GunCon 2025 featured an intense week filled with energy; coincidentally, it also marked Ohio’s hottest week of the year, with temperatures soaring into the 90s and humidity reaching uncomfortable levels. Despite the weather, manufacturers, creators, and fans showed up in full force. Cleveland and Northeast Ohio showcased the best of the industry—more on the event here.
The best part of an event like GunCon is that it gives manufacturers room to breathe. At events like the Shot Show, NRAAM, and the Great American Outdoor Show, large manufacturers such as Ruger, Smith & Wesson, and Sig Sauer dominate the scene, consuming the spotlight and making it challenging for smaller or newer companies to stand out. GunCon stands apart from those events. The biggest names don’t attend. Instead, companies that focus on innovation and create cool products that address real problems shine.
What I Saw
Below are firearm manufacturers that offered something cool and unique to the shooter. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to visit every booth and speak with everyone, but I think I did find some cool stuff. Hopefully, in the future, some of these products may be featured on this blog, allowing me to provide you with real-world and practical experience.
Century Arms: Century had their full display of Aks and Caniks at the event. However, what caught my eye were their roller-delayed firearms—known as the AP (or Apparatus Pistol), a line of HK clones from Century. But they aren’t just building MP5 clones. Recent additions to the line include the AP53 and AP51. These are clones of the HK53 and HK51, respectively. Currently, these are offered in pistol variants. The guns, built by MKE for Century, evoke the classic ’80s action movie aesthetic.
Kelbly’s: Kelbly’s produces some of the finest actions in the world, and they are located right in my backyard in Ohio. Their custom precision rifles are among the best available. New for GunCon is the Precision Element Rifle. It features Kelbly’s Atlas Tactical action, XLR Industries Element 4.0 chassis, Bix N Andy trigger, and a Preferred barrels PRS contour barrel. At an MSRP of $ 2,999.99, it falls within the PRS Production Division’s budget cap. Yes, it’s expensive. But this rifle is capable.
Extar Arms: Extar builds affordable PCCs (or large-frame pistols) right here in the USA. To keep production costs low, Extar uses polymer in its construction. However, that doesn’t equate to cheap. Extar has over 40 years of experience in polymer production and produces everything in-house, even the injection molds. As for the guns, they don’t shoot like cheap PCCs. The recoil was mild in 9mm and very manageable in 45ACP and 10mm (keep an eye out for the EP10 later this year).
H&K: HK makes cool stuff, and their legacy products rank among my favorites. At Range Day, I had the chance to shoot the new CC9, which marks HK’s entry into the competitive concealed carry market. The feature set compares favorably to that of the Sig Sauer P365 and Springfield Hellcat, along with many others. This pistol is optics-ready and offers similar grip ergonomics to the larger VP9. I found the CC9 very comfortable and enjoyable to shoot. It’s definitely one to consider if you need a new carry piece.
MKS Supply: This is the brand that includes Inland Manufacturing and Hi-Point—yes, Hi-Point. One of the most memeable companies out there! (But, they take it in good sport and have fun with it). While their pistols are often compared to a Dewalt drill, they offer great value to those on a budget, and their carbines are quite pleasant to shoot. This year, however, Hi-Point is entering the budget AR-15 market. Their offerings include a 16” 5.56 NATO rifle, a 10.5” 5.56 NATO pistol, and a 10.5” 300 BLK pistol. These rifles feature all mil-spec components and full-length M-Lok handguards. For the price, these might be one of the best value options out there.
Matador Arms: Matador makes excellent PCC carbines. They offer full guns as well as complete upper receivers. The MAT-9 series features roller-delayed technology, which helps lower the recoil impulse and reduce wear on parts. It also makes them a pleasure to shoot, especially when suppressed. The best part, though, is that they make models to fit a variety of magazine ecosystems. This includes the Glock, Colt SMG, MP5, and CZ Scorpion, which was introduced at GunCon.
Next Level Armament: NLA is a premium AR manufacturer that offers the full range of rifles, complete uppers, and accessories. But they also manufacture suppressors. And new for GunCon is the NLS 22 Varmint Kit. This can features an aluminum blast chamber and exchangeable 3D-printed carbon fiber baffle stack. The best part is the price. It retails for $149. The NLS 22 is rated for .22 LR and .17 HMR.
Pyramyd Air: Air Rifles are gaining traction in the U.S., and Pyramyd Air is at the forefront of bringing quality equipment to customers in the States. They include many brands and models; however, there was one that excited me the most. If you want something that can take down large game (like really large game), then the Seneca Dragon Claw II Tactical might be more of your persuasion. I have experience with the original model, which released a .50-caliber, 185-grain projectile on its prey. The Gen II ups the ante to 336 gr. It’s still moving at 800 fps.
Rost Martin: Rost Martin is one of the newest companies on the block. But they are challenging the status quo by offering a feature-packed pistol that’s built in Texas. New for 2025 is the RM1C Comp. This is a slim-line pistol designed to compete with popular options from Sig Sauer, Springfield, and Glock. The RM1C Comp is optics-ready, features a flat-faced trigger, ambi controls, modular backstraps, and a compensated slide to aid in recoil management. Retail is $489.00, making it one of the best American-made values.
Tandemkross: TK is my favorite aftermarket rimfire company. Whether you are building a race gun or a competition rifle, check them out. My favorite product of theirs at the show was the ADX Receiver. It completely changes your perception of the 10/22 and makes it something entirely different. And it’s at a reasonable price compared to the competition. Its unique features include right or left-side charging, quick disassembly for cleaning via an easy-to-remove rear cap, and AR-buffer compatibility to add your favorite stock. The ADX is expected to be available towards the end of 2025.
Yankee Hill Machine: YHM is a manufacturer of high-quality suppressors at competitive prices, making it one of the best value-added options out there. New for 2025 is the Victra-12. The Victra-12 is a modular 12-gauge shotgun suppressor that attaches via standard choke threads and is compatible with removable chokes. It adjusts to lengths of 12”, 10”, 8”, and 6”, weighs between 13.5 oz and 25 oz, and reduces sound to 135 dB at the ear. This thing is legit.
Zooming Out
I highly recommend attending some form of show, whether it’s GunCon, NRAAM, or another; it offers a rare opportunity to engage with the 2A community. However, I think GunCon stands out as one of the best. Where else can you mingle with your favorite creators, innovative brands, and others who share your hobby?
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