European American Armory (EAA Corp) acquired a large manufacturing facility in Mountain City, Tennessee with expansion acreage, undergoing renovations to support advanced firearms manufacturing. EAA Corp is seeking strategic industry partners for leasing and manufacturing operations within the facility.
Cara Kelly of Team Mathews won the 2026 IBO Women's Triple Crown Championship with a dominant performance in Nelsonville, Ohio. Team Shooters Sharon Wallace, Emily McCarthy, and Kelly swept the Women's podium, while Levi Morgan and Dan McCarthy secured second and third place in the Men's division.
Outdoor Life selected TenPoint Crossbow Technologies' TX Ultra 29.5 as the 2026 Best Premium Crossbow. Scott Einsmann praised the crossbow for its accuracy, ergonomics, and ease of use. The TX Ultra 29.5 shoots up to 460 FPS and features new 8MM Axles, X-Wide Limbs, and ACUslide MAXX cocking technology.
Outdoor Life selected TenPoint Crossbow Technologies' Titan X De-Cock as the 2026 Best Value Crossbow at $799, also achieving the most accurate performance with a 1.4-inch group average, outperforming the Ravin R10X Pro and Excalibur Rev X TD in testing.
Team Krieghoff athletes won three event titles at the 2026 NSCA North Central Regional in Illinois, with Joe Pinchin capturing Preliminary Event HOA, Braxton Oliver winning 5-Stand HOA, and Turner Parcell taking the 20 Gauge title. Additional podium finishes included Kiersten Sales and Shelby Moon in Ladies categories, and juniors Jonathan Prince and Jacob Judson as runners-up.
Hornady sponsored shooters Sean Murphy and Greg Hamilton won the Wyoming Tactical Rifle Championship on July 11-12, 2026, near Weston, Wyoming. Murphy used Hornady 6mm 110 gr. A-Tip Match bullets in his 6mm Creedmoor, while Hamilton used Hornady 22 Cal. 73 gr. ELD Match bullets in his 223 Remington.
Team Berger's James Fox won the Oregon State Highpower Championship at Douglas Ridge Rifle Club, claiming his ninth consecutive Oregon State High-Power Open Championship title and 11th overall state title. Fox swept the event with victories in Overall Championship, Standing, Sitting, Prone Rapid Fire aggregates, and the CMP EIC match.
Professional exhibition shooter Steve Gould shattered multiple long-distance clay target records using the Benelli ETHOS SuperSport A.I. shotgun and Federal ammunition, culminating in breaking a clay target at a certified 201 yards—the first shooter ever to accomplish this feat.
Nevyn Hengel of Sibley East High School (MN) won the male national championship, while Alexis Stupi of Aquinas High School (WI) claimed top female honors at the USA High School Clay Target League National Championship. Fall River High School (WI) captured the national team title with 485 points out of 500, with nearly 3,000 athletes from 469 high schools competing.
Firearms Policy Coalition (FPC), the National Rifle Association of America, the Second Amendment Foundation, and the American Suppressor Association filed an amicus brief with the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals arguing that short-barreled rifles are protected by the Second Amendment and that the National Firearms Act's registration scheme lacks historical support under the Supreme Court's Bruen test.
The Second Amendment Foundation (SAF) filed supplemental briefs in three ongoing National Firearms Act cases, citing recent Supreme Court rulings in United States v. Hemani, Wolford v. Lopez, and Landor v. Louisiana Department of Corrections & Public Safety. SAF argues the NFA's remaining registration requirements lack constitutional authority following elimination of the $200 tax on suppressors and short-barreled firearms.
Judge Roger T. Benitez (Ret.) will deliver the keynote address at the 41st annual Gun Rights Policy Conference on September 25-27 in Dallas. Co-hosted by the Second Amendment Foundation and Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms, the event features speakers including Brandon Herrera, Cam Edwards, and representatives from the ATF, NRA, and Silencer Shop.
SLG2, Inc. brings its Shoot Like A Girl experience to Bass Pro Shops in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania on July 18-19, 2026. The free event features a mobile range with firearm and archery experiences, product demonstrations from leading outdoor brands, and hands-on safety education for women, families, and outdoor enthusiasts of all experience levels.
AGM Global Vision announced the appointment of Leslie Vester as Head of Marketing. Vester brings over a decade of experience in brand strategy and marketing leadership to support AGM's expansion across hunting, shooting sports, law enforcement, and outdoor industries.
The Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers' Institute (SAAMI) raised $28,000 for USA Shooting through an auction at its annual board meetings, exceeding last year's donation. The funds support the National Governing Body for international shooting sports, whose athletes earned five medals at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Millennium Outdoors announced Scott Ware's appointment as Director of Sales and Marketing. With nearly three decades of industry experience and 26 years at Outtech representing Millennium brands, Ware brings deep dealer relationships and product knowledge to strengthen the company's market presence and dealer partnerships.
Obsession Lifestyle Brands (OLB), led by Chief Revenue Officer John West, officially announced its launch as a turn-key licensee platform for outdoor and lifestyle brands. OLB absorbs inventory risk and operational management while providing targeted digital marketing, with its e-commerce platform going live in early August.
KDG announced the official completion of its brand transition, strengthening its marketplace presence while maintaining all products, warranties, and engineering standards. The Connecticut-based company, founded in 2014, continues focusing on innovative firearm accessories including Kinect™ quick-detach systems, SideLok™ optic mounts, and platform-specific upgrades for FN SCAR and Grand Power Stribog platforms.
Solo Star North America launched as a Growth Agency for outdoor brands, introducing the S2 Intelligence Platform, a unified data model designed to integrate retail, DTC, and digital advertising channels. CEO Todd Fuller and Director of AI & Analytics Julian Tisdale highlight how the platform helps brands overcome data silos and achieve profitable growth.
GunBroker.com, the world's largest online firearms marketplace, announced integration with Slingit, an AI-powered platform enabling firearm dealers to appraise, acquire, and list used guns on GunBroker.com in under five minutes. The integration streamlines the workflow from gun counter evaluation to professional marketplace listings with AI-enhanced photos and optimized descriptions.
CCW Safe celebrates one year since acquiring Armed Citizens' Legal Defense Network Inc. (ACLDN), founded by Marty and Gila Hayes. Thousands of former ACLDN members now access CCW Safe's comprehensive legal protection, 24/7 Critical Response Team support, and self-defense education resources.
Wildlife Forever, a 501c3 non-profit organization based in White Bear Lake, MN, is hiring a marketing professional to support conservation programs including the Getting Families Fishing & Boating Initiative™ and Art of Conservation® programs in coordination with state, federal, industry and non-profit partners.
Krieghoff International is hiring a skilled Gunsmith for its U.S. Service Center in Ottsville, Pennsylvania. The full-time position involves repairing, building, and modifying competition shotguns with factory training from Krieghoff Master Gunsmiths, requiring gunsmithing school credentials and experience with break-open shotguns.
The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF) is hiring a Regional Director for western Montana to oversee volunteer chapters, organize fundraising events, and manage grant programs. The position requires a bachelor's degree, five years of professional experience, and frequent travel throughout the region.
ZEISS introduces the V3 riflescope line, featuring six models designed for North American hunters with 90% light transmission, compact lightweight design, and pricing from $299.99 to $949.99. Available mid-August 2026 through authorized retailers.
Dr. Stacy P. Gill and Lou Hill from WEHUNT2-WEFISH2 join host Michael Waddell on his podcast to discuss hunting, fishing, and the Black community's involvement in the outdoors. The episode, presented by Spandau Arms and in partnership with Folds of Honor, Cigars International, and Poncho Outdoors, explores wildlife conservation and the importance of mentorship in outdoor communities.
1791 Industries has released LiteRaider ultralight AR-15 receivers made from Metal Matrix Composite material that is 33% lighter than aluminum. The LRM4 stripped lower receiver weighs 6.2 ounces and the upper weighs 4.8 ounces, offering superior strength and durability comparable to 7075-T6 aluminum while maintaining Mil-Spec standards.
Iron Valley Supply now stocks Viridian's firearm optics, green dot reflex sights, laser sights, and tactical weapons lights. The Viridian RFX1 Green Dot Reflex Sight pairs with Iron Valley's exclusive ODG Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 2.0.
Kent Cartridge is reintroducing Fasteel® Classic Limited Edition for 2026, a waterfowl ammunition load featuring the original gray hull and high-brass head. Loaded with 1 9/16 oz #1 steel shot at 1300 FPS, this limited offering delivers the pattern consistency and performance waterfowl hunters have relied on for years.
XTech Tactical announced the X-Flare 556 and X-Flare Digital enhanced flared AR magwells designed for Mil-Spec AR-15/M4 receivers. Both models feature a 1.75x larger funnel opening for faster reloads, injection-molded nylon construction, and are priced at $39.95, available now at xtechtactical.com.
