In observance of the Labor Day weekend there will be no Weekend Edition tomorrow, 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.
Beretta USA launches the Daybreak Upland Collection, a technical hunting apparel line designed for upland hunters. The versatile collection features lightweight, breathable pieces with weather protection and mobility, available now at Beretta authorized dealers and online.
VIKTOS, a U.S. veteran-designed brand, unveiled the Johnny Combat S2 Leather Waterproof Boot, a full-grain leather duty boot featuring a waterproof breathable lining, reinforced toe box, and Strife™ warfighter bottom unit for traction. The boot is engineered for long days and changing conditions with a 10mm heel-to-toe drop and weighs 2.6 pounds per pair.
Ameristep® introduces the Frontline Wide-Bottom Extreme Blind, a ground blind designed specifically for archery hunters. The blind accommodates up to three hunters with four silent-sliding shooting windows, Mossy Oak Bottomland camouflage, and a quick-deploy Spider Hub® frame system for rapid setup.
Mathews Archery, founded by Matt McPherson in 1992, has officially transitioned to employee ownership as the company approaches its 35th year in business. The transition reflects McPherson's commitment to employees and ensures the company's values of innovation and community impact remain central to its future.
Burris Optics' Fullfield riflescope earned Outdoor Life's "Great Buy" award in their 2026 Best Rifle Scopes for Hunting test. The scope impressed testers with its straightforward design, simple operation, durable construction, and passed the publication's drop test, earning recognition for its trusted heritage among American hunters.
The Genesee County Chapter of Pheasants Forever is hosting a free sporting clay shoot for youths 18 and under on September 27 at Grand Blanc Huntsman's Club. The event includes 50 targets, awards, lunch, and Pheasants Forever youth membership, with preregistration required by September 22.
Firearms Policy Coalition (FPC) filed a motion for preliminary injunction in Pool v. Besson, asking the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Louisiana to block the state's ban on handgun carry permits for 18-to-20-year-old adults. FPC had previously warned Louisiana of the constitutional violation and provided legislative language to fix it, but the state refused to act.
The Second Amendment Foundation (SAF) and partners including Maryland Shall Issue, Firearms Policy Coalition, and Maryland State Rifle and Pistol Association filed a reply brief with the U.S. Supreme Court challenging Maryland's "sensitive places" carry ban in Novotny v. Moore. SAF Executive Director Adam Kraut stated the law makes carry permits "useless everywhere" in violation of the Bruen ruling.
The Second Amendment Foundation, along with the 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 with the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court in Pratt v. Westbrook challenging subjective carry permit denials as unconstitutional under New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen.
The 41st annual Gun Rights Policy Conference, co-hosted by the Second Amendment Foundation and Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms, is scheduled for September 25-27 in Dallas. The event features keynote speaker Honorable Roger T. Benitez and presentations from prominent Second Amendment advocates including Dana Loesch, Brandon Herrera, and Joseph Greenlee of the NRA Institute for Legislative Action.
Barnes Bullets announces the passing of Randy Brooks, the company's former owner and creator of the revolutionary Barnes X Bullet®. Brooks and his wife Coni purchased Barnes in 1974 and transformed it into a trusted leader in the hunting and shooting industry through innovation and dedication to their employees.
Aero Precision, Ballistic Advantage, Stag Arms, and VG6 have been acquired by a family investment group committed to restoring these firearms brands. Under new ownership advised by W.G. Nielsen & Co., the companies plan to ramp up manufacturing, restore supply chains, and rebuild customer trust through quality products and service.
NSSF, the ATF, and DOJ launched the 26th year of the "Don't Lie for the Other Guy" campaign in Palm Beach County to educate the public about federal penalties for illegal firearm purchases, including up to 15 years in prison and $250,000 in fines.
The NSSF-adjusted NICS figure for August 2026 reached 1,115,410, a 2.2 percent increase from August 2025. NFA checks totaled 185,744, up 201.6 percent year-over-year, with Texas leading at 28,030 checks. Texas, Colorado, and Florida topped adjusted NICS rankings.
