In observance of the Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples Day holiday weekend there will be no Weekend Edition on Saturday, October 10, and we will not be distributing any of our services on Monday, October 12. We will resume our normal distribution schedule on Tuesday, October 13. If you have important news to distribute prior to the holiday weekend, it should be submitted by 4:00pm Eastern on Thursday, October 8.

VIKTOS, a veteran-designed performance apparel company, announces its Fall 2026 Collection featuring waterproof jackets, the Johnny Combat S2 Leather Waterproof Boot, fleece essentials, and the Gunfighter RR Jean in new Faded Blue. The collection combines weather protection, durable construction, and everyday comfort for range and workday use.

Mission Archery introduces the 2027 Range HD hunting bow featuring the MB Switchweight Cam for adjustable draw lengths and weights, Mathews' 3D Damping technology for reduced noise, and speeds up to 325 feet per second. The bow is available in four finishes and as part of the Mission Bowhunter Pro Kit with premium accessories.

TriStar Arms' Viper G3 Bronze semi-auto 12ga shotgun has been named a finalist for the 2026 NASGW-POMA Caliber Award for Best New Shotgun. The next-generation platform builds on the award-winning Viper G2 series and will be showcased at the 2026 NASGW Expo in Phoenix, Arizona.

Team Taurus captain Jessie Harrison won the 2026 US IPSC National Championships, finishing ahead of all female competitors across divisions. Harrison, widely regarded as the winningest female competitive shooter in history, secured her 18th Ladies world title and valuable points toward the USA Ladies Open Team for the next IPSC World Shoot.

Connor Thigpen of Team Remington swept the High All Around and High Over All titles at the 2026 NSSA World Championship, missing only five targets out of 1,100. Teammates Mitch Holmes and Sheaffer Stanfill also delivered standout performances, while Alison Turner won the Ladies High Over All title at the event held in San Antonio, Texas.

Scopos' 2026 National Air Rifle League launched with Week 1 competition across Sporter and Precision divisions. Zion Benton NJROTC leads the Sporter League at 1-0 with Galina Seleman's 292.5 high score, while American Legion Post 295 tops the Precision League with a commanding 2466.2-2100.3 victory over Round Rock MCJROTC.

Team Beretta earned five podium finishes at the 2026 NSCA South Central Regional Championship in Jackson, Mississippi. Zach Kienbaum won the Main Event High Overall title with the Beretta DT11 Sporting, while Connor Daniel, Desirae Edmunds, and Anthony Matarese Jr. also secured podium positions across multiple disciplines.

Derya Arms will showcase firearms and debut its new OBone .22 LR suppressor at CanCon West 2026, October 22–24 at Boulder Rifle & Pistol Club in Boulder City, Nevada. The company will place products on partner firing lines and gather feedback from attendees at the world's largest fully suppressed range day, presented by Dead Air Silencers.

HeadHunters NW, an executive recruitment firm specializing in firearms and outdoor industries, announces President Shaylene Keiner will attend the 2026 NASGW Expo on October 13-14 in Phoenix, Arizona, available for strategic meetings with companies seeking to strengthen leadership teams.

SLG2, Inc. is bringing its Shoot Like A Girl experience to Bass Pro Shops in Fort Smith, Arkansas on October 10-11. The event features a mobile range with firearm safety simulators by FATS by InVeris, archery instruction, and demonstrations from brands including GTM Original and Black Rifle Coffee.

Hook & Barrel Magazine and Black Hills Ammunition are offering one lucky winner 960 rounds of premium ammunition valued at over $1,700, including Black Hills MK 262 MOD 1-C 5.56 and HoneyBadger 9mm rounds. The sweepstakes runs from October 5 through November 5, 2026.

The National Shooting Sports Foundation reported 1,152,077 NSSF-adjusted NICS background checks for September 2026, a 2.3 percent decrease from September 2025. Third quarter 2026 figures showed a 2.5 percent increase to 3,329,270 checks, with Texas, Florida, and Georgia leading in NFA checks.

GrabAGun Digital Holdings Inc. announced a strategic collaboration with Sarsilmaz, one of the world's largest privately held firearms manufacturers, marking the fourth manufacturer to join the PEW Logistics platform. PEW Logistics will power e-commerce at sarsilmaz.us, managing compliant order processing, FFL routing, fulfillment and customer support.

