Team Beretta earned four podium finishes at the 2026 World English Sporting Clays Championship in San Antonio, Texas, with Connor Daniel winning Junior Team Champion, Anthony Matarese, Jr. placing third in FITASC, Desirae Edmunds securing third in the Lady division, and Joseph Fanizzi claiming 5-Stand Champion honors.
B&P USA Pro Staff members achieved exceptional results at the World English Sporting Competition in San Antonio, with Gebben Miles finishing Runner-Up in the Main Event, Karen Miles earning Main Lady Champion honors, and James Attwood claiming the FITASC High Overall title. The prestigious event drew 1,268 shooters competing across multiple disciplines including sporting, FITASC, Super Sporting, and 5-Stand.
Benelli USA announces that Pro Staff shooters Heather Eckhardt and Ashlynne Thomas have qualified for Team USA at the 2026 IPSC World Shoot in Corinth, Greece, September 20-October 4. Eckhardt will compete on the Ladies Modified Team while Thomas qualified for the Standard Ladies Team.
Fiocchi of America Pro Staff member Kiersten Sales earned Main Lady Runner-Up, Ladies Cup Runner-Up, and multiple third-place finishes at the World English Sporting Competition in San Antonio, Texas, demonstrating excellence across multiple clay target shooting disciplines.
Jake Stine, a Team SK member, won the 2026 Arizona State Highpower Silhouette Championship held April 18-19 at Ben Avery Shooting Facility in Phoenix, capturing titles in both Standard Rifle and Hunter Rifle divisions. Stine defeated 35 competitors using SK, Berger, Lapua, and Vihtavuori components and ammunition.
Team Lapua's Justin Utley captured third place at the 2026 Oklahoma Prone Masters Challenge held April 17-19 at the Oklahoma City Gun Club in Arcadia, OK. Competing in the two-day 1,000-yard prone match, Utley used Berger bullets, Lapua brass, and Vihtavuori powder to achieve exceptional precision across challenging weather conditions.
Thompson/Center Arms, the National Wild Turkey Federation, and MTN OPS are collaborating on an exclusive turkey hunt in Missouri from April 30th to May 2nd. The event will feature T/C's turkey shotguns, MTN OPS nutrition products, and wild game meals by chef Jeremiah Doughty while highlighting NWTF's conservation initiatives and sustainable wildlife management efforts.
RetailBI released its Q1 2026 Shooting Sports Report analyzing retail sales across 654 dealers. Firearm unit sales declined 7.6% year-over-year, while suppressors surged 53.1% in same-store unit growth, with rifles outperforming shotguns.
NSSF attended the Department of Justice signing ceremony where Acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche released a landmark 34-policy rulemaking package from the ATF. The changes, directed by President Trump's Executive Order, include rescissions of the "Engaged in the Business," bump stock, and stabilizing pistol brace rules, addressing regulations NSSF has long championed.
The NSSF applauds the U.S. Senate's bipartisan confirmation of Robert Cekada as ATF Director in a 59-39 vote. Cekada is the first ATF director confirmed after nomination by a Republican president and brings decades of law enforcement experience to lead the federal agency regulating the firearm industry.
We Buy Guns expanded operations with a new warehouse facility to support growth in online firearm resale. The company has purchased over 11,000 firearms from sellers across all 50 states, paying out more than $5.25 million, and generates over 1,500 purchase offers monthly through its platform.
Hawke Optics has launched the Vantage IR 3x32 Rimfire scope, designed for .17 HMR, .22LR, and .22 WMR cartridges. Featuring a one-inch monotube chassis, multi-coated lenses, and L4A Dot reticle with red/green illumination, the scope offers clarity and durability at an MSRP of $99 with included Weaver mounts.
The Second Amendment Foundation praised Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche and ATF Director Robert Cekada's announcement of 34 proposed and final rules, including rescission of the pistol brace rule. SAF Executive Director Adam Kraut and founder Alan M. Gottlieb expressed optimism that the new rules will clarify firearms regulations and protect Second Amendment rights.
UNIT Solutions announced the launch of the UNIT9 Compact non-lethal pneumatic training pistol, available May 1, 2026. The precision-engineered system replicates duty-size pistol weight, trigger feel, and manual of arms, firing 8mm rounds powered by CO2 cartridges at 325 fps with an MSRP of $749.
