XTech Tactical announced the acquisition of Creature Grips, LLC in Q4 2025, rebranding the heat-venting rail cover technology as Thru-Flo™ Rail Covers. The lightweight, tool-free covers are compatible with M-LOK handguards and priced at $14.95 for a 6-pack, expanding XTech Tactical's product portfolio with patented innovation.
MDT Sporting Goods announced the acquisition of Lone Peak Arms and Leading Edge Machine, a Utah-based manufacturer of precision rifle actions. The strategic acquisition combines MDT's chassis systems with Lone Peak's acclaimed Fuzion and Razor action models, creating a more complete precision shooting ecosystem for customers.
NSSF, The Firearm Industry Trade Association, petitioned the U.S. Supreme Court for a writ of certiorari challenging New York's public nuisance law that attempts to circumvent the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act. NSSF argues the law is preempted by PLCAA and creates a circuit split requiring Supreme Court intervention.
Firearms Policy Coalition (FPC) filed a motion for summary judgment in FPC v. Platkin, challenging New Jersey's prohibition on short-barreled rifles. FPC is joined by five individual members, High Caliber Ordinance LLC, and Louie G's Outdoors, represented by Chad Flores and Bradley Lehman. A favorable ruling would allow New Jersey residents to lawfully own these constitutionally protected firearms.
SLG2, Inc.'s Shoot Like A Girl experience will visit Bass Pro Shops in Gainesville, Florida on February 28-March 1, 2026, offering women, families, and outdoor enthusiasts a safe introduction to shooting sports with certified female instructors, FATS simulators, and archery activities.
The inaugural Grid Iron Defense Symposium will convene March 13 in Ft. Lauderdale as a private forum bringing together NFL athletes, military operators, and defense technology leaders including Darley, Chariot Defense, MVP Robotics, and others. Proceeds benefit the Boulder Crest Foundation, Navy SEAL Foundation, and Green Beret Foundation.
Primary Arms Optics will exhibit at Paraclete Consulting Group's live-fire range event on March 13th-14th, 2026, showcasing the PLx HTX-1 Enclosed Reflex Sight and PLxC 1.5-12x36 FFP RDB Rifle Scope at the Secure America Now Training Center in Texas.
Tisas Arms launched its new US division in Buford, Georgia, ending twenty years of importer partnerships to receive direct shipments from their Trabzon, Türkiye manufacturing facility. CEO Erdal Kaya appointed Tim Mulverhill as Vice President of Operations to lead organizational development and support the Tisas lifetime warranty.
The Range Network has appointed Colonel (Retired) Mark A. Davis as Military Liaison. Davis brings over two decades of senior Military Police leadership and recently served as Director of Protection for Army South at Fort Sam Houston before retiring from the United States Army in October 2025.
Derya Arms appointed Bill Hicks & Co., Ltd. as a new distributor for its firearms products across the United States. The partnership expands Derya's distribution network and brings its pistols, rifles, and shotguns to independent dealers through Bill Hicks & Co., Ltd.'s established wholesale channels.
Sturm, Ruger & Company appointed Aaron Rivers, Stephen Timm, and Lorin Cassidy Wolfe as independent directors while Sandra Froman, Christopher Killoy, and Rebecca Halstead retired from the board. The refreshment strategy includes Todd Seyfert as President and CEO and Bruce Pettet from Leupold & Stevens as an independent director.
Silent Steel USA, based in Livingston County, Michigan, is seeking experienced sales representative groups to support its U.S. expansion. The company offers patented FLOW IQ™ suppressor technology developed by founder Harri Sjögren in Finland, combining European engineering with American manufacturing and backed by VP of Sales & Marketing Kim Jensen's commitment to premium brand representation.
Primary Arms Optics announced the promotion of Stephen Morgan to Senior Director of Sales and Marketing. Morgan will oversee global sales strategy, marketing initiatives, and brand development for the company's optics division, building on his contributions since joining in 2021.
Flxpoint is hosting a free webinar on March 5 at 1 p.m. EST for FFL dealers and firearm retailers to learn automation strategies for GunBroker.com. Solutions Architect Mike Burneko will demonstrate how top sellers automate listing management, pricing updates, inventory syncing and FFL routing to scale efficiently while protecting margins.
Federal Ammunition is now shipping its new Federal Fit Pursuit Rifle Case, designed to protect and transport modern rifles with suppressors. The adjustable case features heat-resistant lining, multiple storage pockets, and dual carry options for convenient field transport.
SLG2, Inc. released its 2024-2025 Annual Report highlighting significant growth across its three brands: Shoot Like A Girl, Safe LivinG, and Hunt Like A Girl. The report shows 5,655 signed-in guests and an estimated 17,000 people nationwide engaged with the firearms safety and shooting sports experiences, with 87% of Bass Pro Shops and Cabela's visitors making purchases.
