Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. and Beretta Holding S.A. announced a Strategic Cooperation Agreement allowing Beretta Holding to increase its investment to 25% of Ruger's outstanding shares at $44.80 per share. Beretta Holding will nominate up to two independent board members following the 2026 Annual Meeting, while committing to a three-year standstill period.
Leapers received the 2026 American Rifleman Golden Bullseye Optic of the Year Award for the Integrix iXF 4.5X28 Service Rifle Scope. Developed with professional competitive marksmen and featuring German Schott glass, the fixed-power scope is available on Leapers.com for $999.97 before a July 2026 price increase.
CCI has been awarded the 2026 Gold Award for Rimfire Ammunition by Tactical Retailer and Shooting Sports Retailer readers. The reader-driven awards recognize CCI's quality, performance, and innovation in rimfire ammunition products including Clean-22 Sub-Sonic and Suppressor Max.
NSSF has recognized Range USA with its Five-Star rating for range excellence. The 50-store chain operating across 14 states was founded by Tom Willingham and emphasizes customer experience, safety education, and environmental responsibility through lead mining and brass casing collection.
Federal Ammunition received the 2025 Gold Award for Best Shotshell from readers of Tactical Retailer and Shooting Sports Retailer. The award recognizes Federal's commitment to quality, performance, and innovation across their shotshell product lines, including Gold Medal, Black Cloud, Prairie Storm, and Custom Shop TSS loads.
The Second Amendment Foundation and partners including the National Rifle Association and California Rifle & Pistol Association filed an amicus brief with the U.S. Supreme Court urging review of Patrick Tate Adamiak's case, a Navy veteran sentenced to 20 years for possessing cut-up gun parts and inert training dummies.
CZ-USA announced leadership changes with Petr Pistelak transitioning back to Colt CZ Group in the Czech Republic. Petr Palecek becomes CEO and Head of Operations, while John Dain assumes the role of President and Chief Commercial Officer, with Tom Taylor transitioning to Chief Business Development Officer for Colt CZ Group.
The NSSF reported April 2026 NICS checks at 1,193,428, up 1.6 percent from April 2025's 1,174,294. NFA checks surged 130.3 percent to 190,086, with Texas, Virginia, and Florida leading in NFA activity. The adjusted data provides market insights while noting that background checks do not directly correlate to firearm sales.
Tisas Arms USA announced a nationwide sales representation partnership with Jones & Company to strengthen its U.S. distribution network. The company also appointed Matt Fuller as Vice President of Sales and Auburn Flores as Vice President of Marketing to support continued growth.
RetailBI released its Q1 2026 Shooting Sports Report analyzing retail sales across 654 dealers. Firearm unit sales declined 7.6% year-over-year, while suppressors surged 53.1% in same-store unit growth, with rifles outperforming shotguns.
Silencer Central, the country's largest suppressor retailer, announced three key hires to its sales and marketing leadership team: Ryan Houck as Senior Director of Marketing, Daniel Baugher as Director of Sales, and Shawn Porter as Event Sales Manager. The additions support the company's continued growth and innovation in the suppressor industry.
German Precision Optics (GPO USA) is hiring a Dealer Development Specialist in Richmond, Virginia with remote availability. The role involves outbound calling to retail sporting goods stores to promote GPO's premium optical product line, including riflescopes, binoculars, and spotting scopes, at $25 per hour.
Trijicon, Inc. announced a new 2.5 MOA Green Dot version of its popular SRO reflex sight, available in Black and Coyote Brown finishes. The green dot design offers enhanced visibility in daylight, reduced eye strain, and improved performance in various lighting conditions for competitive and target shooting applications.
Chattanooga Shooting Supplies and Smith & Wesson® unveiled an exclusive Performance Center M&P 9 M2.0 Metal Carry Comp pistol featuring advanced Carry Comp system with PowerPort technology for reduced recoil and improved shot recovery. The full-size firearm includes night sights, flat-face trigger, and customizable grip inserts, available exclusively through Chattanooga Shooting Supplies' dealer network.
DeSantis Gunhide® introduces the Ruk-Pak™ Holster #233, a rigid Kydex® solution for discreet off-body firearm carry in backpacks and everyday bags. The holster features self-stick loop mounting for unlimited placement options and retails for $52.99.
