Wilson Combat announced the immediate acquisition of Guncrafter Industries, uniting two respected custom firearms manufacturers. Founded by Bill Wilson and Alex Zimmermann respectively, both companies share a commitment to precision engineering and quality 1911 pistols, with Zimmermann remaining in an advisory capacity.

Anthony Imperato, Founder and CEO of Henry Repeating Arms, received the NRA Golden Bullseye Pioneer Award at the 2026 National Rifle Association Annual Meetings in Houston, Texas. The award recognizes his four-decade career revitalizing American firearms manufacturing and the lever-action rifle platform while championing domestic craftsmanship and corporate citizenship through Henry's Guns For Great Causes program.

Henry Repeating Arms Founder & CEO Anthony Imperato honored four Texans for extraordinary courage at the National Friends of NRA Event in Houston, including three Austin Police Department officers recognized for stopping a mass shooting perpetrator and Juan Lopez, a Carnegie Medal recipient for life-saving actions during a school shooting in Pasadena.

Federal's 7mm Backcountry cartridge received the 2026 Golden Bullseye Award from NRA American Hunter for Ammunition Product of the Year. The innovative cartridge features patented Peak Alloy case technology, delivering magnum performance in standard bolt face rifles with 3,000 feet per second velocity through 20-inch barrels.

Federal Ammunition congratulates Team Federal sponsored-shooter Vincent Hancock on receiving the 2026 Golden Bullseye Competitor Award from Shooting Sports USA. The award recognizes Hancock's historic achievements in skeet and his contributions through coaching and mentorship to the sport.

Anthony Imperato, Founder and CEO of Henry Repeating Arms, received the Law Enforcement Supporter of the Year award from New York State Fraternal Order of Police Memorial Lodge 100. The honor recognizes Imperato's decades-long commitment to supporting law enforcement through personal efforts and Henry Repeating Arms' "Guns For Great Causes" program, which has supported organizations including the National Fraternal Order of Police and National Fallen Officers Foundation.

Gun Owners of America and Gun Owners Foundation announced a major legal victory as the Department of Justice requested dismissal of its appeal regarding the ATF's Biden-era "Engaged in the Business" rule. The preliminary injunction obtained by GOA, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill, Utah Attorney General Derek Brown, and Mississippi Attorney General Lynn Fitch remains in effect.

SLG2, Inc. will bring its Shoot Like A Girl experience to Bass Pro Shops in Albuquerque on April 25–26, 2026. The free event features instruction from all-women instructors, a mobile range with FATS military-grade simulators, archery coaching, and product demonstrations from industry brands including firearms, optics, and outdoor accessories.

RSR Group announces its 2026 Spring E-Show running April 21-24 as a virtual trade event featuring manufacturer booths, exclusive dealer specials, new products, and daily prize giveaways on www.rsrgroup.com.

EchoCore Suppressors will co-exhibit with Silencer Shop at the Texas Tactical Police Officers Association Conference in Round Rock, Texas, showcasing its premium suppressor lineup to law enforcement professionals. The company's award-winning Sector 5.56 Full Size and Compact models placed 1st and 2nd at the 2025 Silencer Summit.

Firearms Policy Coalition (FPC) filed its reply brief with the First Circuit Court of Appeals in Granata v. Campbell, challenging Massachusetts's ban on modern handguns. The plaintiffs, including FPC members and The Gun Runner, LLC retailer, argue the ban unconstitutionally violates Second Amendment protections.

Silencer Central launched "100 Days of Silence," awarding 200 suppressors over 100 consecutive days from April 17 through July 25, 2026, with a total prize value exceeding $200,000. The campaign features two daily giveaways with sponsors including Wilson Combat, Weatherby, Ruger, Kimber, and BANISH Suppressors, celebrating the elimination of the $200 NFA tax stamp.

Night Fision, a premium sight systems and optics-mounting solutions manufacturer, is actively seeking U.S.-based export partners to expand distribution across international commercial, law enforcement, and military channels. Director of Sales Pat Murphy stated the company has seen steady global demand growth for its handgun sight systems and optic mounting solutions.

Leupold + Stevens, an Oregon-based optics manufacturer, is hiring a Product Line Manager 3 for riflescopes with a base salary of $120,000-$150,000. The role requires 10-15+ years of product management experience, formal brand management certification, and extensive shooting sports knowledge. Benefits include health insurance, 401k matching up to 8%, tuition reimbursement, and product discounts.

The NSSF vows legal action if Maryland Governor Wes Moore signs Senate Bill 334 and House Bill 557, which would ban striker-fired handguns. NSSF Senior Vice President Lawrence G. Keane argues the legislation unconstitutionally infringes Second Amendment rights and punishes law-abiding citizens instead of holding criminals accountable.

Beretta launches its Training Gear Collection debuting at booth #2623 during the NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits, April 17–19 in Houston, Texas. Developed with elite shooters, the collection features performance apparel including the Sonoran Softshell Vest, Cloak 2L WP Jacket, Apollo Merino Hoodie, and Champion's Edge T-Shirt, designed for tactical shooters and competitive athletes.

