatinny optics rail with a see-through groove that allows the shooter to use the iron sights. The barrel is 18 inches long, made of matte-black-finished carbon steel, and the muzzle is threaded for a suppressor. The buttstock features storage space for three magazines and dry storage in the pistol grip. MSRP $479

Colt CBX

Another new rifle introduction, that’s just in time for SHOT 2023, is the Colt CBX. The CBX is a bolt-action chassis rifle that aims for a foothold in the competitive precision rifle market. The new Colt features an aluminum non-folding chassis that’s adjustable for comb height and length of pull. The Chassis has an angled pistol grip, built-in thumb shelf, and QD sling cups; the handguard has an integral ARCA rail and is compatible with aftermarket weights and other accessories. The rifle uses AICS-pattern magazines and has a barricade stop just forward of the magwell.

The action includes a one-piece Picatinny rail and is compatible with Remington 700-pattern bases. The CBX has a button-rifled carbon-steel barrel with a black nitride finish. The proprietary action has a 60-degree bolt throw. It uses the CZ 600 bolt with a short-claw controlled-feed extractor, and the barrel is secured to the action with a locking ring. The rifle has a user-adjustable trigger that can be set between 2.5 and 5 pounds. Initial offerings of the Colt CBX will be in 6.5 Creedmoor and .308 with 26- and 24-inch barrels respectively. MSRP: $1,899

Fierce Firearms MTN Reaper

Fierce Firearms, based in Redmond, Utah, has been building both premium production and semi-custom hunting rifle packages, and they have earned a strong following. I was very impressed with the CT Rival rifle I tested and reviewed last year, and they have several new models for 2023. The MTN Reaper is a streamlined version of their Reaper chassis rifle and should be an excellent and accurate option for hunters who are looking to go light.

The precision machined two-lug action and Fierce C3 carbon-fiber barrel sit in a light magnesium chassis that’s decked with a carbon-fiber free-float M-LOK tube and folding adjustable stock and cheekpiece, as well as an Ergo pistol grip. The rifle includes a NIX muzzle brake and zero-MOA optics rail, and comes chambered in several short- and long-action cartridges. It has a Bix’n Andy adjustable trigger and uses AccurateMag Detachable magazines. It’s a streamlined platform that should shoot great and pack easy. Short action models weight 5.8 pounds, and long-action models come in at 6.6 pounds. Chamberings include 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC, 7mm PRC, 7mm Rem Mag, .308 Win., .300 Win. Mag., and .300 PRC. MSRP: Starting at $3,399

Ruger AR 556 MPR with Proof Barrel

Ruger is expanding their line of AR 556 Multi-Purpose Rifles with this new model that has an 18-inch Proof Research barrel. This is a sleek-looking, precision-oriented AR-style rifle that would be great for target shooting or predator hunting. The highlight is, of course, the Proof Research barrel, but it has some other nice features too.

The Ruger MPR with Proof Barrel is chambered in .223 Wylde, a chamber that safely accepts both .223 Rem. and 5.56 x 45mm ammunition. Sometimes pressure issues can occur when trying to fire 5.56mm ammo in a .223 Rem. Chamber, and the Wylde chambering curtails that. The rifle comes with a rifle-length gas tube. It also has a flat-top receiver, free-float aluminum M-LOK-compatible handguard, and both have Picatinny rail along the entire top for mounting optics, flip-up sights, or accessories. This MPR comes with a Magpul PRS Lite stock that’s adjustable for comb height and length of pull to fit the individual shooter. The bolt carrier and gas key are chrome-plated, and the rifle has a two-stage trigger that should break right at 4.5 pounds. MSRP: $2049

Mossberg Patriot LR Tactical

Mossberg has established its Patriot family of rifles as good-quality, accurate, and budget friendly, and they’ve always been solid performers in our testing. The new Patriot LR Tactical has a more honed focus on precision shooting. The rifle is built around the two-lug, push-feed Patriot action and is housed in an adjustable and semi-customizable MDT chassis. It has a medium-bull carbon-steel barrel with a matte blued finished and threaded muzzle. It will be available in 6.5 Creedmoor and .308 Win. with 22-inch barrels, and 6.5 PRC with a 24-inch barrel.

The Patriot LR Tactical’s MDT chassis uses V-Block aluminum bedding and has a nice vertical grip, adjustable length of pull, and a height-adjustable reverse comb. The fore-end features M-Lok slots on the bottom and sides. The rifle includes a 20-MOA Picatinny rail, and Mossberg’s “Lightning Bolt Action” user-adjustable trigger that’s found on many Patriot rifles. The trigger guard is slightly oversized, and it has a large paddle magazine release just in front of it. The Patriot LR Tactical comes with a metal AICS-pattern magazine and is compatible with other aftermarket AICS mags. MSRP: $1,085

Proof Research Ascension High Country Hunter

This year, Proof is adding to their portfolio of premium, accurate hunting rifles with the Ascension. It’s a mountain hunter’s dream; an ultralight, ultra-accurate, and durable hunting rifle that exhibits great attention to detail. It has a Monte-Carlo-style stock with a semi-vertical grip with deep fluting for excellent thumb pad placement. It has a Proof Sendero-contour carbon-fiber match-grade barrel and boasts a sub-half-MOA accuracy guarantee.

The Ascension is built on a Zermatt Arms titanium receiver with split rail scope bases and a BDL magazine. The bolt has a medium-sized modified-ball handle that’s easy to cycle, but not heavy. The stock is carbon fiber and made by Proof. It’s custom-bedded, and the rifle has a TriggerTech trigger. Multiple colors and patterns are available, and Proof’s rifles typically display excellent fitting and finish work; we saw this on the Proof Tundra in our 2022 gun test. The Ascension High Country Hunter weighs between 5 pounds, 5 ounces, and 6 pounds, 4 ounces, and is available in 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC, 7mm PRC, 7mm Rem Mag, 28 Nosler, .308 Win., 300 Win. Mag, .300 WSM, and 300 PRC. MSRP: $7,699

Winchester Wildcat Sporter SR

Winchester’s semi-auto .22 LR rifle, the Wildcat gets a more classic look this year in the Wildcat Sporter and Sporter SR models. The Wildcat, which is a fun and accurate semi-auto .22, has always sported a futuristic synthetic stock and non-traditional look. The Wildcat Sporter SR has a handsome wood stock that gives the rifle great lines and a classic feel. It still has the easily-removable lower receiver assembly and on-board sight tool storage.

The Wildcat Sporter SR is a sleek little .22 that still has the positive attributes of the futuristic-looking Wildcat models. It has an integrated Picatinny rail atop the receiver for easy mounting of a scope or red dot optic. The Wildcat still has an adjustable rear ghost ring sight that can be tuned for both windage and elevation. It uses the same 10-round rotary magazine that is easy to remove. The rifle has a blued finish, and the 16.5-inch barrel has a ramp front sight, and the SR model has a ½-28 threaded muzzle for using a suppressor. MSRP: $369

READ NEXT: Best .22 LR Rifles

Stevens Model 334 Walnut

Another wood-stocked introduction for 2023 is the Stevens 334 Walnut. This deer-woods bolt action comes in at an affordable price and three calibers: .243 Win., 6.5 Creedmoor, and .308 Win. A synthetic-stocked model is available, but this one comes with a Turkish walnut stock; it’s a classic-looking hunting rifle with a modern short-throw action.

The stock is simple and sleek, with a slender rounded fore-end, and it has subtle-but-elegant fluting behind the grip. The 334 Walnut has a free-floated 20-inch carbon-steel barrel and a push-feed carbon-steel action with a 60-degree bolt throw. The bolt on this model has a silver finish and a nice large bolt handle. The rifle uses detachable magazines with rounded corners that are reminiscent of the Lee Enfield’s magazines, and it comes with a 3- and a 5-round mag. The action is drilled and tapped in a Savage M110 pattern and includes a steel Picatinny rail for optics mounting. It has a three-position safety just behind the bolt, and a two-stage adjustable trigger. MSRP: $389

The post New Rifles of SHOT Show 2023 appeared first on Outdoor Life.

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A highlight of SHOT show is seeing many of the new handguns that are being released for the year. We’ve pounded the aisles, the range, and the press releases of this massive firearms industry trade show to bring you this list of new handguns for 2023. Many of these guns are being newly introduced this week, but there are a few in the lineup that have been introduced previously but are finally shipping now. It’s sure to be a busy year of testing for the OL crew as we continue to test the latest pistols to hit the market.

Savage 1911

In 2022, Savage re-entered the handgun market with the Stance 9mm pistol. This year, they’re taking on the classic 1911. Savage is coming out swinging, offering their new 1911 pistols in six different color/finish variations, and two different calibers (.45 ACP and 9mm). Each color variation is available with or without an accessory rail. These new handguns have a capacity of 8+1 and 10+1 rounds in .45 and 9mm respectively.

The Savage 1911’s may have different finish color options, but they all feature forged stainless-steel frames and slides, and 5-inch stainless barrels. The pistols have machined tool steel sears and disconnectors, and stainless-steel hammers. They feature a dual recoil spring with GI-style guide rods and barrel bushings. On the exterior, they are sleek-looking with front and rear cocking serrations, Novak low-mount rear sights, and white-dot front sights. Variations with tritium night sights are available too. They have G10 grip scales, a machined texture backstrap and are smooth on the front of the grip. These 1911’s should have ambidextrous safety levers and should be good shooters. MSRP: $1,349-$1,449

Smith & Wesson M&P 9 M2.0 Metal

Smith & Wesson

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Introduced in the fall of 2022, the M&P 9 M2.0 Metal gives the popular striker-fired pistol line a metal-frame option. The M&P pistol M2.0 pistol line has been highly successful, and now shooters can get one with a lightweight aluminum frame (similar to that of the Smith & Wesson CSX). The aluminum frame features an inlaid polymer stipple-textured grip panel on the front of the grip and comes with the interchangeable polymer grip palm swell panels we’ve seen on other M&P M2.0 pistols.

The M&P 9 M2.0 Metal has the same shape, dimensions and ergonomics as the polymer-framed pistols, and it has a three-slot accessory/light rail forward of the trigger guard. It has a trigger-bar safety and ambidextrous slide stop controls. The slide has forward and rear cocking serrations, steel 3-white-dot sights, and is cut for an optic. It has a stainless-steel 4.25-inch barrel, and uses standard M&P M2.0 17-round magazines. MSRP: $899

Staccato 2011 CS

Staccato 2011 (the company formerly known as STI) has been cranking out high-quality hammer-fired pistols for a lot of years, and their name is synonymous with quality 2011 pistols. Although the definition of a 2011 is somewhat fluid, it is essentially a modern double-stack 9mm 1911, but rather than a full metal frame, the frame terminates at the top of the grip, and the pistols use a polymer grip module. The CS is Staccato’s new compact model. It’s designed to bring the reliability and shootability of the full-size 2011 pistols to a carry gun.

The Staccato CS has a compact aluminum frame and weighs just 23 ounces unloaded. It has a stainless 3.5-inch bull barrel and a crisp 4- to 4.5-pound black anodized aluminum curved trigger. This new Staccato uses dedicated 16-round magazines that allow for a slightly narrower 1.2-inch grip width than on other 2011 models. It has a fiber-optic front sight and Dawson Precision Optic system rear sight plate installed. The CS has a skeletonized hammer and both front and rear cocking serrations, as well as ambidextrous safety levers and a single-slot accessory rail on the frame. MSRP $2,499

Oracle Arms 2311

This new pistol from Oracle Arms aims to take advantage of the ever-increasing popularity of 2011-style pistols. Called, the 2311, the design is a blend of 2011 and Sig-Sauer P320 looks, parts, and ergonomics. The 2311 has a P320-looking slide and uses P320 magazines. This could be a great advantage, being that quality 2011 magazines are typically very expensive. Sig P320 magazines are readily available, dependable, and about $10 to $20 cheaper for OEM Sig Mags. The pistols will ship with Oracle Arms-branded P320 magazines, and they should start moving in March.

