Nostalgia is a powerful thing, and while the gun industry has an ongoing desire to integrate the latest and greatest materials into firearms to create guns that are lighter, stronger, more accurate and less expensive. This is a good thing, because we are seeing firearms which cost less yet do significantly more than the guns of yesteryear, but it also means some great guns often get overlooked.
The gun industry is responding to the consumer’s desire to own classic firearms like the Heckler & Koch's iconic service guns to the compact, snub-nosed revolvers carried by the tough guys from a bygone era. Here’s some of the “retro” guns that are actually new for 2025.
HANDGUNS
Century Arms | AP51
Based on the iconic HK51 PDW, this large-format pistol packs a punch while staying true to its Cold War roots. Roller-lock operated, it sports a Navy-pattern ambidextrous safety selector. An included claw-mount rail makes adding modern optics a cinch, without losing that classic look.
▶Navy-style grip assembly
▶H&K-pattern front and rear sight
▶Cold-hammer-forged barrel
▶Birdcage-style flash hider
Specifications
Caliber: 7.62 NATO
Magazine Capacity: 20 rounds
Barrel Length: 8.3 inches
Overall Length: 23.3 inches
Weight: 126.4 ounces
MSRP: $1,799.99
(561) 908-7993 centuryarms.com
Heritage | Roscoe
Available with either a 2- or 3-inch barrel, the Roscoe is a tribute to the classic wheelgun used by the likes of lawmen, plainclothes detectives and hard-boiled cinematic sleuths of the 1930s, ’40s and ’50s.
▶Exposed hammer
▶Fixed front and rear sights
▶Checkered wooden grips
▶Glossy-black finish
Specifications
Caliber: .38 Spl. +P
Cylinder capacity: 5 rounds
Barrel Length: 2 inches
Overall Length: 4.8 inches
Weight: 22 ounces
MSRP: $364
(800) 845-3776 heritagemfg.com
Harrington & Richardson | Retro DOE
Drawing inspiration from the submachine gun once carried by the Department of Energy, the Retro DOE recreates it in semi-auto pistol form with a proprietary brace and fixed-sight receiver.
▶H&R HAR-15 pistol brace
▶Oversize brass deflector
▶A1 upper with carry handle
▶Colt magazine compatible
Specifications
Caliber: 9 mm
Magazine Capacity: 20 rounds
Barrel Length: 7.5 inches
Overall Length: 21.5 to 24.75 inches
Weight: 105.6 ounces
MSRP: $1,199
(877) 560-7229 palmettostatearmory.com
Smith & Wesson | Model 36 Classic No Internal Lock
Removing the much-maligned internal lock, the classic look of the Model 36 exposed-hammer small revolver is designed to appeal to the discerning wheelgun enthusiast. Smith & Wesson also released Model 10 and Model 19 revolvers in this new No-Lock line.
▶Wooden diamond grips
▶Blued finish
▶Fixed-blade front sight
▶Classic cylinder release
Specifications
Caliber: .38 Spl. +P
Cylinder Capacity: 5 rounds
Barrel Length: 1.88 inches
Overall Length: 6.94 inches
Weight: 19.64 ounces
MSRP: $849
(800) 331-0852 smith-wesson.com
RIFLES
PTR Industries | PTR 63
Part AR and part H&K, the PTR 63 rifle integrates an iconic roller-delayed-blowback gas system for smooth operation under myriad conditions. Other portions of the rifle are compatible with “America’s Rifle,” making furniture and magazine options plentiful.
▶Adjustable turret sight
▶Extended charging handle
▶AR-compatible grip and mag well
▶Anodized aluminum M-Lok handguard
Specifications
Caliber: 5.56 NATO
Magazine Capacity: 20 rounds
Barrel Length: 16.5 inches
Overall Length: 38.5 inches
Weight: 8 pounds, 8 ounces
MSRP: $1,799
(843) 358-2222 ptr-us.com
Savage | Revel DLX
Possessing simple takedown for easy stowage, this lever-action rimfire rifle will quickly become your go-to backpack rifle whether camping, hiking, boating or hitting the range.
▶Threaded muzzle
▶Stippled walnut stock
▶Oversize-lever loop
▶Rubber buttpad
Specifications
Caliber: .22 LR
Magazine Capacity: 12 rounds
Barrel Length: 18 inches
Overall Length: 36.5 inches
Weight: 6 pounds, 1.6 ounces
MSRP: $539
(800) 370-0708 savagearms.com
Taylor’s & Company | TC73 9 mm Lever Action Rifle
The legendary 1873 rifle has been brought to life with modern materials, technology and quality standards. From premium steel to one-at-a-time quenching of the receivers for best case coloring, the TC73 is a fine-quality lever-action with a difference: It is chambered for the popular and readily available 9 mm cartridge.
▶Semi-buckhorn rear sight
▶Rubber buttpad
▶Threaded barrel
▶Color-case-hardened receiver
Specifications
Caliber: 9 mm
Magazine Capacity: 10 rounds
Barrel Length: 18 inches
Overall Length: 37.5 inches
Weight: 7 pounds, 13 ounces
MSRP: $1,999
(540) 722-2017 taylorsfirearms.com
SHOTGUNS
Heritage | Coachwhip
Harken back to the age of highwaymen with this purpose-built coach gun. The break-action side-by-side sports a gorgeous wood stock, case-hardened frame, dual exposed hammers and double triggers, making it appropriate for both cosplaying as a cowboy and defending your home.
▶Turkish walnut stock
▶Color-case-hardened frame
▶Tang-mounted safety
▶Dual triggers
Specifications
Gauge: 12; 3-inch chambers
Capacity: 2 rounds
Barrel Length: 18.5 inches
Overall Length: 35.43 inches
Weight: 6 pounds, 12 ounces
MSRP: $984.99
(229) 210-2666 heritagemfg.com
