Gear
Dobyns Rods: The Xtasy, Kaden, and Sierra Series
February 19, 2025 •Connor Merritt
Gear
New Hunting Products for 2025
February 12, 2025
Brent Spicer
The Safari Club International (SCI) Convention, a renowned gathering for hunters and outdoor enthusiasts, consistently provides a platform for manufacturers to showcase their latest innovations in hunting products. The event draws thousands of hunters, conservationists, outfitters, and industry professionals from across the globe for a combination trade show, educational forum and social gathering and fund-raising event, which helps fund the promotion of world-wide hunting and wildlife conservation.
SCI consistently provides a platform for manufacturers to showcase their latest innovations with more of a focus on hunting than some other trade shows. The 2025 edition was no exception, with a dazzling array of new firearms, ammunition, optics and accessories captivating attendees. The 2025 edition was no exception, with a dazzling array of new firearms, ammunition, optics, and accessories for hunting that captivates attendees. Here’s a glimpse into some of the most exciting debuts:
Hunting Products: Ammunition
Federal 7mm Backcountry
Federal’s team of engineers set out to design a cartridge that answers a market need that seemed unsolvable — magnum velocity out of shorter barrels without increasing recoil. They did, but in the process, they produced true innovation, creating a new way to make rifle ammunition faster, flatter shooting and more powerful. Powered by Peak Alloy case technology, 7mm Backcountry can be loaded to higher chamber pressures than brass case counterparts. As a result, it produces higher muzzle velocities than comparable cartridges, retaining that velocity downrange for less drop and wind drift.
This also allows hunters to shoot a barrel with a suppressor on it that is essentially the same length as a barrel without a suppressor on it, in a conventional round today. For example, shooting 20-inch barrels with 170-grain bullets, it can achieve 3,000 feet per second muzzle velocity. The five initial factory loads are 155- and 170-grain Federal Premium Terminal Ascent, 195-grain Federal Premium Berger Elite Hunter, 168-grain Federal Premium Barnes LRX Copper, and 175-grain Federal Fusion Tipped.
Federal worked with some of the industry’s top gun companies during the development of the 7mm Backcountry. In total, more than 80 individual rifle models are already available in the caliber as of launch, with more coming soon. The 7mm Backcountry boasts magnum performance in a compact platform, with exceptional velocity and impressive energy retention at extended distances, all of which should make it an ideal choice for elk, mule deer and other large game.
Hornady .338 ARC Ammunition
Purposely designed for hard-hitting subsonic performance, the .338 ARC delivers 1.5 times more energy than the .300 Blackout Subsonic. The 338 ARC provides similar ballistic performance to the 8.6 Blackout when used in subsonic configurations, but without the need for the bulk and weight of an AR-10 platform.
Engineered for consistent pressure, .338 ARC provides reliable cycling with both supersonic and subsonic loads, while also making it compatible with suppressors designed for smaller calibers—such as 9mm suppressors. Featuring the 307-grain SUB-X bullet in the Hornady Subsonic line and the 175-grain HP in Hornady BLACK, the .338 ARC represents a unique new .338 cartridge that fits in AR-15 or micro-bolt action rifles. With its low recoil and subsonic capabilities, the .338 ARC is an excellent choice for hunting mid-sized game within 200 to 250 yards.
Hunting Products: Rifles
Christensen Evoke Rifle
Christensen Arms unveiled the Evoke, a more affordable and versatile hunting rifle chambered in a wide range of popular cartridges. The Evoke features a Christensen Arms precision-machined receiver, detachable magazine, hybrid grip angle, premium adjustable trigger, 416R stainless steel suppressor-ready barrel with an RFR-style brake, integrated Picatinny rail, swivel sling studs, adjustable cheek riser and optic-ready base on select models. Its rich features at an affordable price should make it an excellent choice for a variety of hunting scenarios.
Check Price (Christensen Arms)
Bergara BMR-X Carbon Rimfire Rifle
Bergara, known for its high-quality rifles, introduced the BMR-X, a bolt-action rimfire rifle designed for competitive shooting and small game hunting. Featuring the lightweight yet durable carbon fiber barrel, this rifle offers the ideal balance for field carry and quick, precise shots. The adjustable length-of-pull (LOP) stock, vertical grip, included 30 MOA rail and flat forend deliver unmatched control and customization, ensuring comfort and accuracy in every scenario. The BMR-X is likely to become a serious contender in the rimfire market. The MSRP starts at $819.
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Hunting Products: Optics
Leupold VX-6HD Gen2 Scopes
Leupold expanded its popular VX-6HD line with new Gen2 series with improved features like the SpeedSet Dial Technology that eliminates the need for tools, letting you adjust zero or swap dials quickly so you can stay locked in. These scopes are designed for demanding hunting applications, offering exceptional clarity, brightness and durability that Leupold scopes are known for. MSRP starts at $1,999.
