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THURSDAY, JULY 10, 2025

- ARCHERY -
It was a weekend of excellence at the 2025 ASA Metropolis event for Darton Archery, Black Eagle Arrows, and Conquest Archery as their shooters stacked podium finishes across both pro and amateur divisions.
- AWARDS -
Barnett Crossbows announced that its XP405 crossbow, the top model within the Explorer Series, has been recognized by Outdoor Life as the Best Budget Crossbow in its recent gear roundup, praising its performance, value, and versatility.
- BIRDING -
The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) is hosting its 22nd annual High Country Hummingbird Festival on Saturday, July 26, at the Sipe White Mountain Wildlife Area near Springerville/Eagar.
- BOATING -
According to Sgt. Sydney Grant, Boating Law Administrator for the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, 118 Arkansas Game Wardens worked a heightened enforcement detail over the Independence Day Weekend to increase boating safety on one of the state’s busiest boating holidays.
Norsk Lithium® offers a line of lithium marine starting batteries that exceeds most outboard manufacturer specs and will never leave you dead in the water; featuring three sets of terminals and included hardware for flexible rigging, Bluetooth®?battery monitoring via the Norsk Guardian®?App, Emergency Start Reserve (ESR), Thermal Core Heating Technology™, and Deep Sleep™ Technologies

- COMPETITION -
Canada’s own Justin Marsh emerged victorious in the2025 Lapua Monarch Cup, delivering an exceptional performance by hitting 105 out of 120 targets in the first leg — all shot off-hand at distances ranging from 40 to 100 meters.
Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. announced another strong showing by Team Ruger at the 2025 Hornady Precision Rifle Challenge, where the team earned top honors in the Production division.
Remington Ammunition’s Brandon Powell was victorious at the 2025 Georgia State Sporting Clay Championship recently held at the Forest City Gun Club in Savannah, Georgia. Powell, a Georgia resident, won the Main Event High Over All for an eighth time in his career with 470 shooters competing in this year’s Main Event.
Fresh off his victory at the Washington State Highpower Championship, James Fox of Team Berger continued his dominant performance, securing another win at the Oregon State Highpower Championship held the weekend of June 28-29.

- EVENTS -
Dead Air Silencers will attend the world’s largest 3-day hunting consumer show, the 2025 World Deer Expo, taking place July 11–13, 2025, in Birmingham, Alabama. Visit booth #730 to explore Dead Air’s industry-leading suppressors.
Gearfire announces its participation in the NSSF Range-Retailer Business Expo (RRBE), taking place July 16-17, 2025, at Palm Beach County Convention Center, West Palm Beach, Fla. Gearfire will be exhibiting at booth #326 and showcasing its integrated AXIS Point of Sale and eCommerce platforms.
- FISHERIES -
Big Rock Fishing Access Site (FAS), located on the Boulder River near Big Timber (Montana), will temporarily close to all public access beginning Monday, July 21, due to a construction improvement project.
- FISHING -
The new DR 24 is the newest dive into deep waters for Bill Lewis Fishing. The DR 24 is a deep-diving crankbait that can reach depths up to 24 feet deep. The DR 24 is available in 6 proven Bill Lewis colors.

Buckeye Lures went searching for the total package and delivered with the all-new Select Spinnerbait. Featuring precise wire diameters, optimized blade spacing, and scale-patterned blades come together to create a spinnerbait that is built right.
Yamamoto Fuzzy Nut is an odd-looking bait – but it sure does catch fish. The 1.5" Fuzzy Nut is a dice-style bait that lives up to its Fuzzy name with threaded skirt material, providing a subtle secondary action that drives bass crazy.
Big Bite Baits set out to create a no-nonsense jig that simply gets the job done. Featuring wire keeper and a premium Gamakatsu hook to make sure bites turn into catches, the Swimmer Ball Head comes 4 per pack and is available in a variety of sizes including: ? oz, ³⁄?? oz, ¼ oz, and ? oz with 2/0 and 3/0 hooks.
- FISHING TOURNAMENTS -
The third stop of the Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s National Walleye Tour presented by Progressive is scheduled for Lake Huron out of Alpena, MI. The top walleye tournament angels will once again come together in the state of Michigan, fishing for over $150,000 in cash & prizes, and more importantly, capturing Progressive Angler of the Year points.

