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 6, 2025. In this episode, we’ll dive into the reintroduction of the Taurus Model 58 for concealed carry, the Franklin Armory Reformation RS7’s legal journey and unique design, and Barrett’s “Reverse Tariff Rebate” program. These aren’t just headlines—they’re insights that could shape your next move. Let’s get started.

Taurus has brought back the Model 58, and for those who might not remember its origins, it first appeared in the late 80s. It was introduced as a compact variant of the Taurus PT92, a pistol modeled after the Beretta 92. Chambered in .380 ACP, the original Model 58 was tailored for concealed carry, offering a smaller footprint than its full-sized counterpart. It saw production through the early 1990s before being discontinued. The reintroduction, announced at the NRA Annual Meeting in 2025, reflects Taurus’s response to the growing demand for compact .380 ACP pistols suited for personal defense, blending nostalgia with modern market trends.

The specs of the reintroduced Model 58 provide a clear picture of what it offers. It features a 4-inch barrel and an aluminum frame, resulting in a weight of approximately 29.6 ounces. This balance of size and weight suits it for extended carry. The pistol has a 15+1 capacity through a double-stack mag, which stands out among compact .380s where capacities generally range from 10 to 12 rounds. An ambi safety/decocker enhances its accessibility for both right- and left-handed users. Available in black or stainless finishes, it has an MSRP of $604.99, though the wholesale price sits at about $425, offering flexibility for retail pricing.

Taurus’s quality control history is worth discussing, as it has been inconsistent over time. Past models have faced criticism for issues such as unreliable triggers, slides failing to lock back, or premature wear on components. Fit and finish have also been points of contention, with some units showing less polish than competitors. However, recent years have seen Taurus take steps to address these concerns, and newer releases have earned more favorable reviews. Shop owners stocking the Model 58 should anticipate customer questions about reliability. An awareness of Taurus’s lifetime warranty can help mitigate hesitation. Also, it’s a good idea to advise buyers to thoroughly test the pistol at the range to ensure it meets their expectations before it becomes their daily carry.

Stocking the Model 58 may have a few advantages for shop owners. The wholesale price of $425 allows for a markup that keeps the retail cost competitive, appealing to budget-minded buyers seeking a capable concealed carry option that isn’t polymer. The 15+1 capacity in a .380 ACP pistol is a strong draw, offering more rounds than many peers in its class. The ambi controls broaden its appeal, accommodating left-handed shooters who often face limited options. Its lineage from the PT92, a design rooted in the proven Beretta 92 platform, lends it a degree of credibility. Additionally, compatibility with some PT92 and Beretta parts could benefit customers already invested in that platform.

But still, considerations remain, particularly around Taurus’s past quality control challenges. Customers may need reassurance, and shop staff should be prepared to discuss the warranty and potential repair process. Sending a pistol back to Taurus for service will inconvenience buyers, so setting clear expectations is essential. That said, many budget firearms carry similar risks, and the Model 58’s combination of affordability and capacity offsets some of these drawbacks. Its reintroduction aligns with a market favoring compact, high-capacity pistols for self-defense. Shop owners who stock it can tap into this demand, especially by highlighting its value and features while addressing any concerns with confidence in Taurus’s ongoing improvements. 

Franklin Armory’s Reformation RS7 has made a comeback, where it was introduced back at Shot Show in 2017 with a design that turned heads in the firearms world. The RS7 uses a patented barrel with straight lands and grooves instead of traditional rifling, which means it doesn’t spin the bullet like a standard rifle. This clever approach allowed Franklin Armory to classify it as a firearm under the Gun Control Act, sidestepping the National Firearms Act’s rules for short-barreled rifles or shotguns. That classification let the RS7 be configured with a 7.5-inch barrel without requiring a tax stamp or extra paperwork. 

