The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit ruled that NSSF has standing to challenge New Jersey's 'reasonable controls' law, reversing a lower court's decision that invoked the Younger Abstention Doctrine. NSSF Senior Vice President Lawrence G. Keane stated the law violates the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act and is unconstitutional.
Magpul has expanded its glove line with the Patrol 2.0 and Technical 2.0 now available in Multicam. The Patrol 2.0 features a goatskin palm and padded knuckles at $64.95, while the Technical 2.0 offers touch-screen compatibility and synthetic suede at $44.95.
Team Beretta athletes J.J. Racaza and Salvador Luna achieved strong performances at the 2026 Pan American Handgun Championship in Aruba, with Racaza capturing first place in Production Optics and Luna finishing fourth in Production, both competing with the Beretta 92X Performance Carry Optic.
B&P Pro Team shooter Macie Page won her third consecutive Ladies Helice World Championship at the 2026 competition in Braga, Portugal, also claiming five ladies titles including the Ladies Grand Prix Championship, Ladies Portuguese Cup Championship, Ladies President's Cup, and Ladies Beretta Cup, while finishing fourth overall in the main Beretta Cup event.
SIGHTRON Ambassador Jayson Barnes won first place in the Pellet class and second place overall at the N50 National Championship held August 21-23, 2026 at the NRA Whittington Center's Coors Range in Raton, New Mexico, using SIGHTRON's S6 10-60X56 ED FT Snap Focus Riflescope and setting a new record of 749 out of 750.
Check-Mate Industries-sponsored shooter Jessie Harrison won the 2026 USPSA Ladies Open National Championship, adding another prestigious national title to her competitive shooting career. Harrison credited her victory to faith, family support, and her sponsors' commitment to excellence.
The National Rifle Association filed an amicus brief with the American Suppressor Association and Independence Institute in the U.S. Supreme Court urging justices to strike down bans on semiautomatic rifles, including AR-15s, in Viramontes v. Cook County and Grant v. Higgins, challenging restrictions in Illinois and Connecticut.
Gun Owners of America, Gun Owners Foundation, Century Arms, Canik USA, B&T USA, and Fostech filed an amicus brief with the U.S. Supreme Court in Viramontes v. Cook County urging the court to strike down assault weapons bans and affirm that AR-15s and commonly owned semiautomatic rifles are protected by the Second Amendment.
Safe LivinG, in collaboration with the Army & Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES), will bring its free firearms safety and suicide prevention experience to Fort Stewart, Georgia on September 11-12. The event features a mobile range with FATS by Inveris simulators, demonstrations from SABRE® and Streamlight®, and family-friendly firearm safety education.
MDT is running the Ultimate Coyote Hunter Giveaway featuring a complete predator hunting rifle and field kit assembled with ten partner brands including Lone Peak, TriggerTech, Kahles, Eberlestock, Hornady, and SilencerCo. Entries open September 8, 2026 and close September 21, 2026 with no purchase necessary.
Bleecker Street Publications is giving readers the chance to win a Mossberg 990 AfterShock SPX, a compact 12-gauge semi-auto firearm valued at $1,204. The shotgun features an optic-ready receiver, AfterShock grip for recoil management, and modern tactical capabilities. Free Gun Friday is a signature promotion featuring firearms from major manufacturers like Mossberg, Sig Sauer, and Smith & Wesson.
GrabAGun Digital Holdings Inc. announced the appointment of John Swanagon as Chief Technology Officer effective September 1, 2026. Swanagon brings over 30 years of technology leadership experience from UnitedHealth Group's Optum Financial and SiriusXM, and will lead GrabAGun's technology strategy and AI initiatives.
Derya Arms announced that beginning January 1, 2027, drop-ship fulfillment of its firearms and accessories through distributors Sports South, Lipsey's, RSR Group, and Bill Hicks & Co., Ltd. will be exclusive to Derya Authorized Dealers. The program protects stocking dealers and strengthens pricing integrity across the 1,400+ dealer network.
Burris Company, Inc. is hiring an Account Manager for Commercial Accounts in Greeley, CO to drive sales growth and brand development across regional accounts. The role requires five years of sales management experience, a bachelor's degree, and 80% or more travel.
Firefield released the Verge binocular lineup in 8x42 and 10x42 configurations, featuring fully multicoated optics, BK7 roof prisms, and IPX4 water resistance. Designed for hunters and outdoor users seeking reliable performance without premium pricing, both models offer durable polycarbonate housing and internal focusing systems for field use.
Hawke Optics' Vantage HD 8x34 binoculars earned "Best Compact Binoculars" recognition in Outdoor Life's 2026 Budget Optics Test. Outdoor Life Optics Editor Andrew McKean praised the lightweight, one-hand binocular for its exceptional optical quality and portability at an MSRP of $189.
