Charlotte Gun Range insights on the best and worst handgun releases of 2025. Staccato review, Glock Gen 6 breakdown, and CCW-focused carry gun discussion

In this year's final episode of The Reserve Podcast for 2025, the Blackstone team breaks down the top five best-selling handguns of the year, the most disappointing releases, and an honorable mention that has everyone talking. From duty-grade performers to premium 2011s and controversial designs, this episode is all about real-world performance, reliability, and value.

This discussion is for product commentary and entertainment only and does not facilitate the sale or modification of firearms.

0:00 Cold open
0:21 Intro + episode setup
0:46 #5 Canik MC9 Prime
3:23 #4 S&W Bodyguard 2.0 Carry Comp
7:19 #3 Staccato HD P45
12:34 #2 Jacob Grey Nox 9
16:53 #1 Bull Armory EDC Pro Compact
22:03 Honorable Mention: Glock Gen 6
30:44 Transition: “Let’s dig into the worst”
31:02 Worst #1 SIG P320
33:19 Worst #2 Hi-Point HP15
34:56 Worst #3 Kel-Tec PR57
37:12 Worst #4 Kimber Micro 9
38:52 Worst #5 Walther WMP
40:19 Wrap-up

Which handgun release impressed you most in 2025?
Do you agree with our pick for the worst firearm of the year?
What handgun are you most curious to see released in 2026?

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DISCLAIMER: All firearms in this video were verified unloaded and filmed in a controlled environment for product discussion and entertainment purposes only. Always follow manufacturer guidelines, safety rules, and all applicable laws

In this episode of The Reserve Podcast, Emily sits down with Ryan from Trijicon to break down what separates Trijicon’s pistol optics lineup, including the RMR Green Dot, RMR HD, and SRO. We cover real-world durability stories, testing standards, and how different features (window size, controls, auto-brightness behavior, and reticle options) change the user experience across use cases.

This video is an informational discussion about optics and product design. All firearms, if shown, are handled safely in a controlled environment. No instruction is provided for modifying firearms or installing parts.

0:00 Trijicon engineering and durability stories
0:21 Intro: Emily welcomes Ryan (Trijicon)
0:44 What’s new: RMR Green Dot + overview of RMR HD and SRO
1:54 RMR HD upgrades: top-loading battery, bigger window, forward-looking light sensor
3:04 Reticle options: dot sizes and the ring reticle on RMR HD
3:23 Price positioning across the lineup
4:21 “Science of Brilliant” and what Trijicon testing includes
5:40 “Buy once, cry once” and why durability drives price
6:20 Who these optics are for (even if you’re not an everyday user)
7:28 Commercial vs military SKUs and what differs
8:12 Company background and brand philosophy
9:09 More durability stories (ACOG, thermal recovery story, motorcycle slide)
11:54 SHOT Show and 2026: what Ryan can tease
12:44 SRO deep dive: why it was designed and why agencies adopted it
15:32 Training and learning curve for newer red dot users
18:00 Rifle-side overview: MRO, ACOG, VCOG, variable optics
20:39 RMR HD vs SRO: the practical differences
23:00 Use-case rundown: home defense, concealed carry, competition, duty use
25:23 Wrap-up and subscribe

Which matters more to you on a pistol optic: durability, window size, or adjustability?
If you’ve run an SRO or RMR HD, what did you notice most in day-to-day use?
What topic should we cover next: enclosed emitters, green dots, or rifle optics?

Facebook: facebook.com/BlackstoneTraining
Instagram: instagram.com/blackstoneshooting
X: x.com/Blackstone_NC

DISCLAIMER: All firearms in this video were verified unloaded and filmed in a controlled environment for product discussion and entertainment purposes only. Always follow manufacturer guidelines, safety rules, and all applicable laws.