Shoot ON’s Annual Excellence Awards

We’ve put them to the test — in the field and in the shop — this past year. Here are the products that stood up, demanded our sharp salute, and won our 2026 Excellence Awards.

by the Shoot ON staff

Welcome once again to the annual Shoot ON Excellence Awards roundup. Every year, we review all the products we’ve tested over the prior 12 months and note which of these really made us take notice. The criterion for selection is simple:

• Did the product meet or exceed our performance expectations?
• Did the product stand out as particularly innovative or provide a solution to a problem?
• Did the product elicit an, “Oh, yeah…must have” response?
• Did the product take a notable leap in performance and value from a previous iteration?

If a product pegged the needle for one of these four requisites, into the winner’s circle it went. With that, the following are our top picks for the 2025 product testing year.

Meprolight M22 Pro Self-Illuminated Optic

Product Overview: “The M22 Pro is the latest iteration of the original M21 reflex sight developed for and still in use by the Isreal Defense Force (IDF). Powered by light-gathering fiber optics and tritium capsules and augmented as needed by a battery-powered light enhancer, the M22 Pro may be the one sight to rule them all in an end of the world as we know it situation. Or, it might just be a smart choice for anyone who hesitates to rely on conventional electronic sight systems.”

Our Conclusion: “Years ago, the Israel Defense Force commissioned Meprolight to develop a dependable, all-conditions battle optic. The result was the adoption of the M21 in 2003. That design has long passed the test of real-world combat effectiveness and is still in use by IDF troops on the ground today.

“The new Meprolight M22 and M22 Pro models build on that proven heritage but in a more compact and updated form optimally suited for civilian defense and LE applications. So, whether you are looking for a reliable home defense/CQB-optimized optic that won’t fail you or you have your eyes set on an optic to see you through a long-term, societal-wrecking event, here is an aiming solution that you should strongly consider.”

Read – TESTED: Meprolight M22 Pro Self-Illuminated Optic

Mantis TitanX

Product Overview: “The new Mantis TitanX is not an auto-resetting system that you can add to a factory gun to run multi-shot dry-fire exercises (that would likely be impossible in a striker-fired pistol platform). It is, instead, a Glock-style replica laser training gun (think blue gun) that incorporates the MantisX system. As such, it allows for multiple shots to be logged via the MantisX app. The ‘HALLELUJA!!!’ is that you can now run multi-shot training drills without having to manually reset the pistol’s trigger.”

Our Conclusion: “The big takeaway, though, is that the new TitanX laser pistol with MantisX app capability unleashes an entirely new dimension in dry-fire pistol training. The ability to take multiple shots without having to manipulate the slide after each round is huge. And with the laser providing a visual indicator of every shot placement, your practice doesn’t simply exist as a numbers game — you know when the shot is on…every time.”

Read – FIRST TEST: Mantis TitanX Laser Training Pistol

Traditions NitroBolt Bolt-Action Muzzleloader

Product Overview: “This year, Traditions ups the ante with the release of their all-new NitroBolt muzzleloader rifle. Powered, again, by Federal’s Firestick charged capsule, the NitroBolt introduces a bolt action, three-position safety system, and a new stock to the Nitro series.

“As with the original NitroFire rifle, the new NitroBolt is a conventional muzzleloader in that the bullet must be loaded from the muzzle. Start a .50-caliber sabot bullet into the muzzle and push it with a ramrod until it seats on its shelf located just forward of the charge chamber. Should you wish to remove the bullet without firing, the bullet can be pushed out of the barrel from the breech end with a ramrod. Simple.

“With the bullet seated and the NitroBolt’s bolt open, the Firestick can now be inserted into the chamber through the ejection port.

“Next, push the bolt forward and rotate to its closed and locked position.

“In its loaded condition, the NitroBolt functions like any other conventional bolt-action rifle. Move the safety lever located just behind the bolt handle all the way forward to the fire position and pull the trigger.”

Our Conclusion: “My time with the NitroBolt involved a two-day whitetail hunt during Ohio’s bonus season. The temperature, combined with an obnoxious wind chill during sight-in, was brutal and our makeshift shooting bench had much to be desired. All challenges aside, I was able to zero the gun with one shot to establish scope adjustment and three for group verification. At 100 yards, the NitroBolt delivered an easy .75 MOA with Tradition’s Smackdown ELD-X 340-grain bullets and 100-grain Firesticks. I was duly impressed, although I should not have been since I get that same accuracy from my Traditions NitroFire when shooting the same 100-grain Firestick with Hornady’s 290-grain Bore Driver FTX bullets.

