The Firearms Policy Coalition (FPC) achieved a landmark victory when the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit ruled that New Jersey's "assault firearm" ban on semi-automatic rifles violates the Second Amendment in Cheeseman v. New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport. The decision strengthens FPC's pending litigation challenging New Jersey's short-barreled rifle ban and follows the Supreme Court's agreement to hear FPC's Viramontes v. Cook County case challenging Illinois's similar ban.

The Third Circuit Court of Appeals struck down New Jersey's assault weapon and magazine capacity bans, supporting the Second Amendment Foundation's two assault weapons ban cases before the Supreme Court: Viramontes v. Cook County and Grant v. Higgins. SAF Executive Director Adam Kraut and founder Alan M. Gottlieb expressed optimism that the ruling will bolster favorable outcomes in the upcoming Supreme Court term.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit struck down New Jersey's bans on semiautomatic rifles and magazines holding more than ten rounds, ruling they violate the Second Amendment. The NRA and Association of New Jersey Rifle & Pistol Clubs litigated the case since 2018, applying the text-and-history test from NYSRPA v. Bruen.

The Second Amendment Foundation filed a motion for summary judgment in Harrington v. Crawford, challenging the unconstitutional search of high school student Jack Harrington's vehicle based solely on his legal firearm ownership. SAF Senior Director Bill Sack and founder Alan M. Gottlieb argue school officials violated constitutional rights without reasonable suspicion or evidence of unlawful conduct.

The Trump Department of Justice moved to voluntarily dismiss its appeal in FPC v. Blanche, allowing the Firearms Policy Coalition and Second Amendment Foundation's victory against the federal post office gun ban to stand. The permanent injunction protects all present and future members' right to carry firearms for self-defense in post offices.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit ruled that New Jersey's bans on Modern Sporting Rifles and standard-capacity magazines violate the Second Amendment. NSSF Senior Vice President Lawrence G. Keane praised the decision, noting that MSRs are commonly used firearms protected under the Second Amendment, with over 32 million in circulation.

The federal government filed a motion to voluntarily dismiss its appeal in a case challenging the ban on firearms in U.S. Post Offices, making the Second Amendment Foundation's (SAF) win final. The Northern District of Texas ruled in September that the carry ban is unconstitutional, and the injunction now has nationwide effect protecting all current and future SAF members.

ZeroTech Optics has released the Vengeance 1-6x24 LPVO in Flat Dark Earth finish, featuring a 1-6x magnification range with illuminated RAR reticle and second focal plane design. The scope is designed for hunters, recreational shooters, and modern sporting rifle owners seeking fast target acquisition and precision at extended distances.

Steiner eOptics unveiled the M830rc X LRF 1535nm laser rangefinder binocular with seamless A.T.A.K. Battle Management System connectivity. The Germany-made device enables operators to instantly transmit lased target data including bearing, distance, and elevation to shared digital maps, eliminating manual data entry and human error in time-critical operations.

Sightmark has released the Strikon VMP 1-4x22 SFP Fiber V2 Prismatic Riflescope, featuring capped turrets for zero protection, expanded mounting flexibility with four centerline height configurations, and an enhanced accessories package. The updated optic maintains the original's 1-4x prismatic design while addressing practical shooter feedback.

Luth-AR has renewed its Silver-level corporate partnership with the Second Amendment Foundation (SAF). President Randy E. Luth expressed continued support for SAF's constitutional advocacy work, while SAF Executive Director Adam Kraut praised the partnership as essential to their ongoing litigation efforts.

Lipsey's, one of the largest independently owned firearms distributors in the country, has renewed its Gold-level corporate partnership with the Second Amendment Foundation. The partnership supports SAF's legal efforts to protect Second Amendment rights through litigation, education, and advocacy.

Orchid announced an integration between its Orchid POS platform and Gun Made, automatically syndicating live inventory from Orchid POS dealers into Gun Made's search results across 4,000+ dealers and 500 million products. The integration drives traffic and sales to dealer storefronts with no commissions or manual uploads required.

