American Holoptics, a privately held U.S. company based in Clawson, MI, has acquired Armasight from Ecentria Group. Armasight, a Tempe, AZ-based manufacturer of night vision and thermal optics, expands American Holoptics' portfolio with products targeting both consumer and professional markets.

TUO introduces the Ballistic Storm Jacket and Pant, field-proven hunting apparel featuring H-TUO™ waterproof technology, AquaGuard® zippers, and Polygiene StayFresh™ odor control. Designed for backcountry hunters and professional guides, both pieces retail for $299.99 in Verse camo.

Versailles and Nashville received inaugural Trail Town designations from the International Mountain Biking Association (IMBA) for exceptional commitments to trail development. Versailles State Park features 10 mountain biking trails covering 29 miles, while Brown County State Park in Nashville offers 17 trails spanning 42 miles, both attracting riders of all skill levels.

The Great Wisconsin Birdathon, coordinated by the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin, returns for its 15th year from April 15 through June 15. Teams compete to spot birds and raise $130,000 for the Bird Protection Fund, which has raised over $1 million since 2012 supporting Wisconsin bird conservation projects.

Georgia DNR's Coastal Resources Division reopened the James Allen Williamson Park & Boat Ramp at Champney River following a $2.5 million renovation. Improvements include two new double-lane boat ramps, ADA-accessible fishing pier, and expanded parking. Funding came from the Georgia Outdoor Stewardship Program, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Ducks Unlimited, and private donors.

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources has implemented an idle speed restriction on motorized watercraft on the Indian Lakes Chain in LaGrange County due to high-water levels that could cause wakes to enter nearby dwelling structures.

Team Vihtavuori's Francis Colon and Chad Heckler earned third and fourth place finishes with scores of 158 at the 2026 MDT Frostbite precision rifle competition in Butlerville, Indiana. Competitors faced extreme conditions including winds shifting over 150 degrees across 17 demanding stages.

Knife Rights presented oral arguments before the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals challenging the Federal Switchblade Act's constitutionality. The judges expressed skepticism of the government's expansive regulatory authority while questioning plaintiffs' standing, though the government conceded plaintiffs have standing and reserves enforcement rights. Daniel L. Schmutter and John Dillon represented Knife Rights in the case.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources graduated 48 park rangers on April 3 from its newly consolidated Ranger Academy at the Ralph A. MacMullan Conference Center in Roscommon. The nine-week program combined commissioned and noncommissioned ranger training for the first time, covering law enforcement, facilities management, and public safety. Chuck Allen, Parks and Recreation Division Strategic Operations Section chief, praised the graduates' preparation for diverse duties serving Michigan's state parks and recreation areas.

Shell Tech concluded its 2nd Annual Legends & Heroes Shootout on March 20-21, 2026, in Miami, Florida, raising funds for the Navy SEAL Foundation and K9 Heroes 4 Heroes. The two-day event featured a free public range day at Markham Park Shooting Range, steel challenge competitions, and an exclusive celebrity golf tournament at Trump National Doral.

Liberty Ammunition has been selected as the featured ammunition at the NYC Anti-Terrorism Council event. CEO Gary Ramey highlighted the company's solid copper projectiles, which offer lighter weight, more stopping power, and no over-penetration compared to competitors, while emphasizing Liberty Ammunition's American ownership.

The Gulf Council approved withholding up to 408,000 pounds of commercial red grouper quota in 2027 to enable implementation of a 3-year pilot quota pool program under Reef Fish Amendment 63, which would increase access for participants in the grouper/tilefish Individual Fishing Quota Program.

The Gulf Council's Scientific and Statistical Committee recommended increasing lane snapper catch limits by over 200,000 pounds based on underwater video survey results showing the population can support additional harvest. The recommendation will be transmitted to the Secretary of Commerce for implementation.

The Arkansas Game and Fish Foundation's Commissioners' Cup Youth Bass Fishing Tournament, presented by Xpress Boats, returns for its eighth year on May 16 at Lake Hamilton in Hot Springs. High school and junior anglers compete in teams with boat captains for scholarships, trophies, and gear.

The Arizona Game and Fish Department announces that all existing crossbow permits and Challenged Hunter Access/Mobility Permits (CHAMPs) will expire on June 30, 2026. Hunters seeking these permits after July 1, 2026 must complete new medical evaluations and submit updated applications to AZGFD.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife announced 2026 spring wild turkey hunting season dates with separate youth seasons for south and northeast zones. The Division collaborates with The Ohio State University on turkey nesting research and gobbling frequency studies to inform science-based management decisions.

Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife announced that hunters have donated over 100,000 meals of venison through the Hunters Share the Harvest program since 2022, connecting hunters with food banks across the state. The milestone comes as Governor Maura Healey proposes legislation to expand hunting access, including Sunday hunting, to increase participation and support families facing food insecurity.

Michigan's spring turkey season begins April 18, 2026, with new mandatory harvest reporting requirements within 72 hours. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has consolidated turkey management units from 14 to three and introduced new youth hunting opportunities for ages 10-16.

