Today’s Saturday video showcase includes multiple video reviews of some of new rifle and pistols introduced in recent months. There are some impressive new rifles, and a score of new pistols both for CCW and competition.
Ten New Guns Revealed for 2025
This video features an interesting collection of new rifles and new handguns. Rimfire rifle fans should check out the Bergara BMR .22 LR rifle, while hunters will like the fast-cycling Beretta BRX1 straight-pull rifle. Among the pistols covered in this video, the Kimber KD9SC has nice features and 1911-style ergonomics.
Notable covered guns shown in the above video:
Best New Bolt-Action Rifles in Review
If you are looking for a new affordable hunting or varmint rifle, this video is a good place to start. It features 14 bolt-action rifles from a wide variety of manufacturers including Barrett, Bergara, Browning, CVA, Ruger, Savage and more. There is good video footage showing rifle details and features.
1. Dark Mountain Arms (DMA) Stowaway
2. Bergara MG Micro Lite
3. Taurus USA Expedition
4. CVA Cascade SR-80
5. Stag Arms Pursuit
6. Barrett MRAD ELR
7. Browning X-Bolt 2 Pro McMillan
8. Bergara B14 Wilderness Sierra
9. Beretta BRX1
10. Savage Arms KLYM
11. Ruger American Rifle Gen 2
12. Bespoke Gun Phantom
13. CVA Cascade LRH
14. Best of the West Stealth
New Rifles and Shotguns
This video covers both rifles and shotguns. Featured first is the CMM BR4 semi-auto rifle that complies with state restrictions while offering AR-style functionality. This is followed by a report on the Browning X-Bolt 2 rifle with muzzle brake. Next is the SIG Sauer MCX military-style rifle, followed by a Browning A5 shotgun. There are five other featured long guns reviewed by this video for nine in total (see list below). NOTE: The video title claims 13 guns are reviewed, but there are really only 9 specific stories:
Smith & Wesson M15
HM Defense HM 50B
Beretta BRX 1
Wilson Combat AR
(multiple models)
New Handguns including CZ Shadow 2 and Taurus 608 Revolver
This video is mostly manufacture-supplied PR material but it does cover a variety of interesting new handguns: CZ Shadow 2 Target; Savage Stance XR; Kimber CDS9; Taurus 608 Competition Revolver; and Tisa PX 5.7. That CZ Shadow 2 Target pistol has attracted much attention, with some good reviews. The Firearm Blog says the new Shadow 2 Target may be the most accurate CZ pistol ever made. With a $2600 price it better be good! If you compete in action pistol matches, the CZ Shadow 2 could take you to the next level… but that price is daunting.
Best New Lever-Action Rifles for 2025
Lever-action rifles are enjoying a significant growth in popularity. For 2025 Savage has introduced the Revel Classic and Revel DLX rimfire lever-action rifles in .22 LR, .22 WMR, and .17 HMR chamberings. This video covers other new lever guns including: Bishop Firearms 1895 GBL (01:00), Smith & Wesson 1854 (02:22), POF USA Tombstone (03:54); Browning BLR (05:26); Winchester 1892 DLX Octagon (06:50); Henry Big Boy X (08:25); Marlin 1895 Dark Series (10:00).
Leading New Air Rifles for 2025
Whether you’re a hunter, target shooter, or just love high-quality air guns, this video is worth watching. The title refers to five rifles but it actually covers six notable, recently-introduced air rifles, showcasing performance, accuracy, and features. From budget-friendly options to high-end precision models, the video covers six air rifles with performance stats and real-world testing. The reviews include pros/cons and features of each model: BRK Pathfinder XR Green (00:55); FX Impact X4 (02:20); Gamo Riser Punisher (03:56); Umarex Zelos PCP (05:20); BRK Ghost Silver (06:54); and Hatsan Jet 3 (08:19).
New Product Showcase Part ONE
Shooting Industry’s December 2024 issue has the first installment of the 2025 New Product Showcase — featuring new (or recently introduced) products from dozens of companies including FN America, Gemtech, H&K, Hornady, Kimber, MDT, Remington, Ruger, Savage, Smith & Wesson, Taurus, Trijicon, Vudoo Gun Works and more. You can see all these new products in a mobile-friendly format that works with cell phones.
Or, CLICK HERE to see the full December 2024 issue in printable PDF format. The New Product Showcase is on pages 52-67, with a Shot Show Preview on pages 48-51.
