Palmetto State Armory unveils its 50BMG concept rifle at SHOT Show 2025.

Palmetto State Armory gave “going big” a new meaning at SHOT Show 2025, capping off its concept wall with a semi-auto .50-caliber rifle adorned with the suppressor she told you not to worry about and a 50 BMG drum magazine thanks to the good folks at FosTech. For those unfamiliar with PSA’s concept wall, this is where we get to see and vote on what comes next, helping to make all important decisions in the company’s development and production schedule. In true “company of the people” fashion, this practice has brought us a .308 version of the JAKL and is responsible for pushing the development of the X5.7, which should be among Palmetto State Armory’s 2025 releases. 

Building a semi-auto 50BMG platform is no joke, but PSA is serious about the project if you are. I have it on excellent authority that plans for this rifle include a price point I’m uncomfortable sharing without more concrete data. Suffice it to say that PSA will make owning this heavy-hitting long gun within reach we have yet to see from a quality anti-material sniper rifle.

Visit Palmetto State Armory at www.palmettostatearmory.com and be sure to check their social media for updates on how you can cast your vote for what’s next.

Another company with aggressive market intent has been WATCHTOWER Firearms, this year once again showcasing its Apache 2011 lineup, including the recent Demolitia Edition and new commander-length models. But SHOT Show is about much more than limited-edition pieces and variant additions. We want to see something new, and WATCHTOWER Firearms delivers. 

Starting with the BRIDGER, a 6.8-pound 7mm PRC premium bolt-action rifle with an innovative titanium/stainless steel hybrid barrel design that cuts weight, dissipates heat and adds rigidity to the system for improved barrel harmonics. This backcountry hunting rifle is named for the legendary frontiersman Jim Bridger and is decked out with a titanium muzzle brake, McMillan Mountain Tracker carbon fiber stock and Timney Hunter Elite Trigger. 

WATCHTOWER Firearms also revealed its new RAIDER line of AR-15s, its moniker inspired by the rugged and ruthless Marine Raiders. The RAIDER will ultimately hit the market with three premium options starting at $1,299, including base and upgrade models using a direct impingement gas system followed by a piston-driven version. Rifle and pistol models will include Magpul sights and can be purchased in black, FDE and ODG. Ambidextrous controls run standard, and I really like the handguard with its steel insert QD mounts and robust lockup. 

For more information on exciting products from WATCHTOWER Firearms, visit www.watchtowerfirearms.com to check out their new website and follow them on social media for updates and availability. 

As always, stay tuned in to The Truth About Guns throughout SHOT Show 2025 as we have writers scouring the floor to bring you news on what to expect this year from the firearms industry. 

14 COMMENTS

  1. I like that Bridger Rifle.
    Whewie I bet she’s expensive.
    It would be cool if some company made a .50BMG gatling gun.
    I can see it tripod mounted on a Toyota pickup with Wolverine’s painted on the side.
    Hope’s are high, with Trump as president I don’t think America has to worry about that Wolverine moment.
    And I have a feeling if it were to come we now have a President who stands behind the American people.

  2. I recall a couple of years back reading about a subsonic suppressed .50 BMG that used machined solid brass projectiles.

    The guys shooting it had no ear pro on…

    • Very interested in how they got around the AP restrictions on that kind of ammo (sporting use maybe) but odd choice when lead core (not the surplus ball that has some form of mild steel) should have a higher density.

      • “Very interested in how they got around the AP restrictions on that kind of ammo…

        Custom-machined on a lathe for the ‘experiment’, IIRC…

        • Brass solid typically=armor piercing via federal definitions unless it is for big game hunting (see typical 375 H&H loadings and up) doesn’t matter if cast or machined it is the attempt to combine hardness with density (berillium copper, tungsten or steel carbide etc) that would actually give rifle rounds via jacket or core a chance of getting through armor steel and ceramic plates.

          • sounds like he’s referencing some back yard stuff. the get around is by doing; posting it online is the prob, bob.

          • “Brass solid typically=armor piercing via federal definitions unless it is for big game hunting…”

            Here’s some being sold today by ‘Blazer’ :

            h ttps://www.bulkammo.com/1000-rounds-of-9mm-ammo-by-blazer-115gr-fmj

            • “Each cartridge has a 115 grain bullet – the lightest you’ll typically find on a factory 9mm load – with a solid lead core and nonmagnetic gilding metal jacket” nope just standard ball ammo. Check for brass solids typically hunting or dangerous game loads.

              • For reference on federal regs: The term “armor piercing ammunition” means—

                (i)a projectile or projectile core which may be used in a handgun and which is constructed entirely (excluding the presence of traces of other substances) from one or a combination of tungsten alloys, steel, iron, brass, bronze, beryllium copper, or depleted uranium; or

                (ii)a full jacketed projectile larger than .22 caliber designed and intended for use in a handgun and whose jacket has a weight of more than 25 percent of the total weight of the projectile.

              • Would be a stretch to call 50bmg a pistol round but if one exists anywhere the ATF prior to the more recent Chevron related decision would define all ammo as pistol ammo if a pistol existed for that caliber (see various breakaction single shot pistols for why that sucks).

              • It was either Kentucky Ballistics or Demolition Ranch that was shooting a 50BMG pistol.
                They do exist.

              • Would never doubt they exist but for whatever reason 50bmg AP ammo was never given the same attention as 7.62 and others. Gets really tricky with whether a person is allowed to make AP annoo for personal use if it is not to be sold. Basically a lot of potential legal pitfalls all around the topic…… which gets more complicated longer term with Chevron getting nuked.

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