SHOT Show 2024: Favorite Guns and Gear

This year was my first time at SHOT show, and I wasn’t prepared for the brain overload caused by all the people and gear. Don’t get me wrong; it’s an awesome experience, but there’s just too much stuff that it’s impossible to see it all. That didn’t stop me from trying, however, and I’ll probably try to see it all again next year. So, you can understand how selecting a “favorite” would be hard with so many guns and so much gear around. Not everything was new, but that doesn’t make it any less cool.

For someone who likes just about every type of gun (that’s me), it would be too hard to make a list. I’ll mention a couple below, but it’s impossible to talk about every cool gun in one article. IWI had the Carmel on display, and Aero Precision is releasing a fully ambidextrous AR-15 lower. Bond Arms developed a lever-action rifle that uses AR-15 mags, and Rock Island is gearing up for a new line of handguns. But SHOT isn’t just about the guns. It’s about the gear, too. So, here are a few mentions from my list of favorite guns and gear on display at SHOT Show 2024.

Stratus Support System AR-15 Holster

When I heard the words “AR holster,” I was immediately skeptical, but my curiosity won, and I had to check it out. I was picturing some large bulky leg holster that an AR would slide into. Instead, Stratus Support Systems created a simple device that can hold your AR or shotgun on a vest or belt. It’s clever, and I’m willing to give it a try. To use it with an AR, you must switch out the buffer tube backplate for one that has a connector on it. This plate comes with the “holster.”

What they call a holster looks more like a small MOLLE pouch, but it works like a holster. When connected to the front of your vest or the belt, drop the connector into the holster, and it locks in place. This allows the AR-15 to ride on your vest and is easily unlocked by a lever on the bottom of the holster. You can also add a Picatinny rail adaptor on a pistol grip shotgun to hold it on your belt. I like what I saw. But, I’m from the Show Me state, so I want to try it myself. Stratus offered to provide one to me for testing, so watch for the review on that in the near future.

Auto Adamas Knife

Benchmade’s Mini Adamas is my favorite pocket knife. Like guns, I like all kinds of knives, but I’ve carried the Mini Adamas on me since the first time I reviewed it. However, they’re now making an automatic opening version, and I can’t wait to get my hands on one. It is the same quality as the original version but with a few more parts. CPM Cruwear tool steel is strong and perfect for an everyday knife. It has a drop-point style blade and comes in OD Green, which is my favorite color. As of now, they only offer green and desert tan, but I believe I saw a black version at SHOT.

They let me play with it for a while, and the blade has a nice snap when you open it. A locking lever is located on the back edge of the knife to keep it from coming open unintentionally. Because automatic knives are restricted in some states, you must sign a waiver from Benchmade before purchasing one. Retail starts at $400, and you can pay more to add customization.

PSA Olcan Bullpup Rifle

Palmetto State Armory is one of those companies that figured out how to make good quality guns at an affordable price. For years, they have been known for their budget AR-15 rifles and Dagger line of pistols. They also make AK-47s, and, of course, the Jakl is all too popular right now. This year, they have some new guns in the works, and the Olcan is one of them.

A first for PSA, the Olcan is a bullpup-style rifle, meaning you get a short weapon with a full 16-inch barrel. With their track record, I’m only going to assume we will find another great quality weapon for a bargain. PSA wouldn’t give a timeline on when the gun would hit production or the price tag that would come with it. However, the one I held at SHOT had great balance and felt like a solid gun. Olcan (little wolf) is a fitting name for this rifle, and will be a great companion to the Jakl.

UXR Modular Rifle by Primary Weapons Systems

I’ve already mentioned this gun in several articles, but it deserves yet another mention. For innovation, the Primary Weapons Systems UXR was arguably one of the most popular guns at SHOT show. This rifle can transform calibers and magazine types within minutes. When we asked how hard the process was, the rep at SHOT began taking the gun apart. He had each piece laid out within minutes and then put it back together. The gun uses the same BCG, but has a removable bolt face for different calibers.

According to them, not even the buffer spring needs to be replaced when going from one caliber to another. I was able to shoot it on range day, and while it was on the heavy side, it was pleasant to shoot. An oversized mag release made it easy to change mags, and a QD mount was built into the rear sides of the rifle. It’s not available to purchase yet, but the company didn’t expect it to be long before it was ready to go. Only time will tell how durable this three-piece lower receiver system will be. Either way, they are on to something that could change the rifle industry someday.

Is 2024 bringing innovation with it?

There were plenty of good writers at SHOT, and I’m excited to see all the guns and gear I didn’t check out while in Vegas. But, it was clear that there was a trend lurking around the corner at SHOT show. Even the smallest booths in the lower level of SHOT had some amazing products. Everyone is trying to come up with that new innovative idea. Not all of them were at SHOT, and many prototypes will have changes made before their release. This means we have an exciting year to look forward to.