Below we feature our Top Six Picks among the many new products featured this month in Shooting Industry magazine. There are dozens of other new (or recently introduced) products in Shooting Industry’s Part 1 2025 Product feature, found in the current December 2024 issue. CLICK HERE to see ALL the featured new products.
Pick Six — Top New-for-2025 Shooting Products, Guns and Gear
MDT Sporting Goods — New CRBN Ultra-Lightweight Stock
The new MDT CRBN Rifle Stock is a lightweight carbon fiber stock with an internal mini-chassis weighing a mere 27 ounces — that’s light! Crafted from foam-filled carbon fiber, the MDT CRBN Rifle Stock is both incredibly lightweight and durable. The CRBN Stock features a full-length ARCA rail, adjustable comb height, adjustable length-of-pull, M-LOK slots, QD attachment points, thumb shelves, and a 20-degree grip angle. A V-Bedding block ensures a precise fit between the stock and action, and the barrel channel can accommodate a 1.2″ profile barrel.
Savage New Revel Rimfire Lever-Action Rifles
Savage Arms will offer the Revel Classic and Revel DLX rimfire lever-action rifles in .22 LR, .22 WMR, and .17 HMR chamberings. These are take-down rifles with simple disassembly for cleaning and maintenance. The Revels feature a nice, satin-finish walnut wood stock plus a large lever loop for rapid cycling. These new rimfire lever guns start at $439.00 MSRP for the Revel Classic and $539.00 for the Revel DLX. The .22 LR Revel Classic is available now while the .22 WMR and .17 WMR versions will be available in early spring 2025, as will all Revel DLX models.
Kimber CDS9 Metal-frame Compact Pistol
If you want a compact carry pistol but are not a fan of Glock-style polymer frames, you may favor Kimber’s new CDS9 (Covert Double Stack 9mm) pistol. This high-capacity, optics-ready compact handgun features all-metal frame with accessory rail for light or laser. The grip is available with a high-contrast red and black finish.
The CDS9 has an ambidextrous safety and slide release plus a reversible mag release. The CDS9 TFS version comes with a threaded barrel for suppressor, compensator or muzzle brake. The new MDT ships with a 13-round or 15-round magazine plus a 10-round flush magazine is offered for areas where high-capacity magazines are not allowed. Watch the video above for field test.
CenterPoint Optics has some new products that deliver decent glass and advanced internal electronics at an ultra-low price. The CPNV01 Night Vision Monocular boasts day and night vision modes, 6X optical zoom and 8X digital zoom, plus day and night vision modes with a 2″ display. You can record stills and video to a micro SD card. Priced at just $129.99, this could be a nice unit for hunters.
CenterPoint also has a decent laser rangefinder at a super low price. Costing just $129.99, the CPLRF6221K laser rangefinder measures distances up to 1,100 yards and features 6X magnification. The unit has scan mode with continuous distance readings to help track moving targets. The unit, with 22mm objective, also has a built-in inclinometer.
Silencer Central
Meat-Eater Suppressor
Silencer Central has worked with Banish to develop a new 30-caliber “Meat Eater” suppressor rated for cartridges up to .300 RUM. Designed for hunting, the maker claims this suppressor can reduce sound levels by 32 decibels and reduce recoil by up to 40% via its integrated “anchor brake”. Quite light-weight, the Meat-Eater suppressor weighs 10.3 oz., and measures 5.85″ long. It employs an industry-standard hub mount.
Vudoo Gun Works
Precision Rifle Bag
The impressive Vudoo Precision Rifle Bag has many notable features including thick foam padding on all sides, 3 Zippered mesh pockets, removable scope cover, muzzle cover with bungee, Velcro interior walls, and cleaning rod sleeve. The fully customizable compartments keep gear organized, while thick, high-density padding shields your firearm from the toughest conditions.
All these features make for a really great gun case, but it is very pricey at $225.00!
Discover more products ShootingIndustry.com. Dealers and retailers can subscribe to the magazine and get weekly emails with the latest industry news and new product info. And everyone can access regular news items via the Shooting Industry Facebook page.
The October 2022 issue of Shooting Industry Magazine covers the increasing popularity of “optics-ready” handguns. These pistols have slides configured to mount Red Dot optics. Some of these new handguns are sold with the Red Dot optics pre-installed, ready to go. For example, the Smith & Wesson Performance Center M&P 9 Shield Plus (above) is sold with a Crimson Trace Red Dot optic mounted on the slide.
