Here Are 10 of the Coolest Guns We Found Inside the NRA Convention’s Massive Showroom
9th Jul 2014
INDIANAPOLIS — Lets get right to it.
Here are 10 of the coolest guns we found at the 2014 National Rifle Association convention in Indianapolis, which was held in a massive 9-acre facility packed full of guns and gear.
10. Springfield Armory — 3.3” single stack .45 ACP XD Handgun
Credit: TheBlaze
Gun owners who carry a concealed firearm on a regular basis understand that a .45 caliber handgun isn’t always the most comfortable choice. Many .45 cal pistols are heavier and larger in size than some other popular guns for concealed carry, including .9mm or perhaps a .38 Special revolver.
Springfield Armory promoted its new XD pistols this weekend — and the .45 caliber model is so light and comfortable to carry, it’s sure to become a favorite among concealed carry permit holders.
It may look like just another handgun — and it’s what we thought at first, too. Then we put our hands on it.
The 3.3” single stack .45 ACP XD model weighs just 21.5 oz. and comes with a trigger pull of 5.5 to 7.7 pounds. Now, we haven’t taken it out to the range, so we can’t speak to its performance.
9. Barrett — The MRAD
Credit: TheBlaze
Barrett
The Multi-Role Adaptive Device — usually referred to as the MRAD — is unique due to its modularity.
“Available in .338 Lapua Magnum, .300 Winchester Magnum and .308 Winchester, the precision grade barrel can be removed by simply loosening two bolts using a standard Torx wrench,” according to the company’s website. “Besides reducing maintenance and logistical burdens, this unique design allows for user level caliber interchangeability and serviceability with the MRAD rifle’s barrel kits.”
8. Beretta — ARX100
Credit: TheBlaze
Baretta
Beretta is getting into the AR-style rifle business and its new release distinguishes itself from the traditional AR-15.
In addition to having an ambidextrous magazine release and safety selector, the ARX100 features “multi-caliber integration with tool-free barrel removal.” The rifle accepts standard AR magazines and is piston-engineered for “optimum reliability,” the website states.
This gun can be yours for around $1,950.
7. Annie Oakley’s Remington Rifle
Credit: TheBlaze
One of the coolest displays at the NRA convention featured famed exhibition shooter Annie Oakley’s Remington rifle.
Only 800 of the lever-opening rifles were made by Remington in Ilion, N.Y. Her family sold the rifle in 1940.
6. The Original Henry – 1860
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The original Henry rifle from 1860 was likely one of the highest priced items on display in the NRA convention showroom. The lever-action antique firearm was paired with a hand-engraved modern version of the classic.
The 1860 model costs roughly $35,000 while the newer version runs about $3,500. Both guns were being auctioned by Henry Repeating Arms to benefit charity.
5. Barrett — M107A1 .50-BMG Rifle With QDL Suppressor
Credit: TheBlaze
This gun is a monster. It weighs roughly five pounds less than the original M107, but it’s still every bit as tough.
“Designed to be used with a suppressor, this one-of-a-kind rifle allows you to combine signature reduction capabilities with the flawless reliability of the original Barrett M107, but with a rifle weight reduction of 5 pounds. An all new bolt carrier group has been designed and is key to making the rifle suppressor-ready. Its steel four-port cylindrical muzzle brake is engineered to work seamlessly with a quick-attach Barrett QDL Suppressor,” the Barrett website states.
This beast of a rifle can cost anywhere from $12,000 to $15,000.
4. Smith & Wesson — Model 460 XVR
Credit: TheBlaze
Credit: TheBlaze
The .460 caliber S&W Special is basically a tank in your hand. It is equipped with a massive 14-inch barrel and five-round cylinder. The gun also comes with a chrome hammer and trigger.
But the model we got to play with at the NRA convention was also fitted with a bipod and a scope for increased accuracy.
Bottom line, you never want to find yourself looking down the barrel of this gun. The MSRP is reasonably priced at $1,559.
3. Remington Prototype Pocket Pistol
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Only two of these brass prototype vest pocket pistols were ever made, one in 1860 and another in 1861.
All the major parts of the firearm are machined from solid brass and it features a rifled barrel in .22 short.
2. M1874 Gatling Gun, .45-70 Caliber
Credit: TheBlaze
Credit: TheBlaze
This $45,000 replica gatling gun is not practical for self-defense or target shooting — but it’s awesome.
Though it’s a replica, the officials at the booth told us it is a working gun.
1. The Seven-Barrel Shotgun
Credit: TheBlaze
Credit: TheBlaze
The British Royal Navy ordered more than 600 Volley Guns from British gunmaker Henry Nock for repelling boarders, the gun’s description reads. The simultaneous seven-shot capability of this flintlock gun would sometimes set ship rigging on fire.
The original Nock Volley Gun was also used in the 1960 movie “The Alamo.”
Let us know what you think of our list and feel free to add any guns you think should’ve made the cut.