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Although the 2311 does have some of the looks (and magazines) of the Sig P320, it’s a hammer-fired pistol that uses a 1911-style fire control unit and trigger. Like Staccato 2011 pistols, the metal frame terminates at the top of the grip, and the grip itself is a separate “grip module.” The pistol has ambidextrous safety levers, a large magwell, and an extra-long beavertail. The 2311 will be available in several models ranging from compact to competition, and there’s no doubt that many shooters are eager to get their hands on one of these new handguns. MSRP: $1,699-$3,000

FN 510 Tactical

FN

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The new FN 510 Tactical is a striker-fired 10mm pistol that’s feature-rich and modeled after FN’s popular 509 series. This pistol adds even more variety to the growing striker-fired 10mm category and should be another good option for backcountry carry. The grip and frame are contoured and textured to help the shooter manage the sharper recoil of the 10mm cartridge and it’s one of the few 10mm pistols that provides fully ambidextrous controls.

The FN 510 Tactical has a 4.71-inch barrel that’s threaded to accept a suppressor or compensator. It comes with a flush 15-round magazine and an extended mag that holds 22 rounds of 10mm. That might seem a little excessive to some, but when things go sideways, ammo goes fast. If carried in a chest rig, it holds a lot of firepower at the ready. The 510 sports a crisp trigger that breaks at about six pounds, and suppressor-height night sights. It comes standard with an optics cut and plates to mount many popular red dot sights. The sights are tall enough to co-witness through even some of the thicker-bodied reflex sights. MSRP $ XXXX

Glock G47

The most prominent release for Glock this SHOT season is the new G47. There aren’t any major departures from well-known and well-liked Glock features, rather, a fine-tuning of sorts. In layman’s terms, the G47 is essentially a G17-length MOS slide that’s mounted on a Gen 5 G45 frame. The frame does not extend to the front end of the slide, unlike most Glock models, and it looks like the G34’s style.

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The G47 frame is ergonomically sound and features interchangeable backstraps and raised grid-pattern texturing. Like other contemporary Glock frames, it lacks finger grooves; many shooters were grinding them off anyway. The frame has a single-slot accessory rail that will accept a light. Like the G45, the frame has a full-size grip like you’d see on a G17, but the overall frame length of a G19. The slide is the same overall length as the G17 and features front and rear cocking serrations and an MOS optics cut. It accepts standard 17-round double-stack G17, G19X, G34, and G45 magazines as well. READ NEXT: Best Glocks of 2023

Avidity Arms PD10

First announced at SHOT in 2016, the PD10 hadn’t quite got its legs under it until now. Designed by Rob Pincus in conjunction with Avidity Arms, the PD10 is designed to be an ideal carry pistol; and is now available as a production gun. The PD10 is a polymer-framed pistol that’s similar in size to a Glock G19, but slimmer. The PD10’s frame is designed for shooter-friendly ergonomics and a secure grip. It has texturing on the front and back of the grip and a short two-slot accessory rail.

The PD10 uses 10-round 9mm 1911 single-stack magazines. The slide features rear cocking serrations and tapered beveling at the front of the slide to reduce hang-ups on clothing or holsters. It features an Ameriglow Luma Glow front sight and I.C.E. Claw rear sight that the gun can be racked against a barrier. It’s an affordable, well-thought pistol that should be one of the hit new handguns for concealed carry. MSRP: $599 ($625 w/optics cut)

Taurus TX22 Compact

Taurus

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The Taurus TX22 is a great .22 semi-auto pistol, and the TX22 competition was one of our favorite handguns of 2022. This year, Taurus is announcing a smaller version, the TX22 compact. The TX22 is one of few .22 pistols to successfully use a staggered-column, think double-stack, magazine. The TX22 Compact is smaller, but still holds 13 rounds of .22 LR; that’s more than most full-size .22 pistols hold.

The TX22 Compact has a small polymer frame with ambidextrous safeties and low-profile right-handed slide stop and magazine catch controls. The frame has futuristic lines and an accessory rail for mounting a light or laser forward of the trigger guard. The barrel is threaded for installation of a suppressor thread adapter and is flush with the end of the slide. The slide is vented and has front and rear cocking serrations. It comes with a white-dot front sight and serrated rear sight. Standard on the TX22 Compact is an optics cut and cover plate. The cut is compatible with Holosun K footprint optics. MSRP $399

Springfield Armory 1911 DS Prodigy

Tyler Freel

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In the second half of 2022, Springfield released their 1911 DS Prodigy. It’s their crack at the popular 2011 and 2011-style pistol category and looks similar to the Staccato P model. Staccato trademarked the term “2011,” but the Springfield Prodigy is certainly made in the same style. It’s a 9mm double-stack 1911 with a frame and slide forged from carbon steel. Like 2011’s and other 2011-style pistols, it has a polymer grip module that connects to the frame behind the trigger guard.

The Springfield Prodigy functions as any 1911 would. It has grip and thumb safeties, has a single-action trigger, and is hammer-fired. The firing pin, spring, and the extractor are all 1911. The Prodigy has a bull-barrel that doesn’t use a bushing, and the full-length, two-piece guide rod is assembled and disassembled with an Allen key through what would be the recoil spring plug on a standard 1911. I got ahold of a Springfield Prodigy in December and fired close to 1,100 rounds through it before writing my full review. It’s a smooth-shooting pistol that performs well for its price range. MSRP $1,499

CZ DWX

CZ has announced that the DWX, result of a collaboration between CZ and Dan Wesson, is finally now shipping. The DWX is a competition/recreational pistol that’s a meld of CZ ergonomics and a 1911. At first glance, it looks very much like the CZ 75, TS, and TS 2 pistols, but there’s much more to it. The DWX has the crisp 1911 fire control group of a Dan Wesson, but the ergonomics of the CZ 75. It has 1911-style controls like the safety lever and slide stop but takes CZ 75 aluminum grip scales. The steel frame is checkered on the front and back of the grip and has a long Picattiny rail for accessory mounting.

The DWX uses the 19-round magazines that the CZ striker-fired pistol, the P-10, uses. It doesn’t have a grip safety but does feature a sweeping beavertail that allows the shooter to use a high, tight grip and control recoil. The DWX is chambered in 9mm and has a 4.95-inch match-grade barrel. The slide has front and rear cocking serrations and uses a HAJO adjustable rear sight and fiber-optic front sight. MSRP $2,099

Rock Island Armory RIA 5.0 ST

The RIA 5.0 is a new 9mm pistol that resembles a blend of CZ and Sig P320 features. This full-size 9mm has a rounded rectangular slide that sits low in its full-length frame. The bore axis is low, and the grip is high, which should make it a flat-shooting gun. The ST model comes with Dawson Precision iron sights and the other OS comes with no iron sights, but a C More RS II red dot sight.

The new RIA 5.0 ST has a steel slide, aluminum frame, and a black Cerakote finish on both. The frame has a long accessory rail, and the nylon grips have a rough stipple texture. The pistol has RIA’s new patented RVS recoil system that’s meant to soften recoil impulse and make the RIA 5.0 more controllable. It’s unique, rectangular-profile barrel is 4.91 inches long and sits low in relation to the grip. The gun has simple controls, uses 17-round magazines, and a crisp 4-pound flat trigger with a trigger-bar safety. MSRP $998

Smith & Wesson Equalizer

Smith & Wesson

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Announced in November of 2022, Smith & Wesson brings a new concealed carry pistol to the market: the S&W Equalizer. Smith & Wesson has been targeting the compact carry pistol market hard with their Shield line and micro-compact 9mm’s like the CSX, and now they’ve got another. The Equalizer is a new micro-compact that looks a bit like the Shield EZ, but with a slightly different slide and grip contour. It’s been designed to make the pistol more controllable, easier to operate, and more versatile than other models.

The Equalizer is a polymer-framed semi-auto that has an externally visible grip safety like the Shield EZ has. Like the EZ and the CSX pistols, the Equalizer is a single-action, hammer-fired pistol that has an internal hammer rather than a striker. IT’s got a slim stipple-textured grip, ambidextrous slide stops, and a reversible magazine catch button. The frame also has a Picatinny rail for mounting a light or laser. This pistol has a 3.675-inch barrel, which is longer than what most micro-compact 9mm’s sport. It’s compatible with Shield Plus magazines and includes one each 10-, 13-, and 15-round mags. The slide has deep cocking serrations front and back, comes with white-dot sights and an optic cut. MSRP $599

Lionheart Industries Vulcan 9

A new introduction for 2023 from Lionheart Industries, who makes the Regulus, just released details on the Vulcan 9 pistol that should start shipping in April. It’s designed to be a combat-ready, hammer-fired 9mm pistol that’s packed with smart features. They will have their proprietary double-action-plus, which allows the shooter to select single or double-action trigger pulls. The Vulcan 9 will hold 15 rounds and has an aluminum frame with polymer grip panels, and a steel slide.The Vulcan 9 has many unique features, including the 3.7-inch “true-axis” stainless or black-nitride-coated barrel, and integrated Gas Pedal thumb rest that’s incorporated into the grip panel itself. The slide has aggressive cocking serrations on the front, back, and top, and ships optics-ready, requiring no adapter plates. It accepts the Holosun 407k/507k, the Shield RMSc, Trijicon RMRcc, SIG RomeoZero Elite and other optics that use the Shield RMSc or Trijicon RMRcc footprints. The Vulcan 9  has an ambidextrous safety and reversible mag catch button. You can go with fiber-optic or tritium night sights, and the sights can be co-witnessed through most red dot optics. MSRP $1,200

Lone Wolf Arms Dusk 19

Lone Wolf Arms is one of the most well-known sources for aftermarket Glock barrels, slides, and parts, and have their own new handguns to introduce at SHOT show 2023. They’ve been building complete Glock clones for awhile, and I’ve been carrying one of their Timberwolf 10mm pistols for years. Lone wolf’s frames are designed to come from the factory looking and feeling like what many shooters self-modify their Glock frames to be.

The Dusk 19 is a Glock 19 clone that could be described as a Shadow Systems sort of gun; a highly optimized Glock. The Frame has excellent texturing and a more vertical grip angle than Glocks, as well as interchangeable back strap inserts. The trigger guard has a deep undercut and thin bottom profile to facilitate a tight, high grip on the gun. The Dusk 19 also features a PVD coated barrel and slide, as well as an optics cut and night sights. MSRP: $650

Smith & Wesson M&P 5.7

Smith & Wesson has had several recent introductions, and one that’s getting lots of chatter is the new M&P 5.7 pistol, chambered in the tiny 5.7x28mm. Pistols chambered in this niche sub-gun category aren’t new, but they are relatively few. The Smith’s two main competitors are from FN and Ruger, and the new M&P promises features and performance at half the price of the FN. The 5.7×28 is unique in a handgun because of its capacity potential and velocity. The new M&P 5.7 holds 22 rounds of ammunition.

