Beretta Holding, which owns 9.95% of Sturm, Ruger & Company, has proposed an all-cash partial tender offer for up to 20.05% of Ruger's outstanding shares at $44.80 per share, representing approximately 20% premium to the 60-day average price. Beretta Holding seeks exemption from Ruger's shareholder rights plan to acquire up to 30% beneficial ownership, believing increased investment would establish a strategic partnership to improve operational and financial performance.
Sturm, Ruger & Company's Board of Directors received a letter from Beretta Holding S.A. proposing a partial tender offer for up to 20.05% of Ruger's outstanding shares, which would increase Beretta's ownership to approximately 30%. The proposed tender offer has not yet commenced, and shareholders need not take action at this time.
Cadre Holdings, Inc. has agreed to acquire Alien Gear Holsters from Tedder Industries, LLC for $10.3 million through bankruptcy auction. The transaction, expected to close in Q2 2026, will add the established holster brand to Cadre's portfolio alongside Safariland and Med-Eng.
Federal Ammunition sponsored shooters excelled at the 2026 NSCA Western Regional Championships in Tucson, Arizona, with Derrick Mein winning the FITASC High Over All Championship and Jonathan Prince claiming the Junior Main Event Championship among 625 competitors.
Team Lapua's Erich Mietenkorte won both smallbore and high-power titles at the 2026 Bernd Meier Silhouette Invitational Championship in British Columbia. Mietenkorte used Lapua Midas+ rimfire ammunition and a custom 6BR rifle with Lapua brass, Vihtavuori N140 powder, and Berger bullets to secure victory.
World champion Jessie Harrison, a Taurus Team Captain, won three national titles at the 2026 US Steel Nationals, with the all-new Taurus TX9 earning a national championship in its stock configuration. Harrison captured Ladies Carry Optics, Ladies Open, and Ladies Overall National Champion titles, validating the TX9 as a competition-capable platform.
Remington Ammunition celebrated strong performances at the 2026 NSCA Western Regional Championships in Tucson, Arizona. Brandon Powell won the Prelim Event High Over All with 98 out of 100 targets, while Todd Hitch claimed the 12 Gauge High Over All with a perfect 50 out of 50 score.
Team Lapua's Brandon Green won the Open Heavy division of the Best of the West Hunter Championship held March 6-8 in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. The competition featured 20 simulated hunting stages with target engagements from 200 to over 900 yards across diverse terrain.
Firearms Policy Coalition announced it will appeal Judge Pittman's ruling upholding Texas's carry ban at sporting events and other public spaces to the Fifth Circuit, arguing the decision contradicts the Constitution and Supreme Court precedent.
MDT announced the Mountain Hunter Giveaway offering a complete backcountry hunting setup featuring MDT's lightweight rifle platform and products from Leupold, Lone Peak, Aziak, EXO Mtn Gear, TriggerTech, and Muley Freak. The giveaway runs March 24 through April 6, open to U.S. residents only.
Protect Liberty PAC, founded by NSSF, launched a patriotic t-shirt collection featuring hand-drawn designs including George Washington AR series, Patrick Henry, and James Madison quotes to celebrate America's 250th birthday. All proceeds support voter education efforts in key battleground states ahead of the November 2026 election.
Daniel Defense launched the "Sic Semper Tyrannis" campaign on March 18, 2026, to support the Virginia Citizens Defense League's legal efforts defending Second Amendment rights in Virginia. Proceeds from AR15, AR10, and PCC sales, plus limited edition merchandise, will fund VCDL's ongoing constitutional litigation.
Target Sports USA announced Nathan Godin's appointment as IT Manager. Godin brings expertise in systems administration, NetSuite customization, and workflow automation from his previous role at Oma's Pride, where he managed Shopify and Google Suite integrations.
Federal Ammunition has begun shipping its new Heavyweight TSS Rob Roberts Limited Edition turkey loads, developed in collaboration with legendary choke designer Rob Roberts. Available in No. 7 and No. 9 shot sizes, these loads feature 18 g/cc tungsten-alloy shot and FLITECONTROL FLEX wads for extreme range and pattern density.
Remington announces the availability of its 2026 Limited Edition Bullet Knife, King of the Mountain, now shipping to dealers nationwide. This collector-focused release features a fixed 440A stainless blade, authentic stag bone handle, and genuine leather sheath with an MSRP of $179.99.
