Day 1 Highlights

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posted on May 3, 2013
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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.

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TriStar Arms Protégé X: A Pocket-Size Punch

Inspired by successful designs of the past, the TriStar Arms Protégé X is a pocket-size, M1911-style handgun chambered for the popular 9 mm cartridge.

Hornady Family Honored with Legacy Award

In October, the Hornady family was recognized by the Greater Grand Island Community Foundation for its contribution to the city that Hornady calls home.

I Have This Old Gun: Model 1860 Spencer Carbine

One of the most revolutionary shoulder arms of the American Civil War, the Model 1860 Spencer carbine went from being an experimental design at the war's beginning to ultimately becoming the official issue arm of the U.S. Cavalry by war's end.

New For 2025: Tippmann Arms Integrally Suppressed M4-22s

In anticipation of the upcoming $0 NFA tax stamp enactment, Tippmann Arms is now offering integrally suppressed versions of its M4-22 design.

Favorite Firearms: A Winchester Model 54 Turns 100

Serving during World War I in 1918, my father completed two years in the Engineer Corps. In addition to his engineering duties, he and all the other soldiers had to carry and qualify with the Model 1903 Springfield rifle, since they were often on the front lines.

Winchester Ammunition Opens New Office In Missouri

Winchester Ammunition opened a new office in Clayton, Mo., which will accommodate much of the company's full-time administrative staff and is located several hours away from the Lake City Army Ammunition Plant.

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