NSSF celebrated the 10th annual National Shooting Sports Month in August with the theme "Let Freedom Plink." Over 519 ranges, retailers, and shooting clubs participated, with 190 ranges hosting #RangeChallenge events that distributed 19,000 targets. President Donald Trump issued a Presidential Message, and 19 state governors issued proclamations recognizing the shooting sports' importance.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is hiring conservation officer candidates for an accelerated training academy running April 25-July 15, 2027, in Lansing. Applications open October 1-November 3. Sgt. Kyle Bucholtz, training academy commander, encourages current law enforcement officers seeking diverse outdoor patrol work using boats, snowmobiles, and off-road vehicles.
Remington Ammunition announces its new Core-Lokt Handgun 45 Colt load is now available and shipping nationwide. The 237-grain hollow point cartridge joins existing Core-Lokt Handgun offerings in multiple calibers, designed for handgun hunting with proven terminal performance on big game.
Trijicon Inc. announced new enhanced RTR reticles for select ACOG Compact models, featuring .223 and 9mm PCC options with battery-free tritium and fiber-optic illumination. The reticles offer increased center-dot size for faster target acquisition and include caliber-specific ballistic holds and ranging capabilities.
The NRA-ILA announced Smith & Wesson as an official partner of the 2026 NRA Battle Bus Tour to mobilize voters ahead of midterm elections. The tour will highlight Second Amendment fights and showcase Smith & Wesson's participation through events and photo opportunities nationwide.
Hornady has introduced VEXIS, a patent-pending palm vein recognition technology offering secure, contactless access in under half a second. The product line includes the VEXIS Night Guard safe, VEXIS Mobilis safes in multiple configurations, VEXIS Premium Vault Doors, and a VEXIS Safe Upgrade Kit for existing safes.
BLACKHAWK introduces the Garra Fixed Karambit, a precision-crafted fixed-blade knife featuring a 3.25-inch D2 tool steel blade and Zytel handle. The knife offers exceptional edge retention, ergonomic design with integrated finger ring, and comes with a conceal carry holster and Kydex sheath at an MSRP of $159.99.
Browning Camping introduces the Twin Falls loveseat camp chair, featuring a quilted foam-padded polyester seat, powder-coated steel frame, and convenient mesh cup holders. The foldable design with backpack straps offers comfort and portability for outdoor enthusiasts at $149.99 MSRP.
Zanders, a national distributor based in Sparta, Illinois, now stocks the Tactacam PRO 4.0 Solar trail camera featuring cellular connectivity, solar charging, and the REVEAL platform for remote monitoring. The all-in-one system combines the Pro 4.0, integrated solar panel, and FlexPack R5 battery for extended field deployment.
ALPS Mountaineering introduces the NEXUS 28, a 28-liter everyday carry backpack featuring durable heathered polyester construction, laptop/tablet sleeves for devices up to 16 inches, and breathable padded mesh shoulder straps. Available in three color options at authorized ALPS dealers and alpsmountaineering.com.
Hornady announced expanded access to its 4DOF Ballistic Solver through Leupold's rangefinding products. The technology is now compatible with the Leupold RX-5000 TBR/W rangefinder via free firmware update, bringing advanced ballistic solutions to more hunters and shooters.
One Horse launches a 24-hour Labor Day sale on its ASHE and RYN titanium suppressors, each discounted $100 and bundled with a co-branded Sukon Performance Heat Cover. The ASHE 5.56/.223 dropped to $399.99 and the RYN .30 caliber to $499.99, with each order including a heat cover valued at $119.99.
Paul G. Markel releases a new book examining the brain's role in gunfighting, exploring how the prefrontal cortex, basal ganglia, and philosophical principles like Occam's Razor and Hick's Law apply to firearms training and lethal force encounters. The book is available as a paperback, Kindle, and audiobook on Amazon.
Killough Shooting Sports has launched a new online store at killoughshootingsports.com featuring same-day dispatch from its Brownsville, Texas warehouse and free shipping directly to competitions. The site offers the complete ELEY .22LR range in the United States, from recreational and training grades through to Match and Tenex.
Umarex Airguns is sponsoring the World Champion Squirrel Cook Off on September 12 at the J.B. and Johnelle Hunt Family Ozark Highlands Nature Center in Springdale, Arkansas. The event features 40 teams competing with award-winning chefs preparing unique squirrel dishes, plus eating and cleaning competitions.
