SHOT Show 2025 Roundup: Modern Sporting Rifles and Large-Format Pistols

SHOT Show 2025 Roundup: Modern Sporting Rifles and Large-Format Pistols

Heckler & Koch MR-A4

Heckler & Koch is producing firearms in the U.S. now and a civilian version of the world-renowned 416 is one of the first to be released. The MR-A4 is the civilian semi-automatic version of the 416, a military proven gas-piston AR style rifle. The MR-A4 was launched in a 16.5-inch rifle version, an 11-inch pistol version, and a 16.5- inch .308 Win version. The only two differences between the 416 and MR-A4โ€™s are the ability for select-fire and the bore not being chrome-lined. All three versions come with full ambidextrous controls, 45-degree-throw safety levers, two-stage Heckler & Koch triggers and a dual-claw ambidextrous charging handle. The rifles will all ship in soft cases and will also be available as complete upper-only configurations.

Aero Precision Pro Series

Aero Precision is offering a more duty-focused, hard-use line of AR-15โ€™s, the new Pro-Series. Available in three different colors (black, kodiak brown, and OD green), these full ambidextrous builds look and feel superb. There are anti-rotation set screws and steel barrel nut on each rifle to create a rigid platform on which to mount lasers and optics which can hold zero. The 7-sided M-Lok rail also contains steel QD inserts for attaching a sling with less chance of slippage or premature wear. The lower receiver has fully ambidextrous controls with your choice of a 45- or 90-degree safety throw, while the barrels are cold hammer forged from Ballistic Advantage. The Pro-Series has a starting MSRP of $1,999.99.

Zastava ZPAP M72

The Serbian machine known as Zastava launched its version of the civilian RPK, donned the ZPAP M72. The DNA of the 21-inch barrel rifle is the same as the M70 with 1.5mm receivers and a bulged front trunnion. The furniture and side-optic mounts are standard M70 as well. The heavier profile and partially ribbed barrel along with the easily detachable bi-pod allows for more prolonged or sustained rates of fire. The front sight is fitted with the classic flip-up design but instead of tritium contains a simple white dot. The first batch of M72โ€™s sold out quickly but a new batch will be arriving on our shores in March.

B&T BT-15

B&T USA is getting into the AR-15 game with a partner we all know and love. The BT-15 and BT-15 Enhanced are almost 100-percent full Geissele builds. With the exception of the muzzle device and grip which are B&Tโ€™s and the Magpul stock Magpul, these guns are Geissele to the core. The โ€œAssaulterโ€ muzzle device is compatible with SureFire suppressors right out of the box. The difference between the BT-15 and the Enhanced version is the handguard. The enhanced version is fitted with a 3-D printed titanium rail which is lightweight and extremely tough, while the BT-15 is fitted with a Geissele rail. Small parts such as the safety lever, charging handle, and bolt-catch are all Geissele as well. Both guns are equipped with Geisseleโ€™s SDC (Super Dynamic Combat) trigger. Both versions will be available in either 11.5- or 16-inch barrel lengths, with the 16-inch version using Geisseleโ€™s intermediate gas-system.

Palmetto State Armory H&R 9mm Pistol

Palmetto State Armory, under the H&R brand, broke out the H&R 9mm pistol at Shot Show. This compact AR-style pistol is assembled with a 7.5-inch barrel with a 1:10 twist. Both the upper and lower are dedicated 9mm receivers and are compatible with Colt-pattern 9mm magazines. The back end is fitted with the HAR-15 brace riding on a 6-position buffer tube. The built in carry-handle and smooth plastic handguard give this 9mm a nostalgic retro look. The front flip-up sight sits behind a threaded barrel covered with a thread protector. A classic A2 grip finishes off this fun throwback shorty pistol build.

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