GunBroker.com and The Gun Crew announced a landmark post-sample machine gun auction event tied to Mike Dewitt's retirement, featuring approximately 150 items starting at $0.01 with no reserve across weekly drops through June 21, 2026. This rare liquidation window allows qualified SOT dealers to acquire post-sample machine guns without a law letter, including notable pieces from Dewitt's "ChuckBuster" and "RangeToys" YouTube channels.
MidwayUSA earned the 2025 Bizrate Circle of Excellence Platinum Award, marking its fourth platinum and eighteenth overall award from Bizrate Insights. The honor recognizes the family-owned retailer's exceptional online customer service and satisfaction, placing it in the top 1% of the Bizrate Insights North America Network.
Dott. Franco Gussalli Beretta, President and CEO of Fabbrica d'armi Pietro Beretta, received the 2026 NRA Defender of Freedom Award at the NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits for his leadership and commitment to the Second Amendment and American shooting sports. The honor recognizes Beretta's 500-year legacy and continued support of conservation, competitive shooting, and firearm safety education.
Liberty Safe earned multiple Gold awards at industry Readers' Choice programs, including recognition from Shooting Sports Retailer, Tactical Retailer, and Predator Xtreme. The awards reflect votes from independent firearm retailers and consumers recognizing the company's commitment to quality and American craftsmanship in gun safe manufacturing.
Sturm, Ruger & Company successfully hosted the Koenig-Ruger PRS Match in Grand Junction, CO, with 100 competitive shooters. Team Ruger's Lauryl Akenhead won first place in Production division and second High Lady using a Custom Shop Ruger Precision Rifle in 6mm GT.
The Second Amendment Foundation (SAF) and Defense Distributed filed a motion for summary judgment in Defense Distributed v. Blanche, challenging the ATF's rule expanding the definition of "firearm" to regulate precursor parts. SAF seeks to vindicate remaining claims after the Fifth Circuit vacated significant portions of the rule.
The Firearms Policy Coalition (FPC) announced filing a motion for summary judgment in Roberts v. ATF, challenging the constitutionality of the National Firearms Act of 1934. Plaintiffs including T.J. Roberts, Zachary Cockrell, Meridian Ordnance LLC, Buckeye Firearms Association, Center for Human Liberty, Jews for the Preservation of Firearm Ownership, and American Suppressor Association Foundation argue the NFA violates the Second Amendment and exceeds Congress' enumerated powers.
Firearms Policy Coalition (FPC) secured a settlement with Pennsylvania State Police permanently revoking their policy on partially manufactured firearm receivers after six years of litigation. The victory, supported by Landmark Firearms LLC, US Rifle LLC, and Polymer80 Inc., ends the threat of the policy that was blocked by preliminary injunction since January 2020.
The Second Amendment Foundation (SAF) and partners including Jews for the Preservation of Firearms Ownership, Center for Human Liberty, American Suppressor Association Foundation, Buckeye Firearms Association, and Meridian Ordnance filed a motion for summary judgment in Roberts v. ATF, challenging NFA registration requirements for short-barreled firearms and silencers following elimination of the $200 tax.
SLG2, Inc. will bring its Shoot Like A Girl experience to Bass Pro Shops in Grapevine, Texas on May 2–3 as part of its 2026 Grand Safety Tour. Led by all-women instructors, the free event features hands-on shooting and archery demonstrations with industry partners, designed to introduce women, families, and outdoor enthusiasts to shooting sports safely.
The Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers' Institute (SAAMI) has opened registration for its 2026 Ballistics Conference scheduled for September 15-17 in Baltimore, Maryland. The sixth biennial conference coincides with SAAMI's 100th Anniversary and features technical seminars, product demonstrations, and facility tours at Element U.S. Space & Defense.
Celerant Technology announces its 22nd annual FFL Client Conference in Frisco, Texas, offering free registration to clients. The event will feature the NSSF, Project Childsafe, and industry partners including NASGW, RSR Group, FFLGuard, FastBound, and Silencer Shop, showcasing new software advancements and networking opportunities.
WATCHTOWER Defense appointed Jordan Davis as Chief Executive Officer to lead strategic direction and growth initiatives. Davis, formerly Chief Growth Officer at WATCHTOWER Firearms, will focus on consumer products and market expansion from the company's new state-of-the-art facility in Tomball, Texas.
Gearfire announced a bi-directional integration between AXIS Point of Sale and AIQ, a CRM and loyalty platform for firearms retailers. The integration enables real-time customer data sync, behavior-driven marketing campaigns, and customizable loyalty programs that reward actual purchase behavior.
Kinetic Development Group (KDG) announced strong Q1 2026 performance with expanded dealer engagement and distribution partnerships. The company's presence at buy group shows drove growth across retail channels, with new two-step distributor partnerships and multiple product launches planned for the remainder of 2026.
