We walked more than 40 miles on the show floor over four days. And we picked through every last rifle, shotgun, load, holster, optic and more. Then we threw it all in a giant sausage press, cranked on the handle, and here we go. The Tactical Life rundown of the best new guns and gear we saw at SHOT Show 2023.
Best New Guns & Gear From SHOT Show 2023
This year clearly shapes up a little bit different. Companies, caught up from the recent artificial buying spikes, launched more new product. Yet the ATF pistol brace ban hung a heavy cloud on the show floor. Nevertheless, we saw several tactical cowboy guns, better optics and many new guns. It should all make for one heckuva year!
5.11 Tactical Gear and Apparel
Keeping your feet dry and comfy makes for one happy shooter. The 5.11 A/T Mid Waterproof Boots is an extension of the widely popular A/T series with the addition of waterproof protection that combines with the A.T.L.A.S. technology for proper weight distribution, improved stability and return energy for all-day comfort.
What operator would be complete without a battle belt to mount a holster and accessories? The proven and proprietary TAC-LAM high-strength laminate on the outer belt in an ergonomic shape combines with an inner hook-and-loop webbing for a proper fit. Laser-cut MOLLE slots along the belt allow for mounting plenty of duty gear. The COBRA buckle assures a secure fit while the included D-ring gives added versatility.
Keep your plates secure and gear close at hand with the 5.11 Tactical QR Plate Carrier. The carrier features the company’s patented Sierra Bravo Slide quick-release buckles for quick donning and doffing. Again, we see the TAC-LAM laminate for support and plenty of real estate to attach a wide variety of accessories and gear.
Dress for success with the XTU Pant and Rapid Long Sleeve Shirt. The XTU Pant gives a dynamic range of motion with its gusseted crotch and seat while large cargo pockets and no-melt/no-drip fabric will see these pants through the worst days. The Rapid Long Sleeve Shirt keeps you dry and fresh with its moisture-wicking and anti-odor materials. As the XTU Pant, the no-melt/no-drip fabric takes on the rigors of the day. Dual pocket sleeves, adjustable cuffs, articulated armpits, reinforced elbows and bar tacking at critical stress points deliver performance with comfort. (511tactical.com)
Beretta 80x Cheetah
The Italian firearms maker is bringing a new, fresh design to its legendary Cheetah pistol with the 80x Cheetah. Chambering in .380 ACP, the new compact pistol brings modern-day carry features, including redesigned ergonomics, a smaller Vertec-style grip, Xtreme S Double/Single trigger, a skeletonized hammer and a whopping 13+1 capacity. Oh yeah, it comes standard with an optic cut, so it is ready to rock straight out of the box. (beretta.com)
Beretta 92XI
For full-size 9mm pistol fans, Beretta delivers a new model in its 92 series with the 92XI. The new addition features the long-awaited, frame-mounted safety for easier manipulation along with ergonomic improvements. The 92XI features a single-action Xtreme S, flat-faced trigger, performance DLC-coated trigger components, a lightweight skeletonized hammer, Vertec-style frame, optic cut and a fiber-optic front sight. (beretta.com)
Black Rain Ordnance Commando Series
OK, dubbing this one a “Best” in class is probably a little premature. But this is legit one of the coolest, most interesting new rifles out of this year’s SHOT. Black Rain partnered with legendary operator Craig “Sawman” Sawyer to design a completely new bullpup. Incredibly lightweight in the hand, the balanced bullpup offered configurations from CQB out to PRS. It reportedly turned a lot of heads from folks that use guns for a living. (blackrainordnance.com)
Bond Arms Rawhide .22 LR and Stinger RS .22 LR
A small, concealable handgun can be lifesaving in EDC or while taking care of pests around deer camp. Now available from Bond Arms are two new double-barrel guns chambered in the ubiquitous .22 LR round. The Rawhide .22 LR sports a 2.5-inch barrel while the Stinger RS .22 LR offers a 3-inch barrel. Both guns feature stainless steel with a Rough Series finish, a rebounding hammer, retracting firing pins and crossbolt safety. As handsome as they are functional, these .22 double-barrels are sure to be a blast to shoot. (bondarms.com)