“Bottom line, Traditions gets it right. These guns shoot.”

Read – FIRST TEST: Traditions NitroBolt Bolt-Action Muzzleloader

Stoeger STR-9 Thinline

Product Overview: “The STR-9 Thinline is built on what Stoeger calls a “crossover” frame. What does that mean? The thumbnail version is that the Thinline combines the short and narrow profile of the STR-9 Micro Compact with a grip length equal to the standard STR-9, albeit the grip is much thinner in width. Stoeger’s objective was to deliver a pistol with dimensions conducive to concealed carry yet with a longer grip to ensure maximum control and confidence — particularly during rapid fire.”

Our Conclusion: “Our evaluation consisted mostly of failure drills (two shots to the torso, one to the head). After zeroing the RXC-200, I focused on drills at the 7- and 10-yard marks. This is a good routine, at least for me, in determining how well a gun will perform in a real-world engagement.

“Using a Crossbreed SnapSlide OWB holster, the Thinline held tight to the body, verifying its suitability for concealed carry even with the extended 16-round magazine in place. The added length of the Thinline — compared to the STR-9 MC — provided a sure and confident grip on the draw with positive hand placement for pushout to the target. Here is where grip ergonomics really stood out. The slight swell on the backstrap and the comfortably deep beavertail profile combine with moderate texturing to ensure solid hand positioning throughout the draw, aim, and firing sequence.

“Stoeger’s STR-9 series pistols have more than proven themselves in the short time the line has graced the marketplace. While there are many variations to satisfy a wide range of applications — from the micro-compact model to the full-size STR-9 Combat SX — I must admit that the new STR-9 Thinline is my choice of the lot for daily carry duties. It wears with discretion, handles with ease, is a reliable performer, and with a $529 MSRP, the ergonomics rival similar-class handguns costing significantly more.”

Read – TESTED: Stoeger STR-9 Thinline 9mm

Mossberg 940 Pro Tactical SPX

Product Overview: “Nine times out of ten, experienced defensive shotgunners will immediately look to the aftermarket to ‘complete’ their new shotgun. This almost always means adding rail modules or a new forearm, upgrading the sights, adding some type of shell holder or saddle, and possibly modifying the stock or adding a sling swivel mounting system. A first glance at the 940 Pro Tactical SPX might hint that the same would need to be done with this 12-guage brute.

“Nope.”

Our Conclusion: “We don’t get the opportunity to put many guns through the kind of exhaustive testing like I did at Gunsite with the Mossberg Pro Tactical SPX. As mentioned earlier, our group put around 400 rounds downrange each during the 3-day course. When I brought the gun home for photography and upcoming content (stay tuned), I took it apart for cleaning. It was quite evident that this firearm had been used for at least one or two of the prior Gunsite courses I knew about and had been driven hard and put up wet. My guess is that it may have had 400-800 rounds put through it without cleaning (and sitting for months in-between) before it was my turn. Still, it never failed me…all the way to the last shot of the last day.

“You can’t ask for more dependability than that for a home defender.”

Read – TESTED: Mossberg 940 Pro Tactical SPX

Federal Premium Defense w/FLITECONTROL Wad

[Editor’s Note: Federal’s Premium Defense buckshot with FLITECONTROL wad has been around for quite some time. This was the first time we matched it against the leading #00 loads from other manufacturers, and the objective results were eye-opening.]

Product Overview: “And now we come to Federal Premium’s Personal Defense w/FLITECONTROL Wad. At first blush, this loading may not look all that different compared to the Hornady Critical Defense. Nevertheless, everything is different. We’re back to a flake powder charge, nine pellets (copper-plated), buffer to protect the shot, and the crimp is a bit different than the other three test loadings. The Federal Premium load is also advertised as 1145 fps — the same as the Winchester Defender.

“The big question is whether there is a significant difference in ballistics.

“Oh, boy…”

Our Conclusion: “When I took the 260 Defensive Shotgun class at Gunsite a couple months ago, the instructor explained that this Federal Premium loading was the preferred choice for defensive work because it consistently held the tightest downrange pellet groups. That claim is the reason for putting together this comparative test. I wanted to see first-hand just how well the Federal Premium Personal Defense would stand up to the other primary defensive buckshot loadings.