SDS Arms introduces the Spandau Arms S2 12-gauge 21" shotgun in TrueTimber Strata camo, featuring an inertia-operated system, Benelli/Mobil choke tubes, and fiber optic front sight. Designed for turkey hunting and spring season, the shotgun combines lightweight handling with reliable performance and customization options.

Galco has released the Classic Lite 2.0 Shoulder System for the Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 2.0, featuring Premium Center Cut Steerhide construction and the trademarked Flexalon swivel back plate. The system includes a holster, harness, double ammo carrier, and harness fasteners at an affordable price point.

Henry Repeating Arms has expanded its H1 rimfire lever-action platform with five new models including the H1 Western Rifle, H1 Western Frontier Rifle, H1 Sporter Rifle & Carbine, H1 Bandit Rifle, and H1 X Model. Available in .22 S/L/LR, .22 Magnum, and select .17 HMR configurations, the expansion represents the most significant release in the H1 platform's history.

SilencerCo releases a video highlighting its American manufacturing in West Valley City, Utah, showcasing why the company has become the industry leader with 25% of all registered suppressors. The brand emphasizes in-house production, quality control, and its commitment to performance over profit margins.

Heritage Manufacturing announces the expansion of its Rough Rider® revolver line with a new .32 H&R Magnum centerfire chambering, marking the first centerfire option for the iconic platform traditionally offered in .22 LR and .22 WMR.

Arsenal Inc. announces the SAM7SF-66, a milled AK rifle available in five furniture color options, featuring an enhanced aluminum side-folding stock with ergonomic cheek rest and QD points. The rifle comes bundled with Arsenal's Custom Hard Rifle Case featuring CNC-machined foam inserts and TSA-compliant locks for secure transport.

Real Avid introduces specialized maintenance tools for AR-style Short Barrel Rifles, including the Armorer's Master Kit, Master Gun Vise, Prime-223 Cleaning Kit, Smart Mat, and AR15 Brush Combo to ensure peak performance and reliability.

Check-Mate announced a collaboration with EAA Corp. and Girsan on the next-generation Witness2311® XXX Series pistols, featuring a newly engineered slim-profile magazine with 16-round capacity. The launch will be unveiled at the NRA Annual Meeting 2026 in Houston, with Check-Mate and EAA Corp. hosting a special event at Booth 3031 on April 17.

Chiappa Firearms expands its Wildlands rifle lineup with the 92 Wildlands Field, a lever-action rifle chambered in .44 Remington Magnum featuring a 16.5-inch threaded barrel, M-LOK interfaces, and Skinner Picatinny rail sighting system designed for practical hunting and field work.

EchoCore Suppressors' Sector 5.56 Full Size suppressor was prominently featured in Guns & Ammo's Suppressor Magazine with an in-depth review by Mark Fingar. The suppressor achieved a category-leading 125.43 dB at the 2025 Silencer Summit and is available exclusively through Silencer Shop.

Taurus USA has released a threaded barrel option for its 22TUC micro-compact pistol, a lightweight .22 LR firearm weighing just 10 ounces and made in the USA. The new variant maintains the platform's tip-up barrel design and 9+1 capacity while offering suppressed shooting capability for personalization.

Kinetic Development Group (KDG) reports sustained growth in its Stribog accessory lineup and is developing new rail systems for expanded Stribog variants including 10mm and .45 ACP models. The company is also engineering solutions for another major firearm manufacturer, with Director of Sales & Marketing Chris Bardugone emphasizing KDG's commitment to delivering purpose-built solutions.

FN America, LLC launched the FN PUREVIEW, a pistol-mounted red dot sight using advanced holographic technology powered by ImageGuide. The lightweight optic is compatible with FN 509, FN 510, FN 545, and FN Five-seveN models and will be showcased at the 2026 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits in Houston.

Bear OPS introduces the AC-1800, an Alabama-made automatic pocketknife featuring a Sandvik CPM-S35VN blade and black aluminum handle. The tactical knife offers swift blade deployment, a safety lock switch, and tip-up carry pocket clip, with an MSRP of $225.99.

Springfield Armory has launched the 1911 Garrison Target pistol in .45 ACP and 9mm with fully adjustable rear sights, forged steel construction, and match-grade barrels. Both models feature hot salt blued carbon steel, wood grips, and are priced at $999 MSRP.

Springfield Armory unveiled the Model 2020 Heatseeker .308 Pistol, featuring a compact 12" barrel and 22.5" overall length with bolt-action precision and AR-style modularity. The pistol utilizes a Sharps Bros 1913 Heatseeker Chassis, stainless steel barrel, and adjustable TriggerTech trigger, priced at $1,999 MSRP.

