Magpul has expanded its glove line with the Patrol 2.0 and Technical 2.0 now available in Multicam. The Patrol 2.0 features a goatskin palm and padded knuckles at $64.95, while the Technical 2.0 offers touch-screen compatibility and synthetic suede at $44.95.
Team Beretta athletes J.J. Racaza and Salvador Luna achieved strong performances at the 2026 Pan American Handgun Championship in Aruba, with Racaza capturing first place in Production Optics and Luna finishing fourth in Production, both competing with the Beretta 92X Performance Carry Optic.
NSSF's Partner with a Payer program showcases how federal excise taxes from firearm and ammunition manufacturers fund conservation. The initiative featured Arizona's Ben Avery Shooting Facility, the Arizona Game and Fish Department, and Remington Ammunition, demonstrating how Pittman-Robertson Act funding supports wildlife restoration, hunter education, and public shooting access across all 50 states.
MDT is running the Ultimate Coyote Hunter Giveaway featuring a complete predator hunting rifle and field kit assembled with ten partner brands including Lone Peak, TriggerTech, Kahles, Eberlestock, Hornady, and SilencerCo. Entries open September 8, 2026 and close September 21, 2026 with no purchase necessary.
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit ruled that NSSF has standing to challenge New Jersey's 'reasonable controls' law, reversing a lower court's decision that invoked the Younger Abstention Doctrine. NSSF Senior Vice President Lawrence G. Keane stated the law violates the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act and is unconstitutional.
NSSF® would like to share a message from ATF. The ATF has completed installation of a new FFLAlert notification system using the Everbridge BEACON platform to provide FFLs with time-sensitive information about firearm thefts, disaster preparedness, and administrative updates via text, email, and phone.
Derya Arms announced that beginning January 1, 2027, drop-ship fulfillment of its firearms and accessories through distributors Sports South, Lipsey's, RSR Group, and Bill Hicks & Co., Ltd. will be exclusive to Derya Authorized Dealers. The program protects stocking dealers and strengthens pricing integrity across the 1,400+ dealer network.
NSSF celebrated the conclusion of Gun Storage Check Week (Sept. 1–7), which coincided with National Suicide Prevention Month. NSSF President and CEO Joe Bartozzi emphasized that the "Make Sure It's Secure" message promotes year-round firearm storage practices to prevent unwanted access and save lives.
Real Avid has released the Range Ready Rifle series, an educational content platform presented by champion shooter Doug Koenig. The five-part YouTube series covers rifle preparation topics including optic setup, zeroing, optimization, and maintenance, releasing through September 27.
GrabAGun has renewed its corporate partnership with the Second Amendment Foundation (SAF) and upgraded to Platinum level sponsorship. The firearms eCommerce retailer is also a badge sponsor of SAF's 41st annual Gun Rights Policy Conference in Dallas, September 25-27.
Federal Ammunition launched Cosmic shotshells featuring UV-fluorescent Podium wads and neon colors that glow under black light for nighttime clay target shooting. The 12-gauge loads contain 1⅛-ounce No. 8 shot at 1,145 feet per second and are now shipping to dealers nationwide.
FALCO Holsters and the 3 of 7 Project unveiled the C917 and C917 L Kydex holsters, featuring OWB/IWB strong-side carry capability with full Kydex construction and perforated leather backing. The light-bearing C917 L accommodates weapon-mounted lights, with MSRPs of $219.95 and $229.95 respectively.
Catalyst Arms has released the Apex Bag Rider 2.0, an upgraded rear stock accessory for Gen 1-Gen 3 Ruger Precision Rifles featuring a sleeker profile and refined angle for smoother elevation adjustments and improved stability. The product is now available with an MSRP of $44.95.
Remington Ammunition announces two new 12-gauge loads for its Premier Nitro Sporting Clays line, featuring 1-ounce shot sizes 7.5 and 8 with 1,250 fps muzzle velocity. Shotshell Product Manager Ronnie Evans states the powered-down loads address customer feedback for tournament-winning performance.
Comp-Tac has launched the International V2 Holster, the next generation of its legendary competition holster featuring a slimmer, lighter design with expanded optic compatibility and enhanced mounting options. The new holster maintains the speed and reliability that made the original the No. 1 choice among IDPA competitors while delivering meaningful improvements for today's shooters.
Galco has released the Stow-N-Go IWB holster for the Springfield SA-35 4.7", part of their Concealed Carry Lite line. The holster features Premium Center Cut Steerhide construction, an open top for fast draw, and supports both strong side and appendix carry options.
Tikka U.S., distributed by Beretta USA, is expanding its T3x ACE rifle family with new left-hand configurations of the T3x ACE Target and T3x ACE Game models. These left-handed rifles feature the platform's modular chassis system, bolt-action accuracy, and extensive accessory compatibility for hunting and competitive shooting applications.
