The 60th Vegas Shoot showcased record-setting performances with widespread adoption of Easton X27 arrow shafts among top compound archers. Mike Schloesser won his third title, Ella Gibson claimed her first championship, and Brady Ellison earned his record 12th Vegas Shoot title in recurve competition.
SIGHTRON Ambassador Lucas Marusiak won first place at the 2026 Central Carolina Grand Prix Airgun Championship in the PCP Division using the SIGHTRON SIII 10-50x60 Field Target Riflescope. The scope's ExacTrack technology and precision optics proved reliable through extreme weather conditions at the American Airgun Field Target Association event held at Central Carolina Gun Club.
Berger shooter Dustin Flint successfully defended his title at the 2026 Spindletop Regional Championship, scoring 141/160 in the two-day event held at Golden Triangle Gun Club in Beaumont, Texas. Flint competed using Lapua Super Long Range ammunition across 80-shot Smallbore Standard Rifle and Hunter Rifle matches.
Desirae Edmunds of Team Beretta won Lady High Overall honors and Super Sporting titles at the Gator Cup Sporting Clays Tournament held March 24-29 at Back Woods Quail Club. Competing with Beretta's A400 L Sporting shotgun, Edmunds delivered a dominant performance against a deep field of competitors on the NSCA circuit.
Hornady team shooters Austin Orgain, Shane Barnes, and John-Kyle Truitt won at the B&T Industries Box Canyon Showdown PRS match in Medicine Lodge, Kansas on March 28-29, 2026. Orgain secured first place overall in the Open Division and Suppressor Division using Hornady 25 cal. 138 gr. A-Tip Match bullets.
USA Shooting will host the 2026 Rifle Junior Olympic Championships April 8-13 at CMP facilities in Alabama, featuring top junior athletes competing in smallbore and air rifle events. This premier competition serves as a key selection match for the 2026 ISSF Junior World Championships in Suhl, Germany.
Vista Grande MCJROTC finished 8-0 to win the 2026 National Air Rifle New Shooter League, edging Daniel Boone MCJROTC in a close finale. NoVA Sharpshooters from Centreville, VA completed an 8-0 season to claim their fourth consecutive National Air Pistol League title, defeating Cos Cob Revolver and Rifle Club.
SLG2, Inc. will bring its Shoot Like A Girl experience to Bass Pro Shops in Glendale, Arizona on April 11-12, 2026. The free interactive event introduces women, families, and outdoor enthusiasts to shooting sports with firearms education using FATS simulators, archery instruction, and product demonstrations from industry brands.
Dead Air Silencers will return to Kalash Bash TX 2026 as a Bronze Sponsor, showcasing suppressors including the Wolverine AK suppressor, Ruger RXD910Ti, CT5P, Nomad Ti OTB, Sandman X, and Mojave 45 at The Ranch TX Club in Eagle Lake, Texas, April 10-12.
Protect Liberty PAC announced its Freedom Giveaway Sweepstakes featuring a Benelli Lupo Rifle in 300 Win Mag. and patriotic t-shirts commemorating America's 250th birthday. The initiative aims to expand grassroots engagement ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, with t-shirt purchases providing sweepstakes entries.
Check-Mate, a precision manufacturing leader in Thomasville, GA, is hiring a Product Engineer to bridge design and manufacturing. The role requires a bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering and 5-10 years of product development experience, with expertise in CAD, GD&T, and DFMA principles. Interested candidates should submit resumes to Careers@checkmateIndustries.com.
Federal Ammunition expands its All-American shotshell line with two new 20-gauge competition loads now shipping nationwide. These trap and skeet loads feature a customized Podium wad, straight-wall hull, high-antimony lead shot, and reliable primers for peak performance.
Federal Ammunition is now shipping the Personal Defense Punch 9mm Luger 115-grain jacketed hollow point load, featuring a high-quality brass case with primer seal and balanced performance across platforms. The new lighter load complements Federal's popular Punch product line and addresses customer requests for 115-grain defensive options.
