SUBSCRIBE    ARCHIVES THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2026

RosCo Outdoors has partnered with Realtree to introduce a camouflage apparel collection featuring the GX2™ Performance Hoodie, GX2™ Lined Flannel, Guide Pro Jacket, and Outfitter Half-Zip. The collection combines iconic Realtree patterns with functional, durable layers designed for hunters and outdoor enthusiasts in changing conditions.

Vortex Optics announced that the Vortex Relay Network received Guns & Ammo's 2026 Technology of the Year award. The system connects compatible Vortex devices to share ballistic data and optical information, helping shooters make more informed decisions in changing conditions.

Holosun Technologies, Inc. received the National Association of Sporting Goods Wholesalers (NASGW) Optics Manufacturer of the Year award for 2026, marking its fourth win in five years. The honor recognizes Holosun's outstanding service, value, and support through two-step distribution to wholesalers and dealers.

Team Beretta's Cameron Templin earned four podium finishes at USPSA Area 4 competitions, securing three first-place finishes at the Area 4 Steel Challenge Championship in Carry Optics, Limited Optics, and Centerfire Pistol divisions while competing with the new Beretta 94X Performance pistol.

The Second Amendment Foundation (SAF), Louisiana Shooting Association, and Firearms Policy Coalition filed a reply brief with the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals challenging the limited scope of relief in a case striking down the federal handgun purchase ban for 18-20-year-olds, arguing the government's voluntary non-enforcement policy is insufficiently permanent.

Firearms Policy Coalition (FPC) filed a response brief with the U.S. Supreme Court defending its landmark Third Circuit victory against New Jersey's bans on semiautomatic rifles and magazines. FPC urges the Court to hold New Jersey's petition pending the Supreme Court's decision in FPC's Viramontes v. Cook County case, argued December 2.

Firearms Policy Coalition filed a reply brief with the Fifth Circuit in FPC v. ATF, opposing the Trump Administration's attempt to limit judicial relief from its landmark victory against the federal handgun purchase ban for 18-to-20-year-old adults. Despite the DOJ admitting the ban is unconstitutional, FPC argues the government cannot escape consequences without a permanent court order.

The NSSF-adjusted NICS figure for October 2026 reached 1,402,422, representing a 7.9 percent increase compared to October 2025. Texas, Florida, and California led in adjusted NICS checks, while the unadjusted FBI NICS figure showed an 8.1 percent decrease year-over-year.

NRA Institute for Legislative Action Executive Director John Commerford stated that election results have put progressive majorities in control of Congress and state houses, threatening Second Amendment rights. The NRA pledges to fight in Congress, courts, and state legislatures to protect gun owners' rights and encourage pro-gun political engagement.

Leupold + Stevens, Inc. is hiring a Product Line Manager 1 based in Beaverton, Oregon with a salary range of $85,000-$105,000. The role involves leading strategic and operational efforts for mount systems and accessories product lines, including market research, product development, and lifecycle management across cross-functional teams.

C&H Precision Weapons has launched the ERD-MAX Enclosed Rifle Dot, a 30mm enclosed optic designed for rifles, PCCs, and PDWs. The duty-ready red dot features a lightweight aluminum body, IPX7 waterproof rating, and up to 50,000 hours of battery life, available now for $279.99 at chpws.com.

Viridian Weapon Technologies unveiled custom-branded RFX11 green dot optics featuring Ducks Unlimited and National Wild Turkey Federation logos, demonstrating OEM customization capabilities for organizations and industry partners seeking tailored products that reflect their identities.

SIGHTRON announced the addition of lockable turrets to three S6 5-30x56 ED IR riflescope models designed for medium to long-range tactical shooters and hunters. Made in Japan with Extra-Low Dispersion glass and exclusive Zact-7 Revcoat Plus lens coatings, the riflescope features SIGHTRON's ExacTrack W&E system and is covered under their Lifetime Performance Guarantee.

ZeroTech Optics USA introduces the Thrive HD 6-24x50 – PHR 2 Illuminated riflescope, featuring a 24x magnification, six red brightness settings, and an Adjustable BDC Turret with five lockable markers. Weighing 23.0 ounces with a 50mm objective, the scope is designed for hunters seeking higher magnification without sacrificing portability.

Zanders, a national distributor based in Sparta, Illinois, now stocks the Nocpix MICRO 2 H25 and MICRO 2 ULTRA thermal optics. These next-generation thermal imaging systems offer advanced technology and multiple configuration options, functioning as helmet-mounted monoculars, clip-ons, handheld scanners, and weapon sights for hunters and outdoor enthusiasts.

ZeroTech Optics USA introduces the Thrive HD 6-24x50 – PHR 2, a 22.4-ounce hunting riflescope featuring 6-24x magnification, an Adjustable BDC Turret with five lockable markers, and a non-illuminated reticle designed for backcountry and long-range hunting.

Trijicon, Inc. announced the availability of its RMR Type 2 Adjustable LED Green Dot reflex sight in a new Coyote Brown anodized finish. The USA-made optic features a 3.25 MOA green aiming point, forged 7075-T6 aluminum construction, and advanced battery conservation technology for reliable performance in demanding conditions.

XTech Tactical launched the X-CATCH FX, a machined-steel magazine release for Glock 43X and 48 pistols that uniquely accommodates both Glock OEM 15-round and Shield Arms S15 magazines. The $39.95 release features a proprietary beveled engagement face, extended button design, and reversible configuration for left- or right-handed shooters.

Remington Ammunition partners with Ruffland Kennels as an Official Remington brand licensee to create an exclusive collection featuring three kennel sizes, matching top trays, and the Water Hole in Remington's iconic green and sunflower yellow colors. The USA-made products are now available online.

