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FRIDAY, APRIL 4, 2025

- COMPETITION -
Team Lapua’s Chris Simmons once again demonstrated exceptional skill and precision, securing the title at the Cavern Cove Shootout for the fourth consecutive year. Chris cut through 20-25 mph winds throughout the event and emerged victorious.
Team Berger’s Larry Bartholome showcased his world-class shooting prowess by winning the 2025 Western Wildcat Smallbore F-Class Championship. The event, held at the renowned Ben Avery Shooting Complex from March 19–23 brought together the nation’s top smallbore shooters in a grueling four-day competition.
- EVENTS -
Mission First Tactical announced that they will be exhibiting at the 2025 Spring CANCON Fully Suppressed Range Day & Gun Show, Friday, April 11th and Saturday, April 12th at the Ben Avery Shooting Facility in Phoenix. MFT, a VIP Bag sponsor, is including an MFT CANCON branded Extreme Duty 30 rd. Magazine in each bag.
Pope and Young continues to add more premier hunts to their live auctions held at the 34th Biennial Convention taking place in Glendale, AZ on April 9-12, 2025.
European American Armory Corporation (EAA Corp) announces its participation in CanCon 2025, taking place April 10th–12th at the Ben Avery Shooting Facility in Phoenix, Arizona. This fully suppressed range day and gun show offers attendees a unique opportunity to demo suppressed firearms and engage with industry experts and celebrities.

If you’re looking to learn more about and try a variety of shooting sports, check out the following events hosted by Eaton County Pheasants Forever. Both will take place at the Capital Area Sportsmen’s League in Lansing, Michigan.
Maxim Defense announces their sponsorship and attendance at CANCON 2025, the premier suppressor and tactical firearms expo in Phoenix, Arizona. The event will occur on Friday, April 11th through Saturday, April 12th at the Ben Avery Shooting Facility.
- FISHERIES -
Oyster populations in the Chesapeake Bay are faring well, according to preliminary results of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources’ annual Fall Oyster Survey.
A special public comment session will be held during the April Council meeting beginning at 5:00 PM CDT on Tuesday, April 8, 2025. The purpose of this special comment session is to gather feedback on recreational reef fish management and the outcomes of the Council’s Recreational Initiative.

- GEAR -
GRITR announced its new safety shooting glasses, designed for clear vision, maximum comfort, and reliable performance in any environment. Equipped with distortion-free, anti-fog lenses, these glasses are built for long-range use, ensuring you never struggle with fogged-up lenses again.
- GIVEAWAYS -
Gunstores.com is kicking off spring with a new giveaway—this time featuring the Ruger RXM. This no-purchase-necessary promotion is part of Gunstores.com’s ongoing effort to engage with the firearms community and connect more enthusiasts with the gear they want.
- INDUSTRY -
Shell Shock Technologies, LLC. announced its Online Only Auction in support of its 1st Annual Legends and Heroes Shootout. The auction features an exclusive selection of military artwork, collector’s items, unique experiences, and signed sports memorabilia from MLB legends. Proceeds from the auction will benefit K9 Heroes 4 Heroes, which provides service dogs to veterans and first responders at no cost, and the NRA, which offers mental health services, career transition assistance, and critical resources to veterans and their families.
- JOBS -
It’s nearly time to make a splash at Indiana State Parks, with public pools opening Memorial Day weekend, as well as the beach at Indiana Dunes State Park. Recruitment is underway to hire and certify lifeguards to support a safe environment while cooling off this summer.

