Firearms Policy Coalition (FPC) filed a petition with the U.S. Supreme Court in Christian v. James challenging New York's ban on firearm carry in public parks. FPC argues the ban lacks historical support and asks the Court to resolve conflicts among lower courts on Second Amendment facial challenges and historical interpretation.

The Second Amendment Foundation (SAF) and Firearms Policy Coalition filed a petition with the U.S. Supreme Court seeking review of Christian v. James, challenging New York's ban on permitted firearm carry in public parks. SAF Executive Director Adam Kraut argues public parks should not be deemed 'sensitive places' under Second Amendment protections.

The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the federal ban on direct interstate handgun purchases violates the Second Amendment in Elite Precision Customs v. ATF, a major victory for Firearms Policy Coalition (FPC). The court rejected the government's arguments and reversed the lower court's dismissal, holding that the constitutional right to keep and bear arms includes the right to purchase them.

NSSF filed a lawsuit challenging Connecticut's H.B. 5043, which bans cruciform-trigger handguns effective October 1, 2026. NSSF Senior Vice President Lawrence G. Keane argues the law unconstitutionally infringes Second Amendment rights by targeting law-abiding citizens instead of criminals who illegally modify firearms with machinegun conversion devices.

Angled Spade Technologies announced Joe Timbo as Vice President of Sales. Timbo brings 15 years of technology and firearms sales experience and will lead AST's commercial strategy across direct-to-consumer channels and dealer networks for suppressors, muzzle devices, and complete pistols.

Iron Valley™ Supply Co., a wholesale distributor representing over 150 leading brands in hunting and shooting sports, is expanding its sales team. The company seeks Account Representatives for positions in Downingtown, PA and Chapin, SC to manage existing accounts and develop new customer relationships.

Davidson's, a 90+ year old firearms distributor, is hiring Assistant Buyers for its Merchandising Department in Greensboro, NC and Prescott, AZ. The role involves product procurement, vendor relations, market analysis, and inventory management, with a starting salary of $25/hour plus comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, and 401(k) matching.

Knife Rights and the Association of New Jersey Rifle & Pistol Clubs filed a federal Second Amendment lawsuit challenging New Jersey's bans on knives and non-firearm self-defense weapons. The case, led by Knife Rights founder Doug Ritter and ANJRPC President Kathy Chatterton, seeks to overturn laws criminalizing self-defense with common objects including gravity knives, switchblades, and everyday tools.

Staccato 2011 announced "The Last Call," a documentary series featuring America's elite law enforcement SWAT teams. The first installment follows the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office Special Response Team, including USPSA Grand Master Jonathan Menocal, showcasing their training, operations, and personal sacrifices.

Primary Arms Optics is now shipping two long-range rifle scopes: the PLxC 2.5-20x48 and PLxC 4.5-36x56 FFP Compact models. Both feature premium ED lenses, a new cartridge turret system, and multiple ACSS reticle options designed for precision shooting at various distances.

Second Amendment Foundation attorney Konstadinos T. Moros published his second law review article arguing that special taxes targeting common firearms and ammunition violate the Second Amendment under the Bruen standard. The paper examines California's 11% firearms tax, Colorado's 6.5% tax, and federal excise taxes, concluding they lack historical precedent in American firearm regulation.

VIKTOS, a 2A-forward performance apparel company, has partnered with Walk the Talk America to promote mental wellness and suicide prevention awareness within the firearms community during September. The collaboration aims to normalize conversations around mental health and encourage people to support one another.

Taurus Holdings, Inc. announced the TTX™ Suppressor Series, its first-ever line of suppressors developed with recognized suppressor engineers. The titanium-built lineup includes three models—TTX22™, TTX9C™, and TTX30™—designed for rimfire, pistol-caliber, and rifle platforms, emphasizing performance, reliability, and value.

Real Avid introduces the Bore-Max® Master Cleaning Kit and Mobile Workstation, a portable firearm maintenance system featuring professional-grade cleaning tools, Gun Gripper™ yokes, Smart Mat®, and integrated Smart Assist™ lighting designed for shooters to maintain rifles anywhere.

CIVIVI, a sub-brand of WE Knife, announced the global launch of the Zygon folding knife series on September 28, 2026, featuring an innovative Top Crossbar Lock mechanism, high-performance Nitro-V or Damascus blades, and a glow-in-the-dark G10 handle option.

DeSantis Gunhide® introduces the Raptor® 2.0 SL, a Level II OWB Kydex holster featuring a self-locking security system trusted by Federal Law Enforcement Agencies. The holster accommodates GLOCK and Ruger firearms with or without weapon-mounted lights and red-dot sights, priced at $139.99.

Blue Force Gear has partnered with DRYOUT to introduce the DRYOUT 1L, featuring patented Active Moisture-Removal Technology for tactical equipment. The reusable technology protects night vision devices, optics, and electronics from moisture damage without requiring electricity or batteries.

