Firearms Policy Coalition President Brandon Combs criticized the Seventh Circuit's reversal of a district court ruling that declared Illinois' Protect Illinois Communities Act bans unconstitutional. FPC notes the Supreme Court recently granted certiorari in their Viramontes v. Cook County case, which presents the same constitutional issues.

NSSF, The Firearm Industry Trade Association, expressed disappointment with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit's decision in Barnett v. Raoul, which reversed a lower court ruling that Illinois' law restricting Modern Sporting Rifles and standard-capacity magazines is unconstitutional. NSSF plans to file a cert petition with the U.S. Supreme Court, citing over 32 million MSRs in circulation and disagreeing with the court's characterization of these firearms as "dangerous and unusual."

SLG2, Inc. brings its Shoot Like A Girl experience to Bass Pro Shops in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania on July 18-19, 2026. The free event features a mobile range with firearm and archery experiences, product demonstrations from leading outdoor brands, and hands-on safety education for women, families, and outdoor enthusiasts of all experience levels.

Judge Roger T. Benitez (Ret.) will deliver the keynote address at the 41st annual Gun Rights Policy Conference on September 25-27 in Dallas. Co-hosted by the Second Amendment Foundation and Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms, the event features speakers including Brandon Herrera, Cam Edwards, and representatives from the ATF, NRA, and Silencer Shop.

Magpul collaborated with Ruger, Vortex, Hornady, CCI, and Fix It Sticks for a 250 Years of Freedom Giveaway totaling $4,500 in firearms, optics, ammunition, and gear. The prize package includes two Ruger firearms, Vortex optics, ammunition, and extensive Magpul accessories. The giveaway ends July 31.

GunBroker.com, the world's largest online firearms marketplace, announced integration with Slingit, an AI-powered platform enabling firearm dealers to appraise, acquire, and list used guns on GunBroker.com in under five minutes. The integration streamlines the workflow from gun counter evaluation to professional marketplace listings with AI-enhanced photos and optimized descriptions.

AGM Global Vision announced the appointment of Leslie Vester as Head of Marketing. Vester brings over a decade of experience in brand strategy and marketing leadership to support AGM's expansion across hunting, shooting sports, law enforcement, and outdoor industries.

Warne, a premium scope mount and shooting accessories manufacturer based in Tualatin, Oregon, has expanded its partnership with Odle Sales to represent the brand across the western United States. Odle Sales will provide dealers with enhanced product expertise, faster communication, and personalized support throughout the region.

Kinsey's Inc., a leading outdoor sporting goods distributor headquartered in Mount Joy, Pennsylvania, is hiring a Distribution Account Manager to manage 100-130 dealer accounts. The role combines sales, account management, and customer service with an emphasis on building dealer relationships and driving profitable growth.

Kinsey Brands is hiring a Procurement & Supply Chain Analyst to support its Consumer Brands Division. The role involves managing manufacturing procurement, supply chain planning, logistics coordination, and inventory management across Kinsey's portfolio of outdoor and hunting brands.

Kinsey Brands is hiring a Director of Brands to oversee its consumer brand portfolio, manage multi-channel sales strategies, guide product development, and lead supply chain operations. The role requires strong analytical skills and experience managing relationships with mass merchants, distributors, and international accounts.

Walker's has launched the Razor Junior Muffs, hearing protection designed specifically for youth shooters with smaller head sizes. The muffs feature dual Hi-Gain microphones, HD speakers, sound-activated compression, and a 23dB Noise Reduction Rating, now available online and through retailers nationwide.

Galco unveils the Combat Master 2.0 belt holster for Wilson Combat Bulwark pistols, featuring modern EDC design with optic accommodation, premium steerhide construction, and traditional pancake-style concealment for faster draws and enhanced comfort.

Iron Valley Supply now stocks Viridian's firearm optics, green dot reflex sights, laser sights, and tactical weapons lights. The Viridian RFX1 Green Dot Reflex Sight pairs with Iron Valley's exclusive ODG Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 2.0.

Bear OPS, the tactical division of Bear & Son Cutlery, unveiled the Nekema™ II everyday carry knife featuring a 3.5-inch Sandvik® 14C28N stainless steel blade and lightweight aluminum handle. Made in Jacksonville, Alabama, the knife is priced at $92.49–$97.49 and available in Black & Copper or Gray & Blue colorways.

Tac Shield introduced the Operator Sling, a minimalist two-point carry solution developed with input from Special Forces Veterans. The sling features the proprietary Tac Handle for no-look quick adjustments and maintains a low-profile design to reduce snag hazards while ensuring secure weapon retention.

CAA USA announced a new High-Viz colorway for its MCK EVO (Micro Conversion Kit) platform, a cross-platform pistol chassis compatible with over 120 handguns including Glock, Sig Sauer, Smith & Wesson, Springfield Armory, FN, and Taurus. The MCK EVO starts at $329.99 and features ambidextrous charging, tool-free installation, and Picatinny rails for customization.

Shell Shock Technologies announced completion of independent live-fire testing for its .50 BMG NAS³ case, confirming significant velocity gains and a 40 percent weight reduction compared to standard brass. Production is underway with availability expected in August 2026.