The M&P 5.7 has some unique features compared to other pistols in the M&P line. Rather than being recoil or blowback operated like most pistols, the action is gas operated and features a locking breech that doesn’t open until the bullet it past the gas port. Like some of Smith & Wesson’s other pistols, the 5.7 is internally hammer-fired, not striker-fired, and it features a long 5-inch threaded barrel. Most other 5.7x28mm pistols don’t come with a threaded barrel, but many rimfire cans are rated for the cartridge, and the pistol should function without a recoil booster. MSRP: $699

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While much of the firearms industry spent 2021 focusing on fulfilling demand for existing products, knife companies didn’t miss a beat developing new and intriguing knives of every flavor and configuration. New functional fixed blades?  Absolutely. Exciting everyday carry pieces? You bet. As always, there are too many knife introductions for us to be able to cover every one. So, here are the new knives that really stood out at the show.

Benchmade Raghorn 

Matt Foster

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When I first picked up the Raghorn my first thought was “wow…that’s light, really light!” If you want a full-size fixed blade hunting knife without the full-size weight, this is your huckleberry. To save some weight, the 4.6-inch blade is fairly thin. That’s ok though, use it like a knife instead of a crowbar and you’ll be fine. Made from CPM-CruWear® stainless steel, the blade is Cerakoted safety orange, which is good, because this is an expensive knife you’re not going to want to lose. Another weight saving feature is the carbon fiber scales which are lighter than G10 handles. These are beautifully contoured and very comfortable to hold.  The carbon fiber scales are fastened to the full-tang blade with blackened stainless steel screws and orange anodized aluminum washers. The combination of orange blade, carbon fiber and the anodized accent pieces give the Raghorn a unique and striking appearance. A Boltaron sheath is included. 

Benchmade Raghorn Specifications

• Blade length: 4.6 inches
• Blade thickness: 0.9 inches
• Overall length: 8.8 inches
• Weight: 3.6 ounces 
• Sheath weight 21.2 grams

Spyderco C260TIP Stovepipe

Matt Foster

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I never knew I needed a pocket cleaver until I handled the Spyderco Stovepipe. Ok, “need” is a strong word and it’s not really a cleaver, but after handling it at the SHOT Show my thoughts went from “what the hell would I use that for?” to “I don’t know but it’s crazy cool!” The Stovepipe is inspired by knifemaker David Rydbom’s “Bill the Butcher” design. Named after the top hat worn by the infamous 19th century gang leader William Poole, the Stovepipe’s .157 inch-thick cleaver-shaped blade is made from CPM® 20CV, a powder metallurgy stainless steel with significant amount of chromium and vanadium to increase wear resistance, corrosion resistance, and impact toughness. The blade features a deep hollow grind and the trademark Spyderco opening hole.  Beautifully machined and contoured titanium handles and backspacer help offset the weight of the substantial blade and are very comfortable to hold. Even the clip is machined titanium. The finely machined decorative pivot pin also serves as an over travel limiter for the locking bar. With an MSRP of $600.00 the Spyderco Stovepipe isn’t for everyone, but it’s a fascinating and strangely desirable piece. For those looking for a rugged, custom quality, production knife with unique styling and appeal, this fits the bill.

Spyderco C260TIP Stovepipe Specifications

• Blade length: 2.75 inches
• Blade thickness: 0.15 inches
• Overall length: 6.8 inches
• Closed length: 4 inches
• Weight:  4.9 ounces

Hogue Deka

Matt Foster

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One of Hogue’s new knives for 2022 is a more “accessible” version of their Deka knife line, the Deka Polymer. The new Deka features an injection molded handle rather than machined G10. This substantially reduces the cost while maintaining some nice features for a pocket-knife. One thing immediately noticeable upon grabbing the knife is that it’s exceptionally light. This would be a great choice when wearing thinner or looser clothes where a heavier knife would be obtrusive.  The one-hand opening blade is a thin, shallow clip point made from CPM MagnaCut steel and is well suited for EDC or hunting. The Deka features Hogue’s Able Lock which is a crossbolt style mechanism. Left-handers, who are often neglected, will appreciate the ambidextrous, deep-carry pocket clip. While not as “high end” as the other models in the Deka knife line, this new model retains most of the solid features that make this a good, easy-to-carry pocket knife. It should be a good value for the dollar.

Hogue Deka Specifications

• Blade length: 3.25 inches
• Blade thickness: 0.1 inches
• Open length: 7.5 inches
• Closed length: 4.3 inches
• Weight: 2.3 ounces

Bear OPS Bear Tac III

Matt Foster

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The Bear OPS Bear Tac III is a lot of knife for the money, figuratively and literally. This new fixed-blade knife features full-tang construction with D2 steel. While not the most exotic blade material, D2 is a proven and popular choice because it’s a great balance between cost and performance. The 4.75-inch blade features a non-glare, black finish. Both the handguard/bolster and pommel are made from blackened stainless steel.  Machined black G10 grips add to the ruggedness of this stout fixed blade.  Some machined texture on the handle would be nice, but with a top and bottom handguard there’s not really any chance of your hand slipping onto the blade. The Bear OPS III is a large knife, but not obnoxiously so, and with its MOLLE compatible ballistic nylon sheath with Kydex insert, it would be a versatile piece of gear where weight isn’t the driving factor for gear selection.

Bear OPS Bear Tac III Specifications

• Blade length: 4.75 inches
• Weight 7.8 ounces
• Overall length: 10 inches
• MSRP: $129

Boker Slike

Matt Foster

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If you want to channel your inner secret agent, the Boker Slike might be the knife for you. Why? Because this ultra-light, ultra-thin, slide-out-the-front knife with a D2 dagger-style blade looks like something you’d see in a Cold War spy movie.  The Slike is a very thin pocket-clip knife that would be easy to carry at any time. This thing is so slim and so light you could carry it in your front shirt pocket—you’d look geeky, but you could do it. The G10 frame makes it strong despite its lightweight. The blade is easily “opened” one handed by simply pushing the button and sliding the blade forward where it locks in place. There is a hallway detent that keeps the blade from being a gravity knife. With an MSRP of $75.95 and its light weight and slim dimensions this would be a handy knife to keep around almost anywhere.

Boker Slike Specifications

• Blade length: 3.3 inches
• Overall length: 6.97 inches
• Weight: 1.3 ounces

W. R. Case & Sons Kinzua, Spearpoint 

Matt Foster

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Case is well known for making very traditional pocket knives like the Stockman and Trapper and traditional stag and wood handled fixed blades but has recently introduced more modern EDC knives. The new Kinzua Spearpoint is one of their takes on a modern pocket clip folder. This isn’t a flashy EDC knife but does have solid, functional features. The Kinzua Spearpoint has a nicely contoured aluminum handle and framelock that uses a steel insert into the aluminum locking bar to securely hold the blade open. The blade is made from CPM-S35VN which is a great steel that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg. A ball bearing pivot lets the blade open smoothly and easily. This is another knife southpaws will appreciate as blade deploys via a “flipper” easily accessed via right or left-handed and the clip is reversible. The Kinzua look could be described as somewhat subdued if not plain, but it’s a very solid every day carry pocket knife. Overall this is a great knife a fair price.

W. R. Case & Sons Kinzua, Spearpoint Specifications

• Blade length: 3.4 inches
• Overall length: 7.5 inches
• Closed length: 4.75 inches
• Weight: 3.5 ounces
• MSRP: $139

ESEE Knives ESEE AGK (Ashley Game Knife) 

Matt Foster

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Sometimes simpler is better. The New ESEE AGK blade falls into this category. It’s a basic fixed blade with the scales screwed to the sides, plain and simple. But the scales, available in either Micarta or G10, are nicely contoured rather than radiused slabs, and it has a familiar big-game hunting blade shape. It’s also Goldilocks sized, with a 3.5-inch CPM-S35VN blade and an overall length of 8.25 inches. This knife is sized just right. The contoured handles are very comfortable to hold with a very pronounced finger guard at the bottom front for a secure grip and to prevent the hand from slipping on to the blade. A pouch style leather sheath is included. A Kydex type sheath would be nice to see in the future, but that would be easy enough to make.  This very functional blade will probably have zero appeal to anyone looking for a crossover “tacticool” knife—and that’s a good thing.  

ESEE AGK Specifications

• Blade length: 3.5 inches
• Blade thickness: 0.156 inches
• Overall length: 8.25 inches
• Weight: 5.1 ounces 

Browning Rivet

Matt Foster

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Normally you don’t think of copper as a handle material for knives, but the Browning Rivet says “yet here we are!” This is a simple, yet elegant knife. The Browning Rivet is also a solid EDC pocket clip folder that will be home pretty much anywhere you want to carry it. A drop point blade made from blackened D2 tool steel is attractive and functional. It smoothly opens right or left-handed via a ball bearing pivot point and a “flipper” at the bottom of the blade. The reversible pocket clip makes the knife fully ambidextrous.  A linerlock solidly holds the blade in place. The copper scales will naturally scratch and patina which will enhance the look. All the steel components including the blade, liner, clip, and screws are blackened. Because the handle is literally made of metal, this isn’t the lightest pocket-knife, but it’s not obtrusively heavy either.

Browning Rivet Specifications

• Total length: 7 inches
• Closed length: 3.8 inches
• Blade length: 3 inches
• MSRP: $49

Al Mar B-21

Matt Foster

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Al Mar Knives is recognized for making some very rugged tactical folders and their new B-21 Folding Knife definitely falls into this category. At 8.9 inches for overall length, this is a large folding knife designed to be carried in the included leather sheath. There is no pocket clip. The leather sheath also includes an attached ceramic sharpener which is a nice touch. It is literally a folding version of their new B-21 Fixed Blade modern bowie-style fixed blade. The D2 steel blade is 3.75 inches long. Steel liners and G10 scales make for a robust handle and linerlock design. The scales are designed to not fully cover the liners to balance the look of the handle-to-blade ratio. Even at that, there is plenty of G10 handle for the user to comfortably and securely hold. The shallow clip point blade is a great overall shape suitable for hunting, fine cutting work, etc. Opening is done via a thumbstud. The knife is not ambidextrous. The liners and blade have a polished finish which is both attractive and functional. Overall, this is an impressive knife that will be great attached to a belt or pack.

Al Mar B-21 Specifications

• Blade length: 3.7 inches
• Blade thickness: 0.1 inches
• MSRP: $190

CRKT M16-03DB

Matt Foster

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For 2022, CRKT is rebooting their venerable M16 with features they’ve introduced in other knives over the years. The M16-03DB is now an assisted opening pocket-knife. Though positioned as a tactical folder, the spearpoint blade made from D2 tool steel would be quite useful in the field and for EDC. The spring assisted blade opens via ambidextrous thumb studs or the flipper and solidly locks open with their Deadbolt locking system. This is an axle-style lock that relies on shear-strength of the locking components and is exceptionally strong. The IKBS ball bearing pivot system makes the blade rotation exceptionally smooth.  Handles are comprised of machined aluminum scales fastened to steel liners. Lefties get a shout out with a reversible pocket clip, making the M16-03DB fully ambidextrous. For $150, it might be nice to see a steel like CPM-S35VN or similar, but overall the M16-03DB has some great features that will make it a solid choice as an EDC or pocket clip hunting knife. 

CRKT M16-03DB Specifications

• Blade length: 3.5 inches
• Blade thickness: 0.1 inches
• Overall length: 8.25 inches
• Closed length: 4.65 inches
• Weight: 4 ounces

Outdoor Edge RazorCape

Matt Foster

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For 2022, Outdoor Edge has updated their RazorPro line with the RazorCape. This is a replaceable blade design that comes with three, easy to change blades that include a caping blade, drop point blade and a gut hook. One thing I like about the Outdoor Edge replaceable blade knives is their support system for the blade and how easy it is to change. Their support system lets the user take advantage of almost the entire length of the blade, and to swap out the cutting edge, simply push a button to remove, then reinstall. It’s very easy and I never feel like I’m going to lose a digit. The RazorCape is a lockback design that comes with a sheath to hold the knife and replaceable blades. It also has a pocket clip which is a nice touch. It’s small enough and opens easily enough to be a good little pocket knife. The blaze orange TPR inserts provide a good grip as well as visibility. While the blades are technically disposable, on the RazorPro I have found them to be easy to resharpen which saves waste and cost. The RazorCape blades, which are Japanese 420J2 Stainless Steel, will be no different.