Swarovski Z5i Series Scopes
Swarovski showcased its latest advancements in the Z5i series of scopes, known for their exceptional image quality and rugged construction. New models in the Z5i series featured improved ergonomics and enhanced features, making them even more appealing to discerning hunters and shooters. With a 30mm main tube diameter, it provides increased adjustment range for precise targeting. The newly designed Ballistic Turret and advanced reticle options ensure optimal performance in any hunting situation. MSRP for the 3-18x50mm scope is $2,385.
Tract Optics Toric Hunt Series 2.5-15x44mm Scope
Tract Optics, a relatively new player in the premium optics market, introduced the Toric Hunt Series 2.5-15x44mm a little over a year ago, but many hunters still don’t know about it. The 30mm scope features fully multi-coated SCHOTT HT glass and extra-low dispersion (ED) lenses in TRACT’s advanced UHD optical system. It’s the perfect match for long-range hunters, offering superior clarity and performance.
The large eye box design of the quick focus eyepiece provides 4 inches of constant eye relief and the glass-etched MOA or MRAD reticle allows for target measurement or bullet drop compensation. providing you with a long range 30mm hunting rifle scope possessing unsurpassed performance in low-light conditions. The MRAD reticle is broken up into .5 MRAD hash marks with larger 1 MRAD marks. There are also .25 MRAD grids on the upper vertical post and both horizontal posts for more precise target measurement and range estimation. Like all Toric rifle scopes, it was designed and engineered here in the U.S. and built in Japan by the world’s leading optical manufacturer. MSRP is $994.
Hunting Products: Suppressors
B&T Print-X VERS36 Ti Suppressor
Silencer Shop featured B&T’s new Print-X VERS36 Ti, a titanium suppressor designed for .30-caliber rifles. Its adaptable two-stage design and interchangeable end caps make it simple to reconfigure for different platforms, while its HUB compatibility expands mounting possibilities. Whether you’re using it for recreational plinking, hunting or tactical training, this suppressor provides excellent noise reduction, minimal blowback and dependable performance. MSRP is $999.
Silencer Central MeatEater Suppressor
Silencer Central, a leading manufacturer of suppressors, introduced the MeatEater last Fall, a compact and lightweight suppressor designed for 9mm pistols. The compact and lightweight silencer incorporates key elements from other BANISH® suppressors, with specific requirements from the MeatEater crew. One of the important things MeatEater stressed was recoil reduction. This is managed through the suppressor’s anchor brake allowing you control over your sound output and your recoil. Set in the open position, the anchor brake reduces recoil by an astounding 40%. Close the brake for a little added sound reduction, and it still reduces felt recoil by 30%.
The MeatEater also uses interchangeable muzzle cap inserts that fit specific calibers. This lets you set up the suppressor to fit your rifle for optimum sound suppression and recoil reduction. Another key element for the MeatEater crew was a lightweight and compact design. Using titanium, the weight is just 10.3 oz. The length was kept to just 5.85in. with a 1.73in. diameter. Even with this compact size, the suppressor cuts sound levels by 32 dB. If you’re looking for a suppressor that fits up to a .300 RUM cartridge, and want adjustability in recoil and sound reduction, this is a solid new option. MSRP is $1,299.
Check Price (Silencer Central)
Hunting Products: Accessories
Armageddon Gear Hunting Products
Armageddon Gear is known for their high-quality shooting bags, such as the Game Changer, as well as other precision shooting gear. In 2023, they launched a new line of hunting gear, including chest rigs, gun slings and travel cases. I was able to check it out in person for the first time at SCI this year, and it is all premium quality materials with a hand-crafted look.
MDT Backcountry Bipod
MDT acquired the Mountain Gear Bipod that has independently adjustable legs, stable platform, adjustable cant, and is extremely light weight. Weighing in at 5oz, making it the lightest bipod on the market. Carbon fiber legs that adjust forwards for stowing away and increased high adjustment. The legs are adjustable from the top of the legs that extend from 8.3″ to 13.8″. Measured as the height from the ground to bottom of picatinny rail. Using a secure universal picatinny rail system for quick attachment and detachment. The head has a 25 degree cant each way and up to 360-degree pan. MSRP is $399.
Beyond the Hunting Products on the Show Floor
The SCI Convention is more than just a trade show; it’s a celebration of hunting and outdoor culture. As the industry continues to evolve, one thing remains certain: the SCI Convention will remain an important gathering place for hunters and outdoor enthusiasts alike. The innovative products showcased at the event demonstrate the continued evolution of hunting technology, and the unwavering dedication of manufacturers to providing hunters with the best possible equipment for success. Whether you’re an experienced hunter, a conservation advocate or simply curious about hunting and shooting sports, the SCI Convention presents a fascinating glimpse into a multifaceted industry and its positive impact on the world and wildlife around us. Learn more at safariclub.org.
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