In observance of the Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples Day holiday weekend there will be no Weekend Edition on Saturday, October 10, and we will not be distributing any of our services on Monday, October 12. We will resume our normal distribution schedule on Tuesday, October 13. If you have important news to distribute prior to the holiday weekend, it should be submitted by 4:00pm Eastern on Thursday, October 8.

TriStar Arms' Viper G3 Bronze semi-auto 12ga shotgun has been named a finalist for the 2026 NASGW-POMA Caliber Award for Best New Shotgun. The next-generation platform builds on the award-winning Viper G2 series and will be showcased at the 2026 NASGW Expo in Phoenix, Arizona.

Team Taurus captain Jessie Harrison won the 2026 US IPSC National Championships, finishing ahead of all female competitors across divisions. Harrison, widely regarded as the winningest female competitive shooter in history, secured her 18th Ladies world title and valuable points toward the USA Ladies Open Team for the next IPSC World Shoot.

Team SHIELD athletes achieved multiple podium finishes at the 2026 IPSC Slovenia Open, with Denny Rossetto securing 2nd Place Overall in Open Division, Bartosz Szczesny and Robert Černigoj placing 2nd and 3rd in Optics Division, and Dylan Keppel winning Production Optics. The team earned three Lady titles across divisions.

PROOF Research team shooters Kate Estes and Grace Vaughn achieved top finishes at the 2026 IPRF World Championship, with Estes winning 1st place and the Ladies Division World Champion title using PROOF's PXT barrel technology, while Vaughn finished 4th place.

Firearms Policy Coalition, alongside the National Rifle Association and Second Amendment Foundation, filed an amicus brief with the U.S. Supreme Court in Johnson v. United States challenging the federal government's permanent disarmament of people convicted of nonviolent crimes, arguing historical tradition supports disarming dangerous people, not peaceable citizens.

The National Rifle Association, joined by the Firearms Policy Coalition and Second Amendment Foundation, filed an amicus brief urging the U.S. Supreme Court to hear a challenge to the federal lifetime prohibition on firearms possession by nonviolent felons, arguing the regulation is unconstitutional under the Supreme Court's Second Amendment test.

The Second Amendment Foundation (SAF) and National Rifle Association filed an amicus brief with the U.S. Supreme Court in Johnson v. United States, challenging a lifetime federal firearms ban for nonviolent felons. SAF Director Kostas Moros and Executive Director Adam Kraut argue that historical tradition supports disarming only dangerous persons, not all individuals with felony convictions.

The U.S. District Court for the District of Connecticut granted a preliminary injunction preventing enforcement of Connecticut's handgun ban law. NSSF, represented by Senior Vice President Lawrence G. Keane, challenged the law in NSSF v. Griffin, arguing it violates Second Amendment rights and fails the Supreme Court's Bruen test.

The NRA Youth Education Summit (Y.E.S.) is accepting applications for its 2027 program, an all-expenses-paid six-day leadership initiative for exceptional high school students in Washington, D.C. Participants compete for up to $40,000 in college scholarships while engaging with national leaders and exploring American government and history. The application deadline is January 10, 2027.

Hook & Barrel Magazine and Black Hills Ammunition are offering one lucky winner 960 rounds of premium ammunition valued at over $1,700, including Black Hills MK 262 MOD 1-C 5.56 and HoneyBadger 9mm rounds. The sweepstakes runs from October 5 through November 5, 2026.

C&H Precision and MERUS Adventure are offering a free guided hunt giveaway for one winner and guest at their 5,500-acre Texas Panhandle property. The prize includes fully guided hunts for Aoudad, Mule Deer, Whitetail Deer and Feral Hogs, plus lodging and off-road experiences. Entries run through November 13, 2026, backed by 18 hunting and outdoor brands including Federal Ammo, Swarovski Optik, and onX Hunt.

Bleecker Street Publications' October Free Gun Friday giveaway features a $6,230.99 hunting package including a Ruger American Rifle Generation II Predator, Meprolight MVO 3-18x44 riflescope, Precision Armament TiTrex 300Ti suppressor, 500 rounds of Black Hills ammunition, Streamlight Wedge XT flashlight, and CCW Safe Ultimate Plan membership.