Wiley X launches two new protective eyewear frames for 2026: the WX Alpine for tactical environments and high-risk pursuits, and the WX Citadel for outdoor activities. Both models feature military-grade ballistic protection, advanced lens technology, and are available online and through select retailers.
Meprolight, an SK Group company, introduced the Sting Lumina, a dual wavelength compact laser pointer with integrated IR illuminator developed with special forces for close quarters battle and covert operations. The system features visible red or green laser options, IR capabilities, and ambidextrous controls designed for high-recoil platforms.
DeSantis Gunhide® announced holster fits for the new Glock 19 Gen 6, including popular models like the Thumb Break Scabbard®, Slim-Tuk™, and Raptor® 2.0. The leading holster manufacturer serves law enforcement, armed forces, and sport shooting organizations worldwide.
Staccato 2011 announced the Staccato HD C4X compact pistol is now available through authorized dealers and online. Co-developed with an elite law-enforcement special-surveillance team, the 4-inch pistol features an integrated compensator, ambidextrous controls, 15-round capacity, and Glock-pattern magazine compatibility, with pricing starting at $3,499.
HIVIZ Shooting Systems has launched the LiteWave Front Sight for Ruger Redhawk Alaskan revolvers, featuring interchangeable fiber-optic LitePipes in green, red, or white for customizable sight pictures. The sight delivers fast target acquisition and enhanced durability for demanding shooting environments.
Mission First Tactical introduces the MFT Pocket Holster, designed for backup pistol or everyday carry with a cell phone profile design. The holster features CURV® Thermoplastic Composite construction, frictionless draw, and integrated pocket catch hook, priced at $34.99.
Zanders, a national firearms distributor based in Sparta, Illinois, announced it is now stocking GForce Arms products, including the Jawbone 9mm PCC. The firearm features an Ace of Brace paddle pistol brace, ambidextrous controls, and a forend charge handle, offering reliable performance at competitive pricing.
WOOX announces the Gladiatore High Grade Stock & Fore End for Mossberg and Remington 12-gauge shotguns, featuring hand-selected American walnut with Italian-American design. CEO Ben Fleming highlights the collector-grade quality and unique craftsmanship of each piece.
The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation opened a new shooting range at Copan Wildlife Management Area, 13 miles north of Bartlesville. The facility features 50-yard pistol and 100-yard rifle ranges, archery facilities, and ADA access. Funding came from the Wildlife Restoration Program, National Rifle Association's Public Range Fund, and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Iron Valley Supply's Spring E-Show features over a dozen brands offering pistols, revolvers, AR's, and accessories. The event runs through March 1st, with additional deals added on February 25th.
Viridian Weapon Technologies will exhibit at Enforce Tac 2026 in Nuremberg, Germany, February 23–25, showcasing weapon-mounted systems including advanced green dot optics, tactical lights, the 4LUX integrated foregrip, and MDS Series optics at Booth 8-123.
Luth-AR, a precision firearms components manufacturer based in Buffalo, MN, will exhibit at the IWA OutdoorClassics in Nuremberg, Germany from February 26 to March 1, 2026. The company will showcase its portfolio of high-performance rifle stocks, hand guards, and accessories at the Brownells Booth in Hall 3A, Booth 308.
CZ will exhibit at IWA Outdoor Classics 2026 in Nuremberg, Germany, celebrating its 90th anniversary. The company will showcase new pistol models including the CZ 75 LEGEND and CZ SHADOW 2 CARRY, plus rifle offerings like the CZ 600+ Series and CZ 457 TARGET at Stand No. 3C-110.
BERSA USA will exhibit at the 2026 IWA OutdoorClassics in Nuremberg, Germany, February 26 - March 1, showcasing new M2XI double-stack 1911 and striker-fired pistol models alongside legacy products. Rafael Del Valle, Director of Sales and Marketing, highlighted the platform's importance for engaging international distributors and strengthening BERSA's global presence.
Kinetic Development Group will exhibit at the AmChar Dealer Show in Savannah, Georgia in early March, showcasing its firearm accessories including M-LOK rail systems, Kinect quick-attach mounting solutions, and optic mounts. Director of Sales & Marketing Chris Bardugone highlighted the company's focus on rugged, purpose-driven products for shooters and retailers.
Meprolight will showcase its optical and electro-optical innovations at IWA OutdoorClassics 2026 in Nuremberg, Germany. The company will feature the Mepro MCO PRO, Meprolight Variable Optic (MVO), and Mepro MPO pistol optics at Booth #3A-308, highlighting battlefield-tested products designed for shooters and professionals.