“I had my answer. Just, wow…”

Read – TESTED: Mossberg 940 Pro Tactical SPX

Burris Next-Generation Fullfield Series

Product Overview: This was a big year for the folks at Burris Optics, as the company celebrated the 50^th year of the riflescope series that launched the company and set the standard for affordable yet high-performing hunting optics. In 1975, Don Burris introduced the Burris Fullfield line with three models, each boasting 53% greater field-of-view (hence the name), followed two years later with the Burris Hi-Lume multi-coated lens technology that provided 99.5% light transmission through the lens surfaces. These technologies were, and still are, a big deal for hunters coast-to-coast, and that legendary performance carries on with the new generation Burris Fullfield Optics.

Burris completely redesigned the Fullfield series for 2025, bringing this legendary platform to the forefront of the affordable-optic class with enhanced ergonomics, a more contemporary look, and the introduction of Burris’ customizable Knob Synergy system, which allows users to configure their elevation knob to best meet their shooting style and ballistic management needs.

Six models make up the new-generation Fullfield line, with configurations ranging from 2-8x35mm up to 6-24x50mm.

Our Conclusion: We have tested several of the new Fullfield models across different rifle platforms — from pistol-caliber lever-actions to bolt-actions and even the AR-10. In all testing, the Fullfields won us over not because they offer the best glass in the industry (although the lens quality and light transmission leave nothing to complain about) or because they present the most sophisticated aiming solutions (other Burris series riflescopes deliver that) but because the combination of mid-tier workingman price and overall high quality and reliability hit that optimal balance of cost-to-performance. And with the Burris Forever Warranty covering these riflescopes, you have an optic guaranteed free from manufacturer defects for the life of the product.

Read – FIRST TEST: Burris Fullfield 6-24×50 Riflescope

Dead Air Sandman X

Product Overview: “This year, in recognition of the Sandman’s 10 years, Dead Air Silencers introduces the Sandman X. This second-generation model in the Sandman series represents not just an updated version of the original but a start-from-scratch redesign with the lofty goal of improving function in all performance points. To do this, Dead Air engineers leveraged new materials and new manufacturing techniques to deliver a suppressor that holds to the original Sandman’s tough, hard-use attributes while improving sound performance, enhancing flash suppression, and minimizing backpressure. What’s more, Dead Air pulled this off while maintaining a relatively compact and lightweight design.”

Our Conclusion: “Installed and tested on a .300 BLK SBR, the Sandman X offered an exquisite balance in hand. The suppressor and adapter assembly added a mere 14.5 ounces to the end of the barrel. The overall length of 6.4 inches kept the weapon nimble and plenty compact for close-quarter engagement.

“We experienced no noticeable backpressure, and the sound signature proved pleasing enough — whether shooting supersonic or subsonic ammo.

“We are a ways from a long-term evaluation of the Sandman X, where we will be throwing a heavy dose of 5.56 and .308 rounds through it over the coming months. As first impressions go, though, there’s no doubt that Dead Air has added another sturdy hero to the Sandman suppressor lineup.”

Read – FIRST TEST: Dead Air Sandman X Suppressor

Benelli M4 EXT

Product Overview: “Benelli is calling this new series the M4 EXT. ‘EXT’ stands for ‘extended.’ The extended nomenclature comes from, naturally, the extended magazine tube and the extendable stock. Pretty simple.

“Like its M4 siblings, the M4 EXT is a 12-guage semi-auto shotgun sporting an 18.5-inch barrel and a 3-inch chamber. It is built with the same battle-hardened DNA as the military M1014, so it gives up nothing in terms of performance and capability despite its civilian designation.”

Our Conclusion: “The M4 EXT handles like a dream. Outfitted with a full 6-shot shell carrier, optic, light, seven rounds in the mag tube and one in the chamber, the gun weighed a hefty 10 pounds. That can be a lot of gun to manage on the move for some, but the payoff is easy manners on the recoil impulse.

“For those of you who have been longing for a full-feature M4 that finally brings to the game a 7+1 shotshell capacity and an adjustable stock, the M4 EXT is here. Benelli has set the MSRP at $2,599, so this is a significant buy-in, but this is only $300 north of the current M4 Tactical and M1014 Tactical. Are the extra on-board firepower and custom fit enhancements worth the scratch? I’d say so.”

