Day 1 Highlights

by
posted on May 3, 2013
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
am2015_fs.jpg

There's more than one person can possibly see in a single day at the 2013 NRA Annual Meetings and Exhibits in Houston, Texas, but here are some of the cooler products I came across before my feet decided to tell me it was time to return to my room and start writing.

1) Beretta ARX 100
At long last, a semi-automatic version of the Italian Army's primary individual weapon—the ARX 160—is available to American consumers. This multi-caliber system ships in July in 5.56 NATO, with a .300 AAC Blackout barrel soon to follow. Swapping calibers is amazingly simple, which is one of the reasons its full-automatic cousin was selected by the Italian military.

2) Beretta Pico
Last year, the Beretta Nano concealed-carry handgun made waves as an ideal choice for a pocket 9 mm. In the NRA exhibit hall here in Houston, Beretta introduced the Pico, which is quite a bit smaller than the Nano and chambered in .380 ACP. The tiny Pico differs from most other microcompacts in that it has superior, tritium-illuminated sights from Trijicon. It is available in multiple frame colors.

3) POF-USA EFP AR trigger
This drop-in AR-15 trigger has what looks like a kink in its face, but that kink is actually a means of ensuring the shooter always presses the trigger in the ideal spot for travel, break and let-off weight. I tested this unit on one of the company's 100-percent American-made ARs, and I must say the concept is worthy of praise. It takes zero getting-used-to and provides as crisp, smooth pull, which is the whole point.

4) Bullseye Camera System
Combining an outdoor security camera with an antenna, a router, a tripod and a laptop with cutting-edge software, this system allows shooters to see and record their shots at distances up to 1,000 yards, without getting up from the bench. It will record single shots and/or groups, and eliminates the need to change targets after each group by ensuring your last shot or last group blinks on the screen of your laptop. This summer, The company will release Android and iOS apps, making it even easier to take the system to the range.

Latest

Smith Wesson Model 29 10 Facts 1
Smith Wesson Model 29 10 Facts 1

10 Things You (Probably) Didn't Know About The Smith & Wesson Model 29

Without a doubt, the Smith & Wesson Model 29 is one of the 20th century’s most shootable, collectible "superstar" revolvers. Here are a few little-known facts about the gun.

Packable Punch: Discreet Ways to Carry More Firepower

While folding and takedown firearms chambered for full-power rifle cartridges may be niche defensive tools, the dark situations in which they shine brightest aren’t going away anytime soon.

Southpaw Solution: Ruger Introduces Left-Handed American Gen II Ranch Rifles

Traditionally, Ruger has offered a range of left-handed rifle models for the southpaws among us, and now, the company's Gen II American rifles are available in a left-handed variant, starting with the Ranch models.

Gun of the Week: Kimber 1911 DS Warrior LW

In 2026, Kimber developed its 1911 DS Warrior, an American-made, double-stack design that is intended to be an affordable entry point into Kimber's double-stack handgun line.

The Armed Citizen® April 24, 2026

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Spin Difference: The Impact of Barrel Twist Rates on Terminal Performance

When most shooters think of rifling-twist rates, they mostly think of rifles with their high BC projectiles, but the rpm of a bullet also plays a part in terminal performance.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.