CNC Firearms is expanding its team and hiring skilled professionals including high-polishing specialists, Cerakote specialists, refinish specialists, PVD specialists, plating specialists, and gunsmiths. Interested candidates can apply through their career page or email resumes to info@cncfirearms.com.
Steiner Optics unveiled the eDiscovery 10x42 binoculars, featuring integrated 4K camera technology, 12MP image capture, and the Steiner Connect 2.0 app for Wi-Fi connectivity and live streaming capabilities in the field.
Randy Luth, founder of Luth-AR and DPMS – Panther Arms, was elected to the NRA Board of Directors and NRA Executive Committee at the NRA Annual Meetings in Houston. Luth brings decades of AR parts and accessories industry experience to his new leadership roles.
The HeadHunters NW Podcast features Nathan Schueth, Director of Sales and Business Development at HK USA, discussing his career path from the Marine Corps to the firearms industry. HK USA is actively recruiting a National Sales Manager for Commercial Sales as the company plans to double its U.S. operations over the next several years.
Langdon Tactical Technology announces the CZ P-09C Nocturne and P-09F Nocturne pistols with custom trigger upgrades and optic modifications. The company offers Level I and Level II trigger jobs, optic cut conversions, and shortened backup iron sights starting at $815 MAP.
Streamlight, Inc. introduced the Portable Scene Light III at FDIC International, featuring 10,000 lumens, a 5-in-1 modular design, swappable lithium-ion batteries, and multiple power options for fire, emergency response, and outdoor applications.
Rost Martin announced the availability of additional firearm models approved for sale on the Massachusetts General Roster, including the RM1C 9mm, RM1C COMP 9mm, and RM1S 9mm. CEO Chris Toomer stated the expansion reflects the company's mission to empower gun owners and provide access to reliable firearms across all states.
Breek Arms has launched the Trash Shield, a HUB-compatible blast-forwarding device designed to redirect concussion, noise, and muzzle blast downrange. Constructed from aerospace-grade 7075-T6 aluminum, it integrates with industry-standard suppressor mounting systems and is especially effective in confined environments like indoor ranges and team-based training scenarios.
Roni Corporation products, including pistol-to-carbine conversion kits and the new Nano Roni, are now available through Sports South, LLC via a partnership with 1791 Outdoor Lifestyle Group. The Nano Roni offers compact size and improved accuracy for Glock models, with Roni Corporation manufacturing now based in Houston, TX.
Zanders, a national distributor based in Sparta, Illinois, announced it is now a stocking distributor for One Horse firearms and accessories. The partnership expands Zanders' product offering to dealers, providing access to One Horse's American-made AR precision firearms and components. Dan Siegler, President and COO at Zanders, and Drew Markel, President at One Horse, highlighted the alignment of their quality and innovation commitments.
Streamlight, Inc. introduced the LiteBox 1Million, a rechargeable search light delivering 1 million candela with a beam distance over one mile. The rugged scene light features three white high-power LEDs, weighs 7.0 pounds, and is designed for firefighting, emergency response, industrial inspections, and outdoor navigation applications.
Chiappa Firearms introduces the Bushranger M1-22 Semi-Auto, a .22 LR rimfire rifle featuring a 16.5-inch barrel, full-length Picatinny rail, and M-LOK accessory interface. Designed for recreational shooting and skill development, the lightweight platform weighs 5.43 pounds and is manufactured in Italy with an MSRP of $499.00.
Viridian Weapon Technologies introduced a new Flat Dark Earth variant of the 4LUX 2K DUO, an angled foregrip system integrating a green laser and 1,850-lumen tactical light. The platform features grip-based activation, M-LOK compatibility, and rechargeable battery technology for modern tactical firearms.
Millennium Outdoors introduces the Field Pro and Run N' Gun Turkey Seats, designed for comfort and portability. Both models feature ComfortMAX seat fabric, powder-coated aluminum frames, and adjustable carry straps, with the Field Pro weighing 6.4 pounds and the Run N' Gun at 4.2 pounds.
Galco introduces the APO Belt Holster for 4.25" 1911s with optional red dot sight compatibility. Designed for open carry during hunting and outdoor activities, the holster features premium steerhide construction, adjustable retention, and versatile strongside or crossdraw positioning.
Gun Tote'n Mamas is launching a Mother's Day empowerment campaign running April 24 through May 12, offering 25% off all products. Founded by Claudia Chisholm, the award-winning concealed carry handbag company emphasizes education and style for women's personal safety.
Bass Pro Shops will celebrate its third Arkansas location with a Grand Opening and Day of Conservation on April 29 in Fort Smith. The 70,000-square-foot Outpost will feature celebrity appearances by Jimmy Houston and Roland Martin, a 19,000-gallon aquarium, and 15 percent of sales donated to local conservation organizations.
