MassWildlife is offering free Archery 101 classes throughout summer at multiple locations, with equipment available to borrow for beginners. Eight public archery ranges are also open across the state for individual practice with free passes.
Team Ruger's Lauryl Akenhead won the Top Lady title at the 2026 Hornady Precision Rifle Challenge near Evanston, Wyoming, competing against 200 shooters with her Ruger American Rifle Gen II chambered in 6mm Creedmoor. Akenhead praised the rifle's reliability and accuracy, crediting it as a winning competition platform.
Team Blaser shooter Ed Smith won the 2026 NSSA US Open High Overall Championship with a near-perfect 399/400 score at the satellite shoot held across 18 host clubs. Smith also earned HAA Champion honors and Doubles Runner-up, while teammates Caile Bradham and Rachel Barringer achieved additional podium finishes.
Team RAW shooter Aaron Hipp earned third place in the Precision Marksman Challenge at the 2026 Rocky Mountain Airgun Challenge, competing against 94 shooters with his RAW HM1000X. Hipp's podium finish earned him $5,000 from the event purse sponsored by Utah Airguns.
SHIELD Sights celebrated strong performances at the European Handgun Championships 2026 in Crewkerne, England. Denny Rossetto successfully defended her Ladies Open European Championship title, while Miroslav Zapletal captured the Men's Senior Production Optics European Championship, showcasing exceptional skill among Team SHIELD competitors.
Firearms Policy Coalition filed a motion to supplement its federal lawsuit challenging California's handgun roster by adding a claim against the state's ban on semiautomatic handguns with cruciform trigger bars, including most Glock pistols. The coalition, represented by Benbrook Law Group, PC, argues California's expanding handgun bans violate the Constitution and Supreme Court precedent.
Winchester Safes achieved record-breaking attendance and a 15% increase in units sold at its Mansfield, Texas Warehouse Sale for the second consecutive year. The event featured food from Texas Grub Food Truck, product demonstrations, and exclusive inventory unavailable through traditional retail channels.
Hook & Barrel Magazine is celebrating America's 250th birthday and its 9th anniversary with a nearly $9,000 giveaway of American-made outdoor gear. The prize package includes contributions from Ruger, Federal, CCI, Leupold, EOTECH, Bear Archery, Easton Archery, Staccato, Wyld Gear, and Bear & Son. The sweepstakes runs through July 31, 2026.
KDG, headquartered in Seymour, Connecticut, officially transitioned to its new brand identity after dealers, distributors, and customers already referred to the company by the abbreviated name. Owner Stephen Duhaime and Director of Sales & Marketing Chris Bardugone emphasized the move simplifies market recognition while maintaining unchanged leadership, engineering philosophy, and product standards.
Real Avid introduces the "Range Ready" initiative featuring a 15-part content series with world-renowned competitive shooter Doug Koenig. The program emphasizes preparation and confidence through expert guidance on firearm setup, shooting techniques, and performance mindset for shooters of all skill levels.
The NSSF-adjusted NICS figure for June 2026 reached 1,123,006, an 11.7 percent increase compared to June 2025's 1,004,986. The National Shooting Sports Foundation introduced monthly NFA checks tracking, with Texas, Virginia, and Florida leading in NFA checks during the month.
HIVIZ Shooting Systems marks its 30th anniversary with three decades of innovation in high-visibility sight solutions. The company has introduced groundbreaking products including the M-Series Magnetic Shotgun Sight, TriViz Sight, and FastDot H3, while partnering with major firearms brands including Benelli, Browning, Ruger, and Smith & Wesson.
RCBS announces the launch of the RCBS Bench Stool, featuring a padded seat, matte-black reinforced legs, and swivel base designed for reloading rooms and workshops. The stool is now available and shipping with an MSRP of $119.99.
Federal Ammunition is now shipping two new firearm cover series: the Federal Fit Coil Rifle Cover and Federal Fit Quick Strike Muzzle/Scope Cover. Both feature suppressor-ready designs with heat-resistant lining and are available in medium, large, and extra-large sizes, with MSRPs ranging from $49.99 to $59.99.
Firearms Policy Coalition (FPC) and FPC Action Foundation (FPCAF) filed comments with the ATF on proposed revisions to the definition of "unlawful user of or addicted to controlled substance," arguing the changes don't go far enough to align with the Supreme Court's Hemani decision and constitutional protections under the Second Amendment.
Kimber Mfg. has expanded its 2K11 Comp lineup with five new finish configurations in full-size and Pro-size models, introducing Coyote, Royal, and Minotaur finishes. All models feature a 9mm chambering, integrated compensator, and the hallmark 2K11 features including a toolless guide rod system and crowned, fluted barrel.
MDT announced the release of Rifle Control Points, ergonomic aluminum thumbshelves designed for PRS and NRL competitors. The M-Lok compatible accessories provide consistent support hand reference points with adjustable positioning, V-hull profile for recoil tracking, and textured grip for wet conditions.
CZ unveiled the P-10 C Ported COA, a compact 9mm pistol featuring factory porting, a mounted Aimpoint COA red dot, and a 4-inch barrel with 15+1 capacity. The new model combines the proven P-10 C platform with enhanced muzzle control and is available now.