President Donald Trump issued a pardon for Patrick "Tate" Adamiak, who was wrongfully convicted of illegally possessing inert RPGs by Biden-era ATF agents. The Second Amendment Foundation's Lee Williams extensively covered the case, writing over 60 articles documenting the lack of evidence and flawed expert testimony that led to Adamiak's conviction.
Sgt. Justin Dodge, a 30-year Denver Police Department veteran, discusses his remarkable recovery from a catastrophic leg amputation sustained during the 2023 Denver Nuggets NBA championship parade on The Michael Waddell Podcast. Dodge shares his philosophy of "prehab" and wellness, crediting his preparation and mindset for his miraculous return to full-time service with the DPD's Metro SWAT unit within a year.
HeadHunters NW released a podcast episode featuring Ibrahim Pataudi, co-founder and Chief Revenue Officer of Armanet, discussing how the advertising platform helps firearms and outdoor brands overcome restrictions from Google and Meta. Armanet offers programmatic advertising across 100+ firearms and outdoor websites with measurement and attribution tools designed specifically for the industry.
Magpul announced the availability of DAKA Range Bags in Flat Dark Earth (FDE) color, offered in Small (20-liter) and Large (40-liter) sizes. The bags feature durable DAKA materials, YKK Aquaguard zippers, multiple storage compartments for magazines including AR-10 and GLOCK PMAG compatibility, and a foldable work mat.
ELEY offers a comprehensive .22LR ammunition range for all shooting disciplines, featuring a new recommendation engine to match shooters with the right cartridge. The company provides batch testing services across five locations and trial packs available globally through retailers including Killough Shooting Sports in the USA.
Comp-Tac has launched the International V2 Holster, the next generation of its legendary competition holster featuring a slimmer, lighter design with expanded optic compatibility and enhanced mounting options. The new holster maintains the speed and reliability that made the original the No. 1 choice among IDPA competitors while delivering meaningful improvements for today's shooters.
Federal Ammunition launched Cosmic shotshells featuring UV-fluorescent Podium wads and neon colors that glow under black light for nighttime clay target shooting. The 12-gauge loads contain 1⅛-ounce No. 8 shot at 1,145 feet per second and are now shipping to dealers nationwide.
Langdon Tactical Technology introduced the LTT Mossberg 590, featuring an Action Job with NP3-coated internals, a 4.5-pound trigger, Adjustable Super Duty Shotgun Sight, and Magpul furniture. Available in 18.5-inch Standard and 14.375-inch Shockwave configurations at Langdontactical.com.
MDT released the CKYE-POD GEN3 Compact bipod for low-position shooters, adjusting from 4.6 to 11.9 inches and weighing 20 ounces. The company also added a 1/2-28 thread pitch to the Hunt Brake for ultralight hunting rifles and NRL Hunter competitors. Both products are available September 4th through MDT dealers and mdttac.com.
Galco has released the Stow-N-Go IWB holster for the Springfield SA-35 4.7", part of their Concealed Carry Lite line. The holster features Premium Center Cut Steerhide construction, an open top for fast draw, and supports both strong side and appendix carry options.
FALCO Holsters and the 3 of 7 Project unveiled the C917 and C917 L Kydex holsters, featuring OWB/IWB strong-side carry capability with full Kydex construction and perforated leather backing. The light-bearing C917 L accommodates weapon-mounted lights, with MSRPs of $219.95 and $229.95 respectively.
WOOX, an Italian-American gunstock manufacturer, announces the continued success of its Elegante line of bolt-action rifle stocks introduced in June. The premium Claro American Walnut stocks with aerospace-grade aluminum mini-chassis have exceeded demand expectations, with CEO Ben Fleming noting shooters seek functional stocks with lasting beauty and heritage.
The Armory Life has launched its 21st edition digital magazine featuring an Echelon-themed issue focused on the popular family of modular 9mm pistols. The magazine includes a cover story review of the Echelon Alpha 4.0C, in-depth articles on the Variable Interface System, and aftermarket options. Editor-in-Chief Mike Humphries highlights the publication's commitment to delivering engaging firearms content.
Range USA, the nation's premier indoor gun range and firearm retailer, celebrated the grand opening of its 51st location in Monroeville, Pa. on August 28-30, 2026, featuring special promotions, giveaways from USCCA and Q, LLC, and a 12,000-square-foot facility with 14 shooting lanes and certified firearms instruction.
Steiner Optics has partnered with PromoBoxx to provide retailers with professionally developed, brand-approved digital marketing materials. The platform enables dealers to easily share campaigns across email, social media, and websites while maintaining consistent brand messaging and driving customer engagement.
