SUBSCRIBE    ARCHIVES TUESDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2026 - PM Edition

- APPAREL -

Blocker Outdoors' Shield Drencher Insulated Jacket and Bib combine waterproof, insulated protection with solid blaze orange visibility for late-season deer hunting. The gear meets firearm season requirements across multiple states while keeping hunters warm, dry, and quiet during extended sits in harsh weather conditions.

- ARCHERY -

Barnett's Hyper Raptor GTX™ crossbow is now shipping to dealers nationwide, featuring 425 FPS velocity, TriggerTech™ Frictionless Release Technology, and a compact 7.5-inch axle-to-axle design optimized for deer season hunting.

- AUCTIONS -

Guns.com announced an exclusive auction for a rare Arsenal Silver Jubilee AK-74 rifle, one of 400 produced to commemorate Mikhail Kalashnikov's 90th birthday and the AK-74's 35th anniversary. The collectible firearm features silver inlay markings with Kalashnikov's signature and is being offered through Guns.com's new premium Vault category through October 25.

- COMPETITION -

Team SHIELD athlete Robin Grauffel achieved 94.35% of the Production Optics Division winner's score at the 2026 USPSA IPSC Nationals while competing as a Junior. SHIELD Sights CEO James White praised Grauffel's continued demonstration of speed, accuracy, and consistency among top competitors in the sport.

- CONSERVATION -

The Jackson Hole Land Trust announced that the Looney family placed a permanent conservation easement on Wild Horse Ranch near Boulder, Wyoming. The 233-acre property protects critical pronghorn migration habitat and was made possible through partnerships including the Wyoming Wildlife and Natural Resource Trust, The WYldlife Fund, and North American Pronghorn Foundation.

- CONTESTS -

Wyoming Wildlife magazine is accepting photo submissions for its annual contest with a November 23 deadline. The grand prize winner receives $600 from sponsor The Wyldlife Fund, with entries judged in Wildlife, Scenic, Recreation, and Flora categories. Winning photos will be published in the February 2027 issue.

- COURTS -

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.

- HUNTING -

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks reminds hunters that the general big game hunting season begins October 24, with an early youth deer hunt October 15-16. Licenses can be purchased online, at FWP offices, or through the new License Ambassador Program at local businesses and libraries.

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department urges hunters to practice responsible land ethics during hunting season. The Access Yes Program, coordinated by Jon Desonier in the Lander Region, enrolls over 700,000 private acres from roughly 450 landowners to provide hunting opportunities while protecting critical wildlife habitat.

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission reminds upland hunters to prioritize safety as pheasant, quail, and partridge seasons approach. Kyle Gaston, Nebraska hunter education coordinator, emphasizes essential safety practices including proper firearm handling, hunter orange visibility, and zone-of-fire awareness.

- 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.

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.

Sierra Bullets and Barnes Bullets announced Cole Seyfert joined their sales team managing Key Accounts and International Commercial sales. Seyfert brings sales management experience from American Outdoor Brands and founded ROCT Outdoor, a premium dog gear company serving sporting and farm markets across the United States, Canada, and Europe.

We Buy Guns, a national online firearm purchasing platform, reported 15 transferable machine gun purchases in 2026 compared to six in 2025. Owner Chris Wing emphasized the importance of trust in NFA firearm transactions, which now represent about 9% of the company's total offer value despite comprising less than 0.5% of submissions.

- OPTICS -

ZeroTech Optics USA introduces the Trace X 5-25x56 FFP – RMG-H MRAD Illuminated riflescope, featuring a matched MRAD aiming system, illuminated first focal plane reticle, 34 MRAD elevation travel, and mechanical zero stop designed for precision competition and long-range shooting.

- PARTNERSHIPS -

Guns.com and Smith & Wesson are strengthening their partnership through Guns.com's "Buy Now" technology, which connects customers from manufacturer websites to in-stock products at local dealers nationwide. The technology also powers suppressor sales for Gemtech, EOTECH, and FN America, with free shipping to local retailers.

