Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc. received the 2026 Firearm Manufacturer of the Year award from the National Association of Sporting Goods Wholesalers. The recognition reflects the company's commitment to trusted products, American manufacturing, and support for distributors and retailers.
SHIELD Sights opened a new U.S. distribution facility in Florida to improve shipping efficiency and reduce delivery times for dealers and customers. The facility will handle order fulfillment, warranty claims, and customer support while SHIELD continues manufacturing products in the United Kingdom.
Zion Benton NJROTC leads the Sporter League at 3-0 after defeating Jack C. Hays MCJROTC, while Lafayette Gun Club tops the Precision League standings. Five teams remain unbeaten in the Sporter League with skill-based pairings now in effect for the eight-week regular season.
Oregon State Police SWAT won the 2026 Staccato National SWAT Championship, presented by Trijicon, held Sept. 25–27 at Staccato Ranch Vegas in Nevada. Nearly 40 elite law enforcement teams from over a dozen U.S. states, Canada, and Puerto Rico competed for $150,000 in prizes, with Washoe County Sheriff's Office placing second and Lubbock PD third.
The Second Amendment Foundation and partners including the National Shooting Sports Foundation and National Rifle Association filed a lawsuit challenging New Mexico's House Bill 129 waiting period for firearms purchases. The suit seeks to expand a previous Tenth Circuit ruling declaring the law unconstitutional to cover all SAF members, as New Mexico continues enforcing it despite the court decision.
The NSSF filed a lawsuit against New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez challenging the state's seven-day firearm waiting period, which federal courts have twice ruled unconstitutional. Despite rulings in Ortega v. Grisham, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham and Attorney General Torrez continue enforcing the law against law-abiding citizens.
Safe LivinG, in collaboration with the Army & Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES), will bring its firearms safety and suicide prevention experience to Fort Bliss Main Exchange on October 23–24. The event features a mobile range with FATS by InVeris simulators, demonstrations from SABRE and Streamlight, and family-friendly firearm safety education.
GrabAGun Digital Holdings Inc. applauds the Texas federal court's decision in Silencer Shop Foundation v. ATF and the October 9, 2026 ATF guidance ending federal enforcement of NFA registration requirements for suppressors and other covered firearms. The company, a leading online firearms retailer, supports the legal work protecting Second Amendment rights and remains committed to defending these freedoms.
Brownells Global Solutions appointed ADN Enterprise as Brownells Europe to manage sales, marketing, and business development across European territories. The partnership leverages ADN's expertise in firearms, hunting, and defense sectors with Brownells' global brand network, providing localized warehouse, technical, and gunsmithing services.
RetailBI released its Q3 2026 Shooting Sports Report analyzing retail sales data from over 2,000 retailers. Despite a 7.8% decline in firearm unit sales, lever-action rifles grew 21.8%, premium handguns above $1,500 increased 33.6%, and suppressors surged 178.6% year over year.
HeadHunters NW, an executive search firm, is recruiting a Controller for a growing multi-location Pacific Northwest company. The role requires seven years of progressive accounting experience, cost accounting expertise, and SAP Business One proficiency, with responsibilities spanning financial reporting, inventory management, budgeting, and team development.
Galco has released the Stow-N-Go IWB holster for Smith & Wesson M&P Shield 3" with or without carry optic. Part of Galco's Concealed Carry Lite line, the holster features Premium Center Cut Steerhide construction, open top design, and supports strong side or appendix carry.
ZeroTech Optics USA introduces the Thrive HD Reflex Sight 3 MOA, a compact 1x reflex optic featuring a 26mm x 19mm viewing window, up to 50,000 hours of battery life, and included low and high Picatinny mounts. The sight weighs approximately 1.48 ounces and is backed by ZeroTech's Triple-A Lifetime Warranty.
Canik announced the official launch of CANIK OPTICS, featuring four pistol-mounted red dot sights across two families: ONYX and PHANTOM. The new lineup includes the ONYXc micro sight, ONYX XL competition sight, PHANTOMc enclosed micro sight, and PHANTOM duty sight, all engineered to deliver Canik's standard of performance, innovation, and value.
ZeroTech Optics USA and Infinite Outdoors announced a strategic partnership offering ZeroTech customers a 30-day free Infinite Outdoors membership trial and providing Infinite Outdoors members with an exclusive 25% discount on ZeroTech optics products.