The new FN Five-seveN MRD is an optics-ready pistol chambered in 5.7x28mm. (Image: FN America)
For IDPA and gun games, a Red Dot sight can definitely help with rapid target acquisition. And for a defense gun, the Red Dot assists aiming at night, even in the dark. And unlike a pistol-mounted laser, the Red Dot does not have a bright, visible beam that pinpoints the gun owner’s location.
The Shooting Industry article explains how optics-equipped pistols have become much more popular: “It wasn’t too long ago optics-ready handguns were little more than a novelty. But today, it’s difficult to talk about the handgun segment without delving into the increasing number of guns coming from the manufacturers with optics already installed, or ready to accept one.”
Massad Ayoob, a respected shooting instructor and gun writer, says optics-equipped pistols are now very popular: “Carry optics are burning up the handgun market today. Some of my fellow instructors tell me they have general defensive shooting classes where more than half the students show up with guns wearing carry optics, a compact version of Red Dot sights. Police departments are going to them [optics equipped pistols] in droves.” READ FULL Story.
If you are interested in a wide selection of optics-ready handguns, check out the Modern Carry: Best Optics-Ready Pistols article in the CheaperThanDirt Blog. This highlights ten production pistols from Canik, CZ, FN, Hechler & Koch, Keltec, SCCY, SIG Sauer, Smith & Wesson, Springfield Armory, and Taurus. Below is the Taurus G3 T.O.R.O (Taurus Optic Ready Option), a full-frame pistol with 17+1 9mm capacity.
Two years ago, Colt Mfg. Co. (“Colt”) introduced an impressive new rimfire revolver — the King Cobra Target 22 LR. Colt states: “From competition to plinking and small game hunting, this baby Cobra does it all and packs 10-rounds of .22 LR in its cylinder”. The King Cobra Target 22 LR is available with 4.25-inch and 6-inch barrel lengths, both with 1:16″ RH rifling twist. The 4.25″ and 6″ models each have a $999.00 MSRP.
The King Cobra Target 22 LR features USA-forged stainless steel construction. Designed and crafted for outstanding accuracy, new King Cobra Target 22 LR features a one-piece barrel/shroud with fiber optic front sight. The cylinder holds ten (10) rounds. The frame is fitted with an adjustable target rear sight and Hogue overmolded rubber grips.
This TFB Showtime episode examines the new .22 LR rimfire Colt King Cobra Target. The King Cobra Target 22 LR features a 10-shot cylinder, and the same adjustable target sights as the .357 Magnum version.
Last May, Justin Baldini, Colt’s VP of Product Strategy stated: “Shooting .22 LR is such an important part of shooting sports. It’s where we come to learn as a beginner; and where we return as seasoned shooters to cost-effectively enjoy more time at the range. We’re confident that new and old Colt fans will love what we’ve done with the new King Cobra 22 LR.”
All-American built, the King Cobra Target 22 LR should deliver exceptional accuracy and good reliability. Watch the video to see this rimfire revolver in action.
Commentary: We applaud Colt for introducing this new .22 LR wheelgun. Rimfire revolvers are great. This Editor owns a Smith & Wesson Model 617 ten-shot rimfire revolver that has easily fired more rounds than all his other handguns combined. A .22 LR revolver is great for training and fun for plinking. Like the Model 617, this Colt .22 LR wheelgun offers minimal recoil, great reliability, a nice sight radius, and affordable shooting. In addition, if you shoot single-action slow-fire, the trigger pull is light and crisp — better than the vast majority of semi-auto pistols. We think this new “Baby Snake” will be a great addition to any shooter’s collection.
Do you enjoy shooting pistols for sport, or perhaps you carry a handgun for self-defense? If you’re like most of us, you might benefit from a “refresher course” on the fundamentals of handgun shooting. The NRA has created a useful Infographic that covers important basics of handgun marksmanship — key things such as Sight Alignment, Trigger Control, and Handgun Hold.
Here are the first two (2) lessons. Click the link below to see all SIX (6) training topics: Sight Alignment, Sight Focus, Trigger Control, Breath Control, Hold Control, and Follow-Through.
Video Shows Sight Alignment, Grip, Stance, Trigger Control and More
In this USAMU video, SGT Shane Coley talks about the basics of sight alignment and trigger control. But then SGT Coley talks about other important control factors such as grip, arm position, and body stance. For rapid-fire shooting, you need to have a good arm and body positioning to control recoil and get back on target quickly. This video is a valuable complement to the NRA Infographic because it demonstrates all the important pistol fundamentals during live fire, at the range.
