Team Mathews achieved historic success at the 2026 Gator Cup in Sparta, Wisconsin, with Jimmy Lutz setting a new 72-arrow 50-meter compound world record of 719 points. Kyle Douglas finished third in Compound Men's, while Olivia Dean claimed the Compound Women's title.

GunBroker.com announced live bidding on two exclusive auctions for Barrett Firearms Manufacturing's America's 250th Rifle Series, featuring matched pairs of .50 caliber rifles with historically significant serial numbers LIBERTY1776/FREEDOM1776 and LIBERTY2026/FREEDOM2026, each including RMJ Tactical tomahawks, commemorative coins, and certificates signed by Ronnie Barrett.

Springfield Armory received the National Rifle Association's American Rifleman Tactical Product of the Year Golden Bullseye Award for the Kuna 9mm at the 2026 Annual Meetings & Exhibits in Houston, Texas. Developed in partnership with HS Produkt, the roller-delayed Kuna features a monolithic aluminum upper and 30-round magazines, with pricing starting at $1,179.

Shadow Systems CEO Trevor Roe recognized Check-Mate employees Brian Crow, Robert Potts, and Brayden Shorb for exceptional dedication and technical expertise supporting the company's manufacturing and product development. Each recipient received a complimentary Shadow Systems pistol in recognition of their contributions to the partnership.

Dead Air Silencers and Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. announced that the Ruger RXD30Ti suppressor has received the 2026 American Rifleman Golden Bullseye Award. The suppressor features advanced Triskelion and Nomad baffle technologies, an integrated E-Brake for recoil reduction, and broad HUB accessory compatibility for modern long-range and hunting applications.

Benelli's Nova 3 Tactical pump-action shotgun has been honored with the prestigious 2026 American Rifleman Golden Bullseye Award from NRA Media. The award recognizes the shotgun's excellence in innovation, reliability, and consumer value, with Product Manager Bret Maffett highlighting its modern defensive features and lightweight handling.

Faxon Firearms has won the Shooting Sports Retailer Choice Gold Award for Aftermarket Barrel for the fourth consecutive year, as voted by the magazine's readers of independent dealers and industry professionals. The Greater Cincinnati-based manufacturer's award reflects reader recognition of its in-house-manufactured rifle barrels and commitment to American manufacturing.

Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. received the NRA's Golden Ring of Freedom honor at the 2026 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits in Houston, TX, with President and CEO Todd Seyfert accepting on behalf of the company. The recognition reflects Ruger's long-term commitment to supporting the National Rifle Association, the Second Amendment, firearm safety education, and youth programs.

Remington Ammunition sponsored shooters achieved top finishes at recent tournaments nationwide. Brandon Powell and Madison Sharpe won at the Texas State Championship, Todd Hitch captured multiple events at The Gamaliel Cup in Tennessee, and Michael Luongo excelled at the Florida State Shoot, demonstrating the performance of Remington Premier shotshells.

Cory Kruse of Federal Ammunition won his 10th Texas resident sporting clay title at the Texas State Championships, breaking Bobby Fowler's previous record of nine titles. Kruse finished third in the Main Event Open High Over All, while teammates Cameron Hicks won the FITASC High Over All and Jonathan Prince won the B&P Adios Cup.

Team Krieghoff shooters achieved multiple podium finishes at the 2026 Triple J competition in San Antonio, Texas, with Houston Deshotels and Rocky Romo each shooting perfect 100s. Several team members were also named to the 2026 NSSA All-American Teams across multiple categories.

The NSSF vows legal action if Maryland Governor Wes Moore signs Senate Bill 334 and House Bill 557, which would ban striker-fired handguns. NSSF Senior Vice President Lawrence G. Keane argues the legislation unconstitutionally infringes Second Amendment rights and punishes law-abiding citizens instead of holding criminals accountable.

SLG2, Inc. will bring its Shoot Like A Girl experience to Bass Pro Shops in Albuquerque on April 25–26, 2026. The free event features instruction from all-women instructors, a mobile range with FATS military-grade simulators, archery coaching, and product demonstrations from industry brands including firearms, optics, and outdoor accessories.

ZEV Technologies, a maker of performance handguns and AR-style rifles, is relocating its headquarters and manufacturing operations from Washington state to Riverton, Utah by May 31. The move to the 2A-friendly Salt Lake City area will expand ZEV's 40,000-square-foot facility and create new jobs in advanced manufacturing and engineering roles.

Dead Air Silencers announced that Cris McRae, formerly of Magpul Industries Corp, joined as Senior Product Manager for Accessories. McRae brings over a decade of firearms industry experience in product development and commercialization to drive innovation and strategic growth.