Engaged Industries' Recon XL suppressor proved its capabilities on a .375 rifle during a Cape buffalo hunt in Africa, delivering significant recoil reduction and improved shot placement. The suppressor maintained zero over long distances and generated overwhelming interest from African professional hunters and international guides.
MTM Molded Products Company announces its limited-edition America250 Ammo Crate Series in patriotic red, white, and blue, available in 4-can (Model #AC4C-1776, $49.99) and 5-can configurations. Both models feature water-resistant seals, heavy-duty latches, and are 100% made in the U.S.A.
VIKTOS launched its Limited Edition America's 250th Anniversary Collection featuring the Uncle Samerator™ Tee, America 250 Tee, Patriot Color Operatus™ XP Gloves, and Patriot Color Counteract™ CCW Belt. The veteran-designed collection honors 250 years of American independence with patriotic styling and tactical performance.
Benelli announces the Super Black Eagle 3 Anniversary Edition, a limited-run commemorative shotgun with only 250 total units produced. Featuring hand-selected AA-grade walnut, deep engraving with gold inlay, and patriotic imagery including the American flag and U.S. seal, this edition celebrates America's 250-year milestone.
Bass Pro Shops announced plans for a new 148,000-square-foot destination retail location in La Mesa, California, expected to open in 2028. Founded by Johnny Morris, the store will be the sixth Bass Pro Shops location in California and will feature immersive outdoor experiences, conservation initiatives, and employment for over 150 Outfitters.
Burris Optics announced its sponsorship of the Gunsite 2026 Scout Rifle World Championship, held October 31, 2026, at Gunsite Academy in Arizona as part of the academy's 50th Anniversary celebration. The competition will feature over 30 shooters competing in eight challenging stages honoring Colonel Jeff Cooper's Scout Rifle legacy.
Beretta USA announces its sponsorship and participation in the NSCA North Central Regional Championship, July 7–12, 2026, at Northbrook Sports Club in Hainesville, Illinois. Attendees will experience Beretta's premium shotgun lineup including the 694 Black DLC, DT11 Super Sport, SL2, AX800 Suprema, and A400 L Sporting, plus watch Team Beretta athletes compete.
Outdoor Channel launches the "Taste of the Wild" block featuring four new programs: Wild Fish Masterclass with Chef Mike Robinson, Feast By Fire with Jess Pryles, MeatEater Roasts, and Gone Again with Carter Andrews, premiering Mondays at 7 p.m. ET starting July 6.
Pursuit Channel highlights its Main Beam Monday primetime block, presented by Wildlife Research Center, featuring whitetail hunting series including Dean Partridge's Canadian Whitetail, Red Arrow with Kip Campbell, Game On with Blaine Anthony, The American Way, Wallhanger TV, and Cabela's Deer Gear. The block airs Mondays at 8:00 p.m. ET across multiple platforms reaching over 22 million homes.
I was out at the range during our warm and (surprisingly) dry weather working on material for our service. After working with a centerfire pistol, trying to make hits from the draw and working on time instead of precision, I broke out the Ruger Mark IV 22/45 “Lite,” this one a Black Hills Ammunition Commemorative model.
It’s worthwhile to work precision as the last effort before leaving the range and the Ruger Mark IV series is a great gun to use to perform that practice. This gun has a green anodized upper, laser engraving to establish its origins as a commemorative and it has a special serial number range. Weighing in at only 25 ounces, it’s not ideal for bullseye but that was my intention today.
The lower is black polymer. Like the 22/45 line generally, the grip angle mimics the Government pistol of 1911. The gun was furnished with custom stocks by Herrett’s, nicely engraved with the Black Hills Ammunition logo. I didn’t want to mess them up. Back into the box they went, replaced by the (supplied) factory black rubber stocks.
In my past experiences with the 22/45 Lite, the “Lite” part was a problem. While I don’t need a heavy 22 LR pistol, something about average weight for the usual service pistol would help me keep the gun steady on the target. Due to the reasons for me having this gun, I’ll not complain about the lack of weight. I’ll just be diligent in trying to hold it still.
I worked from 20 yards – it’s where the table was set – and shot on a bullseye target, the B-8 (CP) repair center. Each string featured five rounds, one-handed, right hand followed by a five-round string fired one-hand, with the left hand. I had a single round that failed to feed; the remainder of the 20 rounds fed and fired.
Two strings of five each were fired with each hand, with a total of 20 rounds on target. The shallow sights of the 22/45 Lite were hard to see on a center hold in the bull, so the first string was low, due to my six o’clock hold. I suffered through the rest, wishing I still had the Mark IV Competition model I let go back.
All hits were on the repair center, with five in the “8” ring. The remainder were in the bull, with three hits solidly in the “X” ring. The score was 182/200, not a prize winner.
As it was slow fire on a timed fire target, the score would have been considerably less, 162/200.
Still, with half of the rounds fired with the less dominant hand, I didn’t feel bad about the scoring.
As we’re nearing the midst of summer, it’s good to get out, away from “news,” phony controversies and the angst of social drama. When you shoot bullseye, it’s you, the ammo, the sights and the trigger. The focus on the task clears the nonsense from your mind.