Outdoor Edge RazorCape Specifications

• Blade length: 3 inches
• Overall length: 7.1 inches
• Closed length: 4.1 inches
• Weight: 2.2 ounces
• Sheath weight: 1.2 ounces
• MSRP: $54

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The sport of airgunning and airgun hunting has exploded in popularity. This segment has experienced some of the greatest innovation and growth in the shooting sports, which was reflected in the airguns and related accessories on display at the SHOT Show. These new products consisted of refining existing technology alongside some new and innovative designs and technologies.

While most of the newer guns on display were based on precharged pneumatic (PCP) platforms, there were examples of improvements to some old favorites, as well. Following is a shortlist of my picks for the best new air rifles that I came across on the floor of the exhibition.

SKOUT EPOCH Electro-Pneumatic Air Rifle: New Tech in Airguns

SKOUT

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SKOUT Airguns got their start making paintball guns, but their first entry into airguns was the talk of SHOT Show. They introduced the EPOCH, a competition airgun that operates on an electro-pneumatic valve design. It doesn’t use springs, which results in a low cyclical weight and no metallic wear on the firing mechanism. I was told that the gun’s mechanism had a long life expectancy and would require very little maintenance. It uses EPOCH’s MAX-FLOW regulator, which produces consistent and precise air regulation for optimized consistency and reliability.

The electronic system controlling the rifle offers several advantages:

• Customizable shot-cycle control
• Customizable pre-shot sequencing
• An OLED data display for information presentation
• The ability to easily upgrade operating software

While I’ve never been a big fan of electronics for my hunting rigs, the potential advantages they offer will be welcomed by competitive shooters.

Besides the performance advantages mentioned, the gun is TSA compliant, with toolless removal of its air tanks. This might not sound newsworthy, but as someone that’s been prohibited from checking my gear for a flight a time or two, I can tell you it is a big deal. This gun is still in the pre-production stage, but I was told the rifle should be available in late summer.

The Hatsan Mod 65: Spring Piston Air Rifle

Hatsan

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There are a lot of spring-piston airguns on the market these days, and I am getting picky about the ones I like. A smooth shooting cycle, appropriate cocking effort, good trigger, and intrinsic accuracy are givens. But I also look for a comfortable and ergonomic stock—a quiet gun in terms of the muzzle report, and the mechanical noise generated by the gun. And it never hurts when the gun is easy on the eye. So, when I first saw the Mod 65 and had the opportunity to handle it, I knew I’d found a keeper. 

The Mod 65 is a traditional single shot break barrel springer available in .177, .22, and .25 caliber. The barrel is shrouded and uses Hatsan’s SAS shock absorber system, which—along with the ergonomic stock design, adjustable comb, laser-cut checkering, and a rubber buttpad—make the gun quiet and smooth to shoot. I also appreciate that Hatsan used their Quattro Trigger design in this rifle, making it one of the better triggers on a production springer, even more impressive in view of the gun’s price point. 

The Brocock Ranger XR: A Compact Urban Hunting Airgun

Brocock

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As someone always on the search for the ultimate compact hunting rig, the Brocock Ranger XR appealed to me right away. It has a compact semi-bullpup design with a folding stock, that can be easily slipped into a backpack for a stealthy transport to your shooting site, or for hauling over long distances when backpacking. The Ranger XR offers adjustable power and outstanding accuracy utilizing a match-grade barrel paired with Brocock’s proven HUMA regulator and floating hammer system. I had a chance to use this gun in the field before SHOT and it has range and hits hard, an excellent small game gun. It can deliver up to 20 ft-lbs and generate 30 shots per fill, very good considering the small dimensions of the air reservoir. A three-position power adjuster with a hammer dwell adjuster is standard, allowing the hammer spring to be accessed and adjusted when the stock is folded.

The Brocock Ranger XR has an adjustable trigger with a crisp break. You can plink with its .22 caliber 11 shot quick-load magazine (13 shots in .177), or use the included single-shot tray for precision. An AR-compatible buffer tube and folding stock mount are also part of the Ranger’s list of features. My only wish with this great little micro-carbine would be to see it in .25.

JTS Airacuda PCP Air Rifles: Value PCP Airgun

JTS is a new airgun company that introduced themselves at SHOT Show, but they have a long history in the airgunning world through their parent company, Xisico. Xisico has been manufacturing airguns and components for the OEM market for many years. Recently, they brought on Travis Whitney, an American-based engineer with years of experience in the airgunning industry, and gave him the resources and freedom to develop a portfolio of airgun products for the U.S. market.

The first guns presented at the SHOT Show were in the Airacuda line, including the Airacuda and the Airacuda Max models. These PCP rifles are available in .22 and .25 and are similar in appearance and dimensions, though the Max is a regulated version with a group absent in the standard Airacuda version. What impressed me about these guns is the build quality. They only use high-quality metal and hardwoods—no plastic. The stocks are streamlined and elegantly shaped with laser-cut checkering on the grip and stock. But what really impressed me was the pricing. These Airacudas are being positioned to compete with guns that don’t even approximate the combined fit, finish, and performance of the Airacuda. I expect to see good things from this company in the future. 

Umarex Gauntlet .30 Caliber PCP Air Rifle

Umarex

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The Gauntlet platform has been on the market for a few years now, and has done an outstanding job of providing a feature-rich, high-performance platform at a very competitive price point. With a high-pressure high-capacity air storage reservoir and a regulator set to operate at a 2800 PSI charge, the .30 caliber version of the Gauntlet 2 generates 25 full-power shots with outstanding consistency. The Gauntlet .30 ships with two magazines and a single shot loading tray, which is an advantage when trying out specialty projectiles.

I find that the synthetic stock, cocking bolt, air management system, and trigger assembly are all ergonomic, well designed, and easy to work with. This is an excellent option for small to medium game.

Air Venturi Seneca Dragonfly Multi-Pump Air Rifle

Air Venturi

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The Dragonfly offers a classic design that will bring many of us back to our formative years as a shooter, waiting for the day we could make the jump from a Daisy Red Rider to a Sheridan multi-pump rifle. The Dragonfly takes the best of those early multi-pump designs and improves on it; the rifle is built on a lightweight frame that is easy to handle for shooters of all ages and sizes. The rifle wears a beech stock that is streamlined though still fits well in the hand, offering a very stable hold. The stock is checkered on the grip and forestock and sports a rubberized butt pad.

To shoot the rifle, pump it three to eight times, depending on how much power you want. Due to the new design of the linkage between the cocking arm and the pump assembly, the cocking effort starts off low and stays low up to the eighth pump. The gun is available in .177 and .22, and can reach velocities up to 800 fps and 630 fps, respectively. Pellets are fed via a self-indexing magazine with a capacity of seven rounds in .22 or 9 in .177. The firing sequence is to cock the bolt-action, pump up, shoot, and repeat to keep on plinking or hunting.

Air Force ArrowGun

I’ve been shooting AirForce rifles—both standard caliber and big bores—for many years. They are solid performers that have proven themselves as rugged guns capable of standing up to harsh conditions. That’s why I wanted a closer look when I heard they were releasing a new gun based on their proven design but optimized to fire arrows (actually bolts).

Unlike most arrow guns I’ve used, the AirForce ArrowGun has been optimized to run off lower fill pressures (1500 psi), so it is uniquely suited for use with a hand pump for filling. This makes the gun less dependent on heavy and expensive filling equipment in situations where this is an issue. There are two versions, the standard model, and the carbine, sending an arrow and broadhead downrange at speeds in line with a modern crossbow. Many states are allowing the use of Arrow launching airguns for deer hunting, and this is a new gun offering some key features that appeal to me: accuracy, power, and compact being high amongst those. 

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been considering getting into airgunning, 2022 is a great year to get into the sport. From target shooting to hunting, there are great air rifles on the market that feature excellent features for the price.

The post New Air Rifles from SHOT Show 2022 appeared first on Outdoor Life.

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On Level 1 of the Sands Expo on Las Vegas’s Strip, the booth for Pacific Tool & Gauge was a hive of activity. An employee guided a group of visitors through the process of boring a rifle chamber with the company’s automated reaming machine while others chatted about sales discounts and product-delivery details.

Across the aisle, the lone representative of an Asian optics company sat on a folding chair in a 10×10-foot booth that was bare except for a pile of glossy product catalogs stacked on the floor. He noodled on his phone and never looked up. Next door was an empty booth for Rotchi, a Chinese firearms-cleaning company that wasn’t able to make it to Las Vegas for this year’s SHOT (Shooting, Hunting & Outdoor Trade) Show. Instead of staff or product, the booth contained a cardboard cutout of Donald Trump flashing his trademark double thumbs-up.

Attendance, by the Numbers

The week-long show ended yesterday in Las Vegas. Intended as the triumphant return of the largest gathering of shooting and hunting companies in the world after last year’s SHOT Show was canceled due to COVID-19 restrictions on public gatherings, this year’s running could be described in any number of ways: a surprising success, a tepid disappointment, or proof of the resiliency of the event that has served as the crucible of the outdoors industry since 1979.

All those perspectives would be correct, and most of the estimated 40,000 attendees pointed to evidence in support of their conflicting conclusions.

Some saw in empty booths the failure of the show’s organizers to allay concerns about the pandemic. Others saw an opportunity to take market share from competitors who stayed away. And others saw the show as a bold and welcome return to normalcy.

The faces of show-goers, this year mostly covered up with the masks required by the state of Nevada, could also be read any number of ways. Some were anxious in their first foray into large public gatherings since lockdowns started two years ago. Others were excited to meet friends and return to travel and business dinners and cited the show’s relevance as not only a business booster but as a reason to get together—often face to unmasked face—after a year of social isolation.

Attendance was down this year, confirmed Chris Dolnack, senior vice president and chief customer officer for the National Shooting Sports Foundation, which owns and operates SHOT Show. He says final registration was 43,374 individuals representing 114 countries. That’s about 22 percent below 2020 attendance. Final attendance statistics are not yet available and it’s important to note that many who registered did not actually attend. The Sands Expo center, which is often elbow-to-elbow crowded during SHOT Show, was noticeably less busy than in past years.

A number of the most visible brands in the industry pulled out of the show in the weeks and even days before it opened on Tuesday. Sig Sauer, one of the largest collections of shooting and hunting brands in the business, withdrew their booth, the largest in terms of square footage at the show. Same with Nosler, Ruger, and Vortex, along with dozens of others. On the show floor, the absence of those flagship brands was noticeable in the more open floors and lighter traffic this year. But plenty of attendees noted that they didn’t miss the crushing crowds and long waits at restaurants and bars.

Dolnack describes SHOT as “the gathering of the tribes” and says that by most metrics, this year’s show was a success. “Even being down 22 percent in terms of attendance, we had the most paid exhibitors and the most square footage” of not only previous SHOT Shows, but also of any trade show in Las Vegas. This year’s show boasted 800,000 square feet of exhibit space, largely because of expansion into Caesar’s Forum next door to Sands.

“We finally were able to expand into that space that we’ve been chasing for 10 years,” says Dolnack. “We’re actually pulling off a live show in a pandemic, which I would call a rousing success. But some people want to make the show all about the 100 folks who aren’t here rather than the 2,400 exhibitors that are here.”