Streamlight, Inc. announced four key sales leadership promotions effective October 1, 2026. Matt Baker, Bobby Knight, Justin Thomas, and Brian Osborn have been promoted to expanded roles across Law Enforcement, Sporting Goods, Federal/Military, and OEM markets to strengthen sales operations and strategic partnerships.

Watchtower Defense officially opened its new state-of-the-art headquarters and manufacturing facility in Tomball, Texas, showcasing next-generation products planned for 2027 launch. The company, operating under new ownership and leadership, is repositioning itself as a broader product-driven brand with an expanding portfolio of firearms and firearm-related products for shooting, hunting, and defense markets.

The USA Clay Target League announced the launch of the USA Youth Club Clay Target League, enabling students in grades 6-12 to participate on youth group and local club teams outside the traditional school system. The program allows 4-H, FFA, scouting troops, and non-school-affiliated teams to join using the League's ClayTargetGO! platform.

Tom Beckstrand, Rifle and Optics Editor for Guns & Ammo and decorated U.S. Army Special Operations veteran, joins host Michael Waddell on The Michael Waddell Podcast to discuss his military career, faith, and philosophy on focusing on life's simple pleasures. Beckstrand shares insights from his service in Iraq and Afghanistan, his upcoming docuseries The Ghost Bounty with Outdoor Sportsman Group, and his perspective on meaningful service.

SnapSafe, a brand of Hornady Manufacturing, introduces In-Wall Safes designed to mount between standard wall studs with 16-gauge steel bodies and electronic locks. Available in two sizes, these safes feature removable shelves, configurable doors, and a lifetime warranty against material defects.

Millennium Treestands, based in Pearl, MS, is promoting its full lineup of ladder stands designed specifically for firearm deer season, featuring models like the L110, L125 Lite, L325 Wide Load, L366 Revolution, L-220 Double, and L225 Lite with adjustable shooting rails and ComfortMAX seats for stability and all-day comfort.

MDT has expanded XRS chassis compatibility to the Ruger American right-hand long action, offering traditional stock profile with modern adjustability. The chassis features V-block bedding, adjustable length of pull and cheek riser, AICS-pattern magazine compatibility, and M-LOK forend with integrated barricade stop. Available in Black and FDE starting October 6, 2026.

BLACKHAWK has released the Garra III Karambit Sideliner, a professional-grade knife featuring a D2 Tool Steel hawkbill blade, ambidextrous thumbstuds, and a sideliner lock. Manufactured by Bear & Son Cutlery in Jacksonville, Alabama, the knife offers four customizable carry positions and weighs 5.1 oz., with an MSRP of $124.99.

CrossBreed Holsters announced the addition of select CIVIVI folding knives to its outdoor and everyday carry gear offerings. Five pocket folders in eight distinct models, including the CIVIVI Yonder, Button Lock Elementum II, Baby Banter, Vision FG, and Over Yonder, are now available through CrossBreed Holsters with special reduced pricing.

Springfield Armory introduced the 4" Polished Blued SA-35 9mm pistol, featuring a polished blued finish, walnut grip panels, and a 15-round capacity. The pistol combines classic styling with modern enhancements and is made in the U.S.A. with an MSRP of $799.

XS Sights launched the XS ACRO optic plate for Glock Gen6 pistols and R3D 2.0 night sights for Glock 43X/48 COA pistols. The company's 'Glocktober' sale runs through October 31, offering 20% off all Glock products and a free optic plate with orders over $175.

Hornady Manufacturing provides a comprehensive guide to essential reloading equipment for beginners, including presses featuring the Lock-N-Load® bushing system, precision dies, case care tools, measuring instruments, and quality brass. The guide emphasizes Hornady's commitment to precision and offers reference materials through their Reloading Handbook and app.

Galco unveils the Combat Master 2.0, a professional-grade belt holster for SIG-Sauer P365XL pistols with or without carry optics. The updated design features hand-molded steerhide construction, optic cutaway capability, raised sweat guard, and traditional pancake-style design for concealment and retention.