Primary Arms announced the promotion of Robert Sheets to Vice President of Engineering. In this role, Sheets will lead the company's optics engineering division and work with the Product Development Team to develop innovative products that meet market and customer demands.
Host Michael Waddell interviews 84-year-old Edwin Argroves, a legendary trapper and wildlife expert from Georgia, discussing his decades of experience in trapping, animal behavior, and old-time country wisdom. Argroves shares stories about his journey from childhood trapping to becoming a master of animal control, offering insights on nature and life lessons learned through years of outdoor observation.
MDT has expanded JAE-G5 chassis compatibility to the Remington 700 right-hand long action CIP, bringing magnum-length builds to the competition-focused platform. The chassis features adjustable length of pull, cheek height, and barricade stop position, with M-LOK forend and ARCA rail compatibility. Available in Black starting October 20, 2026.
CIVIVI unveiled the Ryson-E folding knife, designed in collaboration with custom designer Sam Tran. The EDC folder features a 3.32" harpoon blade, ceramic bearing deployment, and Swedish 14C28N or Damascus steel options, available worldwide starting October 29, 2026.
SENCUT has launched the SENCUT Clout (Model S26031), a compact EDC knife featuring a 2.99" D2 tool steel reverse tanto blade designed for outdoor cooking and daily tasks. The knife combines cleaver-inspired geometry with lightweight ergonomics, one-handed deployment, and ambidextrous pocket carry.
Ol' Man Outdoors introduced two new 2026 two-person ladder stands: the Marksman and Skyscraper models. Both feature 18-foot shooting heights, 500 lb. weight capacity, patented Clamp Down Jaw and Truss systems, and include two full-body harnesses for safe tandem hunting experiences.
BLACKHAWK introduces the SONAR Push Button Auto Modified Drop Point automatic folding knife, featuring a 3.5-inch D2 steel blade, lightweight aluminum handle, and push-button deployment. Manufactured by Bear & Son Cutlery in Jacksonville, Alabama, the knife is priced at $204.99 and available in plain or serrated edge options.
Real Avid announces the launch of its free Range Ready resource portal, offering comprehensive guidance on equipment setup, maintenance, and shooting techniques with expert instruction from world-champion shooter Doug Koenig. The portal provides downloadable field guides, checklists, and resources designed to help shooters of all levels maximize range productivity and performance.
Millennium Treestands introduces the DeadLock Carbon Shooting Stick Tripod, a lightweight carbon fiber rest designed for gun deer hunters. The tripod features a multi-platform Vise Head with 3-axis leveling, rapid one-knob leg adjustment, and interchangeable mounting plates for various rifle setups.
CIVIVI has launched the Lil Yonder (Model C25025B), a compact everyday carry knife designed by Zac Whitmore as a scaled-down successor to the award-winning full-sized Yonder. The lightweight folder features a 2.44" 14C28N stainless steel Spey Point blade, ambidextrous Crossbar Lock, and weighs just 2.06 oz, available October 29, 2026.
Remington Gun Care introduced the Rechargeable Mini-Dehumidifier to protect firearms from moisture in gun safes and storage areas. The device features water crystal technology, a motion-activated light, wireless hygrometer and thermometer, and operates up to 60 days before recharging.
Radians Heated Apparel extends outdoor adventures with rechargeable heated jackets, hoodies, and vests featuring three heating zones and up to 10 hours of warmth. The collection includes a heated puffer vest, Mossy Oak Bottomland Camo hoodie, and softshell jacket, all designed for fall and winter camping enthusiasts.
WE Knife Co. unveiled the WE Suisei (Model WE25086), a flagship folder designed in collaboration with Japanese custom knifemaker Dew Hara. Featuring Böhler M390 steel, titanium construction, and celestial-inspired inlays, the knife launches globally on October 29, 2026.
FALCO Holsters announced four new hybrid holsters: the A915, A915 L, A916, and A916 L, combining Italian leather with U.S. Kydex for hip and appendix carry. The A915 models feature traditional hybrid construction for hip carry, while the A916 models introduce the TalonGuard platform for appendix carry, with both available in standard and light-bearing configurations.
Springfield Armory released the Echelon Central Operating Group (COG), a serialized modular component allowing users to build custom pistols with compatible grip modules, slide assemblies, and accessories. The COG features stainless-steel construction, precision machining, and a unique second sear design with an MSRP of $295.
