2025 has marked an extraordinary chapter in firearms innovation. From modular handguns and budget-friendly AR-style rifles to enhanced ergonomics and next-gen accessory tech, this year’s breakthroughs are reshaping how we think about performance, reliability, and practicality.

Here’s your curated look at the most compelling developments, from the floor of SHOT Show 2025 to the shelves of collectors and shooters alike.

1. SHOT Show’s Standouts: Innovation in the Spotlight

   Charter Arms Double Dog Series

   One of the most buzzed-about unveiling at SHOT Show 2025, the Charter Arms Double Dog Series brings versatility to revolvers, with interchangeable cylinders allowing shooters to switch between 357 Magnum and 9mm rounds, packaged in a robust, compact design tailored for modern-day carry and home defense enthusiasts.

   Six New Handguns to Note

   The American Rifleman cataloged six new handgun models introduced pre-SHOT Show, including notable additions such as the Springfield Armoury Prodigy Compact, Ruger RXM, KelTec PR57, Kimber 2K11, and FN America Reflex XL, each pushing boundaries in ergonomics, target acquisition, or modular design.

2. Hot Products Shaping 2025

   Holosun IRIS VCSEL Laser

   A leap forward in accessory tech, the Holosun IRIS VCSEL laser offers enhanced aiming precision and faster target acquisition, a true game-changer for modern optics users.

   Tactical Handgun Powerhouses

   The standout Staccato 2011 HD and Sig Sauer P320 Flux Raider have earned attention in 2025 as the latest in high-performing handguns. The former is a robust, competition-grade pistol, while the latter combines Sig’s proven platform with fresh aesthetics and ergonomics.

3. Rifle Innovations: Affordable & Flexible

   Hi-Point HP-15 (AR-15 Style, Budget-Friendly)

   For shooters seeking an affordable, American-made AR-15 platform, the Hi-Point HP-15 offers. Released in April 2025, this rifle features direct impingement gas action, a 16-inch barrel with a 1:8 twist rate, an M-LOK handguard, and a Picatinny rail, all at an accessible price point. Variants in 300 AAC Blackout and adjustable configurations make it a compelling choice for beginners and casual shooters.

   Kalashnikov AM-17 Enters Serial Production

   Backed by rugged design and compact stature, the Russian-made AM-17 assault rifle entered serial production in 2025. Chambered in 5.45×39 mm, it weighs approximately 2.5 kg and is suitable for modern combat scenarios. The first production runs started in September 2025.

4. Customization & Modularity Take Centre Stage

   Beretta’s APX Modular Handgun

   Beretta is making headway with their first striker-fired, modular pistol, the APX (Advanced Pistol X). It enables calibre and grip changes, boasts a minimized bore-axis to reduce muzzle flip, and includes a MIL-STD-1913 rail for accessories. Adaptable and user-centric, it stands out as one of 2025’s more intelligent defensive options.

   Ergonomic Evolution: KelTec KS7 GEN2 Shotgun

   KelTec upgraded its compact bull-pup 12-gauge, releasing the KS7 GEN2. It maintains the original’s lightweight and downward shell-ejection features, while adding smoother pump mechanics and an integrated 5-slot Picatinny rail for accessories, ideal for customization and use in tight spaces.

5. 3D-Printed Innovation & Emerging Platforms

   Urutau: Evolving the 3D-Printed Firearm Space

   Following in the wake of the FGC-9, the Brazilian-designed Urutau emerged as a more durable, efficient 3D-printable bull-pup carbine, chambered in 9×19 mm and built for ease of manufacture and minimal machining. Notably, a select-fire variant reportedly fixes bolt-bounce and primer blow-by issues, with a release expected soon.

   This evolution demonstrates how DIY firearms are becoming more refined, leveraging open-source design to push boundaries in accessibility and functional engineering.

6. Future Tech: Weight Redistribution For Smarter Handling

   Third Arm Weapon Interface System (TAWIS)

   Developed by the U.S. Army Research Laboratory, the Third Arm Weapon Interface System is a passive stabilizing mount that shifts the load of heavy weapons from the arms to the torso. It’s aimed at reducing fatigue and improving accuracy for prolonged fire, particularly with machine guns like the M249 and M240B. Though still in the testing phase, its innovative concept shows where tactical ergonomics are heading.

   2025, A Year of Balanced Innovation

   What truly makes 2025 remarkable is the breadth of innovation, ranging from accessible, customizable designs like the Hi-Point HP-15 and Beretta APX, to next-generation tactical tools and pioneering 3D-printed platforms. This year didn’t just push technical boundaries; it pushed choice, ergonomics, and practicality.

   Whether you’re outfitting your range bag or curating your collection, the smart innovations of 2025 have something to enhance every category, from home defense to enthusiast gear and experimental builds.

   Experience the future of firearms, shop the 2025 lineup at Collectors Firearms today.