Wilson Combat introduced the California Compliant EDC X9 2.0, a double stack defensive pistol engineered to meet California compliance standards while maintaining the X9 platform's performance. The pistol features an ambidextrous thumb safety, loaded chamber indicator, and magazine disconnect safety, with a 4-inch barrel capable of 1.5-inch groups at 25 yards.
Sports South announces two new Springfield Armory releases: the Garrison 1911 Target Model, built for precision and accuracy, and the SAINT Victor PDW, designed for compact handling and maneuverability. Both models are now available through Sports South dealers.
Davidsons and Hi-Point Firearms unveiled an exclusive limited-edition Burnt Bronze HP22 Hush-Point 22 suppressor available through Davidsons to dealers nationwide. The lightweight, user-serviceable rimfire suppressor features an aluminum body, 17-4 stainless steel host cap, and distinctive burnt bronze Cerakote finish, weighing just 4.9 ounces.
Engaged Industries unveiled technical details of its VLB25 baffle design and patent-pending Vacuum Expansion gas management system used in its Operator 5.56 and Recon .308 suppressors. The three-phase system compresses gases, creates low-pressure zones to eliminate blowback, and delays gas accumulation to reduce muzzle signature and recoil impulse.
Davidson's and Bond Arms launched their second version of the "Dead Man's Hand" two-shot derringer, chambered for 45 Colt and .410 bore shotshells. The exclusive model features engraved flat sides honoring the American West and Wild Bill Hickock folklore, with a suggested retail price of $596.00.
Roni Corporation products, including the new Nano Roni conversion kit, are now available through Chattanooga Shooting Supplies via a strategic partnership with 1791 Outdoor Lifestyle Group. The Nano Roni transforms standard pistols into compact carbine-style platforms with improved control and accuracy, initially compatible with Glock 17, 19, 22, 23, and 45.
Sticky Holsters, based in Naples, Florida, announced a limited-time Mother's Day release featuring exclusive pink accents across its signature holster line, including the Belly Band and Guard Her Belt. The products utilize the brand's clip-less concealed carry technology with high-friction, non-slip outer skin designed for active women prioritizing protection.
Real Avid introduces its Maximum Performance Gun Care line featuring Tri-Max® CLP, Bore-Max® Bore Foam, Foul-Out® Gunk Blaster, Gun-Max® Gun Oil, and the new Gun-Max® Grease. These professional-grade chemicals are engineered for shooters, hunters, and tactical users to simplify firearm maintenance while delivering reliability and performance.
Lynn County Sheriff's Department in Texas has adopted Liberty Ammunition's Pro Series 9mm ammunition. The patent-pending design features a 55-grain weight and 2,000 feet per second velocity, delivering 488 ft-lbs of energy. CEO Gary Ramey expressed pride in supporting the department with duty ammunition.
Chiappa Firearms introduces the S.A. 1873 Black Thunder, a modern single-action revolver chambered in .44 Remington Magnum. The revolver features a Picatinny rail for optics, fiber-optic sights, and an oversized Hogue rubber grip, available in 5.5-inch and 7.5-inch barrel configurations.
BANISH Suppressors announced two new stainless-steel suppressor models: the BANISH VRMT 223 SS and BANISH HNT 30 SS, both priced at $579. Designed by founder Brandon Maddox's team, these fully welded suppressors offer sound and recoil reduction while maintaining affordability and performance.
Zanders, a national distributor based in Sparta, Illinois, announces that Howa M1500 Fence Line Series rifles from Legacy Sports International are in stock and ready to ship. The rifles feature sub-MOA accuracy, hammer-forged barrels, and are available in fifteen calibers and three camouflage patterns.
Galco unveils the Combat Master 2.0 belt holster, a modernized pancake holster designed for 4.25" 1911s with or without red dot sights. The professional-grade holster features hand-molded construction, optic cutaway capability, raised sweat guard, and premium steerhide construction for enhanced durability and concealment.
XTech Tactical launched the MAG17 RM extended magazine and MAG-ADAPT RM-17 adaptor sleeve for the Ruger RXM pistol, converting the compact model to full-size grip configuration with 17 rounds of 9mm capacity while maintaining ergonomic benefits and reliability.
