Mike Boyle
P&SN Presents Its 34th Annual Roundup Covering New Firearms and Equipment of Most Interest to Law Enforcement
Beginning in 1979, the SHOT (Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade) Show has served as the launching point for new products of interest to shooting enthusiasts and outdoorsmen alike. In recent years, there has been a tremendous spike in products specifically designed for the law enforcement market and this event now includes several dedicated rooms to a broad range of equipment and accessories. Since 2010, the SHOT Show has been held at the Venetian Expo in Las Vegas, NV, and has grown so large that the adjacent Caesars Forum is also utilized. The 2025 event included over 2,850 exhibitors with 54,000 attendees. Although the show is four days in duration, it is impossible to take it all in and I have to budget my time and focus on products of interest to law enforcement officers.
From my perspective, the 2025 installment was probably the best show in several years. A sluggish economy and the COVID pandemic put a damper on things the last few years, but I sensed far more energy when walking the floor this year. While there were only a few totally new firearms to take in, variations and enhancements of existing designs were all positive steps forward. In the firearms world, GLOCK® clones, double stack 1911s, tactical lever actions, and AR-15 variants were dominant themes and many of these would strike a chord with the police. Let’s take a look and see what new products have hit the market.
Benelli
For many years, Benelli has been turning out some of the best autoloading shotguns ever created. While they are wonderful machines, they are a bit pricey and some people still prefer the simplicity of a pump-action shotgun. This year, Benelli has come out with the Nova 3, the latest evolution of this enduring design.
The Nova 3 features poly-mod construction, a 14% shorter cycling stroke and an ergo-evolved diamond gripping surface. This enhanced package also includes ghost ring sights and a Picatinny rail for the mounting of optics. Both 2¾ inch and three inch shells may be utilized and the 18.5 inch barrel will not prove to be a burden in patrol vehicles. Best of all, the price is but a fraction of the premium Benelli autoloaders.
Daniel Defense
Over the years, Daniel Defense has established itself as a manufacturer of top-shelf AR-15 pattern and bolt-action rifles. At last year’s show, I learned that Daniel Defense had acquired the rights to the Hudson 9mm pistol which arrived on the scene in 2017. The original Hudson was indeed a unique design, but not quite ready for prime time and quickly vanished from the scene. The new DANIEL™ H9® has corrected all of its shortcomings and is now a first- class pistol for sure.
The H9 might be described as the cross-pollination result of a 1911 and a striker-fired pistol. Straight back trigger action and grip angle are reminiscent of the classic 1911, although it is a striker-fired pistol. Unlike most other pistols of that breed, the frame is aluminum rather than polymer, although weight is a manageable 29.6 ounces. Other features include an optics mounting plate, a fiber-optic front sight and ambidextrous controls. The magazine capacity is 15 rounds.
Another new addition is the Daniel Defense PCC in 9mm which is available in pistol, carbine and SBR variations. Built around the familiar AR platform, the PCC has ambidextrous controls and is fueled by readily available, affordable CZ Scorpion® magazines. Although 5.56mm weapons remain the overwhelming choice for police applications, there is still a niche for 9mm and the PCC would be a top-tier choice.
FN® America, LLC
For years, the pattern when a new pistol comes to the market is to first make a service- size unit and, as it catches on, introduce compact and subcompact variants. As the micro pistols have come into vogue, we have witnessed the opposite effect with small pistols growing bigger. Some of the best examples include the Springfield Armory® Hellcat® and the SIG SAUER® P365 which have spawned larger versions than the original. FN has now joined the fray with introduction of the Reflex® XL.
While the original Reflex looked very much like some of the other micro pistols which have come on the market, it was indeed a cat of a different breed. Unlike the others, it is a single-action pistol with an internal hammer as opposed to striker-fired. It is still a very concealable pistol, but by upping the size, the magazine capacity can be 15 or 18 rounds rivaling that of service-size guns. High visibility tritium sights are standard and the optics-ready slide features the Shield RMSc footprint. Its Slimline accessory rail is patterned after the GLOCK 43 MOS and is compatible with the Streamlight® TLR-7® sub and Surefire XSC. The trigger trips with five pounds of rearward pressure, an improvement over many other pistols used in this role.
