Dead Air Silencers will return to Kalash Bash TX 2026 as a Bronze Sponsor, showcasing suppressors including the Wolverine AK suppressor, Ruger RXD910Ti, CT5P, Nomad Ti OTB, Sandman X, and Mojave 45 at The Ranch TX Club in Eagle Lake, Texas, April 10-12.

SLG2, Inc. will bring its Shoot Like A Girl experience to Bass Pro Shops in Glendale, Arizona on April 11-12, 2026. The free interactive event introduces women, families, and outdoor enthusiasts to shooting sports with firearms education using FATS simulators, archery instruction, and product demonstrations from industry brands.

Brownells announced the expansion of its VALOR Program, a law enforcement initiative providing reduced-price access to firearms parts, maintenance supplies, and duty gear. The program, led by Bill Hampstead, offers individual officers verified law enforcement pricing and agencies a single reliable source for equipment sustainment across legacy and current platforms.

NSSF praises the Trump administration's Office of the Comptroller of the Currency and Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation for publishing a Final Rule eliminating "reputational risk" from supervisory programs, ending banking discrimination against firearm and ammunition businesses. Lawrence G. Keane, NSSF Senior Vice President & General Counsel, stated the rule prevents unlawful denial of banking services to legitimate industries.

Engaged Industries, a 100% American-made suppressor manufacturer, launched its Authorized Dealer Network on its one-year anniversary. The company's patent-pending Vacuum Expansion Technology and Stealth LoK QD system address shooter complaints about gas blowback, finicky mounts, and sound suppression across multiple caliber platforms.

Benelli USA is hiring a Creative Director in Accokeek, Maryland to lead digital-first marketing campaigns and brand storytelling. The role requires 8-10+ years of creative experience, Adobe mastery, and familiarity with firearms and outdoor products. Nick Andrews, Marketing Director, seeks a builder who can translate product innovation into scalable campaigns across digital, retail, and traditional channels.

Check-Mate, a precision manufacturing leader in Thomasville, GA, is hiring a Product Engineer to bridge design and manufacturing. The role requires a bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering and 5-10 years of product development experience, with expertise in CAD, GD&T, and DFMA principles. Interested candidates should submit resumes to Careers@checkmateIndustries.com.

Federal Ammunition is now shipping the Personal Defense Punch 9mm Luger 115-grain jacketed hollow point load, featuring a high-quality brass case with primer seal and balanced performance across platforms. The new lighter load complements Federal's popular Punch product line and addresses customer requests for 115-grain defensive options.

Primary Arms Optics has released the SLx 1x MicroPrismT, featuring an H1/T1-compatible mounting footprint compatible with popular aftermarket mounts. The new optic includes reticle options such as ACSS Cyclops, ACSS Gemini, and the new red-illuminated T-Dot, available now for $299.99.

Bushnell, a Revelyst Inc. brand, announced the launch of its new A-Series optics line featuring the A1, A3, and A5 binoculars plus A3 monocular. Designed for travelers and outdoor enthusiasts, the lineup includes EXO Barrier® lens protection, IPX7 waterproofing, and Bushnell's Lifetime Warranty, available April 7, 2026.

Luth-AR founder Randy Luth has been elected to the National Rifle Association Board of Directors for a three-year term. Luth brings decades of industry experience from founding DPMS – Panther Arms and designing AR rifles and accessories since 1984.

Vortex Optics has renewed its Gold-level corporate partnership with the Second Amendment Foundation (SAF). The Barneveld, Wisconsin-based optics company will continue donating products for SAF's sweepstakes and sponsoring the annual Gun Rights Policy Conference livestream.

Gun Tote'n Mamas, an award-winning women's concealed carry handbag provider, has partnered with Charter Arms Manufacturing. The collaboration showcases GTM's latest protection solutions, including the new Clutch Concealed Carry Purse, available through Charter Arms' Accessory Store.

Zanders announced an exclusive collaboration with CMMG featuring a suppressed .22LR rifle with multi-bronze anodized finish. The rifle includes the CMMG Zeroed 22LR suppressor and is built on a standard AR15 lower receiver, offering dealers a modern sporting rifle platform.

Henry Repeating Arms has launched the Bear's Leg Pistol, a compact lever action firearm available in .357 Magnum, .44 Magnum, .30-30 Winchester, and .45-70 Government. The modern platform features factory-threaded barrels, M-LOK slots, fiber optic sights, and is designed for customization and SBR conversion, with an MSRP of $1,129.