- GEAR -
The Armageddon Gear Tripod Caddy is a no-nonsense solution for shooters who demand efficiency, organization, and rugged reliability on the range or in the field.
- GRANTS -
Arizona Sportsmen for Wildlife Conservation (AZSFWC) awarded $97,123.50 in grants from their L. Gary Stinson Grant Fund to five Arizona non-profit organizations in the 2nd quarter of this year.
- HUNTING -
Landowners may now enroll their property in the Ohio Landowner-Hunter Access Partnership, according to the Ohio DNR Division of Wildlife. Enrollment in the program is open until Thursday, July 31 and incentivizes property owners to provide land access to hunters. Since the program’s launch in 2021, nearly 31,000 acres have been enrolled.
After a decade and a half of dedicated engagement by the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF), hunters will soon have new opportunities thanks to the recent passage of, not one, but two CSF-priority bills that remove, or nearly remove all remaining statutory prohibitions on Sunday hunting in both Pennsylvania and Connecticut.

Legislation that will fully repeal Pennsylvania’s Sunday hunting ban was signed into law Wednesday by Gov. Josh Shapiro, marking a historic day for Pennsylvania hunters and the future of wildlife conservation in the Commonwealth.
- INDUSTRY -
Silencer Central announced that its founder and CEO, Brandon Maddox, has been appointed to serve on the National Shooting Sports Foundation’s Board of Governors. This advisory board is made up of business leaders from across the firearms and outdoor recreation industry and serves to support the NSSF in its mission to promote, protect, and preserve our nation’s sporting heritage and freedoms.
ZeroTech announced a new partnership with the Wild Sheep Foundation, strengthening their commitment to wildlife conservation and the hunting community. This collaboration will see exclusive benefits made available to WSF members and a portion of all qualifying sales donated directly to sheep conservation efforts.
- LITIGATION -
Gun Owners of America, Gun Owners Foundation, and the State of Missouri have filed a motion for a preliminary injunction to immediately block enforcement of Jackson County’s sweeping gun control ordinance targeting young adults.

