IWA

Good afternoon everyone and welcome back to TFB’s Silencer Saturday, brought to you by Yankee Hill Machine, manufacturers of the new Victra-12 shotgun suppressor. This week we have some exciting news about a new power player in the silencer retail space. Palmetto State Armory has teamed up with Capitol Armory to sell suppressors and ship them directly to your door once the paperwork clears.

Gestamen has developed the G224 light machine gun to modernize the Hungarian Defense Forces' squad automatic weapon lineup, offering a domestic alternative to legacy designs like the M249 SAW and FN Minimi. Chambered in 5.56 NATO, the G224 is a gas-operated, air-cooled, belt-fed LMG with a quick-detach barrel featuring trapezoidal cooling fins for better heat dissipation. The G224 also includes a STANAG magazine well, allowing compatibility with standard AR-15 magazines for added versatility in the field. Built with a monolithic forged receiver and a side-folding, telescopic stock, this LMG is designed for durability, adaptability, and modern battlefield effectiveness. With the Hungarian military set to field this weapon in the coming years, could the G224 be a worthy successor to the M249 SAW and FN Minimi in NATO arsenals? 

The UK’s Royal Marines have confirmed that some units of the UK Commando Force are now equipped with the SIG Sauer MCX. The announcement on social media simply reads: “The UK Commando Force has been issued with 1,500 new Sig Sauer MCX rifles for use in the maritime counter-terrorism role.”

Zero Compromise Optic is pushing the limits of LPVO performance with the all-new ZC210, a 2-10x30mm scope designed for professional shooters, law enforcement, and hunters alike. With a lighter, more compact design, the ZC210 features a precision-engineered reticle system, a parallax adjustment from 8m to infinity, and lockable elevation and windage turrets for ultimate accuracy. Offering red and green illumination, a rugged 36mm tube, and a waterproof construction rated to 4 meters, this optic delivers versatility and durability for any mission. Check it out from IWA 2025.

Tanfoglio has introduced the new Hexagon at IWA 2025, a high-performance pistol designed for competition and tactical applications. The Hex features an integral compensator with a single-port bull barrel, reducing muzzle flip for better control and faster follow-up shots. Built on a steel or polymer large frame, it includes ergonomic enhancements like front and back strap grooves and aluminum tactical grips. The optic-ready slide and adjustable sights make it a versatile option for shooters looking for precision and adaptability. The Hex is Tanfoglio’s latest entry into high-performance handguns. Is this the best factory-compensated pistol for 2025? 

The Gestamen Arms G9HSP is Hungary’s latest entry into the modern handgun market, offering a modular 9mm design with an interchangeable firing mechanism for unmatched versatility. Built for military and law enforcement use, this pistol features an ergonomic grip, intuitive controls, and customization options to fit any mission. As part of Hungary’s push for domestically developed firearms, the G9HSP is shaping up to be a serious contender in the tactical pistol world. See it in action from IWA 2025.

At IWA 2025, German company Corelock introduced the DH24 tactical rifle sling, designed to improve accuracy and weapon control in dynamic shooting situations. This sling functions like a vertical foregrip, allowing the shooter to lock the rifle into their shoulder using the support arm, increasing stability and reducing muzzle rise by up to 70%.

Sig Sauer released a strong statement today disputing the current narrative around the P320 pistol. The Statement, entitled ‘The Truth About the P320’, puts the bottom line up front: “The P320 CANNOT, under any circumstances, discharge without a trigger pull – that is a fact.” Let’s take a look at the statement, the back story, and what this may mean going forward.

This is a continuation of my machine gun series. In 2008, NATO supported Georgia's bid to join the alliance and created a commission to oversee the accession process. Georgia must fulfill several requirements, including modernizing its army and standardizing Western weapons and ammunition. In 2017, the Georgian Ministry of Defense started replacing the Soviet-made PKM general-purpose machine guns with the M240B 7.62x51mm medium machine gun.

Another amazing build and set of photos from Holt Works Photography, to go with our Photo Of The Day. For short barrels, I’ve personally gone with calibers like 9x19mm and 300 Blackout, and not the 5.56. According to Holt Works, the Infinity 7.62 Suppressor is up for the job.

