In observance of the Labor Day weekend there will be no Weekend Edition on Saturday, September 5, and we will not be distributing any of our services on Monday, September 7. We will resume our normal distribution schedule on Tuesday, September 8. Due to the holiday weekend, we request you submit news for Tuesday's editions no later than 2:00pm ET Saturday.

Bushnell's R7 4-20x50 FFP riflescope won Editor's Choice as the top hunting scope of 2026 in Outdoor Life's annual Optics Test, competing against 25 other brands. The scope impressed reviewers with its ED Prime glass, Hybrid Dot Tree reticle, and durability, maintaining zero through the test's inaugural drop test.

Silencer Central presented U.S. Senator Mike Rounds with its U.S. Senator of the Year award, recognizing his leadership on firearm policy. Founder and CEO Brandon Maddox highlighted Rounds' sponsorship of the Modernizing Law Enforcement Notification Act and the Hearing Protection Act as key accomplishments for responsible gun owners.

Federal Ammunition was named Vendor Partner of the Year by Los Cazadores, a Texas-based hunting retailer celebrating 40 years in business. Federal's Chairman and CEO Jason Vanderbrink accepted the award from Los Cazadores CEO Craig Harrison and Vice President Chuck Anderson at the Big Buck Bash in San Antonio.

Hornady-sponsored shooter Jessie Harrison won the Ladies Open Division at the 2026 USPSA Race Gun Nationals using Hornady 38 Super Comp brass and 9mm 125 gr. HAP bullets, marking her 26th USPSA Ladies National Title.

The U.S. District Court for the District of New Mexico ruled New Mexico's seven-day firearm waiting period unconstitutional in Ortega v. Grisham, brought by the National Rifle Association and Mountain States Legal Foundation in partnership with the National Shooting Sports Foundation. The court found the law violates the Second Amendment as waiting periods lack historical precedent in firearm regulation.

A federal judge in Massachusetts denied the government's motion to dismiss a Second Amendment Foundation lawsuit challenging the state's burdensome non-resident license to carry process. The lawsuit, joined by Gun Owners Action League and three individuals, seeks to remove barriers including lengthy delays and mandatory annual renewals that the SAF argues unconstitutionally burden Second Amendment rights.

The Second Amendment Foundation (SAF) filed its opening brief with the U.S. Supreme Court in cases Viramontes v. Cook County and Grant v. Higgins, challenging assault weapons bans in Illinois and Connecticut. SAF Executive Director Adam Kraut and founder Alan M. Gottlieb argue that AR-15s and similar semi-automatic rifles are commonly possessed for lawful purposes and protected by the Second Amendment.

Firearms Policy Coalition (FPC) filed its merits brief with the U.S. Supreme Court in Viramontes v. Cook County, arguing that bans on semiautomatic rifles violate the Second Amendment. FPC President Brandon Combs stated the case could establish binding precedent eliminating unconstitutional arms bans nationwide.

SLG2, Inc. will bring its Shoot Like A Girl experience to Professional Bull Riders Thunder Days on September 4-6, 2026, at Thunder Ridge Nature Arena in Ridgedale, Missouri. Sponsored by Bass Pro Shops, the mobile range will offer firearms, archery, and outdoor product demonstrations in the Fan Zone, with certified instructors emphasizing firearm safety and responsible ownership.

Liberty Ammunition and SLA Sales Group have partnered for the TALO States. CEO Gary Ramey and SLA Principal Brian Edwards highlighted the collaboration to support retailers, with SLA bringing extensive ammunition sales experience across multiple channels.

NSSF, The Firearm Industry Trade Association, announces the second semi-annual Gun Storage Check Week (Sept. 1–7), coinciding with National Suicide Prevention Month. In partnership with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and the Department of Veterans Affairs, NSSF encourages firearm owners to review secure storage practices through the "Make Sure It's Secure" campaign, featuring resources, a sweepstakes for a Lodestar Technology LNK9 Kit, and promotional materials.

Gun Talk Media announced its Facebook page surpassed 2 million followers, with 780% follower growth and 4,049% increase in video views since January 1, 2026. President and CEO Ryan Gresham highlighted the platform's importance for reaching everyday gun owners with firearms content and responsible gun ownership information.

Real Avid announces the Range Ready educational content series presented by champion shooter Doug Koenig, designed to help handgun owners prepare responsibly and build confidence through proper fundamentals, maintenance, and purposeful practice on the Real Avid YouTube channel.

