When 2025 ended, a glimpse of 2026 arose. The industry was starting to show where it’s heading while pulling the curtain on “the old year.”

We’d wondered what would happen with what some commentators referred to as “the Poverty Pony” from Anderson Manufacturing when Ruger bought them up and closed them down. Well, they’re not closed. They’re working, making the Harrier. It’s apparently the replacement for the SR-556 line of rifles; the webpage for the SR-556 product line is closed. 

According to the release, “Manufactured at Ruger's recently acquired Hebron, Kentucky factory, Harrier rifles are designed to deliver superior fit, function and aftermarket compatibility.”

The first pair of rifles are 5.56 NATO with M-LOK furnished 15” free-floated handguards. One model has a mid-length gas system, the MOE-K2 grip and DT carbine stock from Magpul, along with a full-length top rail. The second model has a lighter profile handguard, A2 grip, M4 stock and a carbine gas system. 

The rifles “feature an integrated tension screw that allows users to fine-tune upper-to-lower fitment.” The 1:8” rifled 16.1” barrels are black-nitrided and have NATO-spec chambers. 

Fifty dollars separates the low-end of available Harriers from the top end, with both coming in under $750. 

Also, during our break, Ruger got back into the shotgun business.

The Ruger Red Label III, a $3,000+ fowling piece, is now back in the line. Originally released in 1977, the new guns are made at Connecticut Shotgun Manufacturing Company.

Offered as 20-gauge guns in 28” and 30” barrel lengths, the guns feature premium walnut lumber with classic checkering and a hand-rubbed oil finish. Running with a single trigger, it features inertia reset-on-recoil, and has a tang safety. 

Chambering up to 3” 20 gauge, the Red Label III line is made for upland game, skeet- and sporting clays uses, as well as waterfowl hunting. 

The gun ships in a premium custom case with five “Tru-Choke” style choke tubs. 

… and I thought that when Ruger did the update on the 10/22, that was all we could expect until SHOT Show. I was wrong.

If you missed the refresh of the born-in-1964 Ruger 10/22, the gun is now offered with the BX-trigger onboard, a “match” bolt-release and a receiver with a rear cleaning port. 

These aren’t nothing; they’re improvements called for by Ruger fans.

Also, just before our hiatus kicked off, CZ released the news that the Bundeswehr (German Army) selected a CZ pistol for its standard sidearm.

The German Army P13 pistol is a CZ P-10 based optics-ready 9mm in flat dark earth finish. 

According to the release, “CZ will work closely with its authorized partner in Germany, POL-TEC GmbH & Co., to fulfil the contract and provide comprehensive support to the Bundeswehr.”

 Finally, Kimber Mfg. has announced compensated pistols in their 2K11 product line. The 2K11, announced in November 2024, will now be sold in black and stainless finishes as full-size (5” barrel) and “Pro-“size (4 ¼” barrel) versions available in each finish option. The new guns feature a compensator in front of the front sight. Kimber’s carbon fiber grip module rounds out the pistols.

Upscale versions, with Stan Chen Customs magazine well and TAG Precision steel optics adapter plates, will also be available. Shipment has already begun on the new models. 

It’s going to be quite the year for firearms. 

— Rich Grassi