Shooting Illustrated staff had a chance to cover the ground at SHOT Show 2019. With miles upon miles of aisles and thousands of companies with new guns and gear, there's no end to the number of innovative and exciting new products out today. Here are five product picks from SI Managing Editor Jay Grazio during his first day on the floor:
5.11 Tactical AMP72 Covert Backpack
Heading to the range, but don’t want to advertise to the entire world you’re carrying a rifle? 5.11 Tactical has just the thing for you. The AMP72 looks like an oversize backpack, and can carry a 16-inch-barrel carbine (or larger AR-style rifle broken down to upper and lower halves) along with 40 liters of gear. There’s even a hidden pocket for a CCW handgun if you need to keep everything hidden. Available in four colors, and an MSRP of $249.99.
Leupold RDS Red-Dot Sight
Another big surprise at the 2019 SHOT Show is the Leupold VX-Freedom RDS. Offering Leupold’s award-winning optics in an affordable package, the RDS offers a 1-MOA red dot in a sturdy, 34 mm housing for an MSRP of only $299. For an extra $100, specific BDC reticles are available. All RDS sights are made in the U.S. and come with Leupold’s lifetime warranty--and look to Shooting Illustrated for some serious testing of this new optic.
LWRCI REPR MK II Side-Charger
For those that favor side-charging AR-style rifles, LWRCI now offers its popular REPR MKII in such a configuration. The non-reciprocating handle folds when not in use, keeping a low profile until it’s range time. With a 20-inch Proof Research barrel and a Magpul PRS stock, the REPR MK II Elite is available in .308 Win. MSRP $4,950.
Magpul CZ Scorpion Add-Ons & Accessories
Further proving that pistol-caliber carbines are the hottest thing going, Magpul has released a line of accessories for the CZ-USA Scorpion carbine. Available soon will be a grip (MSRP $24.95), enhanced magazine release (MSRP $24.95) and a curved 35-round magazine (MSRP $19.95). Fans of the Scorpion now have more options than ever.
Primary Weapon Systems Sub-$1K MK116 Gas-Piston AR-15
If you’ve been thinking about adding a piston-driven AR-15 to your carbine line-up, 2019 brings one of the most-affordable options we’ve seen to date. Primary Weapons Systems now offers the MK116 Pro rifle, a long-stroke piston system with three gas settings for an MSRP of $995, but don’t think this is a stripped model. With a freefloat, 15-inch, M-Lok-compatible handguard, Radian Raptor ambidextrous charging handle and Bravo Company pistol grip and buttstock, this affordable piston-AR option doesn’t skimp on features.