Collector's Elite Auctions' February collection features exceptional firearms including a Pasotti-engraved Renato Gamba shotgun, Staccato/Taran Tactical Innovations JW3 Combat Master benefiting Charlie Foxtrot Ops, Heckler & Koch SP5K-PDW, and Nemesis Arms Valkyrie modular rifle. Bidding closes February 15th with many lots starting at one cent.
CCI Rimfire Ammunition won the Predator Xtreme 2026 Gold Award for Rimfire Ammunition for the 10th consecutive year. CCI Rimfire Product Manager Steve Monniere announced two new Hunter Series loads featuring Small Game Bullets in 22 LR calibers for 2026.
Otis Technology announced its 2025 Customer Awards at SHOT Show, naming Weby Corp as Customer of the Year and Sports South as Distributor of the Year. The awards recognized outstanding partnerships that drove growth for Otis Technology and Shooter's Choice throughout the year.
Benelli USA announced its 2025 Sales Representative of the Year Awards honoring outstanding performers across its Benelli, Franchi, Stoeger, and Uberti USA brands. Recipients include Chase Spurgin, Ken Johnson, Tyler Harpster, Dave Lotito, James Tullos, Bentley Scott, Christian Larsen, and Greg Rader, recognized for exceptional sales performance and customer service.
Outdoor Sportsman Group presented Chris Dolnack, Senior Vice President and Chief Customer Officer for the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the SHOT Show in Las Vegas. Host Michael Waddell presented the award, recognizing Dolnack's three decades of contributions to the shooting sports and firearms industry.
XS Sights' Optic Plate and OR-Height Sight Bundles for Glock MOS pistols won ON TARGET Magazine's Editors' Choice Award. The precision CNC-machined steel plates offer 30% more thread engagement and are compatible with ACRO and RMR footprints, providing a drop-in solution for red dot mounting with minimalist iron sight backups.
Firearms Policy Coalition (FPC) filed an opening brief with the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals in Elite Precision Customs v. ATF, challenging federal laws prohibiting licensed firearm dealers from selling handguns to out-of-state buyers. The case is represented by David H. Thompson, Peter A. Patterson, William V. Bergstrom, Cody J. Wisniewski, and R. Brent Cooper.
Gun Owners of America announces Arizona Freedom Festival 2026 on March 28, 2026, at Glendale Civic Center East Parking Lot. The family-friendly event will feature vendors, Second Amendment advocacy organizations, speakers including Mark W. Smith and Andy Biggs, and an Overland Vehicle and Motorcycle Exhibit.
Hook & Barrel Magazine is hosting a giveaway sweepstakes for a Dead Air Silencers Nomad Ti OTB .30-caliber suppressor valued at $1,049. The sweepstakes runs through February 28, 2026, with entry available on the Hook & Barrel website.
HeadHunters NW President Shaylene Keiner will conduct face-to-face executive recruiting consultations in the Phoenix area from February 10 through March 5, 2026. Organizations can meet directly to discuss 2026 hiring needs, gain market intelligence on talent expectations, and develop customized talent strategies with no obligation required.
Todd Seyfert, President and CEO of Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc., has been elected to the NSSF Board of Governors at the 2026 SHOT Show in Las Vegas. Seyfert brings extensive industry experience from previous roles at FeraDyne Outdoors, Vista Outdoor, and other manufacturing enterprises.
Silent Steel USA announced Kim Jensen's appointment as Vice President of Sales & Marketing. Jensen brings over 30 years of outdoor industry experience, including 20+ years at Robinson Outdoor Products and recent leadership at X-Vision Optics, to drive brand awareness and channel partnerships for the premium suppressor manufacturer.
European American Armory Corp. (EAA Corp.) is hiring an Inside Sales Representative in Cocoa, Florida to support the company's growth in 2026. The role involves customer support, account management, and sales support for the firearms importer.
A leading ammunition manufacturer is hiring a remote Sales Manager with a nationwide territory, offering uncapped commissions and experience-based salary. HeadHunters NW is conducting this retained search for high-energy B2B sales professionals with 5-7+ years of proven results.
Warne announces the MaxLite MSR Scope Mount, a lightweight aluminum optic mounting solution designed for modern sporting rifles. Available in 1-inch and 30mm tube sizes at $109.99 MSRP, the mount offers precision construction and proper MSR height for shooters using LPVOs and other modern optics.
Vortex Optics launched the Triumph 2 MOA Red Dot in Barneveld, Wisconsin, designed for new and recreational shooters seeking reliable performance across multiple platforms. The optic features 9 daylight and 2 night-vision illumination settings, motion activation with 10-minute auto-shutoff, and multi-height mount options at $99.99 MAP.
