FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2026 - PM EDITION   |   SUBSCRIBE    ARCHIVES

AWARDS & HONORS

Dead Air Silencers' Nomad Ti OTB suppressor won the 2026 NASGW-POMA Caliber Award for Best New Suppressor at the National Association of Sporting Goods Wholesalers Expo in Phoenix. The over-the-barrel design, manufactured from 3D-printed Grade 9 titanium, weighs 10.5 ounces and is rated for cartridges up to .300 RUM.

The National Association of Sporting Goods Wholesalers (NASGW) presented Jeff Crane of the Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation with the 2026 Chairman's Award for his significant impact on the shooting sports industry. Crane brings over 40 years of experience in natural resource management and has fostered bipartisan relationships among policymakers and the sportsmen's community.

CONSUMER PROMOS

ZeroTech Optics is offering free Vengeance 10x42 binoculars with eligible riflescope purchases from October 15 through December 31, 2026. The promotion applies to purchases from zerotechoptics.com or authorized USA dealers, with a $12.99 flat-rate shipping charge for dealer-purchase redemptions.

DEALER PROGRAMS

Iron Valley Supply is offering discounts up to 7% on Smith & Wesson semi-autos, revolvers, rifles, magazines, and accessories through October 18th, with additional bangers deals on select products available at IronValleySupply.com.

INDUSTRY UPDATE

Dead Air Silencers welcomes the ATF's new guidance eliminating approval and registration requirements for suppressors, short-barreled rifles, and short-barreled shotguns following Congress's reduction of the federal tax to $0 effective January 1, 2026. The change removes barriers established since 1934, making hearing protection devices more accessible to responsible gun owners while state and local laws remain in effect.

SLG2, Inc. is bringing its Shoot Like A Girl experience to Bass Pro Shops in Concord, North Carolina on October 17-18. The Grand Safety Tour features a mobile range with firearm safety training using FATS simulators, archery instruction, and demonstrations from brands including GTM Original and Black Rifle Coffee.

Following an October 9 ATF announcement, the agency will no longer enforce NFA requirements for suppressors, short-barreled rifles, and related items. SilencerCo explains the implications for suppressor ownership, including federal non-enforcement of registration and interstate transport restrictions, while emphasizing state laws remain applicable.

Following a federal court victory in Silencer Shop/Jensen v. ATF, Firearms Policy Coalition sent letters to 15 state attorneys general requesting immediate non-enforcement of state laws tied to the now-enjoined NFA registration scheme. The ATF also announced it will no longer enforce many NFA restrictions on short-barreled rifles, suppressors, and other covered arms.

The Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers' Institute (SAAMI) has standardized the 5.56 Commercial cartridge, introduced by Hornady Manufacturing Company. The new round features a 55-grain bullet at 3,400 fps with a maximum average pressure of 62,000 psi.

CCW Safe, a national leader in self-defense legal services, will participate as a featured panel speaker at The Great 2A Insurance Town Hall on October 17, 2026, in Petaluma, California. Director of Field Sales Jerome Vinet will represent CCW Safe alongside other firearm legal protection organizations to discuss coverage, legal preparedness, and responsible firearm ownership.

Bass Pro Shops and Schulte Hospitality Group announced a partnership to unite the historic Cheeca Lodge with the legendary Islander Resort in Islamorada, creating a premier destination with nearly 400 accommodations, world-class fishing, and conservation initiatives. The combined properties will anchor Bass Pro Shops' Florida Keys presence alongside World Wide Sportsman Store & Marina.

Silencer Central launched "Ship to Dealer," allowing customers to purchase suppressors online and pick them up at licensed dealers nationwide. The service follows ATF guidance eliminating NFA registration requirements for suppressors, available in 27 states alongside Silencer Central's traditional front-door delivery option.

Firearms Policy Coalition filed an appeal brief in Wehr-Darroca v. District of Columbia, challenging D.C.'s ban on magazines holding more than ten rounds. FPC seeks to overturn precedent that imposes heightened barriers on Second Amendment challenges, arguing gun owners shouldn't face felony prosecution to contest unconstitutional laws in court.

Bass Pro Shops announced plans for a new 110,000-square-foot destination retail location in Irmo, South Carolina, expected to open in late 2027. The store will mark Bass Pro Shops' fourth destination retail location in South Carolina and is expected to employ over 120 Outfitters to serve the greater Columbia region near Lake Murray.

JOBS, JOBS, JOBS

The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF) is hiring an Eastern Regional Development Director to support strategic fundraising efforts, manage major donor portfolios, and identify planned gift opportunities. The remote position requires a bachelor's degree, five years of development experience, and frequent travel throughout the Eastern United States.

NEWSSTAND, RADIO & TV

Out Da' Bayou, hosted by John Jackson, has launched on Field & Stream TV, featuring world-class fishing and hunting paired with authentic Cajun cuisine and South Louisiana traditions. The Cajun Lifestyle Network series introduces viewers to seasoned guides, commercial fishermen, and local legends who keep Louisiana's outdoor heritage alive.

Major League Fishing's Starlink Team Series Toyota Heritage Cup streams live on MyOutdoorTV from Manchester, Tennessee, October 18-23, 2026, featuring 12 two-man teams competing for $560,000 in prize money. Hosted by Experience Tennessee in partnership with local organizations, the event showcases Bass Pro Tour anglers with daily competition waters kept secret until anglers arrive at the boat ramp.