Kinetic Development Group remains committed to advancing optic mounting solutions, with its SideLok series serving as the flagship offering. The company is investing engineering resources into next-generation mounting concepts designed to expand compatibility and functionality for modern rifle setups.
Bushnell, a Revelyst Inc. brand, announced the launch of its new A-Series optics line featuring the A1, A3, and A5 binoculars plus A3 monocular. Designed for travelers and outdoor enthusiasts, the lineup includes EXO Barrier® lens protection, IPX7 waterproofing, and Bushnell's Lifetime Warranty, available April 7, 2026.
Gun Tote'n Mamas, an award-winning women's concealed carry handbag provider, has partnered with Charter Arms Manufacturing. The collaboration showcases GTM's latest protection solutions, including the new Clutch Concealed Carry Purse, available through Charter Arms' Accessory Store.
Eddie Salter, known as "The Turkey Man," joins The Michael Waddell Podcast to discuss his pioneering work in turkey calling and hunting. Salter shares stories about early call makers like Ben Lee, the development of diaphragm mouth calls, and his World Turkey Calling Championships wins in 1985 and 1989. The episode explores the evolution of turkey hunting techniques and the importance of mentoring the next generation of hunters.
Trijicon, Inc. introduced the VCOG 1-8x28 riflescope in a new Cerakote FDE finish, featuring forged 7075-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum construction and premium glass. Available in MOA, MRAD, and SCO configurations with an LED reticle powered by AA lithium battery, the optic is fully waterproof and backed by Trijicon's Science of Brilliant testing methodology.
Chiappa introduces the 92 Core lever-action rifle in its Wildlands series, chambered in .44 MAG with a 16.5-inch barrel and angle eject action. The rifle features M-LOK slots, 5/8×24 muzzle threading, and 8+1 capacity, designed for practical field use with modern refinements while maintaining traditional lever-action aesthetics.
Springfield Armory launched the SAINT Gear Pac, bundling select SAINT rifles with a Viridian VENTA green dot optic, four Magpul PMAG Gen M3 magazines, and a premium rifle bag for over $200 in added retail value with no redemption required.
Springfield Armory announced the launch of the SA-35 4" 9mm semi-automatic pistol, featuring a compact barrel design based on John Moses Browning's original P-35. The pistol includes modern enhancements such as improved ergonomics, white dot front sights, and a 15-round magazine capacity, with an MSRP of $799.
MDT announced new V-Mount adapter solutions, including the Spuhr Interface to V-Mount Adapter and M-LOK to V-Mount Adapter, enabling shooters to attach V-Mount accessories across wider mounting interfaces. These adapters expand the versatility of MDT's V-Mount system and are now available through MDT dealers and mdttac.com.
Flux Defense announced the Big Black Barrel, a 6" replacement barrel engineered for the Sig P365/Raider 365 platform. Built from 4150 CMV steel with Black Nitride finish, it delivers increased velocity, softer recoil, and superior durability while maintaining the platform's compact size.
Heckler & Koch announces the VP9CC micro-compact pistol, featuring ambidextrous controls, interchangeable backstraps, and optional Vortex Defender CCW optics. The pistol meets NATO and HK standards and shipments have begun with dealer availability expected by end of April.
Galco has released holsters for Springfield Armory's new SA-35 4" pistol, including the Combat Master, Summer Comfort IWB, Miami Classic shoulder system, and Yaqui Slide models, along with magazine carriers and Underwraps 2.0 belly band options.
Magpul has introduced Modified Coyote Brown (MCB) PMAGs and AR accessories, including stocks, grips, and M-LOK accessories. The new MCB product line meets US Army TOP-3-2-045A requirements and is now available at Magpul.com and retail locations.
Team Leapers swept the SR Team competitions at the Orange Blossom Regional using the new Integrix Service Rifle Scope, with Nick Till, Conrad Young, Roy Mitchell, and Randy Olds all finishing in the top ten individually. The scope, developed by Margaret Ding and Leapers, Inc. in collaboration with James Fox and Nick Till, is now available for retail sale at $999.97 with a price increase planned for July 2026.