Welcome to another edition of Fudd Friday, where we celebrate the classics that make old-timers nod in approval and young tacticool operators scratch their heads in confusion. Bet y'all knew you'd see me here eventually. As one of TFB’s resident old soul writers, it was only a matter of time. Today, we're diving into a rifle that somehow managed to combine two things that some would say shouldn't go together: a bolt action and the venerable .30-30 Winchester cartridge. Yes, folks, we're talking about the Stevens 325.

The sheer volume of AR-15 options can be very overwhelming for a first-time buyer, or even someone with a few ARs of their own. This guide will break down the confusing world of barrels and what features really matter. We will also talk about matching up barrel features to intended purposes.

Tanfoglio has unveiled the Pugio, a unique 1911 crossover pistol that blends the classic 1911 design with modern tactical enhancements - and it should be in the $600-$700 price range. Shown at IWA 2025, the Pugio keeps the single-action trigger, frame-mounted safety, and grip angle of a traditional 1911 but introduces a modular frame, double-stack magazine capacity, and optics-ready capability. Designed for both competition and defensive use, this pistol delivers increased firepower, improved ergonomics, and modernized features while maintaining the precision and reliability expected from Tanfoglio. Could this be the best modernized 1911 platform on the market? 

Charles Daly showcased the new Mammut line of tactical triple-barrel shotguns at EnforceTac 2025 including a pistol-gripped version that brings a new level of firepower to defensive shotguns. This triple-barrel design builds on Charles Daly’s existing triple shotgun platform, but with a focus on tactical applications featuring shorter barrels, aggressive styling and a design suited for high-powered home defense or breaching roles. The standout model in the Mammut series is the pistol-gripped variant offering compact firepower with three stacked barrels capable of rapid follow-up shots. With Charles Daly pushing the boundaries of tactical shotgun design, could this be the most extreme home defense shotgun yet?

The Benelli Lupo Alpha redefines lightweight performance as the world’s lightest metal-chassis hunting rifle, weighing just 2.6 kg. Featuring a cryogenically treated pencil profile barrel, an ultra-light yet rugged biomimetic design, and sub-MOA precision, the Lupo Alpha delivers unmatched handling and accuracy in the field. With an adjustable trigger and a free-floating barrel for superior consistency, this rifle is engineered for hunters who demand cutting-edge innovation without compromise.

At EnforceTac 2025, Sako revealed the TRG 62 - a high-precision sniper rifle chambered in 9.5x77mm and designed for extreme long-range engagements beyond 2000 meters. Built for military and law enforcement applications, the TRG 62 features a cold-hammer forged barrel, an adjustable stock, and an upgraded chassis to maximize accuracy and shooter comfort. With power and ballistic efficiency, this rifle is engineered for ultra-long-distance precision shooting and anti-materiel applications.

When it comes to shooting sports, buying new gear and checking out the latest and greatest is always one of the most fun parts of getting into shooting. One of the toughest parts is actually putting everything together to better your skills. This week, I wanted to look at some drills that are easy to shoot for beginners but also can push your limits when you progress as a shooter. Some of the drills out there can be really complicated and intimidating for new shooters, while others don't challenge you enough when your progression takes off. It can be tricky to find the right drill that allows you to grow and have it still be challenging for you. Let's take a look at some of the best drills for beginners.

One of many things to see at SHOT Show 2025 was MKE USA’s fantastic booth. Their “Wall Of Fame” is like made for TFB’s Photo Of The Day, so let me share my images both for you who were there and those who didn’t make it. Should we call this MKE’s version of the Grey Room?

Welcome back to another edition of Concealed Carry Corner. Last week we talked about the carry guns of TFB. With so many writers carrying a concealed firearm, it was a fun list to throw together just to have various perspectives of the gun community. If you happened to miss that article and want to check it out, be sure to click the link here to check it out. This week, I wanted to look at some of the positives when it comes to both semi-auto carry guns and revolvers.

ART Tech is bringing modern lever actions to the next level with their new .223 and .308 rifles showcased at IWA 2025. The .308 model is designed for hunting while the .223 version is a tactical rifle built for modern applications featuring an M-LOK forend, black synthetic furniture, and the ability to accept AR-15 magazines. This rifle blends classic lever-action with modern features, offering a fast cycling alternative to bolt actions while maintaining compatibility with standard AR mags and accessories. With lever actions gaining popularity, this makes sense as a budget option.