KDG completed its first Worldwide Buying Group show in Reno, Nevada, welcoming new dealer partnerships and generating strong interest in new products including the BOM Series Optic Mount and rail solutions for Grand Power Stribog and Springfield Armory Kuna platforms.
Lapua announced it will be a main sponsor for the 6th World Benchrest Shooting Federation World Championships in Portugal, September 7-12, 2026. The event, organized by the Portuguese Shooting Federation at Clube de Tiro de Fervença in Barcelos, will feature nearly 100 participants from fifteen nations competing in individual and team matches.
I’ve built my fair share of AR-15 rifles over the years. Just one or two (hundred) short of fellow contributor Tim Stetzer, but I’ve gone through several lower parts kits—some good and some not so much. The main ones I’ve gone back to were from Anderson Manufacturing (RIP), Aero Precision (life support, but may be back?), and CMMG. All have worked as intended. None are expensive, and all have been fine—nothing to move the needle.
While at GunCon 2026, I came across XTech Tactical. XTech is primarily known for AK magazines, GLOCK mags, mag extensions, and mag loaders. What you might not know is that they also offer a suite of AR-15 accessories.
The ATG LPK ships with the standard components plus a few additional surprises you wouldn’t typically see in a parts kit. This includes the ATG adjustable pistol grip—which I quite like—and a flared magwell.
The kit currently sells for $79.95, but doesn’t include the X-Flare. XTech plans to add a “Full-Send” version of the kit that includes the X-Flare Magwell, as well as kits with additional trigger options. I like the potential variety. Prices for the additional models haven’t yet been disclosed.
XTech ATG Enhanced Lower Parts Kit. Photo: Cory Ross
Here’s what the standard kit ships with . . .
XTech Tactical Heavy Texture ATG Included Pistol Grip (Black)
Enhanced Polymer Trigger Guard
Semi Trigger
Semi Hammer
Semi Disconnector
Semi Selector
Bolt Catch Spring
Detent Spring
Bolt Catch Buffer
Takedown Detent
Bolt Catch
Magazine Catch Spring
Bolt Catch Roll Pin
Magazine Catch Button
Magazine Catch
Front Pivot Pin
Hammer Spring
Trigger Spring
Pistol Grip Screw
Pistol Grip Lock Washer
Selector Spring
Detent Selector
Hammer Pin
Trigger Pin
Takedown Pin
Buffer Retainer Pin
Buffer Retainer Spring
Disconnector Spring
Features
XTech Tactical’s AR15 Lower Parts Kit provides the core components needed to complete a stripped AR-15 lower receiver. It includes a complete fire control group, buffer tube assembly, takedown and pivot pin assembly, magazine catch, safety selector, pistol grip, and trigger guard.
Manufactured in the USA in XTech’s factory, the components use metal and polymer and are built to mil-spec standards. XTech says they incorporate precision engineering to deliver a smoother trigger pull with reduced grittiness and provide a solid foundation for future trigger work. Backed by a lifetime warranty, the kit gives builders a complete set of lower receiver components in a single package.
A few of the tools used during the build. Photo: Cory Ross
Building It
I got this kit for a 350 Legend project I’m working on with Shaw Barrels. The lower receiver is new to me from Acme Machine. I recently picked this lower up for a bargain price and thought it’d work well for this build.
This lower has a few interesting features that make it easier for at-home builders and tinkerers like me. These include a threaded bolt catch pin, an integrated trigger guard, an extra-large flared magwell, and the repositioning of the rear takedown spring and detent to the pistol grip interface. This actually sped up the process and made the whole thing a breeze.
Notice something different? Photo: Cory Ross
I used Real Avid tools, and the whole process took a little less than 20 minutes. I added blue Loctite to the threaded bolt catch pin, and a bit of ion grease to the buffer tube. Because the lower has the integrated trigger guard and enlarged magwell, I didn’t use the ones provided by XTech. I also swapped the safety for an ambi one that I had on hand.
Real Avid makes things easy. Photo: Cory Ross
One of my favorite components in the XTech LPK is the ATG AR-15 grip. It’s a two-piece design that lets you set the grip angle to 17°, 25°, or 33°. I like a more vertical position, so I keep it at 17°.
I also really like the grip’s texture. It’s perfect for hot, humid summers. Otherwise, I was pleased with the quality and finish of all the parts. Nothing appeared out of spec and all parts fit as they should. In cases like this, no stress is a good thing.
Two small sprigs. And this is how you adjust the ATG grip angle. Photo: Cory Ross
Parting Shots
With a handful of AR-15 projects in the pipeline, I’ve been looking for a new go-to lower parts kit. I know that shouldn’t be difficult to find, but you’d be surprised by the horror stories out there. The X-Tech ATG Enhanced AR15 Lower Parts Kit is American-made, covered by a lifetime warranty, and backed by a company that actually cares about delivering a quality product.
