FRI | APRIL 25, 2025

Mark Shen, of Menlo Park, California, earned the titles of 2025 USA Shooting Junior Olympic Champion in both Men’s Sport Pistol and Air Pistol in Talladega and Anniston, Alabama, April 13-18, hosted by the Civilian Marksmanship Program.
Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. reports continued success for Team Ruger, with strong showings across multiple events in April. Dave Olhasso and James McGinty continue to dominate the competition across all categories, showcasing the reliability and accuracy of the full Ruger product line.
Breek Arms will showcase its latest innovations at the 154th NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits Booth #1027 inside the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta.

CZ® will be exhibiting at the 2025 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits, happening April 25–27 at in Atlanta, Georgia. Visit Booth #8622 to explore CZ’s trusted lineup of firearms and learn more about the company’s Gun Safety Campaign.
Join Franchi at Booth #2236 during the 2025 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits in Atlanta, April 25–27, for an up-close look—and hands-on feel—of what’s next in premium firearm design. Be among the first to experience the newly redesigned Affinity semi-auto shotguns, featuring refined ergonomics and performance-driven upgrades.
CrossBreed Holsters is locked and loaded for the 2025 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits. At Booth #4349, attendees will get an up-close look at the all-new Reign IWB Holster System, built for serious concealed carry. Also on deck: fresh upgrades to some of CrossBreed’s most trusted legacy holsters.

Remington Ammunition will attend Reed's Gun Fair May 2-4, 2025, at the scenic Rice Creek Hunting & Recreation Area near Little Falls, Minnesota. This one-of-a-kind event offers firearm enthusiasts an unparalleled opportunity to try-before-you-buy, featuring hands-on demonstrations of ammunition from Remington.
SK Rimfire will be making an appearance at the 154th NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits. Known and trusted by competitive shooters, trainers, and enthusiasts worldwide, SK will be at booth #1916 on April 24-27 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, Georgia.
Custom and Collectable Firearms is preparing for an unforgettable exhibition at the 2025 NRA Convention in Atlanta, where they will unveil several new limited-edition firearms. This exclusive event will mark the first time many of these stunning, one-of-a-kind creations are available for public viewing.

MTM Case-Gard announces their attendance at the 2025 NRA Annual Meeting & Exhibits (booth #1840), taking place April 24-27 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, Georgia.
Magpul announced several new products, just in time for the 2025 NRA Annual Meetings, with many products available soon. These include new variants of AMAG magazines for the SIG P365 pistol, new grip sizes for the RXM pistol and more.
Breek Arms is pleased to announce its attendance at the Texas Tactical Police Officers Association Annual Conference on April 23-27th at Kalahari Resorts & Conventions.
Benelli USA will be exhibiting at the 2025 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits in Atlanta, Georgia, taking place April 25–27. Located at Booth #2236, Benelli invites attendees to experience firsthand the industry-leading performance, innovation, and craftsmanship behind its legendary shotgun and rifle lineup.
European American Armory (EAA) announces the release of the BRAT Witness2311, now featuring an Optic Ready Slide compatible with RMSc footprint optics, unveiled during the 154th NRA Annual Meeting.
MDT announced its return to the NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits. Attendees will get a close look at some of the company's most anticipated new products. MDT is bringing some serious innovation to Booth #1163.

Kimber, Mfg., Inc., will be exhibiting at the Upcoming NRA Show in Atlanta, Georgia on April 25th through the 27th at booth 2420 at the Georgia World Congress Center.
DeSantis Gunhide will exhibit at the 2025 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits, taking place April 25-27 in Atlanta, Georgia. Visit Booth #1015 to see why DeSantis Gunhide has been the trusted choice for gun enthusiasts for over 50 years nationwide.
HEVI-Shot will attend the upcoming try-before-you-buy event at Reed's Gun Fair, May 2-4, 2025. The event will be held near Little Falls, Minnesota, at the scenic Rice Creek Hunting & Recreation Area.