SLG2, Inc. released a video featuring Karen Butler mentoring Christa Forrester through her first turkey hunt, demonstrating that effective mentorship requires passion and willingness to share knowledge safely, not expert status. The video aims to encourage outdoor enthusiasts to become mentors and introduce others to hunting.
Nighthawk Custom has joined the Second Amendment Foundation as a Gold-level corporate partner. The Berryville, Arkansas-based precision firearms manufacturer donated a custom pistol build through SAF's sweepstakes program, raising $25,000 for the organization's Second Amendment advocacy work.
Winchester introduces Super Suppressed, a comprehensive subsonic ammunition line available in centerfire handgun, rimfire, and centerfire rifle calibers at major outdoor retailers. The ammunition features clean performance with lead encapsulation technology and pairs with suppressors to optimize noise reduction for target and range shooting.
Kinetic Development Group announced the updated 3.25" Stribog Rail is back in stock with extended length and enhanced bridge design for improved strength and mounting space. The refined accessory maintains KDG's lightweight construction and durability while offering greater functionality for shooters.
Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc. announced a partnership with Lipsey's to release the exclusive Performance Center Model 36 Field Ethos revolver. This limited-release J-Frame features a .38 Special +P chambering, Tyler Gunworks premium walnut boot grips, and a bobbed hammer for concealment, with an action job performed at the factory.
Shell Shock Technologies, headquartered in Eubank, Kentucky, launched Shell Tech Gear, a dedicated website featuring Shell Tech-branded apparel and accessories for the 2A, shooting sports, and hunting communities. The collection includes t-shirts, hoodies, flannels, hats, and accessories like the Shell Tech Dog Bowl and Rambler Mug, designed for durability and outdoor performance.
MDT announces expansion of its LSS GEN3 Chassis System with new Ruger American and Ruger 10/22 inlets, plus interchangeable buttstock interface assemblies including XTN, Carbine, and Picatinny options. The modular platform allows shooters to swap components while maintaining optic zero.
Gun Talk with Tom Gresham, the nation's longest-running firearms radio show, announced its newest affiliate KFIV AM 1360 in Modesto, California, airing Saturdays from 7-10 PM PT. The expansion marks Gun Talk's continued growth to over 310 stations nationwide as it celebrates its 30th year on the air.
Iron Valley Supply is offering limited-time sales on shotguns, accessories, ammunition, and cold-weather gear for the upcoming 2026 turkey season. The Birmingham, Alabama-based distributor of shooting sports and outdoor products invites customers to view their full product lineup and contact an account representative.
Patriot Ordnance Factory Inc. (POF-USA) will exhibit at the NBS 2026 Spring Semi-Annual Market February 10-13 in Oklahoma City, showcasing its AR-type rifles and product lineup at booth 218. Vice President of Sales and Marketing Corey Soriano highlighted the event's importance for connecting with retail partners and discussing opportunities for the upcoming year.
Taylor's & Company will exhibit at the 2026 Great American Outdoor Show from February 7-15 in Harrisburg, PA, unveiling new USA-made rifles and historically-accurate firearms at booth #265. The nine-day event features over 1,000 exhibitors across 650,000 square feet of exhibit space celebrating hunting, fishing, and outdoor traditions.
Patriot Ordnance Factory Inc. (POF-USA) will exhibit at the Worldwide Show Spring 2026 in Reno, Nevada, February 3-5, 2026, at booth No. 658. The manufacturer will showcase its latest AR-type rifles and product offerings while connecting with retail partners and discussing upcoming initiatives.
Bear & Son Cutlery, Alabama's largest knife manufacturer, will exhibit at the 2026 Great American Outdoor Show in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, February 7-15. The company will debut over a dozen new products including Locking Farmhand pocketknives, Executive stainless steel series, and expanded kitchen cutlery at booth #720.
Target Sports USA returns to Booth #710 at the Great American Outdoor Show with raffles, exclusive ammunition pricing, and a Ford F-250 giveaway truck. New AMMO+ members receive a $130 gift and automatic entry into the truck drawing.
Traditions® Performance Firearms will exhibit at the 2026 Great American Outdoor Show, February 7–15 at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg. Attendees can visit Booth #693 to explore the company's muzzleloading and hunting firearms innovations. The world's largest consumer outdoor show attracts over 200,000 visitors annually.
Orchid, a leading FFL technology provider, will exhibit at the 2026 NBS Spring Semi-Annual Market in Oklahoma City, offering retailers up to $5,000 in software credits. The promotion includes one year of Orchid POS, eCommerce, eBound/e4473, and native 4473 electronic storage, plus waived implementation and training fees.
BERSA USA will exhibit at the Nation's Best Sports 2026 Spring Semi-Annual Market in Oklahoma City, February 10-13, showcasing its firearms lineup including new M2XI double-stack 1911 models and striker-fired pistols at booth No. 431.
