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Outdoor Edge won the Gold Award in the Knife category of the Bowhunting World and Predator Xtreme 2026 Readers' Choice Awards, marking the fifth recognition in six years. The Denver-based manufacturer's patented RazorSafe® replaceable blade system continues to resonate with hunters and outdoor enthusiasts.

ALPS OutdoorZ and founder Dennis Brune received the Lynn Boykin Hunting Heritage Award from the National Wild Turkey Federation at their 50th Annual National Convention. The company has contributed over $800,000 to NWTF's mission, including $170,000 for education and outreach, supporting mentored hunting and next-generation hunters since 2008.

FN America, LLC has been awarded a $9.9 million contract to supply the U.S. Army and U.S. Navy with FN® M240B machine guns. The contract continues FN's legacy of providing weapon systems to the U.S. military, with production at their Columbia, South Carolina facility since 1981.

B&P USA Pro Staff members Gebben Miles, Karen Miles, and Nick Berry delivered commanding early-season performances across the Caribbean Classic, Seminole Cup, and Blackjack Open. The team secured multiple titles including Main Event victories and High Overall honors, demonstrating technical precision and competitive excellence to open the 2026 NSCA season.

Fiocchi of America's Pro Team achieved commanding performances at major NSCA sporting clays events, with Kiersten Sales capturing multiple championships at the Caribbean Classic and Bill McGuire earning Veteran titles. Chad Roberts secured the Main Event M2 title at the Arizona State Championship, with all athletes relying on Fiocchi's White Rino competition ammunition.

SLG2, Inc. and Beretta announce the Hunt Like A Girl Alabama Turkey Hunt Contest, an all-expenses paid guided turkey hunt at Lagarde Lake Lodge in Piedmont, Alabama, April 7-10, 2026. The contest opens March 6, 2026, and features mentorship from Shoot Like A Girl instructors and Beretta Ambassador Diane Sorantino, a National Sporting Clays Hall of Fame inductee.

Firearms Policy Coalition (FPC) filed a reply brief with the U.S. Supreme Court in Schoenthal v. Raoul on March 3, 2026, seeking to overturn Illinois's ban on carrying firearms on public transportation. The case, represented by Cooper & Kirk, PLLC attorneys David H. Thompson, Peter A. Patterson, William V. Bergstrom, and David G. Sigale, could affect firearm carry rights nationwide.

The Second Amendment Foundation filed a reply brief with the U.S. Supreme Court in Schoenthal v. Raoul, challenging Illinois' ban on firearm carry on public transit. SAF, joined by the Firearms Policy Coalition, argues the ban violates Second Amendment rights and lacks historical support, with Executive Director Adam Kraut and founder Alan M. Gottlieb emphasizing the law only disarms law-abiding citizens.

Maxim Defense will exhibit at the first annual Sharkapalooza 2nd Amendment Festival & Range Day on March 13-14, 2026, at Gun Craft Range in Ruskin, Florida. Attendees can test fire the SDX RFLX and PDX-SD integrated suppressor systems at the Maxim shooting lane, with suppressors available for pickup once tax stamps are approved.

The Arizona Game and Fish Department hosts its annual free Outdoor Expo March 28-29 at Ben Avery Shooting Facility in Phoenix, featuring over 120 exhibitors, live wildlife ambassadors, fishing activities, shooting sports, and prize drawings from Marsupial Gear, No Excuse Hunting and Outdoors, and Umarex USA.

Barrett Firearms Manufacturing will participate in Gun Owners of America's inaugural GEAR event, hosting a 1,500-yard long-range shooting experience. The event brings together firearms enthusiasts and industry leaders for education and community engagement, with Barrett showcasing precision rifle platforms and providing hands-on instruction.

Lee Hoots, a respected editor of Rifle and Handloader magazines at Wolfe Publishing and former editor of Guns & Ammo, died February 6, 2026, at age 57 due to early-onset dementia. He had a 30+ year career in outdoor publishing with Western Outdoor News, Outdoor Sportsmen Group, and Petersen's Publishing.

Industry experts including JC Clark, Travis Glover, Jamison Collins, Gentry Bell, and Michele Salerno will host a webinar on March 12, 2026, titled "From A&D to NFA: Navigating Firearms Compliance in 2026." The session will cover regulatory updates, A&D recordkeeping, NFA products, and compliance technology solutions for firearms retailers.

