SHOT Show 2017: Day 1
Due to travel, day one at SHOT 2017 was somewhat abbreviated for me. Still, I managed to make it to several booths. Here are some highlights from the day.
Yankee Hill Machine
The first booth I visited was YHM’s. Last week, I helped to break the news that YHM’s lightweight, affordable Turbo 5.56mm suppressor was on its way. Today, I got my first hands-on time with the can, and it was everything I expected. It’s remarkably light, yet solid. I’m pleased to see more and more companies moving to tubeless suppressors, and YHM’s second effort of this sort seems to be a real gem. Look for more on the can soon.
YHM also released new M-LOK rails this year. M-LOK isn’t new by any stretch, but YHM continues to improve their overall aesthetic. Gone are the days of the aggressive fore-ends and muzzle devices. The new M-LOK rails look tame enough to fit on most any rifle, yet they still carry YHM’s overall feel.
Griffin Armament
Griffin’s SHOT is a bit quieter than last year, but don’t let that fool you. The company is tooling up to greatly increase production and they’re tweaking some of their current lines. Most notably, the Sportsman .30 and .338 caliber suppressors will be getting user-serviceable facelifts this year. There will also be some less drastic changes to the Recce line. Once they get the new machines running at full capacity, look for Griffin to make a major resurgence.
I’m still working to get some M2 sights in for review and with any luck, will have some shortly after SHOT.
Browe Optics
Ever since I discovered Browe around two years ago, I’ve been interested in seeing their sights. They don’t have a whole lot of new products this year, but they do have an AK-optimized Browe Tactical Optic available. If you’re interested in an ACOG, but would prefer it be driven by battery as opposed to tritium/fiber optic, Browe might be your ticket.
Gemtech
Interesting things are happening at Gemtech. While their GM-45 may not be all that old, they’re moving forward with a new, better performing .45 caliber suppressor called the Lunar-45. Like a few of its competitors, the Lunar is modular and can be configured in lengths of either 8.5” or 6.9”. The longer configuration weighs 11.3 ounces, while the short tips the scales at 10.1 ounces. The silencer features a titanium blast baffle, followed by 7075 aluminum ones. Most of the baffles are K-style, save the two cones in the front module. On a .45 ACP host, Gemtech claims the Lunar can offer a 129 dB muzzle report in the long format and 137 in the short configuration.
Also in Gemtech’s booth was their Integra 5.56mm and .300 BLK integrally suppressed AR-15 uppers. According to the Gemtech reps, the Integra was originally developed in .300 BLK for British SAS forces, but it’s now rolling out to the civilian market. Both models feature user-serviceable G-Core monocores.
Troy Industries
A year ago, Troy Industries debuted their My Service Rifle line with new production replicas of the XM-177E2 and GAU-5/A/A rifles. This year, they’re vastly expanding that line with several new models. Among the new offerings, you’ll find the Mk12 Mod 1, a replica of the Mogadishu carbines, the GUU-5/P, and an XM-177 pistol. Prices vary by rifle, but they’re relatively reasonable if you consider the cost to put together clones. The Mk12 interests me most as it comes with the proper KAC-style free float rail and an OPS muzzle brake and collar.
Tactical Solutions
Tactical Solutions is expanding their line of shrouded ARs with the new TSAR-300 and TSAR-223 rifles and uppers. Designed to contend with NFA laws regarding short-barreled rifles, the TSARs offer a shroud that extends off the barrel and brings what would otherwise be an SBR to Title I length. At the same time, a suppressor can be dropped inside the shroud so that it effectively adds no length.
Tactical Solutions is also offering up its first complete pistol. Dubbed the TLR-22, it is based on a Browning Buckmark but has a number of enhancements. Most notably, it is far lighter than Browning’s product.
ZEV Tech
The folks at ZEV Tech have long been known for making some cool parts for Glock handguns. This year, they’re expanding into the AR market with their new ZEV Single Stage Rifle Trigger (SSR). Each SSR ships with two hammer springs – one that provides a 3 to 3.5-pound pull and another that offers a more “mil-spec” 5 to 5.5-pound weight. I played with the booth demo for a bit and was impressed by its clean break, lack of overtravel, and short reset. The AR trigger market is crowded, but ZEV’s offering should appeal to competitors who emphasize speed.
ZEV also has several new Glock parts on the way. Their new Spartan slides look great, even if aesthetics make up most of the selling points. As far as functionality is concerned, they come machined for a red dot and the deep serrations at the front and rear of the units make them remarkably easy to charge.
Elsewhere, ZEV has two new rear sights this year, and they’re dropping their magazine wells to just two SKUs. The wells will now be offered in a large Pro Plus model and a smaller Pro version. Their rear sights add the fixed Rear Combat Sight and the DPP Adjustable Sight Plate (not pictured). The Adjustable model is particularly interesting as it replaces the slide plate and allows shooters to swap between red dots and adjustable iron sights.
Chaos Gear Supply
You may remember that I recently reviewed CGS’s Hydra suppressor and was very impressed. Next up from them is their Kraken 9mm suppressor. Offered in both aluminum and titanium/stainless, the Kraken supposedly beats the longstanding 9mm king, the Ti-Rant 9. It’s a bold statement, but even bolder is CGS’s claim that their upcoming Nautilus 45 (not pictured) bests Rugged’s Obsidian. I’ve seen the video of the Nautilus being metered next to the Obsidian, and it does indeed win, but without being there, it’s difficult to say. CGS also plans to release a follow-up to the Hydra called the Siren 22 that they say tops its predecessor in just about every way.
Elite Iron
The last booth I stopped by on day one was Elite Iron’s. Up to now, I only really knew the company for the suppressors they sell through Silencer Shop. I took some time to check those out and was impressed by the simplicity and effectiveness of their QD mounts. Essentially, you just thread the can on the mount and snug it against the muzzle device’s large shoulder.
I also got a chance to see the company’s new lightweight Revolution bipod. Whereas their past Revolutions were all steel and quite heavy, the new aluminum model is remarkably light. It won’t come cheaply (look for prices in the $550 ballpark), but Revolution is very nice. It also features removable feet that can be swapped with other, purpose-driven, or even custom parts. I’m not necessarily a precision rifle guy, but if I were, I would be all over this bipod. Hell, I want one anyway.
An information security professional by day and gun blogger by night, Nathan started his firearms journey at 16 years old as a collector of C&R rifles. These days, you’re likely to find him shooting something a bit more modern – and usually equipped with a suppressor – but his passion for firearms with military heritage has never waned. Over the last five years, Nathan has written about a variety of firearms topics, including Second Amendment politics and gun and gear reviews. When he isn’t shooting or writing, Nathan nerds out over computers, 3D printing, and Star Wars.