Charter Arms announced the new Walker Series, an ultra-compact rimfire revolver designed for concealed carry in .22 LR or .22 WMR with eight-round capacity. The lightweight aluminum-frame revolver features a concealed hammer, smooth double-action trigger, and is available in multiple finishes with MSRPs ranging from $461.72 to $486.16.

Zanders, a national firearms distributor based in Sparta, Illinois, has added Timber Creek Outdoors to its portfolio. Timber Creek Outdoors manufactures American-made AR platform accessories including charging handles, handguards, and safety selectors, with CEO Tyler Tiller praising the partnership's alignment with their commitment to quality and dealer support.

Silencer Central is offering triple reward points on BANISH suppressor purchases from July 13-17, 2026. Customers can redeem 1,000 points for $50 discounts, free shipping, or merchandise, with additional earning opportunities available through their rewards program.

Federal Ammunition launched its Protect & Save rebate program offering 20 percent savings on select Federal Premium Personal Defense handgun ammunition through August 31, 2026. Qualifying products include HST, Hydra-Shok, Hydra-Shok Deep, Practice & Defend HST, HST Micro, and Hydra-Shok Low Recoil, with a maximum rebate of $200 per person or household.

Firearms News celebrates its 80th anniversary with its July 2026 issue, featuring Oleg Volk's cover story review of the US Palm STORM CAT4 AR-15-Type Pistol. The issue includes reviews of firearms from Ruger, Sig Sauer, and Springfield Armory, plus articles on suppressors, reloading, and Second Amendment coverage by contributors including James Tarr, Rick Rambo, Patrick Sweeney, and David Codrea.

The Wildcat Hills Shooting Complex will close July 18 for the Scotts Bluff County Fair Shooting Sports Competition. The facility at Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area south of Gering resumes regular operations July 19, open Thursday through Sunday until mid-November.

Bass Pro Shops will celebrate its new 130,000-square-foot Loveland, Colorado location with an Evening for Conservation on July 22, featuring legendary anglers Roland Martin, Jimmy Houston, Edwin Evers, Kevin VanDam, Jim and Eva Shockey, and Nate Zelinsky. The company will donate 15% of sales to local conservation organizations, with festivities including live entertainment, a ribbon-cutting ceremony, and a 12,000-gallon aquarium.

Leapers, Inc. continues its commitment to Service Rifle competition as a three-time Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) National Matches sponsor. The company's award-winning Integrix iXF 4.5X28 Service Rifle Scope celebrates its first anniversary at Camp Perry in July 2026, with Team Leapers members and shooters Brandon Green, Bob Gill, and Liam McKenna competing in the CMP National Matches.

I’d been working on the Springfield Echelon 4.0 FC for some time now. I recently worked the concealed draw using that gun with the CrossBreed IWB, The Reckoning Holster. 

A more recent arrival was the #M78 Infiltrator Air IWB, from DeSantis Gunhide. A hybrid with a synthetic “breathable” backer material under a Kydex shell, the holster can accept guns with a pistol-mounted optic. It features tuckable clips, which I found to be quite secure. 

Unlike some, I find the hybrid holsters to have some merit and I wanted to find one to fit this Echelon. The Echelon is quite a pistol and I’m still working on learning it. 

Last time I worked under a cover garment – as the rig would be worn. This time, I was working “slick,” not just due to the oppressive summer heat but so I could spend time working skills on a new holster. 

The idea was to continue to gain familiarity with the relatively new pistol and to work holster skills simultaneously. To begin, I stood out at three yards and shot five rounds, slow fire, on a 1” dot. I had one hit outside the ragged hole that contained the remainder of the impacts.

I then began working dry practice. After a dozen or so reps of each stage of the draw without a shot being fired, I did the “eyes off” exercise. Still unloaded, you draw on the timer. Looking at the target where you want the gun to arrive, you close your eyes as your hand touches the gun. You open your eyes after the striker drops to see where your sights were when you pressed the trigger. 

It took a bit of time to get sorted out on this “moving natural point of aim.” I then worked singles to the “head” box of an IDPA target. My best time for a single hit inside the circle was 1.43 seconds. That’s a destination, not a journey. The journey ends when I can produce that result on demand. 

From there I moved to pairs center. These were all slow. An attempt to speed up was met with a longer time and a loss of a point on the target.

At seven yards, I fared no better on pairs, but delivered a failure to stop in 2.92 clean. 

At ten yards, the center pair went in in 2.1 seconds. 

Practiced up, I performed (poorly) a drill that should be shot cold and from concealment. As I didn’t, the score didn’t count for the exercise, but it informed me on where I should work. 

I’m just not reflexive with the Echelon. It’ll take more work. I’m slow to learn a good many skills, so I can’t say I’m surprised. The gun feels right, I’m just not getting the results – yet. 

The DeSantis rig is right; my times to a first hit matched the CrossBreed Reckoning and were only marginally longer than the times from a DeSantis Speed Scabbard. 

I’m confident that working from the IWB under a concealment garment will work fine – as soon as I’m reflexive with the gun. It’s something I’ll continue working on. 

– Rich Grassi