GLOCK
For years, GLOCK has been the 800 pound gorilla in law enforcement handguns and that brand remains the overwhelming favorite of law enforcement agencies here in the US. While not the first striker-fired, polymer frame pistol, it was the first to meet wide acceptance. GLOCK pistols are extremely reliable, rugged and cost-effective, all very important qualities when equipping a police department.
This is the first year in recent memory when GLOCK did not introduce a new pistol, but that doesn’t mean they were resting on their laurels. Instead, they chose to bring a pair of other quality products to the market.
First up for consideration is the GLOCK Tactical Light II. This new LED pistol light is easily affixed to the rail of the pistol and throws 600 lumens of white light and 11,000 candela. Crafted from aluminum, the RTF surface provides for a secure grip and each set contains two touch activation elements which allow users to choose their preferred configuration.
The big news, however, is their collaboration with Aimpoint® which combines the most popular line of law enforcement pistols with a world-class red dot optic. The GLOCK x Aimpoint COA™ optic will be available from the factory for the 43X, 48, 19, 45, and 47 pistols. What is truly revolutionary is the unique, patented A-CUT™ interface which allows the optic to be mounted deeper in the slide with unrivaled durability. This low-profile design allows for easier unholstering, as well as more low-profile concealment qualities, and the red dot optic can help deliver fast and accurate target alignment. There is no doubt in my mind that this concept is going to be huge.
Heckler & Koch
The VP9 series of pistols was introduced in 2014 and has gone on to be the most popular service pistol of all time for HK. New this year is the VP9A1 F full-size pistol and the VP9A1 K which is a slightly more compact model with a four inch barrel and a shorter frame. To make an already great pistol even better, the new variants feature an improved grip frame, trigger and controls. An optics package which includes a HOLOSUN direct-mounted Solar Charging Sight (SCS) is also available from the factory.
One thing conspicuously absent from the HK line was a small micro pistol designed for discreet carry. The wait is over and I’m confident the new HK CC9 will not disappoint.
Crafted in Columbus, GA, the CC9 can compete very favorably with pistols such as the GLOCK 43X and SIG SAUER P365. Personally, I don’t prefer pistols with a short grip and the CC9 does in fact have a “real gun” feel to it. With a width of less than one inch and an overall length of just a tad over six inches, this new HK offering is highly concealable. The CC9 ships with ten and twelve round magazines.
MAGSMITH®
Every now and again, you stumble across a little gold nugget when you weren’t even looking for it. Without question, the best new accessory I found at the 2025 SHOT Show was the revolutionary pistol magazine loader from MAGSMITH. Engineered for convenience and speed, the MAGSMITH Pistol Mag Loader can top off a high capacity magazine in less than a second.
To work the MAGSMITH loader, simply load the tray with the appropriate number of rounds. Attach the loader to the magazine and a simple downward motion fully loads the magazine in a blink of the eye. Brand-specific models are available for SIG SAUER, Beretta, GLOCK, HK, and Mec-Gar 9mm magazines.
The MAGSMITH unit is fumble-free and far easier to use than the loaders which only load a single round at a time into a magazine. From a training perspective, anything which speeds up the process and gets the troops back out on the line to shoot is a big plus. It would be especially useful on cold winter days or when working against a stiff magazine spring. Best of all, it doesn’t require brute strength to operate and even users new to the game will be topping off their magazines in no time.
Mossberg®
Mossberg is widely recognized as a driving force in the creation of repeating shotguns for law enforcement. The 590® family of pump-action guns has proven extremely tough and, back on my job, one particular example I utilized in training had a round count right up there with a high mileage pistol, yet still delivered the goods. This year, Mossberg has introduced a couple of new variants to this acclaimed line of pump-actions which warrant a hard look.
The 590R and 590RM combine the proven 590 durability with a telescopic M4 style stock, ergonomic forend and ambidextrous rotary safety. The barrel is outfitted with a heat shield to protect the hands, an important quality when putting a lot of rounds downrange in training. Magpul MBUS® 3 adjustable sights are standard and an optic can be mounted on a rail on top of the receiver. The 590R features a standard tubular magazine while the 590RM is fed with a detachable ten round magazine.
