American Holoptics, a privately held U.S. company based in Clawson, MI, has acquired Armasight from Ecentria Group. Armasight, a Tempe, AZ-based manufacturer of night vision and thermal optics, expands American Holoptics' portfolio with products targeting both consumer and professional markets.

An exclusive Smith & Wesson Collector's 1854 Rifle and Model 29 Revolver Set (number 89 of 100) is being auctioned with all net proceeds benefiting the NRA Freedom Action Foundation and Friends of NRA. Online bidding is open until April 17, 2026, with the live auction occurring during the 2026 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits in Houston, Texas.

Team Ruger members delivered impressive performances across competitive events, with David Olhasso and James McGinty earning top finishes at the Arctic Blast Match and FL State IDPA Championship using Ruger RXM pistols. Doug Koenig, Annie Berger, Steve Foster, Aaron Martin, Lauryl Akenhead, Randi Rogers, and Gordon Carrell also secured podium finishes at Steel Challenges, NRL Hunter Match, and Texas State IDPA competitions.

The Second Amendment Foundation (SAF) filed a motion for summary judgment in Poway Weapons & Gear v. Gonzales, challenging California's 11% excise tax on firearms and ammunition that took effect in July 2024. SAF argues the tax violates Second Amendment protections and contends that fundamental rights cannot be subject to special taxation.

Firearms Policy Coalition announced a motion for summary judgment filed in Poway Weapons & Gear v. CDTFA, challenging California's 11% excise tax on firearms, ammunition, and firearm precursor parts. Plaintiffs Poway Weapons & Gear and Sacramento Gun Range are represented by Cooper & Kirk, PLLC and Michel & Associates, P.C.

Shell Tech concluded its 2nd Annual Legends & Heroes Shootout on March 20-21, 2026, in Miami, Florida, raising funds for the Navy SEAL Foundation and K9 Heroes 4 Heroes. The two-day event featured a free public range day at Markham Park Shooting Range, steel challenge competitions, and an exclusive celebrity golf tournament at Trump National Doral.

Liberty Ammunition has been selected as the featured ammunition at the NYC Anti-Terrorism Council event. CEO Gary Ramey highlighted the company's solid copper projectiles, which offer lighter weight, more stopping power, and no over-penetration compared to competitors, while emphasizing Liberty Ammunition's American ownership.

Samson Manufacturing and TANDEMKROSS have partnered to create a special prize package featuring a Ruger 10/22 with SAS Folding Chassis System, Spitfire Lightweight Barrel, Manticore Lite Trigger Assembly, and Game Changer PRO Compensator, valued over $2,000, to be awarded at the 2026 NRA Annual Meetings in Houston.

ASP, Alien Gear Holsters, Hero's Pride, and Premier Body Armor have partnered on the Ultimate Officer Giveaway, offering over $6,000 in law enforcement equipment including handcuffs, flashlights, holsters, body armor, and duty gear. The drawing runs from April 13th through May 15th.

RetailBI released its monthly Firearm Sales Index showing an 11.9% year-over-year decline in March 2026 and an 8.2% year-to-date decline. The index, powered by Gearfire and compiled from over 2,000 U.S. firearms retailers, provides data-driven market insights to manufacturers, distributors, and retailers.

NSSF praised Kansas Governor Laura Kelly for signing HB2501, which removes state criminal prohibitions against firearm suppressors and eliminates state-level tax stamp requirements. The law passed with overwhelming bipartisan support and includes provisions for retailer immunity and enhanced penalties for criminal misuse of suppressors and short-barrel firearms.

The Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers' Institute, Inc. (SAAMI) announced that Supply Energetics, a nitrocellulose manufacturer based in Parsons, Kansas, has joined as an Affiliate Member. Supply Energetics will gain access to SAAMI's firearms and ammunition technical standards and reference ammunition program assessments.

The Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers' Institute (SAAMI) announced the release of the 2026 update to American National Standard SAAMI Z299.1-2026, providing pressure and velocity performance standards for rimfire ammunition and chambers. The standard ensures safety, reliability, and interchangeability of firearms and ammunition.

NSSF filed a Federal Election Commission complaint against Giffords PAC, alleging violations of joint fundraising rules. The complaint claims Giffords PAC and allied candidates failed to comply with FEC filing and disclaimer requirements while soliciting funds for both the PAC and preferred gun control candidates.