MidwayUSA promoted Sam Price to Marketing Manager after 12 years with the company. Price will lead digital marketing analysts overseeing customer relationship, advertising, public relations, social media, and SEO processes. VP Marketing Ryan Cokerham praised Price's dedication and industry expertise.

MidwayUSA promoted Travis Rodgers to Director of Logistics after 14 years with the company. Rodgers previously served as Director of Merchandising for the Hunting & Outdoors division and will now lead the warehouse operations team at MidwayUSA's Nitro Express Distribution Center.

Hodgdon Powder Co. announced comprehensive load data for the 8.6 Blackout cartridge is now available free through the Hodgdon Reloading Data Center. The data was developed using Hodgdon's rigorous ballistic testing protocols and includes information on Hodgdon, IMR, and Accurate propellants.

WOOX, an Italian-American gunstock manufacturer, announced the new Bravado Henry Supreme stocks engineered for Henry and Marlin lever-action rifles. The modular design features adjustable cheek riser, M-LOK compatibility, and QD sling mounts, available in Standard Walnut, Grey Laminated, and High Grade American walnut options.

Liberty Ammunition's SPIKE 2.0 in .380 is featured on the cover of Shooting Sports Retailer's August issue. The patented ammunition delivers 275 ft/lbs of stopping power, penetrates heavy clothing and denim, and is available in both .380 and 9mm calibers.

PROOF Research announced an expanded PXT barrel lineup including new steel competition blanks, pre-fit options for Impact Precision and Terminus actions, and additional caliber offerings in .243 and .257. The expansion broadens access to PXT technology across more rifle platforms and applications for precision shooters and hunters.

Remington announces availability of patriotic-themed bulk buckets featuring 'Don't Tread on Me' and 'Come and Take It' series in rifle, handgun, and rimfire calibers. The new products, now shipping to dealers nationwide, complement Remington's earlier 'We the People' bulk buckets launched for America's 250th anniversary.

Tippmann Arms and Rare Breed Firearms announced a strategic collaboration introducing dedicated FRT-equipped rimfire firearms built around the Rare Breed FRT-15L3™ trigger system. The new lineup includes the M4-22 ELITE Rifle FRT, ELITE Pistol FRT, and Micro ELITE Pistol FRT, engineered for recreational shooting, training, and competition applications.

Beretta USA announces the Manurhin MR73 Liberty, a limited-edition revolver honoring America's 250th anniversary and the historic France-U.S. alliance. Hand-crafted in Saint-Bonnet-le-Château, France, only 100 revolvers feature a new 4-inch barrel, unfluted cylinder, and commemorative engravings celebrating shared heritage.

Blue Force Gear announces the SPECIAL-1776 Vickers Sling, a limited-edition rifle sling commemorating America's 250th Anniversary. Developed with retired U.S. Army Special Operations veteran Larry Vickers, the sling features a patented quick-adjust design and is available in four military-inspired colorways exclusively at BlueForceGear.com.

Streamlight Inc. announced upgraded versions of its Trident and Septor headlamps featuring modern designs, improved performance, and rugged reliability. Both headlamps offer hands-free lighting with IPX7-rated waterproof design, multiple brightness modes, and extended battery life for industrial and outdoor use.

Rare Breed Triggers and B&T USA announced a strategic partnership to integrate the patented FRT-SG3 forced reset trigger into B&T USA's SPC9 and GHM9 platforms. The factory-assembled and tested systems will deliver superior reliability and performance, combining both companies' expertise in precision engineering and quality control.

Galco's Tapered Rifle Sling is now available in dark chocolate and tan colors. The full 2-inch wide cobra-style sling tapers to 1 inch at the swivels and is adjustable from 29 to 42 inches, crafted from premium top grain leather and steerhide.

Silencer Central is running a two-week "Dead Air Central" promotion from July 20 to August 2, 2026, offering $150 rebates and triple Silencer Central Rewards points on select Dead Air Suppressors. Rebate coupons can be redeemed through November 30, 2026, toward future Dead Air purchases or accessories.