XTech Tactical launched the MAG17 RM extended magazine and MAG-ADAPT RM-17 adaptor sleeve for the Ruger RXM pistol, converting the compact model to full-size grip configuration with 17 rounds of 9mm capacity while maintaining ergonomic benefits and reliability.
Zanders, a national distributor based in Sparta, Illinois, has added Ram It Fast Loaders to its product lineup. These magazine loaders are designed for quick, efficient loading with minimal hand fatigue, benefiting both recreational and professional shooters.
Real Avid introduces its Maximum Performance Gun Care line featuring Tri-Max® CLP, Bore-Max® Bore Foam, Foul-Out® Gunk Blaster, Gun-Max® Gun Oil, and the new Gun-Max® Grease. These professional-grade chemicals are engineered for shooters, hunters, and tactical users to simplify firearm maintenance while delivering reliability and performance.
DeSantis Gunhide® introduces the Ruk-Pak™ Holster #233, a rigid Kydex® solution for discreet off-body firearm carry in backpacks and everyday bags. The holster features self-stick loop mounting for unlimited placement options and retails for $52.99.
Wilson Combat introduced the California Compliant EDC X9 2.0, a double stack defensive pistol engineered to meet California compliance standards while maintaining the X9 platform's performance. The pistol features an ambidextrous thumb safety, loaded chamber indicator, and magazine disconnect safety, with a 4-inch barrel capable of 1.5-inch groups at 25 yards.
Sports South announces two new Springfield Armory releases: the Garrison 1911 Target Model, built for precision and accuracy, and the SAINT Victor PDW, designed for compact handling and maneuverability. Both models are now available through Sports South dealers.
Cole Fine Guns and Gunsmithing, based in Naples, Florida, serves as the exclusive U.S. distributor of TSK fully adjustable stocks for premium shotgun brands including Beretta, Perazzi, Krieghoff, and Browning. The TSK system, manufactured in Italy, offers complete customization for shooters of all skill levels across skeet, sporting clays, and trap shooting.
Roni Corporation products, including the new Nano Roni conversion kit, are now available through Chattanooga Shooting Supplies via a strategic partnership with 1791 Outdoor Lifestyle Group. The Nano Roni transforms standard pistols into compact carbine-style platforms with improved control and accuracy, initially compatible with Glock 17, 19, 22, 23, and 45.
Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. announced a new LCP MAX model featuring Magpul's Enhanced Handgun Grip, developed through collaboration between Ruger and Magpul Industries. The pistol includes a manual safety, 10-round magazine, and new 13-round magazine for improved control and consistency.
Kinetic Development Group's patented Kinect™ Series offers tool-free mounting for rifle accessories, enabling shooters to quickly adjust configurations for training, competition, hunting, and field use without requiring tools or interrupting workflow.
Engaged Industries unveiled technical details of its VLB25 baffle design and patent-pending Vacuum Expansion gas management system used in its Operator 5.56 and Recon .308 suppressors. The three-phase system compresses gases, creates low-pressure zones to eliminate blowback, and delays gas accumulation to reduce muzzle signature and recoil impulse.
BANISH Suppressors announced two new stainless-steel suppressor models: the BANISH VRMT 223 SS and BANISH HNT 30 SS, both priced at $579. Designed by founder Brandon Maddox's team, these fully welded suppressors offer sound and recoil reduction while maintaining affordability and performance.
Davidson's and Colt's Manufacturing introduce two exclusive revolvers featuring round-butt grip frames and 2.5-inch barrels—the Python in .357 Magnum and the Anaconda in .44 Magnum, both finished in semi-bright stainless steel with an MSRP of $1,699.
Meprolight is offering a limited-time promotion through July 31, 2026, providing a free Backdraft suppressor rebate with qualifying optic purchases. The straightforward program aims to deliver value to shooters while supplies last, with Digital Marketing Manager Jordan Stein emphasizing the company's commitment to high-performance solutions.
Range USA has expanded to 300 certified instructors across its 50 locations in 2025. The company is hiring and training additional instructors to meet growing demand for firearm education, offering expanded class availability and private lessons tailored to students' skill levels.
RETAY will showcase its 2026 tactical lineup at CANCON East 2026 on May 8–9 at Clinton House Plantation Shooting Complex in Clinton, SC. Attendees can experience the RXP22 pistol and RA1522 rifle and pistol in a fully suppressed environment, with free shipping on firearms purchased through Guns.com.