Leupold + Stevens, an Oregon-based optics manufacturer, is hiring a Product Line Manager 3 for riflescopes with a base salary of $120,000-$150,000. The role requires 10-15+ years of product management experience, formal brand management certification, and extensive shooting sports knowledge. Benefits include health insurance, 401k matching up to 8%, tuition reimbursement, and product discounts.

The Double D Foundation announced a significant financial commitment from Patriot Mobile, America's only Christian conservative wireless provider, at the NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits in Houston. As a Corporate Partner, Patriot Mobile's support strengthens the Foundation's capacity to protect the Second Amendment and expand youth shooting sports participation.

MidwayUSA announced a partnership with SCI TV Networks, becoming the official retail partner for Safari Club International's new global hunting television platform. MidwayUSA customers receive an exclusive subscription discount with code MIDW26 on the streaming service featuring live hunting channels, video-on-demand content, and an outfitters marketplace.

Episode #27 of the Fly Fisherman Loop to Loop podcast features Scott Fly Rods Vice President Shawn Combs, an aerospace engineer and fly rod designer who previously worked at Orvis. Combs discusses his career journey, design work including the Helios series, and his recent move to Scott Fly Rods in Montrose, Colorado, where he works with President Jim Bartschi.

Dr. Patrick Wightman, the National Wild Turkey Federation's newly appointed National Director of Turkey Research and Science, discusses turkey behavior and conservation on The Michael Waddell Podcast, presented by Spandau Arms in partnership with Folds of Honor and Cigars International. Wightman shares insights from over a decade of turkey research and his work with GPS tracking technologies.

Galco has released the Classic Lite 2.0 Shoulder System for the Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 2.0, featuring Premium Center Cut Steerhide construction and the trademarked Flexalon swivel back plate. The system includes a holster, harness, double ammo carrier, and harness fasteners at an affordable price point.

Leapers, Inc. has released UTG M-LOK Panel Covers featuring heat-resistant polymer construction with tool-free patented design and discrete cable management. Available in 1.55" and 3.15" lengths, these covers are now in stock through online retailers and local gun shops nationally.

Kinetic Development Group engineered the Kinect Series, a patented tool-free mounting system that uses spring-loaded wedge locking mechanisms to secure accessories to M-LOK interfaces without tools or hardware, maintaining the strength of traditional hard mounts while improving user experience.

Chiappa Firearms expands its Wildlands rifle lineup with the 92 Wildlands Field, a lever-action rifle chambered in .44 Remington Magnum featuring a 16.5-inch threaded barrel, M-LOK interfaces, and Skinner Picatinny rail sighting system designed for practical hunting and field work.

MDT has introduced a new 3-round metal magazine for 300 PRC and .338 Lapua Magnum designed for hunters seeking a lower profile setup. The magazine features a polymer bottom cover to reduce noise and offers a compact, flush-fit option ideal for field use. Availability begins April 21 through MDT dealers and mdttac.com.

Legacy Sports International is now shipping the new 2026 Pointer ST912 Gray Laminate Over Under shotgun, featuring a 12-gauge 3" chamber, 30" chrome-lined barrels, adjustable comb, and five extended chokes at an MSRP of $979.

Legacy Sports International is now shipping the new 2026 Pointer FT912 Series over-under shotguns in black and silver receiver options. The 12-gauge shotguns feature walnut stocks, jeweled receivers, ejectors, crisp mechanical triggers, and five extended chokes at an MSRP of $739.00.

Beretta announces the 80X Cheetah Tactical Bronze, a modernized .380 platform featuring a factory-installed compensator, optics-ready slide, and Xtreme-S trigger. The compact defensive pistol includes LOK G10 grip panels, fiber optic sights, and ships with three 15-round magazines at an MSRP of $1,049.

EchoCore Suppressors' Sector 5.56 Full Size suppressor was prominently featured in Guns & Ammo's Suppressor Magazine with an in-depth review by Mark Fingar. The suppressor achieved a category-leading 125.43 dB at the 2025 Silencer Summit and is available exclusively through Silencer Shop.

Taurus and Heritage Manufacturing are offering limited-time promotions through May 31, 2026. Purchase a Taurus 22TUC pistol and receive a free UM Tactical holster, or buy select Heritage .22 LR models and get a free .22 WMR cylinder. Customers can submit claims at www.TaurusPromos.com.

Hook & Barrel Magazine announces its May/June 2026 "State of the Outdoors: Unfiltered" issue featuring Dude Perfect's Tyler Toney on the cover. The issue explores modern outdoor culture with contributions from industry insiders, outdoor legends, and personalities including Nate Hosie and Eva Shockey.

