The Path Less Traveled #074: NRAAM 2023 Preview Part 2
Andrew D 04.11.23
While I am primarily the ultralight backpacking / outdoorsy dude, this is AllOutdoor and a lot of the vendors at NRAAM 2023 have things that have piqued my interest. In this article, I’ll go over a brief description of a couple dozen companies that I have scheduled to meet up with, or want to see what new wares they have on display. Do note, I like to look at the big names, but also dig into the less than common things at these expos! If you’re going to be at NRAAM 2023, leave a message in the comments and I’ll give you an AllOutdoor sticker! If you’re staying home this year, tell me in the comments what I missed and what you want to see!
Did you forget what was covered at Previous NRAAM Events? Take a refresher course below!:
- NEW Viridian RFX Micro Green Dot Reflex Sights
- The New & Improved CZ Scorpion 3+
- NEW Palmetto AK-556: The STANAG Kalashnikov
Cobratec Knives – Various Products
My primary desires in a knife are durability and light weight, That’s it. When I go over Cobratec’s catalog, there are a few products that caught my eye (either because they are neat, flashy, and some are pretty cringe-worthy [I’m looking at you THIN BLUE LINE PUNISHER SKULL MODEL])
They’re made to order in Texas, since I’m not very familiar with the brand, I want to know more about them. A lot of their knives look pretty functional, and they have that insane OTF karambit knife. They also have a few knives that are less than an ounce!
Dark Energy – Poseidon Pro Power Banks
I’ve never heard of this company, and their website had accolades from various media. The power bank is a 10,200 mAh, armored and states that temperature resistance makes it “nearly immortal.” With a weight of 9.8 oz, it is nearly 50% heavier than the Nitecore NB10000 Gen 2, I hope the added mass really helps with durability~ I do like the high-viz colors for helping find it at night!
They also have paracord bracelets with USB cords running through it. Not sure if this is a meme from 2012, or whether it is an unexpected delight. I’m interested to see what my opinions are after stopping at the booth.
ERGO Grips – AR Grips
I’ve never been a fan of ERGO Grips revolver grips that turn your wheel gun into something that looks like you’re holding onto a really big empanada. The texture of the rubber over mold they use is very keen to my senses and I love it. That’s why once I saw they have AR grips of all shapes and sizes, I decided to take another look at ERGO’s products. While they’re “just grips”, I’m still excited to see them.
European American Armory – Various Pistols
The folks at EAA are good people who put the extra effort to ensure their imports are above the typical expectations. Keith Bernkrant has been importing firearms from various countries around the world for at least 40 years. He has a passion to ensure that engineering is done well and done right.
- MC 14 T – There’s a new .380 tip up barrel pistol, akin to the original, made in Italy.
- MC P35 OPS Optic – is an optics equipped pistol based off the original Browning Hi-Power.
- Regard MC Gen 3 Optic – Ever play with your M9/Beretta 92 and wish you could put a red dot on it for under a thou? Well, wish no more.
- MC1911 Noel – This is a competition 1911 platform based in either .45 ACP or 9mm that is specified to how you’d want it to come from the gunsmith, without the hefty price. I’ve met Noel Zarza several times, and he doesn’t pull punches on what he likes and doesn’t like and is proud to have this pistol have his name on it.
FightLite Industries – SCR
If you read my NRAAM 2023 last post, you know that I have an insane idea that I cannot recommend any one else to try – Mounting an AR .410 upper to a Fightlite SCR lower and turn it into the most featureless “FUDD” AR ever.
They also have a wicked lever action AR that I’m sure you’ve seen some coverage on, but with availability being as sparse as Girl Scout Cookies this year, seeing a little more of it may tide you over!
Forloh – Airalite Rain Jacket
Before scouring over NRAAM’s exhibitor list back in January, I had never heard of Forloh. Their gear is expensive, but is packed with science and neat tidbits. There are underarm and back zippers to help breathe.
The jacket tests to 20,000mm of hydrostatic head at weakest spots, 30-35k at max. That’s at least four to give times more waterproof than a cheap tent’s rain fly. 100% Sourced and Manufactured in the USA, and easily packable. They say it is ultra lightweight, but I wasn’t able to see any info on this.
Formosan Arsenal Group Co. Ltd. – Firearm Components
Taiwan based manufacturing group with a specification on precision for AR, AK, M14, 1911, and Gen 1-3 Glock components. They’ve been attending Shot Show since at least 2018, but I guess I’ve overlooked them. If you brows their Instagram, you can tell they are the kind of people that would be easy to support.
While I’m not in the market to order 20,000 AR firing pins, I am enthusiastic to see the quality of their products.
Fox Unit – X1 / X2
Fox Unit is attempting to solve a California and other ban-state specific problem by developing a “Non Semiautomatic” rifle system. So upon firing a round, the X1 (AR-15) and/or X2 (AR-10) will eject the case, but will not reload the chamber or reset the trigger unless a secondary operation is done. They have a patent (11,187,475), and it looks as if a small lever that goes into the trigger well area holds the bolt back as well as doesn’t reset the trigger until pressed; it looks a lot like a BAD-Lever, but I’m sure it is a bit more complicated.
I’m sure since this turns an AR into a non-semiautomatic firearm, there are many other niceties that can remain like the “shoulder thing that goes up“, and detachable magazines. Glad they’re empowering Californians and other ban-state citizens.
Genesis Arms – 18″ GEN-12 UPPER
I’m sure if you saw John Wick IV, you noticed the Genesis Arms 18″ 12ga upper mounted on an AR-10 lower. It’s an $1800 upper that is meant for DPMS GEN1 patterned 308 lowers. This is a pricy meatball, but I have a thing for AR Shotguns!
Incognito Wear IX – Strix Bellyband Holster
Odd named company, but I would love to know the rationale behind the number nine at the end. The Strix Belly Band had a built-in trigger guard, lots of pockets and places to stash a spare mag or keys. Made in America, and they claim it is the most comfortable. Just like Project Farm, this will be tested.
JK Armament – JK 105 RFX .22cal
.22 Caliber suppressor for five benjis, and weighs 3.5 ounces in it’s fullest form (it’s a modular can), if I didn’t have a Sparrow already, I’d be on this. James Reeves talked to them about their 9mm can recently, and I’m stoked to see what else they have available at NRAAM.
Once again guys, if there’s anything you want me to look at and cover during NRAAM 2023 – Reach out to me in the comments!
Come join Alloutdoor’s Discord server and chat about Archery, Firearms, Fishing and other topics with others! Sneak peaks, early notifications, and perks await. We have a Tiktok account, too (While it still lasts)!
