Garmin Ltd. has acquired Applied Ballistics, a provider of ballistic research and projectile data for long-range shooting. The acquisition extends Garmin's tactical, shooting sports and hunting market capabilities, bringing professional-grade ballistic solvers and the Applied Ballistics Quantum app in-house.
Easton arrows dominated the 20th Hyundai Archery World Cup Final in Saltillo, Mexico, with all 12 podium finishers using Easton X10 or 3.2 X10 Parallel Pro shafts. Notable winners included Dhiraj Bommadevara, Marie Horáčková, Nico Wiener, and Alexis Ruiz, marking 20 consecutive years of Easton gold medals at the World Cup Final since 2006.
VIKTOS, the U.S. veteran-designed brand, celebrates its ninth anniversary in 2026, marking nine years of designing performance-driven footwear, apparel, bags, gloves, and accessories. Founded in 2017, the company credits its success to customers, dealers, industry partners, and community support in shaping the brand's continued growth and product refinement.
Bleecker Street Publications expands its sales organization with the addition of Neal Kaufman and Troy Smith, joining existing representatives Scott Buchmayr, Amos Crowley, and Scott Cherek. The move strengthens the company's ability to connect advertisers with engaged audiences across firearms, hunting, outdoor recreation, and enthusiast markets.
Team SK's Jake Stine won all three state titles at the 2026 New Mexico State Smallbore Silhouette Championships, achieving his first career perfect score of 40/40 in the Hunter Rifle match. Stine posted an overall score of 143/160 and will compete next in the Lapua Monarch Cup in Mexico as a two-time defending champion.
B&P Pro Team shooters Gebben and Karen Miles dominated the inaugural NSCA/CPSA World Super Sporting Championship at Northbrook Sports Club in Illinois. Gebben Miles won the 200-target World Championship HOA with 186 targets, while Karen Miles captured two Ladies Championships and finished fourth overall in both major events.
Team Beretta athletes Vincent Hancock, Conner Prince, Brian Burrows, and Kim Rhode earned spots on USA Shooting Open National Teams following the 2026 Shotgun Fall Selection Match in Colorado Springs. All four competitors used Beretta DT11 shotguns and will represent the United States in international clay target shooting competitions.
The Second Amendment Foundation, joined by the National Rifle Association, California Rifle and 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 in Johnson v. Jacobson urging the Supreme Court to require states honor concealed-carry permits issued by other states.
Firearms Policy Coalition filed a motion for summary judgment in Struck v. Davenport asking the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey to declare the state's one-gun-a-month handgun purchase ban unconstitutional. FPC's motion cites its successful strike-down of California's similar law and argues New Jersey cannot identify the historical tradition required to justify the restriction.
Dana Loesch and Patrick "Tate" Adamiak have been added to the 41st annual Gun Rights Policy Conference agenda, co-hosted by the Second Amendment Foundation and Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms, scheduled for September 25-27 in Dallas.
The Briefing FFL Compliance Summit expands its September 23–25 Dallas agenda with sessions on NFA operations, state regulations, and counter strategies featuring Travis Glover of Silencer Shop, Chris Chiafullo of FFLGuard, ATF and FBI representatives, plus evening receptions sponsored by Trident 1, Lipsey's, and U.S. LawShield.
Michigan DNR operates 15 shooting ranges across the state offering safe, low-cost target practice and firearm sighting opportunities. Ranges in Barry County, Dansville, Echo Point, Lapeer, Ortonville, Pontiac Lake, Rose Lake, and Sharonville will have extended hours in October and November to help hunters prepare for upcoming seasons.
Range USA, the nation's largest indoor gun range and firearm retailer, announced its grand opening in Smyrna, Tenn. on September 18-20, 2026. The 15,000-square-foot facility features 20 shooting lanes, retail space, and classrooms, marking the company's 52nd location nationwide.
TriStar Arms celebrates its 30th anniversary as a leading firearms manufacturer. Under CEO Gus Bader and President Ryan Bader, the company has expanded sales twentyfold and grown its workforce fivefold while maintaining its commitment to quality, reliability, and affordability for hunters and recreational shooters.