Orchid, the firearms industry's leading FFL technology provider, launched its "Locked & Loaded" April Sales Campaign offering 25% off two-year software subscriptions on Orchid POS, eCommerce, eBound, and eState through April 28, 2026. The promotion includes implementation and onboarding discounts for independent firearm retailers.
Outdoor Sportsman Group introduces Western Pursuit, an annual publication dedicated to western hunting produced by Petersen's HUNTING experts. The 2026 inaugural issue features 120 pages covering hunter skills, field stories, and gear reviews for elk and mule deer hunting across the Western U.S., Canada, and Alaska.
Montana's State Shooting Facilities and Improvements Development and Oversight Task Force will meet April 10 via Zoom. The task force will hear from Colorado Parks & Wildlife and South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks on shooting facility development, with recommendations due June 30, 2027.
Range USA, the nation's largest indoor gun range and firearm retailer, will exhibit at the 2026 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits in Houston, April 16-19 at booth #2355. The event will feature over 800 exhibitors showcasing firearms, ammunition, hunting gear and accessories.
ELEY UK, official sponsor of USA Shooting rifle and pistol teams, will exhibit at the NRA Annual Meeting in Houston (April 16-19, 2026) at Booth 1946. The company will showcase its rimfire ammunition, X-Shot training system, and new LOT Analyser platform, offering 10% discounts on trial packs through Killough Shooting Sports.
TriStar Arms will exhibit at the NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits in Houston, TX, April 17–19, 2026, showcasing new products including the Upland Hunter Thumbhole Stock, new KR22 Series color options, and the APOC Pro pistol. President Ryan Bader emphasized the importance of connecting with firearm enthusiasts and gathering customer feedback.
Lyman Products will showcase suppressors, reloading tools, presses, and accessories at the 2026 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits in Houston, TX from April 17-19 at booth #2930. The event features Sonicore Suppressors, Mark 7, Pachmayr, A-Zoom Precision Snap Caps, TacStar, and Raytech products across 14 acres of show space.
Flux Defense will exhibit at the 2026 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits in Houston, Texas, April 16-19 at Booth 534. The advanced defense technologies company will showcase its latest products and innovations while connecting with end users and industry partners.
Prepared 2 Protect will exhibit less-lethal self-defense products at the 155th NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits in Houston from April 16-19. The company will showcase the P2P Secure 68P and P2P Defensor, featuring innovations like extended range and adjustable power settings for personal protection.
Brigade Tactical Corp sponsors Operation Patriots FOB's Warrior Range Day on April 11, 2026, in Ridgeland, SC, showcasing its Monocore suppressor technology. Attendees can experience Brigade Tactical's innovative single-core suppressor design, which offers improved durability, consistent alignment, and simplified cleaning compared to traditional stacked-baffle suppressors.
Powder Valley has partnered with NRL Hunter as the Official Reloading Retailer for the competitive shooting series. The partnership provides NRL Hunter competitors access to comprehensive reloading components and ammunition, with support from Powder Valley's inventory, pricing, and customer service.
Shooting USA features coverage of the Safari Club International convention in Nashville with over 80,000 attendees, exhibition shooter .22 Plinkster performing card splits, and Hornady's new Versa-Prime case priming innovation.
Derya Arms made a splash with an initial offering imported by Rock Island Armory. The early DY9 models were a GLOCK-pattern none-too-fancy build, but with several updates to the basic GLOCK design and at a fraction of the cost. The result of that market test was an instant cult following as the next budget champion for those seeking to get more for their money.
In 2025 Derya Arms opened a US facility and began manufacturing firearms here after assembling an American team of industry professionals that could help direct product development to more quickly match American tastes and trends. Not long after, the US market saw the DY9 Island, DY9 Comp, and the subject of this model, the DY9 Gold. Those looking for something smaller can see the DY9Z we reviewed here.
