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European American Armory (EAA Corp) acquired a large manufacturing facility in Mountain City, Tennessee with expansion acreage, undergoing renovations to support advanced firearms manufacturing. EAA Corp is seeking strategic industry partners for leasing and manufacturing operations within the facility.

The Second Amendment Foundation (SAF) filed supplemental briefs in three ongoing National Firearms Act cases, citing recent Supreme Court rulings in United States v. Hemani, Wolford v. Lopez, and Landor v. Louisiana Department of Corrections & Public Safety. SAF argues the NFA's remaining registration requirements lack constitutional authority following elimination of the $200 tax on suppressors and short-barreled firearms.

Firearms Policy Coalition (FPC), the National Rifle Association of America, the Second Amendment Foundation, and the American Suppressor Association filed an amicus brief with the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals arguing that short-barreled rifles are protected by the Second Amendment and that the National Firearms Act's registration scheme lacks historical support under the Supreme Court's Bruen test.

CZ will exhibit at the inaugural Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF) Big Game Days in Missoula, Montana, July 16-19, 2026. The company will showcase hunting-focused firearms at RMEF Basecamp and participate in Range Day activities, allowing attendees to experience CZ products firsthand.

CCW Safe celebrates one year since acquiring Armed Citizens' Legal Defense Network Inc. (ACLDN), founded by Marty and Gila Hayes. Thousands of former ACLDN members now access CCW Safe's comprehensive legal protection, 24/7 Critical Response Team support, and self-defense education resources.

KDG announced the official completion of its brand transition, strengthening its marketplace presence while maintaining all products, warranties, and engineering standards. The Connecticut-based company, founded in 2014, continues focusing on innovative firearm accessories including Kinect™ quick-detach systems, SideLok™ optic mounts, and platform-specific upgrades for FN SCAR and Grand Power Stribog platforms.

Walther Arms and Umarex USA announced Don Angle's appointment as General Manager for Law Enforcement, Military, and Government markets. Angle brings extensive experience from his tenure at Trijicon and over two decades of U.S. Army and defense industry service, leading the newly integrated professional user team.

Krieghoff International is hiring a skilled Gunsmith for its U.S. Service Center in Ottsville, Pennsylvania. The full-time position involves repairing, building, and modifying competition shotguns with factory training from Krieghoff Master Gunsmiths, requiring gunsmithing school credentials and experience with break-open shotguns.

ZEISS introduces the V3 riflescope line, featuring six models designed for North American hunters with 90% light transmission, compact lightweight design, and pricing from $299.99 to $949.99. Available mid-August 2026 through authorized retailers.

SilencerCo, an American-made suppressor manufacturer based in Utah, has joined the Second Amendment Foundation (SAF) as a Gold-level corporate partner. SilencerCo President Scott Clinger and SAF Executive Director Adam Kraut emphasized the partnership's importance as SAF pursues Supreme Court cases challenging assault weapons bans.

Target Sports USA has partnered with outdoorsman, author, and firearms instructor Kevin Estela to create written blog pieces, social media posts, and video content. Estela will share his expertise across shooting sports, firearms, ammunition, hunting, and preparedness communities, complementing Target Sports USA's educational and entertainment content offerings.

Silencer Central announced a partnership with Sezzle to provide flexible "Buy Now, Pay Later" payment options for suppressor purchases. Founder and CEO Brandon Maddox stated the new payment option complements faster ATF approval times while allowing customers to break up costs over time. The service launches July 15, 2026, on Silencer Central's website.

XTech Tactical announced the X-Flare 556 and X-Flare Digital enhanced flared AR magwells designed for Mil-Spec AR-15/M4 receivers. Both models feature a 1.75x larger funnel opening for faster reloads, injection-molded nylon construction, and are priced at $39.95, available now at xtechtactical.com.

Auto-Ordnance introduces a suppressor-ready M1 Carbine Short Barreled Rifle featuring a 12-inch threaded barrel, 30-inch overall length, M-Lok slots, and walnut furniture. The modern SBR combines classic aesthetics with tactical enhancements and is available now at $1,870 MSRP.

Bear Edge Knives launches the Model 71141, a 4 3/4" dark gray aluminum assisted opener featuring a 440 stainless steel drop point blade, flipper-assisted opening, and reversible pocket clip. Built in Alabama, this lightweight pocketknife is priced at $73.99.

Faxon Firearms announced a new wholesale distribution partnership with Bill Hicks & Co., Ltd., enabling dealers nationwide to source Faxon's precision barrels, AR-15 and AR-10 components, and other firearms products. The family-owned Minnesota distributor supplies over 30,000 products from 300+ manufacturers to dealers across the country.

SPYPOINT announced the availability of the FLEX-M2 cellular trail camera and FORCE-4K non-cellular trail camera. The FLEX-M2 features 32MP photos, 1080p video, and up to 12 months battery life, while the FORCE-4K offers 48MP photos, 4K video, and a 66-degree field of view for hunters seeking premium performance.

MDT is expanding its CRBN rifle stock lineup with a new Tikka T3X Short Action Left Hand inlet, designed for left-handed precision hunters and field competition shooters. The lightweight carbon fiber stock features adjustable ergonomics and an integrated ARCA rail.

Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc. launches the America 250 Limited Edition Model 1854 rifle to commemorate the United States' 250th anniversary. Available in .44 Magnum or .45-70 Government, both models feature detailed engravings, walnut stocks, stainless-steel Armornite-finished barrels, XS Sights ghost ring rear sights, and modern flat-face triggers.

1791 Industries has released LiteRaider ultralight AR-15 receivers made from Metal Matrix Composite material that is 33% lighter than aluminum. The LRM4 stripped lower receiver weighs 6.2 ounces and the upper weighs 4.8 ounces, offering superior strength and durability comparable to 7075-T6 aluminum while maintaining Mil-Spec standards.

ALPS Mountaineering has released the Reservoir 3.0, a 3-liter hydration system featuring anti-microbial IonPure treatment, an insulated drink tube, and BPA/PVC-free construction. The product is priced at $49.99 and is available through authorized dealers and alpsmountaineering.com.

Remington Ammunition announced its Protection with Payback rebate offering consumers up to 20 percent rebates on qualifying self-defense handgun ammunition including Golden Saber Defense and Ultimate Defense products through August 31, 2026.

Speer Ammunition launched its Gold Dot Deals rebate program on July 1, offering consumers 20 percent rebates on qualifying self-defense handgun ammunition purchases through August 31, 2026. The promotion includes Gold Dot Personal Protection, Gold Dot G2, and other variants, with a maximum rebate of $200 per household.

Bond Arms is offering a Summer 2026 Gift Card Rebate Promotion for qualifying firearm purchases made between July 1-31, 2026, with rebates up to $75. Customers can receive gift cards by completing an online rebate form at bondarms.com with proof of purchase.

Hook & Barrel Magazine and Guns.com have partnered to provide firearm buyers with exclusive post-purchase subscription access to premium outdoor lifestyle content, including firearm reviews, hunting and fishing adventures, and celebrity interviews.

Wolfe Publishing has unlocked the current issue of Rifle & Handgun magazine for free online reading. The issue features articles on the Lee-Enfield, horse pistols, Primary Weapons Systems MK114 MOD 2-M, and Weatherby's Mark XXII, plus expert columns on firearms and handloading.

Viridian Weapon Technologies launched the Viridian Rewards program, a retail incentive initiative that rewards authorized sales associates with points for qualifying product sales redeemable for free Viridian products and branded merchandise. The program recognizes retail professionals who recommend Viridian's optics, lights, lasers, and firearm accessories.

Someone who'd considered the issue of off-duty gunfights, with the potential for an off-duty, out-of-uniform officer getting shot by responding officers, was Jim Cirillo. His NYPD time gave him plenty of reason to be concerned about the problem. Photo by Rich Grassi.

Based on consideration of the cases of NYPD MOS Beckles and Jones, discussed here, a look back at a training class we conducted in the “old days” is worth revisiting. The topic was Plainclothes/Off-Duty Officer Survival. Still in the days of the officer survival movement, it was a reflection that, too-often we failed to consider what happened to cops when they’re not working. Also, our training tended to concentrate on those in uniform; uniform patrol types are more likely to walk around the corner into a deadly situation just based on patrol procedures and answering questionable calls for service.

Consider this range setup: a large cable spool to be used as a table, a folding chair, one target, a stopwatch and a whistle.

Each student was greeted by an instructor with the stopwatch, whistle, a clipboard and the instructions. When told, the student makes ready for live fire, returning the gun to the holster. The student sits in the chair and gets the following briefing – “you’re seated facing the door of a café. The target represents an armed robbery suspect who has just entered the establishment, brandished his sidearm and announced the robbery. You look at him carefully and do not recognize him. The whistle is the signal that the robbery has commenced. At that point, you may commence.”

The response: the first two participants shot at the target, one by jumping up and shooting and the other by remaining seated and surreptitiously drawing before drilling him. Another pair moved to use the wire spool as “cover” before shooting. Another few varied that routine, while I, acting as instructor, made a show of noting time and hits. 

The last one sat fast and just watched. Time went on. The others in the class watched as he sat and observed. After two minutes I stopped the time and asked for his report.

“You said I didn’t recognize him. He didn’t apparently recognize me – you’d have said something. So, I was just being the best witness I could be.”

How do you think he did? My evaluation was simple. Without firing a shot, he aced the test.

The others felt somehow cheated. What they’d done didn’t violate policy, statute nor the Constitution. What they did was engage in what could become a firefight in a public establishment. The surreptitious draw that one did was superb to keep from becoming a target before he could engage the threat.

Off-duty, you're less likely to be armored, to have instant communication with responding officers, and you may be a great deal "less armed" than you'd like to be; all things to be considered in off-duty engagements.

Now, when does it become a shooting situation? 

If the offender starts shooting, for example, the decision’s been made. If the offender tries to search people – he’ll find your heater. Likewise, if he starts expanding the crime scene by compelling people to move to another location, like the walk-in refrigerator, that’s a bad sign. 

Obviously, if you’re recognized as the law, it’s a problem.

Before you consider this a “cop problem,” the training was conducted back in the bad, old days when legal concealed carry was a rare thing across a good many of these United States. Even now, there are places where lawful concealed carry is inappropriately infringed upon. 

Welcome to our world. Now that there are a good number of states with legal, non-licensed concealed carry and the rest allegedly has “shall-issue,” our problem then has become yours now. 

It’s something to think about.

– Rich Grassi

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