- NEW PRODUCTS -
Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc announced the release of the Performance Center Bodyguard 2.0 Carry Comp. The Performance Center Bodyguard 2.0 Carry Comp, chambered in 380 Auto, is built with a ported 3.1-inch barrel, has a 10+1 capacity using a flush-fit magazine, and 12+1 with the extended option.
Winchester Ammunition introduced Final Pass, featuring a custom blend of plated precision steel shot, with shot sizes carefully crafted for hard-core waterfowl hunters.
Taurus reintroduces one of its most powerful and versatile revolvers: the Raging Judge 513. This limited production model marks the bold return of a platform known for its formidable capabilities and unique multi-caliber design.
- ONLINE -
RCBS has announced the launch of the RCBS Reloading Hub—a new, comprehensive online destination at RCBS.com to educate and empower reloaders of all experience levels. Whether you’re a first-time handloader or a seasoned reloader, the RCBS Reloading Hub is your go-to resource for reliable, expert-driven content.
- OPTICS -
Reptilia® announces the release of the 30mm ROF?90™ TALL, the latest addition to our Ruggedized Offset Optic Mount (ROF™) line, now available and shipping. Purpose-built for shooters running a 30mm magnified optic, the ROF?90 TALL mounts your mini red dot sight (MRDS) at the true 12 o’clock position.
Holosun launches the ARO and ARO EVO for 2025. The ARO (Advanced Rifle Optic) builds upon the Holosun's 403 and 503 series, featuring a 22mm housing that pairs seamlessly with Holosun’s magnifier series. The ARO-EVO features a 26mm housing with a much larger sight picture
- ORGANIZATIONS -
The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation salutes hunters and others who took action that led to the removal of a provision to sell public lands from the budget reconciliation bill. RMEF provided a portal for users to quickly and easily contact lawmakers. The result was an avalanche of messages to policymakers and eventual removal of the provision.
- PODCASTS -
The Guns & Ammo Buzz podcast offers an exclusive interview featuring Century Arms’ Vice President of Business Development and Marketing Adam Ruonala. The episode dives deep into the evolution of Century Arms’ Canik line of handguns, focusing on the new Mete MC9 Prime.
The Hunting Matters podcast, presented by the Houston Safari Club Foundation (HSCF), welcomes Lynda Whitehead, founder of X10 Archery Academy in Houston, Texas, for an inspiring and insightful conversation about the intersection of archery, mental performance, and youth development in the outdoors.
- PRODUCT NEWS -
With compound and crossbows finding their way into sports shooting, Hatsan brings arrow air rifles to life. Combining these two is not a simple task, and Hatsan has developed the most versatile - and the most affordable - option that utilizes air rifle technology with an archery focus.
- PUBLISHING -
Firearms News showcases a timely opinion piece titled "The One Big Betrayal in the One Big Beautiful Bill” by News Field Editor Darwin Nercesian. The article highlights the missed opportunity to dismantle key provisions of the National Firearms Act, among other things.
- RADIO -
This week, Outdoors Radio features Lake Michigan charter captain “Dumper Dan” Welsch, Blain’s Farm & Fleet fishing and marine buyer Karl Curfman, and “Bear Professor” Bernie Barringer. Jeff heads to Alpena, Michigan for a National Walleye Tour tournament. Dan works on summer farm chores.
- SPONSORSHIPS -
Deadnuts Outdoors has joined as a Whitetails Unlimited national sponsor, announced WTU President Jeff Schinkten.
- STATE AGENCIES -
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks staff will host a bear safety training at FWP’s Missoula office (3201 Spurgin Road) on Monday, July 28, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. The training is free, open to anyone, and no pre-registration is required.
- STATES -
As Fourth of July holiday festivities wind down, Michigan state park goers have even more to celebrate. Thanks to a historic $273 million in federal COVID-19 relief funding from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, 122 of 168 (73%) planned improvement projects at state parks have been completed or are in progress.
- TELEVISION -
One of the most legendary outdoor television shows is making a heartfelt return. Spanish Fly, the groundbreaking fishing and adventure series originally hosted by the late Jose Wejebe, will return to screens in 2026 through a powerful collaboration between Jose’s daughter, Krissy Wejebe, and Outdoor America, led by Emmy-nominated producer James Marko.
The best in North America fishing – with an emphasis on Canadian waters – happens every Friday night on World Fishing Network for “Reel in Canada Fridays” beginning at 6 p.m. ET.
- WILDLIFE -
Utahns may see more bats this time of year because the baby bats (called pups) are learning to fly and leaving their roosts for the first time. Here’s what you should know about bats in Utah and what to do if you encounter them.
 

Here’s a suggestion for gun companies working their way through the always slow, but even slower summer of 2025: start thinking smaller going forward.

Not for your business goals; for the new areas of opportunity opened up by the January 1, 2026 change that will take the costs for suppressors, short-barreled rifles and shotguns and “any other weapons” down from today’s $200 and a federal paperwork to just paperwork.

We’ve all been rushing about predicting a sudden surge in suppressors, but I think we’re overlooking “other” items targets of opportunity.

Yes, everyone is going to want suppressors. But not because we’re all would-be assassins (sorry antis). We want them because they’re effective hearing protection.

I’m leaving it there. Not going into the weeds to argue the need (not the want) for an accessory that essentially performs the same function as a muffler on lawnmowers, chainsaws and vehicles. Suppressors protect our hearing. Saying otherwise makes you either deaf or ideologically blind. Or both.

The immediate problem with suppressors, more specifically suppressor sales, is simple: no one wants to pay the $200 tariff with its period-certain demise drawing closer by the day. Some makers/sellers can afford to eat the $200. Others can’t. Those that can eat the $200 will see sales increases. Those that can’t, won’t.

But the two other categories: short-barreled weapons and the nebulous “any other weapon” also represent growth segments for smart companies. There are already a wealth of “personal defense weapons” (PDWs) in the marketplace. They range from AR-style pistols to guns that when equipped with arm braces, resemble the legendary MP5.

Lately, I’ve been shooting the snot out of one: Springfield Armory’s Kuna.

Springfield Armory’s Kuna is the latest entry into the pseudo PDW category. It will be eligible for a distinct improvement, a legitimate folding stock, come January 1, 2026. Springfield Armory photo, with permission.