CZ announced that former U.S. Navy SEAL and trainer Jeff Gonzales has joined as Marketing & Communications Specialist and brand ambassador. Gonzales, founder of Trident Concepts and host of AR15.com's Bulletproof Workshop podcast, will contribute to CZ and Dan Wesson's marketing efforts, product development, and customer engagement.

CCW Safe announced its Certified Partner Program achieved 120 partners in its first year since launching in January 2025, with strong engagement on the East Coast particularly in North Carolina. The company hired James Concilio as Senior Manager of Partner Program Training and Jerome Vinet as Director of Field Sales to support expansion across the United States.

HeadHunters NW has been exclusively retained by a Salt Lake City-based firearms and accessories manufacturer to conduct a confidential search for a Director of Distribution & Fulfillment Operations. The role involves designing and operating a state-of-the-art distribution center, managing fulfillment systems, inventory control, and ATF/FFL compliance for a company trusted by the U.S. military and law enforcement.

Buck Knives is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to drive efficiency, lead teams, and support manufacturing and business operations growth. Interested candidates should contact Tim Keaty, Human Resources Manager, at Buck Knives in Post Falls, Idaho.

HeadHunters NW has been exclusively retained by a U.S.-based firearms accessories manufacturer to conduct a confidential search for a Sales Manager. The role involves leading revenue growth across multiple channels while championing AI integration into sales and customer service operations, with a preference for candidates in the Northeast United States.

Firearms Policy Coalition (FPC) criticized the Trump Administration for continuing to defend the Biden ATF's "Frame or Receiver" rule after the Supreme Court upheld it, despite FPC providing alternative regulatory proposals to protect Second Amendment rights.

The HeadHunters NW Podcast features Mark Cherpes, former President and CEO of FN America, discussing his 25-year career in defense manufacturing, leadership strategies, and his Pentagon background. The episode airs Tuesday, April 14th and covers organizational mergers, market expansion, and talent management insights.

Magpul expands its Enhanced Lever Gun (ELG) M-LOK Hand Guard lineup with a proprietary clamp system to fit Marlin lever guns manufactured by Ruger and Remington, including 1895, 1894, and 336 models. The one-foot-long handguard features six M-LOK slots and an integrated hand stop, available in black, FDE, and ODG.

Shell Shock Technologies announced its 5.56x45mm NAS3 Cartridge Cases are back in stock. The company is offering eight percent off orders over $300 from April 12-19, 2026, using code 556ISBACKIN. The nickel alloy cases are engineered for precision shooters and handloaders seeking superior performance and durability.

UTG Pro, a brand of Leapers, Inc., has released an Extended Cocking Handle for MP5 and MP5K platforms featuring one-piece construction and made in the USA. The product offers improved ergonomics for larger hands and ambidextrous shooting, compatible with UTG Pro Monolithic M-LOK handguards.

Chattanooga Shooting Supplies announced two exclusive colorways of the Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 2.0 Carry Comp: a blue titanium frame with Performance Center Gray Armornite slide and a midnight bronze frame with matching slide. Both models combine premium aesthetics with reliable performance for everyday carry.

Ukrainian operators have successfully used Drone Round, a purpose-built 5.56 NATO and 7.62x51 counter-UAS cartridge, to neutralize unmanned aerial systems in viral footage. Developed through a partnership between Unlimited Ammo and Freedom Munitions, the ammunition requires no weapon modifications and works against fiber-optic controlled drones that cannot be jammed.

Galco introduces the Avenger Belt Holster with Alligator trim, featuring an alligator collar on the holster mouth for enhanced elegance. The premium steerhide holster offers full firing grip accessibility, molded sight rail, and reinforced opening, available in tan with midnight brown or black with black alligator trim.

Kinetic Development Group (KDG) has partnered with Zanders Sporting Goods, a woman-owned wholesale distributor founded in 1962, to expand distribution of KDG's tactical accessories including the Kinect quick disconnect M-LOK system, SideLok optic mounts, and Optic Hub system across the United States.

DeSantis Gunhide® introduces four new holster options for the Springfield SA-35 4", including the #137 Slim-Tuk™ IWB holster with 360° C-Clip mounting, #019 Mini Scabbard®, #002 Speed Scabbard®, and #1CL Thumb Break Scabbard (C&L)™, with prices ranging from $55.99 to $105.99.

