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JULY 17, 2025

ScentLok has been a leader in propelling the progressive field pant category, now adding another feather to their cap with the new Insyte and Insyte Lite field pants. Thinking fabric-first, for the Insyte Pant, ScentLok selected an exquisite single-layer, 4-way stretch material constructed of a 247g woven polyester with water repellent treatment.
Luth-AR will be attending the upcoming NSSF Range-Retailer Business Expo, taking place July 16–17, 2025, at the Palm Beach County Convention Center in West Palm Beach, FL.
The Gun Rights Policy Conference (GRPC) planning committee is pleased to announce additional confirmed speakers for this year’s 40th annual event. Co-hosted by the Second Amendment Foundation (SAF) and the Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms (CCRKBA), GRPC is scheduled for Sept. 26 - 28 in Salt Lake City, Utah, at the Salt Lake Marriott Downtown at City Creek.

Henry Holsters introduces the OCD (On-Demand Cleanliness Dispenser), a streamlined hygiene solution engineered for outdoor adventurers, travelers, and individuals who prioritize cleanliness on the go. With a minimalist approach and ergonomic construction, the OCD provides quick and easy access to hand sanitizer
The Hornady RAPiD Safe Night Guard delivers fast, reliable entry for authorized users through cutting-edge RFID in a discreet design. Designed as the perfect bedside, end table, or kitchen counter companion, the Night Guard secures most full-sized handguns in plain sight.
In response to the devastating flooding that recently impacted Kerr County, Texas, and surrounding areas, Winchester Safes is pledging 100% of its profits from online sales through the end of July to the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund and invites others to join in the support.

D&M Holding Company, Inc. (D&M) and the Ukrainian Defense Industry Joint Stock Company (JSC) are partnering to produce specialty chemicals in the United States to address the critical shortage of propellant used in the production of ammunition for the Ukrainian defense forces.
To support those impacted by the devastating floods in Kerr County, Texas, GSM is now matching all donations made through select branded websites dollar for dollar. Whenever the donation option is added to an order, that brand will contribute 100% of every dollar gifted, pledging every penny directly to the Kerr County Relief Fund.
Starting this fall, Target Sports USA is announcing the launch of a brand-new educational video series, coupled with education resources for new and seasoned gun owners alike.

Firearms Policy Coalition announced that it has filed a motion for summary judgment in the case of Elite Precision Customs v. ATF. At issue in FPC’s lawsuit are federal laws that ban licensed firearm dealers from selling handguns to buyers who live in another state. That, FPC says, is unconstitutional.
If you own a Smith & Wesson revolver you now have multiple sight upgrade options from XS that come with an adjustable rear to make sighting in easier. The classic DXW2 Big Dot and Standard Dot sights – both with windage adjustable white stripe express rear sights – are available with a green, orange, or white front dot sight.
Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc. announced the release of the M&P15 AXE Rifle Series. All four models, chambered in 5.56 NATO, share a 7075 T6 Aluminum upper and lower receiver, ambidextrous controls for right- or left-handed users, and uses a suppressor optimized GVAC system upper to help minimize gas blowback when shooting suppressed.

The new Benelli Advanced Impact (A.I.) technology is rewriting the rules of shotgun performance. On July 15, Benelli launched a new website dedicated to this breakthrough, giving shooters a clear look at how Advanced Impact barrels deliver results no other system can match.
SIGHTRON announces they have partnered with competitive shooter, and communicator, Serena Juchnowski. Juchnowski will be using SIGHTRON riflescopes for her competition shooting and hunting.
Mission First Tactical (MFT) announces the introduction of the MFT Guardian OWB Modular Hole Pattern (MHP) Light Bearing Holster. The new MFT Guardian MHP OWB Light Bearing Holster is an outside the waistband/appendix holster (OWB) in both right and left-hand positioning.
NEXTORCH North America introduces the TA30C Tactical Flashlight – Green Edition. Designed for tactical professionals and personal defense users alike, this updated model delivers instant strobe activation, rugged reliability, and a bold new finish.
Officials in a third New Jersey municipality have passed a resolution to return their portion of the state’s $200 fee for a carry permit, scoring another victory for the Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms and its partners in an effort to partially refund the exorbitant fees to gun owners.
 

I saw a piece on “what’s the best home defense” gun. We see this all the time and, for whatever reason, it inspired me to consider how I arrived at my own answers. It seems that the thing we have to focus on is the resident’s knowledge, skills and abilities. After that, examine likely distances to target, use of light, and – after 1 January, whether or not to use suppressors and short barrel “more than pistol” types of firearms.

The AR15, for example, is a standout choice for ensconced defense; taking a position and holding it. Why does distance matter if you have a rifle?

The rifle, by design, is capable of precision over distance. If it’s room combat you’re in for, distance is overwritten by zero – or more precisely mechanical offset. The top of the sights (or the dot, in an electro-optic) is much higher than the midline of the bore – which is where the projectile travels.

If the violent home intruder enters the bedroom door, it’s not that much a problem (unless another occupant is in front of him). Down the hallway – depending on length – it could be a bit more of a problem if you only see part of him – he’s peering around a corner, for example. 

The AR15 is where the ‘can’ would shine; still not hearing safe (particularly indoors), the blast is more manageable with a ‘silencer’ installed. For magazines, I recommend 20-rounders (just like Dave Spaulding does); for me, the longer magazines are a snag hazard if I have to move. 

As to ammo, some commentators note that “M855 sucks” – well, maybe. I know someone with experience in the OCONUS environment who notes that “no one hit with it seemed unimpressed.” 

The heavier bullet loads? Great for going the distance or for dealing with barriers, I’m not sure that’s a solid home defense issue. Be more concerned with reliability, accuracy (yes, it matters up close too), penetration (accountability for every round fired). 

What about the ever-popular shotgun?

For close encounters most likely in home interior events, the power is awesome. The likelihood that a new user will experience handling issues (inducing stoppages, shooting from unconventional positions, etc.) moves me away from it. 

Like the rifle, it’s easier to make a hit down the hallway (or even in the bedroom doorway) – assuming you’ve settled the Rule 4 issue. (Know your target, what’s in line with it (fore-and-aft), what’s on either side; positively identify what – or who – it is you’re about to engage.)

That requires (1) voice and (2) lighting. 

“Who’s there?” is handy, especially when the answer is “It’s me, Mom!” – and you recognize the voice.

It’s long (until 1 January), heavy, cumbersome, slow to load and reload – and most don’t know how to unload it without running live rounds through the chamber.

Not a good plan.

Handguns?

They win on maneuverability, capacity/handling, they leave one hand free to operate light switches, door knobs, and moving noncombatants. 

On the other hand, they make it tough to make hits, and those hits may not be decisive. 

A middle of the road option includes rimfire rifles. With these, it’s easy to precisely make hits, they’re lighter and more maneuverable (in carbine formats) than shotguns and ARs. 

As to power, it’s questionable. Precision accuracy has led to more than one offender being “scored by the medical examiner.” But how much damage can be done before that scoring is being done?

Last November, I examined a currently available, easy-to-use (and learn) option for a “best home defense handgun.”

Needless to say, this all has to do with home defense – that includes staying in your home and not going outside … 

Regardless of which way you choose to go, know that surveying the area which could be the battlefield, knowing your equipment and keeping it – and you – prepared are all critical. 

And don’t forget the issue of “early warning.” Knowing the fight is coming makes a difference.

— Rich Grassi

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