In observance of the Labor Day weekend there will be no Weekend Edition on Saturday, September 5, and we will not be distributing any of our services on Monday, September 7. We will resume our normal distribution schedule on Tuesday, September 8. Due to the holiday weekend, we request you submit news for Tuesday’s editions no later than 2:00pm ET Saturday.
ALPS OutdoorZ has launched the Optima Bow Case, featuring 600D polyester construction, padded fleece interior, and reinforced foam padding to protect bows up to 40 inches. The case includes three exterior gear pockets, full-length arrow pocket, interior compression cam holder sleeves, and MOLLE webbing for customizable organization.
Heartland Public Shooting Park in Grand Island, Nebraska will host the 2026 USPSA Area 3 Championships on September 4-6, 2026, with nearly 300 competitors registered. The facility, managed by Hornady, will provide world-class venues for top shooters from Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota.
Langdon Tactical Technology (LTT) launches the 2026 92 Day Social Media Challenge, inviting shooters to compete for free by downloading official targets, recording their runs, and sharing on social media or email. The first 100 participants receive a limited-edition 2026 92 Day Challenge Patch, with the challenge running September 2–30, 2026.
A federal judge in Massachusetts denied the government's motion to dismiss a Second Amendment Foundation lawsuit challenging the state's burdensome non-resident license to carry process. The lawsuit, joined by Gun Owners Action League and three individuals, seeks to remove barriers including lengthy delays and mandatory annual renewals that the SAF argues unconstitutionally burden Second Amendment rights.
Liberty Ammunition and SLA Sales Group have partnered for the TALO States. CEO Gary Ramey and SLA Principal Brian Edwards highlighted the collaboration to support retailers, with SLA bringing extensive ammunition sales experience across multiple channels.
Georgia Southern University is hiring a Clay Target Head Coach to organize, develop, and lead a competitive collegiate clay target sports program. The position requires NSCA/NSSA Level II or III certification and two years of coaching experience in sporting clays, trap, or skeet. Applications are accepted through OneUSG Careers with review beginning August 15, 2026.
MWS Associates, Inc., an industry leader in outdoor sales representation with over 40 years of experience, announced a realignment of its Ohio and western Pennsylvania territory following outstanding growth by Dustin Youtz. The company is now accepting applications from qualified sales professionals to lead the realigned region.
Viridian Weapon Technologies announced the availability of its VENTA riflescope lineup, featuring three magnification configurations with fully multi-coated optics and low-profile capped turrets. The scopes are priced from $89 to $99 MSRP and include mounting rings and lens caps for immediate field use.
The National Rifle Association Institute for Legislative Action announced Patriot Mobile as the official wireless connectivity partner for the 2026 NRA Gun Bus Battleground Tour. Patriot Mobile, America's only Christian conservative wireless provider, will support the tour as it travels nationwide promoting Second Amendment advocacy and hosting grassroots events.
Brownells, a leading provider of gunsmithing tools, parts, and ammunition, has renewed its Silver-level corporate partnership with the Second Amendment Foundation. CEO Pete Brownell emphasized SAF's important legal work protecting Second Amendment rights, while SAF Executive Director Adam Kraut praised Brownells' 80-year commitment to supporting gun owners and their support of SAF's 55 active legal cases.
Tippmann Arms announced its M4-22 ELITE .22 LR rifle has been selected by the Royal Thai Army Territorial Defense Command for the Territorial Defense Student Program, replacing legacy Armi Jager platforms used for over 40 years. The selection represents a significant modernization of the command's small-arms training equipment and marks an important milestone in Tippmann Arms' international expansion.
Hornady introduces the Precision Lab Scale, a lab-grade measuring tool for reloaders featuring .01-grain readout accuracy, 3,000-grain capacity, and multiple operational modes including Compare, Percent, and Count functions with print-to-spreadsheet capability.
Federal Ammunition's FireStick muzzleloader technology has gained approval in four additional states—Arizona, California, Connecticut, and Indiana—for 2026 fall hunting seasons. The polymer capsule system, which charges from the breech and loads from the muzzle, is now legal in 37 states total. Manufacturers including Traditions, CVA, and Thompson/Center offer FireStick-compatible rifles.
