VIKTOS released the Limited Edition Operatus Team Shoe called "Triple Canopy Creeper." Designed by U.S. veterans, the shoe features Vietnam-era aesthetics with modern performance technology including a 4mm heel-to-toe drop, hi-grip crystal rubber outsole, and HiRebound EVA insole for enhanced comfort and traction.

The Kinetic Group was named Rural King's Sporting Goods Vendor of the Year at the 2026 Annual Vendor Summit in Mattoon, Illinois. The award recognizes TKG's Federal Ammunition and affiliate brands for excellence, growth, and dedication to supporting Rural King's retail operations across rural America.

Eric Harvey and Desi Edmunds won championships at the 2026 Gator Cup at Back Woods Quail Club in Georgetown, South Carolina. Harvey claimed his second consecutive Gator Cup title, while Edmunds won the Lady division. Both competitors used Winchester AA shotshells for their victories.

The Second Amendment Foundation (SAF), joined by the National Rifle Association, American Suppressor Association, California Rifle & Pistol Association, Second Amendment Law Center, Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus, and Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms, filed an amicus brief urging the Supreme Court to grant certiorari in George Peterson v. United States, challenging the National Firearms Act's registration and taxation requirements for suppressors.

Hook & Barrel Magazine is hosting a sweepstakes giveaway featuring the Springfield Armory Echelon 4.0FC, a compact full-size capacity firearm with a 4-inch barrel and optics-ready interface. The sweepstakes runs through April 30, 2026, with entry available on Hook & Barrel's website.

NSSF has named 2TON as its first official Affinity Partner, providing NSSF members with specialized branding, marketing, and digital development services. 2TON will be listed in the NSSF member portal and collaborate with the association to provide marketing education and resources for firearm industry businesses.

BANISH Suppressors announced its new Service Program, offering comprehensive maintenance for all BANISH customers within the first year of ownership. The program includes professional cleaning, ultrasonic internal cleaning, inspection, repairs, and Cerakote refinishing to ensure optimal suppressor performance.

Brownells announced the launch of 2nd Adventure Global Solutions, a new division led by Casey Betzold to help manufacturers expand internationally. The division leverages Brownells' 80+ years of experience and 30+ years of European operations to manage compliance, distribution, and market access across business-to-business, direct-to-consumer, and government channels in approximately 65 countries.

The NSSF-adjusted NICS figure for March 2026 reached 1,412,917, a 1.9 percent increase from March 2025. NFA checks surged 121.2 percent to 206,871, with Texas, Florida, and Virginia leading in NFA activity. The National Shooting Sports Foundation provides these adjusted figures to reflect market conditions.

Check-Mate, a U.S.-based manufacturer of magazine systems and firearm components, is expanding its engineering team and seeking a Process Engineer to optimize PLEX ERP systems and manufacturing operations. The role focuses on process optimization, Lean methodologies, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Federal Ammunition has begun shipping its Federal X Henry Collector's Edition ammunition in partnership with Henry Repeating Arms, created for Henry's commemorative 45-70 Government Golden Boy lever-action rifle celebrating America's 250th anniversary. The limited-edition load features a 300-grain Hollow Point bullet and collectible packaging.

Burris Optics announced its continued partnership with Rocky Mountain Heroes Foundation, supporting veterans and their families through hunting and fishing experiences. Founded by Brian L. "Sol" Soliday, the foundation provides therapeutic outdoor opportunities to help U.S. military veterans and active-duty service members reintegrate into civilian life.

Firearms Policy Coalition launched the 2026 FPC State Freedom Index, a scorecard evaluating gun rights across all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Only Kansas and New Hampshire earned perfect scores, while FPC President Brandon Combs criticized Republican-led states like Florida, Ohio, and Nebraska for failing to fully protect Second Amendment rights.

Blackout Coffee has renewed its Silver-level corporate partnership with the Second Amendment Foundation (SAF). CEO John Santos emphasized the company's commitment to defending Second Amendment freedoms, while SAF Executive Director Adam Kraut praised Blackout Coffee's support through sponsorships and donations from their special SAF roast sales.

Guidefitter announced an expanded partnership with Rocky Brands, Inc., adding The Original Muck Boot Company and XTRATUF to its platform alongside Rocky Boots. The partnership provides these brands direct access to over 194,000 verified outdoor professionals including guides, outfitters, and law enforcement through Guidefitter's network.

Magnum Research announces the Desert Eagle Zirconium Nitride Gold Series, featuring a durable gold finish available in multiple calibers and configurations. Built on the Mark XIX platform with a 6-inch barrel and Picatinny rail, each pistol includes ambidextrous safety and ergonomic grips designed for .50 AE recoil management.

Shell Shock Technologies' Shell Tech ammunition division announced the return of its 5.56x45 NATO FMJ rounds featuring proprietary NAS3 nickel-stainless steel alloy cases. Customers can save eight percent on orders over $300 using code 556ISBACK from March 31 to April 11, 2026, at www.shellshocktechnologies.com.