NOW SHIPPING

CCI Ammunition is expanding its Blazer Brass handgun lineup with new 357 Magnum 158-grain and 44 Remington Magnum 240-grain loads featuring FMJ bullets and reloadable brass cases. These new products are now shipping to retailers nationwide with MSRPs of $49.99 and $79.99 respectively.

PRODUCT NEWS

Hornady has redesigned its Lock-N-Load Classic Pro Press with 17 refined features, including precision-machined surfaces, brass bushings, and an integrated grease zerk. The press maintains the legendary Lock-N-Load die bushing system while delivering smoother operation and tighter, more repeatable reloading results for serious precision shooters.

ZeroTech Optics USA introduces the Trace X 5-25x56 FFP – RMG 3 Illuminated riflescope, featuring an illuminated MIL grid reticle with a 30-mil vertical holdover scale, 34 MRAD elevation travel, and first focal plane design for competition, long-range shooting, and hunting applications.

Taurus Holdings, Inc. announced the Brace-Ready TX22, the newest addition to its TX22 family, featuring the Strike Industries FSA Lite folding brace for enhanced stability and control. The optics-ready platform includes a threaded barrel, comes with two magazines, and pairs well with Taurus USA's new TTX22 titanium suppressor.

Flux Defense released the KOMPAKT Universal IWB Holster, the smallest light-bearing holster compatible with Glock, Sig Sauer, and Springfield Armory pistols. Made from glass-reinforced nylon, it features adjustable retention and a concealment claw for reduced printing.

Tactacam announced an official partnership with the Green Bay Packers. The multi-year partnership will feature Tactacam's REVEAL cellular trail cameras and DEFEND security cameras across Lambeau Field, the Packers Radio Network, and Wisconsin retailers, targeting the franchise's hunter-heavy fan base.

Federal Ammunition launched an updated Ballistic AE App featuring a modern interface and combined HUD and DOPE charts for improved user experience. The iOS ballistics calculator now supports Federal, Remington, Fiocchi, and Speer projectiles, including new Peak Alloy products like 7mm Backcountry and 6.5 Creedmoor +Peak.

Foxtrot Mike Products announces the ISU-9 Integrally Suppressed 9mm Upper Receiver, featuring eight years of patented suppressor development. The innovative system reduces recoil and reciprocating mass while delivering exceptional accuracy at an MSRP of $499, available through Foxtrot Mike Products, Primary Arms, and Silencer Shop.

Steiner Optics has added the MPS 2.0 pistol sight to its Steiner Overwatch Program, offering special pricing on precision optics to qualified military, law enforcement, first responders, and judicial personnel. The MPS 2.0 features an enclosed emitter micro red dot with extended runtime up to 90,000 hours and waterproof design for extreme conditions.

Zanders, a national distributor based in Sparta, Illinois, announced the CZ DUTY 4.0F 9mm pistol is now in stock and ready to ship. The full-size handgun features a 4-inch barrel, black finish, manual safety, and comes with 17-round and 19-round magazine options.

Canik launched the METE MC9LS Flying Ace, a WWII aviation-inspired special edition pistol featuring laser-ablated Cerakote artwork on the proven MC9LS platform. The 9mm compact-to-full-size handgun offers 17+1 capacity, optics-ready slide, and reversible magazine catch with an MSRP of $549.99.

Lipsey's, a major firearms distributor, is adding the Alpha Foxtrot Romulus to its catalog. Manufactured by Dasan USA in Duluth, Georgia, this American-made double-stack 1911 offers five barrel options, multiple calibers, and optic mounting configurations for recreational, competitive, and defensive use.

C&H Precision introduced the COMP red dot sight featuring an RMR footprint, 50,000-hour battery life, IPX7 waterproofing, and +P/+P+ ammunition rating. Priced at $299.99, the optic offers 10 brightness levels, Motion Control Technology, and compatibility across optics-ready pistols.

Trijicon introduces a new Standard Green Duplex reticle option for its AccuPoint 1-8x24 riflescope, featuring the company's battery-free tritium and fiber-optic illumination system. The versatile 1-8x magnification scope is designed for hunters and shooters preferring traditional duplex reticles with reliable performance across varying lighting conditions.

Defend reminds outdoor enthusiasts that tick protection remains important during fall hunting and outdoor activities. Defend Permethrin treats clothing and gear, while Defend Picaridin repels ticks on skin, both scent-free options for hunters.

RANGES

Montana's State Shooting Facilities and Improvements Development and Oversight Task Force will meet October 19 in Helena and via Zoom to discuss potential bills and finalize recommendations for shooting facility improvements across the state.

SHOWS

Maxim Defense, a manufacturer of precision firearms and suppressors, will sponsor and exhibit at CANCON West 2026 in Boulder City, Nevada from October 22-24, 2026. The event will feature hands-on demonstrations of Maxim's Quantum Series titanium 3D printed suppressors, including the Quantum 22K Rimfire Suppressor, alongside products from industry manufacturers.

Derya Arms will showcase its firearm lineup at Guns Out Freedom Fest 2026 on October 30–31 at Staccato Ranch in Florence, Texas. Attendees can shoot current products and preview the new OBone .22 LR suppressor, with Keebler Rockwell, Business Development Director, emphasizing direct customer feedback.

 
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