Thousands of firearms are on display at SHOT Show 2024, including many that are being showcased for the first time at this major trade show. Today we’re featuring four noteworthy guns — three rifles and one pistol. The new CZ 600 MDT rig could quickly become an important player in PRS/NRL factory class. A new lever gun series was introduced by Smith and Wesson, with two versions, one with a stunning wood stock. Among competition pistols, Walther’s new steel-framed PDP Match model was impressive. And we expect hunters and tactical shooters will like Beretta’s tactical version of its popular BRX1 straight-pull rifle.

CZ 600 MDT Tactical Match

CZ is rolling out an impressive new rifle for the PRS/NRL crowd. The new CZ 600 MDT match rifle combines the popular CZ 600 bolt action with a top-quality MDT alloy stock. We think this is a good option for someone getting started in PRS/NRL competition. In addition the action can be removed and placed in a conventional stock for hunting season.

In this TFB-TV episode, host James Reeves visits CZ headquarters to check out the new CZ 600 MDT. The CZ 600 MDT is a collaboration with MDT Precision, makers of quality precision rifle chassis systems. The CZ 600 series was introduced in 2022, and this is a cool, new variant for the tactical market. TFB-TV states that: “The CZ 600 MDT takes the accuracy and ease of use from the CZ 600 family and marries it to one of two different MDT chassis to bring the CZ 600 into the tactical, military, and PRS realms.”

Smith & Wesson’s New Model 1854 Lever-Action Rifles

At SHOT Show 2024 Smith & Wesson showcased of its first ever modern lever-action rifles, the S&W Model 1854 Series. These new Model 1894 Lever Guns will be offered in multiple formats. Get the basic version with stainless barrel/action and a polymer forearm/buttstock for $1279.00. Or if you have a big budget you can get the limited-edition Model 1854 with polished black PVD finish and very handsome, fully-figured wood for $3499.00 MSRP.

The handsome Model 1854 Limited Edition shares the same feature set, but instead of the M-LOK capable fore-end, it boasts a classic high-grade satin walnut finish on both the stock and fore-end and a polished black PVD finish on the receiver and barrel. Both rifles have a 36″ overall length, include a 11/16-24 threaded muzzle, and ship with an XS Sights adjustable ghost ring rear sight and a gold bead front sight.

Walther PDP Steel Frame Match Pistol

We like metal-framed pistols. The extra weight lowers the center of gravity, reduces muzzle flip, and allows faster shot strings. That’s all very valuable if you are shooting pistol matches on the clock. Walther has made a good thing better by creating a full metal version of its popular PDP pistol. The PDP Match metal variant features an extended ergonomic grip and optics-ready slide. The trigger is excellent. This is definitely one of the best 9mm competition pistols on the market.

Intrigued? You’ll find a very thorough review on the All4Shooters.com website. This review includes comprehensive tech details and has good close-up images. The review also includes information on the lesser-priced Walter PDP with polymer grip. As sold in the USA the Walther PDP Match Steel Frame model costs $1,899, shipped with two 20-rd and one 18-rd magazines with aluminum base pads.

Beretta BRX1 Straight-Pull Tactical Version

For 2024, Beretta has introduced a new, camo-finish version of BRX1. This has been dubbed the BRX1 Tactical. Like other BRX1 rifles, this camo BRX1 features a left/right swappable straight-pull action that is very fast to cycle.

In this video, released just last week (1/17/24), the TFB-TV team tests the new Beretta BRX1 Tactical: “This tactical edition, a standout with its multicam finish, is a specialized variant of the Beretta BRX-1, which has gained popularity in Europe for its precision and reliability. The BRX-1 Tactical is enhanced for practical functionality with a 3D printed magazine adapter, allowing it to accept Magpul P-Mags, adding to its versatility.” This video covers the BRX1’s notable features including smooth action, adaptability, and stock ergonomics. The video also compares the new BRX1 Tactical to the original European BRX-1 model, highlighting the main changes — principally the stock configuration and the new bigger magazine.

The new BRX1 Tactical rifle features the same advanced straight-pull action as shown in the BRX1 hunting model below. But the tactical model has a more rugged stock and will hold larger-capacity Magpul P-Mags.

