The National Shooting Sports Foundation’s (NSSF) annual Shooting Hunting Outdoor Trade show (SHOT) is a chance for those who work in the firearms industry to see what’s new. Held in Las Vegas, the 4-day show covers more than 800,000 square feet. It is the 8th largest tradeshow in the US. I was among 54,000 attendees at SHOT Show and walked over 7 miles a day in search of new and unique CCW handguns.
CCW Handguns from SHOT Show 2025
Right now, defensive handguns are still the fuel that drives the industry’s engine. American shooters have never had a better selection of pistols designed for concealed carry use. In no particular order, here’s what I found while walking the aisles of the 2025 SHOT Show.
1 – FN America: Reflex XL MRD
FN America expands its popular Reflex® micro-compact, semi-auto pistol line with the addition of the Reflex® XL MRD. This pistol possesses a slightly longer barrel, an extended grip, and the ability to add a slide-mounted red dot. Available in black and flat-dark-earth, the gun comes with a 15-round mag and an extended 18-round.
The internal hammer-fired gun boasts a crisp 5-pound trigger pull and an easy-to-rack slide. To customize the gun to the user, FN ships the Reflex XL MRD with two different backstraps. Additionally, it is outfitted with a tritium front sight and is compatible with Shield RMSc and Holosun 507K footprints. MSRP is $719.
For more information, please visit FNAmerica.com.
2 – Ruger: RXM
Ruger shocked the world when it announced a new pistol that was a joint effort with Magpul Industries. Called the RXM, most will recognize this new pistol as a redressed Glock G19 Gen 3 and yes, most of the parts are compatible with the RXM. Ruger uses a chassis for its fire control grip, which can be transferred to other grip modules. So, it will be interesting to see what Ruger offers next.
Ruger ships the RXM with two 15-round Magpul magazines. Ruger outfits the gun with steel sights, and the slide is cut for direct optic mounting of RMR, Delta Point Pro, and RMSc pattern optics. But here is the best part: the MSRP is $499. However, a quick internet search will find RXM guns for significantly less.
For more information, please visit Ruger.com.
3 – Kriss: Kymera
Kriss just introduced its new Kymera modular 9mm pistol at SHOT 2025. Chambered in 9mm, the KYMERA is an optics-ready, double-action/Single-Action (DA/SA) hammer-fired pistol engineered to be customized by the shooter.
A standout feature of the KYMERA is its modular grip, offering replaceable modules with different angles and sizes. All modules are compatible with the original magazines. Kriss cuts the Kymera’s slide for the Agency Optic System (AOS) for use with a red dot.
For more information, please visit Kriss-USA.com.
4 – SIG Sauer: P365 Fuse
The latest iteration of the SIG Sauer P365 is called the Fuse. It offers full-size performance with micro-compact concealment. The Fuse uses a longer 4.3-inch barrel for improved ballistics and terminal performance. It has a 21 + 1 capacity yet its grip is just an inch wide. SIG laser textures the polymer LXG grip, and DLC coats the barrel and slide.
Three interchangeable backstraps are included with the Fuse, and it has a flat-face trigger, fiber optic front sight, and removable mag well. Two 21-round and one 17-round magazines come with each Fuse, and the gun also possesses an optics plate and integral light rail. SIG Sauer’s new FUSE has a suggested retail price of $780.
For more information, please visit SigSauer.com.
5 – Taurus: GX2
There’s lots of goodness coming out of Taurus this year. I have to say I am very impressed with the quality of these budget-priced guns. The GX2 was introduced just before SHOT 2025, and the striker-fired 9mm will be wildly popular based on value for the money.
Boasting a 13 + 1 capacity, the real-world pricing is under $300. The GX2 also features a Picatinny rail, manual thumb safety, and steel sights and comes with two magazines.
For more information, please visit TaurusUSA.com.
6 – Springfield Armory: Prodigy Compact
Springfield Armory expanded the Prodigy line by adding 3.5- and 4.25-inch bull barrel lengths. These new Prodigy Compact 9mm carry guns use an aluminum frame for weight savings and possess a 15-round, double-stack magazine.
Other carry features include a shortened beavertail tang, recontoured hammer, ambidextrous thumb safeties, an optics platform, a tritium front sight, and a Picatinny rail. If you favor a crisp 1911 trigger with a short and firm reset, the Prodigy 3.5 and 4.25 guns deserve a look. Prices start at $1,549.
For more information, please visit Springfield-Armory.com.
7 – Heckler & Koch: VP91
Heckler & Koch announced the release of their new VP91. Designed specifically for the US market, the new variants include F (full size) and K (compact) models. Ergonomic and shooter enhancements were made to the VP9A1. It includes an expanded selection of modular grip panels, enhanced ambidextrous controls, flared magwell, and additional slide serrations.
The VP9 A1 K is the first true compact in the VP lineup. Its four-inch barrel and compact 15-round-capacity frame make it an ideal carry pistol that fits between the full-size VPs and the new HK CC9 micro-compact. The VP9A1 F (4.53 in barrel) is a 17-round, full-sized pistol geared towards duty, home defense, or competition. Prices start at $979.
For more information, please visit HK-USA.com.
8 – Kahr Arms: X9
Kahr Arms unveiled its new X9 pistol at the 2025 SHOT Show. Years in development the X9 is Kahr’s first double-stack 9mm pistol. Featuring a compact and lightweight grip frame, a 3.5-inch barrel length, and a blackened stainless slide, the X9 is also optics-ready. The safety-oriented trigger system offers a smooth, long pull and reset. The pull weight ranges from 8 to 8.5 pounds.