- PODCASTS -

Chris Williams, founder of Williams Knife Company, will be featured on the Houston Safari Club Foundation's Hunting Matters podcast discussing craftsmanship, family heritage, and the evolution of his knife company. The conversation covers the company's Heritage Series, culinary knife line, and philosophy on designing functional, heirloom-quality knives.

- PRODUCT NEWS -

Hornady introduces the VEXIS Mobilis Safe line featuring patent-pending vein-scanning biometric technology that unlocks in under half a second. The modular safes offer vault-level security with 9-gauge steel construction, one-hour fire protection, and support for up to 10 authorized users with keypad and mechanical key backup options.

Ol' Man Outdoors announced its 2026 hub-style ground blind lineup featuring three models: the Buck Shot, Carnivore 270, and Bounty Hunter 270. Each blind offers enhanced concealment, visibility, and capacity for deer hunters, with features including camouflage fabrics, silent window systems, and rapid setup capabilities.

Galco unveils the Combat Master 2.0 belt holster for Glock 21, now available with or without carry optic accommodation. The professional-grade pancake holster features hand-molded premium steerhide construction, raised sweat guard, and twin belt slots for enhanced comfort and concealment.

CAA has announced the Limited Edition Hi-Viz Orange MCK EVO, a Micro Conversion Kit featuring vibrant orange polymer construction launching October 1, 2025. Available in six configurations with prices ranging from $349.99 to $384.98 MSRP, the product will be sold exclusively through caagearup.com.

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.

Liberty Ammunition has been adopted as duty ammunition by the Galveston County District Attorney's Office. CEO Gary Ramey stated the department sought ammunition with greater stopping power and less weight, which Liberty Ammunition provides while meeting FBI protocols.

- PROMOTIONS -

Yamaha Marine's "Power Into Fall" sales event runs October 12 through December 14, 2026, offering customers extended Y.E.S. coverage and dealer credits up to $600 on select four-stroke outboards ranging from 2.5 to 450 horsepower, plus $500 in Siren accessory credits for subscription activations.

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.

- PUBLISHING -

Ballistic's Best Hunting Edition 2026 evaluated five rifle suppressors: Sig Sauer Endure 30, IWI IWS7Ti, EOTech DCBL 762, Dead Air Nomad Ti OTB, and Rugged 360 Ti. Testing measured weight, sound reduction, recoil, and point-of-impact shift to determine which suppressors deliver optimal performance for hunters.

- SHOWS -

Beretta Defense Technologies alliance members including Beretta USA, Sako, Benelli, Steiner, Centanex, SwissP, RWS, and Norma will exhibit at AUSA Annual Meeting in Washington, DC, October 12-14, 2026, showcasing firearms, optics, ammunition, and counter-UAS capabilities.

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.

- STATE AGENCIES -

The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission unanimously approved a minute order urging the Arkansas Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Division to prioritize design and construction of Little Bayou Meto hydrology improvements. The project aims to provide agricultural water supply, protect aquifers, and conserve wetland habitat vital to Arkansas's waterfowl resources.

- STATE PARKS -

Makoshika State Park will close areas from the switchbacks and above October 13-16 for noxious weed spraying. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks will conduct weather-permitting spraying, with the visitor center and lower trails remaining accessible.

- SWEEPSTAKES -

Project ChildSafe's Safety Sweepstakes, administered by NSSF, is now accepting entries for eight prize packages valued over $20,000, including offerings from Vault Pro, GLOCK, Hornady, Savage Arms, Leupold, and other sponsors. The sweepstakes runs through January 31, 2027, with winners drawn March 11, 2027.

- TELEVISION -

Ralph and Vicki Cianciarulo, along with RJ and Aubrey, invite viewers to tune into the 26th season of The Choice on Pursuit Channel, beginning October 12th. The episode features the family bowhunting Kansas whitetails with J&M Outfitters in an exciting hunt for big game.

 
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