WBP is releasing a new version of the Jack AK-47, now featuring Ukrainian KPYK parts for a modernized, lightweight tactical upgrade. Shown at IWA 2025, this updated Jack retains its Polish craftsmanship but now comes with KPYK handguards and stocks, known for their rugged, lightweight construction and enhanced modularity. With these upgrades, the WBP Jack is now optimized for tactical applications while maintaining AK reliability. Could this be the best modernized AK variant yet?

If you live in Babylon Village, NY, and you want to buy a gun, you’d better get your traveling shoes on. Town council in this Long Island municipality has just passed a law that bans gun sales inside its borders. The law appears to cover both business and private sales in the town of 12,000+ residents.

If you’ve ever had a messy pile of guns or been envious of those expensive gun displays you see around the web or on TV, then there might be an alternative option for some of you more self-starting types out there: 3D Printing. Today, for the podcast, I’ve brought on my good friend “Hammy” to talk about his online and on-demand 3D printing store, Hammy3DPrints. Hammy has turned his once-upon-a-time hobby into a full-fledged business with thousands of parts and custom designs to tackle everyday organizational tasks like storing magazines, displaying guns in stores or at gun shows, and even some more on-the-range products like kill flashes and light covers. Today, Hammy will talk us through his thought processes on his 3D printing business and methodology, as well as his reaction to his first time at SHOT Show in Las Vegas. Please give Hammy a warm welcome to the program!

This series of articles primarily focuses on the post-Soviet states in the South Caucasus region, which have inherited large stockpiles of arms from the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. However, these stockpiles are finite and are rapidly depleted during conflicts. This issue is particularly evident in the long-standing tensions between Azerbaijan and Armenia over regional territorial disputes, which trace back to the aftermath of World War I.

Imagine a piece of leather so sweet it fits right into TFB’s Photo Of The Day. Well, here it is in the form of the Pathfinder Chest Holster 1911 made by 1791 Gun Leather. It makes me want to casually walk around with my binoculars (although I usually prefer thermal ones), with a 1911 - cocked and locked - in the middle of my chest. Previously I never felt this need, but now I do.

Armasight has unveiled its latest iteration in the Contractor series of thermal optics, the Contractor 320 Lite. This 2-8x thermal optic features the advanced ArmaCORE 12 Micron Sensor, offering excellent clarity and precision while being built for maximum performance in the field, according to Armasight. The sensor is said to offer enhanced resolution with a 35% reduction in power consumption, providing up to four hours of continuous use on just two CR123 batteries.

Springfield is fresh off of the high from SHOT Show and they’re delivering to us yet another new grouping of handguns to add to their ever expansive portfolio of arms. If you love yourself some 50 Shades of FDE, then you will be happy to hear that Springfield Armory is now making their 1911 DS Prodigy Comp AOS 9mm handguns in a Coyote Brown colorway. 

Ferox is bringing a true innovation to the lever-action market with their new Glock mag-fed lever gun, set to launch in 2025. Designed for modern shooters who want classic reliability with tactical upgrades, the Ferox will initially be available in 9mm, with a .45 ACP version to follow. This rifle features an AR trigger and mag release, a threaded AR9 barrel, and compatibility with Remington 870 stocks, allowing for extensive customization. The spring-loaded lever system speeds up cycling, making it one of the fastest-operating lever guns available. With a retail price between $1,500 and $2,000, this could be the most versatile and modular lever-action rifle ever made.

The Chinese state-owned North Industries Group Corporation Limited (Norinco) has developed the NAR CS/LR17, a modular rifle chambered for 7.62x39mm. This rifle is marketed as a next-generation weapon system, drawing inspiration from weapon development efforts initiated during the Global War on Terror, particularly the U.S. Special Operations Command's FN SCAR (Special Operations Forces Combat Assault Rifle) program. Initial prototypes emerged around 2016 and have since undergone significant development. The CS/LR17 is part of the NAR family of next-generation rifles, focusing on modularity and versatility. This series is designed as a modular, multi-caliber system to compete with modern Western rifles in the export market.

Over/under shotguns have long occupied a unique position in the market - respected for their reliability and classic handling, but can often be priced out of reach for many shooters. Stevens, a division of Savage Arms, aims to solve this with their 555 series. While some might dismiss Turkish-made shotguns, the 555 and its variations have earned a reputation for delivering fundamental quality at an attainable price point. Let's see how their standard 555 in 12 gauge performs where it counts.