DeSantis Gunhide introduces the Ruk-Pak Holster, a rigid Kydex off-body carry solution featuring self-stick loop mounting for backpacks and everyday carry. Available for Glock, Springfield Hellcat and Echelon, and Sig P365 models at $52.99 retail.

Zanders, a national distributor based in Sparta, Illinois, has expanded its inventory to include products from Kaw Valley Precision, including muzzle devices, buffers, and AR-platform components. The partnership provides Zanders dealers access to the trusted brand's high-performance firearm accessories.

Hornady Manufacturing Company announced new .223 WSSM 55 gr V-MAX and .243 WSSM 75 gr V-MAX ammunition loads in their Superformance Varmint line, designed for varmint and predator hunters using Winchester Super Short Magnum cartridges with rapid expansion and flat trajectories.

Trijicon Inc. is celebrating the production of over one million RMR reflex sights with a $100 rebate on eligible RMR Auto LED and RMR Adjustable LED Red Dot models purchased between April 3 and May 31, 2026. The rebate program is available at MillionthRMR.com.

Lipsey's, a major firearms distributor, announces the Lipsey's Exclusive Ruger RXM COA Edition, featuring the Ruger RXM platform paired with the Aimpoint COA Red Dot Reflex Sight. Available in 15 and 17-round models with multiple frame colors, the 9mm pistol includes a Magpul Enhanced grip and factory-mounted optic for modern defensive use.

Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. announced left-handed models of the Ruger American Rifle Generation II in Ranch configuration with six chamberings. The compact rifles feature a 16.1" cold hammer-forged threaded barrel, radial port muzzle brake, Cobalt Cerakote finish, and improved ergonomics.

Chattanooga Shooting Supplies (CSSI) announces Check-Mate Magazines are now available through its dealer network. Check-Mate Industries manufactures dependable handgun and rifle magazines for military, law enforcement, and civilian shooters, expanding CSSI's product lineup of trusted American-made options.

Kinetic Development Group's Kinect Series mounting system continues gaining traction among retailers and shooters seeking tool-free M-LOK accessory attachment. The system uses internal locking wedges for secure, stable connections without requiring screws or tools, appealing to both novice and experienced rifle builders.

Magnum Research and Iron Monkey Rifle Works, based in Kenmore, Washington, unveiled the limited-edition "Dueling Katanas" Desert Eagle, a .50 AE firearm featuring hand-polished components, Japanese iconography, and black nickel finish with DLC coating. Priced at $5,999.00, each includes one seven-round magazine.

Berger has announced the addition of 300 PRC 217 Grain Elite Hunter ammunition to its long-range Elite Hunter product line. The new ammunition features a hybrid ogive design with a ballistic coefficient of 0.695, delivering exceptional energy and terminal performance for hunting applications.

Q, LLC announced the release of the LEFTY silencer, featuring Low Blow™ technology and 3D printed internal structure to reduce backpressure and gas blowback. Available through Q dealers nationwide at $800 MSRP, the LEFTY is rated for full auto use across 5.56mm and 6mm ARC platforms.

SHIELD Sights is offering up to 25% off its entire product line from April 1-30, 2026 at participating dealers. The UK-designed and manufactured micro red dot optics promotion aims to improve accessibility to premium sights during peak shooting season.

Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc. launched its Military & Law Enforcement Rebate program, offering up to $150 in prepaid cards for qualifying purchases of Smith & Wesson firearms or Gemtech suppressors. Eligible participants include active and retired military, law enforcement officers, first responders, and veterans with valid GOVX ID verification.

The Lee Kay Public Shooting Range in Salt Lake City will host an open house on April 18, 2026, featuring clinics in rifle marksmanship, archery, trap and skeet shooting, and hunting dog training demonstrations. Manager Blanche Smith emphasizes the facility's importance as the only outdoor shooting range in the Salt Lake Valley, offering free range access and one free shotgun round on a first-come, first-served basis.

Liberty Ammunition completed a rollout to Bass Pro with core SKUs. CEO Gary Ramey expressed appreciation for the partnership, noting successful previous testing and anticipation for continued collaboration.

Friends of NRA is unveiling the Wall of Guns at the 155th NRA Annual Meetings and Exhibits in Houston, featuring over 40 firearms. Presenting sponsors include Gallery of Guns, with supporting sponsors Canik USA, Century Arms, CZ, EAA Corp, Mossberg, Ruger, and Taurus. Tickets are $20, with proceeds benefiting the NRA Freedom Action Foundation and local shooting sports programs.

Henry Repeating Arms will showcase over 75 firearms at the 2026 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits in Houston, featuring its largest display ever. Founder and CEO Anthony Imperato and trick shooter 22Plinkster will make booth appearances, and Henry is the premier sponsor of the National Friends of NRA banquet.

