In observance of the Independence Day holiday, the Outdoor Wire Digital Network will not be distributing any services tomorrow, Friday, July 3, 2026. Additionally, we will not be publishing a Weekend Edition this week. We will return to our normal schedule on Monday, July 6.
Team Ruger's Lauryl Akenhead won the Top Lady title at the 2026 Hornady Precision Rifle Challenge near Evanston, Wyoming, competing against 200 shooters with her Ruger American Rifle Gen II chambered in 6mm Creedmoor. Akenhead praised the rifle's reliability and accuracy, crediting it as a winning competition platform.
The NSSF celebrates the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to hear Viramontes v. Cook County and Grant v. Higgins, petitions challenging state bans on Modern Sporting Rifles. With over 32 million MSRs in circulation, NSSF argues these firearms are protected under the Second Amendment per Heller and Bruen precedents.
Firearms Policy Coalition (FPC) and Colorado State Shooting Association (CSSA) filed Elliott v. Denver, challenging Denver's assault weapon ban and magazine restrictions. The filing coincides with the U.S. Supreme Court granting review in FPC's Viramontes v. Cook County case challenging Illinois's assault weapons ban.
The U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear a Second Amendment Foundation case, making SAF's Third Circuit victory final. The ruling affirmed that adults under 21 have the same Second Amendment rights as older adults, striking down Pennsylvania's carry restrictions during emergencies.
Winchester Safes achieved record-breaking attendance and a 15% increase in units sold at its Mansfield, Texas Warehouse Sale for the second consecutive year. The event featured food from Texas Grub Food Truck, product demonstrations, and exclusive inventory unavailable through traditional retail channels.
The Supreme Court denied Pennsylvania officials' request to review the Firearms Policy Coalition's Third Circuit victory in the Bivens case, leaving in place a ruling that struck down Pennsylvania's ban on peaceable adults under 21 from carrying firearms outside the home. The decision strengthens FPC's ongoing efforts to secure carry rights for young adults in Pennsylvania.
Hook & Barrel Magazine is celebrating America's 250th birthday and its 9th anniversary with a nearly $9,000 giveaway of American-made outdoor gear. The prize package includes contributions from Ruger, Federal, CCI, Leupold, EOTECH, Bear Archery, Easton Archery, Staccato, Wyld Gear, and Bear & Son. The sweepstakes runs through July 31, 2026.
KDG, headquartered in Seymour, Connecticut, officially transitioned to its new brand identity after dealers, distributors, and customers already referred to the company by the abbreviated name. Owner Stephen Duhaime and Director of Sales & Marketing Chris Bardugone emphasized the move simplifies market recognition while maintaining unchanged leadership, engineering philosophy, and product standards.
HIVIZ Shooting Systems marks its 30th anniversary with three decades of innovation in high-visibility sight solutions. The company has introduced groundbreaking products including the M-Series Magnetic Shotgun Sight, TriViz Sight, and FastDot H3, while partnering with major firearms brands including Benelli, Browning, Ruger, and Smith & Wesson.
Steiner Optics appointed Clinton Thornburg as Law Enforcement Sales Manager. Thornburg brings over 20 years of law enforcement and sales experience, including service with the U.S. Marshals Service Violent Fugitive Task Force and Daniel Defense, and will lead the company's law enforcement sales initiatives and agency partnerships.
Federal Ammunition is now shipping two new firearm cover series: the Federal Fit Coil Rifle Cover and Federal Fit Quick Strike Muzzle/Scope Cover. Both feature suppressor-ready designs with heat-resistant lining and are available in medium, large, and extra-large sizes, with MSRPs ranging from $49.99 to $59.99.
Firearms Policy Coalition (FPC) and FPC Action Foundation (FPCAF) filed comments with the ATF on proposed revisions to the definition of "unlawful user of or addicted to controlled substance," arguing the changes don't go far enough to align with the Supreme Court's Hemani decision and constitutional protections under the Second Amendment.
Benelli announces the Super Black Eagle 3 Anniversary Edition, a limited-run commemorative shotgun with only 250 total units produced. Featuring hand-selected AA-grade walnut, deep engraving with gold inlay, and patriotic imagery including the American flag and U.S. seal, this edition celebrates America's 250-year milestone.
Magnum Research introduced the suppressor-ready DE50THR Mark XIX Desert Eagle in .50 AE, featuring a six-inch threaded barrel and specialized L5 piston for suppressed operation. The company also offers the BAR506THR standalone threaded barrel upgrade for existing Desert Eagle owners, with MSRPs of $2,041 and $618 respectively.
Zanders, a premier national distributor based in Sparta, Illinois, has announced the addition of RUKO Knives to its cutlery product lineup. RUKO, known since 1956 for premium pocket knives and cutting tools, will now be available to Zanders' nationwide dealer network through their website and sales representatives.
MTM Molded Products Company announces its limited-edition America250 Ammo Crate Series in patriotic red, white, and blue, available in 4-can (Model #AC4C-1776, $49.99) and 5-can configurations. Both models feature water-resistant seals, heavy-duty latches, and are 100% made in the U.S.A.
Kimber Mfg. has expanded its 2K11 Comp lineup with five new finish configurations in full-size and Pro-size models, introducing Coyote, Royal, and Minotaur finishes. All models feature a 9mm chambering, integrated compensator, and the hallmark 2K11 features including a toolless guide rod system and crowned, fluted barrel.
CZ unveiled the P-10 C Ported COA, a compact 9mm pistol featuring factory porting, a mounted Aimpoint COA red dot, and a 4-inch barrel with 15+1 capacity. The new model combines the proven P-10 C platform with enhanced muzzle control and is available now.
