Some folks are saying that there's not much new under the sun in the shooting market for 2025. True, there may not be as much to holler about as in past years. But at the 2025 SHOT Show, held annually in Las Vegas, Nevada, there was still a diverse selection of new guns to see. From exotic to practical, here's just a few of the handguns, rifles and shotguns that will be available at your local dealer in the near future.
Bergara BMR-X Bolt-Action Rifles
Bergara USA’s BMR series of precision bolt-actions are popular with those looking to print small groups down range using .22 LR, .22 WMR or .17 HMR. These rifles employ a reduced-size version of the company’s reliable and smooth-cycling B-14 hunting rifle action. Their reputation for accuracy is due in no small part to the in-house, match-chamber 18" and 20" threaded barrels which are available in carbon-fiber wrapped or all-steel configurations.
This year the company is expanding the BMR series to include the BMR-X models outfitted with Bergara Synthetic Tactical (BST) stocks. Previously these stocks were only available with the semi-automatic BXR series guns. But now bolt-action fans will be able to enjoy the benefits of the BST, including front and rear QD sling ports, a textured pistol grip and a set of butt pad inserts for adjusting the length of pull. The BMR models use proprietary single stack 5- and 10-round magazines, with one of each shipped with the gun, along with a knurled thread protector for the muzzle. Suggested retail prices start at $719.
Chiappa Nebula Finish Rhino Revolver
Chiappa Firearms' has been among the most unusual production revolver options for some time now. Designed by Emilio Ghisoni and Antonio Cudazzo, it differs from other double-actions in several ways including its stylistic choices and integral optics rail. But perhaps the most notable feature is a barrel positioned at the bottom of the cylinder, instead of the top, in order to manage felt recoil.
I was surprised to learn from a representative at the booth that of the many finish options available for the Rhino, the most popular recently has been what the company calls a Nebula finish applied to the 3" barrel version. This opalescent PVD treatment gives the metal shifting rainbow hues that are capped off with a smooth turquoise laminated hardwood grip. For 2025, the company is adding the 6" barrel version shown here for a suggested retail price of $1,850.37.
Heritage Coachwhip 12-Gauge Shotgun
Heritage Manufacturing took a welcome leap into the period shotgun market last year. The concealed hammer, dual-trigger Badlander side-by-sides fit in nicely with the company's other Western-style lever guns and single-action revolvers. Classically styled and outfitted with hardwood furniture, the model options have grown to include 28" sporting length and 18.5" coach gun barrels chambered in 12 gauge, 20 gauge, 28 gauge and .410 bore.
But there were customers who said what they wanted was an even more Old West shooting experience with a double-barrel coach gun sporting a pair of exposed hammers. Heritage has answered this request by adding the new-for-2025 vintage Coachwhip series to its catalog. Launching with an 18.5" barrel model chambered for 12 gauge, features include checkered walnut stocks, a colorful case-hardened receiver, dual triggers, and handsomely styled exposed hammers along with a modern tang-mounted safety for a listed price of $984.99.
KelTec PR57 Pistol
Every year it seems like KelTec is determined to offer the most outside-the-box gun design at this show. They took home the trophy once again with the release of the utterly unprecedented PR57 rotary barrel pistol chambered in FN 5.7x28 mm. From its sci-fi blaster profile to its unusual features, there's nothing else like it on the market.
This semi-automatic does not have a removable magazine in the grip. Instead, its 20+1 capacity fixed magazine is loaded through the top of the slide using 10-round stripper clips. Rounds can also be pressed in individually, much like an AR-15 magazine. This configuration makes it slimmer, simpler and it's not subject to the pistol magazine bans enforced in some states. Weighing in at 13.86 oz., it's nearly 40 percent lighter than the next lightest 5.7 mm pistol on the market. This pistol ships with an optics-ready slide and an impressively low suggested price of $399.
Kimber 2K11 Pistol
Kimber USA continues to grow its 2011 double-stack 1911 pistol catalog with the addition of the new optics-ready 2K11 pistol series. Released just ahead of SHOT Show, these are competition-style pistols outfitted with in-house upgrades that usually require third party custom work. This saves customers time and money since the pistols arrive ready for the range right out of the box.
Shown here is the two-tone Target model with Coyote PVD coating applied to the vented and custom serrated stainless steel slide along with other appointments including the flat-faced skeletonized trigger and magwell extension. The sights consist of a TAG FiberLok 2 Red up front paired with a fully adjustable square notch at the rear. One of the key upgrades for these models is an aluminum grip frame in place of the polymer frames used in competing models. Other features include a 5" fluted stainless steel barrel, toolless guide rod, SST steel sub-frame and three magazines. Caliber options include 9mm and .45 ACP with suggested retail pricing starting at $2,125.
