Barnett introduces the Hyper Raptor TREX crossbow for spring turkey hunting, featuring a compact 7.25-inch axle-to-axle design, 440 feet per second bolt speed, and TriggerTech trigger system. The lightweight 8.2-pound crossbow excels in ground blinds and run-and-gun hunting scenarios.
GunBroker.com announced a charity auction supporting the Special Operations Care Fund (SOC-F) featuring six custom Q platform rifles built by tactical influencers. All proceeds benefit SOC-F, a nonprofit supporting U.S. Special Operations Forces and their families with healthcare, mental health, and family support programs. Bidding runs through March 29th.
Empowered 2A announced that the Derya DY9Z, manufactured by Derya Arms, has been named the 2026 Empowered 2A Gun of the Year. The striker-fired 9mm pistol features a compact profile, 15+1 capacity, optics-ready slide, and vibrant color options designed to appeal to diverse firearm owners, particularly women seeking performance and style.
Team Ruger's Lauryl Akenhead won High Lady honors at both the 2026 Clay's Cartridge Company Classic and the NRL Woodsviking Hunter Challenge, competing with a Custom Shop Ruger RPR in 6mm GT and a Ruger American Rifle Gen II in 6.5 Creedmoor respectively.
Hornady sponsored shooter Clay Blackketter won the Open Division at the Southern Iowa Showdown on March 14-15, 2026, in Diagonal, Iowa, using Hornady 25 cal. 138 gr. A-Tip Match bullets. Hornady Assistant Director of Engineering Joe Thielen placed third in the same division with the same ammunition.
Turner Parcell of Team Remington won the NSCA East Coast Championship at Hunters Pointe Sporting Clays with a two-day score of 187. Michael Luongo also contributed multiple wins for Team Remington, which competes using Remington Premier shotshells.
A Texas District Court ruled in favor of the Second Amendment Foundation (SAF) and the Firearms Policy Coalition, confirming that all current and future SAF members are covered by an injunction preventing enforcement of the post office carry ban. SAF Executive Director Adam Kraut called it a major victory for Second Amendment rights nationwide.
The Second Amendment Foundation (SAF), Shot Tec, and Grant Schmidt filed a reply brief with the Pennsylvania Supreme Court in Schmidt v. Paris, challenging Pennsylvania State Police regulations and Montgomery County Sheriff Sean Kilkenny's policy allowing warrantless searches of licensed firearms dealers without probable cause.
Shell Tech, the ammunition branch of Shell Shock Technologies, announced sponsors and raffle prizes for the 2nd Annual Legends & Heroes Shootout on March 20-21, 2026 at Markham Park Shooting Range in Florida. The free public range day will feature live-fire demonstrations, Steel Challenge competition, and raffles including firearms from Dark Storm Industries and KAK Industries, with all net proceeds benefiting the Navy SEAL Foundation and K9 Heroes 4 Heroes.
Beretta USA will participate as a Platinum Sponsor at The Gathering, Palmetto State Armory's annual range event on March 20-21 in Clinton, SC. The company will showcase pistols, shotguns, and sporting firearms alongside Langdon Tactical Technology, with instruction from Lead Faucet Tactical's Dan Brokos, a retired Army Special Forces Sergeant Major.
Maxim Defense will participate in the 2026 Alamo Steel Challenge on March 21st at Louland Gun Club in Naples, Florida. Attendees can experience the SDX RFLX and PDX-SD integrated suppressor systems while competing on three professionally supervised steel stages.
NSSF, The Firearm Industry Trade Association, has opened applications for 2026 Hunting Heritage Trust Grants offering $100,000 to support recruitment, retention, and reactivation programs in hunting and shooting sports. Applications from qualified non-governmental organizations are due by April 17, 2026.
Christensen Arms appointed John Fink as Director of Product Development. Fink brings nearly three decades of firearms and optics experience from previous roles at Trijicon and Remington Arms, where he led product development for magnified optics and rifle platforms.
