Whitewater Fishing has launched the Flats Short, a performance fishing short developed with input from collegiate and high school anglers. The shorts feature a quick-dry fabric blend, stain-release treatment, multiple pockets, and an 8-inch inseam, priced at $59.99.
Easton announces the 5MM Steel HIT Break-Off Insert, an adjustable steel accessory for archers that allows weight adjustment from 50 to 75 grains. The stainless steel insert is four times stronger than brass or aluminum and is compatible with all Easton 5mm arrow shafts.
Collector's Elite Auctions' February collection features exceptional firearms including a Pasotti-engraved Renato Gamba shotgun, Staccato/Taran Tactical Innovations JW3 Combat Master benefiting Charlie Foxtrot Ops, Heckler & Koch SP5K-PDW, and Nemesis Arms Valkyrie modular rifle. Bidding closes February 15th with many lots starting at one cent.
Otis Technology announced its 2025 Customer Awards at SHOT Show, naming Weby Corp as Customer of the Year and Sports South as Distributor of the Year. The awards recognized outstanding partnerships that drove growth for Otis Technology and Shooter's Choice throughout the year.
Winchester Ammunition and White Flyer sport shooters will compete at the 2026 Jack Link's Cup February 10-15 at Quail Creek Sporting Ranch in Florida. Team member Mike Wilgus won the 2025 NSCA National Sporting Clays Championship. Winchester introduces the new AA Super Spreader 12-gauge load with expanded pattern capabilities.
Scopos launched the 2026 National Air Rifle New Shooter League and National Air Pistol League with Week 1 competition. Daniel Boone MCJROTC and Lafayette Gun Club set early paces in their respective leagues, while Ooltewah AJROTC edged Stony Point NJROTC by 3.3 points in a tight air rifle match.
Team Remington dominated the RC Cup Main Event, with Brandon Powell, Turner Parcell, and Michael Luongo finishing first, second, and third respectively among nearly 350 entrants. The 950-target event at South Florida Shooting Club in Palm City, Florida attracted over 500 total shooters and concluded February 1, 2026.
MacKenzie Sookhoo led Game 6 of the 2025-2026 National Intercollegiate Rifle League with a 614.5 score, as the University of Rhode Island posted 2,328.8 to lead standings at 2,313.5 average. Georgia Military College finished second at 1,219.4 in the match.
Federal Ammunition sponsored shooter Kayle Browning won gold in Women's Trap at the Abu Dhabi Shotgun Grand Prix, defeating Italy's Jessica Rossi and Poland's Sandra Bernal with a perfect 30/30 final score. The 2020 Olympic silver medalist competed among 165 of the world's best trap and skeet shooters from 26 countries.
The 2026 SHOT University, presented by NSSF, attracted over 3,100 retailers and industry professionals during SHOT Show. The event featured comprehensive sessions on compliance, marketing, and workforce development, plus a debut Suicide Prevention Town Hall led by mental health advocates. NSSF continues education year-round through SHOT University Online with on-demand compliance and business modules.
Silent Steel USA announced Kim Jensen's appointment as Vice President of Sales & Marketing. Jensen brings over 30 years of outdoor industry experience, including 20+ years at Robinson Outdoor Products and recent leadership at X-Vision Optics, to drive brand awareness and channel partnerships for the premium suppressor manufacturer.
A leading ammunition manufacturer is hiring a remote Sales Manager with a nationwide territory, offering uncapped commissions and experience-based salary. HeadHunters NW is conducting this retained search for high-energy B2B sales professionals with 5-7+ years of proven results.
European American Armory Corp. (EAA Corp.) is hiring an Inside Sales Representative in Cocoa, Florida to support the company's growth in 2026. The role involves customer support, account management, and sales support for the firearms importer.
SLG2, Inc. released a video featuring Karen Butler mentoring Christa Forrester through her first turkey hunt, demonstrating that effective mentorship requires passion and willingness to share knowledge safely, not expert status. The video aims to encourage outdoor enthusiasts to become mentors and introduce others to hunting.
Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc. announced a partnership with Lipsey's to release the exclusive Performance Center Model 36 Field Ethos revolver. This limited-release J-Frame features a .38 Special +P chambering, Tyler Gunworks premium walnut boot grips, and a bobbed hammer for concealment, with an action job performed at the factory.
Federal Ammunition expanded its Rob Roberts Raptor Steel waterfowl shotshell line in 2026, collaborating with Rob Roberts Custom Gunworks to offer six new options in 12-gauge and 20-gauge configurations. The specialized loads feature heavy payloads, high pellet counts, and optimized velocities designed for improved pattern consistency and performance on ducks and geese.
Shell Shock Technologies, headquartered in Eubank, Kentucky, launched Shell Tech Gear, a dedicated website featuring Shell Tech-branded apparel and accessories for the 2A, shooting sports, and hunting communities. The collection includes t-shirts, hoodies, flannels, hats, and accessories like the Shell Tech Dog Bowl and Rambler Mug, designed for durability and outdoor performance.
Wildlife Research Center® launched Golden Estrus® Scent Stick Formula, a weather-resistant estrus scent designed to trigger rutting bucks' mating instincts. Made with premium doe urine and estrus secretions, the 2.5 oz stick offers easy application and extended scent release for hunting season.
Galco announces the Yaqui Slide Belt Holster is now available for the S&W M&P Shield X with or without red dot sight. The premium steerhide holster features independent tension screw adjustments, minimalist design, and near-vertical carry angle for fast draws.
Blaser Group unveiled the R8 Professional 2.0, an enhanced straight-pull rifle featuring an ergonomic vertical pistol grip, DLC A+ barrel coating, and height-adjustable comb. The rifle is available in a kit with TSA-approved hardcase and starts at $5,500 MSRP through Blaser Premium Dealers.
Federal Ammunition and Henry Repeating Arms collaborated on a limited-edition 150-grain 30-30 Win. cartridge featuring a bonded soft-point bullet and nickel-plated case designed for reliable lever-action rifle feeding. The commemorative ammunition will debut at CattleCon 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee.
MTM Case-Gard introduces the Chronograph Case (CCXERO), a hard-shell protective case designed for the Garmin Xero chronograph. The compact case features custom-fit foam, rugged construction, and is priced at $14.50 MSRP.
Lipsey's, Smith & Wesson, and Field Ethos unveiled an exclusive Model 36 J-Frame revolver featuring a polished blued finish, Performance Center-tuned action, gold bead front sight, and Tyler Gun Works walnut grips. The collaboration combines classic design with modern performance for discerning shooters and collectors.
Redding Reloading Equipment expands its Master Hunter Die Set and Master Hunter Deluxe Die Set product lines to 45 popular cartridges, featuring a carbide expander button and patented Redding Competition Seat Die for improved accuracy and precision handloading.
Orchid, a leading FFL technology provider, will exhibit at the 2026 NBS Spring Semi-Annual Market in Oklahoma City, offering retailers up to $5,000 in software credits. The promotion includes one year of Orchid POS, eCommerce, eBound/e4473, and native 4473 electronic storage, plus waived implementation and training fees.
Gun Talk with Tom Gresham, the nation's longest-running firearms radio show, announced its newest affiliate KFIV AM 1360 in Modesto, California, airing Saturdays from 7-10 PM PT. The expansion marks Gun Talk's continued growth to over 310 stations nationwide as it celebrates its 30th year on the air.
Iron Valley Supply is offering limited-time sales on shotguns, accessories, ammunition, and cold-weather gear for the upcoming 2026 turkey season. The Birmingham, Alabama-based distributor of shooting sports and outdoor products invites customers to view their full product lineup and contact an account representative.
Hornady will exhibit at the Dallas Safari Club Convention February 6-8 in Atlanta, Georgia, hosting a free Introduction to Long Range seminar on Saturday, February 7th from 11:30-12:30 PM instructed by Preston Lentfer and Seth Swerczek.