The Mossberg 940 Professional Series is a big improvement over the earlier 930 and has much to offer. The 940 Pro Tactical SPX utilizes the cleaner running gas system for greater reliability and is available in durable Cerakote® finishes including OD Green, Flat Dark Earth and Black. Other frills include M-LOK® mounting points and a Vang Comp 6 shell carrier card with a VELCRO® mounting plate and a hook and loop attachment system. This shotgun is optics ready and also includes a ghost ring rear sight along with a fiber-optic front. Several different models are available including variants with five and eight shot magazine capacities and one with a HOLOSUN Micro Dot optic.
Also new to the lineup is the Mossberg 590M Breacher Professional Series, a 12-gauge, 2.75 inch pump-action which is fed from the first production shotgun double stack magazine. The compact design includes Mossberg’s Aftershock bird’s head grip for improved control and reduced recoil. The 590M’s design enhances balance and weight distribution, making it well suited for breaching operations in close quarters.
Primary Arms
In case you haven’t noticed, the red dot revolution is now in full swing and what was considered exotic technology a few short years ago is now mainstream. Today, there are a couple dozen outfits turning out pistol mounted optics, but few can stand up to the rigors of police use. Quite frankly, affixing a “hobby grade” optic to a pistol you are betting your life on is ill-advised.
Brand new from Primary Arms is the PLx HTX-1, a closed emitter optic which sets the new standard. Key features include a modular chassis system which is an integral part of the optic and is compatible with almost all optics ready pistols. This eliminates the use of adapter plates and makes for a much stronger mounting connection. The PLx HTX-1 has the lowest centerline of any closed emitter optic which makes co-witnessing standard height iron sights possible.
Optically, the PLx HTX-1 is first class and delivers a crystal clear picture, yet is tough enough for patrol duty or special ops. One can select a model with a 4 MOA dot reticle or the proprietary ACSS Vulcan Dot. The fact that this high-quality optic is made in the USA makes it an even more appealing choice.
Rost Martin
Rost Martin is a relatively new player in the autopistol sweepstakes and their first entry into a very competitive market, the 9mm RM1C, proved to be a winner. This Dallas-based firm has met with a high success in building quality pistols and has now expanded their line to include a few variants.
New this year is the RM1C Comped and the RM1S in subcompact persuasion. These pistols are a striker-fired design utilizing a polymer frame which feature ambidextrous controls. Other nice touches include a hammer forged barrel, aggressive slide serrations and a light five pound trigger pull weight with a short recess. Rost Martin pistols are optics ready and also have an accessory rail for affixing a light or laser. The slide is finished in Tenifer to defeat the elements and routine wear.
I had a chance to examine the new RM1S which approximates the size of a GLOCK 26 and I came away impressed. Both a 12 round and an extended 15 round magazine are supplied. At a suggested MSRP of $469.00, it represents a great deal for a high-quality, made in America pistol.
Ruger®
A few weeks before the SHOT Show, the cat was out of the bag and Ruger introduced their new RXM® 9mm pistol. This pistol is a cooperative effort between Ruger and Magpul and these two firms have come up with a very solid pistol. The RXM is not Ruger’s first striker-fired, polymer frame pistol, but it is by far their best.
While some reports have labeled it a copy of the 3rd generation GLOCK 19, there is a little more to the picture. The most notable difference is the removable stainless steel fire control. Like the SIG SAUER P320 and the Springfield Armory Echelon™, the fire control unit is the “gun” and contains the serial number. The fire control unit is housed in the Magpul designed grip module which is superbly textured for a positive hold. The slide features a direct mount optic cut with co-witness steel sights with a front tritium insert. Fore and aft slide serrations for positive manipulation complete the package.
External dimensions are nearly identical to the GLOCK 19 and many holsters cut for that pistol will also work with the RXM. The pistol runs on a 15 round Magpul magazine and GLOCK OEM units will also work like a charm. I have not had the opportunity to run the RXM yet, but two different shooters I know reported that the trigger action was as good as, or even better than, the GLOCK. I would speculate that Ruger will enjoy a great deal of success with this pistol.
Smith & Wesson®
When I first entered the law enforcement profession, Smith & Wesson was the “king of the hill” when it came to service revolvers. As we all know, revolvers have given way to pistols and Smith & Wesson’s M&P® and Shield lines have also proven to be very popular with the police. But, for off duty carry, collecting or just plain fun, there is still a demand for quality revolvers.