High Speed Gear has been awarded a United States Army contract to produce specialized drone pouches for unmanned aerial system operations. The modular drone case systems were developed through the XVIII Airborne Corps' Dragon's Lair innovation pipeline with support from the Airborne Innovation Lab.
Benelli USA pledged a $30,000 contribution to NSSF's Protect Liberty PAC to support candidates dedicated to protecting Second Amendment rights ahead of the November 2026 election. CEO Tom DeBolt encouraged other industry members and gun owners to support the super PAC's mission to elect pro-freedom candidates.
Henry Repeating Arms is donating 50 limited-edition "Joel's Wildfire" Golden Boy Silver rifles through its Guns For Great Causes program to support wildland firefighter Joel Eisiminger's battle against acute myeloid leukemia. The rifle series is expected to raise over $40,000, with all proceeds going directly to Eisiminger's medical expenses and ongoing care.
NSSF and Project ChildSafe launched "Project ChildSafe Tuscaloosa" in collaboration with the Tuscaloosa Police Department, Tuscaloosa Sheriff's Office, and local organizations including the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and National African American Gun Association. The initiative distributes free cable gun locks and educational resources to promote responsible firearm ownership and secure storage practices.
NSSF emphasizes that while gun owners can customize firearms with legal accessories, certain modifications are dangerous and illegal. Converting semiautomatic firearms to automatic using machinegun conversion devices violates the National Firearms Act and carries up to 10 years imprisonment and $250,000 in fines.
The Scholastic Shooting Sports Foundation (SSSF) is hiring a Compliance & Inventory Manager in Waterford, WI. The full-time position involves regulatory compliance, FFL administration, inventory management, and fundraising event coordination for the national youth shooting sports organization.
Briley Manufacturing, a leading shotgun choke tube and firearm accessories manufacturer in Houston, Texas, is hiring a Gunsmithing/Service Manager to oversee seven gunsmiths and manage repair, refinishing, and modification services at their Houston, Texas headquarters. The role requires firearm repair experience, customer service skills, and management expertise.
Firearms Policy Coalition (FPC) announced that a Texas federal judge denied a DOJ motion challenging FPC's Second Amendment victory in FPC v. Bondi, which struck down the Post Office gun ban. The injunction will continue to apply to FPC members, with the case currently on appeal at the Fifth Circuit.
Kinetic Development Group's patented Kinect™ Series offers tool-free mounting for rifle accessories, allowing shooters to quickly install, remove, or reposition equipment like weapon lights and optics. The system benefits training, competition, hunting, and field use by eliminating the need for tools during configuration adjustments.
ZeroTech Optics has launched the Vengeance 1-4x24 SFP LPVO RAR Illuminated FDE and Vengeance 1-4x24 SFP LPVO RAR MOA, low power variable optics featuring true 1x magnification for close-range engagement and 4x magnification for extended distances. Built from 6061-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum with a 30mm tube, these scopes offer durability and practical performance for defensive carbines, competition rifles, and range use.
Faxon Firearms announced exclusive pistol upgrade combos available through SCHEELS featuring Faxon Match Series barrels and EXOS compensators for Glock 19 Gen 5 and Glock 43X platforms. The combos deliver improved recoil management and faster follow-up shots as part of SCHEELS' March 2026 Shooting Sports Promotion.
Zanders, a national distributor based in Sparta, Illinois, has added the iconic Zippo product line to its portfolio. The partnership brings Zippo's windproof lighters, utility lighters, and outdoor fire-starting accessories to dealers, with commentary from Dan Sielger, President and COO at Zanders, and Garrett Newhouse, Channel Business Manager – Outdoor at Zippo.
Olman Outdoors introduces the OST-100 Steady Eddie Tripod Shooting Stick, a versatile aluminum tripod weighing 5 lbs. 10 oz. with an adjustable height range of 8 to 65 inches. Designed for rifle hunting, tactical shooting, and long-range precision shooting, it features a ball head mount and inverted leg positioning for fast deployment and reliable stability across various shooting positions.