Weighing only 1.1 lbs when unloaded, the X9 is lightweight and compact, measuring 6-1/8” in length, slide and frame 1” width, and 3-7/8” in height—making it an excellent choice for concealed carry. Each X9 ships in a high-quality plastic case and includes two 10-round magazines. MSRP is $549.
For more information, please visit Kahr.com.
9 – Nighthawk Custom: Double Agent
Premier 1911 manufacturer Nighthawk Custom introduced the Double Agent—a collaboration with Agency Arms. The commander-sized Double Agent features a newly designed, shorter, thinner aluminum grip that minimizes printing. As a result, it is more discreet than other double-stack 1911s in the Nighthawk lineup.
Its commander-length slide is carefully knurled and precisely deburred to provide optimal traction during slide manipulations without being abrasive enough to damage holsters. The Double Agent uses a 16-round 9mm magazine, giving the gun a beautiful balance between weight/size and concealability.
Nighthawk craftsmen tune the trigger to a crisp and precise 3.5 pounds. Finally, the Double Agent features a Nitride finish. Prices start at $5,899.
For more information, please visit NighthawkCustom.com.
10 – Smith & Wesson: M&P9 M2.0 Metal
Smith & Wesson had so many good things to announce at SHOT that it’s hard to know where to start. How about an M&P9 M2.0 Metal with an aluminum frame? Good stuff. Even though they weigh about 20% more than the polymer-framed version, I love the way they feel and shoot.
2025 also marks the return of the Mountain Guns in 629 (.44 Magnum) and 686 (.357 Magnum). These easy-packing revolvers will warm the hearts of any woodsman!
Editor’s Note: Check out the Smith & Wesson revolvers, along with other great revolvers from the show, in our SHOT Show Revolver coverage.
For more information, please visit Smith-Wesson.com.
11 – TriStar: Protégé X Sub Compact
TriStar introduced the Protégé X Sub Compact 9mm pistol. This all-metal, single-action semi-auto obviously drew inspiration and styling from Kimber’s Micro9. It features a 3.2-inch barrel and has a 7 + 1 capacity.
TriStar ships two magazines with the Protégé X. One has a pinky rest, and the other a flat base pad for maximum concealability. Weighing just a hair over a pound, the Protégé X Sub Compact looks like a great deal with an MSRP of $549!
For more information, please visit TriStarArms.com.
12 – Kimber: CDS9
Kimber unveiled its new CDS9 (Covert Double Stack 9mm), which is sure to find favor with the CCW crowd. The single-action semi-auto features an alloy frame for weight savings and ships with both 13-round and 15-round magazines. The optics-ready semi-auto also possesses a dust cover rail for mounting a tactical light/laser.
Ambidextrous safety and slide release come standard, as well as the hallmark reversible magazine release. G10 grips and an alloy frame are available on both models. Plus, the CDS9 is immediately available with a threaded barrel with the TFS model. Prices start at $1,095.
For more information, please visit KimberAmerica.com.
13 – Beretta: 20X Bobcat
.22s aren’t the first choice for many looking for a defense gun. However, hand strength and other considerations sometimes make it the only option for some. For those folks, Beretta introduced the 20X Bobcat. It is a sleek .22 auto featuring their Effortless Loading System (ELS) that allows the user to load the chamber without racking the slide.
Beretta engineers also reduced the trigger pull weight by 35%, and the standard magazine holds eight rounds of .22LR. It also maintains a very thin and controllable grip. The Bobcat 20X starts at $599.
For more information, please visit Beretta.com.
14 – Armscor: STK100
For whatever reason, some folks have an aversion to polymer-framed striker-fired guns. Armscor recognized this and developed the STK100 with an aluminum grip frame that gives the 9mm a decidedly 1911 feel. Possessing a 17 + 1 capacity, the STK100 is priced at a very reasonable $449.
For more information, please visit Armscor.com.
15 – EAA: Girsan Witness2311 Brat
EAA introduced the Girsan Witness2311 Brat. The Turkish-made hybrid 1911 offers shooters all the benefits of a higher capacity 1911 chambered in 9mm or .45 ACP. The Brat is a compact, double-stack 1911 with a 3.4-inch barrel. Designed with concealed carry in mind, the Brat comes with an 11-round magazine in .45 ACP or a 17-round magazine in 9mm.
Standard features also include Novak style 3-Dot sights, extended beavertail grip safety, ambidextrous thumb safety, skeletonized hammer, removable magazine well, full-length accessory rail, hard travel case, and, of course, excellent accuracy. All that at an MSRP of only $679.
For more information, please visit EAACorp.com.
16 – Canik: METE MC9 Prime
I’ve been a fan of Canik pistols for as long as they’ve been imported. At the 2025 SHOT Show, I had a chance to view their brand-new METE MC9 PRIME pistol. It is manufactured at their West Palm, Florida facility.
Roughly the size of a Glock 19, the Prime features a ported barrel and slide to reduce muzzle climb. A flat 4-face barrel delivers repeatable accuracy. It also has a tritium front sight and is optics-ready. Canik USA ships the gun with a 17-round magazine and G Code holster for $649 or $849 with Mecanik MO4 red dot!
For more information, please visit CanikUSA.com.
17 – Walther: PP & PPK/SD
There’s good news for you if you feel the need to channel your inner James Bond. Walther has just reintroduced the classic PP. Chambered in .380 ACP with a 7 + 1 capacity or in .32 ACP with 8 + 1 capacity, the new retro guns are available in black or stainless finishes. The guns have a 3.9-inch barrel length and use the standard Walther safety/decocker.
Also new from Walther is the PPK/SD, chambered in .32 ACP. It has a barrel length of 3.2 inches with a threaded muzzle for use with a suppressor. The fixed barrel and blowback operation should make this a very reliable pistol when used with a suppressor.
For more information, please visit WaltherArms.com.
