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

Canik Prime Radian Review 1
Canik Prime Radian Review 1

Range Review: Canik Prime Radian

With the new Canik Prime Radian, you can have your compensator and your flared magazine well, too, all inside an easily carried, compact handgun.

New for 2026: Franklin Armory 5.56 Rabbit Rounds

Franklin Armory's new 5.56 NATO Rabbit Rounds provide a spin-stabilized, multi-projectile ammunition option for America's rifle.

ATF Ends Enforcement of NFA Registration & Approval Requirements for Suppressors, SBRs, and SBSs Following NRA Victory in Jensen v. ATF

Today, the ATF confirmed it will no longer enforce National Firearms Act (NFA) registration, application and tax-stamp requirements for short-barreled rifles, short-barreled shotguns, suppressors and certain other concealable firearms.

Gun of the Week: H&K VP9CC

Hot on the heels of its CC9 micro-compact, Heckler & Koch introduced a micro companion to its popular VP9 lineup that includes some noteworthy features.

A Raven at 50: Five Days at Gunsite Academy

In Gunsite Academy's 50th year, NRA Director Jerry Kraus made his inaugural visit to the famed training institute and left a Raven.

The Armed Citizen® Oct. 9, 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.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.