Athlon Outdoors Announces Ballistic’s Best 2025: Ultimate Industry Shoot-Off Returns Bigger Than Ever
December 8, 2025

Southfield, Michigan — Athlon Outdoors is proud to announce the launch of the eighth annual Ballistic’s Best Guns of the Year Awards, the industry’s most comprehensive and respected firearms and gear evaluation. Each year, our editorial team, contributors, and expert testers assemble for an intensive, weeks-long process dedicated to identifying the finest products in the shooting world.

In 2025, Ballistic’s Best is expanding yet again; pushing past the 100-product mark as we test, score, debate, and ultimately crown the top performers across an even broader field of categories. Every entry undergoes a rigorous, multi-point evaluation protocol designed to measure performance, reliability, innovation, ergonomics, and real-world usability. When the dust settles, winners earn the coveted Ballistic’s Best distinction, one of the most recognized honors in the firearms community.

2025 Ballistic’s Best Firearm Categories

? AR-15s

? Full-Size Handguns

? Compact Handguns

? .357 Magnum Revolvers

? 1911s / 2011s / Double-Stacks

? Bolt-Action Target Rifles

? 9mm Pistol-Caliber Carbines

? 12-Gauge Defensive Shotguns

All-New Gear Categories for 2025

Athlon Outdoors continues to evolve with the industry, introducing three new divisions designed to reflect the modern shooter’s toolkit:

? EDC Knives

? Suppressors

? Rimfire

? 5.56

? .30 Caliber

The expansion into edged tools and suppressors marks a natural progression for Ballistic’s Best, recognizing their essential role in today’s everyday carry and range-ready loadouts.

Inside the Process

Ballistic’s Best is a massive undertaking—equal parts precision testing, data collection, and full-spectrum evaluation. Each product is scrutinized by dedicated test teams who endure demanding range conditions, controlled evaluations, and extensive scoring cycles to ensure accurate and unbiased results. Their effort and expertise are the backbone of this program, and Athlon Outdoors extends its appreciation to every evaluator who makes Ballistic’s Best possible.

What’s Ahead

Beginning soon on AthlonOutdoors.com, Athlon Outdoors will roll out each category with complete scoring breakdowns, performance analysis, and the official winners of Ballistic’s Best 2025. For readers, manufacturers, and industry professionals seeking the clearest, most authoritative guide to the top firearms and gear of the year, this is the definitive benchmark.

Stay tuned as we unveil the champions…your safe may need a little extra space.

About Bleecker Street Publications

Bleecker Street Publications is a leading digital media company covering firearms, survival, tactical gear, outdoor living, and skill-building for enthusiasts and professionals. Since acquiring Athlon Outdoors in 2023, Bleecker Street has continued expanding its portfolio with powerhouse brands including Athlon Untamed, RottenGunReviews.com, Athlon Outdoors, Ballistic, Tactical Life, Personal Defense World, Combat Handguns, and GAT Daily.

Whether it’s expert gear reviews, hands-on training guides, breaking industry news, or beginner-friendly resources, Bleecker Street Publications delivers trusted content for the modern firearms community.

To learn more visit www.BleeckerStreetPublications.com or follow Athlon Outdoors and Bleecker Street Publications on Facebook, Instagram, and Open Air Media.

Media Contact:
Katie Burke

Operations Manager
katie@bleeckerstreetpublications.com