SHOT Show 2025 Roundup: Modern Sporting Rifles and Large-Format Pistols

by Braxton Taylor

Heckler & Koch MR-A4

Heckler & Koch is producing firearms in the U.S. now and a civilian version of the world-renowned 416 is one of the first to be released. The MR-A4 is the civilian semi-automatic version of the 416, a military proven gas-piston AR style rifle. The MR-A4 was launched in a 16.5-inch rifle version, an 11-inch pistol version, and a 16.5- inch .308 Win version. The only two differences between the 416 and MR-A4’s are the ability for select-fire and the bore not being chrome-lined. All three versions come with full ambidextrous controls, 45-degree-throw safety levers, two-stage Heckler & Koch triggers and a dual-claw ambidextrous charging handle. The rifles will all ship in soft cases and will also be available as complete upper-only configurations.

Aero Precision Pro Series

Aero Precision is offering a more duty-focused, hard-use line of AR-15’s, the new Pro-Series. Available in three different colors (black, kodiak brown, and OD green), these full ambidextrous builds look and feel superb. There are anti-rotation set screws and steel barrel nut on each rifle to create a rigid platform on which to mount lasers and optics which can hold zero. The 7-sided M-Lok rail also contains steel QD inserts for attaching a sling with less chance of slippage or premature wear. The lower receiver has fully ambidextrous controls with your choice of a 45- or 90-degree safety throw, while the barrels are cold hammer forged from Ballistic Advantage. The Pro-Series has a starting MSRP of $1,999.99.

Zastava ZPAP M72

The Serbian machine known as Zastava launched its version of the civilian RPK, donned the ZPAP M72. The DNA of the 21-inch barrel rifle is the same as the M70 with 1.5mm receivers and a bulged front trunnion. The furniture and side-optic mounts are standard M70 as well. The heavier profile and partially ribbed barrel along with the easily detachable bi-pod allows for more prolonged or sustained rates of fire. The front sight is fitted with the classic flip-up design but instead of tritium contains a simple white dot. The first batch of M72’s sold out quickly but a new batch will be arriving on our shores in March.

B&T BT-15

B&T USA is getting into the AR-15 game with a partner we all know and love. The BT-15 and BT-15 Enhanced are almost 100-percent full Geissele builds. With the exception of the muzzle device and grip which are B&T’s and the Magpul stock Magpul, these guns are Geissele to the core. The “Assaulter” muzzle device is compatible with SureFire suppressors right out of the box. The difference between the BT-15 and the Enhanced version is the handguard. The enhanced version is fitted with a 3-D printed titanium rail which is lightweight and extremely tough, while the BT-15 is fitted with a Geissele rail. Small parts such as the safety lever, charging handle, and bolt-catch are all Geissele as well. Both guns are equipped with Geissele’s SDC (Super Dynamic Combat) trigger. Both versions will be available in either 11.5- or 16-inch barrel lengths, with the 16-inch version using Geissele’s intermediate gas-system.

Palmetto State Armory H&R 9mm Pistol

Palmetto State Armory, under the H&R brand, broke out the H&R 9mm pistol at Shot Show. This compact AR-style pistol is assembled with a 7.5-inch barrel with a 1:10 twist. Both the upper and lower are dedicated 9mm receivers and are compatible with Colt-pattern 9mm magazines. The back end is fitted with the HAR-15 brace riding on a 6-position buffer tube. The built in carry-handle and smooth plastic handguard give this 9mm a nostalgic retro look. The front flip-up sight sits behind a threaded barrel covered with a thread protector. A classic A2 grip finishes off this fun throwback shorty pistol build.

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