SHOT Show 2024 was the largest to date, with more than 55,000 attendees filling 13.9 miles of aisles holding approximately 2,600 exhibitors. While not every booth on the show floor held something of interest to everyone, there were many new products that are interesting for competitive shooters. Here are 12 products from SHOT Show this year that caught my eye.
Aimpoint Acro S-2 Nine-MOA Red-Dot Reflex Sight
Aimpoint’s new Acro S-2 mounts directly onto ventilated shotgun ribs—no Picatinny rail required. It comes with interchangeable adapter plates to accommodate most shotgun model rib sizes from 6 mm to 12 mm. This small and sleek enclosed red-dot optic allows for a clear field of view with both eyes open. It has a low 15 mm optical axis, making it easy to get a proper cheek weld, and has 10 adjustable brightness settings. A single CR2032 battery lasts five years and is accessible from the side of the optic—you never have to take it off the gun. The Acro S-2 is fully waterproof to five meters and designed to withstand the elements, making it ideal for both sport shooters and hunters. Windage and elevation adjustments are flush to the optic but can be easily heard and felt with each turn (T10 required). Each click moves the point of impact 20 mm at 100 meters (0.7 inch at 100 yards). It measures 1.9 x 1.3 x 1½ inches and weighs a svelte 2.1 ounces. MSRP: $755, aimpoint.us.
Staccato 9 mm Match and Range Ammunition
Well recognized for making 2011s, Staccato dove into the ammunition market this year, now producing both target and hollow-point cartridges optimized for use in 2011s. It’s no secret that 2011s can be particular when it comes to ammunition and Staccato set out to make it easier. The 9 mm Range ammunition has a 124-grain projectile at 1,130 f.p.s. muzzle velocity. This bullet and case are produced by Staccato. The Match ammunition, also in Staccato brass, has a Hornady Action Pistol 125-grain bullet traveling at 1,050 f.p.s. muzzle velocity. Staccato reports two-inch groups at 25 yards with the Range ammunition, improving to one-inch groups at 25 yards with the Match ammunition, both through a four-inch test barrel. MSRP for Staccato Range ammo is $22.95, Match ammo is $29.95, staccato2011.com.
Canik TTI Combat Pistol
Canik’s TTI Combat pistol sent a ripple of excitement through the SHOT Show 2024. This collaboration between Taran Tactical and Canik resulted in a new polymer frame with aggressive grip texturing and slide serrations, a ported and fluted barrel, diamond cut flat-face 90-degree break trigger and Canik’s first compensator. It also features a newly designed slide release, HIVIZ fiber-optic front sight, TTI +3 magazine base pads and a low optics cut for low-profile mounting of MECANiK optics and the Trijicon SRO, among others. This 18+1 capacity 9 mm striker-fired handgun weighs 29.3 ounces unloaded and stretches a length of 7.85 inches. This collectible, yet practical, gun comes with a custom holster, hard travel case and challenge coin—all for less than $1,000. MSRP: $949, canikarms.com.
MECANiK M03 Competition Reflex Sight
Pairing nicely with the new Canik TTI Combat, the MECANiK M03 is an affordable alternative to the Trijicon SRO and Holosun 507-Comp. This reflex sight has a large field of view (29 x 24 mm) for faster target acquisition and a six-MOA reticle with 10 user-controlled brightness settings (two nighttime, eight daytime). The CR2032 battery reportedly lasts 60,000 hours and is easily accessible from the top of the optic—no need to remove the dot to change the battery. It is parallax-free, shock-resistant, has an IPX7 waterproof rating, tactical concave face housing and is motion activated with an automatic shut-off. It can operate in temperatures ranging from -22º F to 140º F and has 100 MOA of total travel. The aluminum housing is black anodized for a clean look. This 1.62-ounce sight certainly piqued my curiosity. It’s also covered by the MECANiK warranty. MSRP: $299, mecanik.com.