Read – FIRST TEST: Benelli M4 EXT Defensive Shotgun

Real Avid Smart-Torq Limiter and X3 Driver Kits

Product Overview: “For 2025, Real Avid is offering two new in-lb torque kits for DIY gun fans. One features an adjustable torque limiter and the other centers on a set of fixed torque limiters. Both kits revolve around Real Avid’s equally new X3 Driver system.

“If you only have the scratch for one in-lb torque kit, this is the one you want. Powered by the X3 Driver system, the Smart-Torq Adjustable Limiter & X3 Driver Kit leans on Real Avid’s adjustable torque limiter. The limiter, like conventional torque wrenches, is manually adjusted for precise torque settings from 15 to 65 in-lbs in one-pound increments. That covers pretty much every torque range you’ll encounter in DIY firearms work.

“If you would rather not bother with manually dialing in your torque settings, you might want to consider the Smart-Torq Fixed Limiter & X3 Driver Kit. With this kit, you get six hex bits, four Torx bits, a #2 Phillips bit, and a 5mm slot-head bit plus a quarter-inch socket adapter and a 1/2-inch socket.”

Our Conclusion: “Torque values are important whenever you are installing attaching hardware. They ensure the components will stay in place as designed, and that screw heads don’t snap off from over-tightening or that screw heads and threaded shanks won’t shear under the stress of recoil or accidental impact. Pay attention to those numbers, and these kits from Real Avid will get you there.”

Read – TOOL REVIEW: Real Avid Smart-Torq Limiter and X3 Driver Kits

Vortex Viper Shotgun Enclosed Micro Red Dot

Product Overview: “As red dot functionality and general performance go, the new Viper Shotgun travels a well-trod path. You have a 3 MOA red dot or multiple reticle options (depending on which of the two models you choose), the unit runs on a common CR2032 battery with a projected 50K hour run time, and there are multiple illumination settings plus windage and elevation adjustment.

“Where Vortex charted its own course is the chassis design. Yes, the Viper Shotgun is an enclosed emitter configuration — nothing unusual about that — but part of that design includes the mounting system. As you can see here, the emitter housing and mount are made from a single piece of machined 6061 aluminum. This is a big deal for shotgunners who favor wingshooting or who engage in fast-paced turkey hunting.

“The reason? Basic shotgun ergonomics and marksmanship.”

Our Conclusion: “Even though Vortex pitches the Viper Shotgun Enclosed Micro Red Dot primarily for wingshooting and turkey hunting, I say it makes total sense for use on any defense shotgun or slug gun for all the same reasons — fast sight picture acquisition, accuracy-inducing ergonomic placement, and a low-profile to minimize bumps and snags during rapid deployment.

“If you’ve been considering upgrading your hunting or defensive shotgun with a red dot — or want to do the same with your lever-action rifle — this is one optic worth your consideration.”

Read – TESTED: Vortex Viper Shotgun Enclosed Micro Red Dot

Fiocchi SBR Enhanced Ammo

Product Overview: “Many folks who move into the SBR world have questions. A big question is, ‘What ammo should I use in my gun?’

“There are four loadings in the SBR Enhanced ammo series matching the most popular AR-15 platform SBR chamberings — .223 Remington, .300 Blackout supersonic, .300 Blackout subsonic, and .308 Winchester. The .300 Blackout ammo comes in both supersonic (2200 fps) and subsonic (1075 fps) loads.

“According to Fiocchi, the Hyperformance Defense series ‘includes precision-engineered SBR Enhanced ammunition, optimized for short barrels ranging from 7.5” to 11.5″, and designed to deliver maximum ballistic and terminal performance.’

“Well, the folks at Fiocchi have addressed this issue with a new line of ammunition the company announced earlier this year. The line is called Hyperformance Defense, and within that line is the Hyperformance Defense SBR Enhanced series. Its purpose is to provide SBR owners with an optimized loading for their diminutive firearms.”

Our Conclusion: “Overall, Fiocchi’s concept of developing an ammunition line specific to the needs of the SBR owner is a long time coming, and it is one we welcome. Getting the right ammo for your SBR setup and intended application is a process…and sometimes a challenging one. But as Fiocchi Product Manager Travis Franklin said, they’ve done the work for you.”

Read – FIRST TEST: Fiocchi SBR Enhanced Ammo

And that wraps up our Excellence Award picks for 2025. We have a heavy product testing schedule queued up for 2026, so stay tuned and see if you can figure out what products will make the list next year.