Pursuit Channel is launching new seasons of popular hunting programs including The American Way, Wallhanger TV, Whitetail Diaries, Whitetail Frenzy, and Deer & Deer Hunting TV. The shows are available on DIRECTV, Comcast Xfinity, Verizon Fios, and Pursuit UP streaming platforms reaching millions of viewers.
World Fishing Network's "Reel Catch Saturdays" features bass-fishing competition and programming from 6:00-10:00 p.m. ET, including MLF Bass Pro Tour, The Hunt for Monster Bass with Ott DeFoe, The VanDam Experience with Kevin VanDam, Zona's Awesome Fishing Show with Mark Zona, and Ultimate Match Fishing hosted by Joe Thomas.
An 8-part safari video series hosted by Kali Parmley follows hunting adventures in Southern Africa, featuring Ruger and Burris Optics as partners. The series, available on Petersen's HUNTING, YouTube, and MyOutdoorTV, showcases plains game hunting while highlighting conservation efforts and African communities.
TENET Inc has recently announced the launch of its VESPER suppressor series on August 26, 2026, and I’ve already got a production sample in hand alongside one of the company’s Limited 30 cans. Full testing on both is coming, but here’s what TENET is claiming and what I can verify from the spec sheet I received before rounds start going downrange.
Photo: Luke C.
The VESPER Series ships in two models: VESPER 6.5, chambered for 6.5mm, and VESPER 30, chambered for .30 caliber, which is the one currently sitting on my bench. TENET’s product page lists the VESPER 30 at 9.9 ounces and the VESPER 6.5 at 9.6 ounces. Both weigh under 10 ounces and run 8 inches long.
TENET says the VESPER is a production version of a prototype known informally as the Reserve. That prototype posted the lowest average sound reading among more than 100 suppressors evaluated in Outdoor Life’s suppressor and brake test, a project led by Shooting Editor John B. Snow. Outdoor Life’s published data listed the Reserve prototype at 8.3 ounces during that testing, and TENET is leaning hard on that result to sell the production VESPER.
Photo: Luke C.
TENET builds the VESPER from additively manufactured Grade 5 titanium, a process the company says allows internal baffle geometry that conventional CNC machining can’t produce. That’s the same pitch behind the Limited 30 I already have on hand, which uses the same manufacturing approach in a heavier, braked-first configuration. TENET holds seven patents tied to the design and manufacturing process and both suppressors are made in the United States.
The goal was never to build the lightest suppressor or the quietest suppressor. The goal was to build the best hunting suppressor possible. Every engineering decision came back to that question.
Photo: Luke C.
Both VESPER models use direct-thread mounting and are compatible with TENET’s existing HORIZON muzzle brakes, sold separately in three configurations.
TENET’s product listing puts the 1-port brake at 1.1 ounces, adding 0.9 inches in length and roughly 8 dB at the shooter’s ear, while the 2-port brake adds 1.8 ounces, 1.4 inches, and roughly 9 dB. I’ll be running the VESPER 30 both bare and braked once testing starts to see how those numbers hold up outside a controlled test environment.
TENET lists the MSRP at $1,249.99 and the company’s press release states a 32 dB sound reduction figure for the VESPER line. The product page for the VESPER 30, however, lists 40 dB, measured at 123 dBA at the shooter’s ear on a 20-inch barrel firing M80 ball ammunition. That discrepancy didn’t come up in our podcast conversation, so treat both figures as unconfirmed until I can run my own numbers or TENET clarifies.
Photo: Luke C.
The VESPER Series is available now through TENET’s authorized dealer network and directly through the company’s website. Buyers still need to clear the standard NFA transfer process, including a tax stamp, before taking possession, so don’t expect one on a rifle by the weekend even if you order today.
I’ll have a full rundown on both the Limited 30 and VESPER 30 before long, sound and recoil impressions, and all of my field notes once I’ve put enough rounds through each. For now, TENET’s spec sheet, Outdoor Life’s third-party data, and what Jacob and Mike have shared so far are all I have to go on, but expectations are high.