Zanders, a national firearms distributor based in Sparta, Illinois, has added Timber Creek Outdoors to its portfolio. Timber Creek Outdoors manufactures American-made AR platform accessories including charging handles, handguards, and safety selectors, with CEO Tyler Tiller praising the partnership's alignment with their commitment to quality and dealer support.
CVA announced the Cascade SR, a suppressor-ready rifle designed for hunters seeking a compact, maneuverable option. Available in nine calibers from .223 REM to .300 WIN MAG, the rifle features a threaded barrel and Realtree Advantac Black stock, with an MSRP of $849.
MDT is expanding its CRBN rifle stock lineup with a new Tikka T3X Short Action Left Hand inlet, designed for left-handed precision hunters and field competition shooters. The lightweight carbon fiber stock features adjustable ergonomics and an integrated ARCA rail.
Galco unveils the Combat Master 2.0 belt holster for Wilson Combat Bulwark pistols, featuring modern EDC design with optic accommodation, premium steerhide construction, and traditional pancake-style concealment for faster draws and enhanced comfort.
Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc. launches the America 250 Limited Edition Model 1854 rifle to commemorate the United States' 250th anniversary. Available in .44 Magnum or .45-70 Government, both models feature detailed engravings, walnut stocks, stainless-steel Armornite-finished barrels, XS Sights ghost ring rear sights, and modern flat-face triggers.
SPYPOINT announced the availability of the FLEX-M2 cellular trail camera and FORCE-4K non-cellular trail camera. The FLEX-M2 features 32MP photos, 1080p video, and up to 12 months battery life, while the FORCE-4K offers 48MP photos, 4K video, and a 66-degree field of view for hunters seeking premium performance.
ALPS Mountaineering has released the Reservoir 3.0, a 3-liter hydration system featuring anti-microbial IonPure treatment, an insulated drink tube, and BPA/PVC-free construction. The product is priced at $49.99 and is available through authorized dealers and alpsmountaineering.com.
Kent Cartridge introduces Ultimate Pheasant, a premium upland shotshell featuring proprietary Diamond Shot technology and a layered 4x6 shot payload designed for rooster pheasant hunting. Available in 12ga and 20ga 3" loads, the ammunition delivers balanced pattern density and hard-hitting energy for close and distant shots.
Bond Arms is offering a Summer 2026 Gift Card Rebate Promotion for qualifying firearm purchases made between July 1-31, 2026, with rebates up to $75. Customers can receive gift cards by completing an online rebate form at bondarms.com with proof of purchase.
Kent Cartridge launches the Steel Some Savings rebate promotion running July 15 through December 31, 2026, offering hunters rebates on Fasteel+, Fasteel 2.0, All Purpose Steel, TealSteel, and Fasteel Classic shotshells, with maximum rebates reaching $100 for premium products.
Federal Ammunition launched its Protect & Save rebate program offering 20 percent savings on select Federal Premium Personal Defense handgun ammunition through August 31, 2026. Qualifying products include HST, Hydra-Shok, Hydra-Shok Deep, Practice & Defend HST, HST Micro, and Hydra-Shok Low Recoil, with a maximum rebate of $200 per person or household.
Speer Ammunition launched its Gold Dot Deals rebate program on July 1, offering consumers 20 percent rebates on qualifying self-defense handgun ammunition purchases through August 31, 2026. The promotion includes Gold Dot Personal Protection, Gold Dot G2, and other variants, with a maximum rebate of $200 per household.
Hook & Barrel Magazine and Guns.com have partnered to provide firearm buyers with exclusive post-purchase subscription access to premium outdoor lifestyle content, including firearm reviews, hunting and fishing adventures, and celebrity interviews.
Firearms News celebrates its 80th anniversary with its July 2026 issue, featuring Oleg Volk's cover story review of the US Palm STORM CAT4 AR-15-Type Pistol. The issue includes reviews of firearms from Ruger, Sig Sauer, and Springfield Armory, plus articles on suppressors, reloading, and Second Amendment coverage by contributors including James Tarr, Rick Rambo, Patrick Sweeney, and David Codrea.
Shooting USA features the National Rifle Association's Competitive Shooting division hosting its first Match Director Summit to prepare future match directors for America's Rifle Challenge events. The episode also covers a Tennessee 4H shotgun jamboree with nearly two hundred kids and includes a new Colt ProTip segment with Wyatt Gibson.