Silencer Central made a second $25,000 contribution to NSSF's Protect Liberty PAC, bringing its 2026 total to $50,000. Founded by Brandon Maddox, the company has also contributed over $2 million to conservation partners including Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Ducks Unlimited, and Pheasants Forever.

Streamlight, Inc. announced four key sales leadership promotions effective October 1, 2026. Matt Baker, Bobby Knight, Justin Thomas, and Brian Osborn have been promoted to expanded roles across Law Enforcement, Sporting Goods, Federal/Military, and OEM markets to strengthen sales operations and strategic partnerships.

Shell Shock Technologies and CBC Global Ammunition signed a definitive manufacturing agreement to produce SST's NAS3™ hybrid case technology across multiple calibers. The partnership adds advanced tooling and new operations in Michigan and Oklahoma to support industrial-scale production for military and commercial markets.

Watchtower Defense officially opened its new state-of-the-art headquarters and manufacturing facility in Tomball, Texas, showcasing next-generation products planned for 2027 launch. The company, operating under new ownership and leadership, is repositioning itself as a broader product-driven brand with an expanding portfolio of firearms and firearm-related products for shooting, hunting, and defense markets.

The National Shooting Sports Foundation reported 1,152,077 NSSF-adjusted NICS background checks for September 2026, a 2.3 percent decrease from September 2025. Third quarter 2026 figures showed a 2.5 percent increase to 3,329,270 checks, with Texas, Florida, and Georgia leading in NFA checks.

MidwayUSA is hiring a Product Information Specialist in Columbia, Missouri to develop and maintain product information, specifications, and media on their website. The position offers a salary range of $55,000-$71,500 with comprehensive benefits and opportunities for professional development at the family-owned outdoor retailer.

Davidson's, a 90-year-old firearms distribution leader headquartered in Prescott, Arizona, is hiring a Call Center Sales Manager to direct sales teams and mentor Account Executives. The position requires 5+ years of B2B sales management experience, firearms industry knowledge, and onsite presence in Prescott, with a starting salary of $90k-$100k plus comprehensive benefits.

Bass Pro Shops and Cabela's will host a National Hiring Event on October 7-8 at retail locations throughout North America, offering competitive wages, industry-leading benefits including up to 50 percent merchandise discounts, and health insurance programs for eligible team members.

CCI Ammunition announced its new Hunter Series rimfire ammunition designed for small game hunters, featuring 40-grain lead flat nose bullets in supersonic and subsonic velocities. The product is now shipping to retailers nationwide, with Steven Monniere, Rimfire Product Manager for CCI, highlighting the ammunition's practical design and terminal performance.

GSM Outdoors announced a strategic partnership with Dude Perfect Outdoors to exclusively represent Stealth Cam and Walker's brands. The collaboration will deliver exclusive videos, educational resources, and behind-the-scenes experiences via the @dudeperfectoutdoors YouTube channel, aiming to inspire youth to engage in outdoor pursuits and foster the next generation of conservationists.

SnapSafe, a brand of Hornady Manufacturing, introduces In-Wall Safes designed to mount between standard wall studs with 16-gauge steel bodies and electronic locks. Available in two sizes, these safes feature removable shelves, configurable doors, and a lifetime warranty against material defects.

Diamondback Firearms announces the DB15 Swamp Stalker in 5.56 NATO, a Sports South exclusive featuring a custom hand-applied Cerakote finish, 16-inch barrel, and DB15 Carbon platform. The rifle ships with a Magpul Gen M2 PMAG 30 RD and Savior Equipment Specialist case.

Springfield Armory introduced the 4" Polished Blued SA-35 9mm pistol, featuring a polished blued finish, walnut grip panels, and a 15-round capacity. The pistol combines classic styling with modern enhancements and is made in the U.S.A. with an MSRP of $799.

