Once again, I'm covering the things that I think are the most interesting from SHOT Show from the comfort of my computer chair. Through the magic of YouTube videos and other sources, I get a chance to see some of the products at SHOT Show 2025. Honestly, as much as I want to go, if someone had offered to send me for free, I would have turned it down. I'm so sick of being sick, and I would have gotten sick from SHOT as I hear everyone gets sick.
Beretta 80X in .32 ACP and the New 20X
This has no utility or impact on anything that is actually useful in the real world, but I genuinely have wanted a .32 ACP Beretta for a while. I know that the 3032 Tomcat had been out. I have the Bobcat Covert and was very aware of it's bigger sister but the Cheetah when it was updated to the 80X version, I wanted in .32 ACP. I have no use for it. I just wanted it. Well Beretta is doing it. I don't know that I can even find a way to buy one but I want one and I want to put a suppressor on it. Apparently, you can get either the .380 or the .32 version and buy barrels and magazines to swap calibers. Fascinating.
In addition, Beretta updated the 21a into a 20X series which does basically the same things as the other series but to their tiny .22 LR version. It allows for a red dot sight which I can confirm is a big help with the shoot-ability to the platform as I have a 21a Covert and love it. The new 20X would be just that much better and a pleasure to shoot.
Henry Arms' SPD and the Supreme
Henry says they have some new group inside their structure. No idea what they actually do but it looks like they are making Cool Guy versions of their line up.
What makes the first gun in the lineup interesting is they have implemented lightweight materials such as a carbon fiber barrel to reduce weight when using a suppressor. They based the build on the Big Boy rifle. I think I will be interesting to see what other things they think up next.
On a side note, Henry does say that the Supreme that recently came out is just the beginning and they are planning on additional versions. I think a .350 Legend version could be amazing for those Straight-Wall states.
Smith and Wesson Removes ILS Plus More
Smith and Wesson have been listening and are finally removing the ILS from the Classic line of revolvers. They started with the Ultimate Carry versions which aren't Classics but it was a start. The first of the line are the Model 36, 10 and 19. I wish they had done this a few years ago when I got my Model 17. Personally, I think this is a big deal as the ILS hole on the side plate is ugly and ruins the classic looks of the Classic line up. They also are changing some of the barrel profiles for the Classic line up to be more of the traditional profile instead of the bull barrel.
Lipsey's is also working with S&W to bring the Mountain Gun line back up. They are starting with an improved 686 in .357 then a nice 629 in .44 Mag. None of these will have the ILS either. I would love to see a 627 Mountain Gun with a 5 inch barrel.
There are also titanium versions of the Ultimate Carry J-frames that S&W and Lipsey's worked together on from last year.
KEL-TEC RP57
KEL-TEC's new semi auto 5.7 pistol is funny, quirky and bold. If you haven't seen it, its goofy and I appreciate it. A stripper clip feed pistol. No removable magazine.
Primary Arms
I'm very interested in their new PLxC 1-8x scope. They are adding a new, brighter center dot that's illuminated. While that's not a new idea, the dot is supposed to be substantially brighter than the normal dot which means it should be visible during the day. Many illuminated LPVO's aren't daylight bright. This one should be. The only downside from me will be cost. I expect these will be $1400+ and way outside my budget. I would like to replace my aging Gen 3 1-6x PA LPVO.
Daewoo (SNT Motiv)
SNT Motiv is South Korea's primary arms manufacturer and are opening a plant here in the U&S for domestic sales. The DP51, which is very similar to the Smith and Wesson 59, along with copies of their armed forces weapons will be available for us here. There is quite the following for these arms. For me, the DP51 is interesting and I had missed out on the Lionhart guns back in the day.
WOOX Starting to support lever actions with the Bravado
WOOX is the company making gorgeous wood furniture for longguns that blends metal into the stocks. It allows for support for things like mlok slots and QD sling cups but keeps the beautiful wood furniture. They released their Bravado stock that works with Henry lever actions. It's stunning, making for a perfectly mixed concoction of modern and traditional aesthetics that has been missing from the lever action world.
You either have the traditional design or you get a Mad Pig style modern rifle. There has been no middle ground. If you wanted to add something like a weapon light, you needed a special picatinny mount for the magazine tube but with their handguard, you can now mount a scout light using an mlok slot. I'm hoping they start supporting Rossi and Marlin designs.
.338 ARC Support
I have become a big fan of .300 Blackout. I still want to see if I can find a great bullet for subsonic hunting on the Little Farm and build a dedicated subsonic hunting rifle. As I go, I'm wondering if stepping up in diameter. 8.6 BLK was interesting but it's a short action sized cartridge which means stepping up to a new rifle. The new .338 ARC fits nicely in the ubiquitous AR-15 ecosystem. If I fail to find something that works for the .300 BLK, then it may be best to start looking at .338 ARC. It makes me feel better knowing that all I need is an upper.
Marlin Firearms
As always, I always keep an eye on what Marlin is doing as I am holding my breath for a 336 Classic threaded version. Usually, things are pretty conservative. They did "announce" the Guide Gun versions of the 1894 which I already covered. I don't know what else Marlin will be doing. I know what they COULD do but it may be a while before new calibers come online such as .45 Colt, 360 Buckhammer or even .41 Magnum. Don't forget people clamoring for a new 39a. At this point, it's likely that I will have to get a Rossi R95 to build the wood stocked, blued steel level action .30-30 of my dreams. Too bad the SBL isn't blued.
Hodgdon Trail Boss
According to the Hodgdon spokesman at SHOT, they are pushing to have Trail Boss back in stock this year. If the cost is under $40 a bottle, it should still be one of the cheapest plinking loads I have.
Conclusion
If I had to pick any ONE gun from SHOT Show 2025, I think I would walk away with the new Smith and Wesson 629 Mountain Gun. I don't do anything in .44 but I like what it represents. The runner up is the Beretta 80X in .32 ACP with a hope of a threaded barrel for it. As for what would I actually spend my money on knowing that I'll actually use it? The Beretta 20X.
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