2024 Shoot ON Excellence Awards

A roundup of the top products we tested in 2024

by the Shoot ON staff

All of us at Shoot ON love our jobs for many different reasons. One of those reasons is that we stand on the front line of the newest products and technological innovations in the shooting and hunting industries. This gives us the chance to test and evaluate the latest gear so that we can provide our readers with the latest information from what we strive to make as an unbiased perspective.

Not all products we test stand apart, but most do hit the mark in terms of quality, performance, and fulfilling a need in the marketplace. Following are the products our staff and experienced contributors tested this past year that stood out and thus earned a Shoot ON Excellence Award.

Smith & Wesson: Bodyguard 2.0

If pressed to pick a best-of-the-best winner for 2024, the nod would have to go to Smith & Wesson’s Bodyguard 2.0. We’ve tested countless micro compact pistols over the years, and few offer that exquisite blend of comfort, accuracy, and overall confidence like the Bodyguard 2.0. This is a .380 ACP-chambered semi-auto that doesn’t have a clue that it is a micro handgun that fits easily in the pocket. S&W engineers did such a great job in designing this pistol that, with its extended 12-round magazine, it is easy to forget this isn’t a compact handgun. While the .380 ACP caliber does give pause as to terminal performance for those more comfortable with handguns of the 9mm and .45 ACP flavor, the gun’s remarkable accuracy, ease of carry, and the potent defensive ammunition now available in .380 ACP easily changes the mind. If you want a grab-n-go defender or like the idea of an easy-carry, deep concealment backup gun, this is it.

InfiRay: Finder V2

We’ve been making the case for a while now that thermal imaging isn’t exclusive to the realm of defense professionals and hunters. Thermal imaging offers immense value to homeowners, farmers and ranchers, and anyone with a homestead on a bit of acreage. Thermal monoculars, in particular, are helpful for monitoring predators of livestock and identifying predators of the two-legged variety before they know you’re onto them.

The top thermal monocular we tested this year is, hands-down, the Finder V2 from Texas-based InfiRay Outdoor. The Finder V2 has a robust, easy-to-navigate menu system that taps into numerous viewing and still/video image recording. The 1024×768 display resolution, 2-8x magnification range, and 35mm objective lens combined with a 50Hz frame rate makes for fast and easy viewing. Our tester reports that after nearly 15 months of daily use, the Finder V2 continues to perform as flawlessly as its day of unboxing.

Steiner: TOR-X

We’ve long been fans of Steiner’s military grade, combat-inspired optical and electronic optic systems Similarly, we hold the Mantis training systems in the highest regard for both handgun and rifle marksmanship development. When these two companies combined their efforts to produce the Steiner TOR-X pistol laser system, the result was a, “Well, of course…” response.

The foundation of the TOR-X is a laser that mounts to conventional semi-auto pistols featuring an accessory rail. For the increasing number of laser fans out there, the Steiner TOR series is a confident buy. The TOR-X, though, incorporates the Mantis X training technology inside the laser housing. This means you can utilize the full Mantis training suite on your carry gun without having to remove your laser and risk losing zero every time you want a training session. Brilliant!

Sig Sauer: P322-COMP

Following the growing trend in competition shooting of expanded rimfire classes, Sig developed its P322-COMP. Based on the original P322, the P322-COMP comes with Sig’s ROMEOZero Elite optic mounted at the factory. But there’s more. The competition mission of the P322-COMP allows for features you wouldn’t necessarily find on typical carry guns. Most noticeable is the two-port compensator that expertly blends with the slide profile as well as a “slide racker” mounted to the back of the slide to facilitate faster, more positive slide manipulation than is found with most slide serrations. The takedown lever is also oversized to provide a thumb shelf for the right-hand shooter’s support hand.

Our evaluator summarized: “The P322-COMP does what is was designed to do: rapidly and reliably put accurate rounds on a target. The thumb shelf at dual grip, easy to manipulate slide, provided optic, and reduced muzzle jump all equate to good scores and a good time.”

Henry: Big Boy Revolver

Henry has long established itself in the firearms marketplace as a manufacturer of premium lever-action rifles with an “Old West” flavor. The quality materials, precision engineering, and practical designs have made Henry rifles a sure bet for anyone with a hankering to step back to tradition. Naturally, when Henry rolled out their own revolver chambered for serious work — .357 Magnum/.38 Special — eyebrows lifted along with expectations.

The Henry Big Boy revolver holds to the classical revolver form and function. It is a “burly revolver with a heavy barrel,” offering smooth double-action performance and even more impressive accuracy when fired in single-action mode. The gun is also a sharp looker with its combination blued steel barrel and frame, solid walnut grip panels, and gold accent.

While there are many revolver makes to choose from today, the Henry Big Boy stands out not only as a reliable companion-in-the-field for those who lean toward classic lever-action rifles, but also as a sure-bet personal and home defender.

Savage: 1911 Gov’t Style

Savage is another arms manufacturer noted almost exclusively for its long arms, not handguns. While the company’s relatively new micro pistol called the Stance doesn’t seem to have made much of a splash with EDC-minded crowd, the newly released Savage 1911 Gov’t Style is a winner.