The Gun Rights Policy Conference (GRPC) planning committee announced registration is open for the 41st annual conference scheduled for September 25-27 in Dallas at the Westin Dallas Fort Worth Airport hotel. Co-hosted by the Second Amendment Foundation and Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms, the event brings together Second Amendment advocates, attorneys, and industry leaders.

The National Shooting Sports Foundation reported February 2026 NSSF-adjusted NICS background checks of 1,265,320, a 3.5 percent increase from February 2025. The NSSF introduced monthly NFA checks data for 2026, with Texas, Florida, and Virginia leading in NFA checks during the month.

Davidson's, Inc., a leading firearms, ammunition, optics, and accessories wholesaler, is hiring an Assistant Marketing Director in Greensboro, NC. The role supports dealer-focused marketing strategies and brand initiatives, requiring 5+ years of B2B marketing experience and preferably firearms industry knowledge.

DeSantis Gunhide® launches the Raptor® 2.0, a premium Kydex® OWB holster for Glock 19 compatible with red dot sights and Streamlight TLR-7 lights. The ergonomic design features deep concealment, precision belt loops, trigger guard detent, and rear sweat guard at $72.99 retail.

Hawke Optics offers turkey hunters precision equipment including the Vantage IR 1-4x20 Turkey Dot Scope with illuminated reticle and the Vantage Reflex Sight featuring Motion Activated Illumination and a 34mm wide-view objective lens for fast target acquisition.

Gun Owners of America endorses Senator Mike Lee's National Constitutional Carry Act, which aims to restore the right to carry firearms nationwide without state permitting requirements. GOA Senior Vice President Erich Pratt stated the legislation would preempt unconstitutional state regulations on firearms, ammunition, and magazine sizes.

EAA Corp is now shipping the CMX and CMXX compact pistols in 9mm, featuring updated grip texturing, an Auto Firing Pin-Block safety, and optic-ready slide cuts. The CMXX model includes an integral compensator for reduced recoil. Additional calibers in 10mm and .45 ACP are available for pre-order this spring.

Derya Arms launches the EX1400, a 12-gauge side-by-side shotgun featuring a lightweight mono-block steel receiver, interchangeable chokes, and Turkish walnut stock. Priced at $699.00, the shotgun is available through distributors Bill Hicks, Lipsey's, RSR, and Sports South, meeting compliance standards in California, Maryland, and Massachusetts.

Breek Arms announced the Omni Buster Charging Handle, an ambidextrous suppressor-ready charging handle for AR-15 and AR-10 platforms designed to reduce gas blowback. Machined from aerospace-grade 7075-T6 aluminum with integrated gas management features, it serves both right- and left-handed shooters in suppressed and unsuppressed configurations.

HS Strut introduced the Elite 6, a new lineup of six diaphragm turkey calls developed with input from Paul Butski, Mark Drury, Tad Brown, and Ricky Joe Bishop. Each call features a three-reed latex design engineered for flexibility and realistic sound, suitable for both beginners and experienced hunters.

Zanders, an all-women-owned distributor based in Sparta, Illinois, announced it is now stocking Bucked Up Energy drinks, supplements, and proteins. The partnership brings the performance energy brand to Zanders' nationwide dealer network, offering high-caffeine, sugar-free products with clinically studied ingredients.

Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc. announced the release of the Performance Center Equalizer Carry Comp, a 9mm micro-compact pistol featuring performance upgrades including a PowerPort for reduced recoil, EZ technology for easy charging, and Ameriglo night sights.

TAG Precision, a Dallas-based maker of precision handgun sights, announced a Lifetime Warranty backed by their patented FiberLok technology. The warranty covers all sights and fibers, with free repair or replacement if anything fails, demonstrating the company's confidence in product durability and quality.

O.F. Mossberg & Sons, Inc. announced the Mossberg 590 Bliksem, a special edition pump-action shotgun created in collaboration with Christian Craighead and Ministry of Defence (MOD). The compact firearm features a 14.375-inch barrel, Rhodesian Brushstroke camouflage finish, and premium design elements including a Flat Dark Earth bird's head-style pistol grip and corncob forend with leather strap.