Kinetic Development Group announced a significant update to its SideLok optic mount line, shifting to a footprint-based product structure that expands compatibility across red dot optics from manufacturers including Aimpoint, Trijicon, Leupold, Holosun, SIG Sauer, and Steiner while maintaining core performance features.
CZ announced a partnership with Ace Virtual Shooting (AceVR) to introduce a virtual reality controller modeled after the CZ Shadow 2 pistol. The innovative controller replicates the feel and handling of the competition pistol for immersive digital training. CZ and AceVR will showcase the new controller at the 2026 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits.
George Daniel, instructor at Penn State University's Joe Humphreys Fly Fishing Program, was featured in episode #24 of the Fly Fisherman Loop to Loop podcast. Fly Fisherman Editor and Publisher Ross Purnell recorded the conversation with Daniel and current Penn State students, discussing the program's history and Daniel's approach to teaching fly fishing.
Mesa Tactical, based in Reno, NV, has begun shipping aluminum M-LOK Truckee forends for Mossberg 500 and 590 shotguns in three lengths. The forends are machined from 6061-T6 aluminum with hard anodized finish and M-LOK slots for accessory attachment, with pricing from $144.95 to $164.95.
Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. launches its 250th Anniversary Series of firearms commemorating the U.S. Semiquincentennial. The limited production models include the 10/22 rifle, LCP MAX pistol, Ruger American Gen II rifle, Mark IV 22/45 pistol, Super Wrangler revolver, and AR Lower, each marked "Made in the 250th Year of American Liberty."
WOOX, an Italian-American gunstock manufacturer, is increasing production of its new "High Grade" line of stocks and chassis due to overwhelming demand. Each piece features hand-selected American Walnut with unique grain patterns and receives traditional oil finishing by WOOX artisans, available across multiple product lines including the new Elegante Series.
Lyman's Turbo Sonic 2500 ultrasonic brass cleaner is now available for reloaders. The heated tank system processes up to 900 9mm cases in under 15 minutes, cleaning cases inside and out including primer pockets.
MDT announced the addition of TrueTimber Viper color option to its CRBN chassis system, designed for precision hunters seeking lightweight builds with enhanced camouflage options. The carbon fiber chassis features adjustable ergonomics and accessory compatibility, available starting March 24 through MDT dealers and mdttac.com.
Faxon Firearms announced an exclusive ARAK-21 16" 5.56 NATO Complete Upper Receiver Group in Midnight Bronze Cerakote available exclusively through Sports South distributor. The patented long-stroke gas-piston upper features ambidextrous controls, user-reversible bolt, and adjustable gas valve with an MSRP of $999.00.
DeSantis Gunhide introduces the INTRUDER 2.0, a Red Dot Ready hybrid holster featuring precision-molded Kydex body and premium steerhide construction. Available for Glock, Springfield Hellcat, and Sig P365 models, the holster retails for $114.99 and offers configurable IWB/OWB carry options.
Hornady Security introduces Welded Gun Cabinets featuring heavy-duty welded steel construction, anti-pick three-point key locks, and adjustable interiors accommodating firearms up to 53 inches. Available in 8-gun, 10-gun, and 12-gun sizes with pry-resistant hinges and neoprene floor mats for comprehensive firearm protection.
Zanders, a national distributor based in Sparta, Illinois, has added SHIELD Sights' innovative micro red dot optics to its product lineup. The partnership expands dealer access to SHIELD Sights' rugged, compact optics designed for concealed carry pistols, duty firearms, and competition platforms.
Outdoor Edge encourages dealers to stock hunting knives for turkey season, featuring new products including 2.5" and 3.0" Razor APX Hunting Knives, Vantex Boning and Drop Point Knives, and the ErgoMax Game Processing Set. Will Morgan, director of marketing at Outdoor Edge, highlights these lightweight, high-performance options designed for hunters and game processing.
Target shooting will be prohibited at Dogwood Wildlife Management Area from April 1 to June 31, 2026, due to early season intensive grazing that provides wildlife habitat benefits. Recreational users are encouraged to use the Kearney Outdoor Education Complex during this closure period.
Pursuit Channel announced new and returning shows for Q2 2026, including O'Neill Outside, Ultimate Catch TV, MOJO Untamed with Terry Denmon, Cabela's Deer Gear TV, and fishing reports hosted by Capt. Rick Murphy and Capt. Mike Anderson. The expanded lineup strengthens Pursuit's commitment to authentic hunting, fishing, and outdoor adventure programming across linear TV and PursuitUP streaming.
