SHOT Show 2025: 830,000 net square-feet of exhibit space, more than 2,800 exhibitors and about 54,000 attendees. That’s a vast area to cover (and many people to bump into) with the assignment of finding new products for the competitive shooter. You may expect to find firearms and optics in this article, but I decided to take a different spin on the topic. (Read our coverage of firearms, ammo and more here.) I searched the new product center and made my way up to the fifth-floor SHOT Show eXtra booths to find items that any competition shooter would want on hand on those long days at the range.
RAM-IT AR-15 SPEED LOADERS
Save time and your thumbs with the RAM-IT Speed Loader available for both AR-10 and AR-15 platforms chambered for .223 Rem., 5.56 mm or .300 Blackout, .308 Win., 7.56x51 mm NATO and 6.5 mm Creedmoor ammunition. The gentlemen at the booth were kind enough to demo the RAM-IT and allow me to try it myself. Working with either metal strip clips, boxed or bulk (loose) ammunition is simple. MSRP is $39.99, fastloaders.com.
SENTRY STRAP BY NEO MAG
Avoid getting your sling tangled or caught on nearby objects with Neo Mag’s Sentry Strap. The Sentry Strap holds the sling tight when transporting or staging your rifle using two powerful magnets. When it’s time to use your sling, a simple grab and tug releases it and allows you to jump into action. Available in black multicam, black, multicam, coyote, ranger green and red, white and blue. MSRP is $40.99 to $46.49, theneomag.com.
RAGAR CUSTOMIZABLE FOAM INSERTS
If you have a gun case used to carry different firearms, optics or other items, I am sure you will agree that Ragar Customizable Foam is the perfect way to protect your equipment. Available in multiple sizes to fit any case size (plus you can purchase spare pieces in sets of 48), these Y-shaped foam pieces can be reconfigured depending on what items you need to carry and protect that day. Prices vary from $7.99 for the spare pieces to $49.99 for an external size of 19.7 x 11.7 x 2 inches. Go to eylar.com.
BREAKTHROUGH CLEAN TECHNOLOGIES SUPPRESSOR CLEANING KIT
If you shoot suppressed, you must check out Breakthrough’s Suppressor Cleaning Kit. Take the mess out of this chore by using this simple and effective cleaning system to prolong the lifespan of your suppressors with regular use. Each kit contains one 16-ounce suppressor cleaner, one soaking tube, two specialized brushes, one retrieval tool and an organized tool tray—everything you need. No more searching for brushes, cleaner and something to soak your suppressor in for complete submersion, it’s all in one place. The entire kit has an MSRP of $57.99. The cleaner may also be purchased separately in sizes from 16 ounces to one gallon. Visit breakthroughclean.com.
STIPPLETEC STIPPLING KITS
Are you particular about the stippling on your firearm? Are you a DIY-er? If so, you need to check out OTDefense’s StippleTec tips and kits. Whether you already have your own burner and just need a few tips, or you want to order a variety of tips or need the entire kit, numerous options are available. The best part is that the OTDefense YouTube page has numerous videos that walk you through the step-by-step process. The Professional Stippling Kit has an MSRP of $219.99. Tips may be purchased in kits (ranging from $19.99 to $189) or individually (from $3.49 through $14.99 for tips such as the Flag, Punisher or Spartan tips). Imagine the possibilities and ability to personalize the stippling on your firearm and maybe even your friends. Visit store.otdefense.com.
DRYFIREMAG FOR DRY FIRE
Sometimes, heading out to the range for live-fire practice is not feasible. Whether it’s the price of ammunition, weather conditions or travel time, dry fire may be your best solution. The DryFireMag trigger reset magazine allows you to dry-fire practice with the same firearm you use to compete or carry concealed without having to reset the trigger. They also offer target systems to take your practice to the next level. Visit the DryFireMag website to see if a magazine is available for your firearm. MSRP is $98.99 to $108.99, dryfiremag.com.