Walk the Talk America founder Michael Sodini will deliver a keynote at the 2026 Wyoming Suicide Prevention Symposium in Cheyenne on September 15-16. ROOTS Project partners B.O.S. Lock and Regal Products will exhibit firearm safety technology solutions alongside WTTA resources including mental health screenings and therapist directories.

Brownells, a leading provider of gunsmithing tools, parts, and ammunition, has renewed its Silver-level corporate partnership with the Second Amendment Foundation. CEO Pete Brownell emphasized SAF's important legal work protecting Second Amendment rights, while SAF Executive Director Adam Kraut praised Brownells' 80-year commitment to supporting gun owners and their support of SAF's 55 active legal cases.

The National Rifle Association Institute for Legislative Action launched its first national bus tour, the 2026 NRA's Gun Bus Battleground Tour, a two-month campaign across 13 states to energize gun owners ahead of November midterm elections. The tour includes 63 stops and features appearances by pro-Second Amendment candidates, with sponsors including Patriot Mobile, Smith & Wesson, Sig Sauer, and Winchester Ammunition.

EOTECH and parent company American Holoptics are donating over $8 million in pet supplies inventory to Project K-9 Hero, a nonprofit supporting retired Police K-9s and Military Working Dogs. The donation will fund building construction and expansion for the organization's 177-acre rehabilitation and rehoming facility.

Gamo Outdoor USA introduces the Swarm Bone Collector Maxxim SuperMax .22 caliber air rifle in collaboration with Michael Waddell, Travis "T-Bone" Turner, and Nick Mundt of the Bone Collector hunting television series. The rifle features a 10-shot auto-loading magazine system, velocities up to 1,000 fps, and an all-weather synthetic stock.

High Speed Gear Products Group and ESSE K9 Collective announced a partnership to develop specialized equipment for professional K9 handlers and operators. The collaboration introduces a collection including the Quick Adjust Hip Lead, Adjustable Tether, and Belt Loop options designed for military, law enforcement, and search and rescue professionals.

Rost Martin announces the launch of the RM1X series, featuring three models—RM1CX Standard, RM1CX Comp, and RM1CX Tactical—developed from customer feedback to combine compact slides with full-size grips. CEO Chris Toomer emphasizes the company's commitment to quality and supporting gun owners, with California-compliant models coming soon.

Remington Ammunition announces the new Premier AccuTip 400 Legend cartridge is now available at dealers nationwide. The 195-grain straight-wall centerfire load features a muzzle velocity of 2,215 feet per second and fills the gap between the 350 Legend and 450 Bushmaster, offering hunters a balanced option for states where traditional bottleneck cartridges are prohibited.

Real Avid celebrates the 10th annual National Shooting Sports Month with its Range Ready campaign, featuring educational content from shooter Doug Koenig. The company offers essential products including the Master Sight Pusher, Smart-Torq kits, Ratchet Rest shooting bags, and comprehensive cleaning solutions to help shooters prepare and maintain firearms.

Fiocchi introduces three shotshell options for dove hunters: the new Golden Dove Duplex combining #6 and #8 shot, Texas White Wing in convenient 100-round packaging, and Field Dynamics Dove Loads available across multiple gauges for versatile hunting situations.

Springfield Armory introduced three new Model 2020 Waypoint rifles featuring SG-100 Cerakote finish on carbon fiber stocks from AG Composites. Available in .308 Win., 7mm PRC, and .300 Win. Mag., these precision-manufactured rifles offer a .75 MOA accuracy guarantee and are priced at $1,995 each.

Hornady introduces the Precision Lab Scale, a lab-grade measuring tool for reloaders featuring .01-grain readout accuracy, 3,000-grain capacity, and multiple operational modes including Compare, Percent, and Count functions with print-to-spreadsheet capability.

CZ announces the availability of the CZ TS 3 ORANGE, a championship-proven tactical sports competition pistol developed in collaboration with 11-time IPSC World Champion Eric Grauffel. The pistol features direct-mounted optics compatibility, enhanced ergonomics, and a Single Action Only trigger with approximately 1.3-pound pull, with an MSRP of $3,549.