Arsenal Inc. announced America 250: Part II, continuing its U.S. 250th anniversary promotion with special pricing on five AK rifle models through August 31, 2026. The promotion includes discounted accessory packages through K-VAR and participating MSR Distribution dealers, making high-quality mil-spec firearms more accessible to American customers.

Range USA President Tom Willingham discusses the brand's origin story and mission of safe, responsible gun ownership in a new interview. The nation's largest indoor gun range and firearm retailer, with 50 locations and 300 certified instructors, emphasizes its customer-first approach and commitment to firearm safety education.

C&H Precision announced A2 Firearms as its newest dealer partner in Southern California. A2 Firearms partners with the NRA and USCCA to provide firearms, ammunition, and outdoor products with certified instruction and safety education.

The Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers' Institute (SAAMI) raised $18,000 for Project ChildSafe through an auction at its annual board meetings, celebrating its 100th anniversary. Project ChildSafe, the nation's most comprehensive firearm safety program, has distributed over 42 million free safety kits since its 1999 launch.

Gearfire announced its sponsorship of The Briefing: FFL Compliance Summit, a three-day educational event for Federal Firearms Licensees taking place September 23-25, 2026, in Dallas. The summit will feature ATF leadership, the FBI, and industry experts discussing regulatory changes including ATF's 34-rule overhaul and revised Form 4473 requirements.

Pursuit Media has partnered with American Kombat Alliance (AKA) to distribute AKA's content library and live events across Pursuit Channel, Pursuit UP, and Pursuit+. The partnership expands Pursuit Media into combat sports while providing AKA national distribution to millions of viewers.

I’ve preached about avoiding the use of deadly force for decades - approach tactics for sworn personnel, avoidance and escape for the nonsworn. If you’ve done everything right, considered your approach to every situation and anticipated trouble (to paraphrase from SURVIVAL SHOOTING TECHNIQUES) — and had some luck, you can stay away from killing situations.
Sometimes. 

When all that fails, the only thing left is the tactics of engagement. A critical aspect of that is hits on target. 
We’ll discuss that more, moving forward, but for now the issue of carrying firearms arises. 

Few things disturb me more than reading fiction, seeing a motion picture or television production where the protagonist first has to run into trouble, often being injured, before going back to the office or home or the car (please, not the car) to retrieve the firearm he should’ve been carrying in the first place. 

It wrecks the drama if, at the first sign of trouble, the protagonist moves to cover, draws to guard - or covers his own retreat until reinforcements arrive. 

We can’t have that.

The problem is that people believe the nonsense they see from play actors, performing the actions of writers who don’t know a stock screw from a recoil spring. 

That is a problem. 

So, they leave the gun at home. It stays in the car because it’s uncomfortable and, besides, nothing’s happened yet.

And it won’t. Until it does. 

In your case, and mine, there’s no director to call “cut!” There are no reshoots if we flub our lines. We can’t correct it in post-production. 

All that remains is the scent of lilies, sad organ music, long faces and people trying to fit into the good clothes they’ve not worn since the last funeral. 

I know it’s inconvenient. It can be uncomfortable. You could be in a position where carry of the firearm can lead to a loss of livelihood (which is a lot more problematic than it may sound to some). It could be illegal where you reside. 
I’d tell you to move, but real life has a vote.

Too often, people will carry the smallest, the lightest, the most difficult-to-shoot gun they can find … or the cheapest. Ammo being expensive – consider range time and cost, if one’s available – a good many have little clue what it will be like when the gun is actually fired. 

The bottom line is that not everyone can carry a gun. Not everyone will. Too few of those who do carry guns actually train even in the “hard skills,” square range stuff that can actually be accomplished - unlike scenario training, video simulators and the like. 

Obviously, the more of those non-range “think-with-a-gun” activities you could get, the better. If you carry a gun, you’d best be oriented to not missing. A miss on the range is a learning opportunity. On the street, it’s a tragedy with ramifications worse than those the legal system can throw at you. 

I’ve taken to tightening up the hard skills aspect for now; it’s what I can do. 

The way I’m doing that is to work on precision. I’m less worried about speed -- for now.

– Rich Grassi