Premier Body Armor announces the Fortis Bump Helmet, a high-cut, non-ballistic helmet featuring an aramid composite shell for rescue operations and night vision use. Weighing 2.2 lb and priced at $239, the helmet uses compatible hardware with Premier's Fortis Ballistic Helmet and includes a matching Cordura cover available in multiple colors for $49.

Shell Shock Technologies announced its .50 BMG NAS3 ammunition successfully completed belt-fed machine gun testing conducted by Detroit Ammo, with 10 consecutive rounds firing and cycling as designed. The nickel-stainless steel case offers 13.5 percent greater capacity than standard brass and is 40 percent lighter, with sample lot production expected to begin November 2026.

Derya Arms announced the TM22 Pump, a magazine-fed .22 LR pump-action rifle available in 18-inch and 20-inch barrel configurations. The rifle features a threaded barrel, adjustable stock, and compatibility with TM22 box magazines, with an MSRP of $429.

Magpul released the DT-S, an AR15 adjustable carbine stock featuring Dual Tension technology, two waterproof storage tubes for batteries, and an ambidextrous adjustment latch for enhanced shooter comfort and stability.

BANISH Suppressors introduces the HD 762 INC, a 7.62 NATO/.308 Winchester suppressor made from 718 Inconel through additive manufacturing. Designed for AR-10s and 6mm AR-15s, it features controlled-flow technology delivering low back pressure while maximizing flash and sound suppression, with an MSRP of $1,129.

Warne has introduced the GuideLite Bipod, a lightweight carbon fiber bipod weighing 12.9 ounces designed for backcountry hunters. The bipod features rapid leg deployment, adjustable heights from 8-22 inches, and a quick-detach Picatinny-style mounting system with 60° of pan and cant adjustment.

German Precision Optics (GPO) announces a $100 MasterCard rebate on all GPO CENTURI Riflescope production models from November 15 through December 31, 2026. The CENTURI has received recognition from Field & Stream magazine and the NRA American Hunter's Golden Bullseye Award for 2026.

Crow Wholesale announced an exclusive MTP Holiday promotion featuring Diamondback products with special promotional pricing available November 2-8. The limited-time offer helps Crow Wholesale dealers prepare for the holiday selling season with access to select Diamondback products while supplies last.

Sellmark Corporation is hosting a $20,000 sweepstakes from November 3rd through November 30th featuring products from Sightmark, Pulsar, KJI, Dark 30, INFORCE, and other brands. The grand prize includes thermal imaging devices, a suppressor, tactical gear, and a 2027 hunting experience for two at the Sellmark Ranch in Texas.

 

It never goes away. Discussions about point shooting - again?

Ford vs. Chevy, competing camera brands, other irrelevant controversies abound. 
Now we’re back to point shooting. The degree of aiming fits along a continuum from no visual index to front sight focus (with irons) and people, as Ayoob points out, tend to talk past each other. There are those who have the one true method ™ that guarantees success - or it doesn’t.
I was asked by Clive Shepherd, when he heard I avoided point shooting and used the sights, “have you ever missed using your sights?” 
Well yes - but that’s not a visual aspect problem, it’s a “convulsive clutch at the whole gun with everything from your index finger to your sphincter driving the muzzle away from the target” problem. 
The visual could be one of the least important aspects of shooting - or not. It depends on where you are as a shooter, what it is you’re trying to shoot and what the context of the engagement is.


If the gun’s in the eye-target line, it’s aimed fire – even if you’re looking at the target, not the sights. If it’s body index, it’s still aimed - though so very coarse an index it’s easy to miss. If the target moves, you move, or if the target is at a different elevation from you, the body index becomes a big problem.

If the aimed fire is of a nature that requires precision, the appropriate iron-sights visual solution is focus on the front sight. It’s the last thing on the gun the eye sees before the projectile leaves the muzzle … or before the convulsive jerking with eyes slammed shut before you miss catastrophically. 

If I’m trying to hit a 1.7” X-ring on a B-8 at 25 yards and the pistol has iron sights, looking at the target may not be the best choice. If I just want to stay in the 5.5” 9-ring, it may not matter. 

It depends on the shooter. 

It’s why I suggest an aiming continuum instead of a hard and fast rule; you need to see what you need to see to make the hit. 

And you have to keep the damned gun still, which (it seems) is a far greater struggle.

We’re so visually oriented, we immediately go to the sights when there’s a problem hitting. A correspondent asked me about a disparity in points of impact when zeroing a night optic in good light conditions and when actually hunting at night.

There could be a range of reasons, in my view, including the simple difference in lighting conditions, “getting the buck” and moving the gun, not following through on the shot. The phrasing of the question though told me that the person with the question likely had the answer.

He figures the shooter is losing his cheek weld on the rifle, raising his head. 

It’s often less the visual and more the body mechanics. 

Settle down behind the rifle, work the trigger without moving the muzzle, follow through on the shot.

Above, a use for 3-dot night sights: they act as an aiming triangle if your using Ayoob's Stressfire Point Index -- as long as your target can be visually identified. Below, the sights through the optics window. 

When I started this journey, the alchemy of “just point the gun” was alien to me. With the rare trainer, it was “use the sights.” You have to start somewhere and that’s where you start. 

As you proceed and grow as a pistol shooter, you’ll find it’s less “see” and more “hold.” If you need coarse accuracy close, timeliness is of the essence. You’ll still tend to look at the target. As the shot becomes more distant, with the target appearing smaller, you’ll need to pay attention. With metallic sights, keeping them aligned in the eye-target line is king. 

With the pistol-mounted optic, look at the target. The dot will float across part of that target. Hold tight and put constant pressure on the trigger.

– Rich Grassi

 
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