The Armory Life has released its 19th digital magazine edition featuring a 1911 Ronin-themed issue with cover story reviews of optics-ready 1911 Ronin AOS models, customized variants, holsters, and EDC tactics. Editor-in-chief Mike Humphries highlights the publication's commitment to delivering topical and engaging firearms content through its expanding digital magazine series.

Langdon Tactical Technology (LTT) will attend the 2026 Texas Tactical Police Officers Association (TTPOA) Conference in Round Rock, Texas, marking the company's first expansion into the law enforcement market with its new Law Enforcement Program.

Dead Air will exhibit its CT5P suppressor at the Texas Tactical Police Officers Association (TTPOA) Annual Training Conference in Round Rock, Texas, April 22–26, 2026. The CT5P is designed for AR15 patrol rifles chambered in 5.56 NATO, featuring reduced size and weight, minimized backpressure, and effective sound and flash suppression for law enforcement applications.

XTech Tactical has become title sponsor of the Firearms Action Shooting Trial (F.A.S.T.) 2026 series, featuring four marquee events combining time-based 2-Gun and rifle competitions with natural terrain and realistic physical challenges. Founded by Russell Phagan, F.A.S.T. matches test shooter skills with targets extending to 500 yards for rifles and 100 yards for pistols.

Gun Tote'n Mamas, a leading women's concealed carry handbag provider, returns as a diamond sponsor for the 2026 A Girl and A Gun National Conference in Grand Junction, Colorado, April 30–May 3. The company will showcase its latest products and provide exclusive merchandise to attendees.

Content King Media Inc., led by Ralph, Vicki, RJ, and Aubrey Cianciarulo, announced a partnership with MTM Case-Gard, a storage solutions manufacturer. The collaboration will produce innovative campaigns and engaging content, combining Content King Media's creative direction with MTM Case-Gard's product line.

HEVI sponsored the Kansas One Shot Turkey Hunt (April 16-18, 2026) in El Dorado, Kansas, which paired youth hunters with celebrities and dignitaries to promote wildlife conservation and hunting heritage. The event raised funds for turkey habitat restoration, Kansas State University research, and conservation education while allowing attendees to field-test HEVI's turkey loads including HEVI-13, HEVI-18, Magnum Blend, and HEVI-Bismuth.

Sons of Liberty Gun Works is the Title Sponsor of the Texas Tactical Police Officers Association Conference, showcasing its MK1, L89, and EXO3 rifle platforms at Range Day and the Vendor Show. SOLGW will also co-sponsor an after-hours social event with Born Primitive Tactical and Silencer Shop.

Shooting USA covers SHOT Show 2026 at the Sands Convention Center in Las Vegas, featuring new products from manufacturers across all categories. The episode airs Wednesday on Outdoor Channel and The Sportsman Canada Channel, with subscription access available on Vimeo.

Meet the Walther SP22. I assume SP stands for space pistol, and I refuse to be corrected. 

I, like most people, forgot about the Walther SP22. The difference is that I really wanted one when they came out. The weird design, the affordable price point, and the fact that it fired .22LR triggered a need in my young self. Sadly, they only sold them from 2008 to 2010, which was a time when disposable income wasn’t in my vernacular. 

A core memory unlocked when I finally stumbled across one. I was transported back to the gun magazines of old, where I undoubtedly saw the pistol advertised. A longing for the pistol hit me, and it had to be mine.

 There is a lot going on with these guns. You’ll see S&W and Walther markings. S&W was Walther’s importer for several years. 

The gun doesn’t have a slide; it has a bolt, and the assembly is covered by a solid aluminum shroud, which also contains your sights. To load and clear the gun, you have a pair of ambidextrous charging handles. It looks awesome. 

Walther made four of these guns: the M1, M2, M3, and M4. The M1 was the standard 4-inch model; the M2 featured a six-inch barrel; the M3 had a six-inch barrel with optics and a light rail; and the M4 featured a six-inch barrel with an Olympic-style wood grip, customizable to the end user. There are a few other small differences between each model as well. 

The Walther SP22 – Beyond the Norm 

The guns were modular, at least for 2008. 

You could add rails for optics to each gun. The 4-inch models could be converted to six-inch models. Weight sets were produced to reduce muzzle rise. Walther produced a laser sight and optic for these guns, and Truglo produced a higher visibility rear sight. 

You could add a larger magazine release and even swap the grip modules. Push out a punch pin, and you could install a Junior-sized grip or the adjustable wooden match grip. 