Smith & Wesson recently introduced a trio of old school revolvers in their Classic Line including the Model 10, Model 19 and Model 36. What sets them apart from the contemporary versions of the same models is the fact that they are blue steel with wood grips. To further sweeten the deal, they have no internal lock. I don’t expect to see 21st century warriors sporting these revolvers in their duty holsters, but they do reconnect us to an earlier era of time when life was simpler.
Last year, S&W hit the jackpot with their line of Ultimate Carry revolvers which are available exclusively through Lipsey’s. Original offerings included a M432/632UC in .32 H&R Magnum and M442/642UC in .38 Special. These small hideouts were a huge hit and better sights, trigger action and grips make them a perfect choice for off duty or backup carry. New additions this year include the M632UC Ti in .32 H&R Magnum with a lightweight titanium cylinder. A flyweight revolver with a six round capacity is sure to find favor. If you prefer more powerful revolvers, check out the Lipsey’s exclusive M686 .357 Magnum and M629 .44 Magnum Mountain Guns.
The S&W FPC (Folding Pistol Caliber) carbine was introduced a couple of years ago and that line continues to expand. Many critics have pronounced the .40 S&W cartridge as being on life support, but I for one was happy to see a FPC variant added to the line. From a longer barrel, the .40 S&W hits as hard as the more powerful 10mm cartridge and it would be a perfect companion for my like-chambered M&P pistol. Other additions to the FPC line include a Flat Dark Earth variant and another with a green dot optic, both in 9mm.
Springfield Armory
Springfield Armory followed the traditional path by taking a pair of successful service-size pistols and chopping them down to compact dimensions. All things considered, I much prefer a compact pistol over a micro pistol for everyday carry since it offers nearly the same performance as a full-size service model. The 1911 DS Prodigy™ Compact is now available with a shorter grip frame, with either a 3.5 inch or 4.25 inch barrel. Trimming the grip frame back just a bit enhances concealment qualities, yet these pistols boast a generous 15+1 round capacity.
Recently, I picked up an Echelon™ 4.0C and couldn’t be more pleased. The Echelon is a very well-thought-out pistol with excellent ergonomics and this southpaw has grown especially fond of the ambidextrous controls. Textured indexing points, an oversize trigger guard and an adaptive grip texture add to the appeal. Metal surfaces are finished in Melonite® to defeat the elements and the tactical U-notch rear and tritium front sight with a luminescent ring are quick to pick up. The Variable Interface System with self-locking pins accommodates most popular red dot optics. Originally released in basic black, Springfield has recently expanded the Echelon 4.0C lineup to include Desert Flat Dark Earth (FDE) and Olive Drab (OD) Green, enhancing the handgun’s appeal.
Staccato
High-capacity 1911-style pistols first appeared on the market in the 1990s and proved to be an instant hit with competitive shooters. One of the prime shakers and movers of these pistols was STI Firearms who introduced the 2011 platform, a highly refined pistol which proved to be very popular. In 2020, STI evolved into Staccato and their focus changed to building first-class pistols for personal defense and law enforcement. Today, Staccato pistols are utilized by the US Marshalls Special Operations Group, LAPD Metro, Texas Rangers, and many others.
Their latest innovation is the Staccato HD, available with a either a four or 4.5 inch barrel which is fueled by an 18 round steel GLOCK pattern magazine. Make no mistake, this is a first-class duty pistol with ambidextrous control and an excellent set of AMERIGLO® sights which can also accommodate popular red dot optics. Trigger weight runs between four and five pounds which enhances hit potential. Staccato pistols have earned a reputation as being tough and reliable and they may very well be the Cadillac of carry guns.
Captain Mike Boyle served with New Jersey Fish & Wildlife, Bureau of Law Enforcement, and has been active in use-of-force instruction for over 40 years. He is an instructor in multiple firearms and less-lethal disciplines and has been a police academy assistant director, instructor, and rangemaster. He is the author of three books; three training videos; and hundreds of magazine articles on firearms, training and tactics. Mike served 21 years on the Board of Directors of IALEFI and is a member of NLEFIA and ILEETA. He continues to work part-time as a law enforcement training specialist and resides in Forked River, NJ.