Barnes Precision has always produced outstanding rifles, you can see them regularly in my videos for GunsAmerica.com. They are pretty much my go-to standard for testing ammunition, and what I use in my training courses. Let’s see what they have new for this year at SHOT.

Benelli is generally my first choice in shotguns. I have used the M2 for 3-Gun for almost five years now. Benelli has been synonymous with reliability among hunters and shooters since they opened the doors in 1967. I am sure it helps that they are now under the same umbrella as Beretta, who has been making firearms since 1526. The SuperNova lived up to the reputation I was expecting in every regard.

The booth for Unique ARs grabbed my attention from across the room. It’s not tactical. It’s not coyote tan. It’s not endorsed by counter-terrorism experts from across the realm. But it is totally freaking cool. It is a Trump-marked AR handguard. Yes, you can Trump your AR with Unique ARs’ help. It has “TRUMP” and “Make America Great Again” emblazoned along its length.

Barrett is one of America’s truly great weapons designers, and the new 240 LWS from the company took the cake for change this year. The 240 family of weapons has been in service with the US military since the late 70s, and it was due for an overhaul. Barrett delivered one of those in spades with its new 240LWS.

Tactical Solutions is known as one of the giants in the rimfire world, and this year at SHOT Show they did not disappoint. They guys took the famous X-Ring Takedown model, and gave it some flash with new furniture. Enter the X-Ring Takedown with Magpul Backpacker stock.

Less than a decade ago the standard for military assaulters was a 2.5 inch thick super stiff belt, to which you attached your pistol and pistol mags. Usually with duct tape. They were heavy, uncomfortable, and had a bad habit of rubbing your body raw when you wore them over 2 hours. In short, they sucked, but they were all we had. You don’t know what you are missing until you get an awesome piece of gear. And the VTAC Brokos is that.

Could you shoot a match stick in half with a $39 BB gun? My lil bastard cousins can. I spent a weekend with them, going over some fundamentals. They made a bet that they could do, and it quickly got expensive.

Today’s spotlight is on a very special set from Barnes Precision Machine–an AR-15 with uppers in both 5.56 and .300 AAC Blackout. Why two upper receivers? That is the brilliance of the Blackout. 300 AAC was designed from the ground up to work with all existing AR-15 components except the barrel. Magazines, bolt, and all the internal parts are identical. But the real benefit comes from active training.