Remington Ammunition launched the Strut N' Save rebate offering consumers up to $100 back on turkey shotshell purchases through May 31, 2026. Customers can receive $3-$5 per box rebates on products including Nitro Turkey, Premier Magnum Turkey, Final Strut HD, and Premier TSS.

Dan Wesson Firearms announces that the DWX and Specialist pistols are featured on the cover of Guns & Ammo's April 2026 issue. The feature highlights both single-stack and double-stack performance platforms, showcasing the craftsmanship that defines the Dan Wesson brand under the headline "OH, DAN!"

Luth-AR, a leading innovator in AR parts and accessories based in Buffalo, MN, will exhibit at the Nevada Premier Sportsman Expo March 6-8, 2026, at the Reno Sparks Convention Center. Visitors can explore Luth-AR's premium components including MBA Buttstocks, grips, and handguards at Booth #212.

GunBroker.com  will exhibit at the Nevada Premier Sportsman's Expo March 6-8, 2026, at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center. Team members will demonstrate platform features and help both new and experienced users optimize their accounts.

Taurus Holdings Inc. has renewed its Gold-level corporate partnership with the Second Amendment Foundation (SAF). Taurus President and CEO Bret Vorhees stated the company's commitment aligns with SAF's mission to protect Second Amendment rights through education, research, and legal action.

Major League Fishing's 2026 Bass Pro Tour Stage 3 streams live on MyOutdoorTV from Lakes Whitney and Waco in Texas, featuring 51 professional anglers competing for a $125,000 top prize and $600,000 purse. The four-day event (March 5-8) is hosted by the City of Waco, Greater Waco Sports Commission, and Waco Tourism Public Improvement District, with coverage by MLFNOW! broadcasters Chad McKee and J.T. Kenney.

Pursuit Channel highlights Hank Parker's Outdoor Magazine, a long-running series featuring bass-fishing icon Hank Parker sharing authentic fishing techniques, conservation insights, and practical how-to segments. The program airs weekly on Pursuit Channel and streams on Pursuit UP across 120+ million users on multiple platforms.

Aspen Filly, as she is known in the Cowboy Action Shooting community, may have been one of, if not the busiest woman at End of Trail, and for good reason. Photo: P. Erhardt

Jane Nelson-Rudd, whose SASS alias is Aspen Filly, had a lot of late nights and early mornings during the 2026 End of Trail.

She’s an engraver, and an on-site engraver at the World Championship of Cowboy Action Shooting is an extremely popular person.

Nelson-Rudd told me she would probably engrave anywhere from two to three dozen guns during the match, which took place Feb. 22–March 1 at the Ben Avery Shooting Facility in northern Phoenix, Arizona.

That, of course, depends on how elaborate a shooter wants his or her firearm engraved. For those she can’t get to, Nelson-Rudd holds a Federal Firearms License (FFL), allowing customers to ship their firearms to her for engraving work.

A matched pair of engraved six-shooters takes a bit of time to complete, but is well worth it to SASS members who want to stand out on the range. Courtesy Aspen Filly

She got her start in engraving in 2004 and has been at it ever since.

She’s also a Cowboy Action Shooter, so when she’s not eating, sleeping, or engraving, she’s out on the range competing.

Apsen Filly isn’t fooling around when it comes to her on-site engraving setup. Here she is working on one of the many guns she engraved at End of Trail. It’s a slow, and careful process but as you would expect that gets you the best results. Photos: P. Erhardt

During End of Trail, the work is almost non-stop as she tries to get guns turned around and back to their owners before the match ends. Back home at her shop, the process takes a little longer.

“What I like to do is book you in when you call and then have you ship the gun when I’m getting close to the design stage. Depending on the project—if it’s a full gun—it can take anywhere from two weeks to a month to turn it back around,” Nelson-Rudd said.

“If it’s just a partial engraving, it can be quicker than that. I try not to keep customers’ guns for too long.”

Besides End of Trail, where else can you find Aspen Filly?

“I usually do some shoots in Texas, and I also attend Land Run, which is the SASS Nationals out in Oklahoma. It kind of depends on what my schedule looks like,” she explained.

“I'm getting a little older now, so I don't do a dozen or more shows a year, but I get out and make sure people know that I'm still alive.”

Apsen Filly is based out of Arvada, Colorado, but you can find her at major matches she’s attending. She’s also active on Facebook.

– Paul Erhardt, Managing Editor, the Outdoor Wire Digital Network

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