Major League Fishing's Bass Pro Tour Stage 4 streams live on MyOutdoorTV from O.H. Ivie and Lake Brownwood in Early, Texas, March 26-29, featuring 51 professional anglers competing for a $125,000 top prize and $600,000 purse. Broadcast team Chad McKee and J.T. Kenney will cover all four days of competition.
The archery community here in Arizona is a strong one—more importantly, it’s a true community, with companies supporting each other and valuing inclusion over exclusion.
That was never more evident than this past Saturday when Marsupial Gear hosted its second annual Party in the Parking Lot event at its headquarters in Phoenix, Arizona.
It was something of a block party—one where your neighbors show up, bring something to share, and stick around for a good time.
The event started simply as a garage sale at the end of the western big game hunting season. Marsupial specializes in rugged, hand-sewn gear specifically designed to survive the harsh climates and demands of hunting big game in America’s western states, season after season.
The event gives the company the opportunity to reduce inventory levels and sell off products set aside as ‘blem’. This is done at significant savings for local hunters and archers in the Phoenix Valley.
According to Jared Kaiser, Director of Marketing and Business Development for Marsupial, the event transformed in 2025 from a steadily growing garage sale into the Party in the Parking Lot—expanding to include other companies serving the western hunter.
“What if we invited some of our friends in the industry to come set up and talk with their customers as well?” was the question that got the ball rolling, Kaiser explained.
“They’re all friends of ours that we personally invited out here. We don’t charge them anything to set up—we just tell them to come out, hang out with us, sell some gear, and talk with customers.”
Within the first two hours, this year’s event drew more than 1,000 people through the parking lot, talking with the various archery and hunting businesses in attendance. Kaiser estimated total attendance could reach 2,000, though the heat might keep it closer to 1,500.
This past weekend, the Phoenix Valley was under an extreme heat warning. The Luke Days Airshow at nearby Luke Air Force Base saw more than 400 people treated for heat-related illness, with over 25 hospitalized, according to local reports.
Because of the unusually high heat this year, Kaiser said the plan for 2027 will be to push the date back to late February, after the Western Hunting & Conservation Expo.
Beating the heat was easier thanks to the Kona Shaved Ice truck. Shaleen Burns and her husband brought their three kids to the event. Below, their son Wilder—also a bowhunter—dives face-first into his shaved ice. Photos: P. Erhardt
The event was set up to be family-oriented, complete with food trucks and a petting zoo to accommodate the younger demographic that makes up Marsupial Gear’s customer base. Everywhere you looked, there were kids, with families spread across the wrap-around parking lot.
Above, local influencer and hunting ambassador Ryan Smith of Hunt AZ talks all things hunting to a family. Meanwhile, a group of kids explores the pop-up tent atop the Marsupial Gear pickup truck. Photos: P. Erhardt
For the invited companies the relationship with Marsupial Gear is the major reason for their participation.
Prized Possessions is a young local company that started on a whim back during COVID making metal displays for taxidermy. Owner Noah Gotsis explained why his company participated.
“From day one, the guys over at Marsupial have been by our side, helping us grow,” he said. “We did it [Party in the Parking Lot] last year, and it was phenomenal. We want to support them, and it's also nice to see all the local guys here that support us.”
Prized Possessions recently returned from the NWTF Convention—its first major trade show since going full-time. While the response from turkey hunters exceeded all expectations, ties to the local Arizona hunting community keep them energized. Photo: P. Erhardt
Founded three years ago by avid hunter Joseph Franzmeier—a full-time firefighter and captain with Surprise (AZ) Fire-Medical—Apex Predator Energy is his answer to sugar-packed energy drinks. It’s made here in the USA and formulated to deliver clean, sustained energy without the crash or jitters.
Franzmeier’s energy drink is sold online and through local independent archery shops that support his brand. He described being honored to have been invited by Marsupial Gear to the Party in the Parking Lot.
“Marsupial is a great company, and I love that they're locally owned. I love everything that Jim Graham (Marsupial Gear’s founder) has done with it. They're family oriented. They really care about their employees, and the customer service, internal and external, is second to none. I really want to try and find companies that I can align myself with, and I felt like they were just a great fit.”
Joseph Franzmeier (left) was busy pouring samples of his Apex Predator Energy drink, which comes in Original, Wild Berry, and Cherry Lime—my favorite of the three. Photo: P. Erhardt
Local archery shops were also among those chatting up customers and vibing with the Grand Canyon State’s archery community. Talking to the guys from Ross Outdoors, they explained why the archery community here in Arizona is so active.
