Gun Industry Insider

Episode 14: April 29, 2025 - Silencers, Service, and Savings: The Firearms Industry Update

Gun Industry Insider Episode 14

In this episode, we explore three standout releases from the NRA Annual Meeting 2025. The Henry HUSH series offers suppressor-ready lever-action rifles, the Sig Sauer P320 M.O.D. blends competition and duty features, and the Hi-Point HP-15 delivers an affordable AR platform. Subscribe now and stay ahead with Gun Industry Insider!

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Welcome back to Gun Industry Insider, where we bring you the latest developments shaping the firearms industry. I’m your host, Ray Toofan, and today is April 29, 2025. In this episode, we're going through some product announcements from the NRA Annual Meeting, which just wrapped up this past weekend. We'll dive into the new Henry HUSH series of lever-action rifles, designed for suppressed shooting; the Sig Sauer P320 M.O.D. pistol, blending competition and duty features for off-duty carry; and the Hi-Point HP-15 AR platform, offering an affordable entry into the AR market. These aren’t just headlines—they’re insights that could shape your next move. Let’s get started.

Back in episode 3, we talked about the new Henry SPD, or Special Products Division, and about the new products they may be releasing. At the NRA Annual Meeting held this past weekend, Henry announced the first set of products released as part of the SPD, called the HUSH series, and it’s an interesting addition to the lever-action lineup. These rifles are built with suppressed shooting in mind, which makes sense given how suppressors have become more popular with hunters and shooters over the past few years. They’ve put together five different calibers to cover a decent spread of needs: .357 Magnum that also handles .38 Special, .44 Magnum that works with .44 Special, .45 Colt, .30-30, and .45-70. The pistol-caliber models can take seven rounds in the tube magazine, while the rifle-caliber ones hold four. 

The barrel setup is where things get noteworthy. They’re using a 416R match-grade stainless steel barrel, which is a solid choice for accuracy. Then they’ve wrapped it in carbon fiber to cut down on weight. When a suppressor gets added, that weight reduction keeps the rifle from feeling too heavy up front, which can mess with handling, especially out in the field where balance matters. It’s a practical design for anyone who’s planning to run these rifles suppressed from the get-go.

The foregrip and receiver add some useful flexibility. The foregrip’s made of skeletonized aluminum and has M-LOK slots built in. That means bipods, lights, or other accessories can go on without much trouble. The receiver’s got a Picatinny rail up top, ready for scopes or red dots, depending on what the situation calls for.  A hunter will want to throw on a scope for longer shots, while someone working closer in could opt for a red dot. Gunsmiths will probably see folks coming in to mount optics, or for coating work, which could keep the workbench busy.

MSRP is set at $1,999 across all models, which puts these rifles in a slightly higher tier. There's no word on wholesale pricing right now, but it'll probably be in the $1,300 to $1,400 range. That cost reflects the materials—like the carbon fiber and stainless steel—and the focus on suppressor compatibility. Henry’s throwing in a lifetime warranty, which shows they’re confident in how these are built. They’ve partnered with BSF Barrels for the carbon fiber work and TAPCO for some of the components, so there’s a clear push for quality. For a shop owner, that’s something to lean on when explaining the price to customers who might hesitate. The American-made angle and the warranty can tip the scales for someone weighing their options.

These rifles seem tailored for places where suppressors are legal and part of the shooting culture. In hunting-heavy areas, like out West or down South, the quieter report could be a real draw. The design screams customization too, with the M-LOK slots and rail, so shops might see steady traffic from people dialing in their setups. The .45-70 model, for instance, could appeal to someone chasing big game, while the .357 or .44 options might suit folks after varmint or just wanting a versatile range gun.

Since the series is brand new, there’s not much out there yet on how they hold up over time. Social media’s starting to talk, but it’ll take a few weeks for hands-on reports to roll in. Henry’s got a strong track record with lever-actions, though, so there’s reason to expect these will deliver. The focus on suppressed shooting fills a gap that lever-actions haven’t hit as hard as bolt rifles or ARs. For shops, it’s a chance to stock something that stands out without feeling like a gimmick. Customers already curious about suppressors might see this as the push to grab one, pairing it with a rifle designed for the job.

The carbon fiber barrel’s a talking point on its own—lightens the load without sacrificing much. The whole package feels like Henry’s blending their classic style with some modern twists, aiming at shooters who want quiet without jumping to a different platform. It’s early, but this series could find a steady audience, especially where suppressed hunting’s taking off. Shops in those areas might want to get a hold of their reps to request some allocations to get ahead of the curve and have a few on hand once their released and as word spreads.

Up next, the Sig Sauer P320 Max Off-Duty, or M.O.D., pistol brings something new to the P320 lineup, designed specifically for off-duty carry with a mix of competition and duty features. Shop owners and gunsmiths will notice right away that this model stands apart from other P320 variants due to its distinct specifications. It sports a 3.9-inch barrel and a 21-round capacity, which exceeds the standard mag sizes of most P320 models, like the 17-round P320 Full-Size or the 15-round Compact. That extra round count in a concealable package could catch the eye of competitive shooters and law enforcement personnel alike.