Magpul has introduced Modified Coyote Brown (MCB) PMAGs and AR accessories, including stocks, grips, and M-LOK accessories. The new MCB product line meets US Army TOP-3-2-045A requirements and is now available at Magpul.com and retail locations.

Chiappa introduces the 92 Core lever-action rifle in its Wildlands series, chambered in .44 MAG with a 16.5-inch barrel and angle eject action. The rifle features M-LOK slots, 5/8×24 muzzle threading, and 8+1 capacity, designed for practical field use with modern refinements while maintaining traditional lever-action aesthetics.

Kinetic Development Group introduced the Kinect Series, a patented mounting system that enhances the M-LOK interface with tool-free, spring-loaded wedge technology. The innovation allows shooters to instantly attach and reposition accessories while maintaining secure mechanical retention, making rifle configuration faster and more convenient.

Springfield Armory launched the SAINT Gear Pac, bundling select SAINT rifles with a Viridian VENTA green dot optic, four Magpul PMAG Gen M3 magazines, and a premium rifle bag for over $200 in added retail value with no redemption required.

Galco has released holsters for Springfield Armory's new SA-35 4" pistol, including the Combat Master, Summer Comfort IWB, Miami Classic shoulder system, and Yaqui Slide models, along with magazine carriers and Underwraps 2.0 belly band options.

Bear & Son Cutlery introduces a 4.5-inch pocketknife featuring a D2 steel Wharncliffe blade, available with red or black G10 handles or blue Micarta. The precision-crafted knife, made in Alabama, includes a pocket clip, lanyard hole, and lifetime warranty at $89.99 MSRP.

MDT announced new V-Mount adapter solutions, including the Spuhr Interface to V-Mount Adapter and M-LOK to V-Mount Adapter, enabling shooters to attach V-Mount accessories across wider mounting interfaces. These adapters expand the versatility of MDT's V-Mount system and are now available through MDT dealers and mdttac.com.

Heckler & Koch announces the VP9CC micro-compact pistol, featuring ambidextrous controls, interchangeable backstraps, and optional Vortex Defender CCW optics. The pistol meets NATO and HK standards and shipments have begun with dealer availability expected by end of April.

Pyramyd AIR launched its redesigned Pyramyd Rewards loyalty program featuring four tiers with benefits including lowered free shipping thresholds, extended warranty discounts, professional workshop savings, and up to 2.00% cash back for Platinum members. The program also introduces a $59.99 annual Platinum Subscription option for immediate elite access.

Orchid, the firearms industry's leading FFL technology provider, launched its "Locked & Loaded" April Sales Campaign offering 25% off two-year software subscriptions on Orchid POS, eCommerce, eBound, and eState through April 28, 2026. The promotion includes implementation and onboarding discounts for independent firearm retailers.

TriStar Arms will exhibit at the NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits in Houston, TX, April 17–19, 2026, showcasing new products including the Upland Hunter Thumbhole Stock, new KR22 Series color options, and the APOC Pro pistol. President Ryan Bader emphasized the importance of connecting with firearm enthusiasts and gathering customer feedback.

Taylor's & Company will exhibit at the 2026 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits in Houston, Texas, April 16-19, showcasing their 9mm revolver line, TC73 Blued 9mm Lever-Action rifle, and Take Down Series II created with Ranger Point Precision at booth #3637.

ELEY UK, official sponsor of USA Shooting rifle and pistol teams, will exhibit at the NRA Annual Meeting in Houston (April 16-19, 2026) at Booth 1946. The company will showcase its rimfire ammunition, X-Shot training system, and new LOT Analyser platform, offering 10% discounts on trial packs through Killough Shooting Sports.

TAG Precision will exhibit at the NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits in Houston, TX, April 17–19, 2026, showcasing its precision-machined fiber-optic handgun sights featuring patented FiberLok™ technology. The company will demonstrate its in-house manufactured billet steel sights designed for Glock, SIG Sauer, Smith & Wesson, Springfield Armory, Beretta, and other popular handgun platforms.

Range USA, the nation's largest indoor gun range and firearm retailer, will exhibit at the 2026 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits in Houston, April 16-19 at booth #2355. The event will feature over 800 exhibitors showcasing firearms, ammunition, hunting gear and accessories.

Prepared 2 Protect will exhibit less-lethal self-defense products at the 155th NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits in Houston from April 16-19. The company will showcase the P2P Secure 68P and P2P Defensor, featuring innovations like extended range and adjustable power settings for personal protection.