In March 2026, Governor Healey announced legislation to allow Sunday hunting, expand crossbow use, and reduce setback distances for bowhunting in Massachusetts. MassWildlife held public listening sessions that generated nearly 1,000 attendees and over 11,300 comments, with majorities supporting the proposed changes to modernize hunting laws and improve wildlife management.

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will accept applications for one 2026 bighorn sheep regular lottery permit from April 20 through August 7, with a $34 nonrefundable application fee. Only Nebraska residents 12 years and older are eligible, with the permit drawing occurring in August and the season running December 1-22.

Kinetic Development Group (KDG) has partnered with Zanders Sporting Goods, a woman-owned wholesale distributor founded in 1962, to expand distribution of KDG's tactical accessories including the Kinect quick disconnect M-LOK system, SideLok optic mounts, and Optic Hub system across the United States.

Ameristep announced its Frontline Wide-Bottom Extreme Blind is now available for purchase. Designed for bowhunters with four silent-sliding shooting windows, one-way mesh, and a wide-bottom design accommodating up to three hunters, the blind features Mossy Oak Bottomland camouflage and the brand's Spider Hub® frame system for quick setup.

Federal Ammunition is shipping two new 12-gauge Upland Steel shotshell loads featuring No. 4 and No. 5 shot sizes designed for upland game hunting with non-lead shot performance and consistent patterns.

Women for Gun Rights (WGR) Founder Dianna Muller and leaders Beth Walker, Terri Hasdorff, and Jade Warwick met with White House officials and Congressional representatives to advocate for Second Amendment protections and firearms education. The meetings highlighted women's growing influence in the firearms community and discussed initiatives including a proposed Second Amendment Council and Safety Socials programs.

South Carolina Waterfowl Association CEO David Wielicki appeared on The Sportsmen's Voice podcast hosted by Fred Bird of the Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation, discussing youth outdoor education programs including Camp Woodie, Camp Leopold, and the Outdoor Heritage Institute to cultivate conservation-literate citizens.

SK Guns, the nation's only series-driven custom firearms manufacturer, has released a limited-edition recreation of Al Capone's iconic "Sweetheart" Colt 1911 chambered in .45 ACP, with only 200 firearms produced. The pistol features detailed floral engraving, custom sights, polished and blued finish, and genuine vintage red deer stag grips, mirroring the original firearm's craftsmanship and historical significance.

Off Grid Suppressors' Scorpius .22LR suppressor earned the #1 rating at the TBAC Sound Summit, validated as the quietest rimfire suppressor. The Minnesota-based company uses 3D-printed titanium construction, weighing just 1.95 ounces with a lifetime warranty and MSRP of $469.99.

Firearms News releases its April 2026 issue featuring Darwin Nercesian's cover story on Auto-Ordnance's Thompson TAO50 .50 BMG Rifle tested to one mile. The issue includes reviews of Beretta's 1301 LTT Custom Shotgun, Smith & Wesson's M&P Shield X Pistol, and Banish's 30 Gold Suppressor, plus SHOT Show 2026 coverage.

Kimber Mfg., Inc. will exhibit at the 2026 NRA Show in Houston, Texas from April 17-19 at booth 2803, showcasing new product launches and its full firearms lineup including the 2K11 platform, CDS9 series, Next Generation 1911, and 1911 DS Warrior.

WOOX, an Italian-American manufacturer of gunstocks, axes, and knives, will exhibit at the 2026 NRA Meetings & Exhibits in Houston, Texas from April 16-19. CEO Ben Fleming announced the company will showcase innovative products including the new "High Grade" line, 1913 Compatible Stocks, and Bravado Laminate lever-action furniture at booth #4211.

SDS Arms will exhibit at the 155th NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits in Houston, Texas on April 16-19 at booth #4630, showcasing brands including Tokarev USA, Military Armament Corp, Spandau Arms and Inglis. The company will debut new MAC IX platform variants, a Turkey configuration Spandau Arms shotgun, and Inglis 2035 production models.

Maxim Defense, a premier manufacturer of precision firearms and suppressors based in St. Cloud, Minnesota, will exhibit at the 2026 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits in Houston, Texas from April 16-19. The company will showcase the SDX RFLX, PDX-SD, MD15 Duty line, and other products at booth #3237.

Chiappa USA and Charles Daly will exhibit at the 2026 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits in Houston, Texas, April 16–19, showcasing new products including the SA 1873 Black Thunder revolver, Rhino 60DS, and 92 Wildlands lever-action rifles alongside established firearms and Charles Daly shotguns.

Meprolight will exhibit at the 2026 NRA Annual Meeting in Houston at Booth #4117 with Smokey Mountain Guns & Ammo, showcasing new products and proven optics including the Mepro MCO PRO, Meprolight Variable Optic, and Mepro M22 PRO. Vice President of Sales Bill Yerby invites attendees to explore the lineup and take advantage of special show pricing.

Winchester Ammunition, the National Wild Turkey Federation, and Bass Pro Shops are sponsoring Richard Childress Racing's No. 3 Chevrolet driven by Austin Dillon for the Food City 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway on April 12, featuring Winchester Long Beard XR turkey ammunition on the car's paint scheme.