The history of how firearms training has evolved has yet to be written. However, certain elements are obvious to everyone, such as the influence of men like Rex Applegate, Col. Jeff Cooper, Jim Cirillo and a host of others.
We stand on the shoulders of giants, but we aren’t standing pat. The world we live in is changing, with new technologies which facilitate new methods of instruction being introduced. Our society is changing, and therefore the dangers we may face are changing as well.
To get an idea of where firearms training is headed, I reached out to three people on the front lines of the firearms training world to get their opinion on where firearms training was headed. How much of it will be online? Will virtual reality play a significant role? Will the nature of the threats we face change? Here are their answers.
John Correia
John runs Active Self Protection, a very popular YouTube channel specializing in analyzing defensive encounters. John is also a firearms trainer and bases his content on the events in the videos he shares online.
How much of firearms training will be online?
We’re seeing more and more students show up to their first class who are highly competent technical shooters, thanks to dry fire training devices and online videos. Online communities can provide feedback to individuals, so it’s not just one person and their phone doing drills in isolation. One student with no formal training did a 2.5 second Bill Drill on the line, which is an advanced-level score for that drill.
How much of it will be done in virtual reality?
VR is great for working on visual processing, dot acquisition and the other skills you need to acquire after you learn the fundamentals. The visual systems, like Virtua, are also great, but they tend to be too linear and focus on law enforcement scenarios. AI, however, is very close to providing that real-time immersive environment.
Will it still be focused on training individuals, or will we see more team-focused training as people feel the need to protect more than just themselves?
We’re starting to do a lot of “force on paper” classes that are scenario-based for both individuals and groups. We’re seeing a decrease in criminal violence, which is great, but it’s very uneven, and we’re seeing a lot of outliers, where violence happens in places it normally shouldn’t. What I am also seeing is a lot of random interpersonal social violence, which I think stems from a degradation in social decor, so our training needs to adjust to fit this new threat.
Ken Campbell
Ken Campbell is the CEO of Gunsite, the world’s oldest private firearms training school. He is also a current Gunsite instructor and a former Indiana Sheriff. While Gunsite is the oldest school in the world, Ken works hard to ensure the school’s training is up to date.
How much of firearms training will be online?
We’re looking at sending our class textbook to students electronically before a class so they can get up to speed before the class. However, it’s very difficult to get the same amount of cognitive loading and adrenaline dump that you get with actual trigger time on the range with experienced instructors or in the type of person-on-person shootoffs we do.
How much of it will be done in virtual reality?
We’ve looked at a couple of the systems out there and are evaluating how they can work in conjunction with our curriculum. It’s a useful tool, but what you learn in virtual reality needs to be validated in actual reality.
Will it still be focused on training individuals, or will we see more team-focused training as people feel the need to protect more than just themselves?
“Team” is a very generic word. It could mean just your spouse, or your family or maybe your friends. We have the church defense, three- and five-day team tactics classes and a variety of active shooter response classes, so it’s always been a part of what we offer. We’re definitely having more demand for team-based classes and have some classes such as executive protection rolling out in the near future to help fulfill this need. I’m a seeing an increase in incidents which require a team response, whether it’s home invasions or civil unrest or an incident at a public event, so training needs to adjust to this fact.
Brian Hill
A former Fulton County Deputy Sheriff and competitive mixed martial artist, Brian and his wife Shelley run The Complete Combatant, a firearms training company focused on integrating the lessons learned from martial arts into the American martial art of concealed carry.
How much of firearms training will be online?
It’s a very useful tool for building technical skills, but it lacks cognitive loading and stress-testing needed to perform well under pressure. I think, however, that a significant amount of the fundamentals of firearms training will move online. It’s important to have a coach of some sort to correct your mistakes, and the access to a coach is greater online than it is in-person.
How much of it will be done in virtual reality?
The best part of VR is the buy-in. It gets people to practice more because it’s done inside their homes. However, there are some visual compromises with a VR system, as everything now happens on one focal plane. We’re seeing students, though, with a million (virtual) rounds of dry fire practice before they take a class, which improves their skills on the firing line. There’s also the social element, with friends around the country competing with each other, which also makes them practice more.
Will it still be focused on training individuals, or will we see more team-focused training as people feel the need to protect more than just themselves?
I think we’ll still see it as more individual-focused, but there’s definitely a need for couples-based training. There are different emotions which come under stress than in a normal environment. The key is well-defined roles: Who takes lead? Who manages medical care? Who takes care of the kids? These need to be defined before an incident happens, because it won’t suddenly appear when needed.
