As the year wraps up and we all start pretending we are not already thinking about next year’s gear, we wanted to take a minute and look back at what this year meant for us at Blackbox Ballistics.
This year was a big one!
We grew from an idea into something real. A place where people can ask questions without feeling dumb. A place where new gun owners, experienced shooters, and everyone in between can get straight answers, fair pricing, and honest recommendations. No pressure. No ego. Just good conversations about firearms.
We also learned a lot. About what people are actually looking for. About how confusing buying a firearm or suppressor can still be. And about how much folks appreciate someone slowing things down and walking them through the process. That part has been the most rewarding for us.
Picking favorites is always dangerous, but these three earned it. Each one for a very different reason.
Buy Smith and Wesson 5.7 at Blackbox Ballistics
This one surprised a lot of people, including me. The Smith and Wesson 5.7 is flat shooting, soft recoiling, and incredibly easy to shoot fast. It feels modern without being gimmicky. Magazine capacity is excellent, recoil is almost nonexistent, and it is just plain fun to shoot.
This is one of those guns that makes newer shooters feel confident quickly while still keeping experienced shooters entertained. It is a great example of how a cartridge and platform can be practical and enjoyable at the same time.
Buy Ruger American at Blackbox Ballistics
If value had a physical form, this rifle might be it. The Gen 2 Predator took everything people already liked about the Ruger American line and cleaned it up. Better ergonomics, better feel, and still an absolute workhorse.
This is a rifle that makes sense. Hunting, range work, suppressor host, or just a solid bolt gun to have around, it does not pretend to be something it is not. It just works, and it works well.
Buy SAR9 at Blackbox Ballistics
This one came out of nowhere for me. The SAR 9 was easily the biggest surprise this year. It is one of those guns people overlook until they actually shoot it. Solid ergonomics, good trigger feel, reliable performance, and a price point that makes you double check the tag.
No, it is not trying to be a Glock killer. It does not need to be. It just delivers far more than people expect, and that is why it earned a spot on this list
Next year is shaping up to be a big one, and it starts fast.
January means SHOT Show, and we will be paying close attention. New firearms, updated models, optics, and accessories are all coming, and we will be breaking down what actually matters versus what just looks good in a booth. If it makes sense for real shooters, we will talk about it.
And then there is the big news everyone is already buzzing about.
Starting January 1st, the federal tax stamp for suppressors drops to $0. Yes, zero.
That single change is going to bring a lot of first time suppressor buyers into the space, and we are ready for it. Expect simple guides, honest recommendations, and clear explanations that remove the mystery from the process.
No legal maze. No fluff. Just clear info.
Next year we plan to expand our content, add more buyer guides, and keep doing what we enjoy most. Helping people make confident decisions. Whether that is your first pistol, your next rifle, or finally stepping into suppressors.
If you followed along this year, supported us, shared a post, or just stopped by to ask a question, thank you. This community is what makes this fun.
Here’s to more range time, better gear, and fewer impulse buys we regret later.
Stay safe and shoot straight.
Dominic and Dian – Blackbox Ballistics
If you liked this post we are sure you will like the following ones.
SHOT Show 2026 was our first time attending, and it delivered exactly what everyone warned us about. It was overwhelming, exciting, exhausting, and absolutely worth it. We handled hundreds of guns, saw 2011s and suppressors everywhere, and quickly realized that the gap between a $500 and $1000 gun is smaller than most people think. The…
Buying a used firearm is extremely common. It happens every single day and for good reason. Used guns can offer fantastic value, access to discontinued models, and sometimes upgrades that would cost extra if bought new. In many cases, you are getting a firearm that has already been broken in and proven itself.Think of it…
The SAR9 Gen1 Full Size surprised me in the best way. Comfortable in the hand, easy to shoot, and built with military testing in mind, it is a solid duty style pistol that does not get nearly enough attention.
SHOT Show 2026 was our first time attending, and it delivered exactly what everyone warned us about. It was overwhelming, exciting, exhausting, and absolutely worth it. We handled hundreds of guns, saw 2011s and suppressors everywhere, and quickly realized that the gap between a $500 and $1000 gun is smaller than most people think. The…
Buying a used firearm is extremely common. It happens every single day and for good reason. Used guns can offer fantastic value, access to discontinued models, and sometimes upgrades that would cost extra if bought new. In many cases, you are getting a firearm that has already been broken in and proven itself.Think of it…
The SAR9 Gen1 Full Size surprised me in the best way. Comfortable in the hand, easy to shoot, and built with military testing in mind, it is a solid duty style pistol that does not get nearly enough attention.
With the $200 suppressor tax stamp going away on January 1st, 2026, gun owners are wondering...should you buy now or wait? We break down all three options: filing today and eating the tax, buying now and letting your FFL hold the paperwork until January, or waiting until the new year to start fresh. Each has…