The DY9 Gold takes the original frame and trigger and adds upgrades with an optics-ready slide, GLOCK-pattern sights, mass reduction of the slide, and, of course the gold-colored PVD coating that gives this model its name. I’ve noticed some on the internet mock “speed holes” on pistol slides. I completely understand that those who get into grappling matches in grain silos while carrying with a race holster fear that foreign objects might wiggle into the slide and interfere with operation, but when I see metal lightening cuts I think of something else: physics.
Slide mass is a considerable part of felt recoil. Slow-motion footage has shown that it’s the slide slamming to the rear — not detonation of the round — that causes the most shift in the hand. So it makes sense that the lighter the slide is, the less potential energy is imparted on the shooter when the slide hits its travel limits.
Slide mass however is also an important part of reliability, needing the inertia help chamber the next round. Recoil spring rate also plays a part in all of this and that’s why some custom shop cut slides reduce reliability without a change in spring rate.
When a manufacturer makes such changes, they choose between also changing spring rate, or carefully ensuring changes in slide mass is still within the operational window of the recoil assembly to feed reliably. Of course how much energy is needed to strip a round from a magazine and shove it into the chamber also depends on the quality of the magazine and the ammunition used.
TLDR: It’s a gamble, but it can pay off with reduced felt recoil when it’s done correctly.
The Derya DY9 Gold is optics-ready using a plate system.
How is all of that accomplished while still producing a complete pistol with an MSRP just under $450? Are there corners cut or other shortcomings? Take a look at the Derya DY9 Gold in the tabletop video below:
Derya DY9 Gold Backstraps (Photo by Graham Baates)
One of the simple upgrades that I appreciate about all of the Derya DY9 pistols is the inclusion of four backstraps and a removable magazine well. These options let the pistol be configured to accommodate most hands comfortably and with good trigger reach. As a larger-handed individual, the magazine well gives my pinky a place to rest and apply pressure for good muzzle control.
Derya DY9 grip (Photo by Graham Baates)
In my experience, Derya pistols are reliable, but regardless, I always run guns through the same protocol to get to know them. This range protocol includes:
Cold Shots: Truly my first shots through the gun
Full Magazine +1: Surprisingly, some modern guns still struggle with this. It’s a test of how much play is in the magazine as well as how the slide cycles with pressure. This is also when I do my best to learn the trigger.
Multi-Mag: When a handgun is compatible with common magazines, such as the GLOCK-pattern magazine we test to see how after-market magazines fit. Particularly with GLOCK-pattern magazines the polymer can be of slightly different dimensions from brand to brand resulting in snugger or looser fits, especially if hydrophillic polymer has been exposed to much weather.
What’s For Dinner: A test to see what ammunition the gun will eat. Does the gun feed the round from slide lock, will it cycle and feed another round of the same type, does the slide lock to the rear on empty, and is there any notable point of impact change with different loads.
Loads tested in the Derya DY9 Gold
For this gun the following ammunition was used:
45gr Sim-X DEFENSECORE 65gr NovX Crosstrainer 72gr Liberty Ammunition Overwatch 100gr Federal BallistiClean 100gr Sellier & Bellot XRG 108gr Norma MHP 115gr TMJ EcoBullet 115gr Wincherster SilverTip 124gr Federal Premium HST 147gr Winchester Defense 165gr AMMO, Inc. /stelth/ Standard Range amunition was 124gr PMC FMJ
Sights & Trigger Control: on a 6-inch spinner target at a distance of 12-ish yards. We got this from Titan Great Outdoors and use it to gauge how learnable the trigger is and usable the sights are for forced, timed, precise shots.
Practical Accuracy: Five shots from a distance of seven yards at a one inch target. This isn’t so much about printing a tight group as it is a culmination of the shooting experience and time for to collect thoughts prior to making a conclusion.
After Shots: Final impressions and reflections from the range session.
You can watch the process in the Shooting Impressions video below.