They told me that there are 3D shoots taking place all the time, and there is strong demand for archery deer season every year, driven by easy access to go hunting. In fact, the bulk of the hunting done in Arizona, they say, is archery because it is so hard to allocate rifle tags in the draw system, resulting in more opportunity for hunters with over-the-counter archery deer tags.
Over at the Ross tent (above) the guys offered to help me set up a bow I’ve had for far too many years without ever using. First step: restringing it—for obvious reasons. There’d be a charge, of course, but I assume the superhero posing is free. Below, Eddie Astorga (seated) chats with attendees that visited the Arizona Archery Club tent throughout the day. Testament to the popularity of archery shops here in the Valley. Photos: P. Erhardt
The archery retailer plays an important role in sustaining and growing the archery market. Eddie Astorga of Arizona Archery Club talked to me—a certified novice—about their Discover Archery class.
The class covers the basics for someone just learning to shoot a bow. This can be anyone from eight years old and above. It’s an hour-long class with a coach and all the equipment is provided at their indoor facility, which means there’s air conditioning—an important feature here in triple-digit Arizona.
While the local archery shops are working on a steady flow of new archers and bowhunters, others are focused on equipping the current avid sportsman and woman.
MUTNT Gear, out of Camp Verde, Arizona, designs accessories for binoculars to make your glassing easier and lighter. Their carbon fiber tripods and various fluid and ball heads are enough to make any photographer drool—ask me how I know.
But for the hunter, especially the western states hunter who doesn’t count in steps but in miles when scouting, today’s modern lightweight gear is a must. And hunters know it.
I played with their ball head with a rifle chassis mounted on it. Smooth is almost not enough to describe how easily and effortlessly the gun swung up and down and from one side to the other.
Having only heard the name of the brand, it was a great opportunity to go hands-on with their gear..
The MUTNT tent (above) had all the cool toys for the serious hunters that recognize glassing as the essential element when hunting big game in the western states. Below, Anthony Stallone talks about the advantages of lightweight shooting bags, Photos: P. Erhardt
Anthony Stallone, President of Phoenix Shooting Bags, is another local manufacturer that Marsupial Gear invited to participate. His bags are sewn from Cordura nylon 1000D and filled with a lightweight material that make them ideal for rifle hunters.
He offers a variety of sizes and designs in various colors, as well as similar items like a Glassing Seat / Glassing Pad made with 1000D Cordura and non-slip nylon that weighs just 10 ounces.
My favorite design of his is the TBD, which stands for Tony Bag of Doughnuts. The bag comes in five colors, including limited edition Hot Pink, and weighs in at 7.1 ounces. It’s perfect for use on a tripod, a boulder, or wedged between tree limbs.
The website humorously notes the bag’s alternate use: “Lastly, one of my favorite uses to this bag is that I can use it as a pillow to take a nap in the afternoon.”
The Party in the Parking Lot didn’t just bring together the Phoenix archery hunting community to hang out and search for a bargain. The event also raised money through several giveaways for a worthy cause, Fathers in the Field.
One giveaway during the event was for an Arrowhead Rifles (another local company present on Saturday) Custom .22 Creedmoor rifle with a Defiance Machine action, McMillan stock, and carbon wrapped Brux barrel, paired with a Marsupial Gear rifle case. Photo: P. Erhardt
The organization is based out of Phoenix and their mission is “To rekindle and establish the spirit of boys who have been abandoned by their fathers; mentoring them one-on-one in life skills through outdoor activities, and by sharing a Christian understanding of our Heavenly Father’s love and sacrifice for His children.”
In lay terms, they take young boys that have no father figure in their lives out hunting. Among its board members is Kyle Weaver, who you might better recognize as the CEO and President of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.
And, of course, there was Caldwell County BBQ, which has four locations in Arizona in addition to their catering truck in the Marsupial Gear parking lot.
Marsupial Gear brought in Kona Shaved Ice, and a coffee truck, and Caldwell County BBQ, all to keep the archery community well fed. Photos: P. Erhardt
If you're going to be in Arizona around the end of February, plan to attend the 2027 Party in the Parking Lot. As Jared Kaiser told me, they expect to encircle the entire building with tents.
And based on this year’s turnout, Marsupial Gear has no shortage of friends in the industry to call on.
– Paul Erhardt, Managing Editor, the Outdoor Wire Digital Network