MDT has expanded its XTN lineup with the Stalker Core Buttstock, a lightweight minimalist design featuring skeletonized construction and a length of pull as low as 10.43 inches. The company also introduced XTN-XTN and XTN-Picatinny single-hinge folding adapters, along with a Stalker Cheek Riser and LOP spacers for customization, all available August 28, 2026.

Dead Air Silencers introduces the Nomad series, five distinct suppressor models designed for rifle hunters. The lineup includes the Nomad 30, Nomad L, Nomad Ti OTB, Nomad LTi XC, and Nomad Ti XC, each offering different balances of weight, sound suppression, and performance for .22- through .30-caliber centerfire rifles.

Galco unveils the Combat Master 2.0, a professional-grade leather belt holster for the SIG-Sauer P365 X-Macro with or without carry optics. The updated design features hand-molded construction, optic cutaway capability, raised sweat guard, and premium steerhide with double-stitched seams for durability and concealment.

Roni Corporation has introduced the Micro Roni pistol-to-carbine conversion kit for Gen 6 Glock pistols (G17, G19, G45). The tool-free chassis improves stability, accuracy, and handling while remaining compact and lightweight. The base kit is priced at $289.00 and is available through 1791 Outdoor Lifestyle Group, Sport South, and Chattanooga Shooting Supplies.

Bear OPS, a division of Bear & Son Cutlery, introduces the 4 1/8" Auto Bold Action XIV Incognito II, an Alabama-made automatic knife featuring a D2 Tool Steel blade, stainless steel handle, and pen-type clip for deep concealment. The knife is priced at $299.99 and backed by a lifetime warranty.

SnapSafe has introduced innovative modular gun safes that deliver security equal to traditional welded safes while offering the flexibility to assemble and move them anywhere. Available in four models, SnapSafe Modular Safes accommodate 12 to 56+ long guns and feature UL-listed digital locks, 9-gauge steel construction, and 2300°F fire protection with a lifetime warranty.

C&H Precision Weaponry launched optic adapter plates for Colt Anaconda and Kodiak revolvers, supporting three popular optic footprints including Aimpoint ACRO, Holosun 407K/507K, and Trijicon RMR. Plates are machined in-house at their Richmond Hill, Georgia facility and include stainless steel hardware.

SHIELD Sights is offering up to 25% off its entire product line through September 30th at participating dealers. The UK-designed and manufactured red dot optics promotion aims to help shooters prepare for peak fall shooting season with premium optics at significant savings.

Bass Pro Shops announced plans for a new 100,000-square-foot destination retail location in College Station, Texas, expected to open in 2028. Founded by Johnny Morris, the store will feature immersive outdoor experiences and employ over 125 Outfitters, bringing Bass Pro Shops' Texas locations to 20.

Staccato 2011 launched its first dedicated Store-in-Store at SCHEELS Cedar Park, Texas on August 29, featuring a purpose-built environment showcasing the Staccato 2011 HD pistol lineup, ammunition, and accessories with specially trained associates near the company's Florence headquarters.

B&T USA, a suppressor and firearms manufacturer, will exhibit at Worldwide Show Fall 2026 in Reno, Nevada, September 1–3, showcasing suppressors covered by the Silencer Shop Foundation v. ATF federal injunction. The company is a named plaintiff in the case that bars ATF enforcement of NFA registration requirements for covered suppressor purchases.

Liberty Ammunition, a leading self-defense ammunition manufacturer, will showcase its new Pro Series at the NTOA show in Nashville, TN. CEO Gary Ramey noted the product has already been adopted by several law enforcement departments and will be demonstrated to LE SWAT teams.

Legacy Sports International will showcase its HOWA, POINTER, and CITADEL brand firearms at the Worldwide 2026 Fall Show in Reno, NV from September 1-3, 2026. The company will feature popular products including the HOWA Superlite Gen 2, POINTER shotguns, and CITADEL Boss25 AR-style shotguns.

AGM Global Vision will exhibit at the Worldwide Buying Group Show September 1–3, 2026, at Booth 517, showcasing thermal imaging, night vision, and digital optics. Nick Noyes, Austin McCord, and Scott Cook will represent AGM for product demonstrations and dealer meetings.

KDG is showcasing its latest firearm accessories at the Worldwide Fall Show in Reno, Nevada, following a successful NBS Fall Market debut. The company is highlighting its new BOM Series Optic Mount for the Aimpoint COA and a rail extension for the Springfield Armory Kuna, marking KDG's entry into the Worldwide Buying Group.