- LITIGATION -
The Firearms Policy Coalition announced the filing of a reply brief in support of its motion for preliminary injunction or summary judgment in Young v. Ott, a federal lawsuit that challenges Pennsylvania’s laws banning 18- to 20-year-old adults from carrying firearms for lawful purposes outside the home.
- NEW PRODUCTS -
Kimber, Mfg., Inc., is providing consumers with the opportunity to own the new 2K11 in capacity restricted states. The 2K11 Stainless will now be available for purchase in the following states: Vermont, New York, Maryland, Rhode Island, New Jersey, Washington, Oregon, Hawaii, Connecticut, Delaware.
The Rossi LWC (Lightweight Carbine) was built to deliver lightweight performance, caliber versatility, and unbeatable value. Now, Rossi USA is launching the Rossi LWC Folding Stock—available both as a complete rifle and as an easy-to-install accessory for current LWC owners.
Firearm enthusiasts and professionals alike can mark their calendars for the official release of the Reptilia Rifle Case on April 4, 2025. Available in 36-inch Rifle and 30-inch SBR lengths, this case sets a new standard for firearm transportation and storage.

- ORGANIZATIONS -
The 2025 Utah Legislative Session is over and Women for Gun Rights is celebrating the power of grassroots advocacy led by its passionate delegates across the state. Through tireless effort, strategic engagement, and unwavering commitment to both freedom and safety, WGR delegates helped advance key legislation and stop harmful proposals in their tracks.
The National Bowhunter Education Foundation (NBEF) offers educational items to increase success and safety for hunters. The shot placement guide can help wild turkey hunters enhance shot accuracy for a swift, ethical harvest and efficient game recovery.
- PRODUCT NEWS -
JK Armament announced an all-purpose .30 caliber suppressor, the JK 155 RPX .30CAL. Quiet and lightweight, the RPX .30CAL’s efficient baffles are bored to .36 caliber, so with just a quick end cap swap it can suppress 350 Legend, 338 ARC, 9mm pistols and carbines, and more.
XTech Tactical takes a step on the lighter side with its OEM47 Banana series of AK47 magazines. The OEM47 Banana Series is in mass production and available in both 30 round ($19.95 MSRP) and as a 10/30 ($21.95 MSRP). The magazine features a polymer magazine body, stainless steel spring, and a removable baseplate for field servicing.

