The Daniel Defense DD PCC
As a firearms editor, defining “best” or even “coolest” from SHOT show is hard in the firearms industry, but so is defining what should be included in the term MSR (Modern Sporting Rifle). The MSR moniker was coined by the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) in the early 2000s, initially to rebrand AR-platform rifles, emphasizing their modularity and civilian sporting appeal over military connotations. Defined as semi-automatic, magazine-fed rifles with ergonomic pistol grips, adjustable stocks, and accessory rails, the MSRs became synonymous with the AR’s versatility for hunting, target shooting, and self-defense. However, by 2025, the MSR category has clearly expanded beyond its AR roots, reflecting a broader definition that encompasses nearly any adjustable and/or user configurable firearms ranging from large format braced pistols all the way to AK, PCCs, and even lever and bolt actions.
While AR-pattern rifles (e.g., 5.56 NATO or .308 Winchester variants) still dominate the MSR landscape, the label now includes many semi-automatic and manually operated designs that share the “modern sporting” ethos. This was an epic year for new firearms introductions, and the list grew throughout 2025. Let’s take a quick look at some of the new MSRs that captured our attention this year.
Aero Precision M4E1 Pro-Series
Duty/tactical AR-15 with mirrored full ambidextrous controls
Unique Features:
16" Ballistic Advantage cold-hammer-forged chrome lined 5.56 barrel
15" MOD-4 (M-LOK) handguard, EZ Install/Takedown Pins
ALG QMS trigger & BREACH ambi charging handle
MSRP: $1,999.99
.223 Wylde 1:8” twist, 12.5, 18", 20", and 24" 416R stainless barrel options
Unique Features:
Magpul MOE grip/stock, M-LOK handguard, threaded muzzle/flash hider options.
Various configurations
MSRP: $1,102.95–$1,108.95
New B&T and Geissele Swiss-American collaboration with various versions expected.
Unique Features:
CHF 5.56 NATO barrels 11.5" SBR and 16" rifle configs with Geissele trigger options
B&T additive titanium ultralight handguard and barrel nut with M-LOK compatibility
B&T grip direct-impingement operation with 140K round rated bolt
Ultra-premium components - final details, models and pricing to be announced
Unofficial MSRP: $2,200–$3,700
Sharps Bros collaboration with milled 4140 steel receiver
Unique Features:
Accuracy enhanced 7.62×39 AK with 16.25" chrome-lined 5/9x24 threaded barrel
US Palm magazine, grip, free-float M-LOK rail with Ultimak rail, & enhanced safety
Magpul DT carbine stock, RAK-1 enhanced flat trigger, US Chevron compensator
MSRP: $1,699.99
AP51 7.62x51mm and AP53 5.56 NATO roller-delayed blowback pistol
Unique Features:
8.3" cold-hammer-forged barrel, MP5 front handguard compatibility
AP53 - 30-round HK33-pattern mags (two supplied; AP51 - 20-round G3-pattern mags (two supplied)
Navy-style polymer trigger housing, ambi selector
MSRP: $1,799
Daniel Defense DD PCC, Rifle, SBR
9mm AR with an 8.3 or 16-inch cold hammer-forged barrels
Unique Features:
M-LOK rail and full ambi control lower receiver
CZ Scorpion mags.