Comp-Tac Holsters celebrates the International Holster's enduring success as the top competition holster brand among IDPA National Championship competitors for seven consecutive years. The International V2 builds on the proven platform with a slimmer profile, lighter weight, and deeper optic accommodation while maintaining the speed and durability shooters expect.

Hornady introduces the RAPiD Safe Ready Vault with WiFi, a full-size gun safe featuring RFID entry technology, WiFi connectivity with Hornady Security app alerts, and patent-pending Square-Lok racks accommodating up to eight long guns and 14 handguns with customizable interior mounting options.

Blue Force Gear has partnered with Kroll International, a leading wholesale distributor for law enforcement and tactical markets, to expand dealer access to its weapon slings, load carriage systems, and mission-essential gear including the Vickers Sling™, Ten-Speed® pouches, and Micro Trauma Kit NOW!®.

Orion Wholesale announces Suga Cub, the second custom CANiK SFx Rival in an exclusive three-part series created by Taylor Customs. Built on CANiK's competition-ready SFx Rival platform, Suga Cub features a tan frame, gray slide, and copper-toned barrel accents, available exclusively through Orion Wholesale.

BLACKHAWK has released the Garra III Karambit Sideliner, a professional-grade knife featuring a D2 Tool Steel hawkbill blade, ambidextrous thumbstuds, and a sideliner lock. Manufactured by Bear & Son Cutlery in Jacksonville, Alabama, the knife offers four customizable carry positions and weighs 5.1 oz., with an MSRP of $124.99.

Real Avid, the leader in DIY for Guns, offers purpose-driven firearm maintenance and setup tools including Ratchet Rests, Master Grade Scope Mounting & Bore Sighting Kit, Smart-Torq Adjustable Limiter & X3 Driver Kit, and Bore Boss cleaning system to help shooters maximize accuracy and reliability.

Hornady® Security launches its Lock Box line featuring 16-gauge steel construction in multiple sizes, including the Lock Box Large and XL for handguns, and the TrekLite® Lock Box XXL with TSA locks for travelers. The Lock Box Large is California DOJ-approved as a firearm safety device supporting Project ChildSafe® initiatives.

CZ announces the availability of the CZ 600+ Carbine in the United States, a compact, lightweight bolt-action rifle chambered in .300 Blackout. The rifle features a cold-hammer-forged barrel, beechwood stock, adjustable trigger, and CZ's patented S.E.A. safety system, designed for hunters and recreational shooters.

Galco unveils the Combat Master 2.0, a professional-grade belt holster for SIG-Sauer P365XL pistols with or without carry optics. The updated design features hand-molded steerhide construction, optic cutaway capability, raised sweat guard, and traditional pancake-style design for concealment and retention.

Hornady Manufacturing provides a comprehensive guide to essential reloading equipment for beginners, including presses featuring the Lock-N-Load® bushing system, precision dies, case care tools, measuring instruments, and quality brass. The guide emphasizes Hornady's commitment to precision and offers reference materials through their Reloading Handbook and app.

CrossBreed Holsters announced the addition of select CIVIVI folding knives to its outdoor and everyday carry gear offerings. Five pocket folders in eight distinct models, including the CIVIVI Yonder, Button Lock Elementum II, Baby Banter, Vision FG, and Over Yonder, are now available through CrossBreed Holsters with special reduced pricing.

Bond Arms is offering a limited-time 250th Anniversary Gift Card Rebate Promotion from October 1-31, 2026, providing rebates up to $75 on qualifying firearms. Customers can receive gift cards in three tiers based on their purchase, with redemption available through Bond Arms' online rebate form.

Riton Optics is offering rebates through December 31, 2026, including $20 off 1 Series products and $50 off 3 and 5 Series products. Eligible items include the 3 Tactix MPRD XL, 5 Primal binoculars and scope, and 5 Conquer 5-25x56 scope.

Athlon Untamed announces Ballistic's Best 2026: Hunting Edition, a hands-on testing program evaluating hunting firearms and gear across seven categories including rifles, shotguns, rangefinders, suppressors, crossbows, and handguns. Led by Editorial Lead Megan Plete Postol, the program emphasizes real-world performance over specifications.

