SHOT Show Roundup: Accessories and Gadgets
This is part two of a two-part series discussing all the new items displayed at SHOT Show. I do not doubt that your Instagram Feed and YouTube Watch Later sections are filled with SHOT Show content. However, it can be a bit daunting to sift through it all. This article is designed to be a landing spot with a quick down-and-dirty look at new items. This second article will focus on firearms accessories and other gadgets while the previous article covered firearms. One note, this is not an all-inclusive list. There is too much. However, I’ve tried to comb through and list the most likely to-be-available accessories and tried not to include any concepts or prototypes that will not be released for some time. Also, I’ve tried to add what I thought was the most interesting, so I excluded some general line extensions or line updates. Enjoy.
Silencers: The famed Swiss company is bringing its entire (well, a lot of it at least) suppressor line to the United States. Their suppressors are extremely rugged and have seen hard use around the world. They have options for pistols, sub-guns, machine guns, and rifles. They also have modular options so the end user can optimize the suppressor to the need at hand. Their listings are daunting, to say the least. The best part, B&T’s suppressors are competitively priced.
Lazarus 6: This Dead Air’s first 3D printed hard use can—meaning it is super durable and is full-auto-rated with zero-barrel length restrictions. The number 6 in the suppressor’s name represents bullet diameter. This suppressor works with calibers such as 6mm ARC and 6mm Creedmoor (as well as other 6mm or smaller cartridges). The Lazarus 6 is also HUB compatible, meaning the suppressor can be modified to fit a wider range of muzzle devices by changing out the backend. Also, with its unique baffle design, the Lazarus maintains low back pressure while having a lower sound signature than other LPB cans.
AK Trigger: The ALG AK-T trigger has been on the market for some time and has been a best seller for Geissele. However, it falls under the ALG umbrella which generally consists of budget-friendly options. The new Geissele option is a Two-Stage trigger that is very similar to the SSA/SSA-E trigger to the AK market. The trigger is drop-in. Geissele is working out compatibility options for the AK Trigger.
Iris: The Iris is an IR laser, IR illuminator, and daylight visible laser module. The IRIS uses the latest in VCSEL technology that ups its ability while staying within commercial spec ranges. The IR illuminator can be focused via a slider on the unit’s topside. Holosun is working on tape switches that modernize their current offerings. The price point is $800.
Raid: This is a 1000 Lumen and 80,000 Candela weapon-mounted flashlight that’s designed to work in partnership with Holosun’s new IRIS Laser module—or course it can be used singularly or in conjunction with another brand’s laser unit. The unit is rechargeable via a magnetic charging cable. One of the hallmarks of this light is its price—$180. Combined with the IRIS, this gives the end user an affordable option for day/night operations at about $1000.
Flow 22 Ti: This is a 3D-printed titanium rimfire suppressor. It measures 5.5” long and weighs 3.9 oz. So, this is a super minimalistic can. On the plus side, this suppressor is full-auto full-auto-rated for 22 LR, 22 WMR, and 5.7X28mm. Conversely, this is a non-serviceable can, meaning you must use a specialty suppressor cleaning/soaker to maintain the can.
Mark 4HD: This line was already released but made its official debut at SHOT Show. While we have a dedicated article covering Leupold’s new product line, I’ll briefly cover the highlights. This is a 4X zoom ratio series of optics that maintains 85% of the Mark 5HD’s performance but at a substantially lower cost. Magnification ranges vary from 1-4.5, 2.5-10, 4.5-18, 6-24, and 8-32. They are offered in a variety of tube diameters, illumination options, reticle choices, and more. Prices start at $1000 and plateau at $1600.
TMAG: This is Magpul’s first fully Translucent magazine. This gives the user the ability to verify round count and type.
AMAG 17: Another first for Magpul is an aluminum magazine. While known for high-impact polymer, Magpul found that they can’t use this material for all magazine types because of mag-wall thickness. So, they’ve gone aluminum. They are starting with Sig P320 17-round magazines.
MOE PR Carbine Stock: This is a budget-friendly, precision rifle stock. The form factor is like the PRS Lite stock and is designed to offer ample cheek weld space, an anchor point for your off-hand, and the bottom of the stock’s frame serves as a bag rider.
DT Carbine Stock: This is Magpul’s all-new Dual Tension stock. Dual Tension technology creates a rock-solid platform that combines the best features of the CTR and SL stocks.
Master Bench Block Pro Kit: This is the ultimate bench block for servicing pistols from large full-frame duty weapons to concealed carry options as well as parts for your rifle. However, that is just the façade. The block aspect detaches to reveal a hammer and punch set. Once those tools are removed the bench block can be placed back on top to create a tray for pins that drop through. Pretty neat.
Spectre 9: This is a titanium 9mm can that is half the weight of the Omega 9k. The Spectre 9 is quieter than its Omega counterpart and, because of its lighter weight, doesn’t require the use of a booster on some handguns. The Spectre 9 can also handle 300 BLK in a semi-auto configuration (if full auto, then 300 BLK subs only). And, if you happen to have a Glock 18 lying around, the Spectre 9 is one of the few suppressors that can tame it. For compatibility, it fits Silencerco’s Alpha line of accessories.
XR1 & XR2: While these optics debuted a few SHOT shows ago, Surefire finally has them ready for mass production. The basics, the light is designed to fit compact handguns (think Glock 19) but pushes 800 lumens and 15,000 Candela. To do this, the light uses two illuminators and reflectors. The light is rechargeable with a battery unit that is removable from the light to be charged. The XR2 is the same as the XR1 but adds a red or green laser to the mix (but the footprint remains the same, which is great for holster compatibility). The XR1 is $449 and the XR2 Red is $599 (the green will be more).
Tape Switch: Along with new lights, Surefire released a couple of new tape switches that can be adapted to Picatinny Rail or M-Lok. The Tape Switch uses a single button—press for momentary and click for constant. The big deal: they are compact and take up less rail space. Dual-lead switches are on the horizon.
Stiletto Pro II: Surefire’s new Stiletto maintains the previous iteration’s thin form factor, making it easier to conceal. The biggest update is the light’s performance output: 1500 Lumens and 35,000 Candela. Another update is the charge port. Like most things in the tech world, Surefire has updated the port to USB-C.