Lipsey's Exclusive Smith & Wesson Mountain Guns
Lipsey's, one of the largest shooting sports distributors in the United States, has teamed up with Smith & Wesson to offer two new handsomely crafted Mountain Gun revolvers. Available in .44 Mag. Model 629 6-shot and .357 Mag. Model 686 Plus 7-shot configurations, these all-stainless steel double-action wheel guns are outfitted with vintage-style tapered one piece 4" barrels. This is an old-school trail gun solution for reducing the revolver's weight which also gives the gun a sleek, eye catching profile.
The pinned and serrated gold bead front sight is paired with a fully adjustable square notch rear sight. The narrow-spur hammer and smooth-faced trigger are flash chromed for smooth operations. And to top things off, the round-butt frame is fitted with a set of Tyler Gun Work’s smooth, fancy walnut Bear Hug grips. Both of these revolvers omit an internal locking mechanism and will be available for a suggested retail price of $1199.
Mossberg 940 Pro Tactical SPX
Mossberg was kind enough to invite me to spend a week at Gunsite last October for some hands on experience with their new-for-2025 Professional series shotguns. Among them, was the top notch 12-ga. semi-automatic 940 Pro Tactical SPX configured specifically for defensive applications. Available in 5+1 and 7+1 shell capacities, the optics-ready receiver allows for direct mounting of RMSc footprint micro red dots with additional mounting plates included. A Vang Comp 6-Shotshell Carrier Card with hook-and-loop card attachment system is also provided.
The redesigned controls include a knurled charging handle, oversized safety and an ergonomic bolt release. The gas vent system now operates more cleanly allowing more rounds to be fired between cleaning sessions. Modifications made to the fore-end provide an effective gripping surface, additional accessory mounting points and a built in heat shield. I particularly like the stock's spacers which allow the length-of-pull to be adjusted between 12.5" to 14.25". The listed prices for this series start at $1,190.
Ruger 10/22 Carbon Fiber .22 LR Carbine
Ruger is well aware that several aftermarket component companies have been busily providing their customers with various upgrades to the popular 10/22 semi-automatic .22 LR carbine. These include lightweight carbon-fiber-wrapped barrels, reduced weight and precision rifle stocks. For 2025, Ruger is eliminating the middle man with its new 10/22 Carbon Fiber Series of .22 LR carbines.
The 16.10" long cold hammer forged stainless steel tensioned barrel is outfitted with a carbon fiber sleeve and a 1/2x28 TPI threaded muzzle. Rather than purchasing a black Magpul MOE X-22 stock with white speckling separately, this stock is installed at the factory and contributes to an unloaded weight of just 3.5 lbs. Other features include a factory installed aluminum scope rail, a BX trigger group with a 2.5- to 3-lb. trigger pull, and Ruger's reliable 10-round rotary magazine for a suggested retail price of $649. This carbine is also available fitted with a Grey Birch Chassis for $1129.
Savage Revel Lever-Action Rimfire Carbines
Savage Arms has stepped into in the lever-action market with the recent release of the Revel series of take-down rimfire carbines. Available chambered in .22 LR, 17 HMR and .22 WMR, the aluminum receiver cover is fitted with two captured takedown pins. Pressing out these pins allows the carbine to be divided in half at the receiver for easy cleaning and more compact storage.
With features including 18" round profile barrels, tubular magazines, walnut furniture, oversized lever loops and receivers drilled and tapped for scope mounts, this series is launching with two model options. The Revel Classic has smooth stocks with a straight-profile grip and is currently listed for $439. The Revel DLX has more modern styling with a 1/2 x28 TPI threaded muzzle, knurled thread protector, vented forend and a vented shoulder stock with a checkered pistol grip available for $539.
Traditions NitroBolt Muzzleloader Hunting Rifle
Traditions Performance Firearms has launched what is arguably the most unique muzzleloading rifle of the year. Dubbed the NitroBolt, it's the company's latest addition to its lineup of hunting muzzleloaders. It uses the unique self-contained, breach-loaded polymer Firestick powder charge ignited using 209 shotgun primers. Although previous Traditions offerings have been break-actions, this new model is a bolt-action with a three-lug bolt, a patented extractor and a 60-degree handle throw.
This model features a pillar-bedded stock to support the free-floated 24" long chromoly steel barrel which is tapered and fluted to reduce weight. The barrel is rifled at a 1:24" twist rate to deliver repeatable accuracy using modern conical muzzle loading bullets including the Hornady Bore Driver, Powerbelt Bullets and Traditions' Smackdown series. Other features include a durable polymer stock, an adjustable length of pull and an adjustable cheek piece. The NitroBolt muzzleloader is expected to start shipping by this summer with pricing and model options yet to be announced as of this writing.