WOOX, an Italian-American gunstock manufacturer, announced the new Superleggera "High Grade" line of lightweight hunting stocks for bolt-action rifles. Each hand-selected walnut stock weighs 33-35 ounces and achieved .278 MOA accuracy in testing, featuring adjustable cheek risers and recoil pads with drop-in installation.
Millennium Outdoors releases the Q400 Guard House Buck Hut, a 15-foot, 8-inch elevated hunting blind featuring heavy-duty steel construction, seven shooting windows, and a 500-pound weight capacity designed for comfort and all-weather durability.
ALPS Mountaineering has launched the Quantum Insulated Air Pad, featuring a 7.3 R-value insulation bed made from 100% recycled material. The lightweight pad weighs just over 2.5 pounds and includes an innovative pump sack conversion and repair kit for outdoor adventurers.
Millennium Treestands introduces the L325 Wide Load Ladder Stand, an 18-foot heavy-duty ladder stand featuring a 24-inch-wide platform, ComfortMax seat, and Secure Tree Brace System. Weighing 78 pounds with a 300-pound capacity, it includes a full-body harness and SafeLink Lifeline for enhanced safety and comfort during hunting.
Wiley X introduces the WX Zulu and WX Bravo lifestyle frames for 2026, featuring ANSI Z87.1+ rated impact protection, Triloid™ nylon frames, and Selenite™ lenses. CEO Dan Freeman highlights how these versatile styles bring trusted protection to everyday wear while maintaining the brand's performance standards.
Galco's Summer Comfort IWB holster is now available in tan for select fits. The snap-on design features reinforced premium steerhide construction, smooth leather for comfort, and full firing grip clearance, with removable belt loops and optional Appendix IWB Belt Loop compatibility.
ALPS Mountaineering introduces the Aleutian 3-Person Outfitter, a category-leading 4-season tent weighing under 10 pounds. Featuring a robust polyester Oxford floor, #10 zippers, and rapid hook and ring fly attachment, the tent offers 48 sq. ft. of interior space and is available at authorized dealers and www.alpsmountaineering.com.
Ol'Man Outdoors announced its 2026 hub-style ground blind lineup featuring three models: The Buck Shot, Carnivore 270, and Bounty Hunter 270. Each blind offers distinct features for concealment, comfort, and visibility, with capacities ranging from two to three hunters and weights between 14-20 pounds.
Italian Firearms Group, the exclusive U.S. importer of Tanfoglio, highlights its lineup including the Stock Optic-Ready for ISPA SSP competition, Stock III Special for USPSA Production Division, Tanfoglio Force Compact 10mm for backcountry use, and Defiant Tactical Pro with threaded barrel and optic-ready design.
RCBS is expanding its MatchMaster Precision Case Trimmer lineup with a new .338 caliber pilot and a pilot-free 3-Way Cutter Head. Co-developed with Henderson Precision, the MatchMaster trimmer is now shipping and available at retailers carrying RCBS reloading equipment.
Thompson/Center Arms launched the ENCORE ProHunter Turkey Shotgun, a compact single-shot platform weighing 6.25 pounds with Mossy Oak Original Bottomland finish. Available in .410, 20, and 12 gauges at $1,000 MSRP, it features an interchangeable system compatible with rifle and muzzleloader configurations.
Springfield Armory launched a new line of Aimpoint COA-equipped pistols featuring the Aimpoint A-CUT interface and closed-emitter red dot sight. The initial Echelon 9mm variants (4.5F, 4.0FC, and 4.0C models) are priced at $1,119 MSRP, representing over $200 in savings compared to purchasing components separately.