Viridian Weapon Technologies will exhibit at the NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits 2026 in Houston, Texas, April 16–19, showcasing optics and weapon-mounted systems at Booth 3613. The company will feature green dot optics, laser sights, and weapon-mounted lights, with daily product giveaways including firearm prizes on select days.

European American Armory (EAA Corp.) will debut two new Witness2311® double-stack 1911 variants at the 2026 NRA Annual Meeting in Houston, developed with Girsan and Check-Mate Magazines. The XXX Series features improved ergonomics, streamlined profiles, and slim 16-round magazines in 9mm configurations priced from $599 to $899.

CZ, a global firearms manufacturer, will exhibit at the 2026 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits in Houston, Texas, April 16-29. At Booth #2223, CZ will showcase products including the CZ Shadow 2 Carry, CZ P-10 C Ported, and CZ 600+ bolt-action rifle series, plus a virtual training activation with Ace Virtual Shooting.

Lyman Products will showcase suppressors, reloading tools, presses, and accessories at the 2026 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits in Houston, TX from April 17-19 at booth #2930. The event features Sonicore Suppressors, Mark 7, Pachmayr, A-Zoom Precision Snap Caps, TacStar, and Raytech products across 14 acres of show space.

Davidson's GalleryofGuns.com will exhibit at NRAAM 2026 in Houston, TX from April 16-19, as the presenting sponsor of the NRA's Wall of Guns. The booth will enable immediate firearm sales and feature YouTube personality Hickok45 for a meet and greet on April 18.

Carrying a gun on a regular basis should be more than finding the cheapest holster on the online version of the big box store or seeing what the influencer of the day is plugging. I’d expect one needs to consider aspects of the reality we face before coming to a decision.

I found this story in notes from 1989, practically ancient times --

I went to support a search warrant execution that another agency was conducting in our jurisdiction – and outside their own.  While at the pre-raid meeting, I saw that the officer conducting the raid was in plain clothes.  I saw him put on a nylon gun belt that carried a low-slung, flap covered holster. 

He put his S&W Model 645 pistol in the holster and we went to the party. 

Later, after the scene was secured and the evidence gathering gear was broken out, I saw this same narcotics detective take his jacket off.  Underneath he wore a Bianchi Scorpion rig, a horizontal shoulder holster with magazine pouches on the off-side shoulder.  It is similar to the Galco Jackass rig and the Ted Blocker "Miami Vice" rig.  He took the 645 from the thigh-slapping leg holster and replaced it in the shoulder rig. 

Realizing that it was bad form, I inquired as to what he was doing.  He stated that the flap holster was his "raid" holster. 

Being so low slung, it is easy for the officer to get to, he explained, but the flap was more secure than a thumb-snapped shoulder holster that points the stocks toward a perpetrator.

At the time, I didn't think much of his reasoning. At least he thought his particular holster problem out and acted on a solution. 

On reflection, his solution wasn't bad, either. 

I expect someone would play hell trying to get that pistol freed from that flap holster, though  I fear the officer would, too. 

He doesn't wear it on routine patrol, though, just for raids -- That is when the scene is crawling with other officers and when you start out with a pistol in your hand. After the prisoners are secured and the tedious work of photographing and diagramming the scene, and seizing evidence begins, the pistol goes back into its usual, and somewhat more practical (for him), home.

A casual reader and gamesman would likely scoff at the gun and ammo harness worn by the officer as simple emulation of the cops on Miami Vice.  These holsters have their place, though.

An instructor of executive protection recommended shoulder holsters in general for bodyguards.  With the arms folded over the chest, the gun hand disappears inside the jacket for a low profile "ready" position with the hand on the stocks of the pistol.  If it's good for bodyguards, it's okay for narcs who often operate in crowded environs. Aside from the ready position, the piece can be easily secured from casual "frisk" bumps and seizure attempts merely by drawing up the arms. 

Another advantage of this type of holster, is that when you slip on a gun, the spare ammo goes with it. It is carried on the “wrong side” for real speed reloads, and that's better than carrying no spares at all.  Sadly, too many folks carry guns and no extra ammunition.  It's unlikely you'd forget it with one of these rigs.

The bad news?  Well, you can't replace the gun in the holster with only one hand.  It may not seem like a big deal to you, but try to hold down a suspect for handcuffing while replacing the gun in the holster.  It doesn't work.  That could be another excellent reason for the narc's "raid" holster.

Consider the tasks you’re likely to have to perform, then consider carry methods in line with that activity. And practice.

– Rich Grassi