Winchester AA shotshells and White Flyer targets will be featured on the No. 3 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet during the Würth 400 at Texas Motor Speedway on May 3. Both brands are official partners of the Amateur Trapshooting Association, National Sporting Clays Association, and Scholastic Clay Target Program.
SoundGear, a hearing protection technology leader manufactured by Starkey, announced a national sponsorship of the USA Clay Target League to support youth shooting sports athletes' safety and hearing health. The partnership aims to provide advanced hearing protection to over 56,000 students across 2,000 school-approved teams nationwide.
ALPS Mountaineering announces its third consecutive year partnering with Philmont Scout Ranch to promote the Wilderness Pledge Achievement Award for Boy Scouts of America. Proceeds from award sales support Philmont's sustainability initiatives, including recycling efforts and environmental education programs.
MyOutdoorTV launches The Bass Channel Featuring Major League Fishing, Presented by the Water Sports Foundation, offering 24/7 bass fishing content including Major League Fishing coverage, expert tips, and programming from pro anglers like Bill Dance, Roland Martin, Kevin VanDam, and Mark Zona.
Major League Fishing's Bass Pro Tour Stage 5 streams live on MyOutdoorTV from Beaver Lake, Arkansas, featuring 51 professional anglers competing for a $125,000 top prize and $600,000 purse. The four-day event (April 30 – May 3) is hosted by Destination Rogers with broadcast coverage by Chad McKee and J.T. Kenney.
Major League Fishing's Bass Pro Tour Stage 5 at Beaver Lake features 51 professional anglers competing for a $125,000 top prize and $600,000 purse. The event airs live on GAME & FISH TV via multiple streaming platforms, with the Championship Round on Sunday determining the winner.
There’s a good chance you’ve heard the old Vietnam War stories that the Viet Cong could fire our 5.56mm M16 ammo in their AK-47s, but we couldn’t use their 7.62x39mm ammo in our M16s. I guess it made for a good story about the adaptability and resourcefulness of the VC, but science disagrees. It’s physically impossible to run a 5.56x45mm round in a 7.62x39mm chamber reliably or safely. It’s been tested and it simply doesn’t work.
The idea of being able to use your enemy’s ammo has some merit though. In the early 2000’s U.S. Special Operations troops used limited numbers of Knight’s Armament Company SR-47’s, which were basically M4’s chambered in 7.62x39mm that used AK mags.
What if the US had done similar back during the Vietnam War to counter those pesky VC using magical AK’s that reliably fed both 5.56 and 7.62 rounds equally? Thus the 7.62×39 Commie Commando was born.
The Commie Commando
Since I was going for a Vietnam era vibe, I decided to base my build on the XM177E2 rifle. I had already built a pretty accurate 5.56mm clone a while back so I used that as my reference for a 7.62x39mm build.
I had an A1 upper with tear drop assist in my parts bin already that I had picked up in trade somewhere. All it needed was an ejection port cover and rear sight kit from Luth AR. I did cheat and swap out the A1 rear aperture for an A2 aperture. I much prefer the bigger A2 rear and if I’m not building a direct clone I always opt for the A2 rear over the A1.
I picked up an E.R. Shaw 11.5-inch barrel with front sight base from Model 1 Sales along with a gas tube, barrel nut and slip ring. I used a later style Delta ring rather than the early flat one. The E2 XM177’s used one so I figured that was fine. Plus the flat ones suck and I only use them if necessary for the clone build. For handguards I used the excellent OEM CAR ones from Echo Nine Three. To round out the barrel I used an extended Commando/XM177 style flash hider from KAK Industry.
I already had a chrome KAK bolt carrier around that I picked up during the Christmas sales. I bought a 7.62x39mm bolt from them when I got the flash hider and picked up an enhanced firing pin as well. I used B. King Firearms for my lower parts including the retro two position buffer tube and an H3 buffer. I had a rubber covered aluminum CAR stock as well from Doublestar. In theory it was a blem, but other than being a little tight on the buffer tube at first I didn’t see any other issue.
For a grip I used my favorite shiny B5 Systems LS2. Yeah, I know that’s totally out of era for a Vietnam-ish build I still like the way they feel and I thought it looked good on this set up.