Davidson's has become the exclusive distributor for TANDEMKROSS's new TKX22 Light Rifle, a competition-ready semi-auto .22lr rifle weighing less than 3.5 pounds. The rifle features TANDEMKROSS components, fiber optic sights, and M-LOK mounting options, with an MSRP of $1,449.99 available in four stock colors.

Taurus USA announces the launch of the Taurus RPC, its first dedicated 9mm PDW built to NATO standards. The compact platform features fully ambidextrous controls, a 4.5" threaded barrel, and is available with or without a Strike Industries folding brace, now shipping to dealers nationwide.

Kimber announced its Summer Centennial Promotion running April 1 through July 4, featuring the limited-edition 2K11 Independence pistol with a $250 cash rebate. The .45 ACP pistol includes custom Cerakote finish, three 13-round magazines, and optics-ready configuration, celebrating the company's heritage of American firearm craftsmanship.

Firearms News releases its April 2026 issue featuring Darwin Nercesian's cover story on Auto-Ordnance's Thompson TAO50 .50 BMG Rifle tested to one mile. The issue includes reviews of Beretta's 1301 LTT Custom Shotgun, Smith & Wesson's M&P Shield X Pistol, and Banish's 30 Gold Suppressor, plus SHOT Show 2026 coverage.

Maxim Defense, a premier manufacturer of precision firearms and suppressors based in St. Cloud, Minnesota, will exhibit at the 2026 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits in Houston, Texas from April 16-19. The company will showcase the SDX RFLX, PDX-SD, MD15 Duty line, and other products at booth #3237.

RETAY will showcase innovative firearms at the 2026 NRA Show in Houston, April 16-19, including the new ACE Series shotguns, 724 Patrol Tactical Shotgun, RA1522 rifles and pistols, Asend .22 LR, and Gamelander straight wall rifles at Booth #1033.

HeadHunters NW, an executive search firm specializing in regulated industries, will attend the 2026 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits in Houston, Texas, April 16–19. President Shaylene Keiner will be available for strategic meetings with industry leaders, alongside the firm's service dog George Washington.

Rock River Arms will exhibit at booth #3002 at the 2026 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits, showcasing their American-made Modern Sporting Rifles and pistols including 1911 pistols, AR-15 rifles, short-barreled rifles, and bolt-action rifles. The Colona, Illinois manufacturer will demonstrate firearms engineered for accuracy and reliability.

Brigade Tactical will exhibit at the 155th NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits in Houston, Texas from April 16-19 at booth 4526. The company will showcase its suppressor lineup featuring the innovative Monocore design, offering exclusive event pricing and demonstrating their precision-engineered equipment for shooters.

Steiner eOptics will exhibit at LAAD Defense & Security Fair 2026 in São Paulo, Brazil, April 14–16, showcasing precision optics, night vision systems, and targeting solutions. Christian Johnson, Vice President of Sales and Business Development, highlighted the company's commitment to delivering reliable equipment for military and tactical operators.

WOOX, an Italian-American manufacturer of gunstocks, axes, and knives, will exhibit at the 2026 NRA Meetings & Exhibits in Houston, Texas from April 16-19. CEO Ben Fleming announced the company will showcase innovative products including the new "High Grade" line, 1913 Compatible Stocks, and Bravado Laminate lever-action furniture at booth #4211.

Chiappa USA and Charles Daly will exhibit at the 2026 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits in Houston, Texas, April 16–19, showcasing new products including the SA 1873 Black Thunder revolver, Rhino 60DS, and 92 Wildlands lever-action rifles alongside established firearms and Charles Daly shotguns.

Sarsilmaz, a global firearms manufacturer, will exhibit at the 2026 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits in Houston, Texas, April 17-19. At Booth #4335, the company will showcase the SAR9 SOCOM series, 7/24 Series, and SAR9 Gen3 family of pistols, highlighting their performance and reliability innovations.

AGM Global Vision, a Grand Prairie, Texas-based thermal imaging and night vision manufacturer, will exhibit at the 2026 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits in Houston, April 17-19. Visitors to Booth 4203 can experience products including the Rattler V3 LRF, Adder V2 LRF, and Spectrum 4K-Mini, with opportunities to win thermal optics and gear.

