Vegas Lights and Gunsights: First Impressions of SHOT Show 2025

Las Vegas, the city of lights, is currently ablaze with a different kind of brilliance – the innovation and excitement of SHOT Show 2025. This is not my first SHOT Show but the sheer scale and energy of the show floor were immediately overwhelming again! From the moment I stepped inside, I was bombarded with a sensory feast of sights, sounds, and the latest in firearms technology.
One of the first booths that caught my attention and I saw was drawing a massive crowd was Staccato. Their new STACCATO HD 2011 pistol, with its Glock magazine compatibility, was a major talking point. The pistol felt exceptional in hand, boasting a smooth 4.5-pound trigger and ambidextrous controls. The innovative optic mount, designed with iron sights forward, caught my eye, promising to protect the glass from debris and brass. While the price tag is certainly premium, the buzz surrounding this pistol suggests it won’t deter serious buyers.
Glock also made headlines with their long-awaited optic mounting system, a collaboration with Aimpoint. While the design appears solid, it feels somewhat belated to the market, like a decade tardy to the party.
In the holster department, Safariland’s new offerings initially intrigued me. However, I was quickly captivated by Blade-Tech’s VALOR duty holster.
Its sleek design, comfortable fit, and flawless function truly impressed. The “omnivore” approach to duty lights, allowing for compatibility with various brands and models, is a significant advantage.
The “tactical lever gun” category seems to be experiencing a resurgence, with numerous vendors showcasing their unique takes on this classic firearm.
Finally, while not entirely new, I couldn’t resist getting my hands on Streamlight’s TLR-1 HL-X flashlight. The inclusion of a front-loading battery system and a dual-fuel option with increased lumens addresses a long-standing frustration for many users.
SHOT Show 2025 is a whirlwind of innovation and excitement. I’m eager to explore further and discover more cutting-edge products and technologies.
What are you most excited to see at SHOT Show 2025? Let me know in the comments, and I’ll do my best to find it and report back!