We Buy Guns released its August 2026 Secondary Firearms Market Report, showing record offer volume of 2,047 offers worth $1,054,408 and 702 completed purchases totaling $383,513. Handguns dominated activity at 63% of offers, with Smith & Wesson, Glock, SIG Sauer, and Ruger leading manufacturer submissions.
PROOF Research hired Sean Murphy as director of sales and marketing. Murphy brings 15 years of firearms industry experience from roles at Sons of Liberty Gun Works, Nightforce Optics, and KGM Suppressors, plus 20 years as a competitive shooter and decade-long member of PROOF Research's Shooting Team.
Winchester announces a new 7-part Big Game Ammo 101 video series with the first episode now live on the Winchester Ammunition YouTube Channel. The series features Winchester experts testing big game loads covering accuracy, terminal performance, and ballistics to help hunters select appropriate ammunition.
Outdoor Sportsman Group launches a 6-part video series "Backcountry Angler" presented by Bass Pro Shops, featuring hosts Mike Carney, Pat Hogan, and Derek Mleynek exploring the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and Quetico Provincial Park. The series documents a family fishing expedition with partners including Lew's, Alps Mountaineering, Northstar Canoes, and StrikeKing, available on In-Fisherman.com, YouTube, MyOutdoorTV, and Game & Fish TV.
The Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms (CCRKBA) launched a community server for BULKHEAD's game WARDOGS to connect Second Amendment advocates. With over 400,000 peak active players and 1 million copies sold on day one, CCRKBA Executive Director Andrew Gottlieb stated the server extends their mission into gaming spaces where supporters already gather.
Gearfire announced a new integration with MGE Wholesale, expanding dealer access to exclusive firearms, optics, knives, and shooting sports accessories. The partnership provides Gearfire retailers with MGE's 20-year manufacturer relationships and restricted dealer network brands through automated inventory streaming and dropshipping.
Celerant Technology partnered with SIG SAUER to integrate a dealer locator on SIG SAUER's website, connecting over 1 million monthly shoppers with local dealers carrying available inventory. The integration helps dealers convert online interest into in-store sales while providing inventory insights to reduce missed opportunities.
Mike Komara, owner of Innovative Angling and Fly Fishing Team USA member, discusses competitive fly fishing on the Fly Fisherman Loop to Loop podcast with Ross Purnell. Komara shares his journey from youth competitions to the 45th World Fly Fishing Championship in Idaho, highlighting Euro nymphing techniques and the dedication required for elite competition.
Henry Repeating Arms has launched the Founding Fathers Collection, featuring seven limited-edition tribute rifles honoring George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, James Madison, John Jay, and Alexander Hamilton. Each rifle is limited to 250 individually numbered pieces, with only 10 complete matched sets available, priced at $1,776 per rifle and exclusively sold at HenryUSA.com.
Real Avid announces professional-grade firearm maintenance tools designed for suppressor installation and upkeep, including the Master Gun Vise, Smart-Jaws Tube-Fit, and Accu-Grip Steel Picks to address growing suppressor ownership across the country.
Orion Wholesale and Taylor Customs announced The Banger, a custom CANiK SFx Rival pistol featuring a distinctive cyan, purple, magenta and black finish. Built on CANiK's competition-ready platform with a 5-inch barrel and optics-ready slide, it's the first of three exclusive custom designs coming soon.
Primary Arms Optics has released the CLx 1-6x24 SFP Rifle Scope featuring the ACSS 22LR G2 reticle, specifically calibrated for .22 LR ammunition. The scope offers 1-6x magnification, illuminated reticle with wind holds, and is priced at $199.99 with a lifetime warranty.
BlackPoint Tactical, a High Speed Gear Products Group brand, announced the ARC-LOCK TASER Holster designed for TASER 7 and TASER 10 energy weapons. The professional-duty holster features two retention levels and BlackPoint Tactical's Master Grip Concept for fast, intuitive access. The product has been recognized by the National Tactical Officers Association's Member Tested and Recommended Program.