BERSA USA will exhibit at the 2026 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits in Houston, Texas, April 16-19, showcasing new BP9 and M2XI pistol variations. Rafael Del Valle, director of sales and marketing, highlighted the event's importance for connecting with firearms enthusiasts nationwide.

Bear & Son Cutlery, an Alabama-based knife manufacturer, will exhibit at the 2026 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits in Houston at booth #3202. The company will debut over a dozen new products including the 112A Stainless Steel Frame Lock Assisted Opener, Locking Farmhand series, Slidelock Folder series, and expanded kitchen cutlery line.

Springfield Armory will attend the 2026 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits in Houston, Texas, April 17-19, featuring its latest firearms and an Ace Virtual Shooting Simulator. The company will host a Booth Party giveaway on Saturday, April 18th at 3pm CT, hosted by competitive shooter Julie Golob, offering seven firearms to in-person attendees.

SDS Arms will exhibit at the 155th NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits in Houston, Texas on April 16-19 at booth #4630, showcasing brands including Tokarev USA, Military Armament Corp, Spandau Arms and Inglis. The company will debut new MAC IX platform variants, a Turkey configuration Spandau Arms shotgun, and Inglis 2035 production models.

Silent Steel USA will showcase its Streamer suppressor family at Booth #1055 during the 2026 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits, featuring hands-on demonstrations of its proprietary FLOW-IQ gas management technology. The company offers three modular suppressor models supporting multiple calibers, with show pricing available at the booth.

XS Sights will showcase new products including Glock Gen 6 ACRO Optic Plates, HK VP9 Optic Plates, and magazine extensions at the 2026 NRA Annual Meetings in Houston, Texas, April 17-19. The company will display sights and accessories for personal defense, hunting, and target shooting at booth #1716.

Meprolight will exhibit at the 2026 NRA Annual Meeting in Houston at Booth #4117 with Smokey Mountain Guns & Ammo, showcasing new products and proven optics including the Mepro MCO PRO, Meprolight Variable Optic, and Mepro M22 PRO. Vice President of Sales Bill Yerby invites attendees to explore the lineup and take advantage of special show pricing.

Kimber Mfg., Inc. will exhibit at the 2026 NRA Show in Houston, Texas from April 17-19 at booth 2803, showcasing new product launches and its full firearms lineup including the 2K11 platform, CDS9 series, Next Generation 1911, and 1911 DS Warrior.

Dead Air Silencers will exhibit at the 2026 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits in Houston, Texas, April 16-19, showcasing their suppressor lineup including the Sandman, Nomad, Wolfman, RXD910Ti, Nomad Ti OTB, and CT5P at Booth #537.

Faxon Firearms, a Cincinnati-based manufacturer, will exhibit at the 2026 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits (April 16-19) in Houston at Booth #2317. The company will showcase its new FAXON HARMONIX Ti•CONEL Suppressors, AR upper receiver groups, and award-winning barrels.

Charter Arms, a manufacturer of American-made revolvers for over 60 years, will exhibit at the 2026 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits in Houston, TX from April 16-19. The company will showcase new models including the Boomer compact revolver and Pathfinder II .22LR revolver at booth #4643.

Umarex Airguns will exhibit at the 155th NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits in Houston April 16-19, showcasing new products including the Umarex Komplete 25, Umarex Tusk 357, and Notos Gen 2. The interactive booth, partnering with Laser Ammo, will feature Elite Force airsoft replicas engaging drone targets.

Silencer Shop, the largest silencer distributor in the United States, has been named the Saturday night reception sponsor for the 41st annual Gun Right Policy Conference (GRPC), co-hosted by the Second Amendment Foundation and Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms, scheduled for September 25-27 in Dallas.

Sturm, Ruger & Company continues its longstanding support of the Kids & Clays Foundation, which has hosted 46 events in 2025 and raised five million dollars for Ronald McDonald Houses. Ruger donates firearms to the foundation's annual sporting clays, skeet, and trap fundraising events benefiting critically ill children and their families.

Burris Optics will sponsor the NRL Hunter's Buffalo Bill's Revenge match scheduled for April 10–12, 2026 near Laramie, Wyoming at Logan Ranch. The high-difficulty, field-style competition features challenging terrain and targets ranging from 500 to 900 yards, designed to test shooter and equipment capabilities.

