Walk the Talk America, Guns.com, and North American Arms raised nearly $16,000 through a benefit auction featuring six hand-engraved NAA Earl revolvers. All proceeds support WTTA's mission to educate the firearms community about mental health, suicide prevention, and responsible gun ownership.

Benelli's M2-G1 Tactical shotgun has been named Guns & Ammo's 2026 Shotgun of the Year, recognizing its innovative Rear Piston Operated gas system and refined design. The award follows extensive evaluation by Guns & Ammo editors and a 4.54-out-of-5 Gold Standard rating from the National Tactical Officers Association.

Hook & Barrel Magazine® is excited to announce the third annual Hook & Barrel Top Shelf Awards, celebrating the best-in-class brands, products and personalities in the outdoor industry. From top-tier firearms, archery equipment and fishing tackle to outdoor lifestyle brands, personalities and more, the awards celebrate the very best of the outdoor world.

Guns & Ammo magazine awarded Federal's 6.5 Creedmoor +Peak cartridge as Ammo of the Year for 2026, marking the second consecutive year the publication honored Peak Alloy technology. The high-pressure cartridge delivers velocities up to 300 fps faster than conventional 6.5 Creedmoor while maintaining similar recoil and compatibility with existing rifles.

Lauryl Akenhead of Team Ruger earned High Lady honors at the 2026 MPA Last Chance Qualifier held October 10-11 at Cool Acres Sporting Camp in Georgia, competing with her Ruger American Gen II rifle chambered in 6mm Creedmoor. Hosted by the Oklahoma Territorial Marshals, the Precision Rifle Series event showcased Akenhead's disciplined stage management and accuracy.

Burris Optics sponsored shooter Camdyn Powers won the 2026 PRS Rimfire Ladies National Championship at the Precision Rifle Series Rimfire National Finale in Tennessee, finishing 14th overall among 1,147 competitors. This marks Powers' seventh national title and reflects her continued excellence in competitive shooting.

Firearms Policy Coalition filed an amicus brief with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit in United States v. Cordova, challenging the use of historical death penalties to justify lifetime firearm bans. FPC argues that permanent disarmament must be based on demonstrated physical danger, not felony convictions or centuries-old punishments.

The Second Amendment Foundation and partners including the National Shooting Sports Foundation and National Rifle Association filed a motion for preliminary injunction in NSSF v. Torrez, challenging New Mexico's House Bill 129 waiting period law. Despite a previous Tenth Circuit ruling that HB129 was unconstitutional, New Mexico continues enforcing it against residents not named in the Ortega case.

The Second Amendment Foundation (SAF), joined by the Firearms Policy Coalition and Connecticut Citizens Defense League, faces opposition briefs in Supreme Court cases Viramontes v. Cook County and Grant v. Higgins challenging assault weapons bans in Illinois and Connecticut. Oral arguments are scheduled for December 2.

NSSF filed a preliminary injunction motion with the U.S. District Court for the District of New Mexico to block enforcement of Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham's seven-day waiting period law for firearm purchases. This follows a Tenth Circuit ruling that deemed the law unconstitutional, yet New Mexico continues to appeal and enforce it.

 NSSF® announced that the Firearm Handler Check (FHC) Final Rule will be published today in the Federal Register. The FHC Final Rule will allow all federal firearms licensees (FFLs) to run background check verifications on current and prospective employees through the FBI’s National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS). 

AGM Global Vision announced the appointment of Svetlana Richter as Vice President of International Sales. Richter brings over 20 years of experience in thermal imaging and night vision, most recently serving as Chief Sales Officer at Yukon Advanced Optics Worldwide. She will lead AGM's international expansion and strengthen global distribution partnerships.

The National Association of Sporting Goods Wholesalers (NASGW) contributed an additional $20,000 to NSSF's Protect Liberty PAC, bringing its 2026 commitment to $45,000 and total support since 2024 to $70,000. Lawrence G. Keane, Protect Liberty PAC's Treasurer, praised NASGW's consistent support for the PAC's mission to elect candidates who will protect Second Amendment rights.

