#TFBTV

The ultra low bore axis Archon Type B pistol recently got a few upgrades and is now being brought to the US with help from PTR. @Hoplopfheil stopped by the PTR booth to check out the new features of the Gen II Archon Type B. The updated Type B has a modular frame system with three different grip and magazine sizes, and the serialized chassis can also be dropped readily into the classic Gen I frame, or new heavier metal frames to add weight for competition. The slides are now offered with three different optics cuts, and Archon is also offering a threaded barrel.

SHOT Show 2024 has been the year of the lever action, and Midwest Industries arrived at the show with new accessories for all of them. Hop stopped by to check out the new stock accessories, and play catch up on the lever action handguards and optics rails Midwest has been making for a while. Midwest Industries lever action products include stocks, handguards, and optic rail mounts for several brands and patterns of lever action rifles, all of which can be installed without permanently altering the rifle.

Just before the SHOT Show, Ruger announced the Generation II version of the American series bolt action rifles, and Hop dropped by to check them out. Like the previous generation, Ruger American Gen II will be available in the standard size as well as the smaller, lighter “Ranch” models. The new features include factory Cerakote, spiral fluted barrels, threaded barrels with an included muzzle brake, a new three-position safety design, and a greatly improved stock with an included cheek riser.

Holosun brought a pile of night vision accessories to SHOT Show 2024, and TFB’s resident night vision nerd Hop checked them out. The night vision and thermal optics that were revealed last year are finally coming to market, alongside new weapon lights, red dot sights, and an IR laser aiming module. And brand new to the show this year was a miniaturized thermal fusion sight that can be mounted to a pistol. Suffice to say if even half of these new products come out on time and on budget, it will dominate the night vision market for the next year.

James Reeves is at SureFire to see the new Stiletto Pro II. The Stiletto Pro is already James’ most favorite EDC light, so what does the Pro II bring to the table? Glad you asked: It adds a Multi-Output Dual Beam, USB-C rechargeable (finally), 1,500 lumens with a 500 lumens and 25 lumens setting (50% more than Stiletto Pro), and 35,000 candela (5X more than Stiletto Pro).

In this episode of TFBT Showtime, Hop checks out the refreshed version of S&W’s venerable budget handgun, the SD9. The history of the SD9 series goes all the way back to the early 90s with the S&W Sigma, but a lot has changed internally and externally since then. The biggest change to the SD9 2.0 is an improved flat face trigger with a lighter and crisper pull than the outgoing SD9VE model, which was in turn improved over the original Sigma. In most other respects, this is a very no-frills design and is among the most affordable products S&W produces.

New for 2024, Desert Tech is replacing the MDRX Bullpup! The new rifle is called the WLVRN, and is based on the existing MDR and MDRX models but with substantially redesigned internals. The new bullpup will still be available in multiple calibers and barrel lengths, but Desert Tech dropped the forward ejection option and improved the receiver design. The result is a much lighter rifle that is also capable of better accuracy than the MDRX. Desert Tech will still continue to support the MDR and MDRX, but going forward the WLVRN will replace it in the catalog entirely.

Oh, snap it’s another Hop and Crazy Kirk crossover episode! New for 2024, Aero Precision is expanding their PRO Series to include a fully ambidextrous lower receiver and a redesigned handguard. The new M4E1 PRO lower is a further enhancement to the already enhanced M4E1 with mirrored magazine release and bolt release controls. The MOD4 handguard is a bit heavier and a bit stiffer than Aero’s own Atlas and is designed to reduce flex for use with laser aiming modules.

Palmetto State Armory came out swinging this year at SHOT Show with a ton of prototype and concept guns. Hop stopped by to take a look at the most talked about concept so far: the X5.7 PDW. The X5.7 is chambered in 5.7x28mm like PSA’s own Rock pistol and uses the same magazines. Some aspects of the X5.7 PDW are still being refined, but it will have a spring-loaded pistol brace, and take standard AR charging handles.

The NEW Beretta 92 Squalo is a new competition gun from Beretta featuring an aluminum frame and a bevy of gamer-gun features. It has a sleek, modern aesthetic, ergonomic grip angle and balanced weight distribution with a magwell and custom Hogue G10 grips. The pistol is chambered in 9mm, making it a popular choice for both personal defense and recreational shooting. Renowned for its accuracy and smooth firing mechanism, the 92 Squalo is a part of the famous Beretta 92 series, which enjoys a reputation for durability and precision engineering.

In this episode of TFBTV, Hop checks in with Mike from H&R and NoDakSpud to take a look at the new 633 style 9mm “DOE” AR. H&R has been expanding its lineup of retro and “clone correct” AR builds for the last few years to include 9mm ARs using the Colt stick magazine pattern. The H&R DOE 9mm will be a mostly faithful reproduction with a few subtle tweaks to make it more appealing to shooters.

Want to win $2,500 of James’ clothes from 5.11? Easy. Enter to win the 5.11 SHOT Show 2024 Sweepstakes here:

Palmetto State Armory brought a ton of prototype projects to SHOT Show this year, and @Hoplopfheil dropped by to check out the new versions of the JAKL. The three new JAKL prototypes are a bullpup conversion lower, a large frame .308 variant, and a JAKL/AK hybrid. PSA is relying on customer feedback to decide which projects to focus on, so cast your votes in the comments.

In this highly clandestine episode of TFBTV, @Hoplopfheil met up with Kirk from Aero Precision to check out, and hopefully even shoot, their new prototype lever action. The new rifle is a joint project between Aero and its sister company Stag Arms; the Aero version will skew more towards the tactical side and the Stag version will be more of a classic lever gun. The new rifle is based on the 1895 action and will initially be offered in .45-70 Government and .30-30 Winchester chamberings. It won’t be available any time soon, though so be patient!

New for 2024, Daniel Defense is bringing their first-ever pistol caliber carbine to market. Hop dropped in on a rain-soaked Daniel Defense range day to shoot it and get the details. The aptly but boringly named DD PCC is built around the readily available 9mm CZ Scorpion magazine pattern and has fully ambidextrous controls mirrored on both sides of the receiver. Recoil is mitigated by a hydraulic buffer system from Kynshot. Most of the other parts are standard to the AR platform. The Daniel Defense PCC will be available initially with a 16″ barrel or as a factory SBR with an 8.5″ barrel, both paired with the Daniel Defense MFR M-LOK handguard.