Bond Arms® is headed to Atlanta for the 2025 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits, happening April 25–27. Stop by Booth #3231 to check out Bond Arms’ full lineup of compact firearms, including the innovative LVRB and the prototype pistol version chambered in .300 Blackout, along with standout models like the DT47 “Trump Gun” and the elegant First Lady.
Stoeger is heading to the 2025 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits in Atlanta, April 25–27, with a lineup built for those who demand performance with an accessible price. At Booth #2236, stop by to get a hands-on look at the STR-9 Combat XS and the streamlined STR-9 Thinline—both built for everyday carry and serious protection.
FightLite Industries announced they will be attending and exhibiting their newest products at the 2025 NRA Annual Meeting. Doors open 9am on April 24th, stop by booth #2718 to get hands on and engage with the FightLite team.
Dead Air Silencers is set to make noise at the 2025 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits — not with volume, but with the launch of its most advanced suppressor line to date: RXD Suppressors. Visit Booth #2863 to witness firsthand how Dead Air and Ruger are redefining silence with this game-changing new series.
Nosler, Inc. announced its participation in the 2025 National Rifle Association Annual Meetings & Exhibits (NRAAM). Located at Booth #3749, Nosler invites attendees to explore its latest lineup of premium products and innovations.
As turkey hunters head into the field for season openers across the country, Avian-X reveals its top products for 2025, pairing a line of Heavy-Duty Realism decoys with a motion base that adds the natural appeal of movement to any setup.
Colt’s Manufacturing Company announces it is “fully funding” Georgia’s Give It Shot program with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. The program offers hands-on firearms training with certified instructors. Colt is also offering “Colt Safety Scholarships” providing eligible residents with free enrollment in the program over the course of the next 12 months.
Old Glory Bank announces a new partnership with the MidwayUSA Foundation, a national 501(c)(3) public charity dedicated to sustaining and growing youth shooting sports in America. Through this partnership, Old Glory Bank is reaffirming its unwavering support of the Second Amendment and its commitment to investing in the next generation of responsible, confident young Americans.
Colt's Manufacturing Company’s Blued Python revolver has earned the 2025 NRA Golden Bullseye Award for Handgun of the Year by American Rifleman,
GunBroker.com announced several key developments in its advertising sales program for the first quarter of 2025, including significant partnerships with renowned brands such as Colt, FN, and IWI. These brands have added the GunBroker.com BUY NOW icon to their firearm listings, providing a seamless link from manufacturer websites directly to relevant GunBroker.com listings.
Shell Shock Technologies, LLC. announced a new licensing agreement with Phantom Defense under its recently launched License Program. Through this partnership, Phantom Defense will manufacture the 8.6 Blackout (8.6 BLK) cartridge utilizing SST’s revolutionary NAS3 two-piece case design.
Austin Dillon will pilot the No. 3 Winchester Chevrolet for Richard Childress Racing during the Jack Link’s 500 at Talladega Superspeedway on April 27.
For 30 years, Bond Arms has exemplified what it means to be “American Tough, American Made,” as the Texas-based company has provided firearms enthusiasts with the best products at the best prices. Greg Bond, a longtime tool and die maker, founded Bond Arms in 1995 in Granbury, Texas.
Breek Arms announced a strategic partnership with Arm or Ally, a respected online firearms supplier dedicated to serving firearm enthusiasts nationwide. This collaboration aims to improve customers' access to high-quality products and the latest technology in the firearm industry.
Chattanooga Shooting Supplies announces its expanded distribution of top-selling firearm brands by adding Diamondback Firearms to its extensive lineup. Dealers will now have greater access to Diamondback’s firearms, including their sought-after pistols and rifles.
Trijicon Inc. announced that the Trijicon Credo HX 1-10x28 has been selected to receive a Golden Bullseye Award as the 2025 American Hunter Optic of the Year.
The Kinetic Group, manufacturer of the iconic brands Remington, Federal Premium, CCI, Speer and HEVI-Shot, is seeking an International Sales Manager. The International Sales Manager requires an individual who is able to coordinate a large number of projects concurrently as well as the ability to connect and communicate with individuals from different locations, cultures and business climates from around the world.