VKTR Industries, a manufacturer of piston-driven AR-15 rifles and Double Stack 1911 pistols, announced sponsorship of the TTPOA Conference in Round Rock, TX from April 22-24, 2026. The company will showcase the VK-1 rifle and VKP Pro pistol, offering special program pricing for TTPOA members and attendees.

MyOutdoorTV announces new MeatEater programming launching Fridays, including seasons of MeatEater Hunts, Cal in the Field, and two new series produced by Steven Rinella: Rinella's Field Notes and MeatEater's 12 in '26, expanding MOTV's outdoor content library.

While I’d practiced with a pair of recent issue “crossover” auto pistols – the GLOCK 45 Gen6 and the Springfield Armory Echelon 4.0FC – here, it’s another to shoot the course of fire for someone else’s approval. 

And on someone else’s range.

If you look back at that piece from February 19, 2026, you’ll see I shot the GLOCK considerably better. That’s why, when I shot the course, for real, in March (reported here), I was somewhat disappointed at the results.

“I had fifteen hits outside of that circle with the G45 (no fault of the gun), with my 25-yard effort showing some sinkers. All were in the scoring zone, so I “passed” with a 100. I’d have scored it at 235/250 (counting -1 for each in the bottle outside the “C.”)”

When shooting the Springfield Echelon 4.0FC, there were only two hits completely outside the “C” circle. 

That’s a large difference in placement. 

Measuring the two targets – I kept them – showed that while the dispersal pattern (nearly all at distance) for the G45 was wider, the extreme spread was only ½” longer for the Gen6 than the 4.0FC.

A virtual tie. 

Now “scoring,” if we did it my way would tell a different tale. 

It wasn’t ammo; CCI Blazer Brass 115gr. FMJ was used on the first outing and Monarch (Academy store brand) 115gr. FMJ was used by the Echelon. Both guns shot “soft,” a function of the light, range ammo as well as their ergos. The Echelon was drawn from the DeSantis Speed Scabbard; the G45 from the Safariland Gravity paddle holster. Neither would have a significant impact on on-target performance.

It could have been “training effect,” because this year I made an effort to practice. I shot the course so much – on smaller targets with varying guns – that I nearly committed it to my (failing) memory.

This this last effort with the Echelon came after more than a week without range practice and only a little dry practice – with another gun. 

The main perceived differences were sights and grip. 

The factory GLOCK plastic sights, while not optimum, are better than people give them credit for – for shooting. They’re not at all durable. I did some really good shooting with the “GLOCK of Summer” that I shot some years back, pre-Gen5. That gun was provided with the steel analog of the plastic “ball in the bucket” factory-standard sights. 

The Echelon sights – rear U-notch, white outlined, with the tritium front sight with large luminescent ring – are vastly better for quick pick-up on close targets. They are a little distracting for distance, but the gun is meant for optics. For dinosaurs like me, the large front ring can be ignored and the top edge of the front sight made out for precision.

I’m thinking it was more grip and that’s less a function of the gun; they’re both rendered with full-size, full grip frames. I’ve used the compact (15-shot) format for years in both lines. With the full length frame, there’s more for the small finger of the shooting hand to do and I emphasized it on the course fired for retiree LEOSA.

I’m thinking I didn’t pay the attention to the grip of the small finger of the shooting hand when shooting the GLOCK, leading the “three amigos” of the shooting hand to exert downward pressure at ignition. 

That didn’t happen this time because it was part of my conscious process. How will that work under stress?

Depends on how much I emphasize it in practice; there’s a message there for those who’ll read it. 

In the last practice with the 4.0FC, I didn’t do nearly as well – as the image shows. Four of those rounds, those on the left side of the “-0,” were one-handed from fifty yards. 

Show off. Ignore the one that wandered off to the left. 

But that’s what practice is for – making it tougher than game day. 

As to the Echelon line? This is the fifth example of the Echelon family I’ve tried. The trip has been free from stoppages, as you might expect from modern service pistols. The handling is superb, so good that I was wondering if I was “aging out” of competence based on results on target. 

But now I can see; it’s a great gun. 

- Rich Grassi