MDT announced the One Piece NV Bridge, a 13-inch 20 MOA night vision bridge for MDT chassis forends that co-witnesses clip-on thermal or night vision optics with riflescopes. Machined from 6061-T6 aluminum with Type III hard anodizing, the bridge fits ACC Elite, ACC Premier Gen2, and LSS Gen3 Competition forends and is available September 15, 2026.
Galco’s Pocket Protector Holster is now available for the S&W Bodyguard 2.0 with or without carry optic. Galco's pocket holsters greatly minimize shifting of the handgun in the pocket, allowing for a fast and sure grip acquisition when drawing. They conceal the shape of the handgun so its outline doesn’t print through the pocket.
Liberty Ammunition's Pro Series ammunition is now available at the Constellis Training Center Pro Shop in Moyock, NC. Developed for law enforcement and federal agencies, the patented Pro Series offers increased stopping power, reduced weight, and prevents over-penetration, according to CEO Gary Ramey.
Buck Knives, Inc. announces the launch of the new 110 & 112 Crossbar Elite, combining classic design with modern crossbar locking mechanism, MagnaCut steel, and premium materials. The knives feature ambidextrous operation and are USA-made in Post Falls, Idaho, available September 15, 2026.
Silencer Central is tripling reward points on all purchases from Sept. 14-30, 2026, allowing customers to earn three points per dollar spent. VIP members earn even more points based on tier status, with rewards redeemable for discounts and free shipping on suppressors and accessories.
Zanders, a national firearms distributor based in Sparta, Illinois, has partnered with CZ and Dan Wesson for a limited-time MTP Holiday promotion offering special pricing on select products for dealers. The promotion, available this week only, helps dealers strengthen inventory while capitalizing on holiday demand.
Team Beretta athlete Cameron Templin won the Limited Optics division at the 2026 North Texas Open held September 4-6 at Extreme Tactics and Training Solutions in Waxahachie, Texas, competing with the Beretta 92X Performance. The victory continues Templin's standout 2026 season on the USPSA competition circuit.
Meprolight USA will compete at The Tactical Games in Moyock, North Carolina on September 26–27, with elite athletes Callerina Woodard and Korey Bromery competing alongside Marketing Manager Jordan Stein. The company will showcase its MVO 1-8X28, MVO 3-18X44, and MPO PRO F optics while offering event-exclusive discounts and a free suppressor promotion.
The Headrest Safe Company will exhibit at America's Largest RV Show in Hershey, Pennsylvania, September 16-20, showcasing its vehicle storage solutions. The 57th annual event, presented by the Pennsylvania Recreational Vehicle and Camping Association, expects 1,500 RVs from 40 manufacturers.
MidwayUSA Foundation launched its annual Hometown Challenge sweepstakes in September, matching donations of $20 or more to youth shooting sports teams while offering over $30,000 in prizes from sponsors including SK Guns, Ruger, Glock, Savage, and others. Top fundraising teams earn endowment awards up to $15,000.
Outdoor Action TV, powered by Careco, expands its content offerings across FAST platforms and Video-On-Demand. The channel features premium content from respected outdoor producers with live events capability and strong industry connections, reaching passionate outdoor enthusiasts and attracting both endemic and mainstream advertisers.
I must admit, I love revolvers. I must also admit that I’m a terrible revolver shooter, especially in double action. The first handgun I ever purchased was a revolver, a Smith & Wesson 686-1 back in 1984. That started a lifetime of firearm ownership, and my love for revolvers has never faded.
Even though I’ve acquired a good number of revolvers over the years, I wasn’t familiar with Diamondback’s wheel guns. As far as I knew, Diamondback only manufactured compact and subcompact polymer-framed, striker-fired pistols. Well, I was wrong.
Before ordering an SDR, I explored my options. I was surprised to find 14 revolvers in the SDR line, chambered in .38 Special +P, .38 Special/.357 Magnum, and 9mm.
