In observance of the Independence Day holiday, we will not be distributing any of our services on Friday, July 3. The Outdoor Wire Digital Network will resume our normal distribution schedule on Monday, July 6. If you have important news to distribute prior to the holiday weekend, please submit it no later than 4:00pm Eastern on Wednesday, July 1. News arriving later will not make Thursday's final editions for the week.
Colt's Manufacturing Company and Guns.com have partnered to auction an exclusive Colt Custom Shop Python 250th American Anniversary revolver, with all proceeds benefitting the Second Amendment Foundation (SAF). The one-of-a-kind firearm features hand-executed C-Class engraving and commemorates America's 250th anniversary and the Colt Custom Shop's 50th anniversary.
Protect Liberty PAC announced a GunBroker auction featuring a premium Benelli 20-Gauge Super Black Eagle 3 A.I. BE.S.T. shotgun to raise funds for the 2026 midterm elections. The auction represents a partnership between Protect Liberty PAC and Benelli, with proceeds supporting candidates aligned with Second Amendment principles.
Murray Road Agency, a Charleston-based strategic marketing firm serving the outdoor industry, has been named a Marketing Firm Regional Winner in the 2026 Best of South Carolina awards presented by The Guide to South Carolina. CEO Tim Brandt highlighted the recognition reflects their client relationships and team's commitment to helping outdoor brands connect authentically with audiences.
KDG, founded in 2014 and headquartered in Seymour, Connecticut, announced proactive steps to eliminate marketplace confusion affecting dealers, distributors, and end users. The company, known for its patented Kinect quick-detach system and SideLok optic mounting solutions, is implementing a long-term strategy to strengthen dealer relationships and reinforce its brand identity in the firearms industry.
Shell Shock Technologies sponsored shooter John Vlieger won first place in the Carry Optics Division and second overall at the 2026 Bluegrass USPSA State Championship in Wilmore, Kentucky. Vlieger credited Shell Shock Technologies' NAS³ cases for their consistency, achieving a 5-fps extreme spread across 11 stages with 997.5887 match points out of 91 competitors.
The U.S. Supreme Court struck down Hawaii's "Vampire Rule" in Wolford v Lopez, a victory for gun owners supported by the Second Amendment Foundation, Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms, Connecticut Citizens Defense League, and Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus. The ruling overturned a law that banned firearm carry on public property unless owners posted signs allowing it.
Target Sports USA launched "250 Years of Firepower," a campaign celebrating America's 250th anniversary featuring a Ford F-250 giveaway for AMMO+ members. The initiative partners with ammunition manufacturers CCI, Federal, HEVI-Shot, Remington, and Speer, honoring firearms' role in American history through historical content, promotions, and commemorative offerings.
Burris Optics announced a partnership with Promoboxx to provide retailers with brand-approved digital marketing campaigns including email, social media, and web content. The collaboration enables Burris dealers to promote products professionally while focusing on sales and customer service.
The Briefing FFL Compliance Summit, taking place September 23–25, 2026 at the W Hotel Dallas, has confirmed ATF Director Rob Cekada, Chief Counsel Robert Leider, and other top federal officials as speakers. The inaugural conference addresses 34 pending ATF rule changes affecting the country's 70,000-plus active FFLs, with early bird registration at $399 through July 31.
Blue Force Gear announced the appointment of Eric Suarez as Vice President of Marketing. Suarez will lead strategic marketing initiatives, brand development, and customer engagement across military, law enforcement, and commercial markets, bringing extensive experience in the shooting sports and tactical industries.
The NSSF announces the Second Annual NSSF Legal Symposium scheduled for October 6-7 in Washington, D.C. The event features CLE programming for general counsels and legal staff of NSSF Patron Members and SAAMI Legislative & Legal Affairs Committee members covering firearm and ammunition industry legal topics.
The Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers' Institute (SAAMI) has expanded voting membership eligibility to U.S. suppressor manufacturers and designers. SAAMI recently published the Z299.6-2025 voluntary industry standard for firearm sound suppressors, developed with input from suppressor, firearm, and ammunition manufacturers.
Blaser USA is hiring a Regional Sales & Account Manager to drive rifle sales growth throughout Texas and neighboring states. The position requires firearms industry experience, proven sales success, and extensive territory travel to manage dealer relationships and execute sales initiatives for the Blaser Group portfolio.
The U.S. Supreme Court issued a 6-to-3 decision in Wolford v. Lopez holding that Hawaii cannot presume peaceable carry is forbidden on private property open to the public without express permission. The Firearms Policy Coalition, California Gun Rights Foundation, and the United States filed supporting amicus briefs in the case, which invalidates "vampire rule" laws that burden Second Amendment rights.
SOG Knives released a limited edition 250th Anniversary SEAL FX Fixed Blade knife featuring a 4.3-inch S35VN steel blade, forged and assembled entirely in the USA. Only 250 individually numbered knives were produced, each retailing for $250 and available at SOGKnives.com.
Vortex Optics released a limited-edition Diamondback HD 10x42 Patriotic Binocular to commemorate America's 250th anniversary. The binocular features patriotic blue rubber armor, a commemorative focus wheel, and a special Glasspak harness, available through EuroOptic at $249.99 MAP.
One Horse, an American firearms manufacturer based in Brownstown, Indiana, announced it has joined Gun Owners of America as a corporate partner to strengthen support for the Second Amendment and American manufacturing. CEO Jeremy Hammons stated the partnership reflects One Horse's commitment to defending gun owners' rights and keeping firearm manufacturing rooted in American values.