Shell Shock Technologies announced its continued sponsorship of competitive shooter John Vlieger for the 2026 season, supplying him with NAS3 cases and ammunition. Vlieger, a USPSA Single Stack National Champion and five-time USPSA Area Champion, has used Shell Shock's innovative cases since 2017 and fired over 200,000 rounds.
“Tao - … the source and fundamental principle of the universe, primarily as conceived in east Asian religions. The concept has meanings including 'way', 'path', 'road', and sometimes 'doctrine' or 'principle'.”
Sometimes, the old ways are best - and this is the Lateral Vascular Neck Restraint, not a "choke." Performed at a demo by Vince O'Neill on Hugh Mills.
While perusing social media, I saw an image of text in a book (the post was from Flatfoot Solutions LLC on Facebook). Described as being from Keith Jones, Indianapolis copper and officer survival instructor, the writer described the rush to “new stuff” as follows:
But gunfights tend to be pretty low-tech affairs. Big city tactical cops will quickly tell you that a well-directed impact from a hardwood nightstick or a 12-gauge rifled slug works about as well as anything else, neither of which is new or high-tech. These men, who literally do it for a living, often pay scant attention to the cutting-edge developments in weaponry that become a staple of conversation for the rest of us. In their line of work, success is largely measured by how often they don’t shoot. (Emphasis added.) They know that survival depends on mind-set, tactics and marksmanship far more than slight differences in bullet performance. They know that, beyond a certain point, it doesn’t matter what kind of ammo you stuff in your weapon.
Above, from a year or so into a police career, gear was comparatively simple. Below, a short decade later, a new hire at the range learning the S&W M645. That looks old now.
I really couldn’t have expressed it as well. This is clear confirmation bias at its finest, as that’s what I’m feeling right now.
I’m not out to teach you what to think, but how to think.
First, it’s not about anything new-ish … like “renewable energy” (sic), we’re not against innovation in the field of defensive firearms and weaponcraft; on the contrary, we’re all about it. Anything that makes us better at what we’re to do can be good – if we understand the costs and we don’t lose sight of sound principles foundational to tactics.
Tactics aren’t procedures, but a way of thinking. Consider mental conditioning and adjusting your mind to preparedness for battle.
We’re not out seeking battle (unless you’re a military asset). It’s quite the opposite for most of us. We seek voluntary compliance, in the police sphere, by getting and maintaining situational dominance. That aspect comes before your arrival to any particular scene; it comes from looking that long way down the road ahead and thinking “what if?”
As to the gun you carry – it’s your job to make it work. For many of us, it wasn’t discretionary, we carried what we were issued. That meant we had to find other ways to ensure our success in the field.
We'd gone from planting our feet and not moving on the range to shooting on the move in a relatively short time in police training history.
Part of that is relentless work on the hard skills – marksmanship and gun-handling – while polishing the rough edges on the soft skills – awareness, mindset and a tactical frame of mind.
If you’re like me, now gloriously and for many years retired from the job, my strategy is to avoid contact. That means that watchfulness and active listening are order of the day. If it looks (or sounds, or both) wrong, I’m heading somewhere else. I’m not tied to any piece of ground.
Yet.
Movement – in terms of evasion and escape – is my friend. What gun do I need for that?
Even when I was on the job, avoiding situations where I might have to shoot someone was high on my list of priorities. Thankfully, I was successful, though there were some close moments.
If you have to fight everyone you take into custody, you need to rethink your approach.
But, if force is called for, use enough force quickly enough and you’ll minimize the chances of injury to the suspect and yourself.
I was all about what was new or different from what the standard was. I’ve often bored people with the story of two uncles who were members of service – brothers, but in different agencies serving in different parts of the state, they carried exactly the same model of 38 revolver for duty, in uniform or out. Being better informed by Jeff Cooper, I tried to help them to understand … but they did fine with what they had.
When I was asked for a quote for a new book, the author questioned me about ammunition. Being much older by then and knowing that I know far less now than I did when I was young, I used my standard ammo evaluation criteria: ignition reliability, functional reliability and the load hits to the sights – in that order. Some penetration would help.
He was stunned, what about expansion, defeating barriers and such?
I’d just hoped that the user of the gun didn’t miss.
He was unhappy with my answer.
Moving back to the founding principles – hard skills, precision accuracy and competent gun-handling – it’s vastly more important than the “latest and greatest” gear that all the old hands joke about at SHOT Show.
Should we continue research and create innovations? Sure – do that.
Just don’t throw out the baby with the bathwater – we old timers are against forgetting lessons paid for in blood.
It’s disrespectful to those who paid that price if you walk into the same situation and get yourself killed or crippled. It’s disrespectful to the sacrifice of the still-living widows and orphans of those who taught us those lessons.