Participation Headwinds

There have been plenty of reasons to stay away, and as the show approached, they seemed to grow in number and magnitude. First was the legitimate fear of getting sick. The omicron variant of COVID-19 was peaking just as attendees started arriving in Vegas. Some were just ending quarantines after contracting COVID-19 at one of the season’s first trade shows, the Archery Trade Association show in Louisville the first week of the month and the Dallas Safari Club show immediately afterward.

“We had one company pull out because they had two employees die after contracting COVID-19,” says Dolnack. “The fear is real.”

The state’s mask mandate kept others away from Vegas, though Dolnack says perspectives on masking are as polarized as any issue in America. Based on pre-show surveys “we knew that somewhere around 35 percent of attendees said they wouldn’t come if masks were required,” says Dolnack. “Conversely, we found that 31 percent of attendees wouldn’t come if masks were not required. So, what do you do?”

For some vendors and attendees, the cost of attendance—not only renting booth space from the NSSF and building and shipping their booths, but also costs to travel to and remain in Vegas for a week—was a deterrent.

Others say SHOT is just a distraction from keeping the throttle down in the hottest gun and sporting goods economy that any have experienced. They don’t need SHOT to drum up business; they have all they customers they can serve, and are struggling to get inventory because of supply-chain bottlenecks.

“A monkey can sell guns right now,” says Scott Grange, who recently retired from 40 years of managing marketing and media relations for Browning and Winchester, both of which did attend the show. “Now, anybody who has been in this business as long as I have knows that won’t always be the case, but right now companies are working as hard as they can just to meet demand.”

But the outdoor industry is changing, and some of the decline in participation at SHOT can be attributed to some brands’ belief that the show doesn’t represent them as much as it once did. Many companies that specialize in traditional hunting—as opposed to those that focus on tactical or paramilitary gear—no longer exhibit at SHOT. They’ve found that “civilian warriors” not only don’t buy their gear, but also represent an entirely different relationship with guns and the outdoors.

Doing Business Face to Face

If there are myriad reasons to reconsider SHOT, there are just as many that makes the show the foundation of the industry, and many said just being in Vegas was rejuvenating.

“I don’t honestly mind the slightly slower pace,” says James Lawson, vice president of Idea Ranch, an agency that represents a number of brands exhibiting at SHOT. “After more than a year of doing business over Zoom calls, there was a palpable hunger for human connection. I saw it and felt it, but I also think it came through in meetings this week. They were much more conversations and [they] felt much less transactional than in the past.”

Dolnack says one of the most widely cited value propositions of SHOT is the networking. During last year’s lock-downs, the NSSF experimented with delivering the show virtually, using video feeds and collaboration software to connect exhibitors with attendees. Based on feedback surveys, fewer than half of respondents said they’d repeat the experience, even though the virtual show was free.

“People ask why SHOT Show matters,” says Dolnack. “They say we can do everything we need to virtually. But when you’re here, you’re talking to people, you’re learning from other people’s experience, you’re engaging. We have a very tactile audience. People want to try the zippers and feel the stitching in a pack. They want to handle a gun to see the fit and balance for themselves. Hold an optic and determine eye relief for themselves. … Look, this is like the old trappers rendezvous. You have all the trappers coming in from all directions on the compass, and all the hucksters and hangers-on and all the trade that happens around it. You can’t deliver that on Zoom.”

The other reason to have the SHOT Show is because the NSSF—which is the firearms industry’s most powerful and stable organization as the NRA struggles with corruption and litigation—needs it to survive. Dolnack says that SHOT Show revenue is “a huge part” of the NSSF’s budget (he declined to give specific percentages, but noted that the NSSF had to lay off 20 percent of its employees following last year’s cancellation) and that it funds much of the work that keeps the shooting and outdoor industry in business.

The centerpiece of any SHOT Show is the State of the Industry dinner in which NSSF members, typically dressed in evening-wear, hear about the work they’ve funded in the past year. That dinner hasn’t been held the last three years, largely because main-line entertainers are reluctant to perform for the firearms industry, says Dolnack.

“Out of the big five talent agencies, only one would agree to work with us, and some artists and their management didn’t want to work with us because we’re in the firearms industry.”

Despite that, the NSSF’s elevator pitch remains the same, and has even sharpened during this boom time. The NSSF estimates 18.5 million gun sales last year in the U.S., which is the all-time second highest sales year behind 2020’s 21 million sales. Plus, the industry is working to serve more than 11 million Americans who bought their first gun in the past two years.

“We help keep you in business and we help you grow your business,” says Dolnack. “That’s been easy since the pandemic and [2020] election, but people forget that it’s not just about fear and uneasiness with the future. It’s also because we worked to get the gun industry declared essential during the pandemic. It’s because we’ve worked hard on banking reform so that lenders can’t discriminate against gun companies. We’ve been fighting for shooters and hunters at the state level. And it’s because we’ve been diligent about attracting new customers with our [hunting and shooting] recruitment programs. That’s all funded by revenue from the SHOT Show.”

Every firearms and ammunition industry insider we spoke to predicts an imminent slowdown for gun and ammo purchasing. Many expect to see sales plateau, but not necessarily drop off, in the second half of this year.

“Retailers are still selling every box of ammo we can get them,” says one ammunition company executive. “But, it’s taking them a little longer. Maybe before they’d sell a pallet of ammo in hours, now it’s taking them days. You don’t see lines outside the gun stores anymore.”

For shooters and hunters this is likely a good thing. It could mean that by the end of the year they’ll be able to find their favorite ammunition on store shelves again, maybe even at lower prices. But it could spell trouble for less stable brands. During the panic buying boom, any load or firearm sold quickly, regardless of its quality or how well it was marketed. That makes for incredible revenue gains, but it’s an unhealthy long-term position for an industry that’s serving a market which will soon be flooded with product.

“When you start to see rebate deals, you know people are trying to clear inventory and you know it’s over, the bubble has burst,” says one advertising agency executive.

And when the bubble does burst, companies that failed to innovate or recruit loyal customers will struggle. During hard business times, the industry needs a strong NSSF, many insiders say.  

“We don’t need to be at SHOT this year, we’re back ordered for months” one firearms company marketing director told us at the show. “But we’re here to support the NSSF.”

The View from Level 1

Back in the basement of Sands Expo, Level 1 where the Pacific Tool & Gauge was doing brisk business, the ceiling seems lower than it is and the dim light makes even pimped-out riflestocks look flat.

This is the cheapest square footage at SHOT, and it’s where many brands and manufacturers get their start. A 10×10 booth costs about $4,000, and if the space doesn’t have the flashy graphics and corporate feel of the flagship brands upstairs, Level 1 feels somehow more alive. It’s a cross between a Middle Eastern arms bazaar and a farmers market. First-time exhibitors chat up their product with infectious enthusiasm. You’re likely to see dogs in vendors’ booths. The mix of companies highlights the rich variety of the industry: finely tooled leather holsters share booth walls with Asian companies that make the diodes that power laser rangefinders and pistol sights. Across the aisle might be a financial advisor who specializes in firearms collectors and next to them a new type of exploding clay target.

Level 1 is where, according to SHOT Show lore and company history, Bill Jordan introduced his new camouflage brand, Realtree, in the late ‘80s. He was so delinquent on his booth payment that he ducked show staff looking to collect. But later in the show, Jordan signed a huge deal with Walmart and paid the final installment of his booth rent with a personal check, achieving escape velocity to join the big brands upstairs in subsequent years. Realtree did not have its usual presence at the show this year.

In one busy aisle, Josselyn Obregon called out to every passer-by, like a midway barker at a state fair.

“Wanna see the best product at SHOT?” hailed Obregon, who is the “manageress” of SPD Magazines of Kerrville, Texas. Then she demonstrated for visitors the line of aftermarket pistol, carbine, and AR magazines made by the company. They feature a crank on the toe of the magazines. Turn it one way, and the follower spring relaxes, allowing shooters to simply drop in ammunition without fighting the spring tension. Release the crank and the follower snaps taut, allowing for normal feeding. It’s a simple product, but it solves a problem that most shooters have encountered at one time or another: the laceration or chafing of your thumb as you load magazines with heavy spring tension.

Will SPD Magazines be back next year? Definitely, says Obregon. Maybe in a larger booth. And she should get the chance. The SHOT Show is contracted in Las Vegas through 2028. And as attendees filed out of the venues yesterday, they were greeted by signs reminding them to book next year’s hotel rooms now “in order to ensure availability.”

The post The Show Must Go On: Inside the Pandemic SHOT Show, and What’s Next for the Firearms Industry appeared first on Outdoor Life.

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While walking the floor at SHOT Show, some things draw you to a booth for the sake of curiosity alone. There is a lot of high-tech stuff, expensive stuff, sleek stuff, practical stuff, and some impractical stuff, too. But the following is a collection of gear that was hard to place, weird, or just too cool to walk by without stopping. We’ll start with the weirdest and end on the coolest.

Eyesonic MK3

When compared to low-profile electronic ear protection, this product from Bei Bei Safety looks pretty goofy. At first glance, I thought it was for people who tend to lose either their ear or eye-protection at the range. But after talking to the tech, I have a whole new respect for the Eyesonic MK3. Have you ever noticed when you wear eye protection and over-the-ear hearing protection that the arms of the glasses get mashed into the side of your face and ears? The Eyesonic MK addresses that by mounting the glasses on the outside of the earmuffs. No more discomfort, a perfect seal over your ears, plus no shrapnel or unburnt powder in your eyes. It’s kind of brilliant. beibeisafety.com

MAGnet Gun Caddy

The MAGnet Gun Caddy is made for leaning guns against metal objects, specifically car doors. Doing this is usually disastrous, resulting in a scratched car and a beat-up gun, but the Gun Caddy fixes that. The magnetic backing sticks to a car door, and the closed-cell foam grips the gun barrel. It works with rifles and shotguns and is good for fishing rods too. $10; peregrinefieldgear.com

CleanShot Barrel Cleaner

CleanShot is available in 12- and 20-gauge, and it is designed as a way to quickly clean your shotgun by shooting it. The company claims after firing a CleanShot shell, your barrel will be wiped clean. I haven’t personally tested this, but from some research online, it looks like it does work. I just can’t think of a time when I would have to use it. That being said, I do like how it turns cleaning, which isn’t fun, into shooting, which is. Note: CleanShot is only for use in the field or on the range and shooters should still clean their guns when they get home. $10; huntegoltd.com

Laporte Phoenix Archery Trap

Ever want to shoot moving targets in the air with your bow? Until I saw the Phoenix Archery Trap, I didn’t, but now I do. The trap throws foam discs into the air (or along the ground like a rabbit) for archers to shoot at with flu-flu arrows. The targets can take numerous hits with an arrow and there are even soft arrow tips for use indoors. The Archery Trap is a little pricey for you to stick in your backyard. It is usually used in places like 3-D archery shoots, corporate retreats, and summer camps. I was also told pheasant hunters who hunt with a recurve like to practice this way, which had me watching pheasant bowhunting YouTube videos for hours. $4,999; us.laporte.biz

Read Next: The 10 Best Pieces of Backcountry and Survival Gear from SHOT Show 2020

Bullet Baits

Bullet Baits are for people who love bullets so much, they want to go fishing with them. The company that produces them, Fort Scott Munitions, makes CNC-turned solid copper and brass bullets. When fired from a gun, their bullets are designed to tumble on impact with soft tissue, creating a large, devastating wound channel. When they are attached to a treble hook and dressed into a lure, they are designed to catch fish. Fort Scott takes blemished bullets from their production line and turns them into Bullet Bait, a run of handmade fishing lures. While they won’t tumble through a fish the same way they will other critters, they are shiny, heavy, non-toxic baits that should attract their attention. Available in a two-pack in .40 caliber and 5.56mm. $20; fortscottmunitions.com

The Venture Bucket Pack

There are a variety of high-tech hunting chairs that promise to make the hours you spend waiting for a buck or bird more tolerable. But a lot of hunters are still getting the job done on 5-gallon buckets. If you’re ready for an upgrade but not ready to let go of the bucket, Peregrine’s Venture Bucket Pack is for you.