- PROMOTIONS -
Federal Ammunition's Break Clays & Save rebate for Federal Premium High Over All (HOA) 12- or 20-gauge ammunition recently launched, and the promotion will run until June 30, 2025. Shooters can now buy some of Federal’s best clay target loads and get up to $50 back.
Remington Ammunition recently announced its Pull, Shoot, Save! Rebate, which offers consumers the chance to buy some of Remington’s best target loads and receive up to $50 back. This promotion runs through June 30, 2025.
Luth-AR is offering a limited-time promotion for customers looking to upgrade their AR setups. For a limited time, when customers purchase an MBA-1 Rifle Buttstock or MBA-3 Carbine Buttstock, they will receive a free Chubby Grip—a $24.95 value—at no additional cost.
Liberty Safe recognizes and thanks the countless American consumers who choose products made in the USA with a special offer.To show appreciation for their customers, Liberty Safe is providing a limited-time offer. By using the code MADEINUSA during checkout at libertysafe.com, customers can take advantage of an additional 5% discount on their full lineup of safes.
- PUBLISHING -
MidwayUSA is pleased to announce the release of “Red Grouse at Hadrian’s Wall” a short story by Larry Potterfield, Founder and Executive Chair of Board of Directors.
- RADIO -
This week, Outdoors Radio features Sheboygan charter captain “Dumper Dan” Welsch, realtor Alex Weber, and veterinarian Dr. Gary Richter. Jeff and Dan get ready for spring turkey season. Dan reports on last weekend’s Open Season Sportsmen’s Expo.
- SPONSORSHIPS -
Delta Waterfowl to Sponsor Carver’s Corner at North American Decoy Collectors Association Show
The Precision Rifle Series announced ESP as the official hearing protection partner for the 2025 season. ESP’s custom-fit electronic hearing protection is engineered to allow for clear communication on the range while blocking harmful noise levels from gunshots.
The Precision Rifle Series announced Zoom Bait as the official bait for the 2025 season. Known for their high-quality fishing baits, Zoom Bait’s products will provide PRS competitors with the essential gear to enhance their focus, relaxation, and enjoyment during off-season and down-time.
- STATE AGENCIES -
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking public comment on the following environmental assessments (EA). For more information, including how to submit comments, click on the link provided or visit fwp.mt.gov/public-notices.
Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) biologists successfully stocked more than 450 desert pupfish into Ayer Lake on March 26, marking an important return for these endangered fish to Boyce Thompson Arboretum.
The North Dakota Game and Fish Department Advisory Board will host public meetings this spring at eight locations across the state. These public meetings provide citizens with an opportunity to discuss fish and wildlife issues and ask questions of their district advisors and agency personnel.
Block Management is a cooperative program between private landowners and Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks that helps landowners manage hunting activities and provides the public with free hunting access to private land. Every year, FWP hosts banquets around the state to recognize the contributions that landowners in the Block Management Program make for the hunting community.
With the close of Maryland’s deer seasons, many hunters have already put their weapons of choice into storage, at least until spring turkey season. While firearm safety during hunting season is covered extensively during the hunter education program, safe firearm storage out of season is one topic that Maryland hunters should always review and practice.
- SWEEPSTAKES -
The Project ChildSafe Foundation has announced the winners of its annual Project ChildSafe Safety Sweepstakes that supports the Project ChildSafe® firearm safety education program of NSSF®, The Firearm Industry Trade Association.
- TELEVISION -
Safari Club International (SCI) has partnered with Wildlife Networks (WLN) to launch an exclusive SCI-branded streaming entertainment service dedicated to hunters, outdoorsmen, and conservationists across the globe.
Pursuit invites viewers to tune in to the awesome Saturday night lineups of long-running and popular programs on Pursuit Channel and Pursuit UP. Pursuit’s “more ways to watch” model offers viewers across the country the opportunity to catch great outdoors content, regardless of the preferred method of viewing.
Watch the championship round of Major League Fishing Bass Pro Shops REDCREST Presented by MillerTech Energy LIVE on GAME & FISH TV, powered by Outdoor Sportsman Group, on April 6 at 2 p.m. ET. See the final 10 anglers compete in the one-day shootout, where the highest one-day total will earn a $300,000 top prize.
- WILDLIFE -
As young animals appear in backyards, local parks, and unexpected areas, the Ohio DNR Division of Wildlife is reminding Ohioans to keep wildlife wild this spring. Watching wildlife from afar and reducing interactions gives young animals the best chance of survival.
 

The uncertainty surrounding tariffs faded a bit Wednesday when President Trump announced a baseline tariff of 10% on all imports, with higher tariffs on certain countries.

Canada and Mexico were exempted from these new tariffs, meaning the 10% tariff on imports do not apply to Canada and Mexico under the new plan. This is good news for companies that rely on aluminum and steel from Canada, the largest supplier of these metals to the U.S.

In the past Canada (as well as Mexico) had been subject to a 25% tariff on steel and a 10% tariff on aluminum imposed during the previous Trump Administration in 2018. Those tariffs were subsequently lifted in 2019 following the signing of the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement).

Unfortunately for the European Union, a significant exporter of steel and aluminum to the U.S., the 20% tariff will notably impact their exports to the U.S. China, also a major exporter of aluminum and steel, faces a 32% tariff, while Japan faces a 24% tariff, which will heavily effect trade between these countries and the U.S.

The tariffs imposed by Trump are "reciprocal tariffs" targeting countries that have imposed tariffs on U.S. goods, and are part of the Administration’s efforts to bring manufacturing jobs back to the U.S. as part of their “Make America Wealthy Again” initiative.

But it will take time for those jobs to return to the U.S., and in the meantime we are likely to face retaliatory tariffs on U.S. exports. The increased pricing on goods and materials from the Trump imposed tariffs, coupled with an expected retaliatory battery of tariffs, could further damage an already bruised economy reeling from high interest rates and Biden-era inflation.

So what does this mean for the firearms, ammunition, optics, archery, and associated accessories and apparel makers? It’s not readily apparent that anything in our outdoor industry segments will be specifically exempted, yet. We’ll have to wait for the official tariff list to be released or for the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) to shed light on that possibility, but for now we can assume, well, the worst.