WOOX, an Italian-American manufacturer of gunstocks and accessories, announced new 1911 Grips handcrafted in Italy. Available in Micarta and high-grade American Walnut with three designs—Plain, Diamond, and X-Grip—the grips offer ambidextrous compatibility with 1911s and clones, priced at $79-$89.
Taurus launches an 8-inch barrel Raging Hunter revolver chambered in 350 Legend, joining existing 10-inch and 14-inch models. The six-shot revolver features a non-fluted cylinder, cushioned grip, and Taurus Double Lock System, available in two-tone or black finishes.
Gun Tote'n Mamas has launched its Rose Collection, featuring four lambskin concealed carry handbags designed for women prioritizing style and functionality. Each design accommodates a SIG Sauer P365 or similar firearm, with prices ranging from $115.95 to $179.95 available through the GTM online store.
Crow Wholesale announced an exclusive MTP Holiday promotion featuring Colt products with special promotional pricing for dealers October 12-16. The limited-time offer helps Crow dealers prepare for the holiday selling season with access to select Colt products while supplies last.
Hook & Barrel Magazine features Fox News personality Will Cain on its November/December 2026 cover, alongside mountain man Laramy "Sasquatch" Miller and chef Jean-Paul Bourgeois. The issue includes content from chef Stacy Lyn Harris and musical act Fox N' Vead.
Shooting USA features JROTC teams competing at the George Anderson Shooting Center at Camp Perry, OH for national team and individual champions in Three Position Ten Meter Air Rifle, plus a Colt Pro Tip segment with Wyatt Gibson.
I was around when the Ruger Blackhawk was replaced by the “improved” New Model Blackhawk. The change was to ensure that those who hadn’t gotten the memo about traditional single action cartridge guns didn’t die from self-inflicted gunshot wounds.
The pattern of the accident, only known since the 1870s, was dropping a fully-loaded single action revolver, it (seemingly invariably) landed on the hammer spur firing the cartridge under the hammer while the muzzle was directed skyward toward the hapless user who’d been carrying the gun.
There was an accident with what came to be known as a “three-screw” Ruger leading to a wrongful death claim (“I didn’t know what was literally so well-known for the past 80-90 years that other gun companies had “safety hammerless” – etc. revolvers in major sales campaigns.)
The death was tragic, it was due to a lack of competence on part of the users and it led to a fundamental change.
“No one wants these transfer bar Rugers! We don’t get the “clicks” we want when cocking the hammer.” – I remember the rap, had a pair of used 3-screw Blackhawks myself.
It seems that now Ruger is “ended” because of a pause in production of the New Model Blackhawk … the SP101, the LCR, the SR1911 … and “everyone” knows why.
It’s Beretta. Or it’s “they make more money on RXMs and LCPs.” Or something.
Note that “everyone” doesn’t include people at Ruger.
Now people are talking about buying revolvers – but only after an announced production pause.
I have some lamented items in the product line. I was at SHOT when the LCR was announced, shot some of the first LCRs at Gunsite – including on the Scrambler. (Even then, it was more the “Ambler” for me.)
The GP100? I liked the concept well enough that I have mine. A favorite is the seven-shot snub I’ve used on the revolver portion of the annual LEOSA retiree qualification.
I find myself using Blackhawks less than the DA guns; that’s a function of my background. But the Blackhawk is as fine a single action gun as you’ll find.
My first auto pistol was the Ruger Standard Auto. Before the day of the “Mark” autos, it was misery to reassemble after cleaning. I had a Mark II Target, got a Mark III to check out. The added “safety” features were problematic.
The Mark IV arrived and I never looked back. But my favorite Ruger 22 is the GP100-22, this one a Davidson’s Exclusive with a shorter than normal barrel. The LCR22 and LCRx22 are also favorites. I shoot bullseye – on my own – with the Mark IV and it’s been helpful in relearning old, lost skills.
The 10/22 is still out there and, while late to the game, I like them too. They have improved versions now, still developing a great old line.
Original SR1911 used at the factory roll-out at Gunsite.
When Ruger announced the SR-556, some complained. When the SR1911 was introduced – that was during a Gunsite trip I attended – there was some grousing. The SR1911 and variations of the Ruger AR have been very popular.
Counting Ruger out is unwise. They’ve been making great guns for decades.