Primary Arms Optics announced the promotion of Carson Heck to Director of Manufacturing and Quality. Since joining as a Product Engineer in 2020, Heck has led design and development of optics and mounts, including the PLx® HTX-1 enclosed pistol red dot sight, the company's first U.S.-made optic.

The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF) is hiring Regional Directors for Kentucky, Tennessee, New England, Western Colorado, and Western Montana. Successful candidates will oversee volunteer chapters, lead fundraising events, and manage grant programs in their assigned territories.

Sightmark announced the Latitude XD LRF 10x42 Binoculars, featuring integrated laser rangefinding up to 3,280 yards, premium ED glass, and OLED display. CEO James Sellers highlighted the product's advanced technology and rugged design for long-range shooters and hunters, with availability beginning November 2025.

ZeroTech Optics USA introduces the Thrive X 3-9x40 hunting riflescope with four reticle options: Zeroplex, G4, PHR 3, and PHR 4. The scope features a 40mm objective, 30mm aluminum tube, weights starting at 18.4 ounces, and an Adjustable BDC Turret included with select models.

Volquartsen Firearms has renewed its corporate partnership with the Second Amendment Foundation (SAF) and upgraded to Gold level status. The Carroll, Iowa-based rimfire manufacturer, led by President Scott Volquartsen, is also sponsoring SAF's monthly sweepstakes and the annual Gun Rights Policy Conference.

Sightmark has launched the Wraith 2 LRF series, featuring two thermal riflescope models with integrated laser rangefinders: the Wraith 2 384 LRF and Wraith 2 640 LRF. Both models pair Vanadium Oxide thermal sensors with Class 1 laser rangefinders, eliminating the need for separate rangefinding devices in the field.

Samson Manufacturing introduces SAS/22 Charger folding chassis systems for both the 10/22® Charger and 10/22® Charger Takedown models. The chassis features an integrated SAS-K folding stock, adjustable length of pull and cheek riser, and a forward rail section for optics compatibility.

Remington Gun Care is expanding its product lineup with new Aluminum Rod Universal Cleaning Kits designed for rifle, shotgun, and handgun owners. The lightweight kits feature durable Mil-Spec 8-32 threads and include brass brushes, cotton mops, nylon jags, and patches, priced at $24.99 each.

Federal Ammunition has expanded its American Eagle rifle line with a new 22 ARC, 75-grain Total Metal Jacket load designed for AR-15 platforms. The ammunition delivers high-velocity, flat-trajectory performance with minimal recoil and is now shipping to dealers nationwide.

Galco introduces the Optic Solution shoulder rig, compatible with full-frame Glock 9mm/.40 pistols with or without carry-style red dot optics. The modernized design features adjustable positioning, dual magazine carriers, and an ergonomic thumb break retention strap for comfortable all-day carry.

ZEV Technologies and WRMFZY announce the OZ DOOM XL, a long-slide OZ9 pistol featuring tungsten weights, DLC coating, and a co-branded FDE aluminum grip. Pre-orders open October 31 for two weeks at zevtechnologies.com, with an MSRP of $2,900 and expected delivery March 1, 2027.

Taurus expands its TX9 pistol lineup with a new Flat Dark Earth finish option available across full-size, compact, and sub-compact models at $499.99 MSRP. The duty-rated, striker-fired 9mm features the T.O.R.O. optic system and is assembled and tested in the USA.

Bear Creek Arsenal is launching the Bear Bolt Pro Series, featuring new bolt action AR complete upper assemblies. The line debuts with 308 Winchester, with additional AR10 and AR15 calibers coming soon, all compatible with mill-spec lowers.

BLACKHAWK introduces the Mini EDC Pocket Multi-Tool, a lightweight everyday carry option featuring eight essential tools including pliers, tanto-style knife, and screwdrivers in a compact 3.15-inch closed length. The tool retails for $64.99 and is available through Bear & Son Cutlery.

Warne introduces its Universal Receiver Red Dot Mount, a low-profile mounting solution for reflex-style red dot optics compatible with drilled-and-tapped shotguns, rimfire rifles including Ruger 10/22, and select rifle models. The mount features broad optic compatibility and flexible mounting options.