We say “winner” not because this pistol makes any great leaps in performance or new technology over the many iterations and generations of 1911s that have come before it or are currently on the market. Instead, we are applauding Savage for moving into the 1911 arena with a quality piece that is solidly built, feature-rich, and meets all the requirements of the modern shooter. These include a full-size 1911 platform with a 5-in. stainless steel barrel, premium black nitride finish, G10 grip panels, Novak tritium sights, and overall good engineering.

Springfield: SA-16 A2

With over two decades of AR-15 market saturation, there isn’t much “new” coming onto the AR scene to get excited about. If it can be done to the AR platform, it already has been done. Nevertheless, the AR continues to rule in America, and it will continue to do so for the foreseeable future. But when you have seen and shot the latest ARs for several years and understand that most are really only minor variations on the same theme, the “boring” factor sets in. When that happens, old school becomes the new cool. Legacy retailer of all things gun parts, Brownells, proved this a few years ago when the company introduced the BRN retro rifles based on the original Stoner design (now only offered as build-your-own parts).

In April of last year, Springfield Armory, recognizing that many dedicated AR fans were turning a nostalgic eye towards the early AR military designs, came out with their SA-16A2. The SA-16A2 is an inspired clone of the M16A2 introduced into U.S. military service in the mid-1980s. With its fixed stock, 20-inch, 1:17 twist barrel, A2 handguard, and A2 sight system, the SA-16A2 holds true to the original and is an exciting rifle for those who appreciate classic firearms and who wish to exercise their open-sight marksmanship skills. The receiver is even marked PROPERTY OF U.S. GOVT. How’s that for cool?

Trijicon: Credo 1-10×28

If open sight work is not your thing in terms of AR-platform sighting systems and red dot systems do not offer the diversity you demand for a multi-purpose long arm, Low Power Variable Optics are the solution. LPVOs have come a long way in recent years — from meager 1-4x magnification with basic reticle options to higher power factors and illuminated BDC reticles. But few rise to the pinnacle of performance and rugged, military-grade durability, according to our reviewer, like the new Trijicon Credo LPVO.

Boasting an impressive 1-10x magnification range, stout 34mm tube diameter, enhanced and illuminated reticle, and the kind of precision, no-nonsense construction Trijicon is known for in military circles, the Credo represents a new highwater mark in the LPVO segment.

As our reviewer commented, “It’s no accident that some of that military optic know-how has found its way into Trijicon optics geared for the civilian and law enforcement markets. The new Credo exhibits some of that expertise in a package that will nicely cover everything from a close-quarters defensive engagement to relatively long-range precision work. While this LPVO is certainly at home on AR platforms for defensive use, it’s versatile enough to serve as a hunting scope as well.”

Kimber: KDS9C

Another 1911 hits our list for 2024 — this time chambered in 9mm. Yes, many shooters favor the 1911 platform for its superior balance, uncommon ergonomics, and battle tank ruggedness, but not all enjoy the perceived limitations of a 7-round single-stack mag or the 5-inch barrel length of the original pattern. So, Kimber — a well-respected entity in the premium 1911 world — developed an expertly executed compromise with its KDS9c.

Several attributes caught our reviewer’s attention, such as the 15-round capacity in a Commander-size platform, flawless cycling of all tested loads, smooth trigger action, and the sight system, among others. In sum, “Kimber’s KDS9C is a wonderful mix of traditional and modern design. While the 1911 is sometimes called Old Ugly or Old Slabsides, aesthetic intuition is represented in the KDS9C. This is an attractive pistol.”

Real Avid: Bore-Max Master Cleaning Kit and Mobile Workstation

The biggest challenge of cleaning guns, for most people, is not the actual cleaning process but the hassle of finding a place to do the work and wrangling all the tools and supplies required to do the job properly and efficiently. Real Avid, a company that is, today, the undisputed leader in gun cleaning and DIY tools, answered the needs of gun owners everywhere when it introduced the Bore-Max Master Cleaning Kit and Mobile Workstation.

At $199.99, this kit is an investment, but a worthwhile one for those who aren’t blessed with a dedicated gun room or work bench. This ingenious kit combines pretty much everything you need to service your pistols, rifles, and shotguns. That includes a handy firearms support, which is part of the case. Simply install the yokes into their slots in the appropriate case half and you have a cleaning stand that makes easy work of barrel cleaning as well as DIY tasks. The kit comes with numerous tools, including assorted jags, brushes, cleaning rod, bore guide, picks, and cleaning brushes. Everything is contained in the modular case, so you’ll have everything you need and can store it or take it anywhere you go.

Ruger: LC Carbine 45

There are good reasons why pistol-caliber carbines (PCC) are becoming increasingly popular among personal/home defenders and recreational shooters. They are effective for close-range defense, share cartridge compatibility with common handguns, and promote range use because they are less expensive to operate than those guns feeding on rifle ammunition.