Easton's Match Grade Pro Shop Series arrows offer bowhunters precision-engineered hunting arrows crafted in the USA with exclusive Acu-Carbon process technology. Featuring industry-leading straightness tolerances and premium helical fletching, these arrows are available in multiple models including FMJ, AXIS, and SONIC.
Winchester Ammunition's Spring Turkey rebate is now active through May 31, 2026, offering $5 per box savings up to $100 per household. The promotion includes all Winchester turkey loads, with new Long Beard® Tungsten shotshells available in multiple gauges for enhanced range and pattern performance.
Vortex and the Vortex Nation Podcast are hosting a contest through March 31, 2026, offering one winner a custom rifle build, two-day experience at Vortex HQ with Hunter Marksmanship Course, airfare, lodging, and meals. Entrants submit their build story via video or written format for a chance to be featured on the "Cartridge Talks" podcast with hosts Mark and Ryan.
Browning's Spring Turkey rebate is now active through May 31, 2026, offering $5 per box savings up to $100 on Browning TSS Tungsten Turkey loads. The promotion requires a minimum two-box purchase and is valid for purchases made March 6 through May 31, 2026.
Bass Pro Shops celebrates its third Arizona location opening in Tucson on March 25 with an Evening for Conservation. The 100,000-square-foot store will donate 15% of sales to local conservation organizations and feature appearances by legendary anglers Roland Martin, Jimmy Houston, Kevin VanDam, and Josh Bertrand.
Meprolight announced its sponsorship of Precision Rifle Series competitor Garrett Tyler for the 2026 season. Tyler will represent Meprolight optics while competing in PRS events throughout the Atlantic Coast Region, using the MVO 6-36X56 scope in matches.
Field Ethos has renewed its Platinum-level corporate partnership with the Second Amendment Foundation (SAF). CEO Jason Vincent praised SAF's focused mission, while SAF Executive Director Adam Kraut highlighted Field Ethos's commitment to supporting the organization's legal and educational initiatives.
Winchester Ammunition pledges $100,000 to Folds of Honor in 2026, marking the sixth consecutive year of support. Since 2021, Winchester has contributed over $500,000 to the organization, which provides educational scholarships to families of fallen or disabled U.S. military service members and first responders.
Hawke Optics announced a strategic partnership beginning in 2026 with the Chasing Giants Podcast, a premiere whitetail deer hunting show hosted by Don Higgins and Terry Peer. The partnership aligns the precision optics leader with a podcast that shares expert hunting advice and listener-driven content based on 40 years of trophy whitetail hunting experience.
Winchester and White Flyer announce their twenty-seventh year supporting Kids & Clays Foundation with ammunition, targets, and merchandise. The partnership has helped raise over $49,000,000 for Ronald McDonald House Charities since 1999, while introducing non-shooters to the shooting sports.
Primos Hunting released a documentary film "50 Years of Truth" celebrating the brand's 50-year legacy, featuring founder Will Primos and tracing the company's influence on hunting media since 1976. The film, produced by Wisconsin-based creative agency Sicmanta and led by Donnie Vincent and Kyle Nickolite, highlights Primos' commitment to authentic hunting storytelling and is available on the brand's YouTube channel.
Shooting USA features the Ultimate Hunter Rifle Challenge, a new shooting sport for hunters using their own equipment, with cash prizes available. The episode also includes the first installment of Colt ProTips with Mark Redl.
Pursuit Channel highlights the Texas Team Trail, a competitive team bass tournament series airing weekly. The show features live tournament action, tactical insights, and interviews with top teams across Texas's legendary fisheries, available on Pursuit Channel and Pursuit UP's free streaming platform.
Unless you slept through 2025, you already know about the Aimpoint COA. But if you’re just waking up, the COA is a fully enclosed red-dot optic with a unique mounting system Aimpoint calls the A-CUT. What makes it different?
Aimpoint bills the COA as a red dot that’s optimized for concealed-carry pistols: ultra-compact, built for slimline and standard frames, and engineered for reliability, simplicity, and a great shooting experience.