The National Friends of NRA Event on April 17th in Houston will feature rare firearms, hunts, and special guests including Henry Repeating Arms CEO Anthony Imperato, motivational speaker Vann Morris, and country artist Ben Gallaher. Highlights include a custom ACME Machine AM-10 LR .308 rifle, Smith & Wesson Collector's Set, and a five-day bull elk hunt at the NRA Whittington Center in New Mexico.

Bond Arms will exhibit at the 2026 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits in Houston, Texas, April 17–19, showcasing their compact firearms including the America 250th, Cyclops America, LVRB, and Double-Barreled Suppressed Derringer at Booth #3417.

SLG2, Inc. announced Streamlight Inc. as its latest corporate partner for 2026. Streamlight products will be featured on SLG2's 2026 Grand Safety Tour at retail locations and military installations nationwide, promoting responsible gun ownership and outdoor safety education.

Winchester Life season five, an award-winning series, is now available on Waypoint TV featuring turkey hunting episodes with Long Beard Tungsten and Long Beard XR ammunition, plus shooting sports competitions and new product reviews from Winchester.

MyOutdoorTV presents "Turkey Takedown 2 with Michael Waddell," a free live streaming hunt on April 7 at 7:00 a.m. ET featuring Michael Waddell pursuing an Eastern Boss Tom in west-central Georgia. The live event showcases turkey hunting techniques and conservation success stories.

World Fishing Network launches "Reeling Around Wednesdays" featuring legendary anglers including Bill Dance, Roland Martin, Jimmy Houston, and Jon Thelen. The weekly programming block showcases fishing techniques, tactics, and adventures across diverse locations and species, with shows available on MyOutdoorTV streaming service.

The news broke sometime back that GLOCK was making some changes in their single-stack, small pistol lineup. I had no special information, just the open-source internet chatter. One interesting bit was the advent of a GLOCK-marked (and “manufactured”) 15-round magazine for the G43X/G48 line. 

They were allegedly to come online this month and at least one “influencer” has one (or more) in hand. He noted that it didn’t seem difficult to load to max capacity unlike some micro-9 magazines. That doesn’t speak to the potential for functional reliability or for durability; like with any products, that remains to be seen. 

Before his video, I was unsure they were going to be produced. A quick look at Lipsey’s showed some interesting product news in that regard. 

They’re showing G43X shipping with fifteen-round magazines; they’re not saying they are available now – just that this model is approaching. They likewise show the G43X COA – with the Aimpoint optic installed – and fifteen-round magazines. 

If those are forthcoming, that will be an interesting development. I’ve still seen nothing on a potential “Gen6” line of slimline GLOCK pistols from the factory.

The NRA Annual Meeting is upon us, April 16-19, in Houston. The National Friends of NRA Event is part of the program. The organization announced their event, taking place April 17^th, is sponsored by Henry Repeating Arms. Taurus is a contributing sponsor, along with GunBroker and OtterText as supporting sponsors. 

The release stated “Guests can take part in crowd-favorite games like the Wall of Guns and Kill It, Chill It, Grill It, along with a special giveaway presented in partnership with Berger Ammo and OtterText. One lucky winner will receive 1,000 rounds of ammunition of their choice.”

Sign up to attend here.

Recently, Ruger announced a line of 250^th Anniversary firearms for collectors and shooters, “… commemorating the United States Semiquincentennial and celebrating the Company's deep roots in American manufacturing. Echoing the iconic commemorative line introduced for the nation's Bicentennial in 1976, each limited production model in this new series is distinctly marked: "Made in the 250th Year of American Liberty."” 

According to the Ruger website, the special line includes the 10/22 rifle, LCP MAX pistol, Ruger American Gen II rifle, Mark IV 22/45 pistol, Super Wrangler revolver and AR Lower. 

The 10/22 comes in three variations; the first is traditional with a hardwood stock, one has the blue synthetic stock with red and white splatter. The last features an engraved Altamont walnut stock.

As I’m doing a piece on the proliferation of pistol optics, it’s notable that Lipsey’s has announced an exclusive product offering joining Ruger and Aimpoint, the Ruger RXM COA Edition.

The new gun/optic combo is offered in “compact” (15-round) and “full-size” (17-round) RXM frame versions, with three frame color options. These include black, gray and OD green. 

I’ve used the RXM for some time; it’s a winner thus far. The Aimpoint COA Red Dot Reflex Sight is something I used in a package deal from GLOCK some time back. The optic is aces all the way. Pairing the COA with the RXM is a smart move. 

For those who came in late, the COA is an enclosed emitter 3.5 MOA dot optic using the low-mount A-CUT system. This keeps the optic low over the bore. That they estimate 50,000 hours of battery life is an added advantage.

I’m sure there will be more innovation forthcoming at the NRA Annual Meeting.

– Rich Grassi