Diamondback Firearms announces the DB15 Swamp Stalker in 5.56 NATO, a Sports South exclusive featuring a custom hand-applied Cerakote finish, 16-inch barrel, and DB15 Carbon platform. The rifle ships with a Magpul Gen M2 PMAG 30 RD and Savior Equipment Specialist case.

Ol' Man Outdoors launches two new Quad Pod models for deer hunters: the BaseCamp 7' Quad Pod (OT-702) and Fortress Deluxe 12' Quad Pod (OT-703). Both feature 5'x5' platforms, heavy-duty construction, and multiple zippered windows for enhanced stability and comfort during extended hunting sits.

Blue Force Gear has partnered with Kroll International, a leading wholesale distributor for law enforcement and tactical markets, to expand dealer access to its weapon slings, load carriage systems, and mission-essential gear including the Vickers Sling™, Ten-Speed® pouches, and Micro Trauma Kit NOW!®.

CZ-USA announced the launch of the CZ DUTY, a new striker-fired pistol platform featuring a serialized modular chassis, advanced safety systems, and direct-mount optics compatibility. Available in four 9mm configurations starting October 6, 2026, with an MSRP of $729.

Custom & Collectable Firearms unveils the limited-edition Walther PDP Pro-E Compact "Recon," restricted to 300 units with MultiCam Black Cerakote finish. Available in two configurations with or without Vortex Venom 3 MOA red dot, both feature adjustable sights and custom grips.

Zanders has been selected as the first and exclusive distributor of Cloak Industries, Inc. The partnership brings Cloak Industries' products to Zanders' extensive nationwide dealer network, supporting the brand's growth in the firearms and outdoor sporting goods marketplace.

Hornady introduces the RAPiD Safe Ready Vault with WiFi, a full-size gun safe featuring RFID entry technology, WiFi connectivity with Hornady Security app alerts, and patent-pending Square-Lok racks accommodating up to eight long guns and 14 handguns with customizable interior mounting options.

Hornady® Security launches its Lock Box line featuring 16-gauge steel construction in multiple sizes, including the Lock Box Large and XL for handguns, and the TrekLite® Lock Box XXL with TSA locks for travelers. The Lock Box Large is California DOJ-approved as a firearm safety device supporting Project ChildSafe® initiatives.

Ballistic's Best 2026 Hunting Edition evaluated seven Ready-To-Hunt crossbow packages from Ravin, TenPoint, Barnett, CenterPoint, Wicked Ridge, Excalibur, and Killer Instinct across nine categories. The competitive field revealed capable hardware in today's crossbow market, with testing focusing on practical performance questions beyond advertised specifications.

Ballistic's Best 2026 evaluates 11 bolt-action hunting rifles across two price categories using standardized testing across nine criteria including accuracy, reliability, and ergonomics. The diverse lineup features traditional platforms, ultralight mountain rifles, and modern chassis designs chambered in cartridges ranging from proven classics to new offerings like .25 Creedmoor and 7mm Backcountry.

The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation has reopened newly renovated shooting ranges at Lexington and Canton Wildlife Management Areas. Both facilities feature pistol, rifle, trap, and archery ranges with covered benches and ADA access. This represents the latest completion in ODWC's ongoing campaign since 2015 to enhance public shooting opportunities across Oklahoma.

Viridian Weapon Technologies announced its optics, laser sights, and firearm accessories are now available at Runnings, a Minnesota-based retailer with approximately 90 stores across 12 states. Products including the RFX11 green dot sight, VENTA riflescopes, and 4LUX 2K DUO integrated foregrip system are arriving at Runnings locations throughout the Upper Midwest.

INFORCE will showcase its Gen 3 WML Series and new ARC modular long-range weapon light series at Land Forces Expo in Perth, October 6–8, 2026, at Booth 3N07 with exclusive Australian partner 360 Defence. The WMLx White/IR remains the standard-issue weapon light for the ADF's EF88 Austeyr service rifle.

WE Knife will showcase its latest EDC, tactical, hunting, and bushcrafting knives at Blade Show West 2026 on October 9-10 at Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City. VP Marketing Seth Ercanbrack highlighted the company's innovative designs, with sister brands CIVIVI and SENCUT also featured at Booth #200.

