Beretta USA will attend the 2026 AIM Grand Championships from July 23-August 8 in Sparta, Illinois, offering firearm demonstrations, factory gunsmithing services, and retail experiences. Attendees can preview competition shotguns including the DT11, 688, and A400 Xcel series, plus new models launching soon.
The Second Amendment Foundation filed a motion for preliminary injunction in Bathras v. Moore, challenging Maryland's Senate Bill 334 banning Glock handguns. SAF is joined by Atlantic Guns, the National Rifle Association, Firearms Policy Coalition, and two private citizens in arguing the ban is unconstitutional.
Firearms Policy Coalition (FPC), alongside the National Rifle Association of America and Second Amendment Foundation, filed a motion for preliminary injunction in Bathras v. Moore challenging Maryland's ban on semiautomatic handguns with cruciform trigger bars, which affects nearly all Glock and Glock-style pistols.
Q, the New Hampshire firearms and suppressor manufacturer founded by Kevin Brittingham, has selected Guidefitter as its exclusive pro program partner. Guidefitter's platform will connect Q with guides, outfitters, military service members, and first responders, leveraging its network of over 200,000 verified professionals.
Orchid announced a new integration between Orchid POS and Chattanooga Shooting Supplies' live inventory of over 45,000 shooting and hunting SKUs, featuring real-time stock levels and pricing. The integration will be showcased at the Annual Chattanooga Shooting Supplies Dealer Show on July 27–28, 2026, at the Chattanooga Convention Center.
Capstone Precision Group, manufacturer of Berger Bullets and Ammunition, has been selected to produce M1200 6.5 Creedmoor Special Ball Long-Range Ammunition for United States Special Operations Command. CPG will manufacture several million rounds at their Mesa, Arizona facility, with deliveries beginning in Spring 2027.
Steiner eOptics unveiled the M830rc X LRF 1535nm laser rangefinder binocular with seamless A.T.A.K. Battle Management System connectivity. The Germany-made device enables operators to instantly transmit lased target data including bearing, distance, and elevation to shared digital maps, eliminating manual data entry and human error in time-critical operations.
Luth-AR has renewed its Silver-level corporate partnership with the Second Amendment Foundation (SAF). President Randy E. Luth expressed continued support for SAF's constitutional advocacy work, while SAF Executive Director Adam Kraut praised the partnership as essential to their ongoing litigation efforts.
Greg Moats, a respected industry member and expert on Modern Technique of the Pistol, passed away on July 10, 2026. He worked for Bianchi Leather, Dale Carnegie Training, and Magnum Products, and was a Life Member of the NRA, Cooper Legacy Foundation editor, and contributor to Shooting Wire and The Tactical Wire.
HeadHunters NW Podcast host Shaylene Keiner interviews Jack Jameson of BSF Barrels about his 20-year firearms industry career. The episode covers BSF Barrels' patented carbon fiber barrel process, OEM partnerships with Weatherby, Savage, and Henry, and a new distribution partnership with Sports South.
Custom & Collectable Firearms presents the limited-edition Magnum Research Desert Eagle "Ember Reaper" in .50 AE, featuring polished rose-gold camo plating and steel black camo grips. Only 300 consecutively-numbered units produced, now shipping through CNC Firearms dealers and distributors.
Galco's Tapered Rifle Sling is now available in dark chocolate and tan colors. The full 2-inch wide cobra-style sling tapers to 1 inch at the swivels and is adjustable from 29 to 42 inches, crafted from premium top grain leather and steerhide.
Hodgdon Powder Co. announced comprehensive load data for the 8.6 Blackout cartridge is now available free through the Hodgdon Reloading Data Center. The data was developed using Hodgdon's rigorous ballistic testing protocols and includes information on Hodgdon, IMR, and Accurate propellants.
PROOF Research announced an expanded PXT barrel lineup including new steel competition blanks, pre-fit options for Impact Precision and Terminus actions, and additional caliber offerings in .243 and .257. The expansion broadens access to PXT technology across more rifle platforms and applications for precision shooters and hunters.
Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc. announces the M&P15 AXE SBR chambered in 300 Blackout, featuring Gemtech's GVAC suppressor-optimized gas system. The rifle includes an 8-inch barrel, Midwest Industries Combat M-LOK handguard, Magpul CTR stock, and Radian Raptor charging handle, optimized for suppressed operation.
Streamlight Inc. announced upgraded versions of its Trident and Septor headlamps featuring modern designs, improved performance, and rugged reliability. Both headlamps offer hands-free lighting with IPX7-rated waterproof design, multiple brightness modes, and extended battery life for industrial and outdoor use.
Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc. announced the launch of the M&P15 AXE Pistol, featuring Gemtech's GVAC direct impingement gas system designed for suppressed shooting. The .300 Blackout pistol includes an 8-inch barrel, Midwest Industries Combat M-LOK handguard, Radian Raptor charging handle, and Magpul BTR arm brace.
Silencer Central is running a two-week "Dead Air Central" promotion from July 20 to August 2, 2026, offering $150 rebates and triple Silencer Central Rewards points on select Dead Air Suppressors. Rebate coupons can be redeemed through November 30, 2026, toward future Dead Air purchases or accessories.
T/C Arms will exhibit at the Chattanooga Shooting Dealer Show (7/27 & 7/28) at Booth #611, showcasing its revolutionary ENCORE Federal FireStick muzzleloading platform. The encapsulated powder system delivers improved consistency, easier cleanup, and streamlined shooting experience. CEO Gregg Ritz highlights the platform's momentum and upcoming product launches.
TriStar Arms will exhibit at the 2026 Chattanooga Shooting Supplies Dealer Show on July 27-28, showcasing new firearms including the APOC PRO 9mm pistol, Upland Hunter Thumbhole Stock shotgun, and KR22 rifle in new finishes at Booth #514.