Recoil-dampening buffer
MSRP: $1,949
FN SCAR 17S DMR (6.5 Creedmoor)
A 6.5 Creedmoor SCAR with a 16.25-inch barrel
Unique Features:
Geissele 2-stage match trigger
Precision SSR adjustable stock
Short Stroke Gas Piston system
MSRP: $4,829
Evolution of the Super Duty platform
Unique Features:
HPT & MPI tested — in-house-produced CHF barrel and forged stressproof bolt
Super compact gas block and gas tuning, Super 42 braided buffer
HUXWRX flash hider/QD mount, SSA-E X 2-stage trigger with Nanoweapon coating
Super configurable safety and airborne charging handle, maritime bolt catch
B5 SOPMOD stock and MK16 rai
MSRP: Starts at $2,372
Retro AR-15s span unique and standard historical reproductions from 9mm to 5.56 Nato
Unique Features:
Features classic styling with modern tolerances
M16A1, M16A2, XM18E1, XM177E2, 604, 635, 653, 723, and many other rifle and pistol variants
Harrington & Richard brand owned by Palmetto State Armory
MSRP: Around $949 - $1,399
Heckler & Koch MR556-A4 & MR762-A4
A U.S.-made semi-auto HK416 in 5.56 NATO or 7.62x54 models
Unique Features:
HK-416 variant short strong piston system with adjustable gas regulator
Full ambidextrous controls
Slimmer and lighter weight profile
MSRP: $4,299-$4,399
Henry Lever Action Supreme Rifle (LASR)
A .223/5.56 or .300 Blackout lever-action
Unique Features:
Accepts standard MSR/AR-15 format mags - 10 round magazine included
16.5-inch barrel with threaded suppressor-ready barrel
MSRP: $1,299
KRISS Vector Gen 3 CRB & SDP Pistol/SBR
Latest Gen3 update of the Super-V delayed-blowback platform
Unique Features:
9mm, 10mm, or .45 ACP pistol, SBR and carbine versions
Updated slimmer, shorter, lighter, and modernized design
Integrated rear picatinny rail, AR15 compatible grip with removable sable grip bridge
Redesigned charging handle and ambi magazine release and safety lever
MSRP: $1,500–$1,800.
Patriot Ordnance Factory P-15 Base
Budget-friendly, high-quality, match-grade AR-15
Unique Features:
POF E2 1:8 twist 5.56 NATO barrel
15-inch M-LOK handguard and MFT stock
Mil-spec BCG with patent-pending roller cam pin
MSRP: $999 - $1,045
Faithful M14 reproduction with original, restored and remanufactured OEM spec parts
Unique Features:
A 7.62x51mm NATO
Forged receiver and walnut stock
MSRP: $1,800–$2,000
Ruger Precision Rifle (2025 Updates)
Updated bolt-action MSR with new updated design and ergonomics
Unique Features:
Heavy contour barrel and MLOK slot chassis
Toolless stock adjustment including fore/aft and vertical cheek adjustability and vertical buttpad adjustment
TriggerTech 2-stage trigger and stainless barrel option on some models
MSRP: $2,1549–$3,349
Seekins Havak PH3 (2025 Model)
Premium custom production bolt-action MSR
Unique Features:
Available in nine hunting and competition caliber options
New 3-lug bolt with a 60-degree throw with tool-less bolt removal
Quick-change barrel system - 416R Stainless Steel barrels
Integrated 20 MOA Picatinny rail and MLOK rail
TriggerTech user-adjustable trigger
PH3 Carbon Composite Stock with an adjustable cheek rest and vertical grip
MSRP: $1,895
Springfield Armory Hellion (18- and 20-inch Variants)
5.56 NATO bullpup with 18- or 20-inch barrels, ribbed on the 20-inch model with a bayonet lug.
Unique Features:
20-inch model features a ribbed barrel and bayonet lug
AR-15-pattern BCM Gunfighter Mod 3 grip, integrated flip up sights
Swappable ambidextrous charging handle swap and ambi safety and magazine release
Integrated QD sling points: Flush-mount sling attachments on both sides for seamless carry options
MSRP: 2,060 (18-inch), $2,078 (20-inch)
A .223 Wylde with Ballistic Advantage stainless Hansen match 16-inch barrels
Unique Features:
B5 furniture, Rise Armament trigger, Lancer magazine
VG6 Gamma muzzle brake and Aero Precision breach charging handle
AR-15 with colorful anodized finishes
MSRP: $1,799.
Watchtower Firearms RAIDER15 S.D. 11.5”, 14.5” & 16”
A 5.56 NATO with a cold hammer-forged 1:8 twist government profile barrel
Unique Features:
M16 Diamond-Like Coating BCG MP tested
H2 buffer, adjustable gas block
Geissele SD-C trigger, B5 type 23 grip, Magpul MBUS 3 sights
MSRP: $1,899