Burris Optics announces the redesigned 2026 Veracity riflescope lineup is now available at dealers nationwide. The new series features improved optics, enhanced ergonomics, five reticle options, and the innovative Burris Knob Synergy System for customizable turret configurations. MSRPs range from $1,019 to $1,559.
Langdon Tactical Technology introduced the LTT Mossberg 590, featuring an Action Job with NP3-coated internals, a 4.5-pound trigger, Adjustable Super Duty Shotgun Sight, and Magpul furniture. Available in 18.5-inch Standard and 14.375-inch Shockwave configurations at Langdontactical.com.
Zanders, a national distributor based in Sparta, Illinois, has partnered with SIG SAUER to offer dealers special sale pricing and entry into a drawing for SIG SAUER ZULU6 HDX binoculars through September 13, 2026. Dealers earn one entry for every $1,000 spent on SIG SAUER products with unlimited entry opportunities.
The Armory Life has launched its 21st edition digital magazine featuring an Echelon-themed issue focused on the popular family of modular 9mm pistols. The magazine includes a cover story review of the Echelon Alpha 4.0C, in-depth articles on the Variable Interface System, and aftermarket options. Editor-in-Chief Mike Humphries highlights the publication's commitment to delivering engaging firearms content.
Steiner Optics has partnered with PromoBoxx to provide retailers with professionally developed, brand-approved digital marketing materials. The platform enables dealers to easily share campaigns across email, social media, and websites while maintaining consistent brand messaging and driving customer engagement.
KDG completed its first Worldwide Buying Group show in Reno, Nevada, welcoming new dealer partnerships and generating strong interest in new products including the BOM Series Optic Mount and rail solutions for Grand Power Stribog and Springfield Armory Kuna platforms.
Looking back at the comparison of service/service-compact pistols versus the slightly-upsized micro-9mm pistols, I selected two examples that were close to hand: from Springfield Armory, the Echelon 4.0FC and the Hellcat Pro.
The Springfield Hellcat Pro has a sight radius of about 5.7 inches, while the Springfield Echelon 4.0C has a sight radius of approximately 6.5 inches.
Both guns shot "clean" scores on a police qualification, but that doesn't tell the tale. The Hellcat Pro (above) shot the same score as the Echelon 4.0FC below, but the Hellcat Pro used up a lot more target to do it.
Going back through images of targets shot for retiree qualification, I could see that the Hellcat Pro shot a clean score, but I used quite a bit of the FBI-Q to get that score. With the Echelon 4.0 FC on this year’s qual, I had a fifty-shot group that all fits under my hand.
That was pretty good shooting, for me.
I compared them on two types of standards. One was shooting one-handed, 25 yards on a B-8 repair center. I had the targets posted face down so I concentrated more on the sights than where the scoring rings were.
The other was a “demi-Test.” Fired at ten yards on a B-8, it’s five rounds in five seconds from low ready. That gives me a sustained fire comparison.
The distance work was miserable. I used duty-class ammo, Hornady Critical Duty 135gr. +P in both guns. The ammo is a known quantity and any problems would be down to the shooter.
I shot high with the Hellcat Pro, a 6.5” horizontal string – that could be vision more than grip or trigger. The rounds hit about 3 ¾” high, another indicator that it’s a vision problem. Three rounds went into four-inches (Critical Duty is always better than that).
I hit center, favoring to the left with the Echelon 4.0FC and the same ammo. Not surprisingly, the group measured the same for extreme spread with the best 3 in 3 7/8”, practically a draw.
The time it took to shoot five rounds with an attempt at precision was longer with the smaller gun.
Trying with 115gr. FMJ range ammo – shot two-handed, the groups were bigger for the Hellcat Pro. The Echelon split between group size for extreme spread and “best 3;” 2 ¼” for three hits. It was much larger for the smaller gun.
On a succeeding range trip, I tried to “remediate” the Echelon 4.0FC; I know it shoots well for me, but it’s like I have to relearn it every time I shoot it.
Shooting some old stock Black Hills Ammunition 124gr. FMJ remanufactured, my first five-shot one-handed 25-yard string gave me a 42/50. The second, after I changed my hold and grip, was a 43/50. The best string was 5 ½”, better but not great.
At the end of that first trip, I posted fresh targets and did the “demi-Test” with both guns. The Hellcat Pro shot the test in time, but barely. The Echelon had time left over – but the Hellcat Pro bested the score by a single point.
Is the difference in shootability that big a deal? Well, if you just can’t carry the service compact concealed due to its size relative to the environment you’re in or due to physical infirmity, you’re not giving up much to go to the Hellcat Pro. But the Echelon is far more comfortable to shoot.