At the request of our readers, we provide select “Deals of the Week”. Every Sunday afternoon or Monday morning we offer our Best Bargain selections. Here are some of the best deals on firearms, hardware, reloading components, optics, and shooting accessories. Be aware that sale prices are subject to change, and once clearance inventory is sold, it’s gone for good. You snooze you lose.
NOTE: These deals may disappear at 11:59 PM EST on Monday 12/2/2024.
CYBER MONDAY Specials — 20 Hot Bargains
For our previous Black Friday feature stories last week we listed multiple websites that offered a variety of discounts. For this 2024 Cyber Monday + Deals of the Week, we feature 20 select items. Click on each to get the current deal on the seller’s site, and then you can shop other Cyber Monday bargains at that vendor.
NOTE: All listed products are for sale to persons 18 years of age or older. No products are intended for use by minors.
The 2025 NRA National High Power Rifle, Smallbore Rifle, and Precision Pistol Championships — the NRA National Matches — will be held at multiple locations across the USA. This marks a notable change from recent years when NRA rifle and pistol championships were held at Camp Atterbury, Indiana. After discussion with representatives from each discipline, the NRA has determined that in 2025, these NRA National Matches will take place at multiple locations in Ohio, Oklahoma, and Wisconsin.
The 2025 NRA National Matches kick off with the National High Power Rifle Across the Course (XTC) Championships at Winnequah Gun Club in Lodi, Wisconsin, June 1-7, 2025 (see below).
After that, the Nat’l High Power Mid-Range Championships will be conducted at Oklahoma City Gun Club in Arcadia, Oklahoma, June 4-8, 2025, followed by the Nat’l High Power Long-Range Championships at Alliance Rifle Club in Malvern, Ohio, July 2-6, 2025. The Nat’l Precision Pistol Championships will be at the Cardinal Shooting Center in Marengo, Ohio, July 6-10, 2025, and the National Matches will conclude with the Nat’l Smallbore Rifle Championships, also at the Cardinal Shooting Center, July 20-27, 2025.
Here Are the Dates and Locations for the 2025 NRA National Matches.
NRA National High Power Across the Course Championships
Winnequah Gun Club — Lodi, Wisconsin Dates: June 1-7, 2025
Registration links and official match program: coming soon winnequahgunclub.org
NRA National High Power Mid-Range Championships
Oklahoma City Gun Club — Arcadia, Oklahoma Dates: June 4-8, 2025
Registration links and official match program: coming soon okcgunclub.org
NRA National High Power Long-Range Championships
Alliance Rifle Club — Malvern, Ohio Dates: July 2-6, 2025
Registration links and official match program: coming soon alliancerifleclub.org
NRA National Precision Pistol Championships
Cardinal Shooting Center — Marengo, Ohio Dates: July 6-10, 2025
Registration links and official match program: coming soon thecardinalcenter.com
NRA National Smallbore Championships
Cardinal Shooting Center — Marengo, Ohio Dates: July 20-27, 2025
Registration links and official match program: coming soon thecardinalcenter.com
2025 NRA National Matches Calendar
Here is the 2025 NRA National Matches Calendar showing major championship events and dates. Different events are indicated by various colors: Red for High Power Across the Course, Yellow for High Power Mid-Range, Green for High Power Long-Range, Dark Red for Smallbore and Blue for Pistol. Click the Calendar to ZOOM for easier reading.
At the request of our readers, we provide select “Deals of the Week”. Every Sunday afternoon or Monday morning we offer our Best Bargain selections. Here are some of the best deals on firearms, hardware, reloading components, optics, and shooting accessories. Be aware that sale prices are subject to change, and once clearance inventory is sold, it’s gone for good. You snooze you lose.
NOTE: All listed products are for sale to persons 18 years of age or older. No products are intended for use by minors.
1. Precision Reloading — RCBS Sale and Major RCBS Rebates
⏺️ Get big factory Rebates plus major RCBS discounts
Now is a great time to buy RCBS products — presses, powder dispensers, case prep tools, dies and more. Right now RCBS is offering major rebates: $100 Rebate for purchases of $400 or more; $75 Rebate for purchases of $250 to $399.99, and $35 Rebate for purchases of $100 to $249.99. These rebates apply to purchases made from 11/15/2024 to 12/31/24 (i.e. through the end of the year). Along with the rebates (from RCBS), many RCBS products are ON SALE now at Precision Reloading with savings up to 37%. For example, the RCBS Rebel Press is $199.99 on sale, a $54.76 (22%) discount. You can also now buy RBCS products from Powder Valley Outdoors.