Bond Arms will showcase its America 250th collection at the NASGW Expo and Annual Meetings, October 13–15 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Granbury, Texas-based manufacturer will feature handcrafted commemorative handguns including the Cyclops 'Merica, Black Cerakote, and America 250th models at Booth #905.

The Kids S.A.F.E. Foundation announced a new sponsorship partnership with Volquartsen Firearms to support youth shooting sports education and safety. President Derek LeBlanc and Volquartsen Firearms President Scott Volquartsen emphasized their shared commitment to introducing young people to responsible shooting sports participation through education, mentorship, and supervised range experiences.

GAME & FISH TV, powered by Outdoor Sportsman Group, features the "Taste of the Wild" programming block every Monday night from 6:00-11:30 p.m. ET, showcasing shows like Farming the Wild with Mike Robinson, McMillan, Ranch America with River Klass, Cast Iron Cowboy with Kent and Shannon Rollins, Jason the Butcher with Jason Nauert, and Dead Meat with Scott Leysath.

Buck Commander returns for Season 17 on Outdoor Channel, premiering Sundays at 10:30 p.m. ET. The show features Willie Robertson, Luke Bryan, Jason Aldean, Tyler Farr, Adam LaRoche, Ryan Langerhans, Tombo Marin, and Ryan Busbice hunting across Florida, Louisiana, Arkansas, the Midwest, and South Texas.

MyOutdoorTV has launched the 'Texas Whitetail Hunting Channel,' presented by Rhino Metals, an ad-free streaming channel featuring hunting programs set in Texas. The channel offers exclusive content including shows hosted by Brandon Houston, Brian Quaca, and the McFerrin Family, plus series like Bone Collector, Buck Commander, and MeatEater available 24/7.

First, we have the story delivered from the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit over social media regarding their performance in the CMP New England Games:

USAMU’s Sgt. Zevin Linse delivered a phenomenal run at the recent 2026 New England Games in Vermont — firing back‑to‑back National Standing Records across the three days of 80‑shot matches. After opening with a blistering 200‑13x, he returned the next day to break his own record with 200‑14x, never dropping a point in the standing position.

Linse’s consistency and precision culminated in a 2400 Aggregate score of 2390‑136x, setting another National Record and surpassing the previous mark of 2383‑111x.

USAMU teammate Spc. Amber Kingshill also delivered an outstanding performance, posting a 2400 Aggregate score of 2386‑114x, breaking last year’s record as well.

An incredible showing of skill and discipline from both Soldiers. Congratulations to Linse and Kingshill on their record‑setting performances.

From Tom Givens, Rangemaster Firearms Training Services, LLC:

The Tactical Conference is not sold out. We still have some tickets available for April 2-4, 2027 at the Dallas Pistol Club. This time we have 44 national trainers lined up, including several new faces, and a lot of new shooting blocks. To register, go to taccon.info/register/.

Unsociable Media

Recently some training outfit posted that older firearms instructors – “Fudds” – preferred teaching people to shoot with metallic sights rather than optics, because teaching “irons” is “easier.”

I began teaching people to shoot formally in 1983; I know that makes me a “boomer” and some may call me a “Fudd,” as I referred to people who were against handgun ownership in the late 1960s, and people who were against “large capacity magazines” and AR-15s in the 1980s and 1990s. 

Been there.

As to the ease in teaching people to shoot handguns equipped with metallic sights, I’m having enough trouble bringing myself along in precision shooting. I quickly found that shooting with the reflex sight made grouping at 50 and 25 yards much easier, though it’s still not a snap. 

It’s less to do with sighting gear and more to do with click-bait rage-posting. I simply blocked the offending party and noted, on social media, that the phony controversy was making the rounds. I was less than diplomatic. 

You should have seen my “analytics” from that post … I fell into the same trap myself. 

As for handgun optics being the mark of the non-Fudd modern type, here are photos taken from a media trip in Wyoming in 2006 – while these are hunting optics, precision handgun (bullseye) matches have a place for the tube optics as well as reflex sights. 

It’s not new; what’s new is the durability, long lasting power sources and smarter mounting options. Otherwise, it’s all the same.

– Rich Grassi