NSSF, The Firearm Industry Trade Association, is offering $50,000 in scholarship funding for up to 20 employees of Patron Member companies and their eligible family members pursuing undergraduate or vocational degrees. Applications are due by May 25, 2026, with awards ranging from $8,000 for the grand prize to $2,000 for runner-up scholarships.
CCW Safe announced its Gold-level sponsorship of the 2026 A Girl & A Gun National Conference, taking place April 30 to May 3 in Palisade, Colorado. The event brings together hundreds of women from over 300 chapters for training, competitive shooting, and educational seminars. CCW Safe representatives including Steve Moses will be present to support the organization's mission of empowering women in firearms safety and self-defense.
Pursuit Media TV, LLC announces dozens of quality programs airing weekly on its Pursuit UP streaming platform, available to over 120 million users. In partnership with Careco Multimedia Entertainment, the platform features diverse content including offshore fishing, walleye fishing, hunting, fly-fishing, conservation stories, and veteran support programs.
To provide context, I’ve been out of the training game for around 20 years. I believe others have covered this subject, but I went over old notes on designing a police handgun qualification and here are some observations on development of a qualification course for cops.
First, the current age has states enforcing their own course of fire – or at least minimum skills tested – over letting each agency do its own thing. By doing so, state training commissions have put themselves potentially downrange of legal jeopardy.
That matters more to the taxpayer who foots the bill for all that foolishness and I don’t believe it’s likely that individual members of the commission will be personally jeopardized.
We can work around that and smart agencies (if any are smart) do so.
Next, I see qualification not as training (it isn’t, though it’s counted that way), nor practice nor anything else but checking a box. If the law requires annual qualification and tasks the commission with mandating what the course is, it has to be done. Where it rests on agencies is treating a qualification as collecting evidence for court – potentially.
The reason (if you can call it that) for qualification, after legal mandates, is to demonstrate that your officer was capable and competent in the aftermath of a shooting. You may use it to divest yourself of the officer (he showed he could do it, but failed on the street when it was real), you may use it to prove you provided adequate training (in a civil rights action), or you may use it in defense of the shooting.
Above, Clive Shepherd conducts a "class cluster" on the range before the next exercise. Briefing the shooters to give them their best chance is critical. Below, shooting an individual "standards" exercise is better at collecting information for future training as well as for legal issues. Line drills cover up problems; individual performance demonstrates them.
The reality is that we don’t know how many times – if ever – the existence of a successful qualification was a critical part of a litigation. Before anyone starts preaching chapter and verse, I’m referring to trial courts.
How do you “work around” state mandated quals? First, you do them and document them more than the state requires: if they require a Pass or Fail, do what the state says but keep a numerical score. You do this so you see who’s struggling.
That means we keep score. A “pass-fail” system is nonsense. If the course mandates that 35 holes have to appear in a target shot at with fifty rounds and you stop counting when you get to the 35th hole, it's counted as a “pass.”
If someone shoots 50/50 and they get the same “score” or are “just as qualified” as Fred when he shot 36/50, that’s a problem. You can’t look through the record and find the marginal shooters. Someone might find that indifference, even negligence.
You’re putting them on the street with guns not because you believe they’ll never need to shoot. You’re hoping that none of them will have to shoot while you’re in charge.
Better you should play the lottery.
As to working around the state, after you’ve done their required qualification for the record, do your own. The state’s qual says you’re qualified to have the job in that state – not that you’re qualified to work in this agency.
In your own efforts, insist on a 100% standard; that’s for hits, not score. Every round fired in qualification has to hit the target somewhere. If it’s a B-8 bullseye and you fire thirty rounds, there has to be 30 holes in that target – be accountable for every round fired in qualification.
Next, there have to be job specific elements. Each phase tests one or more fundamental job-related skills.
Train them to meet the standard. If they hit 100% and the score is high enough, document it as “qualification.”
If not – work with them, documenting it as training, not a “re-fire.” Calling it remediation isn’t the best motivator either. Get their skills in line so they can perform the test.
Then, when it’s fired with 100% hits on target, high enough score, document it as qualification.
That’s (largely) a Clive Shepherd rap. I adopted it because it makes sense.
Expend as little effort/ammo on quals as possible consistent with success; use remaining time-money on training. The plate rack duel, shown above, is a good use of time and effort. Working accuracy drills also pays dividends.
Training, according to Pat McNamara (seen here discussing working with bullseyes) must be comprehensive, systematic and progressive. Until you find your level of accuracy by testing you don’t know what’s not working – and you can’t fix it.
Also, I’m not a fan of discipline = punishment without discipline including rewards for positive behaviors. There should be some recognition of “high shooter,” as well as “most improved.” That can be a service bar, a posting to the bulletin board or agency email – anything to let people know that their efforts will be rewarded.