Ruger, a name well-respected in the rifle and handgun segment, recently combined its dual expertise to come out with a PCC chambered in .45 Auto (and 1911 fans rejoiced!). The Ruger LC Carbine 45 is, as its “LC” moniker implies, light and compact. With its adjustable and collapsible buttstock, this 16.25-inch barrel carbine folds up short and tidy, making it ideal for the home or as a truck gun.

Said our reviewer: “I found this carbine to be an absolute joy to shoot. The positioning of the beefy bolt, combined with the fact that the gun feeds from GLOCK-style, full-size magazines inserted into the pistol grip, gives this gun superb balance in the hands. The pistol grip fills the hand and has ample stippling for a secure grip. Relatively mild recoil means you can run this gun fast.”

Traditions: G3 Pro .360 Buckhammer

With nearly two generations of hunters and recreational shooters nurtured on high-capacity semi-auto and bolt rifles, it is understandable that some would scrunch their faces at the notion of going afield with a break-action, single-shot. Well…it all depends on your style. Just ask a dedicated muzzleloader hunter. The one shot, one kill mentality hones hunting skills and demands the utmost in marksmanship. Therein lies the personal challenge. A single-shot rifle can also put you into some interesting calibers — many of which provide the kind of hard hit and decisive terminal performance that short- and medium-range hunting scenarios beg for.

Such is the charm of the Outfitter G3 series of single-shot rifles offered by muzzleloader manufacturer Traditions Performance Firearms. In 2024, Traditions introduced their G3 Pro line, which takes the company’s mainline G3 break-actions and adds a new stock with an adjustable cheek riser, an adjustable length-of-pull, and a muzzle brake. We tested the G3 Pro with a new chambering for the equally new .360 Buckhammer and loved it. The gun shot 1 MOA with ease and proved equally easy to carry afield. Other interesting chamberings for the G3 Pro include .450 Bushmaster, .45-70, .35 Whelen, and .350 Legend.

Winchester: Defensive Shotgun Ammo

Dedicated sport shotgun shooters (skeet and trap shooters, waterfowl and upland bird hunters, and turkey hunters) are quick to explain that nuances in a shotshell load can have major influences on terminal performance. From the primer up to the crimp style, some will argue that the smallest factor makes a significant difference in how a shotgun puts the payload on the target. Defensive shotgun adherents are not so worrisome over such nuances…but maybe they should be.

Winchester gets our nod this year for their diverse range of defensive shotgun ammunition. Those details…they pay close attention to them, and it shows. We invested a good bit of time and sore shoulders testing the company’s Defender series of shotshells and found them to be interesting and effective. The Defender 00 buckshot showed us that copper plating can make a difference in shot column cohesion and penetration when compared to lead. Winchester’s PDX1 12 load was well received for its combination of a 1-oz. rifled slug and three copper-plated 00 pellets and the damage that resulted to our “cardboard assailant.”

The big, “Oh, yeah!” came when we tested the Defender Segmented Rifled slug. Featuring what Winchester calls “programmed notching,” we shot this load into a ballistic gel block and, true to its engineering, the slug perfectly segmented into three sections to provide deep-penetrating, triple wound channels.

In all, Winchester won us over in the defensive shotgun ammo segment and certainly earned its Excellence Award.

Hornady: SnapSafe Vault Door

Responsible gun owners are quite familiar with gun safes, vaults, and other means of securing firearms. Sometimes, though, a large and heavy gun safe simply will not work in the home environment. A dedicated room for gun and ammo storage often makes the most sense, and now Hornady has the solution for that with their SnapSafe Vault Door.

The door and frame are made of 12-guage steel, and the system comes with nine one-inch live locking bolts that bolt the door to the frame when locked. This uses a digital lock and a keyed backup and includes an inside access handle to prevent being locked inside the room. This makes the Vault Door perfect not only for securing a room, but also allows the room to be used as a safe room.

At 350 pounds, the door isn’t light, and you will want help during the installation. Still, it’s probably worth the effort if you have a dedicated gun room or are looking for a no-fail panic room for your home.

Franchi: Momentum .450 Bushmaster

Italian long arms manufacturer Franchi is a known quantity in the premium shotgun segment, so when the company moved its hand to begin manufacturing bolt rifles in 2018, quality and performance were the natural expectations. The Momentum hasn’t changed much in the last seven years, but a few new models and enhanced chamber offering have seen the light. The latest is the Momentum chambered in .450 Bushmaster.

This straightwall cartridge model is a boon for those who like to hunt close with big lead, or for anyone hunting in states where straightwall cartridges are demanded by law. As we have reported in prior coverage of the Momentum series, Franchi got it right…from buttstock to muzzle. The Italian flair certainly comes forth in the ergonomic stock profile, making this one of the most comfortable and form-fitting rifles on the market, in our estimation. The robust, one-piece spiral fluted bolt is another high mark, as is the gun’s accuracy potential. Franchi offers a 1 MOA guarantee when using premium factory ammo.

In .450 Bushmaster trim, we found the Momentum to be a pleasant shooter and more accurate than one might expect from such a large caliber rifle. The exquisite shooting experience and elegant handling coupled with Franchi’s quality construction are credited for this rifle’s spot on our 2024 “most excellent” list.