Welcome back to another episode of Gun Industry Insider, where we bring you the latest developments shaping the firearms industry. I’m your host, Ray Toofan, and today is May 2, 2025. In this episode, we’ll dive into new product announcements from Tanfoglio and Pedersoli, the Supreme Court’s ruling on ghost guns and its impact on 80% DIY kits, Fiocchi’s new CovertX ammunition designed for concealed carry, and a quick look at Auto-Ordnance’s upcoming polymer Thompson 1927A-1. These aren’t just headlines—they’re insights that could shape your next move. Let’s get started.

First off, at the recent NRA Annual Meeting, Tanfoglio and Pedersoli, both brands imported by IFG, revealed new products that shop owners may find worth watching as they approach market release. Tanfoglio introduced the 2025 Stock Optic Ready pistol, designed with competition and tactical shooters in mind. This model features a flat double-action trigger, a full-length dust cover without a rail, and custom G10 grips for improved handling. Its optics-ready design allows shooters to adapt it to different disciplines, building on Tanfoglio’s established reputation for crafting reliable CZ 75 pattern firearms favored by competitive enthusiasts.

Another release from Tanfoglio is the Stock III Special pistol, tailored specifically for IPSC and USPSA Production divisions. It comes with an all-steel frame, custom serrations along the slide, a polygonal rifled barrel, and an ambidextrous thumb safety. The flat double-action trigger enhances its precision, aligning with the needs of shooters in these divisions, where regulations limit magazines to 15 rounds and require iron sights. This pistol emphasizes durability and accuracy, key factors for competitors seeking consistent performance.

Pedersoli, meanwhile, presented the Boarbuster Apocalypse rifle, a tactical take on their .45-70 lever-action rifle, built on the proven 1886 action. It sports a copper cerakote finish for corrosion resistance, a threaded barrel ready for suppressor use, and a synthetic stock accented with leather inserts. The M-LOK compatible forend allows for accessory attachments, offering versatility for hunters or tactical users. This rifle combines the classic lever-action mechanism with modern features, potentially appealing to customers who value both tradition and adaptability.

Details on these products remain sparse since they’re fresh announcements and don’t appear to be available through any of the wholesalers. The 2025 Stock has an MSRP of $1290, the Stock III Special is at $1245, and the Boarbuster is at $2705. As they become available for purchase, more specifications, pricing, and performance feedback will likely surface through industry channels. Shop owners may see some interest from customers engaged in competitive shooting, tactical applications, or hunting, given the specialized designs of these firearms. The Tanfoglio pistols cater to precision-driven shooters, while the Pedersoli rifle targets those seeking a robust, customizable lever-action option.

Next, the Supreme Court's recent ruling on ghost guns has brought significant changes to the 80% DIY kit market, and shop owners need to understand how this impacts their business and customers. The decision upheld a regulation requiring certain so-called “ghost gun” kits—those that can be assembled into functional firearms in under an hour using common tools—to include serial numbers and undergo background checks. This targets the more easily convertible kits, but it leaves an opening for products that demand more time or specialized equipment to complete. Manufacturers are already responding to this shift, and one notable development is the G80 Jig Set from Defense Distributed.

The G80 Jig Set stands out because it’s engineered to be less "readily convertible" into a firearm, potentially placing it outside the scope of the new regulations. Unlike kits that can be quickly assembled, the G80 requires additional effort and possibly specific tools, making it a potential option for DIY enthusiasts who want to comply with the law. This product reflects a broader trend in the industry: companies are adapting to the ruling by designing kits that balance legal compliance with the appeal of hands-on firearm building. For shop owners, this signals that the DIY market isn’t disappearing—it’s just evolving.

While the G80 and similar kits may not become standard inventory for most shop owners, they’re worth understanding. Customers who enjoy building their own firearms are likely to ask about legal options, and knowing about the G80 allows shop owners to engage in informed discussions. It’s an opportunity to explain how this kit aligns with the Supreme Court’s ruling by requiring more assembly time and possibly specialized tools, offering a way for enthusiasts to pursue their hobby within the current legal framework. This knowledge can build trust with customers, even if the shop doesn’t stock these items.

The legal situation remains fluid, however. The Supreme Court’s decision has clarified some aspects of ghost gun regulation, but ambiguities persist. Kits like the G80 may be permissible now, but future court rulings or regulatory changes could alter their status. Shop owners need to stay vigilant, keeping track of legal updates to ensure they’re advising customers accurately and avoiding potential risks with what they choose to sell. The G80 represents a creative adaptation to the current rules, but its long-term viability depends on how the legal landscape develops.