Burris Veracity PH Riflescope
The new Burris Veracity PH riflescope brings serious tech into view without a soul-crushing price, yet all in a high-performance optic. The 4-20x55mm riflescope features a heads-up display built into the reticle. After pre-sighting in and plugging the data into an app, you simply dial your elevation to the corresponding range and fire. An incredibly intuitive system and works lightning fast, for around $1,200 retail, we look for this one to become a big winner. (burrisoptics.com)
Canik Mete MC9
Although Canik is hardly the first to jump into the micro-compact market, the company did take its time to produce the Mete MC9 to meet the demands and needs of consumers. Canik listened to consumer feedback for what folks really looked for in the platform and produced a diminutive 9mm with an overall length of 6.1 inches and a scant weight of 21.1 ounces. Although small in form, the MC9 offers 12+1 or 15+1 capacity. Each pistol comes with a hard case, two magazines, an IWB holster, three backstraps, tool kit and punch, speed loader, pinky rest and cleaning kit, all for the MSRP of $440. (canikusa.com)
CZ P-10 OR SR Pistols
Known for reliability, accuracy, extended service life and great ergonomics, the CZ P-10 line of pistols now has two optics-ready models available—the P-10 F OR SR (full size) and P-10 C OR SR (compact). Both pistols share an optics-cut slide, luminescent iron sights that co-witness with RMRs and chamfered edges for smooth handling. Prominent grip checkering gives a sure grip while three included backstraps offer customization to different hand sizes. A trigger safety, trigger bar safety and firing pin block safety rounds out the package. Both pistols come with extended mag bases for increased capacity by two more rounds. (cz-usa.com)
Federal Premium Punch 30 Super Carry
Designed from the ground up to bridge the gap between 9mm and .380 ACP, Federal’s 30 Super Carry gives great terminal performance with an expanded capacity and lower recoil. Introduced last year, Federal now offers the new caliber in its popular Punch self-defense ammo line. The latest iteration produces ideal expansion and penetration for self-defense situations with its skived jacket and soft lead core. (federalpremium.com)
Federal Premium Train + Protect 10mm
For big-bore shooters, Federal offers the Train + Protect 10 mm round. The new 180-grain 10mm load takes advantage of Federal’s VHP bullet with a proven hollow-point design. Each round is loaded to give consistent performance on the range and in the real world. The load features extremely reliable primers along with the benefit of being able to reload the brass. (federalpremium.com)
FN 510 Tactical and 545 Tactical
More big-bore action is coming from FN America with its introduction of the FN 510 Tactical and FN 545 Tactical striker-fired pistols. Chambered in 10mm, the 510 Tactical boasts a shocking 22+1 capacity while the 545 Tactical delivers a capacity of 18+1 of .45 ACP. Both pistols offer a threaded barrel, optic cut and suppressor-height sights. The handguns share the styling and ergonomics of the 509 Tactical, such as the enhanced grip texture, interchangeable backstraps and slide serrations for superior control. A crisp trigger pull weight of about 6 pounds combines with effective recoil control for an overall accurate shooter. (fnamerica.com)
Gemtech Neutron Suppressor
Suppressor use among the public is ever-increasing, and Gemtech is helping fulfill those needs with the introduction of its Neutron 7.62 suppressor. Using four patent-pending technologies, the design strikes a balance between size, strength and weight for an all-around versatile can. Compatible with the HUB 1.375-24 thread standards, the Neutron accepts a wide variety of mounting hardware and gives precise alignment with Gemtech’s Elite Taper Mount. (gemtech.com)
Leupold Mark 5HD 2-10×30
