I'm assuming by "progression" you're referring challenges completed. There are two "hidden" challenges (Weapon Veteran and Weapon Master - not to be confused with Weapon Mastery) for each weapon that are not revealed until you prestige at least once. These are the ones that unlock weapon titles and emblems, and require more kills and headshots (2500 kills for Weapon Veteran III and 1250 headshots Weapon Master III). I'm not sure if the challenges can be completed without entering prestige mode, but I know you can make progress - I unlocked the silver SPAS-12 emblem, which is unlocked at Weapon Veteran II (1000 kills), before entering prestige mode the first time.