SHOT Show 2024 has come and gone, but the afterglow remains. I saw so many guns, packs, optics, tools, and gizmos that I can hardly keep them straight. But several products stood out, as they always do. Like any such list, this one is completely subjective based on what I like and what I don’t. But I think it’s diverse enough that most folks might find some agreement, and you just may see something you’d like too. So, in alphabetical order, here are the six guns and one scope that I’m scheming to get my hands on.
AGM Global Vision Rattler V2 Thermal Imaging Rifle Scope
I stopped by the AGM Global Vision booth on a colleague’s tip. He told me to check out the new Rattler V2. I have no experience with thermal optics, but it sounded cool. I checked it out alright. Now I want one. Badly. You get your choice of 256×192, 384×288, or 640×512 resolution with newly expanded rechargeable battery life (up to 11 hours) and a sleeker housing. AGM has also provided a built-in reticle assortment with expanded brightness and contrast settings, shot-activated recording with sound, and new thermal settings the company says have the highest-rated sensitivity on the market (640 and 384 models).
This looks like a super nice optic. It’s about time I went thermal.
Bond Arms LVRB Tactical Lever Gun
I am a total lever gun nerd. I admit it. I’ve carried a lever action rifle in the deer woods since 1978. I’m stoked about the current lever gun renaissance. Bond Arms is doing its part with the new LVRB tactical lever gun, whose prototype won Recoil Magazine’s Best Firearm of SHOT Show 2023.
The LVRB features an AR-15 upper, 16.25-inch barrel, M-LOK handguard, and a rotating bolt. The bolt carrier is slightly modified to engage the short-throw lever. The rifle will be available in the second quarter of 2024 chambered for .223 Wylde. Future chamberings will include .300 Blackout, .350 Legend, and .450 Bushmaster. It accepts standard magazines, and the .223 Wylde guns will ship with one 30-rounder. I’m excited about this one.
Colt Python (Blued)
Colt is returning the Python to its classic roots with the new blued finished guns added to the stainless-steel line. The blued Python is available in both the 6 and 4.25-inch barreled versions. I handled one at SHOT Show, and it was like butter. It felt great in the hand, as you’d expect, and the cylinder and action were just silky.
Like its stainless-steel sister, the blued Python is chambered for .357 Magnum, and comes with very nice Altamont wood combat grips that are relieved for speed loaders. This gun is right at the top of my 2024 must-have list.
Crossfire Metal Works Viper Tac-Bat .22
This cool little gun is based on Crossfire’s popular Viper Tac-Bat. It just adds a single-shot .22 Long Rifle firearm to the mix. The gun is all milled steel and heavier than it looks. It comes apart to load the round directly into the chamber. The safe and fire modes are easy to distinguish, and I quickly got the hang of it. You fire it by pulling back the rear portion and letting it go, which initiates a slam fire. I don’t know what I’d use this gun for, but I want one.
Global Ordnance Monolith
The new Monolith rifle is a bufferless platform featuring the company’s new Mono Barrel with a single-piece integrated barrel extension, gas block, and Dead Air KeyMo muzzle brake. There’s also an integrated, adjustable folding stock, ambidextrous controls, and a folding side-mounted charging handle. There’s also a 12.6-inch barrel pistol version. Both are available now in 5.56 NATO.
I handled both versions at SHOT Show and came away very impressed. The ergonomics and controls are very good, and the M-LOK handguard provides plenty of space for accessories. I sometimes think I’m “tacticaled out” when it comes to rifles, but I want a Monolith.
Henry Lever Gun Supreme
Since SHOT Show 2024 seemed to be the year of the lever gun, it’s no surprise that Henry also has an exciting new product. After the Homesteader’s successful 2023 debut, Henry came back this year with the Lever Gun Supreme. Other companies are approaching the magazine-fed lever gun from the tactical side, but Henry’s nothing if not traditional. Nothing wrong with that.
The Lever Gun Supreme is chambered for .223 Remington and .300 Blackout and is compatible with standard magazines like Magpul P-Mags. It has a new rotating bolt, a threaded barrel and is tapped for a rail or optic, though the rifle comes with traditional buckhorn sights. The gun also has Henry’s slick action, which I’ve come to love. Modern features with traditional styling. I like it.
Ohio Ordnance Works 1918A3 Self-Loading Rifle
Being a World War II history enthusiast, my list would not be complete without this awesome rifle from Ohio Ordnance Works. The 1918A3 SLR is a semi-auto reproduction of the WWII version of the classic Browning Automatic Rifle. Ohio Ordnance Works even uses real GI parts in the guns. This rifle is the only BAR in production today.
This rifle is a hoss. It weighs 19.4 pounds and is chambered for the mighty .30-06 Springfield cartridge fired from a detachable 20-round box mag. I picked it up, and I can tell you it’s all there. But no reason to be a wimp. Great Granddad humped this thing across Europe whilst killing Nazis. You can hump it to the range to the envy your friends and the accolades of the opposite sex. Just be ready to slap down over 5 grand to buy it.
These and More
There you have it. These are the SHOT Show guns I want the most. Along with the cool thermal scope. I also want about 50 other things, but priorities, you know. With any luck, I’ll pick up at least a few of these, but probably not the 1918A3 SLR. I don’t have that much juice. But one day, maybe…
With all the press coming out of SHOT Show 2024, you’ve probably seen some things you’d like too. What’s at the top of your list?