Iron Valley Supply has launched its Fall E-Show with over 1,200 items marked at their lowest seasonal prices, including guns, ammo, optics, and accessories available at IronValleySupply.com.

Steiner eOptics will exhibit at SOFEX Jordan 2026, October 27–29, in Aqaba, Jordan, showcasing advanced optical technologies including tactical lasers and the ATLAS system at booth #H100 to international defense professionals and military representatives.

Henry Repeating Arms launched 50 custom "Team Zach" lever-action rifles through their Guns For Great Causes program to benefit Zach Bryant, a three-year-old from Cambridge City, Indiana, undergoing treatment for B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Proceeds from rifle sales and auctions are expected to exceed $35,000 to help cover Zach's medical and travel costs.

Liberty Ammunition announced a sponsorship with Armed American Radio, hosted by Mark Walters. The featured segments explored Liberty Ammo's lightweight carry benefits and terminal ballistics performance for self-defense and law enforcement applications.

I’ve been amused by people espousing the concept “shoot-train-qualify up close, that’s where the fight is. Look at the statistics.” 

As to shoot-train-qualify, it’s nuanced, depending on the individual conversation. 

There are a few problems with “shoot up close” to rehearse for the fight. If you’re that close, unless you already know it’s a shooting situation and you can’t escape, it is very likely going to require activating the weapon system you always have in place: your physicality. 

I’m old, I know people who are “differently abled” or whatever the fashionable phrase is these days. Going hands-on will be a problem. As always, having a nonlethal option available to dissuade an attacker is better than being without. 

But shooting is more a distance proposition than most people think. I know “they don’t rob you from across the street.” That problem could require expertise in a surreptitious draw – have you practiced that?

Knowing that once you do shoot, it’s critical to move; it’s not a one-way range. If someone’s coming for you or sending bullets to you, it’s best not to be there when they arrive. 

If you can –

Does it sound like I’m recommending something tiny? More like discreet.

Aside from the first rule “having a gun,” we have another rule, “make sure others don’t know you have a gun.” If it’s not needed in the transaction, keep it quiet.

Going on, you need to ensure that you can shoot the gun. This requires us to look at rules devised for ammo selection. 

For one thing, the gun (with that ammo) has to have (1) ignition reliability, (2) have functional reliability (the damned thing has to work), and (3) the gun hits to the sights with that load. When I started this particular investigation back when I was more newly retired, I set the distance to check the sights at 10 yards. It’s moved back to fifteen – because 10 wasn’t giving me the information I needed. 

Nearly every gun could do it at thirty feet.

Backing out makes the hidden errors become visible. 

While I’m not taking the Kel-Tec P-32 or Ruger LCP out to the long line (50 yards), I’ll check point-of-impact vs. point-of-aim at fifteen yards. That gives me actionable information. 

Remember, the smaller the gun, the more likely you’ll have a compromised grip – and you don’t need that. A matter of practice and doing what needs done are more important than just buying another gun. 

Claude Werner added a grip sleeve, I believe the Hogue HandAll to a Ruger LCP II, if I’m not mistaken. It adds little to concealment problems while helping greatly in shootability.

I changed the stocks on the S&W M432 UC to Hogue Tamers for a similar reason. 

A technique seldom, it seems, discussed these days is starting with the hand in a firing grip on the holstered pistol. If it’s holstered on the belt, it can be considered “brandishing” or agg assault in some states (read the statute). 

If the gun’s in a pocket holster, it just looks like your hands are cold. 

The longest time lapse (after recognizing a threat and decided to act) is acquiring your grip on a holstered handgun – having your hand already there makes it less than a second to a decent hit. 

Having the gun out and in your hand when an attack commences increases the chance of a successful gun grab attempt. Those who brag about having a “security holster” lose whatever advantage it offers if the gun is in hand. 

If you can arrange it, competing with your deep concealment gun is helpful. It increases pressure over solo practice and you’re at least putting some ego on the line. The Snub Noir people like to arrange competitions with snub revolvers. 

And you could always shoot the GSSF Indoor League in the “Pocket GLOCK” category – for G42 and G43 (not-X) models only. Having the record of your performance in a match or two or three (they’re fun) can’t hurt. And it’s seriously good practice.

– Rich Grassi