Taurus and Heritage Manufacturing are offering limited-time promotions through May 31, 2026. Purchase a Taurus 22TUC pistol and receive a free UM Tactical holster, or buy select Heritage .22 LR models and get a free .22 WMR cylinder. Customers can submit claims at www.TaurusPromos.com.

Federal Ammunition sponsored shooter Varick Beise won the Open Division Championship at the 2026 MagPul Texas 3-Gun Championships held April 10-12 at Reveille Peak Ranch near Burnet, Texas. The event featured 10 stages with 150-200 rounds per platform in challenging hill country terrain.

WATCHTOWER Defense will showcase its American-made firearms, including the APACHE COMMANDER and RAIDER series, at the First Annual GEAR Summit April 24–26 at Merus Adventure Park in Amarillo, Texas. The Gun Owners of America-led event features live-fire ranges, hands-on demonstrations, and over 100 manufacturers across 5,500 acres.

Steiner eOptics will exhibit at Defense Services Asia 2026 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, April 20-23, 2026, within the Beretta Defense Technologies booth #271. The company will showcase its electro-optic solutions including aiming lasers, night vision systems, and combat ID beacons to global military and defense professionals.

Dead Air will exhibit its CT5P suppressor at the Texas Tactical Police Officers Association (TTPOA) Annual Training Conference in Round Rock, Texas, April 22–26, 2026. The CT5P is designed for AR15 patrol rifles chambered in 5.56 NATO, featuring reduced size and weight, minimized backpressure, and effective sound and flash suppression for law enforcement applications.

Sons of Liberty Gun Works is the Title Sponsor of the Texas Tactical Police Officers Association Conference, showcasing its MK1, L89, and EXO3 rifle platforms at Range Day and the Vendor Show. SOLGW will also co-sponsor an after-hours social event with Born Primitive Tactical and Silencer Shop.

Gun Tote'n Mamas, a leading women's concealed carry handbag provider, returns as a diamond sponsor for the 2026 A Girl and A Gun National Conference in Grand Junction, Colorado, April 30–May 3. The company will showcase its latest products and provide exclusive merchandise to attendees.

In a feature last week, Reality Check: Spreading Out Your Rounds, a piece from OWDN affiliate Shooting News Weekly, the fallacy of tight groups on a qual target meant you’re shooting too slowly, too precisely, was raised. 

An affiliate misstatement is “Miss one in qual or the jury will expect 100% on the street.”

In a piece – “The Dangerous Myth of “Not Shooting Perfect” on Qualification” – the author addressed the issue of perfect qual scores amounting to self-incrimination. 

“See, you missed one in a gunfight, but you never missed on the range!” 

Think that would ever come up in a trial context? Maybe – it’s easily dealt with and would make me look for the real issue they intend to raise – but I’m not aware of it being a thing. It sounds more like an excuse for those who can’t clean a simple LE qual course because they won’t apply themselves to the problem of “checking that box.”

The author notes that the qualification shoot, even in lousy weather outdoors, is still a controlled environment compared to the single-wide trailer at 0300 during a drunken family fight when one of the participants snaps and charges with a kitchen knife.

It’s not at all the same. 

The qual is seeing what you’re capable of doing in the sterile conditions of the range. In the same sense that I’ll shoot walk-back drills seeing how far I can go back with 100% hits on target, no misses, 100% of the time. That gives me a baseline of hard skill – precision. 

As the author of the piece noted, past performance (a qual score) is no indication of future real-world performance. 

It’s the floor – the most we can expect of you under “near-ideal conditions.”

Par times are used. Consider this: can you perform this series of tasks in this much time. Put in range terms –

From 10 yards, draw to four hits in five seconds. 

The expectation isn’t that you’ll push to make four loud noises in 1.9 seconds, with 3 hits in the center and one off the paper. The only thing in the record is the number of hits at the end of the course of fire. That’s the artifact that will be reflected in the record.

If you took 4.8 seconds and put four bullets into around two-inches in the center of the target, some will say “you shot too slowly.”

As Ken Hackathorn points out, when it’s real on the 2-way range, no one will have to tell you to shoot faster. You’ll wish someone was there to tell you to shoot better.

World War II Marine veteran, lawman and writer, Charles A. Skelton noted that “no one died from a quick noise.” I wouldn’t put it quite that way, but he made the point. Bill Jordan, another WWII Marine vet and a Border Patrol veteran, said “Speed’s fine. Accuracy is final.”

Does that mean that you should do nothing but old-style bullseye shooting? Well, in my view, I’m not sure it’d hurt – but you do need to know how to run the gun at speed, how to assess effects on target in the moment, and know when to stop shooting.

Just like you need to know when to keep shooting. 

Paul made good points in that piece from SHOOTING WIRE. Herfel Torres made good points in the Not Shooting Perfect piece – and backed them up with the law.

Qualification is the reality administratively, whether I like it or not. The best way to handle it is to remember your task when called to qualify: do your best.

Later, I’ll tell you what I’ve learned if I’m writing the qual course – as a tool for collecting evidence for court, should it become necessary.

– Rich Grassi