Pass It On – Outdoor Mentors announced a sponsorship from RCBS, a precision reloading equipment manufacturer, to expand youth hunting and shooting sports programs. The partnership will help the organization reach young people across at least 40 states and Canada within four years, with support from Joel Hodgdon of RCBS and Dr. Scott Petrie.

Burris Optics will sponsor the NRL Hunter's Buffalo Bill's Revenge match scheduled for April 10–12, 2026 near Laramie, Wyoming at Logan Ranch. The high-difficulty, field-style competition features challenging terrain and targets ranging from 500 to 900 yards, designed to test shooter and equipment capabilities.

Silencer Shop, the largest silencer distributor in the United States, has been named the Saturday night reception sponsor for the 41st annual Gun Right Policy Conference (GRPC), co-hosted by the Second Amendment Foundation and Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms, scheduled for September 25-27 in Dallas.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources began placing 1,500 sandbags at the Cheboygan Lock as a precautionary measure while monitoring water levels on the Cheboygan River. An emergency action plan is in place if water reaches 12 inches below the dam crest, with warmer temperatures and rain expected to elevate water flows this weekend.

The Great Lakes Way, Michigan Air Line Trail, and Fred Meijer White Pine Trail State Park have been designated as Pure Michigan Trails by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Pure Michigan. The recognition highlights top trails that promote healthy lifestyles, conserve natural resources, and support economic activity in local communities.

MyOutdoorTV announces new MeatEater programming launching Fridays, including seasons of MeatEater Hunts, Cal in the Field, and two new series produced by Steven Rinella: Rinella's Field Notes and MeatEater's 12 in '26, expanding MOTV's outdoor content library.

Oklahoma's Youth Spring Turkey Season opens April 11-12, with the regular season running April 16-May 16. The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation and Oklahoma State University are completing a $2 million research effort on wild turkey populations, while field reports from ODWC biologists indicate increased turkey numbers across most regions despite drought conditions in western areas.

I have a small scar in the web of my right hand between my thumb and forefinger. It’s not terribly noticeable, but it was the beginning of my falling “out of love” with an old, but very accurate Browning High Power/P35. Taking too-high a grip on the originals was one of those “self correcting errors.” It wasn’t the worst mistake, but it left an impression.

A worse mistake left twin slices from the slide as it made its way across/through the same web area. Think of them as the difference between a “bite” and a “chew”.

Both the High Power/P35 and original 1911s shared those common threats. That’s likely one  reason I matriculated to revolvers for many years after my last “hammer bite”.

Today’s versions of these classics have eliminated those problems via extended beaver tails and modified hammers. I gladly started shooting both pistols again after those improvements, because they define, at least for me, “classics.”

Springfield Armory’s SA-35 brought the proven John Moses Browning design back several years ago. It included several manufacturing improvements that helped it be both better behaved and more accurate.

Earlier this week (add link to SA-Announcement) Springfield Armory announced their latest expansion of the SA-35 line: a 4-inch barrel variant. Think of it as a 1911 “Commander” model SA-35.

I’ve been toying with one of the new models for a bit, and I have to say the changes have made a good gun even better operationally. The biggest improvement, at least to me, is the addition of two rounds to the mag capacity. But I also like the extended thumb safety and “modern” iron sights (although I have a difficult time seeing any “irons” anymore, the white dot front sight does help with alignment).

Haven’t done any shooting with the new pistol yet, but I’m hoping to get time on it in the next couple of weeks. A friend who served in the South African Defense Force is a longtime fan of the design. His unit carried South African clones of the Browning. He tells me the barrel “shortage” doesn’t make much difference when shooting (he’s a terrific shooter), but it’s hands-down more comfortable for concealed carry.

He shot what I had considered respectable groups with it (they’re the groups in the picture). That was before he told he he shot the pistol at 20 yards, not 7 or 10. From 20 yards - with iron sights- they’re somewhat better than “respectable” (as I mentioned, he’s a really good shooter).

This isn’t intended to be a deep review of the new SA-35 4-inch. As I’ve written over the years, I don’t consider myself qualified to review a gun for anything other than my personal impressions. And my personal impressions are influenced -heavily- by my numerous trips around the sun.

For me, the appeal of any tool, whether it be a pistol, pickaxe or pocket knife, is influenced by the industrial artistry I see in it. That’s likely why there are unworn watches, untested cameras, vintage hand tools,  “older” guns and leather holsters and dozens of knives around my house.

To me, they remind me of my childhood heroes. My heroes weren’t Bruce Willis or Arnold Schwarzenegger, they were Roy Rogers, John Wayne and Audie Murphy.

Can’t speak for Roy, but I think Wayne, who carried a Browning High Power in McQ and Brannigan, would like the latest model of Springfield’s SA-35, especially the additional ammo capacity. That’s despite the fact very few movie heroes ever ran short of ammunition.

As we get some more trigger time on the new pistol, we’ll keep you posted.

— Jim Shepherd