Meprolight will showcase new and proven products at the NBS Show in Oklahoma City, October 10-13, at Booth #1924. New offerings include the Mepro CABS backup sights, Mepro CRIS iron sights for pistol optics, and green reticle options for micro pistol optics. The company will also feature battlefield-tested Variable Optic riflescopes and the Mepro MCO PRO carbine optic.
Meprolight has partnered with the Precision Rifle Series (PRS) as an Official 2026 Partner, providing competition-ready optics including the MVO family of variable scopes to support precision rifle competitors across all skill levels.
Ranger Point Precision donated a prize package to the Second Amendment Foundation's monthly sweepstakes, featuring a Taylor Firearm's Ridge Runner Takedown 45-70, Reiff Knife, Hornady ammunition, and Eberlestock pack. RPP also renewed their Gold-level corporate partnership with SAF.
RE Factor Tactical has joined the Second Amendment Foundation (SAF) as a Silver-level corporate partner. The company held a night vision giveaway with proceeds benefitting SAF's work, demonstrating its commitment to Second Amendment advocacy and supporting organizations that defend constitutional rights.
Something not covered here before likely should be; heightened tensions, rage behaviors and other nonsense that work against one’s ability to prevail (in any sense) means we should war-game this before you’re the one being contacted.
Back in the olden times, I proposed adjustments to training classes offered in our agency. One that was approved – something never before addressed – was off-duty/plainclothes officer survival.
After the in-briefing, safety brief and discussion of the activities of the three-day class, the primary rule of plainclothes and off-duty officer survival was stated: in any situation, the member of service who is on-duty, in uniform, is in charge.
I don’t care about rank, status, whether it’s our agency or a contact with another department, the one in uniform, readily identifiable, is in charge, period, end-of-story.
There was a little surprise with that statement, but I warned them of the “halo fallacy.” In the story running inside our heads, we’re the “good guy” and everyone recognizes it.
No. That never happens.
I had occasion, many years after I retired, to get stopped by the police for a traffic infraction. I slowed, carefully turned off a boulevard into a neighborhood, pulled to the right and stopped.
With the hand unbuckling the seat belt – and out of view of the soon-to-be approaching officer – I got my ID holder, an affair with visible window, into my hand. Both hands went to the top of the steering wheel.
The officer made contact, asked for the license he could see in the ID holder at eye level atop the steering wheel. When I removed the license, per his request, I heard him say, “What’s that?”
He was looking at my retired law enforcement (LEOSA) card. If I’d not had one, he’d have seen what appears to be another driver’s license from the same state – the concealed carry permit here looks exactly like a drivers’ license.
I told him what it was. He asked for it too and then asked that I remained in the vehicle. I did. While he was gone, I’ve no doubt he checked with the issuing agency for the LEOSA card.
Did I notify him I was armed? Well, in this state, your registration information shows if you have a concealed carry permit, de facto notification that the car holds an armed citizen. Right behind that LEOSA card was a license to carry.
I simply complied with instructions.
“You were trying to get out of a ticket.”
In my day, the decision to cite was made before the initial approach to the violator. I assumed it’s the case now. The reality was I was trying to not receive gunshot wounds.
I reserve that right.
In all the claptrap about rights, we forget that power and responsibility are commensurate – they have to balance for it to work.
If the traffic officer had broken bad, I had no intention to resist or act out. I well know that I will have time to explore legal remedies after the fact.
He didn’t; his conduct was professional while being wary. After the contact, he went on with his day. I went on with mine.
Contrast that with the knot head I ran into on duty. I was in a 1998 Chevrolet Lumina headed from the station to my home – to go off duty. I wandered into a DL check lane. The car I was in was outfitted with rear deck lights, wig-wag headlights, a police radio that was on – and quite loud. He walked past my post-mounted spotlight and looked down into the car, shining his light on the spare magazine pouch with two GLOCK 19 magazines therein, onto the badge on the front of my belt and onto the radio and lighting controls.
I greeted him with his name – we worked in the same building and had worked in contiguous agencies for over fifteen years.
We’d met.
He said “I don’t know you,” requested my DL and insurance. I got the county’s self-insurance documents, the registration information that showed it was the sheriff’s car and gave him my DL. He wandered off, acted like he was running everything, then gave me the documents and said “move on.”
Well, my license could have been suspended – it wasn’t, nor was it expired. Government plates don’t expire and we all got annual certificates of self-insurance for the cars.
No harm done. I thought he was a mite careless, but I know he later retired – as I did – without real incident.
The thing is that the uniform is in charge. Keep the temperature low. Be compliant.
For those hammer-heads with the "boot-licker" comments, you can wander off to play somewhere else, preferably in traffic.
The place for adversarial approaches is in court, not on the bricks.