Meprolight is offering a limited-time promotion through July 31, 2026, providing a free Backdraft suppressor rebate with qualifying optic purchases. The straightforward program aims to deliver value to shooters while supplies last, with Digital Marketing Manager Jordan Stein emphasizing the company's commitment to high-performance solutions.
Mission First Tactical will exhibit at the 2026 Spring CANCON Fully Suppressed Range Day & Gun Show on May 8-9 at Clinton House Plantation in South Carolina. The event features hundreds of suppressed firearms from top manufacturers with free ammunition and unlimited shooting access.
Walther Arms will participate in CANCON East 2026 on May 8-9 at Clinton House Plantation & Shooting Complex in South Carolina. The world's largest fully-suppressed range day features over 40 shooting lanes, unlimited ammunition, and attendees can test Walther's premium handguns including the PDP series in suppressed conditions.
RETAY will showcase its 2026 tactical lineup at CANCON East 2026 on May 8–9 at Clinton House Plantation Shooting Complex in Clinton, SC. Attendees can experience the RXP22 pistol and RA1522 rifle and pistol in a fully suppressed environment, with free shipping on firearms purchased through Guns.com.
EchoCore Suppressors will showcase its premium suppressor lineup at CANCON 2026 East in Clinton, South Carolina. The company will feature award-winning products including the Sector 5.56 Full Size and Compact, plus the recently released Radius 360 multi-caliber modular suppressor and Topo 22, in partnership with Silencer Shop.
Sonicore Suppressors, a Lyman Products brand, will exhibit at CANCON East 2026 on May 8–9 at Clinton House Plantation & Shooting Complex in Clinton, South Carolina. Attendees can experience Sonicore's full suppressor lineup including Skarv 22, Valor 9, Rekkr, and Paradox at the world's largest fully suppressed range day.
Dead Air Silencers will sponsor the 2026 CANCON East event May 7-9 at The Clinton House Shooting Complex in Clinton, South Carolina, showcasing centerfire and rimfire suppressors including the Ruger RXD910Ti, CT5P, Nomad Ti OTB, Sandman X, and Mojave 45 models.
Maxim Defense, a manufacturer of precision firearms and suppressors, will be a co-sponsor at Spring CANCON 2026 in Clinton, SC on May 8-9, 2026. The company will showcase products including the SDX RFLX, PDX-SD, and Ruger MKIV, with special preview day access for SOF veterans on May 7th.
FastBound announced its sponsorship of the NSSF Marketing & Leadership Summit, taking place May 12–14, 2026, in Hilton Head, South Carolina. VP of Sales & Marketing Jamison Collins stated the sponsorship reflects FastBound's commitment to innovation and leadership in the firearms and outdoor industries, serving over 7,000 active FFLs nationwide.
The Project ChildSafe Foundation announced winners of its annual Safety Sweepstakes, which raised funds for the firearm safety education program through donations from industry companies. Nearly 3,000 donors participated, with prizes including firearms, safes, and training courses donated by sponsors like Colt, Beretta, and Gunsite Academy.
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/.
MINI-CASINO DRILL
Rangemaster’s Casino Drill has become a well-known industry standard, and it is a pretty good test of all around defensive skill with a handgun. If you can, on demand shoot it clean under the 21 sec par time, you are pretty competent with a handgun. On many ranges, however, the target stands are 18” wide, set up for cardboard IDPA and USPSA targets. The Casino target is 23” wide, and the numbered shapes line right up with the sticks on an 18” frame. Shooting the sticks to pieces on the first run sucks, so I devised an alternate drill for such ranges.
On the Mini-Casino, start with the target at 3 yards. Your pistol will be loaded with 6 rounds, 1 in the chamber and 5 in the magazine. Have 2 spare magazines on you with 7 rounds in each. On signal, draw and shoot 2 rounds into the 2 circle, 3 into the 3 circle, 4 into the 4 circle, 5 into the 5 circle, and 6 into the circle bearing the number 6. Reload each time the gun runs out. Circles must be shot in numeric order. Par time is 21 seconds, with all hits if you want to run it as a time limit course. For hit factor scoring, take total time and add 1 second for each miss. Here is my run at the beginning of a range session, 17.52 seconds, clean. Here is a link to print your own target at home: https://tinyurl.com/march-dotm.
-- Tom Givens, Chief Firearms Instructor, Rangemaster Firearms Training Services