Firearms

For firearms we’ll see obvious price fluctuation assuming the exporting countries cannot reduce production costs and the importing entities pass along the tariff increases they cannot absorb.

The top firearms exporters to the U.S. and their associated new tariffs are: Germany, Italy, Austria, Czech Republic, Belgium, all part of the European Union, will see a 20% increase on goods. South Korea will face a 25% tariff, while Brazil and Turkey will each only have to take on a 10% tariff.

Those U.S. based firearms manufacturers relying on imported raw materials, mainly steel and aluminum, that are not imported from Canada or Mexico, will see production costs increase. And even more so if their assembled products include components from heavily tariffed nations.

Ammunition

The demand over the last ten years for ammunition, and the impact global conflicts has had on U.S. ammunition manufacturers, has meant the volume of imported ammo has been significant. And with higher ammunition prices – and at times scarcity – where the ammo came from was less of a concern than stocking up at the best price available.

The new tariffs will hit the countries exporting to the U.S. The European Union nations of Germany, Italy, and the Czech Republic each will see a 20% tariff. Ammo from South Korea (25%), Brazil (10%), Turkey (10%), and the United Kingdom (10%) could all see price increases here in the U.S.

One country not on Wednesday’s tariff list is Russia, meaning the steel-cased ammunition so many are fond of may not see any tariff-driven price increase. But that’s not so say demand, or good old profiteering, couldn’t drive up the cost.

Due to the low military/defense ammunition stockpiles in various countries, it is quite possible that the Trump Administration removes any tariffs on small arms ammunition so countries can restock depleted reserves.

Soft Goods

With the leading soft goods exporters to the U.S. being China, Vietnam, Mexico, India, and Bangladesh, the resulting impact could be price increases to U.S. based importers of anywhere from 26% to 46%. Tariffs on these nations are: Vietnam 46%, Bangladesh 37%, China 32%, and India 26%. Mexico currently appears to be marked safe from additional tariffs.

Footwear

You’d probably be hard pressed to name many – if any – U.S. footwear makers. The new tariffs will hit footwear brands because the leading exporters to the U.S. are China (32%), Vietnam (46%), and Indonesia (32%).

Textile Fabrics

For the U.S. based soft goods manufacturers, the cost of the materials used in the construction of their products will be impacted by the tariffs. Currently China (32%), India (26%), and South Korea (25%) are the major exporters of textile fabrics to the U.S.

Generally speaking the outlook is not great, especially in the down economy the Trump Administration inherited from Biden. Tom Hopper with NASGW sees the biggest concerns being with the overall market, discretionary spending, and customer confidence.

“There's not a pretty picture for consumers right now. You can find virtually any firearm, ammo, or optic easily. It's not an availability issue. Consumers are bracing for the unknown. Barring any social event, I think the market will continue to decrease until a clearer picture of the market unfolds. I don't see anything positive in the near term.”

For firearms manufacturers this softening market could result in a surge in the sale of used guns.

In speaking with Allen Forkner at GunBroker.com, he noted that, “We’re definitely seeing additional interest toward pre-owned firearms over the past few months. Part of that could be the economy driving people to look for deals, or an increase in products being listed as people need an extra dollar or two. But, based on timing it’s plausible that we may be seeing a segment looking to stay ahead of or avoid tariff’s.”

He also pointed out that it’s possible that tariff driven price increases could see some impact on the aftermarket and custom markets as people buying cheap may be upgrading to mimic what they wanted to buy.

The current climate may best be described as rough, but it is not insurmountable. Plus, if we have learned anything from the years since Trump’s ascendency into politics, he is nothing if nor resourceful when it comes to orchestrating turnarounds. He’s not likely to allow pain points voters view as of his making last too long.

We’ll just have to wait and see how the tariffs play out.

— Paul Erhardt, Managing Editor, the Outdoor Wire Digital Network

 
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