For dove and waterfowl hunters, this is a pretty handy thing to have. On the outside, there are pockets for up to five boxes of shotgun shells, a water bottle holder, backpack straps, and D-rings for clipping on accessories. Inside, the walls of the bag are insulated, turning your favorite bucket into a cooler for dead birds and cold drinks. The top lid is a swivel seat. It’s also guaranteed for life. $75; peregrinefieldgear.com

Long Beard Turkey Hammock

Also from Peregrine Field Gear, the Long Beard Turkey Hammock is the ultimate, hands-free way to carry up to 30 pounds of dead turkey. This blaze-orange bag folds and fits in a camouflage pouch to easily pack into a hunt. After you kill your bird, wrap the Turkey Hammock around it to keep the wings and legs from flailing around and catching on branches. The shoulder strap does the rest. $25; peregrinefieldgear.com

Read Next: The Best Knives of SHOT Show 2020

LifeCard

The LifeCard from Trailblazer Firearms is a single-shot handgun that can fold down to the size of a credit card. At .5 inches thick and weighing less than 7 ounces, it feels more like an iPod than a pistol. To deploy, unfold the gun, break open the barrel, load a round in the chamber, pull back the striker, and fire. There is a compartment for extra rounds in the handle, and the pistol is available in both .22 LR and .22 WMR. I didn’t have a chance to shoot the LifeCard, but I did handle and dryfire it at the booth. Everything worked and locked up like it should, but it did require some concentration to get it ready for action. While I wouldn’t want to bring the LifeCard to a gunfight, I would put it in a survival kit or backpack before heading into the woods. $349; trailblazerfirearms.com/22wmr

Arsenal Miniatures

These $15,000 to $80,000 conversation pieces aren’t toys. Arsenal Firearms, the same people who put two 1911s together to make a double barrel .45, produce these perfectly scaled-down guns. The best part is they are not models; they are completely functional firearms. Every part works exactly like the full-size versions, they’re just scaled down. Theoretically, if you were to make and load tiny bullets into these tiny guns, they would shoot and cycle perfectly. At SHOT they had a suppressed AK-47 with an under-barrel grenade launcher, an MP5, a broom-handle Mauser, a Blaser, a couple of 1911s, and a few other famous guns. arsenalfirearms.com

Laugo Arms Alien

One muffled thing I kept overhearing through my earplugs at the SHOT Show range was, “Have you shot the Alien yet?” Eventually, we made our way over to the Laugo Arms booth and decided to try it. Everything about the 9mm Alien pistol is unique (including the fact that it currently costs as much as a used pickup truck). The barrel is fixed and mounted below the trigger finger, creating the lowest bore axis of any semi-automatic pistol in the world. The sights are fixed on a solid top rail that runs the length of the gun. And instead of the whole slide reciprocating, just the sides do, keeping any mounted optic on target.

The result of all this rearranging is a recoil impulse that pushes straight back instead of flipping the muzzle upward. For now, the pistol is only available in the U.S. as a limited run of 500 collector’s editions each costing $5,000. It’s hard to justify spending that much on a handgun, but it does shoot very well. Hopefully Lancer, the company that imports the Alien, will be able to import a more affordable version soon. laugoarms.com/alien

Read Next: The Best New Pistols at SHOT Show 2020

Arc’teryx LEAF DryPack 25

This drybag will do everything a regular drybag will do but better. It’s made for water-bound special operations, and I feel that it’s just the kind of high-speed, low-drag gear that I need in a duck blind. It is completely waterproof, features fully-adjustable backpack straps, has laser-cut MOLLE webbing (which is way better than regular MOLLE webbing), and best of all, it inflates. You can blow this bag up like a balloon and turn the heavy gear that would have drowned you into a floatation device. When used by special forces, it works like a Multicam pool float filled with night-vision goggles and explosives. For me, after I accidentally drop it from a duck boat, it would keep my warm clothes and snacks dry and above the waterline. Unfortunately, it’s also nearly $800; leaf.arcteryx.com/us/en/

Case & Winkler Knives Pack Axe

This small axe is very cool, and pretty expensive, but it’ll probably be the last hatchet you’ll ever buy. Designed in collaboration with Kevin Holland—a Special Forces operator and survival expert with over 2,000 combat missions under his belt—it feels like it’s the kind of blade you could use to field dress a mini-van.

The handle and head are made from a solid piece of 80CrV2 steel, which is tapered and gets thicker as you move towards the head. This gives the axe a balanced feel and puts all the weight right where you want it. There is a hammer end for pounding in stakes or driving nails, along with a very sharp cutting edge for fine work, like shaving tinder, and splitting kindling. While I was checking it out, a tech from the Case booth came over and said, “When I first saw it, we were in a meeting, and all I wanted to do was throw it and go cut stuff down.” I felt exactly the same way. Available in Summer of 2020, $499; caseknives.com/

The post Weird, Off-Beat, and Cool Guns and Gear from SHOT Show 2020 appeared first on Outdoor Life.

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Say what you want about the hunting world of late, but you can’t say that things aren’t interesting—especially when it comes to hunting ammunition. Over the last 15 years, designers and engineers have rendered the hunter more capable and lethal than ever before. And those same innovative people continue to work hard to keep that trend going. Here’s what’s new and awesome in terms of ammunition, as discovered at the 2020 SHOT Show.

SIG .277 Fury

In a radical departure from traditional cartridge design, Sig Sauer has put together a new and extremely hot cartridge. It’s an intriguing story, but the short of it is that the Fury was developed for military use. The parent cartridge was a .308 and the case itself is made of three-pieces rather than the common one-piece of brass we’re all used to. The forward section of the cartridge is made of brass, while the rear, and case head, are made of stainless steel. A third piece mechanically links the two together.

This construction allows pressures in the case to exceed those of standard and even magnum cartridges by as much as 20 percent. To stand up to the increased pressure Sig announced a new rifle, the Cross, that’s chambered in the .277 Fury. They believe this design may be the way of the future in the ammo world, and when you see the performance of this little cartridge you might agree. It’ll spit a 140-grain projectile downrange in excess of 3,000 FPS from a 16-inch barrel. That’s a lot of medicine in a compact package. Further specs are elusive at the time of this writing, but keep your eye out; they’re sure to be available soon. www.sigsauer.com

Federal Premium Terminal Ascent

Federal’s new Terminal Ascent is a reengineered and upgraded version of Federal’s already awesome Edge TLR ammunition. The rearward portion of the bullet is solid copper and built to penetrate deeply through bone and tissue. The forward section features a jacketed and bonded lead core, to provide devastating expansion, and a “Slipstream” tip for superior aerodynamics. The Edge TLR projectiles had one groove around the bullets shank. Many (but not all) of the Terminal Ascent line bullets sport two grooves, which has increased the accuracy of those bullets significantly, according to engineers at Federal. Currently, the ammunition is available in a variety of loadings and diameters including 6.5mm, 7mm (.284), and .30 caliber. Price will run around $58 per box of 20; federalpremium.com

Barnes .450 Bushmaster

The .450 Bushmaster is a favorite across states that only allow slug guns or straight-wall cartridges for deer hunting. Barnes has just added the cartridge to their lineup, loaded with a 250-grain TTSX that was designed and optimized for the Bushmaster cartridge. Projected velocities aren’t given on available literature, but it does state that the “load lines up well to utilize factory rifle scopes designed around 450 Bushmaster 250gr ballistics.” Considering the quality of Barnes projectiles, this combination should prove accurate, hard-hitting, and deadly. $40 per box of 20; barnesbullets.com

Hornady Outfitter .338 Win. Mag.

If you like big, hard-hitting cartridges, this is the one for you. The .338 Winchester Magnum is an awesome load that has proven itself in the elk, bear, and moose woods since 1958. Combine that with a corrosion-resistant nickel case sealed fore and aft against moisture and topped with a monolithic 225-grain GMX bullet, and you’re prepared to hunt anything on the North American continent. This new load in Hornady’s Outfitter line starts downrange at 2800 FPS out of a 26-inch barrel, with a muzzle energy close to 4,000 ft-lbs. And if you hunt in a non-lead-projectile area, this load is compatible with local regulations. $52 per box of 20; hornady.com

Norma Bondstrike 6.5 Creedmoor

A relative newcomer to the long-range hunting field, Norma’s Bondstrike ammo, by all accounts, is proving to be accurate and effective—which is what you’d expect from Norma. They’ve added a 6.5 Creedmoor to the line, loaded with a polymer-tipped 143-grain projectile going 2740 feet per second. G1 BC sits right at 0.629, with G7 at 0.313. This load should be great for anything up to and including—with careful shot placement—elk. SRP should come in around $38 per box. norma-ammunition.com

Read Next: 16 New Rifles from SHOT Show 2019

Sierra Prairie Enemy

Known for building super-accurate bullets, Sierra has recently begun manufacturing loaded ammunition, and they are offering a brand-new line of varmint/predator hunting loads this year. Loaded with Sierra’s own BlitzKing bullets, the line includes five options: a 36-grain .204 Ruger smoking downrange at 3840 fps, a 55-grain .223 Rem going 3215, a 69-grain .223 Rem traveling at 2950 fps, a 69-grain .224 Valkyrie at 3125, and a 70-grain .243 Win traveling at 3450. I don’t know about you, but I can’t wait to give this new ammo a try. sierrabullets.com

27 Nosler

One of, if not the, most exciting offerings of 2020, is a new cartridge developed by Nosler, the 27 Nosler. And if you’re a .270 lover, this is your new baby. The long-range shooting craze has left the .270 Winchester behind as standard slow-twist barrels found in older rifles don’t stabilize the long, high-BC projectiles of today. But don’t despair. The .277 diameter 27 Nosler is optimized for a 1:8.5-inch twist rate that will stabilize long-range projectiles, and send them downrange about 400 fps faster than your grandpa’s .270. It’s based on the .404 Jeffrey case, which is the same as that of the 30 Nosler, and it will be loaded in two iterations: a 150-grain Accubond, and Nosler’s new .277 165-grain ABLR. $69; nosler.com

Wincheseter 350 Legend Ammo

The new 350 Legend cartridge debuted in early 2019, and it was designed specifically for states where only shotgun or straight-wall cartridges are permitted for hunting. The little cartridge has made big waves due to its mild-mannered recoil and snorty attitude. This year Winchester has announced two additional loads. The first sends a 160-grain PowerMax Bonded downrange at 2225 fps, and it hits with authority, as a deer I dropped with prototype ammo last November can (well, actually can’t) attest. The second is Winchester’s Super Suppressed. It’s loaded with a 265-grain Open Tip Range projectile traveling at less than the speed of sound, and it is optimized for use with suppressors. MSRP will likely cost less than $20 per box. winchester.com

Browning 28 Nosler 139-Grain BXS

The 28 Nosler is known for superb performance, and in 2020, Browning is adding it to their line of monolithic BXS ammunition. This 139-grain projectile isn’t optimized for extreme range, but it is perfect for California and other areas where lead-core bullets are prohibited or frowned upon. Exiting the muzzle at a blistering 3350 fps, it should prove to be a flat-shooting, deep-penetrating round at normal hunting ranges. $48; browningammo.com

Winchester 6.5 Creedmoor Deer Season Copper

While on the subject of solid copper bullets, let’s take a look at Winchester’s new Deer Season load. Topped with a 125-grain monolithic bullet that features a large-diameter point to initiate rapid and explosive expansion, this Deer Season bullet will hit very hard yet still hold together and retain weight. Muzzle velocity is yet to be determined. Here again, this load is perfect for lead-restricted states and hunting areas. SRP will likely come in around $27. winchester.com.