I call the mount the “ski-boot” system. The front of the optic dovetails into a matching cut on the slide and the rear sight clamps the optic firmly in place. The A-CUT is one of the strongest, most robust mounting systems to come along in years.
Why talk about a 2025 optic in 2026? Because Aimpoint’s COA was exclusive to GLOCK until January 20, 2025. Until, that is, SHOT Show 2026 when Springfield Armory jumped in and became the first non-GLOCK Aimpoint partner to adopt the COA A-CUT mounting system.
Springfield will now offer the Echelon 4.5F, Echelon 4.0FC, and Echelon 4.0C with the A-CUT, each shipped with an Aimpoint COA included.
I’ve been an Echelon fan since the 4.5F launched back in 2023. From day one I liked the modular pistol’s accuracy, reliability, versatility, and ergonomics.
The original Echelon series used Springfield’s VIS (variable interface system) for optics mounting. VIS let you fit nearly any optic using a kit of pins and screws included with the pistol. That was a game-changer. The Aimpoint COA and the “A” Cut change the equation again—this is a different ecosystem.
For testing I used my favorite model: the Echelon 4.0C compact. I’ve carried one every day for about five months, so it was the obvious choice to evaluate the COA-equipped version.
What’s different on the Echelon COA versus the original 4.0C? From front to back:
Front sight: the new Echelon COA uses an all-black serrated front sight rather than the tritium with green ring found on the original Echelon.
Mounting: The VIS mounting system is gone, replaced by the Aimpoint A-CUT. The COA sight arrives factory-installed; you shouldn’t need to remove it unless something truly catastrophic happens. The battery compartment is on the optic’s side for easy access, so routine battery changes don’t require optic removal.
Rear sight: on the Echelon COA the rear sight both provides a co-witness and clamps the COA into the slide. It’s a black serrated sight with a U-notch—a clean, usable design I wish Springfield would offer more widely, instead of the white U-notch on some standard models.
Can you convert your current Echelon to accept the Aimpoint COA? I don’t have a definite answer on that yet. My guess is that Springfield will offer A-CUT Echelon slides as aftermarket options, allowing owners adopt the COA ecosystem without buying a whole new pistol, but they haven’t announced that yet.
The Test
I took the Echelon COA straight to the range with some Federal Syntech 115-gr round-nose and Federal American Eagle 115-gr FMJ. I was so eager I neglected to fully zero the optic before my first shots. Since the the COA ships factory-installed, I expected it might be close.
At about 10 yards on a USCCA universal target, the first 20 rounds struck roughly two inches low of point of aim. Windage was essentially dead on.
The COA’s window is a major plus. It gives a field of view comparable to an ACRO but in a smaller, lower-profile package. That big window made target acquisition fast and natural.
Zeroing was straightforward. Windage adjustment is on the COA’s right side; elevation, brightness, and on/off are on the left. Adjustments have tactile click detents and require a Torx T-10 wrench—which is included with the pistol alongside the manual and warranty card.
Short-Term Carry
I’ve only had a few days with the gun, so I couldn’t perform a long-term EDC evaluation. In those few days, though, it was perfectly comfortable in the same holster I’ve been using for my 4.0C. The COA doesn’t add awkward bulk or interfere with draw and re-holstering.
Because the Aimpoint COA is a closed-emitter optic, keeping the lens clean is easier than with open-emitter dots. Dust, dirt and debris aren’t going to foul the emitter, which is a real advantage for an everyday carry gun.
Parting Shots
I’m already spoiled by the Aimpoint COA. I loved the Echelon 4.0C as my EDC, and the 4.0C COA looks like it will be my new favorite. The A-CUT mount is robust, the COA optic is compact and factory installation simplifies everything.
If Springfield offers retrofit A-CUT slides, owners of existing Echelons will be able to join the COA ecosystem without buying a whole new pistol—something to watch for.