Gunsite Academy, the world’s premier firearms training academy located in the Prescott, Arizona area, is in search of a Marketing Specialist to manager social media, video, market class advertisements, media interaction and more.
Henry Repeating Arms introduces the HUSH Series. The new line of suppressor-optimized lever-action rifles is the debut release from the company’s Special Products Division (SPD), a new R&D initiative focused on forward-thinking innovation.
Rossi USA unveils the next evolution in the R95 family: the R95 TBP (Triple Black Pistol). This new lever-action pistol format is available in 454 Casull, 45-70 Govt, 44 Rem. Magnum and 357 Magnum.
The JK 195 SGX 20GA is a fully modular system that adjusts from a compact 3.375 inches to an extended 12.2 inches, allowing shooters to tailor the suppressor’s length, weight, and sound suppression level to their specific needs.
Dead Air Silencers and Ruger Firearms have joined forces to introduce an entirely new class of suppressors: the RXD Series. This bold new line is a ground-up innovation built to complement Ruger’s renowned firearm platforms with uncompromising performance, design, and maintainability. The RXD22Ti and RXD30Ti are the first in this purpose-driven lineup.
Taurus announced the release of the Taurus 58, a modern, aluminum-frame 380 ACP pistol, available in black or stainless. With a 15-round capacity, double/single action hammer-fired design and refined ergonomics, the Taurus 58 is built for users seeking a lightweight, easy-to-shoot handgun.
Rossi’s new lever-action pistol format delivers all the features of their R95 Triple Black rifle in a compact, maneuverable platform ideal for versatility in the field or at the range.
Streamlight Inc. introduced the TLR-1 HP-X USB/TLR-1 HP-X, a high-candela weapon light for full-size and compact railed handguns. The multi-fuel light gives users the choice of using either cost-saving SL-B9 USB-C rechargeable battery packs or 3-volt CR123A lithium batteries.
Sierra Bullets introduced the MatchKing-X (MKX) - the next evolution of Sierra Bullets’ MatchKing series - designed with hunters in mind. Consistently tested on thin-skinned game out to 500 yards, the MatchKing-X is engineered for rapid expansion and terminal performance.
CZ announces the launch of the CZ SHADOW 2 CARRY – born from sport, tailored for concealed carry. A traditional double-action, hammer-fired system, the new pistol is optics-ready.
Fans of green dot reflex optics can use their favorite Vortex Defender model. Each Defender features the large viewing window, Shockshield Polymer Insert and motion activation.
ZeroTech Optics provides a shotgun guide to multi-reticle red dot reflex sights and 1X prism optics. Designed to enhance performance, these tools provide a different way to visualize their shot patterns.
The Second Amendment Foundation announced that Taurus Holdings Inc. has renewed their commitment to the organization as a Platinum-level corporate partner. Along with renewing their Platinum-level partnership, Taurus also supports SAF through other avenues such as the monthly sweepstakes program.
Barnes Bullets introduces its Harvest Collection, an innovative ammunition line designed and engineered specifically for whitetail and thin-skinned game hunting.
BANISH Suppressors announces the official release of the BANISH 30-V2. Smaller, lighter, and quieter than its predecessor, the BANISH 30-V2 is also now equipped with an industry-standard HUB mount.
Silencer Central offers the latest suppressor from BANISH – the all-new BANISH 30-V2. The 30-V2 takes everything that has made the BANISH 30 the best-selling suppressor on the market and improves upon the design, making it smaller, lighter, quieter, and incorporating an industry-standard HUB mount.
Shell Shock Technologies, LLC. is setting the record straight: yes, its NAS³ pistol cases are reloadable—again and again. While the industry continues to embrace the performance benefits of SST’s proprietary NAS³ technology, many shooters are still unaware that these cases not only outperform traditional brass in every measurable way, but they can also be reloaded for substantial cost savings.
Winchester Long Beard® TSS is the official ammunition of the incredible Sea to Sea Turkey Slam, powered by Game & Fish Magazine and The Outdoor Channel. Starting on Friday, April 18, Game & Fish Magazine and The Outdoor Channel will be spotlighting exciting hunts, expert tips, and excellent gear from industry sponsors, like Winchester Ammunition.
Burris Optics announced its sponsorship of the 2025 Precision Tactical 2-Rifle Match, taking place April 26–27, 2025 at the NRA Whittington Center in Coal Canyon, New Mexico.
The defending state champion and plenty of contenders for this year’s Senior Division State Championship will tangle this weekend as the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s Youth Shooting Sports tournaments kick off at the Arkansas Game and Fish Foundation Shooting Sports Complex.
 