Taylor's & Company will exhibit at the 2026 Great American Outdoor Show from February 7-15 in Harrisburg, PA, unveiling new USA-made rifles and historically-accurate firearms at booth #265. The nine-day event features over 1,000 exhibitors across 650,000 square feet of exhibit space celebrating hunting, fishing, and outdoor traditions.
Legacy Sports International will showcase its 2026 firearms and accessories lineup from brands HOWA, POINTER, CITADEL, and SCSA at the Worldwide Show in Reno, NV, February 3-5, 2026. Featured products include the HOWA Superlite Gen 2, Fence Line Series, HOWA 25 Creedmoor, Pointer shotguns, and new Citadel models at booth #968.
Silent Steel USA will exhibit at the 2026 Great American Outdoor Show in Harrisburg, PA at Booth 587, showcasing its FLOW-IQ Technology suppressors designed to reduce blowback and improve shooter comfort. The company, an independent U.S. extension of Silent Steel Finland, will educate attendees about suppressor technology and practical applications for hunting and shooting.
SHIELD Sights, a leading manufacturer of compact pistol optics, will make their inaugural debut at the 2026 Worldwide buy group show February 3–5th at the Reno Sparks Convention Center in Reno, Nevada, showcasing their red dot sights at booth #654.
Faxon Firearms will exhibit at the Worldwide Buy Group Spring Show February 3–5, 2026, in Reno, Nevada at Booth 1110. The family-owned, Greater Cincinnati-based manufacturer will showcase American-made barrels, suppressors, rifle platforms, and components to independent dealers and industry partners.
Patriot Ordnance Factory Inc. (POF-USA) will exhibit at the Worldwide Show Spring 2026 in Reno, Nevada, February 3-5, 2026, at booth No. 658. The manufacturer will showcase its latest AR-type rifles and product offerings while connecting with retail partners and discussing upcoming initiatives.
CZ will exhibit at the 2026 Great American Outdoor Show, February 7–15, 2026, in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. At Booth #317, CZ representatives will showcase firearms for hunting, personal defense, and sport shooting, discussing product features and innovation with attendees.
1791 Outdoor Lifestyle Group will exhibit at the 2026 Worldwide Spring Trade Show in Reno, NV from February 3-5 at booth #875. The company will showcase new HUNT Line accessories, Tac Leather Rifle Sling, holsters, and Roni pistol-to-carbine conversion kits, including the new Nano Roni.
Content King Media, led by Ralph and Vicki Cianciarulo, continues its partnership with Hoyt Archery through The Choice TV, an outdoor television program airing on Pursuit Channel and Wild TV. Hoyt Archery praised the Cianciarulo family's professionalism and dedication over 20 years, with the next generation including RJ and Aubrey now involved in the show.
RE Factor Tactical has joined the Second Amendment Foundation (SAF) as a Silver-level corporate partner. The company held a night vision giveaway with proceeds benefitting SAF's work, demonstrating its commitment to Second Amendment advocacy and supporting organizations that defend constitutional rights.
Ranger Point Precision donated a prize package to the Second Amendment Foundation's monthly sweepstakes, featuring a Taylor Firearm's Ridge Runner Takedown 45-70, Reiff Knife, Hornady ammunition, and Eberlestock pack. RPP also renewed their Gold-level corporate partnership with SAF.
Meprolight has partnered with the Precision Rifle Series (PRS) as an Official 2026 Partner, providing competition-ready optics including the MVO family of variable scopes to support precision rifle competitors across all skill levels.
Shooting USA features the CMP Police and Fire Games 2025 in Birmingham, AL, showcasing shooting sports competitions hosted by CMP Talladega Marksmanship Park for law enforcement and first responders. The episode also includes a Colt ProTip segment with Mark Redl on Red Dot Offset techniques.
Outdoor Channel, presented by US Palm, launches "Freshwater Sundays" airing 8-11:30 a.m. ET with fishing shows featuring hosts Kevin VanDam, Bill Dance, Mark Zona, Charlie Ingram, Ben Ballou, Dave Mercer, and Mark Courts. The lineup offers fishing tactics, techniques, and angling action focused on freshwater species, especially bass.
