The biggest bang in trade shows has to be SHOT Show. Vegas is abuzz in January with tactical folks, foreign businessmen in suits worth more than my truck, politicians, gear-dos, and everything in between.
For those of you who weren’t there, let me paint the scene: miles of booths boasting everything from sleek optics to rugged, apocalypse-ready hunting rifles, innovative outdoor tech, and tactical gear so cutting-edge it might make a Navy SEAL blush. It’s where ideas meet craftsmanship and where the old-school spirit of the outdoors shakes hands with the future of adventure. It’s a whole lot of pew-pew.
But the real highlight? The GearJunkie Best of Show Awards. This year, the competition was fierce. Innovators from all corners of the industry came ready to impress, and let me tell you, they delivered. Shockingly, the majority of the awards weren’t even rifles or shotguns but instead went to accessories or other cool tech gadgets that caught our eye.
So, grab your favorite beverage, whether it’s campfire coffee or something with a little more kick, and settle in. We’re diving deep into the winners and the products that will shape your adventures in 2025.
Federal 7mm Backcountry
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So much chatter surrounds this little box of boom. The 7mm Backcountry from Federal is creating serious buzz for its lightweight design, long-range precision, and performance tailored to backcountry hunting. I think any time a new round hits the table, people get giddy about it. We shot it at the range, and it certainly has some pop.
It makes sense why it was all the rage at this year’s SHOT Show.
It’s not all rainbows and butterflies, though. Critics point to concerns about increased recoil, limited ammo availability, and questions about its reloading potential. Some see it as a game-changer, while others argue it’s just another niche cartridge with tradeoffs.
We thought it was fun to shoot … as long as it’s suppressed and we didn’t have to shoot it often.
Benchmade Bugout
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Seekins Precision 2025 Lineup
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HAVAK PH3
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Element Hunter
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Pelican Reset
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Nite Ize CamJam Ratchet Strap
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Nightcore EDC29
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AGM Evolver LRF 1280 Thermal Optic
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CRKT Provoke Hatchet
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Olight Ostation X Battery Charger
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Acebeam M1 Terminator
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