Blue Force Gear and Silencer Shop announced a limited-edition SPECIAL-1776 Sling Bundle featuring the combat-proven Vickers Sling to commemorate America's 250th Anniversary. Available exclusively through Silencer Shop starting July 4, the bundle includes a BFG hat and Declaration of Independence-themed insert in four military colorways.
VIKTOS launched its Limited Edition America's 250th Anniversary Collection featuring the Uncle Samerator™ Tee, America 250 Tee, Patriot Color Operatus™ XP Gloves, and Patriot Color Counteract™ CCW Belt. The veteran-designed collection honors 250 years of American independence with patriotic styling and tactical performance.
SilencerCo launches the "Always American. 250 for 250." promotion from June 23 to August 15, 2026, offering $250 in Web Store Credit with purchases of qualifying suppressors including the Velos Series, Hybrid Modular Series, and Scythe Series to celebrate American independence and manufacturing.
Sticky Holsters, based in Naples, Florida, released limited-edition Red, White, and Blue holsters celebrating America's 250th anniversary. The company is offering 17.76% off sitewide plus free shipping on its clip-less concealed carry technology products.
Target Sports USA, a leading online ammunition and firearms retailer based in Cheshire, CT, celebrates the United States' 250th anniversary by highlighting values of freedom, responsibility, and self-reliance that define the shooting sports community.
Bass Pro Shops announced plans for a new 148,000-square-foot destination retail location in La Mesa, California, expected to open in 2028. Founded by Johnny Morris, the store will be the sixth Bass Pro Shops location in California and will feature immersive outdoor experiences, conservation initiatives, and employment for over 150 Outfitters.
Kinsey's Inc., a leading outdoor sporting goods distributor, announced the launch of Kinsey's Plus™, a new dealer benefits program offering independent retailers enhanced purchasing advantages, priority services, and exclusive business benefits through annual purchasing thresholds or membership options.
Burris Optics announced its sponsorship of the Gunsite 2026 Scout Rifle World Championship, held October 31, 2026, at Gunsite Academy in Arizona as part of the academy's 50th Anniversary celebration. The competition will feature over 30 shooters competing in eight challenging stages honoring Colonel Jeff Cooper's Scout Rifle legacy.
In the mid-year, as we approach the 250th Anniversary of Independence and wonder about the future of the republic, the world of defense shooting continues to progress.
For example, one problem with typical shooting exercises, training and qualification is the use of an auditory signal – verbal, a whistle, the tone of a timer – to start shooting. That’s not how it happens on Planet Earth.
Operationally, you respond (ideally and ethically) to a visual signal and a visual identification of an imminent lethal threat. The old gag was that the cop would draw, fire a cylinder of ammo, reload and repeat, every time he heard a traffic cop blow a whistle.
That’s not true, but using a sound stimulus to commence fire is about like a K9 doing bite training and getting “sleeve happy.”
There are turning target systems, complex and expensive. Video simulators like the old FATS simulator are similarly complex and expensive.
Recently, John Hearne displayed a video demonstrating the use of the DADBODD.
DADBODD unit with Mantis TitanX training pistol. Taylor's image.
Bad joke, that name, but it stands for “Defenders And Disciples Behavioral Optical Decision Device”, which “… is a visual stimulus shot timer for firearms training.”
Being a shot timer as well as a visual start signal, it can be set for an ending time, a “stop signal,” and display any shot fired after the stop signal.
Consider that: a visual start and stop, just like on Planet Earth (in lieu of Range World). You have to stop shooting when the aggressor is no longer a threat.
Costing just under $200, it’s cheaper than a turning target system and has the advantage of displaying for the record any shots over time –when the threat desists.
It can also be used in dry practice using the the Mantis TitanX GLOCK 19 Style Laser Training Pistol (reviewed here).
According to information from the “kickstarter” page, “The DADBODD is a handheld visual stimulus shot timer for firearms training. Instead of a beep, it uses a laser (colored light that tells you when to shoot, when to stop, and what to do in between).”
The “course of fire” isn’t scripted; you don’t know how many hits you can get from the appearance of the laser on the target to the time the light goes out. Besides, you have to see the stop signal; if you’re shooting with a focus on the front sight, you may not stop in time.
We’ll be watching this initiative.
Image from Shivworks: this is the thumb-pectoral index with a sims-gun. The angle of fire puts rounds below the encircling arm.
A current standard for shooting from retention is shooting “in the clinch.” The shooter is in an entangled struggle with “an offender,” has the opportunity to draw and does. Trying to get a hit high center is contraindicated due to the likelihood of deflection or a disarm. Drawing the elbow high and back, putting the hits in at low center of the target may “change the channel” and allow disengagement. This is called the “thumb-pectoral index” high retention position.
Craig Douglas (Shivworks) is famous for this type of exercise. He has been asked about the use of revolvers shooting from the high retention position and got to demonstrate it using a Smith & Wesson Model 610 10mm revolver. He put six rounds of 200gr. ammo into the target with the gun high against his body.
A screenshot from the video demonstration - well worth watching. In this frame, the gun is in recoil.
The issue is the flash gap, the gap between the turning cylinder and the forcing cone of the barrel. We know that gas – and potentially projectile shavings – exit the gun from the flash gap (hence the name) – so would you take frags from that?
He didn’t. He points out (correctly) it’s something to check with your gun and ammo – but if you’ve not shot from this position before in his class, you should consider everything in front of the muzzle – don’t let a foot get out in front of you (or anything else you don’t want punctured).