The new 2-10×30 expands the popular Mark 5HD line of riflescopes from Leupold. This one brings a rugged, reliable optic in a shorter, lighter platform. Think carbines and DMR use here, as well as most general rifle marksmanship service for most shooters. The performance-driven Mark 5HD line doubles down on serious shooting features, offering a TMR reticle and milliradian adjustments, an illuminated TMR reticle option and a PR1-MOA reticle with MOA adjustments. The new 2-10×30 will retail for $1,899.99. (leupold.com)
Remington Range Ammunition
Practice makes perfect, and Remington gives shooters a handgun load that provides shot-to-shot consistency and makes for the perfect practice round. The Remington Range loads are available in 9mm and .40 S&W and feature clean shooting Kleanbore priming and full metal jacket bullets. No matter if you shoot paper or steel, Remington Range can meet your needs with the ammo available in packs of 50, 500, 600, and 1,000 rounds. (remington.com)
Ruger Security-380 Lite Rack
New shooters and those who have compromised grip strength will find the new Ruger Security-380 Lite Rack the perfect micro-compact for a full day on the range. The .380 ACP pistol shines with its Lite Rack System, refined slide serrations, pronounced cocking ears and lighter recoil spring for easy slide manipulation. Constructed around a rigid, precision-machined, hardcoat anodized aluminum chassis, the Security-380 Lite Rack relies on Ruger’s Secure Action fire-control system for proven reliability and performance. Safety features include an integrated trigger safety, external safety and neutrally balanced sear that requires significant engagement and strong spring tension along with a hammer catch. The pistol comes with 10+1 and 15+1 capacity magazines. (ruger.com)
Savage Arms A22 Takedown
The Savage Arms A22 Takedown reminds us that the Ruger 10/22 is actually not the only rimfire name in town. This new offering from Savage looks strong out of the gate. If features really cool synthetic stock that includes a storage compartment for three, 10-round rotary magazines. The 18-inch carbon barrel comes threaded. Meanwhile, the 0 MOA Picatinny rail includes a channel thru-rail for using the low-profile iron sights. An awesome-looking little takedown package worthy of a pack or truck ride. (savagearms.com)
Smith and Wesson M&P 5.7 Pistol
All aboard the 5.7 train! Smith and Wesson is the latest manufacturer to take advantage of shooters’ fascination with the 5.7x28mm round. Smith’s offering is the full-size M&P 5.7 Pistol with a 22+1 capacity of the popular round. The gas-operated, locked-breach rotating Tempo Barrel System combines with a new 5-inch barrel that harnesses the speed of the 5.7 with quicker extraction once the bullet passes the gas port. This allows for increased accuracy while the pistol gives only light recoil. Features include a threaded muzzle, optic cut, single-action flat-faced trigger and Picatinny rail, making this a great find at the MSRP of $700. (smith-wesson.com)
SilencerCo Velos LBP Suppressor
Gas blow-back into the face is one of the most common complaints about suppressors. SilencerCo minimizes this issue with its latest 5.56 suppressor—the Velos LBP (Low Blow-Back Suppressor). Constructed through a unique manufacturing process that uses a 3D-printed Inconel 625 core that is fully welded to 17-4 stainless steel front and rear modules. With its patented Hoplon Blast Baffle that deflects debris, the Velos LBP is the most durable SilencerCo suppressor and is rated for full auto. (silencerco.com)
Stoeger STR-9S Combat +
Stoeger also added a new and updated version of its Combat model with the STR-9S Combat +. The pistol sports a new look with rugged tungsten Cerakote slide finish. New improvements include a beveled mag well, threaded barrel, tall and adjustable fiber-optic sights and an optic cut for an RMR with four mounting plates that accommodate the most popular red-dot sights. Each pistol comes standard with three backstraps, a holster and a hard case for travel and storage. (stoegerindustries.com)
Stoeger STR-40