Defense Distributed’s release of the G80 Jig Set highlights how the industry is moving forward despite the new restrictions. It’s not about flooding shelves with these kits—most retailers won’t carry them as regular stock—but about recognizing the demand from a niche group of customers. If you are a shop owner and want to stock some of these, be sure to check with your insurance company. It’s common these days that your GL policy will prohibit the sale of these kits, regardless of the legal status. Also, it would probably be a good idea to ask your ATF IOI if stocking these will be problematic.

For now, the 80% DIY kit space is in a state of transition. The Supreme Court’s ruling has imposed clearer boundaries, but products like the G80 show that manufacturers are finding ways to work within them. Shop owners who take the time to learn about these developments can better serve their customers, offering insights into how the market is shifting and what’s still possible for DIY firearm builders. Staying informed is key, as the line between compliant and non-compliant kits could shift with little notice.

Fiocchi just launched their new CovertX ammunition line, and it’s designed with concealed carry in mind, particularly for those compact handguns that are all the rage these days. What makes it different from the usual self-defense rounds out there is how it’s built to perform in shorter barrels. The jacketed hollow points have precut serrations, so they expand reliably even when velocity drops, which happens a lot with micro compacts. Most hollow points promise expansion, but plenty struggle when you’re not pushing them through a full-size barrel to get the pressure up. Covert’s engineered to deliver consistent results whether it’s a tiny 9mm or a snub-nose revolver.

Then there’s the muzzle flash. Fiocchi’s using powders that cut down on the bright burst you’d normally see in low light. That’s a real advantage in low light shooting or in a defensive situation, where a big flash can temporarily blind you when following up to the next shot. It’s a detail a lot of other brands don’t prioritize, but it matters when someone’s counting on their carry gun in the dark. And this ammo isn’t picky. It’s available in 9mm, .45 Auto, .38 Special +P, .357 Magnum, and .380 Auto, so it works with pistols and revolvers. It means a shop can stock one line and still cover most of what customers are carrying.

Briefly going over some specs and performance metrics. The .380, a 95-grain hollow point, leaves the barrel at 1,025 feet per second and gets 13 to 14 inches of penetration in gel tests with good expansion. For a caliber that often gets knocked for being underpowered in short barrels, those are good numbers. The high-pressure .38 Special, a 125-grain at 1,200 feet per second, pushes 14.5 to 15 inches in snub nose revolvers. Anyone with customers who prefer revolvers will appreciate that kind of performance.

Pricing makes it decent for retailers and customers. A box of 9mm or 380, 124-grain, runs around $15 wholesale, with an MSRP of $22.95. That’s a decent margin. The .45 Auto, 230-grain, is around $18 per box with MSRP at $30.95. The .38 Special +P and .357 Magnum are a bit pricier—around $18 and $21 per box, with MSRPs of $30.95 and $34.95. 

Retailers should take note because this isn’t just another hollow point to toss on the shelf. It’s tailored for how people actually carry—small guns, real-world conditions. The low flash, reliable expansion, and variety of calibers give it an edge over more generic and lower priced options. With competitive pricing and strong stock on most calibers, it’s a practical choice that can draw customers looking for something purpose-built. Fiocchi’s has the production facilities to keep it flowing, so there shouldn’t be any supply chain issues keeping the ammo in-stock. 

Finally, just a quick point, at the NRA Annual Meeting, Auto-Ordnance revealed a new take on the Thompson 1927A-1, swapping out the traditional wood for polymer furniture that looks like stained wood. This change makes the gun noticeably lighter, so customers can shoot longer without feeling weighed down. It still uses the same reliable mechanical platform as the classic model, so the performance should stay true to the design. The real reason for this release is the price—estimated in the low $1,000 range, compared to over $2,000 for the standard version. That kind of savings could bring in a lot more buyers who love the Tommy Gun’s history but want something easier on the wallet and the shoulder. 

Right now, it’s not on the Auto-Ordnance or wholesaler websites, so it might still be in the works. Retailers should keep an eye on this one. When it hits the market, it could be a solid addition to the inventory, especially for shops catering to enthusiasts who want that iconic look with modern practicality. Having one on the shelf may draw enough attention to get a quick sale. It’s an interesting move by Auto-Ordnance to make a legendary firearm more accessible.

So wrapping up what we’ve covered today—new releases from Tanfoglio and Pedersoli, the Supreme Court’s decision on ghost guns, Fiocchi’s CovertX ammunition for concealed carry, and Auto-Ordnance’s lighter, more affordable Thompson 1927A-1. Got thoughts or topics you’d like us to look into? Email us at insider@gunindustryinsider.com or reach out on X at @GunInsider. Stay tuned for the next episode—we’ll bring you more updates that matter to your shop or sales calls. Thanks for listening. Until next time!