Everything was fine until 2019, when the ATF tried to call it a short-barreled shotgun, a move that would have added on NFA restrictions. Franklin Armory took the fight to court in a case called FRAC vs Garland. In March 2025, a federal judge in North Dakota ruled the ATF had no grounds to reclassify it, pointing out the barrel’s straight grooves don’t fit the definition of a shotgun or rifle. That decision cleared the way for the RS7 to hit the market again in states where it’s allowed.

Now, let’s break down the RS7. It’s chambered in 5.56 NATO, primarily designed for home defense in a compact package. The 7.5-inch barrel, built with those straight lands and grooves, keeps it short and maneuverable. It’s got a forged aluminum receiver, a pistol-length gas system, and a Triumvir flash hider. It also comes with the B5 Systems Bravo stock and Magpul MBUS sights. Buyers can pick between a custom-tuned trigger or the BFSIII binary trigger, which fires on both pull and release. That binary option, though, isn’t legal everywhere, so shops need to check state laws.

The straight lands and grooves are what make the RS7 unique, but they come with a catch. Without rifling to spin the bullet, accuracy takes a hit compared to traditional rifles. Franklin Armory developed fin-stabilized ammunition to solve this, with fins that stabilize the bullet in flight, much like a dart. They claim sub-MOA accuracy with these rounds, which is impressive for a 7.5-inch barrel. The problem is, as of now, that fin-stabilized ammo isn’t available for purchase anywhere that we could find. 

Franklin Armory has tested it and shared results, but it’s not on shelves, leaving users stuck with standard 5.56 NATO rounds. We’re not sure if this ammo is still in R&D, if it’s just vaporware, or if it’ll be released soon. But with standard white box ammo, expect groupings of about 3 to 4 MOA at 100 yards—ok for close-range home defense but not suitable shooting at any meaningful distance. Shops need to be upfront about this when talking to customers.

Another hurdle is where the RS7 can be sold. It’s off-limits for civilian sales in a long list of states, including California, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maryland, and several others with tight firearm laws. Retailers have to confirm local regulations before stocking it, or they could end up with unsellable inventory. The binary trigger adds another layer, as places like Washington and New Jersey ban those outright.

For shop owners, the numbers look decent at first glance. The wholesale price is around $860 without the binary trigger and $920 with it, with an MSRP of $1,099 and $1,179. That’s good margin for a firearm that stands out. Built on the AR-15 platform, it’s familiar to users and works with standard AR accessories, which is a plus. The legal win gives it a story that could draw in customers who like unique firearms. But the unavailable fin-stabilized ammo and state restrictions make it a tough sell for quite a few shops. Accuracy with standard rounds limits its appeal to folks who want something different, not a do-it-all firearm. Retailers in permitted states might find it draws niche buyers, but it’s not a must-have for every shelf. If stocked, staff should learn about the firearm’s features so that they can explain the ammo situation, along with it not being an SBR, to keep customers informed and confident.

And finally, Barrett's "Reverse Tariff Rebate" program, running from May 1 to June 30, 2025, gives shops handling high-end firearms a chance to draw in customers who might hesitate at the steep price of these rifles. Customers can snag a $1,000 instant rebate on the M107A1, a large-caliber sniper rifle built for precision, or a 10% credit toward their next purchase at the online Barrett store with any MRAD system, known for its caliber conversion kits. 

These offers target serious shooters and collectors who value Barrett’s reputation for durability and accuracy, rooted in years of military-grade engineering. Shops can push this limited-time deal to create urgency, encouraging buyers that may be on the fence. Adding a little extra—like a free accessory or a range day—could seal the deal. Demoing the rifles’ features, like the M107A1’s recoil management or the MRAD’s adaptability, helps customers see the value. For shops, this rebate turns slow-moving, high-margin inventory into sales, especially if staff know how to highlight what sets these rifles apart.

Now let’s wrap up what we’ve covered today—the Taurus Model 58’s return for concealed carry, the Franklin Armory Reformation RS7’s legal win and unique design, and Barrett’s “Reverse Tariff Rebate” program. 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!