SLG2, Inc., parent company of Shoot Like A Girl and Safe LivinG, has partnered with Walk The Talk America, a nonprofit dedicated to mental health and responsible firearm ownership. The collaboration will integrate educational messaging and community outreach initiatives across nationwide events to promote safe firearm handling, secure storage, and suicide prevention awareness.
The Guns & Ammo Buzz podcast episode features Editor-in-Chief Eric Poole, Benelli Marketing Director Nick Andrews, Product Manager Bret Maffett, and Exhibition Shooter Steve Gould discussing Benelli's Urbino, Italy headquarters, manufacturing technology including AI, virtual reality, 3D printing, and Advanced Impact barrel technology.
Galco's V-Hawk tuckable IWB holster is now available in tan. Constructed of premium steerhide, the professional-grade holster features leather belt loops and injection molded C-Hooks for superior comfort, stability, and concealability.
Sticky Holsters launches a new tan color option for its Belly Band and Guard Her Belt concealed carry products. The expansion maintains the same trusted performance and quality materials while offering enhanced versatility for users seeking a more discreet option under lighter clothing.
GTM Original announces expansion of The Avenue collection with new Avenue Large Satchel Concealed Carry Bag in Black and Caramel leather. The satchel features USA top-grain cowhide and distressed buffalo leather, offering enhanced organization, RFID protection, and ambidextrous concealed carry access for modern women.
Winchester has released its limited-edition USA 250th Anniversary Commemorative Ammunition Series with only 15,000 units available nationwide. The collection features five themed ammunition types celebrating American heritage, including Pioneering America, American Hunter, Defending Freedom, Committed to Conservation, and Building Traditions.
Dead Air Silencers introduces limited-edition Sandman X suppressors honoring the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment and 5th Special Forces Group, with proceeds benefiting the Night Stalker Association and Special Forces Association Chapter 38.
Birchwood Casey introduced a line of 100% biodegradable gun cleaners including Synvex™ Carbon Cutter, Synvex™ Copper Cutter, Synvex™ CLP-X Oil, and Synvex™ Bore Wash. These eco-conscious products remove fouling as efficiently as traditional petroleum-based solvents while being safer on skin and environmentally responsible.
Crow Wholesale expanded its firearm brand portfolio by adding inventory from Fusion Firearms and Diamondback Firearms. The distributor now offers Fusion's XP PRO and XF PRO pistols alongside Diamondback's DB15 rifles, DB9 and DB380 pistols, DBX 5.7x28, Sidekick revolvers, and Ventra suppressors with immediate shipping availability.
Chiappa USA released the 1911 Field Special 250th Independence Edition, a limited-production commemorative pistol celebrating 250 years of American independence. Only 250 individually produced pistols are available exclusively through Chattanooga Shooting Supply, featuring a Blue Navy Cerakote finish with laser-etched design and chambered in .45 ACP.
Meprolight is offering a limited-time promotion through July 31, 2026, where customers who purchase qualifying Meprolight optics receive a free Backdraft suppressor via rebate. Jordan Stein, Digital Marketing Manager for Meprolight, encourages shooters to act before the deadline while supplies last.
Die Free Co. and RSR Group launched a dealer-exclusive merchandising program running through December 31, 2026. Dealers purchasing qualifying 10-packs of Dos Boot, Kung Fu Grip, and Tiger Claw products receive complimentary branded countertop displays designed to increase accessory sales.
This is Rangemaster’s “Drill of the Month” – a piece that has become a part of our feature rotation. It is part of that company’s monthly newsletter. As always, start slow before trying to progress. If you’re not familiar with use of the holster – especially from concealment – and, not familiar with the most dangerous thing you’ll do at the range, putting the gun into the holster – seek education first. You can shoot the whole thing from low ready, just to see how you do. The Rangemaster instructors travel. Check the website.
Throughout 2026 we will be running a Drill of the Month in each edition of the newsletter. The goal is to help motivate folks to get to the range and actually shoot their defensive weapons, and to have some fun in the process. Each month we’ll post a drill or a short course of fire. You are encouraged to go to the range, shoot the drill, and then post your thoughts and a photo of your target on the Rangemaster Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/groups/rangemaster/.
AMBIDEXTROUS SKILLS
This simple 10-shot drill tests your ability to draw quickly and shoot accurately with both hands, and with either hand, plus a quick reload under time pressure. The target is a B-8C or FBI IP-1, scored as printed. The range is 7 yards. Use a timer to measure the time for the drill.
To evaluate your success, use hit factor scoring: At the end of the course, count the points. Then divide the total points scored by the total time it took to accomplish the tasks. Your goal is a score of 6 or higher.
A seriously bad number - not a bad target, but brain fade on moving from reload to dominant hand only cost time.
Start with 5 rounds (only) in the gun, with the gun worn holstered and concealed. On the timer’s beep, draw and fire 5 rounds, using both hands. The gun should lock open on the empty magazine. Conduct an empty gun reload, then fire 3 rounds using the dominant hand only, (safely) switch hands, and fire 2 rounds using the non-dominant hand only.
(Editor’s note: a word about transferring a loaded gun from hand-to-hand – don’t rush the process.
In image 1, starting from a firing position above; below, image 2 has the thumbs “roll over” the tang,
opening the space for the other hand. The next frame shows the space to fill; the gun is tilted down.
Image 5 sees the gun fed into the other hand by the dominant hand.
Image 6 has you back in line, one-handed with the nondominant hand.
Note that the gun used in practice is a nonfiring analog - a good plan for practicing this move. If you drop the gun let it go. Do not clutch at it as it falls; that invites a digit into the trigger guard as the muzzle sweeps you, with disastrous consequences. – Rich Grassi)
– Tom Givens, Chief Firearms Instructor, Rangemaster Firearms Training Services