The Beretta BRX1 is a modern rifle with some unique properties. It is a fast-cycling “straight-pull” rifle with the ability to quickly change the bolt position from right side to left side. It uses a rotating multi-lug bolt, similar to what you’ll find on AR-platform rifles. The closing system employs an 8-lug bolt (or 16-lug for magnums). Currently, three chamberings are offered in the USA: .308 Win, .300 Win Mag, and .30-06 Springfield. And there are also some previous production models in 6.5 Creedmoor. Multiple barrel lengths are offered: 20.1″, 22.4″, 24.4″ (51, 57, 62 cm). Barrel and chamber are cold-hammer forged together from a single steel piece. The trigger can be adjusted to three pull weights from 2.1 pounds (950 grams) to 3.3 pounds (1500 grams). CLICK HERE for factory specifications and more information.

CLICK HERE to Download Beretta BRX1 Manual PDF »

Accuracy has been good by hunting rifle standards. Beretta offers a 3-shot, sub-MOA Guarantee for the BRX1, stating that “the accuracy certificate for each firearm is available online”. Testers have confirmed that this rifle should be capable of putting three shots in about 1″ at 100 yards.

You’ll find a good review of the Beretta BRX1 on the All4Shooters Website. In 100m outdoor range testing, they were able to get a 1.18″ five-shot group, and the testers confirmed the rifle was fast to cycle and operate: “The straight-pull repeater comes with a linear reloading system. In concrete terms, this means that no rotation or lever movement is required. This promises particularly fast reloading due to an especially smooth bolt action. Without any problems, it was possible to cycle the rifle with one finger.” The testers confirmed the rifle can change from right-hand to left-hand very quickly: “The bolt handle can be removed in a few seconds, and the shooter can change the ejection side. In combination with the central safety, you have a fully-fledged left- or right-handed gun within a short time.”

Overall the testers were impressed: “The new Beretta BRX1 has everything you need on board: a muzzle thread, a one-piece Picatinny rail, a high-quality red-orange magazine (5+1 rounds), ambidexterity, barrel change option, and a great, very smooth straight-pull action.”

January 2024 Field Test of BRX1 Latest Model

This is a good, recent review (1/19/2024) by the BackFire channel. The tester liked the straight-pull action, stating that cycling the BRX1’s bolt does not “jostle the rifle” as with a conventional bolt action. This allows smoother and faster follow-up shots.

We were concerned that the BRX 1 doesn’t have a conventional action frame. As you can see in the above photo, when the bolt carrier assembly is retracted there is nothing above the bolt except the scope rail. However, this rifle has been thoroughly tested by the Beretta team, including one rifle that saw 10,000 rounds of .300 Win Magnum (see Backfire video at 10:40). Beretta notes that the “BRX1 has successfully passed the same NATO tests carried by Beretta on military weapons. Thanks to the experience in the military and law enforcement world, BRX1 mounts a locking system featuring a rotating bolt head with 8 locking lugs — or 16 for magnum calibers.”

There was a safety recall on Beretta BRX1 rifles early on, shortly after the original release in 2021. The issue arose from users incorrectly installing the bolt handle: “a user has reversed the charging handle on the bolt without positioning it correctly in its seat.” A part was modified to eliminate the issue.

SHORT VIDEOS Showing BRX1 Features

Here are some helpful “short” videos. The first (top left) shows how to cycle the action rapidly. The second video (from Beretta Gallery Dallas) shows how to attach the bolt assembly, and notes that one must ensure the hammer is cocked/retracted before sliding the bolt assembly on to the action. The third video illustrates how to move the bolt handle from one side to the other.

Tactical Version with Extended Magazine TFB-TV Review

For 2024, Beretta has introduced a new, camo-finish version of BRX1. This has been dubbed the BRX1 Tactical. Like other BRX1 rifles, this camo BRX1 features a left/right swappable straight-pull action that is very fast to cycle.

In this video, released just last week (1/17/24), the TFB-TV team tests the new Beretta BRX1 Tactical: “This tactical edition, a standout with its multicam finish, is a specialized variant of the Beretta BRX-1, which has gained popularity in Europe for its precision and reliability. The BRX-1 Tactical is enhanced for practical functionality with a 3D printed magazine adapter, allowing it to accept Magpul P-Mags, adding to its versatility.” This video covers the BRX1’s notable features including smooth action, adaptability, and stock ergonomics. The video also compares the new BRX1 Tactical to the original European BRX-1 model, highlighting the main changes — principally the stock configuration and the new bigger magazine.