I started toying with it a couple of weeks ago. And while I really like shooting it, it’s one of those guns that will be improved when the Times Square ball drops on 2025. And the improvement will not require any retro-fitting or replacing any complicated parts.

On January 1, 2026, the Kuna will become legal (after requisite paperwork) with a full-sized folding stock.

Today, it’s legal with an arm brace because manufacturers aren’t liable for people deliberately misusing the arm brace.

Most of you already know what I mean: unfold the arm brace then scrunch down to turn a perfect length arm brace into a too-short rifle stock.

My latest range session (top) included the Kuna (right) and, for comparison, the Trailblazer Firearms Pivot (left). The Kuna shot as accurately as the Pivot, but was at a significant disadvantage: the Pivot’s unique design makes it a legal rifle- and means the stock has length of pull adjustments that remove the “scrunching up” necessary to mis-apply the Kuna’s folding arm brace. Even with the folding arm brace, the Kuna was capable of respectably accurate performance at 25 yards (bottom).

The Kuna’s named for the Croatian national animal (a/k/a the Pine Marten). It’s no secret that the Kuna’s manufactured in Croatia by Springfield’s partner, HS Produkt. It’s a roller-delayed system that reduces reciprocating mass. That reduction cuts down on recoil and muzzle flip. Net/net -the Kuna’s an easy-shooting, low-recoil pseudo PDW that enables you to hold rounds on target with a gun that’s lighter and more maneuverable than a heavier gas-driven system.

It has fully ambidextrous controls, hammer forged barrel, an AR pattern grip, flat trigger, hybrid flip-up sights (think MP5) M-Lok rails, and plenty of real estate atop the gun for optics. And, yes, it’s suppressor ready.

It can be had in one of two configurations: the base gun ($999 MSRP) or equipped with the Strike Industries FSA folding stock ($1,149 MSRP). Both ship with two translucent 30-round magazines -unless you live in one of the “capacity restrictive states.”

There’s going to be a burgeoning market for PDWs come ’26.

Smart manufacturers are already scrambling around their skunk works to design, prototype and debug guns that have the possibility of turning today’s ubiquitous 16-inch AR-rifle into the option for people who just refuse to do any more federal registering of…anything.

Yes, Form 4 paperwork is a hassle. And, yes, the “big, beautiful lawsuit” filed by unified 2A groups may remove it- eventually. But the ability to own a legit-PDW in just a few months, with only a Form 4 and no $200 charge, may get many people over the paperwork hump.

The popularity of the mis-used pistol brace is proof that people want carbines with barrels shorter than sixteen inches. And smaller guns will re-popularize pistol calibers. Everyone wants a gun that’s smaller than 16-inches in length, and more manageable. You can’t get there with a 5.56/223, even if it’s suppressed.

And the new rules will make it possible to integrate suppressors into those carbines…win/win for shooters who want a compact gun that will neither blind nor deafen them on the range or in a serious shooting situation.

Magpul’s looking ahead with their UCS. Magpul image, with permission.

Are we beginning to see opportunity here? Maybe, but one of the companies I look to when I’m trend-spotting doesn’t make guns, it makes accessories. Just this week, Magpul announced their UCS a “Universal Carbine Stock” designed to fit firearms with vertical 1913 rails on the rear of their firearms receivers.

The $219.95 (MSRP) device will instantly make the Kuna, along with the “SIG MPX/MCX, FN SCAR, IWI Galil, CZ Scorpion, Ruger LC carbine, Brownell's BRN-180, and certain AK variants such as the PSA AK/AK-V” into legit SBRs.

Personally, I’m not going to be shocked if/when one of the forward thinking shotgun companies comes out with a very short shotgun in a non-punishing gauge (20/28 or maybe even .410 bore). I’m also predicting that gun, whatever it is, will also feature a pistol grip with a 1913 rail behind the pistol grip.

But there are also other opportunities here, too. The “Any Other Weapon” category has always been more “007” gadgetry than real weaponry. With a little innovation and some imagination, this category stands to get the attention of customers looking for something “different.”

The mind boggles, but the imagination should be bubbling. As always, we’ll keep you posted.

—Jim Shepherd

 
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