Another difference lies in the optics-ready slide, featuring a PRO cut that allows direct mounting of red dot sights, which are generally going to be the Sig Pro-Series optics. For non-Pro footprint optics, an adapter plate is going to be required to mount those. The slide also includes a two-port integrated compensator, a feature not standard across the P320 family, which reduces recoil and keeps shots on target during rapid fire. That’s a clear nod to competition needs, setting it apart from duty-focused models like the P320 M17.

The grip module is another point of distinction. The P320 M.O.D. uses the polymer X-Series design, known for its ergonomic shape, paired with a full-length dust cover for added durability. This contrasts with the more basic grip frames on models like the P320 Carry. A flat blade trigger replaces the curved triggers found on other P320s, offering a crisper pull that precision shooters might prefer. The Max Michel edition HOGUE Wrapter adhesive grip adds extra control, a touch that reflects the influence of a top-tier competitive shooter, something not seen in the standard lineup.

Customization options further separate this model. The Springer Precision magazine catch speeds up reloads, and the removable magwell and grip weight let users tweak the pistol’s balance—features not offered on all other P320 variants. The XRAY3 Day/Night sights ensure visibility in any lighting, and the package includes three 21-round magazines, a practical addition that goes beyond the dual magazine offerings of some other P320 models.

Pricing reflects its premium positioning within the P320 family. At $775 wholesale, $899 MAPP, and $999 MSRP, it sits above the more budget-friendly options like the P320 X-Compact, but below the higher end P320s like the AXG Legion. The SIG OFF-DUTY Program ties into this, offering law enforcement discounts that could boost sales to that market, a perk not universally promoted across the P320 range.

Given its April 2025 release, hands-on feedback remains limited, but the specs suggest a strong fit for off-duty law enforcement and certain competition circles. Shop owners should watch how it performs as it hits the market, since demand could shape inventory needs and service opportunities down the line.

Finally, the new Hi-Point AR platform represents a notable expansion for Hi-Point Firearms, a company traditionally recognized for its cheap handguns and carbines (and you can define cheap how you'd like with Hi-Point). This step into the AR market introduces the HP-15, available in rifle and pistol configurations. The rifle features a 16-inch barrel chambered in 5.56 NATO, while the pistol offers a 10.5-inch barrel with options for both 5.56 NATO and .300 Blackout. Both models utilize fairly basic milspec components, ensuring compatibility with standard AR-15 parts, which allows for customization.

The HP-15 includes a free-float M-LOK handguard, enabling the attachment of accessories, alongside a full-length Picatinny rail for optics. The rifle configuration comes with an adjustable stock, while the pistol versions will have a brace, although no word on which one. Hi-Point has enhanced the trigger with a nickel-boron coating for smoother performance and incorporated a stainless steel hammer for durability. These design choices suggest an intent to provide a functional and reliable AR at a competitive price.

Pricing for the HP-15 is set with an MSRP below $500, with retail prices anticipated at or under $450. This places it in direct competition with other budget AR offerings from companies like Radical Firearms and Palmetto State Armory, though it does not redefine the market in terms of cost. What distinguishes the HP-15 is its feature set paired with Hi-Point’s established durability, potentially appealing to first-time buyers or those seeking an economical option. The lifetime warranty further strengthens its value proposition, addressing concerns some might have about opting for a lower-cost brand.

Hi-Point’s reputation warrants discussion. Known for producing budget-friendly firearms, the company has faced criticism and even ridicule due to its association with low-cost weapons sometimes linked to criminal use. Despite this, Hi-Point maintains a dedicated following that appreciates the reliability and affordability of its products. The HP-15 could serve as an opportunity for the brand to reach a broader audience, particularly among entry-level AR buyers. For shop owners, offering this platform might draw in new customers or complement more expensive models on the shelf. Understandably, not every shop is going to want to have Hi-Point products on the shelf.

Feedback from the NRA Annual Meeting 2025 indicates a positive initial reception, with attendees highlighting the HP-15’s build quality and features relative to its price. While comprehensive evaluations are pending, early impressions suggest Hi-Point has crafted a practical, straightforward AR platform. For manufacturer representatives, emphasizing the lifetime warranty and American-assembled components could resonate with buyers prioritizing dependability and value. As the HP-15 becomes available in June 2025, its performance in the market will reveal whether it can shift perceptions of the Hi-Point name and establish a foothold among budget-conscious firearms enthusiasts.

We’ve covered some exciting ground today—the Henry HUSH series, bringing suppressed shooting to lever-action rifles; the Sig Sauer P320 M.O.D., blending competition-ready features with duty-grade reliability for off-duty carry; and the Hi-Point HP-15, delivering an affordable way to step into the AR world.  Have a topic you want us to explore next? Drop us a line at insider@gunindustryinsider.com or hit us up on X at @GunInsider. We’ll be back with more insights that matter to your shop or your next sales call. Thanks for listening. Until next time!