2. Midsouth — Popular Hodgdon and Alliant Powders IN STOCK
⏺️ Great powders for precision reloading now in stock at Midsouth
Right now Midsouth has some of the best Hodgdon and Alliant powders in stock, with many on sale. If you need top-tier powders such as Varget, H4350, H4831sc, Reloder 16, Reloder 15.5 TS, then head over to Midsouth today. The prices are very competitive, with some items, such as RL 15.5 TS, currently on sale. Both 1-lb and 8-lb varieties are offered. For example you can get an 8-lb jug of H4350 or H4831sc for $390.99. And 8 lbs. of Alliant 15.5 TS is now on sale for $449.99.
3. Palmetto State Armory — TaurusTX 22 .22 LR Pistol, $249.99
⏺️ Amazingly low price on rimfire pistol with good accuracy and ergonomics
With .22 LR rimfire pistols, ammo is a fraction of the ammo cost for centerfire handguns — 8 cents/rd (bulk pack) vs. 30 cents/rd (or more). And the low rimfire recoil is good for developing your shooting skills. Right now, the nicely-designed TaurusTX 22 Pistol is on sale at a bargain price — just $249.99. This gray-framed pistol has a good ergonomic grip and a crisp trigger. Owners report the TX 22 is reliable and quite accurate. NOTE: Right now Taurus offers a Triple Mag Mania rebate on the TX22, so you get THREE extra .22 LR magazines with every TX 22 purchase.
⏺️ Scope and rangefinder for hunting — combo for under $170
Hunting season is here. Here’s a good, ultra-affordable scope/LRF combo for a hunter on a tight budget. Get the SIG Sauer Buckmasters Scope and Rangefinder Combo for just $169.99 — an amazing combo bargain. The 3-9x50mm scope has a Bullet Drop Compensation (BDC) reticle with holdover dots. The SIG Sauer LRF 1500 Laser Rangefinder offers fast performance with red illuminated display for low light hunting. If you don’t need a scope, you can get the Buckmasters 1500 Laser Rangefinder for just $119.99 at Palmetto SA, an amazing deal.
5. CDNN Sports — Smith & Wesson Revolvers, $50-$150 Rebate
⏺️ Major rebates on top-tier Smith & Wesson wheelguns
Smith & Wesson makes superb revolvers that boast superior accuracy and build quality. We think every serious gun owner should have an S&W wheelgun in his/her collection. Right now, at CDNN Sports, many popular S&W revolvers are discounted. In addition, Smith & Wesson is running a major rebate program through the end of the year. Save $50, $100, or $150 with the S&W Factory rebate on popular models including 686 (.357 Mag), 629 (.44 Mag), and 637 Airweight (.38 SPL).
6. Palmetto SA — AR-15 Lower with Trump-47 Logo, $49.99
⏺️ Good AR-15 lower with distinctive “Trump-47″ image on side
If you’re planning a new AR build, consider a lower receiver that celebrates the history election of Donald Trump as the 47th President of the United States. This is a great deal, with a sale price of just $49.99 at Palmetto SA. This lower can be used as the basis for a home defense, target, or varmint rifle. NOTE: This is an exclusive “pre-order” item with delivery in 30 to 60 days.
⏺️ Excellent, rugged rifle case at a very good price
When flying or driving it’s vital to protect your rifles. A good hard case option (at a great price) is the APACHE 9800 Weatherproof Protective Rifle Case. On sale for $149.99, this 53″-long case is $190.00 less than an equivalent-size Pelican case. Constructed from durable polypropylene, this quality hard case can protect long guns from from impact, moisture, and dust. The built-in purge valve equalizes pressure so you can open the case after changing elevations. NOTE: Case interior dimensions are 50⅜” by 13⅝”.
8. Natchez — Frankford Quick-N-Easy Case Tumbler Kit, $79.99
⏺️ We’ve used this Combo Kit for many seasons — very good value
Keeping your brass clean is important (and essential if you anneal). If you’re looking for a new, affordable setup to clean cartridge brass, consider the Frankford Arsenal Quick-N-EZ Case Tumbler Master Kit. You get everything needed to dry-tumble your brass and remove the media. This is all available now for a very low $79.99. You could pay that much for a good vibratory tumbler alone, yet this combo kit includes tumbler, media separator, bucket, brass polish, and media.