Fiocchi introduces three shotshell options for dove hunters: the new Golden Dove Duplex combining #6 and #8 shot, Texas White Wing in convenient 100-round packaging, and Field Dynamics Dove Loads available across multiple gauges for versatile hunting situations.
CZ announces the availability of the CZ TS 3 ORANGE, a championship-proven tactical sports competition pistol developed in collaboration with 11-time IPSC World Champion Eric Grauffel. The pistol features direct-mounted optics compatibility, enhanced ergonomics, and a Single Action Only trigger with approximately 1.3-pound pull, with an MSRP of $3,549.
SnapSafe has introduced innovative modular gun safes that deliver security equal to traditional welded safes while offering the flexibility to assemble and move them anywhere. Available in four models, SnapSafe Modular Safes accommodate 12 to 56+ long guns and feature UL-listed digital locks, 9-gauge steel construction, and 2300°F fire protection with a lifetime warranty.
ALPS OutdoorZ introduces the DU Guardian Ammo Pouch, featuring an upright cylindrical design with waterproof PVC exterior and Hold-Open pocket design for easy access. Available in DU Tan and Mossy Oak Bottomland, the pouch offers premium protection and versatile storage for hunters and outdoor enthusiasts.
ALPS OutdoorZ introduces the DU Guardian Blind Bag, a minimalist waterproof blind bag designed for waterfowl hunters. Featuring a PVC exterior, roll-top closure, MOLLE attachment system, and available in DU Tan and Mossy Oak Bottomland colorways, the bag is offered in standard and large sizes starting at $69.99.
Drone Round's 5.56x45mm L Variant counter-UAS cartridge has been integrated into the Marine Corps' Indoor Simulated Marksmanship Trainer (ISMT) produced by InVeris, enabling Marines to practice engagement skills on simulators across bases. The Marine Corps has purchased 400,000 rounds with plans to procure an additional one million in fiscal year 2027.
Rost Martin announces the launch of the RM1X series, featuring three models—RM1CX Standard, RM1CX Comp, and RM1CX Tactical—developed from customer feedback to combine compact slides with full-size grips. CEO Chris Toomer emphasizes the company's commitment to quality and supporting gun owners, with California-compliant models coming soon.
SilencerCo explains how the Silencer Shop Foundation v. ATF ruling affects suppressor purchases, allowing Form 4473 transfers in 27 states instead of the traditional Form 4 process. The company clarifies that suppressors remain NFA-regulated and recommends keeping purchases within the state of purchase due to interstate transport restrictions.
Bear OPS, a division of Bear & Son Cutlery, introduces the 4 1/8" Auto Bold Action XIV Incognito II, an Alabama-made automatic knife featuring a D2 Tool Steel blade, stainless steel handle, and pen-type clip for deep concealment. The knife is priced at $299.99 and backed by a lifetime warranty.
SHIELD Sights is offering up to 25% off its entire product line through September 30th at participating dealers. The UK-designed and manufactured red dot optics promotion aims to help shooters prepare for peak fall shooting season with premium optics at significant savings.
MyOutdoorTV launches "WhitetailStream," an exclusive ad-free live streaming channel featuring premier deer hunting content including Realtree Road Trips, Winchester Deadly Passion, and Tecomate Whitetail Nation with host David Morris and biologist Mark Newell, presented by Tactacam.
MyOutdoorTV launches the Whitetail Legends Channel in September, presented by Rhino Metals, featuring hunting content from legends like Mark and Terry Drury, Bill Winke, Lee & Tiffany Lakosky, and Don & Kandi Kisky. The ad-free streaming channel offers programming from award-winning shows including Bone Collector, Buck Commander, and Drury's THIRTEEN.