Stoeger first jumped into the polymer pistol realm with the STR-9. Heralded as a great budget gun that gives you more bang for your buck with its feature set, the STR-9 has expanded with other 9mm models, including a compact, subcompact, micro-compact and combat models. Stoeger now offers the STR pistol in .40 S&W. For the low-low MSRP of $329, you get a nitride-hardened matte black receiver, loaded chamber indicator, aggressive serrations, an internal safety and reversible magazine release. While the pistol comes standard with three-dot sights, models with an optic cut or tritium night sights are also available. (stoegerindustries.com)
Streamlight TLR-8 Sub Pistol Light
Designed for subcompact pistols, the Streamlight TLR-8 Sub weapon light delivers 500 lumens of light along with either a red or green laser. Low profile and ultra-compact, the new light’s custom TIR optic produces a concentrated beam that gives both long-range and optimal peripheral coverage. Machined from aircraft aluminum with a black anodized finish, the small unit weighs 2.77 ounces and measures 2.51 inches long. With a runtime of 1.5 hours with both light and laser, the TLR-8 Sub takes a single 3-volt CR123A battery. The light and laser combo will fit select Glock, Sig Sauer, Springfield Armory and many 1913 short-railed subcompact handguns. (streamlight.com)
Streamlight ProTac 2.0 Tactical Light
Giving 2,000 lumens of bright light, the ProTac 2.0 Tactical Light is sure to reveal what goes bump in the night. The light offers the latest in power LED technology in three light modes. The Ten-Tap programmable switch gives users to select from three different programs: high/strobe/low (default), high only or low/medium/high. Constructed from the 6000 series machined aircraft aluminum with an anodized finish, the handheld sports an anti-roll head and a gasket-sealed lens. The light comes with a removable, multi-position pocket clip, holster and USB-C charger. (streamlight.com)
Taurus Judge Executive
The Judge revolver is the latest to get the Executive treatment from Taurus. It boasts presentation-grade grips, hand-fitted action and other enhancements for everyday carry. The Judge Executive is chambered for both .45 Colt and .410 bore shotshells. The revolver also carries a first-of-its-kind brass bar front sight for rapid target engagement. (taurususa.com)
Taurus 856 T.O.R.O. and 605 T.O.R.O. Revolvers
Always on the lookout to improve its products, Taurus now offers two small-frame revolvers that come optics-ready. The Taurus 856 T.O.R.O. and 605 T.O.R.O. Revolvers are based on the popular Defender series with all-steel construction, 3-inch barrels and a replaceable front sight. The new revolvers deviate from the Defender series in that they are milled to accept an optics plate that accepts compact red dots using the Holosun K footprint. (taurususa.com)
Tisas PX-9 Compact
Built on the proven PX-9 series of pistols, Tisas now offers a smaller model with the PX-9 Compact that carries the same features as the full-size PX-9. Chambered in 9mm, the Compact offering features an integral rail for lights and lasers, optics-cut with cover plate, hammer-forged barrel, removable mag well, reversible mag catch, a Nitride-finished slide, ambi thumb safety and a flat trigger with a passive safety. (tisasusa.com)
Viridian RFX 45 Closed Emitter Green Dot Optic
It’s a fact that the human eye can pick up green much better than red. Viridian now adds the RFX 45 Closed Emitter Green Dot Optic to its RFX line. The new green dot has many features that set it apart from others, such as machined 6061 aluminum housing, fully multi-coated lenses, audible and tactile adjustability, instant-on activation and an auto shut-off. The RFX 45 comes standard with an ACRO-compatible mount with other mounts available as well. The battery runtime is about 50K hours. (viridianweapontech.com)
XS Sights Inline Rear Sight Pusher Tools for Glock Pistols
DIY is all the rage these days, and XS Sights makes changing the rear sight on Glock pistols quick and easy with the Inline Rear Sight Pusher Tools for Glocks. The new tools are included in the DIY Series and Gunsmith Series. The open-top design gives easy visual alignment and viewing during installation. The non-marring brass bit protects from scratches while the built-in centering scale provides precise windage adjustments. The tools work on suppressor-height sights and require 50% less force than other available tools. (xssights.com)