9. MidwayUSA — Electronic Muffs with Walkie-Talkie, $49.99
⏺️ Dual-function electronic muffs — great for range communications
Electronic earmuffs protect your hearing while allowing you to hear range commands. With these Walkie-Talkie muffs you also get 2-way communication capabilities. The Walker Razor Slim Low Profile Electronic Earmuffs (NRR 23dB) with Walkie Talkie allows you to communicate with other FRS radios. These are now just $49.99 (50% Off) with FREE Shipping. If you don’t need the two-way functionality, you can get Walker’s NRR 23 Razor Slim Electronic Muffs for $43.00 (#ad) — 46% off the list price.
10. Amazon — KUBEI USB Rechargeable Digital Scale, $24.99
⏺️ Compact scale with USB-rechargeable battery at great price
Everyone can use an inexpensive, compact scale for loading at the range or sorting bullets or maybe even primers. One very affordable option KUBEI USB Rechargeable Digital Scale (#ad). Unlike most other inexpensive digital scales, this comes with a large dust cover with a “window” for your powder pan. Notably, this scale can be conveniently recharged with a standard USB cable — no batteries to replace ever! We have heard positive reports from Forum members about this $24.99 portable scale, which offers 9 types of weight units, calibration weight, and fold-down protective lid.
As an Amazon affiliate, this site can earn revenues through sales commissions.
The NRABlog has interviewed seven prominent lady shooters, asking them for tips for other lady shooting sports enthusiasts, particularly new shooters. Top female competitors such as 2016 Bianchi Cup Winner Tiffany Piper and Team S&W Co-Captain Julie Golob offer good advice on competitive shooting as well as using firearms for self-defense. Read the full article here.
Here Are Some of the Top Tips from Leading Ladies:
Theresa Vail, Hunter and Host of NRA All Access “If you’re new to shooting or wanting to start, find some girlfriends that are interested in trying it with you. Having female friends go to the range with you takes the pressure off and makes a typically male-dominant arena much less intimidating. There is such thing as strength in numbers!”
Tiffany Piper (Action Pistol): The best piece of advice I would give is practice makes perfect. In New Zealand, we barely get enough range time with our noise restrictions so muscle memory and technique are key. Study up on shooting techniques, watch YouTube videos of other professional women shooters, and try out what you see. Don’t get intimidated thinking it’s a male’s sport[.]”
Julie Golob (Team S&W, 3-Gun and Pistol): “If something isn’t clear, just ask about it! Shooters are some of the best people you’ll ever meet, but we can be confusing and use a lot of shooter slang and lingo. When in doubt, ask!”
Tori Nonaka (Team Glock): “I always recommend to new shooters to first concentrate on the basics of gun safety. That way they will be more comfortable when they next learn about the particular gun…. Their confidence will grow as they familiarize themselves with their specific weapon. Then, it’s all about practice at the range.”
Corey Cogdell (Olympic Trap Shooter): “It’s empowering for women to know how to use a firearm in a sporting atmosphere as well as for self-defense. So if you are new to firearms, check out your local gun club and take a lesson! There you’ll find instructors and other shooting sports enthusiasts who will be more than willing to help you.”
On its Facebook Page, the NRA National Firearms Museum regularly showcases a notable gun from the Museum collections. A while back the Museum displayed a very special Beretta pistol — a gold-plated .32 ACP belonging to legendary airman Chuck Yeager.
This engraved, gold-washed Beretta Model 1935 pistol was presented in 1950 to Brigadier General Chuck Yeager, U.S.A.F., by the Cuban Minister of Defense. (This was before Castro seized power in 1959). Three years before receiving the gun, in 1947, Yeager — piloting the Bell XS-1 — was the first person to successfully break the sound barrier. Yeager was one of the legendary airmen profiled in the book (and Hollywood movie) “The Right Stuff”.
Though this historic, elaborately-engraved sidearm is a “one-of-a-kind” treasure, the Beretta Model 1935 was actually produced in great numbers. Chambered in .32 ACP, more than 500,000 Beretta Model 1935s were made over a 32-year time-span.
View hundreds of other historic firearms on the National Firearm Museum website, www.NRAMuseums.com. Or, if you’re lucky, you can see the collections in person. The NRA now operates three Museum locations: the NRA National Firearms Museum in Fairfax, Virginia; the NRA National Sporting Arms Museum (at BassPro) in Springfield, MO; and the Frank Brownell Museum of the Southwest in Raton, NM.