Brouwer Solutions M1823 Steel Grip Module
Missing the 1911 grip angle in SIG Sauer’s P320 pistol? Brouwer Solutions’ M1811 Grip Module fixed ergonomic issues they found with the SIG P320, including the high bore axis, rounded slippery grip and short beavertail. This grip brings the feeling of a 2011 with a 107.5-degree front strap angle and 67.5-degree backstrap angle. The beaver tail is also moved up with this module to reduce height over bore and prevent slide bite. The trigger guard is large to allow for cold weather wear and has been reprofiled. Brouwer Solutions put thought into every bit of this module with 25 line-per-inch checkering and simulated side scales for a stiffer grip. They also reduced the tolerance in the mag release button to prevent dust buildup and improved the magazine well design, allowing a magazine to be inserted at up to 45 degrees out of rotation and 20 degrees out of axial alignment with the magwell. This year they stepped it up a notch, trading the eight-ounce polymer for 1.52 pounds of heat-treated 4130 chromoly steel. The M1823 has a full-length dust cover, fastener-less rear dust cover insert, aggressive competition-style texturing and armor lube DLC finish. This grip module is compatible with all factory SIG Sauer P320 equipment and magazines, except older magazines with round peg base pads. It also fits a number of popular SIG P320 holsters. I really enjoyed using the polymer version in my first Practical Competition Shooting League match—now it is now available in steel. MSRP: $674.95 for steel, $89.95 for polymer, brouwersolutions.com.
Watchtower Firearms Apache 1911 Double-Stack Pistol
Working the butter-like slide on Watchtower’s 1911 double-stack Apache pistol left mouths gaping. The first Apache PewView limited-edition pistol quickly sold out, leading to the introduction of a new model. This gun is precision machined from 4140 and 416R stainless steel with PVD coating. This coating makes it incredibly eye-catching and easy to rack, but also reduces carbon buildup. It has a 4¼-inch slide, integrated compensator, ambidextrous safety and a three- to four-pound match-grade trigger. The barrel is also threaded for the addition of a suppressor. Deep slide serrations and an aggressive grip make it easy to keep a handle on this 9 mm. This impressive handgun is available both with and without a Trijicon SRO installed, though all pistols are optics-ready with an adjustable rear sight. Each gun ships with a 17-round and 21-round magazine.
I thoroughly enjoyed hearing Watchtower’s story from CEO Jason Colosky, who is dedicated to “providing competition quality firearms at blue collar prices”—all made in the United States with a lifetime warranty. MSRP: $3,990, watchtowerfirearms.com.
Longshot Ranger
Longshot’s Ranger is one of my personal favorites from SHOT Show 2024. I’ve long enjoyed using the LR-3 two-mile camera system, but it is on the expensive side. The brand-new Longshot Ranger costs slightly less than $200 and allows shooters to see their shots in real-time without having to get out of position. This is ideal for shooters looking to record their practice, as well as to confirm zero and load test without a spotter. Using this camera eliminates having to walk back and forth to a target, saving time and preventing an elevated heart rate between strings of fire. It fits in a range bag, connects via Wi-Fi, and allows you to mark shots via app and locate your previous shot. The Longshot Ranger will work out to 100 yards. Adding a receiver will increase the range to 1,000 yards. The Ranger and receiver come together in the Ranger+ kit. MSRP for the Ranger is $199, Ranger+ kit is $399, longshotcameras.com.
Nexbelt Inner Belt
Nexbelt’s ratcheting design has become incredibly popular for everyday carry with a number of styles for both men and women. This year, Nexbelt considered the needs of competitive shooters and law enforcement, producing a hook-and-loop inner belt compatible with your favorite duty/tactical belt. Like all of Nexbelt’s offerings, this 1½-inch, one-size-fits-all belt can be cut to size, fitting up to a 50-inch waist. A narrow buckle maximizes contacting surface area with the hook or loop fabric—whichever one you choose—on the outer surface of the belt. It is also reinforced on the top and bottom to prevent the material from catching on your clothes. This utilitarian belt is designed to keep your gear firmly in place and allow for swift and painless removal of an outer belt without having to reconfigure your equipment. MSRP: $69.99, nexbelt.com.