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There’s a whole mess of new products introduced every year at the Shooting Hunting Outdoor Trade show in Las Vegas. Some of these products will help you shoot more accurately, hunt more effectively, and have more fun in the field. But, do you really need any of these new products to actually go hunting or shooting? Nope.

But then again, the SHOT show isn’t really about need. It’s about surprise and innovation. At SHOT, manufacturers roll out products that they’ve spent months (sometimes years) developing. We get to comb the showroom floor and pick out the best among the bunch. Here’s what we’ve found so far.

DAY 3

SIG Sauer Cross Rifle

SIG Sauer unveiled a bolt gun (with AR ergonomics) at SHOT Show 2020 called the Cross. There is a lot to unpack with this new rifle, which has three interchangeable barrels: a 16-inch in .308, 18-inch in 6.5 Creedmoor, and 16-inch in SIG’s .277 Fury. The Cross has a one-piece receiver, and the stock is unique in that it folds forward at the press of a button, making it less cumbersome to pack in and out of wherever you chase wild game. The stock is also adjustable with a spring-loaded comb for better fit. You will notice the magazine release is somewhat hidden in the trigger guard so you don’t have to worry about it getting hung up on your pack or even losing a magazine. It weighs just 6.5 pounds, so it’s a great option for the backcountry. —Tyler Freel

Leupold RX Fulldraw 4

Leupold’s RX Fulldraw 4 features Archer’s Advantage software, which calculates arrow weight, arrow velocity and peep height for better accuracy. The Flightpath feature will determine if your arrow will clear obstructions, like hanging limbs, out to 150 yards, and the 6x magnification power should give you plenty of power to put an eye on big bucks. This unit is waterproof and fogproof, plus the OLED technology is adjustable to match display intensity for changing light conditions. —Joe Genzel

Kimber Open Range Pro Carbon Rifle

Kimber has long been known for its lightweight mountain rifles, and this particular model comes equipped with an improved carbon-fiber wrapped barrel. The Open Range Pro Carbon is a dual-purpose bolt gun that can be shot at longer ranges, but is also accurate in situations where you might do some continuous shooting. It weighs about six pounds and has a wider fore-end that you can mount a bi-pod on. For now, the Pro Carbon is offered in .308 and 6.5 Creedmoor, but I suspect it will come in a wider variety of calibers in the years to follow. The barrel is also threaded for a suppressor. —T.F.

Browning Safe Builder App

Browning created an app for your smartphone that allows you to virtually place a Browning safe in your home before actually buying one. The app allows users to pick from an assortment of Browning safes, and then once you have digitally placed it, get a price quote and find a local dealer. —J.G

Winchester Model 1895

Teddy Roosevelt anointed this gun “Big Medicine” on his famous African safari, and Winchester is commemorating the iconic lever gun with a steel/nickel finish and hand-chased engraving on each side of the receiver for its 125th anniversary. The eight-pound rifle is chambered in .405 Win. with a grade V/VI walnut stock, straight grip and traditional-cut checkering. It comes drilled and tapped for a receiver-mounted side optic, which you can add if you want TR to rollover in his grave. —J.G.

Primos Photoform Decoys

Primos took a perfect high resolution photo of a live turkey and then printed it on 3D molded foam. The result is a pair of turkey decoys that look pretty damn good, the head on the jake deke is especially realistic. Probably the best thing about these decoys is how light and packable they are. If you wanted to use three or four decoys in a spread, you could easily stuff them into a bag and still run and gun. One or two will pack into the back of your turkey vest, no problem. The other cool feature is the stake system. There’s a zipper on the bottom of the decoy that allows you to move the bird’s position. So with one decoy you can run three body positions—looking, feeding, and breeding. MSRP is about $84 and the decoys should start shipping in early February. —Alex Robinson

Winchester AA Diamond Grade

If you’re a clay target shooter, you’re going to be familiar with Winchester’s AAs—they’ve been a go-to load for decades. With the new Diamond grade shell, Winchester has increased the amount of antimony, which is a hardening element. The standard shells are 6% antimony while the new Diamond Grade pellets are 8%. Besides that, Winchester is also copper-plating the pellets. Both features make the shot harder, which leads to better patterns. Winchester is saying this is the hardest lead shot available. It’s going to be more expensive than the standard AAs of course, so this might not be your everyday clay-busting load (many target shooters just want the cheapest loads available). But, if you’ve got a big tournament you need to win (or you just want a little advantage over your shooting buddies), you might consider upgrading to Diamond.

DAY 2

Winchester XPR Stealth

The Stealth is a new factory variation of Winchester’s XPR. The XPR has earned its reputation as a dependable, accurate, and affordable rifle. The most significant feature of the Stealth variation is it’s 16.5-inch threaded barrel. This rifle is designed with a suppressor in mind, and if you hunt with a can, it lets you have a more conventional overall-length package while still using a suppressor. Now, you can expect to lose some velocity compared to full-length barrels, but for the average hunter, it’s probably not enough to make much difference in rifle performance. The XPR Stealth will be available in most standard shorter-action cartridges. MSRP: $620 —Tyler Freel

Federal Premium Solid Core

One ammunition offering from Federal Premium coming in a bit under the radar is the Solid Core handgun line. As simple as it is, this brings a new option to the fairly limited field of bear-defense handgun ammunition. The bullets are hard-cast lead, but feature Federal’s Syntech coating. Typical hard cast loads often have to be lubricated with wax and in some handguns can cause excessive fouling. The Syntech coating, popular with Federal’s practice ammo, is a clean-shooting, and minimal-fouling addition to a deep-penetrating lead solid. Offerings should be available in common handgun cartridges, including 9mm, 10mm, .40 S&W, .45 ACP, .357 magnum, and .44 magnum. —Tyler Freel

Federal Premium Hammer Down

Federal’s Hammer Down line is targeted directly to lever-gun hunters. Federal worked with Henry Repeating Arms on this project to solve common loading, feeding, and cycling issues with standard ammunition by deburring and adding slight chambering at key spots on the cases. They’re also using a higher quality bullet—a controlled-expansion bonded bullet that will perform better than typical lever-gun offerings. You’ll get reliable cycling, as well as expansion without sacrificing penetration. If you’re a lever-gun hunter, especially in straight-wall states, you’ll want to check this out. It’s going to be hitting the shelves in standard lever-gun cartridges from .327 Federal magnum up to .45-70. —Tyler Freel

Leupold Sunglasses

Leupold has a new line of five sunglasses out this year that are purpose built for hunters and shooters, but even more importantly, these shades look cool. Three models (the Packout, Switchback, and Tracer) have an ANSI Z87.1+ ballistic rating, which essentially means that they exceed the industry standard for eye protection. The lens are interchangeable and compatible with prescription lenses. Street prices range from $160-200 depending on the model. The sunglasses should be available in April wherever you can find Leupold optics. —Alex Robinson

DAY 1

Benelli Lupo

The Italian shotgun maker has entered the bolt-action market with a sweet new hunting rifle called the Lupo. The best term I can find to describe the Lupo is, hybrid. It is clear that that the lines of this gun are influenced by its Italian lineage, but the flexibility, modularity, and adaptability of the fit and finish allow it to be specifically adapted to the individual shooter. Benelli promises sub-MOA precision with three-shot groups, but my prototype shot a bit better than that (I actually got to hunt with the rifle earlier this fall). Key features include:

A rigid steel recoil lug embedded in the lower receiver that mates with a machined keyway in the upper receiver engineered to create a solid bedding platform for the barrel.

• A 22-inch, free-floated threaded barrel with a sub-MOA guarantee.
• A user-adjustable trigger that can be tuned to break between 2.2 and 4.4 pounds.
• A three-lug 60-degree bolt with a unique fluted bolt-body that allows cartridges to seat higher in the magazine resulting in a shallow approach angle for shells being chambered.
• A progressive recoil management system designed to reduce felt recoil and reduce muzzle whip.

The Lupo is currently offered in .30/06, but Benelli has plans to add the .300 Win. Mag. and .270 Win. in 2020, and the 6.5 Creedmoor, .308 Win. and .243 Win. in 2021. The MSRP is $1,599. Go here for a full review. —Mark Copenhaver

Federal FireStick

This system heralds a whole new way to charge muzzleloaders. Although the FireStick still requires you to front-load the projectile (which is how this still qualifies as a muzzleloader in many states—check your regulations), introducing the powder is much simpler. The FireStick is an encapsulated load of Hodgdon’s new Triple Eight black powder in a waterproof plastic hull, it accepts a standard 209 primer, and is removable, meaning that you no longer have to either ram out or discharge your powder after a day of hunting. The FireStick is compatible with Traditions’ new NitroFire rifle—both were developed in conjunction with each other. It’s worth noting that this is a proprietary system, so you cannot use a FireStick in your existing muzzleloader. —Andrew McKean

Savage Renegauge

Savage’s Renegauge is one of the biggest introductions this year for a few reasons: 1) it’s the company’s first-ever semi-automatic shotgun, 2) it’s full of unique features, like a fluted barrel and patented gas system, 3) it’s a real gamer in the field. I had the opportunity to hunt with a pre-production model of the Renegauge on a sea duck hunt in December last year and my initial takeaways were that the gun absorbed felt recoil exceptionally well, it functioned flawlessly, and it pointed well. This is not a lightweight gun for covering miles in the uplands—the 28-inch barrel version weighs 7.9 pounds—but it was well-suited for a duck blind.

The Renegauge sports Savage’s AccuFit system, which the company has been using on its bolt-action rifles for years. The gun also comes with shims, which when combined with the cheek and butt pads, allows for 20 different variations. Most bird hunters don’t actually use shim kits, but that’s what’s great about the AccuFit system: It’s super quick and easy to use. You can swap out cheek pads without unscrewing anything. Simply peel off the pad and pop in a different one. (This will be especially useful for turkey hunters who want to run a red dot or sight and need more comb height.) Read the full review here. —Alex Robinson

Mossberg 940 JM Pro Competition Shotgun

This ready-to-roll 3-Gun competition shotgun from Mossberg was designed with plenty of input from, and named for, pro-shooter Jerry Miculek. It sports oversized controls, an extended magazine tube with a 10-plus-one capacity, a high-vis front sight, and an enlarged loading port, among other features. Best of all might be the price, which will appeal to folks who are looking to get into competition. You’ll be able to find the 940 JM Pro for around $900. —John B. Snow

Mossy Oak Shadow Grass Habitat

Bottomland was one of the most innovative waterfowl patterns ever created—just walk into any duck camp or public Waterfowl Management Area east of the Mississippi River and you will see how popular it is. Shadow Grass Blades never quite had the fanfare of Bottomland, but Mossy Oak is hoping to change that with Habitat. It looks like a darker version of Blades, which is probably preferable to most duck hunters unless they primarily hunt flooded corn. But even then, as the season gets into late December and January most all plant life, including standing crops, turn a darker shade of brown, and this camo looks like it will blend in most any environment. —Joe Genzel

Filson Dry Bag Backpack

I had the chance to test this pack in Kansas in an absolute downpour this waterfowl season. And by test, I mean I left it in the bed of the truck overnight after we received at least five inches of rain. All my duck calls, gloves and camera (thank God) were bone dry. There’s plenty of room on the interior to store all kinds of gear, plus the side pocket is a great place for keys and your wallet. The zipper is heavy-duty, much like the ones you will find on Yeti dry bags and Sitka waders. MSRP: $TBD —J.G.