Ballistic's Best 2026 evaluates 11 bolt-action hunting rifles across two price categories using standardized testing across nine criteria including accuracy, reliability, and ergonomics. The diverse lineup features traditional platforms, ultralight mountain rifles, and modern chassis designs chambered in cartridges ranging from proven classics to new offerings like .25 Creedmoor and 7mm Backcountry.

The Outdoor Sportsman Group announces Joe Kurtenbach's return as Editor in Chief of Shooting Times, replacing Joel Hutchcroft. Kurtenbach brings over 15 years of industry experience, including previous roles at American Rifleman, Guns & Ammo, and Silencer Central.

Viridian Weapon Technologies announced its optics, laser sights, and firearm accessories are now available at Runnings, a Minnesota-based retailer with approximately 90 stores across 12 states. Products including the RFX11 green dot sight, VENTA riflescopes, and 4LUX 2K DUO integrated foregrip system are arriving at Runnings locations throughout the Upper Midwest.

KDG has expanded its nationwide dealer network throughout 2026, adding retailers including SC Arms in New Jersey, Fin Feather Fur Outfitters in Ohio, Athena Gun Club in Texas, Western Drug & General Store in Arizona, and Shoot Straight in Florida. The company is simultaneously launching new products, including the BOM Series Optic Mount platform, giving customers increased access to KDG firearms accessories locally.

Steiner Optics announced that Clyde Armory in Athens, Georgia, is now an authorized dealer for the Steiner Overwatch Program, offering special pricing on select Steiner optics products to qualified military, law enforcement, and first responders. Founded in 1991, Clyde Armory operates locations in Athens and Warner Robbins, Georgia.

INFORCE will showcase its Gen 3 WML Series and new ARC modular long-range weapon light series at Land Forces Expo in Perth, October 6–8, 2026, at Booth 3N07 with exclusive Australian partner 360 Defence. The WMLx White/IR remains the standard-issue weapon light for the ADF's EF88 Austeyr service rifle.

SHIELD Sights will display its new AMSx with C-UAS Reticle at Land Forces International Land Defence Exposition in Perth, Australia, October 6–8, 2026. The optic will be featured at Booth 3N07 with 360 Defence, SHIELD's exclusive Australian government supplier, welcoming U.S. military and defense industry representatives.

B&T USA will participate in Sharkapalooza Fall Festival on Oct. 9–10 at Shark Coast Tactical in Sarasota, Florida, followed by a live-fire Range Day on Oct. 11 in Ruskin, Florida. Attendees can try and purchase B&T USA suppressors covered by the Silencer Shop Foundation v. ATF injunction without federal registration delays.

Derya Arms will showcase firearms and debut its new OBone .22 LR suppressor at CanCon West 2026, October 22–24 at Boulder Rifle & Pistol Club in Boulder City, Nevada. The company will place products on partner firing lines and gather feedback from attendees at the world's largest fully suppressed range day, presented by Dead Air Silencers.

RSR Group announces its 2026 Fall E-Show running October 6-9 as a virtual online event featuring manufacturer booths, exclusive dealer specials, new products, and daily prize giveaways accessible from www.rsrgroup.com.

WE Knife will showcase its latest EDC, tactical, hunting, and bushcrafting knives at Blade Show West 2026 on October 9-10 at Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City. VP Marketing Seth Ercanbrack highlighted the company's innovative designs, with sister brands CIVIVI and SENCUT also featured at Booth #200.

EOTECH has made a monetary donation to the Core Medical Foundation to support veterans, active-duty military, law enforcement, and first responders. The foundation's mission includes providing free telehealth, bloodwork, and hormone replacement therapy to address the veteran suicide epidemic through initiatives like their Annual Military Appreciation Weekend.

Henry Repeating Arms donated serial number 1 of all three models from its America's 250th Anniversary Tribute Edition collection through a GunBroker auction that raised $23,526 for Gun Owners Foundation. The proceeds will fund legal work for Gun Owners of America, with Federal Premium Ammunition contributing 5,400 rounds of commemorative ammunition to the lot.