Sportsman Channel presents the "Super Pigskin Bowl" on Saturday, Feb. 7, featuring hog-hunting programming from Predator Pursuit with Jeff Thomason, Night Crew with Chris Robinson, Pigman with Brian Quaca, and MeatEater with Steven Rinella hunting wild boars in New Zealand.
Back in 2023, Vortex acquired a company called GeoBallistics. GeoBallistics is a Texas-based company that offers ballistic mobile application software. At the time, Vortex said GeoBallistics products will be added to the Vortex portfolio “to continue to enhance and simplify hunting and shooting while providing critical information quickly and accurately.”
Since then, they’ve been developing devices that use GeoBallistics’ software to give shooters and hunters quick, simple, and accurate ballistic data. The highlight of this effort is the all-new Ace Ballistic Weather Meter that’s a part of the new Vortex Relay ecosystem.
Ace Specs
The Ace brings real-time weather readings and ballistic solutions to your fingertips. It’s focused on solving real world problems in the field or on the firing line. It was designed and built by field experience, missed calls, and lessons learned from testing limits and expecting more from your equipment.
At its core, Ace is designed to gather real-world environmental data and turn it into useful information—quickly. The removable wind reader lets you customize the setup to your needs or add accessories without cluttering your kit. Built-in sensors track wind speed, compass heading, and exposed temperature, pressure, and humidity, delivering accurate data directly from your environment to calculate the best ballistic solution possible.
Removable wind meter for future accessories (Photo: Cory Ross)
Where Ace truly excels is in turning that data into action. The GeoBallistics solver provides reliable ballistic solutions while the wind screen displays an intuitive “wind clock” that helps you visualize direction and make quick corrections. Wind-truing tools allow you to fine-tune your solution as conditions change and everything updates in real time—no guesswork, no lag. With storage for up to ten customizable profiles, switching between rifles, loads, or mission sets is seamless.
Everything that comes with the Ace (Photo: Cory Ross)
Integration is another strong point. Ace seamlessly works with Vortex’s Relay ecosystem and connects to the GeoBallistics app on your phone, giving access to a large bullet library and an easy-to-use interface. Turning it on is simple—press the menu button to turn it on, and hold to turn it off. It comes ready to use with a lanyard, batteries, a manual, and a pouch, making Ace a compact, reliable tool for shooters who want their data clean, connected, and dependable.
Setup
Setup is straightforward. When you open the package, you’ll see a QR code that links to a video walkthrough of the setup process. To sum up: press the menu button, then choose Compass, and calibrate the compass. Next, you’ll perform a few tasks (which might make your neighbors or anyone watching laugh). First, rotate the Ace vertically for 15 seconds, then press enter. Then, rotate the Ace clockwise for 15 seconds, and press enter. Lastly, roll side-to-side for 15 seconds. When finished, a “calibration complete” banner will appear. If it doesn’t, you’ll need to try again.
Vortex recommends doing that in a clear area away from large structures and metal. They also advise calibrating after changing batteries or if you use the binoculars outside of a 30-mile radius from the original calibration.
What is Vortex Relay?
Vortex Relay is a closed network that recognizes and remembers every enabled device in your long-range toolkit. Once set up, Relay reliably connects each device every time, ensuring seamless, hassle-free integration. That means, for example, your rangefinder and weather meter communicate smoothly on the same network, providing you with a precise, instant ballistic solution.
The Ace is a valuable addition to the Vortex product lineup and offers a practical, real-world use. Surprisingly, this market has little competition. In fact, the only other handheld ballistic calculator and weather meter available is from Applied Ballistics. But that’s a tough act to follow. Kestrel is the king. How will Ace compete? Time and market acceptance will tell. The fact that Vortex is releasing a host of products that work within the Relay ecosystem shows they’re committed.
Regardless, once the weather warms in this part of the world I plan to use it extensively all summer to test various rifle builds and see what the Ace can really do.