Volquartsen Firearms, an Iowa-based manufacturer, will exhibit at the Gun Owners Advocacy & Leadership Summit (GOALS) August 1–2 at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines and participate in the official GOALS Range Day on July 30 at Big Springs Shooting Club.
Blaser Group will exhibit at the Dallas Safari Club Summer Expo July 23-26, 2026 in Grapevine, TX, showcasing premium firearms from Blaser, Mauser, J.P. Sauer & Sohn, and John Rigby & Co., including the Blaser R8 Professional 2.0, Mauser 98 Das Original, and Sauer 505 rifles.
Gearfire announced its sponsorship of The Briefing: FFL Compliance Summit, a three-day educational event for Federal Firearms Licensees taking place September 23-25, 2026, in Dallas. The summit will feature ATF leadership, the FBI, and industry experts discussing regulatory changes including ATF's 34-rule overhaul and revised Form 4473 requirements.
Pursuit Media has partnered with American Kombat Alliance (AKA) to distribute AKA's content library and live events across Pursuit Channel, Pursuit UP, and Pursuit+. The partnership expands Pursuit Media into combat sports while providing AKA national distribution to millions of viewers.
Shooting USA features the tenth anniversary of the Civilian Marksmanship Program's Talladega Marksmanship Park and the tenth year of the CMP Talladega 600 series, including the Congressional 30 service rifle match on Range One. The show airs Wednesday at 9:00 PM ET/PT on Outdoor Channel.
Outdoor Sportsman Group launched a new "Hiking Guide" video series presented by Streamlight and in cooperation with GAME & FISH magazine. Hosted by Kali Parmley, the 3-part series is available on GAME & FISH, GAME & FISH TV, and MyOutdoorTV, offering viewers essential hiking skills and gear insights.
Pistol weapon lights, in one form or another, have been around for about 40 years or so. Once flashlight technology reached the ability to put high lumen power into something small enough to attach to a firearm, the stage was set. A natural combination of adding illumination to your aim point was a guaranteed win for gun owners, allowing defensive shooting in dark places to broaden your defense.
Today we have lots of options in that area in a range of sizes, features and configurations. Let’s take a look at the Nightstick TWM-30-GL, which combines a 1200 lumen LED emitter with a green laser.
On paper, the TWM-30-GL is full-featured. Lets start with the light, a 1200 lumen LED that delivers a bright beam of white light with an impressive 11920 candela (how far it throws the beam).
The unit is powered by two CR123 lithium batteries which give it a run time of around two hours. The 6061 aluminum housing is IP67 waterproof and uses a thumbscrew to clamp to a Picatinny rail. Also included with the unit is a variety of interchangeable recoil lugs that let you mount the light on various firearms for the best fit.
The controls on the TWM-30-GL give you options as well. With dual push-buttons on either side, the unit can be both programmed and controlled to fit your needs. You can change various settings of the controls to enable eight the light or laser only or both at the same time, as well as strobe function. There’s also a lockout feature to keep from accidentally turning it on.
Like most weapon lights, you push-and-release either button for sustained operation or push and hold a button for shutoff when released.
First I tested and installed the recoil lug that gave me the best alignment with each pistol I intended to use it with. Then it was easy to use the captured thumbwheel to snug the light down on the accessory rail of each pistol. You can use a coin to do this.
I like lining up the actuation buttons with the edge of my pistol’s trigger guard. That makes them close enough to poke with my trigger finger while preventing them from being accidentally pressed.
With the unit mounted, I turned it on to see where the laser lined up. On the bottom front of the housing you’ll find elevation and windage screws to adjust the laser. The most likely scenario of actually needing a laser is at close range where you may not have the ability or time to get eyes on the sights, so I lined up the laser with my center dot reticle of my red dot at about 12 twelve feet.
The offset between the sights and the laser mean they’ll only line up at a certain distance. So at 10 yards the laser was a little above my reticle and at closer ranges the laser shows up under my reticle. That’s fine so long as you understand that at a given distance your laser might give you a higher or lower point of impact than anticipated.
The TWM-30-GL’s bright green laser shows up nicely even in daylight. And when looking through my red dot, the combination gives a great aiming display.
I don’t often shoot in the dark, but it’s good practice for the one time you might need to. Low light is a great way to start. Shooting at dusk in a dark forest, for example, makes for a good practice scenario.
The light’s bright LED produces a white beam that gives great definition of your target. But as soon as you shoot, there’s smoke that quickly obscures things. The strobe option might make that better depending on your preferences, but it’s sure to mess up anyone on the other end of your beam.
One thing I love about that and other Nightstick weapon lights is that it’s close enough to the same dimensions as my SureFire X300. The X300 is the go-to choice for many professionals, and most holster companies make a model (or a few) that’s compatible with it. I’ve used several different holsters made to fit the X300 and the TWM-30 series of lights fit those really well.
By the book, the TWM-30-GL is about as bright as its non-laser bearing sibling. I also prefer the controls of the Nightstick models to my SureFire. There are much better control and programmable options. I also really appreciate the different included recoil lugs.
With one of my other popular brand compact weapon lights, I don’t get that option and ended up milling another groove in my pistol’s accessory rail to get a perfect fit. The light/laser combo of the TWM-30-GL gives me all the options I want in a pistol weapon light.
If there’s any downside to the Nightstick, I guess it’s that it’s not 100% American made. While the company is Texas-based and their products are designed here, the light is made in China. That’s why it costs less than other popular models with less features.
I’ve accumulated quite a range of weapon lights these days from all the big names. And while each has its strengths, the Nightstick models tend to be the most likely to be used. They give great clean light, excellent controls and generally good features. I have certainly grown to prefer them.