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There is no hunting group more fanatical about gear than waterfowlers. We are always looking for new gadgets to trick ducks and geese into the decoys, a bigger mud motor to get to the blind faster…virtually anything that makes a morning in the marsh more efficient. The shotshell revolution continues with the advancement of tungsten and bismuth loads, some of which hit harder than lead. Choke tubes have evolved along with the ammo, delivering tremendous patterns so you can shoot birds at longer distances, though I can’t fathom why you would want to…unless it’s spring snow goose season. Decoys are more realistic than ever before, from paint schemes to keel designs that make fake ducks ride the water like real ones. So make a little more room in the trailer, or hell, buy a new one—you’re a duck hunter after all.

Mossy Oak Shadow Grass Habitat

Bottomland was one of the most innovative waterfowl patterns ever created—just walk into any duck camp or WMA east of the Mississippi River and you can see how popular it is. Shadow Grass Blades never quite had the fanfare of Bottomland, but Mossy Oak is hoping to change that with Habitat. It looks like a darker version of Blades, which is probably preferable to most hunters unless they primarily hunt flooded corn. But even then, as the season gets into late December and January most all plant life, including standing crops, turn a darker shade of brown, and this camo looks like it will blend in most any environment. —Joe Genzel

Savage Renegauge

Savage’s Renegauge is one of the biggest introductions this year for a few reasons: 1) it’s the company’s first-ever semi-automatic shotgun, 2) it’s full of unique features, like a fluted barrel and patented gas system, 3) it’s a real gamer in the marsh. I had the opportunity to hunt with a pre-production model of the Renegauge on a sea duck hunt in December last year and my initial takeaways were that the gun absorbed felt recoil exceptionally well, it functioned flawlessly, and it pointed spot on. This is not a lightweight gun for covering miles in the uplands—the 28-inch barrel version weighs 7.9 pounds—but it was well-suited for a duck blind.

The Renegauge sports Savage’s AccuFit system, which the company has been using on its bolt-action rifles for years. The gun also comes with shims, which when combined with the cheek and butt pads, allows for 20 different variations. Most bird hunters don’t actually use shim kits, but that’s what’s great about the AccuFit system: It’s super quick and easy to use. You can swap out cheek pads without unscrewing anything. Simply peel off the pad and pop in a different one.

The shotgun will come with three choke tubes and uses the Beretta/Benelli Mobil choke if you want to throw in an after-market tube. It also has a switchable/ambidextrous safety for you left-handers. The black finish runs $1,449, while the camo model goes for $1,549. —Alex Robinson

Federal Black Cloud TSS 20-Gauge

Black Cloud has come a long way in the last few years. It used to burn on the dirty side and you couldn’t shoot it out of ported chokes (due to the first generation wad). Federal changed both those elements with the advent of the Flex wad and cleaner burning primers that improved the load markedly. BC has always been hard-hitting, and now that it’s offered in TSS, you can expect even better performance…as long as you shoot straight. TSS will be available in 20-gauge this fall in a 3-inch shell that blends Nos. 2 and 9 shot (60 percent TSS/40 percent steel). TSS is 56 percent denser than lead and double the density of steel, so even the biggest, greasiest local honker won’t stand a chance inside 50 yards. If you want to buy shotshells specific to the way you hunt, Federal has a new Custom Shop where engineers will create TSS hand-loads to your order specs. Just be prepared to pay for that performance. MSRP: $39 (10 shells) —J.G.

CZ 1012 All-Terrain 12-gauge

CZ came out with 11 models for this new All-Terrain lineup that features a green Cerakote finish on the receivers and barrels of all the guns. There are side-by-sides and over/unders, but for those of us who send dogs and don’t follow behind them (no offense upland hunters), is the 1012. It’s a 3-inch, 12-gauge auto-loader for under $700, and weighs just 6.5 pounds, which makes it ideal for public land or any of us that have to walk-in to the duck hole. Extended black choke tubes are easy to swap out in the field. The inertia-driven 1012 has a 28-inch barrel and cross-bolt safety found at the front of the trigger guard. MSRP: $690 —J.G.

Pinteal

Being able to turn a motion decoy on and off is paramount to killing ducks later in the season, because they get skittish around spinning wings in constant motion or on a standard timer. If you’re sick of carrying around a bunch motion remotes, like me, Pinteal’s wire harness system allows you to sync most Lucky Duck and Mojo decoys (they will add Higdon and Wonderduck soon), and control the speed and intermittent timer with your phone via bluetooth. It’s a simple process of connecting the wire harness and turning on the bluetooth function. There are a few different Pinteal models that connect to a variety of decoys. You can operate the decoys up to 70 yards away, plus control multiple spinners from one phone. If you’re worried about getting your phone wet, Pelican makes a line of waterproof cases I highly recommend. MSRP: $65 —J.G.

Lucky Duck Flickertail

Different is always best when you’re hunting pressured birds, and the movement of Lucky Duck’s Flickertail is meant to catch the attention of ducks overhead. This confidence decoy will run for 20-plus hours on four AA batteries, and you can couple it with an HD remote (sold separately). LD also has a new butt-up feeder this year called the Agitator, which throws water out the back end of the decoy to mimic ducks feeding. MSRP: $80 (Flickertail) —J.G.

Pelican Cargo Cases

Duck hunters are always trying to bring more gear afield, and the Pelican Cargo cases are ideal for storing small items like ammo, spinning-wing decoys, or bundles of decoy stakes. The cases come in a variety of sizes, from smaller cubes (50 liters) up to trunk cases (255 liters). Each is roto-molded to withstand serious abuse. They are weather-resistant for protection from rain and dust. You can buy mounting systems separately to attach the case to truck rooftop racks or beds, handy when you want to detach a Cargo full of gear and throw it in the boat. All hardware is corrosion-resistant and the latches are lockable. MSRP: $200-$400 —J.G.

Alps Outdoorz Deluxe Wetland Seat

The No. 1 factor that causes me to give up on public land is a sore ass and stiff back, which seems to come more quickly these days. The Deluxe Wetland seat will allow you to catch more afternoon flights thanks to the added support of a removable backrest. This seat also swivels 360 degrees, so there’s less of a chance you will have to stand to shoot or shoot from an awkward angle. Seat material is made of mesh, so water drains, which should help with dreaded dry-rot. The spike looks heavy-duty, but the chair is made from aluminum so it’s lighter and won’t rust as quick as many of its contemporaries. It adjusts from 24 to 34 inches. MSRP: $TBD —J.G.

Cupped Waterfowl Wader Bag

I took this bag on just about every road trip this season, because it fits waders, a jacket, vest, and a change of clothes in the waterproof front pocket should you take a dip in the marsh. It’s great for early mornings, because all your clothing is in one spot, so you can grab it and go. After the hunt is over, I just step inside the bag and peel waders off, then slide into a pair of XtraTuf boat deck shoes. There’s also an integrated Neoprene mat to change into your shoes if you want to use it. MSRP: $60 —J.G.

Carlson’s Delta Waterfowl Chokes

From skeet to waterfowl, I know Scott Carlson’s choke tubes have made me a better shot than I really am. The extended close-, mid-, and long-range chokes have a longer parallel section that makes for dense patterns and fewer flyers. Each choke tube is made in the United States and carries a lifetime warranty. All steel shot sizes may be used in the close- and mid-range chokes. The long-range allows steel shot to be used up to BBs that don’t exceed 1,550 fps. MSRP: $120 (3-pack) —J.G.

Filson Dry Bag Backpack

I had the chance to test this pack in Kansas in an absolute downpour this season. By test, I mean I left it in the bed of the truck overnight after we received at least five inches of rain. All my calls, gloves and camera (thank god) were bone dry. There’s plenty of room on the interior to store all kinds of gear, plus the side pocket is a great place for keys and your wallet. The zipper is heavy-duty, much like the ones you will find on Yeti dry bags and Sitka waders. MSRP: $TBD —J.G.

D.T. Systems K9 700 E-Collar

A handy tool for training work or hunting your retriever in a small wetland or timber hole where the dog will not have to chase down sailed birds, the K9 700 has three programmable modes at the touch of a button. The 16 e-stim levels can be adjusted by a numbered (positive click) dial with Nick, Continuous, and Jump options. There is also a no-shock vibration option. It has a range of 700 yards and the collar battery can be charged in two to three hours. The remote/transmitter operates on a replaceable 9v battery. MSRP: $180 —J.G.

Flambeau Gunning Series Canvasback

I hunted over the GS Mallards last year in water big and small. They stood up to the abuses of the Illinois River and danced nicely even in the slightest winds in backwater sloughs. This season, diver hunters will be able to take advantage of the foam-filled canvasback and bluebill models. The foam molds keep them light and virtually unsinkable. A stainless-steel blade keel is what allows the decoys to ride the water with better movement, and the floaters are coated with U-Vision, which dulls any glare. MSRP: $110 (6-pack) —J.G.

Mojo Elite Series Mini Mallard Drake

The little brother to Mojo’s King Mallard spinner, the Mini is less cumbersome and lighter for walk-in hunters. It still has an internal motor with a flexible skin surrounding the housing and comes remote ready, though you will have to buy the actual remote separately. It’s equipped with a USB connection and runs on four AA batteries (not included), which more motion decoys are moving to—it’s more convenient for hunters than recharging or replacing the old 6-volts. MSRP: $120 —J.G.

Dogtra 3500X E-Collar

The 3500X was built for duck hunting and competition, so you can control pup in the marsh or at field trials. Expandable to two dogs with the addition of a second collar, the unit has a 1.5-mile range (which you will likely never need, but is nice to have if a young dog encounters a deer and gives chase). The remote has a stimulation level lock, and a single button controls the NIC/constat operation function. There is an eight-level selector dial, OLED screen and the 3500X is waterproof. MSRP: $370 (one collar) —J.G.

Apex S3

Known for it’s TSS loads, Apex has a more affordable option in S3 steel, available for 20- and 12-gauge. Apex tested both shotshells and posted the results to its site. The 1-ounce, 4-shot in 20-gauge runs out the muzzle at 1,250 fps and had 133 pellets inside a 20-inch circle (181 inside 30-inch circle) at 30 yards. It’s also available in 2s and BBs. The 12-gauge, 1¼-ounce, No. 2 moves at 1,400 fps and registered 60 pellets inside the 20-inch circle at 40 yards and 111 hits inside the 30-inch circle. It comes in 4s and BBs as well. Read the [full review here.](https://www.outdoorlife.com/story/guns/top-custom-shotshells-that-are-better-than-steel/) MSRP: $24 —J.G.

LaCrosse AeroHead Sport

Warm boots that function is all every field hunter asks for and LaCrosse has done a darn good job of that for years. The AeroHead is made of lightweight/durable polyurethane (used to insulate refrigerators and freezers). Waterproof, the Brush Tuff material stands up to cut cornstalks trying to stab your shins. A shank in the arch and heel of the boot makes the AeroHead more durable. The shank is open in the middle for more cushion, and the footbed actually has a removable insert so you can have a more custom fit. Available in Realtree, Mossy Oak, and Optifade camo patterns. MSRP: $180 —J.G.

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