Options include stainless steel with matte, polished, or Black Nitride+ finishes, plus a lightweight aluminum frame model. Barrel lengths include 2 and 3 inches, with both spurred and bobbed hammer configurations. Rubber and wood grips are available, both made by Hogue.
The SDR’s features include:
Push-button cylinder release
Fully captured cylinder and crane link assembly
Precise target crown
Low-profile fiber optic front and rear sights
A smooth, non-stacking trigger
Diamondback told me they pretty much hand-build all their revolvers and could offer some interesting options if I was willing to wait a couple of weeks and I was in no particular hurry.
I’m glad I waited. I got a 3-inch, matte stainless steel SDR chambered in .38 Special +P/.357 Magnum, with Hogue rubber grips. It has a black serrated XS rear sight and a tritium XS front sight.
These sights aren’t listed on Diamondback’s website at the time of this writing. I don’t know whether they’ll offer any models in this configuration, but XS sells the sights directly on its website.
As soon as I picked up the SDR, I was impressed. The revolver fits my hands really well. My first trigger pull—with a snap cap, of course—was equally impressive. Both single- and double-action pulls were very smooth and I loved the trigger’s shape. I’ve tried other revolvers with triggers that weren’t as conducive to double-action shooting. The SDR felt designed for that exact purpose.
I was doubly impressed with the XS sight setup. I’m partial to a plain, serrated rear sight, and pairing it with a tritium front sight makes a superb EDC setup.
Of course, being a Boomer Fudd, I’d love to find out whether XS could make me a gold or brass bead front sight. I guess that phone call is in my future.
One feature in the SDR family that you don’t see on other revolvers is the button on the side of the frame that retains the cylinder and crane assembly. This is something I hadn’t seen before. Instead of removing a retaining screw, you simply press the button to release the whole assembly. Simple and tool-free, it makes cleaning much easier.
My next step was sourcing a suitable holster. I found what I wanted on Galco’s website and ordered a black Combat Master. I have CMs for other guns and love them, so I didn’t need to look any further.
Backup ammo was next. I’ve used speed strips with great success, but this time I wanted something faster, so speedloaders were the way to go.
I have a small tote full of speedloaders from different makers covering several calibers and revolver models. After some testing, I found that the HKS Model DS, designed for the Colt Detective Special, offered the best fit and performance for the SDR.
With my EDC kit complete, the only thing left was to hit the range and get accustomed to the SDR. Given the stupidly high summer temperatures here in the Phoenix area, my best chance of survival was my favorite indoor range, C2 Tactical in Scottsdale.
Shooting It
I shot Federal’s American Eagle 130-grain FMJ. Its listed muzzle velocity is 890 fps—just right for general plinking and range work. I started at 10 yards with a Gunsite target, shooting my first string double action only.
Given that I’m not a good revolver shooter, I was impressed with the first five rounds. There I was, right in the middle of the sweet spot. The SDR’s double-action trigger pull couldn’t be smoother. I’ve tried much higher-priced revolvers whose double-action pulls aren’t as smooth as the SDR’s.
I switched to single action for some head shots and was equally impressed with the SDR’s performance. I threw one shot high and another slightly low, but overall, at 10 yards, the SDR ruled.
Parting Shots
As gun reviews, go, this was a very pleasant one. I didn’t know much about Diamondback’s revolvers and now have a glowing impression of them. Build quality, accuracy, reliability (of course), and ergonomics were all excellent.
Is there something I’d change about the SDR? You betcha. I’d love to see a longer ejector rod on the 3-inch model. There’s enough room in that shroud for one. I understand why they’re sticking with the shorter rod for now, but a guy can dream.
I also wish Hogue made the grip that came with my revolver, but without the finger grooves. I’ve never been a finger groove fan. I love the grip’s texture, but the grooves gotta go. I prefer a smooth grip contour and am searching for something grooveless and I will not not give up.
The Diamondback SDR is a definite keeper. I’ll be keeping this revolver. It’s that good. If you’re looking for a double-action revolver for EDC or plinking, give The Diamondback SDR is a quality, American-made revolver with an excellent trigger that won’t make you take out a second mortgage to pay for it.