This story has nearly nothing to do with the classic Jordan River Holster and more to do with AI-generated nonsense. 

When I first became aware of the proliferation of “artificial intelligence,” I was despondent about the lack of “human intelligence” (sic). Imagine my sadness to find that AI works from human prompts and humans are particularly good at being unable to recognize patterns.

And we’re “pattern recognition” beings … 

Bill Jordan took the old Border Patrol holster, slimmed it down and gave it a straight drop (originally – as he was a huge mammal and had a “long drop.”) It featured a steel shank in the drop loop giving it some rigidity and, with the garrison belt looped into the holster tunnel along with the Sam Brown belt, the holster was in the same place on your body all the time. For officers with a “short drop,” the holster pouch was tilted butt-forward to allow the toe of the holster to clear a car seat.

The design of the holster made it quick and “Long Will” (h/t, Chas. A. Skelton) was all about speed. If you need to retain the gun, snap the safety strap over it. He shouldn’t have to tell you to be careful. 

The brainless machine intelligence (guided by humans, no doubt) said that it was the proximate cause of gun grab fatalities “back in the day.”

No, wrong again. To determine the likelihood of that, let’s analyze the gun grab. It’s a story not often explored these days – a very recent case in Kansas City KS confirms that point. 

Back when I certified trainers in handgun/long gun retention and disarming (Lindell-KC system), Kansas City and Miami-Dade took turns for “agencies with the most gun grab” attempts annually. To sort that out, Jim Lindell created his system. We had a number-cruncher go over the available data. He found that around half of all gun grab attempts (on handguns) occurred when the officer had the gun in his hand. 

So, there were attempts on drawn handguns and upon holstered handguns. One should also consider the condition of the officer when the attempt was made; there were cases around the country where the officer was disabled, then disarmed. 

Blaming a holster for those attempts – on the drawn gun and on the disabled officer – is a problem of analysis, not of equipment. 

There were holster frailties; some cases occurred where the gun was dragged out from the side, ripping the stitching of the holster. Needless to say, it’s not a “keep it simple, stupid” issue.

The problem ain’t simple and we ain’t stupid.

Years ago, Massad Ayoob proposed a layered defense of the firearms you carry. I adopted it in my teaching because it made sense. The first layer is awareness. 

This won’t surprise you, but the biggest threat to law enforcement – well, to anyone – is just not knowing that the fight has arrived at your door. You have to be actively looking for a problem and either avoid the near occasion of the problem or devise a plan to overcome the offender’s resistance. Which of those you do depends on the mission. If you’re old and retired, you must attempt to avoid-evade-escape.

If you’re on the job … you caught ‘em, you clean ‘em. 

Gun retention training is critical. There are vendors who take care of that, but I root for the home team. 

It’s no surprise that people tried to buy their way out of the gun grab threat; enter the security holster. The first one I noted was the (at the time) latest rendition of the Berns-Martin. An open-front holster, many from Bianchi like the Model 27 and Model 2800, they prevented successful grabs from behind. The Hoyt holster was similar, a great rig – easy to draw from, but not quite as secure.

This was followed by holsters that feature the Rogers-developed “Level” system of described retention features. A holster that was considered Level 3 by the designer (Bill Rogers) was the Safariland SS-III 070, a rig that was optional for officer-purchase, then later issued at my agency. For information about the history of security holsters, see this article. 

Concealable body armor was a life-saver for officers in the gun retention context as well; if you didn’t wear it, it didn’t matter. If you wore it, it was one more potentially life-saving layer.

Finally, a handgun with a user proprietary operating system could help – and did in a few cases. It was a matter of carrying a handgun with a manual safety (horrors!) that could confound the attacker for the moments it took to use physical control tactics or to draw another gun –

The other gun was another layer in the gun grab defense plan.

To credit the Jordan holster with officers killed or assaulted with their own guns is simply AI-BS. It wasn’t nearly the whole problem, any more than any of the other holsters available in the era. 

Gun retention is still a significant issue. Knowing when a problem is a hands-on problem or a remote-control problem (h/t, V.O.) is a big part of the analysis.

– Rich Grassi