Falco M705 Nylon Range Bag
While known for quality leather holsters, this year Falco released both nylon and leather range bag offerings, each packed with features. The M705 nylon range bag is designed for both casual and professional shooters seeking efficiency and organization. The interior features anti-shock foam padding for utmost protection. The soft hook-and-loop connection-lined main compartment measures 15 x 11 x 9½ inches and sports adjustable separation walls for customization. Elastic loops stretch across the interior top of the bag, while hook-and-loop attachment strips adorn the sides. This makes it simple to add your name or other favorite patch for easy identification. The black exterior contrasts with the OD green interior, keeping the bag nondescript but making items easy to discern inside. The outside of the bag also has three large pockets with elastic loops to minimize movement. The fourth side is covered in MOLLE for adding tourniquets or other gear. Designed to withstand heavy use, the bottom is lined with water-resistant, non-slip material and the bag has both nylon webbing handles and an adjustable padded shoulder strap. Go to falcoholsters.com.
Otis Technology Sportsman’s Range Box Universal Gun Cleaning Kit
Keeping on with the storage theme, Otis Technology’s new Sportsman’s Range Box conveniently houses everything you need to clean multiple firearms including rifles, pistols, shotguns and inline muzzleloaders. What makes this ideal for competitive shooters are the adjustable forks and magwell vice block for .223 Rem./5.56 mm NATO, allowing you to set up a cleaning bench anywhere. It could also be used for light gun work in a pinch. This kit is made in the United States and includes Otis Technology’s B.O.N.E. tool and Shooter’s Choice chemicals, along with a long list of useful components such as patches, bronze bore brushes, a microfiber gun cloth and more. MSRP: $199.99, otistec.com.
Annealing Made Perfect RAMP Bipod Adapter
One of my greatest qualms with using a bipod is the struggle to adjust it while in position. Some shooters are skilled enough to do it quickly and efficiently, but for PRS shooters it still takes time off the clock. New Zealand-based company Annealing Made Perfect displayed the RAMP bipod adapter at SHOT Show 2024.
The RAMP, an acronym for Rapid Adjustable Modular Platform, is designed for F-Class, Precision Rifle Series and hunting. It is compatible with most bipods and allows the shooter to rapidly adjust the height of the bipod without the need to come off the rifle. This saves time and allows you to stay on the scope. The RAMP mounts to the rifle via ARCA, Picatinny rail or sling mount and includes a removable handle.
While still a concept, Annealing Made Perfect has some samples under evaluation and is looking for feedback from the public to gauge interest. Expected MSRP is $500 to $600. Let them know what you think at [email protected].
Outdoor Edge Razor VX Knives
A knife is a must-have tool on the range. Whether for prying on guns, cutting cardboard for targets or performing any number of tasks, no one ever regrets throwing a knife in their range bag. This year, Outdoor Edge introduced a new line of Razor VX carry knives featuring the RazorSafe system. This system allows the user to replace knife blades quickly, easily and safely without the need for a sharpener. This also provides greater flexibility in knife blade styles, allowing for essentially several knives in one. The Razor VX series features one-handed assisted opening with either a thumb stud or flipper across seven models in stainless steel and black oxide. Knives in this series range from between 7.3 and 7½ inches in length and weigh 3.2 to 3.7 ounces. All have a three-inch Japanese 420J2 stainless blade and reversible pocket clip for left- and right-hand carry. Extra blades are available separately. MSRP: $39.99 to $69.99, outdooredge.com.
While not every one of these products is applicable to every shooting discipline, there is surely something on this list that many competitive shooters will find useful, even if outside their main sport or in the field. From guns and ammo to optics and storage, there always seems to be something new and not enough time—or money—to try them all. Let us know what you’d like to see a full test on at [email protected].