Sportsman Channel launches "Monday Night Hunts" featuring big-game hunting programming every Monday night from 8:00-11:30 p.m. ET. The lineup includes shows hosted by Hunter McWaters, Nate Simmons, Chris Denham, Jason Matzinger, Jim Shockey, Greg McHale, and Steven Rinella, showcasing western hunting adventures across diverse landscapes and game species.
Outdoor Channel launches the "Wednesday Night Branded Series" featuring North American Whitetail, Bowhunter, Guns & Ammo, Handguns, Gun Stories with Joe Mantegna, and American Rifleman, airing Wednesdays at 6 p.m. ET with expert hosts and industry insights.
Ratha Grimes takes aim at an indoor shooting range in Sarasota, Florida. Photo by Kenn – Flickr, CC BY 2.0
We like to think that there is a natural progression between owning a gun and wanting to take training in order to improve your performance. The numbers, however, tell us that just isn’t so.
In 2016, Karl Rehn of KR Training ran the numbers for his home state of Texas and showed that only 1% of gun owners get any training beyond the bare minimum.
This is true across every type of shooting sport. When it comes to defensive pistol practice, part of the reason why this gap exists is because the majority of training drills require some sort of range where you can move around and draw from the holster. Finding such a range and using it regularly is one of the signs you’re committed to becoming more adept with your defensive pistol.
However, those types of ranges can be hard to find, especially if you live in a city. At best, you usually have an hour drive to your closest outdoor range. At worst, it’s just not an option for you.
However, you may only have is access to an indoor “bowling alley” range where you have a lane to yourself (or you and a friend). These sorts of ranges rarely allow you to draw from a holster and make it impossible to do any sort of movement while practicing.
However, that doesn’t mean you can’t sharpen your skills in that kind of environment. Here are a few easy to shoot drills that can be done within the confines of an indoor range to build your skill with your pistol of choice.
First, a note about gear: These drills require some sort of shot timer, but because they all use par times, almost any smartphone shot timer app will work.
The Test
Also known as The Hackathorn Test, this drill is deceptively easy. Ten rounds shot in ten seconds or less from ten yards, shot from low ready into a NRA B-8 target.
Where things get interesting, however, is that passing this test is 80 points or above. This drill helps you work on trigger management and recoil control under the artificial stress of a shot timer.
2.5 Second Standards
Bryan Eastridge of American Fighting Revolver created this drill, and while the course of fire description talks about shooting from the holster, Eastridge says that shooting this drill from low ready is also acceptable.
As the name implies, each string has 2.5 second par time, although the distance and target size may vary. This isn’t a pass/fail drill. Rather, it helps you figure out your ability to execute an action on demand and expose failure points in your marksmanship skills.
String One – Distance: 25 yards, draw and fire one round to the head box. Use the entire head box.
String Two – Distance: 15 yards, draw and fire two rounds to the A-Zone / Down Zero zone of your silhouette.
String Three – Distance: 10 yards, draw and fire three rounds to the A-Zone / Down Zero zone
String Four – Distance: 7 yards, draw and fire two rounds to the A-Zone / Down Zero zone and then one round to the head box
String Five – Distance: 5 yards, from the low ready, fire three rounds to the A-Zone / Down Zero zone and then one round to the head box
String Five – Distance: 5 yards, from the low ready, fire two rounds to the A-Zone / Down Zero zone using your strong hand only.
Strong Hand Only / Support Hand Only Drills
Very few shooters put in the time and effort to practice their one-handed shooting skills. Trigger management becomes even more important when using just one hand, so any time we can stretch those muscles, it’s a good thing.
One-Handed Five-By-Five Drill
Strong Hand Only
From the low ready, fire five shots into a five-inch circle that’s five yards away in five seconds or less, holding the gun in only your strong hand.
Support Hand Only
From the low ready, fire four shots into a five-inch circle that’s five yards away in five seconds or less, holding the gun in only your support hand.
By the way, the black scoring area on the B-8 target from The Test works very well with this drill.
These drills are enough to whet your appetite for further training or can be used to maintain your skills when no other range is available. Training like this is important for every gun owner because shooting guns is fun, but shooting guns and consistently hitting what you’re aiming at is a lot more fun.