Sometimes when traveling to ranges in other states I was warned about the insects I may encounter should I sit in the grass or walk through the grass. Many times, I found it impossible to avoid those areas and either panicked later about the possibility of ticks or spent most of the night scratching bites from mosquitoes. I found two brand new items to help with both insect issues.
TICK MITT
The eco-friendly, non-toxic, and reusable TiCK MiTT is made from a scientifically developed fabric that allows you to remove ticks not yet embedded in your skin (or your pet’s fur). Yes, those evening “tick checks” are super easy. Just rub the TiCK MiTT over your clothing, skin and pets to remove even the tiniest little buggers. Then, place the TiCK MiTT in the included dryer bag and put it into the dryer on high for 10 minutes. Toss the now dead ticks, and your TiCK MiTT will be ready to use again. TiCK MiTTs are available in four colors in packages of one, two, four and 10. MSRP ranges from $19.99 to $180, tickmitt.com.
HEAT IT
When I first saw the Heat It display, I was very skeptical, but I wanted more information. There has to be something that works better than the famous X with your fingernail into the bump (if you know you know). At the booth, I learned that the chemical free sting and bite relief works through local hyperthermia (about 124 °F). A small dongle (which you can easily carry on your keychain) is inserted into your smartphone and heated up using the Heat It app. You place it on the spot that is itching, and a countdown on the app starts a timer and shuts it off when done. Now I can’t wait for summer so I can try this out. MSRP is $39.95 and $59.95, heat-it.com.
HOTHANDS ELECTRIC WARMER
Shooting in the cold is not fun, especially if you are not used to wearing gloves when you compete. HotHands, you know, those single-use air-activated warmers that come in various sizes and fit in your hands, shoes, or on your back, is releasing electric warmers this fall. These ultra-thin and lightweight rechargeable electric warmers fit in the palm of your hand and heat up within three seconds. With an expected MSRP of $35.99, you can’t go wrong with having the comfort you need for up to eight hours. Go to hothands.com.
I don’t know about you, but when I competed, I didn’t want to eat a big meal and preferred to just snack throughout the day. But the last thing I wanted to do was snack on junk food and water just didn’t give me the oomph I needed especially on hot days. I found two items that I believe are great choices to keep you from getting hangry whether during a day of competition or any outdoor activity.
MTN OPS HYDRATION PACKS & VENTURE BARS
Although MTN OPS offers many different items on its website, I was particularly interested in their HYDRATE hydration packs and VENTURE bars. I liked that they promote clean, healthy and tasty products. The HYDRATE hydration packs contain over 1,000 mg of electrolytes along with various vitamins and minerals. There are four flavors: mango peach, pineapple, lemonade and strawberry coconut. I tasted both the mango peach and strawberry coconut—both are delicious. Bags of 20 individual packages have an MSRP of $29.99.
The Blueberry Crisp and Oatmeal Chocolate Chip VENTURE bars from MTN OPS are a great choice for more reasons than just taste. Both flavors pack 10 grams of protein inside a bar that doesn’t easily melt. The last thing you want are sticky fingers dripping with chocolate before you shoot. These peanut-based bars are available online or at many gun ranges, so prices may vary. Visit mtnops.com to see the hydration packs and bars.
CARNIVORE SNAX
If it’s meat you crave to keep away the grumbellies, Carnivore SNAX is your answer. These meat chips are made in the U.S. and contain only two ingredients: meat and salt. I spent a little extra time at this booth since I had to sample every flavor displayed. Just when I thought I tasted my favorite, I tried the next one and liked it even better. There are too many choices to list here; however, for example, the meats available are beef, pork, lamb, chicken and game meat. Of the five flavors I tasted, the pork loin was my favorite. Each bag contains one pound of meat (before it goes through the drying process). Prices range from $25.97 for beef sliders to $39.97 for the New York Strip. Go to carnivoresnax.com.
As you can see from the 12 items I shared above, SHOT Show is more than just firearms and firearm accessories. Sometimes it’s fun, and beneficial for your comfort and sanity, to find those items that make your days shooting competitively or spending time at the range just a little more comfortable.
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