Schrodinger’s Lower
I wasn’t cloning anything in particular, but I did want to keep a retro vibe so I decided to use an A1 lower as well. I didn’t have one on hand but when I ordered my Cat M4A1 lower from Bad Attitude Department I decided to take a shot at their Schrodinger’s Lower offer. These are basically lowers have some cosmetic issue, but are fully functional. It might be an off finish, an engraving error, or even a test lower for some product that may or not be issued later.
If you have kids, you’re probably familiar with the blind box concept. Basically you buy something, usually a toy figure or similar, knowing it’s part of a series, but you don’t know which one you’re going to get. The kids think it’s fun to be surprised with what you get, or disappointed that you got a crappy one or a double of something you already have.
With toys you pay for the privilege of being surprised by a random item. With BAD you actually get a price break. The Schrodinger’s Lower is only $59.95 as opposed to $139.95 for most of the A1 lowers. It’s a good deal if you aren’t picky about what you get, and the surprise of seeing what you end up with is kind of fun. I’m not worried about duplicates, and any functional AR lower is a good by me. Honestly, I’ll probably add one of these on any time I order from now on, just because.
So, what did I end up getting? I actually got a Korean M16A1 lower with a burnt bronze finish. It was marked “Engraving Sample” on the grip tang. I actually had been thinking about getting one of the Korean M16A1 lower for a full Korean clone build. Still, I needed a lower for this 7.62 build so I decided to stick with the plan.
The bronze color was actually pretty cool, but I needed black to go with the rest of the gun. That was an easy enough fix with an application of Norrell’s Moly Resin in “Grayish-Black Colt Flat” and a quick bake in the oven to set the finish when my wife was at work.
Since this gun never actually existed as an issue item, there was no wrong lower to use. With that said, I thought the Korean lower with it’s Korean markings was pretty neat for a build with fake Southeast Asia provenance. Maybe my alternate reality War Department contracted these special issues rifles from Korea due to the US supply channels being backlogged? There is no caliber marking either, which is actually good in my opinion. You don’t have a 5.56mm marked gun with a 7.62mm chambering.
The Whole Package
I waited until January to file for my Form 1, taking advantage of the $0 Tax Stamp. It took about six weeks for approval, but my combination of lower manufacturer and caliber wasn’t in the database already either. Of course the whole NFA is unconstitutional anyway, so let’s hope 2026 is finally the year that at least knocks out the SBR and suppressor provisions…or better yet, the whole thing.
My 7.62 Commando is 33 inches overall with the stock extended and 29.5 inches with it collapsed. That’s the same as my 5.56mm XM177E2 clone. The 7.62 weighs 6.9 pounds with an empty 20 round magazine, the XM177 is a bit lighter at 6.3 pounds. The main difference is the barrel profile. The 177 has a pencil profile barrel whereas the 7.62x39mm barrel is a heavy profile. It’s still reasonably light and quite handy.
I had some short 20-round, and big 28-round Duramags on hand already from my other two 7.62x39nmm ARs. Other than that, I rounded out my kit with a Chinese AK chest pouch and a Vietnam era nylon M1 carbine sling. I used a GP Utility Strap and some paracord as a sling on my XM177 but wanted something different for this build and the M1 sling worked well and looked appropriate for the Commie Commando.
Same Size, More Punch
The Commando is a pretty close twin to my 5.56mm XM177, but it packs a decent jump in punch. You move up to a much heavier .30 caliber bullet (okay, .31) and a bit more overall muzzle energy. The 7.62x39mm is less adversely affected by the short barrel too. With the enhanced firing pin I can run the harder primer import ammo.
It’s just a shame that the heyday of cheap 7.62x39mm is over. I’m still sitting on a stash of old 7.62x39mm, but I’ve been running through it. A quick look online just now is showing 20-round boxes of 5.56 going for around $10 and the same quantity of 7.62x39mm running $12 to $13. Still, it’s available, just not at discount prices like the old days.
I don’t think I’ll be putting an FRT on this build though. It’s hard enough on the wallet ripping through mags of 5.56mm. Unless something changes, my third selector switch marking is just for looks on the Commando.
I’m pretty happy with this build overall. It’s certainly a functional rifle, but I like the “what might have been” aspect to it the most. Just like Spec Ops troops did in Afghanistan in the 2000’s this could have been done during Vietnam for troops operating behind enemy lines. If nothing else, I finally have an American rifle that uses that damn Commie ammo.