CIVIVI announced the global release of the CIVIVI Elite Tessera folder on September 28, 2026, expanding its premium tier following the Brova debut. The knife features CPM S35VN blade steel, aluminum handles with geometric diamond patterns, and a Crossbar Lock mechanism, bridging classic CIVIVI value with ultra-premium materials from parent company WE Knife Co.

WE Knife announces the NexoMorph, an innovative EDC knife featuring a patented 3-in-1 transforming design that transitions between traditional folding knife, push-dagger, and compact carry modes. Constructed with Böhler M390 blade steel and 6AL4V titanium handles, the NexoMorph combines premium materials with refined multi-pivot engineering for versatile everyday carry.

Galco unveils the Combat Master 2.0 belt holster for Springfield Armory Hellcat Pro, featuring modern optic accommodation, premium steerhide construction, and a traditional pancake design that enhances concealment and draw speed for EDC users.

MDT announced the DRT, a folding magnesium chassis system designed for predator hunting with clip-on thermal and night vision optics. Weighing 3.2lbs with adjustable length of pull and cheekpiece height, the chassis features a full-length 20 MOA night vision bridge and is available for Remington 700 short action starting September 18, 2026.

Shell Shock Technologies' NAS³ .50 BMG case uses nickel-stainless steel alloy technology to deliver 37% weight reduction compared to brass, saving approximately 90 pounds per 1,000 rounds. This advancement enables military platforms like Black Hawk helicopters to carry additional fuel and mission payload.

Orion Wholesale is offering Walther Focus Week from September 21-25, providing dealers with special pricing on in-stock Walther firearms including PDP, F-Series, Pro, and Steel Frame pistols, plus Hämmerli firearms and magazines across multiple price points.

The Double D Foundation has launched the Manley Trailers "Road to Freedom" Sweepstakes, offering participants a chance to win an 18-foot Manley trailer valued at $17,000. Entry proceeds support the Foundation's mission to advance Second Amendment protections through shooting sports participation. The sweepstakes runs through October 9 at 11:59 p.m. ET with no purchase necessary.

Outdoor Sportsman Group's GAME & FISH TV surpassed 75 million minutes watched in August, marking five consecutive months of growth since launching on Amazon Prime and Roku in March. The FAST channel, featuring content from Outdoor Channel, Sportsman Channel, World Fishing Network, and MyOutdoorTV, continues experiencing explosive viewership across multiple platforms.

An interesting article by Louie Tirona “How Do You Stack Up?” described how he used the IDPA 5x5 Classifier to evaluate officers in his department, around 200 troops. This included SWAT personnel and, I imagine, instructor staff. 

If your only assessment is the state qual course and you do that 1-to-4 times a year, does that really make you qualified? It does check a box, but it’s a minimum standard. The scoring area is vastly larger than it should be, the time you’re allowed is too long and, on the whole, judgement and discretion are never evaluated. 

So how would a different shooting course help? 

It’s an attempt to measure basic needed skills with a time constraint as well as allowing the instructor to evaluate gun handling – a critical aspect of the job. 

The 5x5 classifier can be downloaded as a pdf here. It doesn’t have to be the IDPA 5x5 classifier, that’s just an example. 

Mr. Tirona found that over 90% of his cops were classed as “marksman” or below, and 2/3 of the total were in the Novice class. 80% of an agency SWAT unit scored marksman. 

Not good. Having hard skills in place is critical. I’d looked at evaluations of shooting proficiency before several times, many during my tenure at this network. I’m back at it again, though I use it to (1) check my decline and (2) to compare firearms samples as an academic exercise.

Why “see how you stack up?” Because you’re comparing your ability to others on a quantifiable standard, on standardized targets – as well as establishing a baseline for improvement, if you’re so inclined.

If you’re an active member of service, you should consider it.

For me, the classifier is in, but I’ll also check the following:

A take on the 5^5 from Claude Werner, but using the five-inch square of the Shootists’ Challenge target from 20 feet. A four- or five-inch circle would work as will the 9-ring of the B-8 (CP) target. You’re doing five hits in five seconds, all-in, from the holster. The holster may be concealed or not; this isn’t perfect. It’s a range evaluation. 

The same target size is used at 20 feet for five singles from a legit, 45° low ready. Each shot has to be under 1 second and all hits are required to call it good.

Using a B-8(CP), perform five hits (singles or a slow fire string) from fifty yards. 

Finish with a walk-back, 15-, 25-, 35- and 45 yards. 

All hits are required to “pass,” but the evaluation is more about seeing where you go off the rails – time, hits or both – at whichever event. Record that and work on the skills individually, not reshooting the drill repeatedly. 

If you’re going long on the IDPA 5x5, work on that draw to the first hit. A lot of that can be done dry practice. If you’re wandering from the -1 (or the square), work on precision. 

If it’s distance causing you grief, have a large enough target to get an idea where you’re hitting at fifty yards – then, using a large, clean target with a defined aiming point, check again to see where you’re hitting with your gun and your ammo. To get your skills up to par, you have to know where you're starting from.

Then it’s a matter of practiced precision, making corrections as you go.

– Rich Grassi