Today’s feature is from our companion service Shooting News Weekly.

Streamlight introduced their latest full-size rail-mounted pistol light, the new TLR-1 HL-X at SHOT. This absolute floodlight cranks out a full 1500 lumens, generates 20,000 candela, and uses either the included rechargeable batteries or widely available CR123A lithium batteries.

The TLR-1 HL-X a large duty-size weapon light. It’s almost 1.5 inches wide and weighs about 5 ounces depending on the batteries you use.

As you can see below, batteries load from the front so you don’t have to dismount the light in order to change them. Opening the gasket-sealed tilt-down front portion of the light is a two-step process so you don’t have to worry about it happening accidentally. Just lift the lever on the right side and push an indented release button on the left side of the TLR-1 HL-X’s housing.

Streamlight ships the TLR-1 HL-X with two of their SL-B9 rechargeable batteries along with a ‘Y’ type USB cable so that you can charge both of them at the same time. The weapon light will also run on widely available CR123A lithium batteries.

While the CR123A’s are slightly lighter and will give you about 30 minutes more runtime, they won’t generate as much light output as the rechargeable batteries will. While the SL-B9 batteries will crank out 1500 lumens, you’ll only(!) get 1000 lumens using CR123A’s.

This is a large weapon light, but it ships with four interchangeable rail “keys” that let you mount the gun on virtually any compact or full-size pistol.

Most of the photos here show the TLR-1 HL-X mounted on an FN 509 Compact Tactical. You can see it above on a Beretta APX A1 Full Size. Streamlight has a handy TLR fit guide that lets you search by gun model, but — probably because this is one of their newest lights — the TLR-1 HL-X doesn’t show up yet for either gun. Whatever the guide may say, I can’t imagine any railed pistol with a 4- or 5-inch barrel that the TLR-1 HL-X won’t fit.

Streamlight gives you options as to their ambidextrous actuator switches. They come with the low position switches you see above pre-mounted, but you can easily replace one or both of them with included switches that ride higher toward the gun.

A quick, momentary press of either lever gives you constant on, or you can press and hold for momentary operation ("off" on release).

The TLR-1 HL-X also has a programmable strobe function. It’s sort of hidden, though, and ships from Streamlight with the strobe function disabled. To use it, quickly tap either one of the switches nine times in a row and hold it down on the tenth tap. Wait until the light turns off and the strobe function will be activated.

Once it is, you can use the strobe by tapping either of the switches once, then quickly pressing and holding it down again. You’ll then be strobing (and blinding) anyone in front of you with a full 1500 lumens of power.

Using the two rechargeable batteries, the TLR-1 HL-X lets you light up a lot of territory. It’s rated to generate a beam distance of 283 meters…that’s almost the length of a football field. If you’re using CR123A batteries you’ll get a little less throw distance at 245 meters.

What does that mean in the real world? Take a look at the photo above. The far corner of the yard is about 60 feet away in the dead of night. As you can see, the TLR-1 HL-X generates a wide beam that illuminates almost the entire yard, with a brighter hot spot in the center. As you can imagine, it will light up an interior room of a home almost like daylight.

The TLR-1 HL-X’s beam spillover is a very good thing in that you can use it to safely see what’s what. That wide beam means you can keep your pistol pointed down in the low-ready position and determine what you’re dealing with in front of you without muzzling anything or anyone unnecessarily.

The TLR-1 HL-X is also built. It’s machined from 6000 series aluminum and is fully waterproof (IPX7 rated). That means it will survive at one meter under water for 30 minutes. I don’t have anything that’s one meter deep, but I filled a sink and left it in there for an hour. It kept right on ticking.

The only downside (possibly aside from price) is that if you have a holster that’s made for your pistol with another larger Streamlight model weapon light (like, say, their 1000 lumen TLR-1 HL), it isn’t likely to fit. The TLR-1 HL-X is a bigger light.

Most of us won’t have a use for something like Streamlight’s TLR-1 HL-X. We just don’t need anything that’s as large and powerful as this on our everyday carry or home defense gun. Something that’s more compact — like, for instance, one of the TLR-7 variants — will make more sense. But if you have a need for a full-sized, full power lumen blaster on your carry or duty gun, the TLR-1 HL-X is likely just what the doctor ordered.

Specifications: Streamlight TLR-1 HL-X Weapon Light

Lumens: 1,500
Candela: 20,000
Beam Distance: 283 meters
Battery Type: SL-B9 rechargeable batteries (2 included) or CR123A lithium
Run Time: 60 minutes continuous with SL-B9, 90 minutes CR123A
Length: 3.45 inches
Width: 1.44 inches
Weight: 5.2 ounces (with rechargeable batteries
MSRP: $359 (retail about $178)

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— Dan Zimmerman

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