The front sight can be rotated to three different positions. It’s triangular, and rotating it allowed to change its size. Although even the smaller-sized front sight is quite massive. I’m not a sports shooter, or Olympic shooter, or bull’s eye, so I’m not sure if this sight was desirable. 

It tends to obscure the target a fair bit, and I like a smaller sight for shooting small targets and tight groups. The rear sights are fully adjustable for windage and elevation. 

The controls are a little weird. The safety is a crossbolt that sits flush when on safe and sticks outside the left side when pressed to fire. The magazine release is a heel type, not my preferred, but it’s a .22LR target pistol, so who cares. The grip is quite large for a .22LR, but incredibly comfortable. 

The magazines hold ten rounds, and it’s basically a P22 magazine with a different baseplate. You can buy baseplates and swap them to use P22 magazines, which is nice. Technically, the barrel is threaded, a lot like a P22; you need a thread adapter, but you can’t use a P22 adapter. You need a SP22-specific adapter, which doesn’t seem easy to find. Not even Numrich lists this gun for small parts. 

More Than Modular 

The M1 and M2 allow you to adjust the trigger’s sear engagement position. The M3 and M4 had an adjustable sear engagement position, a first-stage position, and a sear engagement force. You adjust the sear engagement position via a small screw behind the trigger, and the other adjustments are done inside the gun and are user-accessible. 

The SP22 series are single action, hammer-fired gun with an internal hammer. There is a hammer cocked indicator that sticks a red rod out of the rear of the backplate. The gun features a magazine safety and a hammer lock that requires a key to turn off and on. I didn’t get that key or any of the small tools that came with the gun. Ahh, the joy of used guns. 

Taking everything apart is easy and allows you to customize and clean the gun. You have to remove the front plate and cocking handles, and the shroud pops off, allowing you access to the internals of the gun. 

Inside the SP22

I shot about 350 rounds through the gun. Nothing fancy, just Blazer ammo, which tends to be fairly hot. It cycled it all without a problem. You probably need that 40-grain projectile to keep this thing running reliably. Stuff like Blazer and Federal Automatch will be your cheap bulk option. 

It’s a 22LR, so recoil isn’t a concern, but watch your thumbs. More than once, that cocking handle popped me. Your thumb is meant to sit in front of the trigger guard, not along the shroud. I’d forget that from time to time and get a painful reminder. 

The gun is quite accurate, and I made a 2ish-inch group at 15 yards offhand with the cheap Blazer ammo. The entire group was obscured by the front sight, which is about as good as I’m going to do. For me, a smaller front sight would be a great benefit. Better yet, a red dot would be perfect. 

At 50 yards, I can’t see a piece of IPSC steel, so I wasn’t making the hits I’m sure this gun is capable of. At 15 yards, I couldn’t see the largest parts of my rimfire dueling tree. I rotated the sight to the thinnest position, and I could see the paddles and send them spinning. Even the thin sight makes this gun difficult to shoot at 25 yards and beyond. 

It’s clearly meant to bisect a target in a bull’s eye or Olympic shooting situation, and not for me to plink with. 

Going Ham With the SP22

The SP22 is a lot of fun to shoot. Since the sights don’t move and the gun itself barely moves, it’s easy to track the sights and shoot relatively fast with excellent accuracy on targets you can see. I found the weight kit on eBay and added it. It made the gun into an unmoving laser beam. 

The trigger is certainly interesting. 

It is one long, but smooth pull with a slight wall. There isn’t much feedback, and again, not an Olympic shooter by any means, but I’m not sure why a single-action gun has so much take-up. You can’t even ride the reset to get a shorter pull because it has to fully extend the take-up range to reset. 

It runs reliably with no notable issues. In fact, I don’t think I’ve ever had a malfunction from the gun. Admittedly, I only shoot ammo I know works in semi-autos after years of clearing malfunctions in other .22LR semi-autos. 

Getting Weird With Walther 

Overall, the SP22 is weird in many ways. It certainly looks weird and has weird controls, but the big front sight and the trigger are odd for a gun designed for punching small groups. 

I don’t know why this gun existed. It was affordable at the time of its premiere. Maybe it appealed to target shooters on a budget who can’t afford a GSP. It must not have appealed to many folks because Walther only sold them for two years and likely didn’t sell many, since you don’t see them all that often. 

As a collector of curios, it certainly satisfies me, and if you find one for a great price, then it’s fun. If you want a dedicated target pistol, there are better options. For now, I’m collecting the parts I can find to turn this into a monstrosity of mid-2000s-ness. I wish more guns were weird like this. 

– Travis Pike, Shooting News Weekly