Check out a few of our highlights from the second day of SHOT Show 2025!

Century Arms/MKE AP5-SD

The MP5 is probably the best SMG ever made, and the MP5SD is its coolest variant. Unfortunately for Americans, lookalikes have been expensive and difficult to procure. Until now. Century Arms has started importing a new AP5 variant made by MKE in Turkey called the AP5-SD, and it’s going to help make MP5SD lookalikes far more accessible. It’s sold as a pistol with a 5.75-inch barrel that’s covered by a faux suppressor shroud, all housed neatly beneath the iconic MP5SD shrouded handguard. The faux suppressor can then be easily removed and replaced with a real suppressor. The AP5-SD is currently available in two versions, a standard pistol (MSRP $1,699.99) and a brace model that comes with a Magpul MP BSL Brace (MSRP $1,799.99). This one has us excited, so stay tuned for our full review later this year.

C+H Precision Comp Max 

C+H Precision has proven aggressive in the optics sphere offering up a solid collection of red dots made to go the distance. The as-of-Tuesday-released Comp Max certainly fits this bill. Everything on this RMR-footprint optic screams speed from its large 28mm window to its 2 MOA dot—with circle and circle dot reticle settings. Further, the optic has 10 brightness settings with levels 1 and 2 compatible with night vision. C+H also made this competition-ready option fit for hard use, building the housing out of aircraft-grade aluminum that should absorb any mishandling from your butterfingers. It leans to the tonier side of reflex red dots at $340 but puts a lot on the table to warrant the price. 

Faxon Firearms CMP M1 Barrels

Faxon Firearms has a host of cool things to show off this year like their new line of suppressors with new baffle designs, new chamber options for their AR barrels like 338 ARC, and even the FX-7 has some magic happening. But something that might fly under the radar for most people is the new M1 barrels Faxon is making for the Civilian Marksmanship Program.

The CMP might not be the most flashy thing happening in shooting sports, but it’s one of the few government programs that directly supports the Second Amendment and its continuing historical legacy. Helping preserve these rifles for the next generation is a great thing to see and support.

Armasight Three New Thermals: Commander 640, Warden 640, & Operator 640

Armasight has awesome thermals but they have newer and more awesome thermals releasing right now! A clip-on, monocular, and dedicated scope all with improved electronics and packed with features. All three thermals use the same ArmaCORE 640-x480 12-micro thermal sensor boating 60Hz performance. Combined with 35mm Germanium lens this new lineup pushes thermal detection to 1,300 meters. We’ll be excited to dive deeper into these new optics later this year!

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