Iconic Outdoor Group, parent company of Daisy Outdoor Products, Crosman Corporation, GAMO USA, and Benjamin Airguns, will exhibit at the Worldwide Show September 1-3 in Reno, Nevada. The company will showcase air rifles, BB guns, air pistols, and accessories at Booth #461, connecting with NBS member retailers.

Walther Arms will exhibit at the 2026 Worldwide Fall Show September 1–3 in Reno, Nevada, where independent retailers can meet the team, review the current product lineup, and discuss upcoming products and programs with Walther sales representatives.

Steiner Optics will exhibit at the 2026 National Tactical Officers Association Conference in Nashville, showcasing professional-grade riflescopes, red dots, and tactical optics including the T1Xi red dot, MPS 2.0 micro pistol sight, and T6Xi tactical riflescope designed for law enforcement professionals.

Staccato 2011 announced Jonathan Menocal, a USPSA Grand Master and Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office Special Response Team operator, as a brand ambassador and Team Staccato member. Menocal joins elite shooters including Max Michel, KC Eusebio, and Michelle Viscusi on the roster.

Outdoor Channel launches the "Wednesday Night Branded Series" featuring North American Whitetail, Bowhunter, Guns & Ammo, Handguns, Gun Stories with Joe Mantegna, and American Rifleman, airing Wednesdays at 6 p.m. ET with expert hosts and industry insights.

Pursuit Channel highlights its "Sportsman Sundays" primetime block presented by Spypoint, featuring hunting, shooting, and outdoor lifestyle programming including McWhorter Rifles' Precision Hunting TV, Ted Nugent Spirit of the Wild, and Americana Outdoors presented by Garmin, airing Sunday nights at 8 p.m. ET.

“It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather we should thank God that such men lived.”  -- George S. Patton

Vincent P. O’Neill was a grand man, a great character, as close to a Renaissance Man as any I’ve known. I really should have crossed his path before I did; we worked in operational areas less than 30 miles apart. My friend and partner had an interesting experience during a chase my partner kicked up that went into the adjacent county. Vince attempted to stop the lawbreaker; Vince and my partner met years later, and found that they accompanied that same close encounter.

Vince was described as a “cop’s cop,” a brother, someone who looked after those less abled. That was a small percentage of his “knowledges, skills and abilities.” 

A speaker of three languages, a depth of knowledge of psychological and physiological aspects of sports training and deadly combat, a master with firearms, nightsticks of various types, “aerosol subject restraints,” other tools of arrest and of the sketch artist’s pencil. 

That last understates his ability to draw a “cut-out” view of human anatomy, showing with precision the muscles, veins, arteries relative to what we see when we look at other humans. Before there was AI there was “VI,” an encyclopedic depth of knowledge. 

He imparted this knowledge through lecture, discussion, demonstrations of skills and chats during breaks and after hours. A cop’s cop, he was also the instructor’s instructor – mentor, confessor, therapist.

Articulate in verbal and written communication, you knew he was getting wound up when the words he used got longer and longer. 

There were times that Chuck Haggard and I would look at each other, amused that students in the crowd took on the attitude of the RCA-Victor dog, head-tilt, and hearing “His Master’s Voice.” Later, in the mat room or on the range, head-tilts turned into the “light just came on” epiphany. 

He taught much through the example he set. While Vince was a cop and had played football for the Buffalo Bills, he was soft spoken – the truly strong seldom raises his voice – and not routinely vulgar. 

He would speak with students long after class, as long as they wanted. And they couldn’t leave; he was magnetic.

Vince wasn’t in love with the sound of his own voice. He had a message and that message was to keep in the fight. It may not go your way; you may be injured horribly – but that doesn’t excuse you from the engagement. Carry on. 

It’s your duty.

People remember him quoting from Theodore Roosevelt’s speech “Citizenship in a Republic,” delivered at the Sorbonne in Paris on April 23, 1910.

“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.”

Vince was the man in the arena.

Massad Ayoob has referred to people like Vince as “teachers of staying alive.” I’m not sure that Vince saved more people than concealable body armor, but I’m not betting against him. 

So, this is less an obituary than an expression of profound gratitude. I thank the Almighty for giving us Vince O’Neill. 

His memory is a blessing. 

– Rich Grassi