The cat got let out of the bag this morning, and some of you are still processing what is 6.5 Creedmoor + Peak while others might be hearing it for the first time. This isn’t just another magnum. It’s not someone simply stuffing too much powder into a case and making a dangerous hot load. Federal really went into the lab on this one to make a scorching fast version of the 6.5 Creedmoor that is actually safe to shoot out of your normal 6.5 Creedmoor rifle. Let’s dive in to see if the hype is real, or if this is something you will want to pass on.

Federal @ TFB:

• [SHOT 2026] New Federal Rifle, Handgun and Shotgun Ammunition
• Federal’s 2026 New Centerfire Rifle Ammunition
• Now Shipping: Federal’s New 9mm Self-Defense, 20ga Target Loads
• Keep Quiet With New Federal Subsonic Loads (Now Shipping!)

Federal 6.5 Creedmoor +Peak - Features and Benefits

This new cartridge is compatible with most 6.5 Creedmoor rifles. You can visit HERE for a list of supporting rifle manufacturers. As I alluded to earlier, a madman from the Federal factory floor didn’t just jam a bunch of powder into a 6.5 Creedmoor and call it a day. There is a lot more going on here than that. In fact, it is quite a lot! Federal expands on all of the selling points in this list of features and benefits listed below:

• Peak Alloy case technology allows higher pressures for faster velocities and better overall ballistic performance
• 300 FPS faster than conventional brass case 6.5 Creedmoor ammunition
• 100 FPS faster than 6.5 PRC through existing 6.5 Creedmoor rifles
• Same velocity as a 24” barrel 6.5 PRC when fired through a 20” barrel
• Maximizes ballistic performance through shorter barrels
• High BC, heavier-for-caliber bullets minimize drop and drift for longer effective range
• More power provides ample energy and terminal performance for bigger game like elk
• Excellent for long-range target shooting and competition

A Word from Federal on the New 6.5 Creedmoor +Peak Round

Get the ballistic leap of an all-new cartridge from a rifle that’s already in your safe. Federal’s new 6.5 Creedmoor +Peak is a high-performance version of the proven 6.5 Creedmoor cartridge that uses patented Peak Alloy™ case technology to boost velocities 300 fps over standard 6.5 Creedmoor and offer 100 fps over 6.5 PRC. Compatible with 6.5 Creedmoor rifles, with more energy, higher velocities, less drop, and longer effective range. Make the 6.5 Creedmoor cartridge what it was always meant to be and rethink the very nature of ammunition.

What’s the Upsell? What’s the 30-Second Elevator Pitch?

So, what’s the upsell? What’s the metaphorical and literal 30-second elevator pitch? For the 6.5 Creedmoor + Peak ammunition, you’re looking at several prominent traits that might tip the scale in favor of this new round as opposed to other 6.5 cartridges at a similar price-point.

• 6.5 Creedmoor + Peak is Reloadable - Federal is planning to offer first-run unprimed cases for handloaders
• 6.5 Creedmoor + Peak can be fired in my existing 6.5 Creedmoor Rifles - Federal’s testing has shown 6.5 Creedmoor +Peak operates in a variety of 6.5 Creedmoor firearm platforms: bolt-action, lever-action, and semi-auto.
• Peak Alloy Casings are less susceptible to Rust or Corrosion - Peak Alloy cases feature durable nickel plating that protects against corrosion and rust and provides next-level protection from the elements.

Range Experience - Federal 6.5 Creedmoor +Peak

So, what was 6.5 Creedmoor + Peak like on the firing line? I headed to my favorite gun range in Minnesota to put this ammo through its paces, and that is F5 Range. Small plug for the owner, Josh… I’ve taken medical, pistol, long-range, and 2-gun classes at his facility as well as rented machine guns that’ll make any grown man giggle. If you want a rad time, hit him up.

The ammo out of the box was shiny, smooth, and slick. I say those things positively because an attribute about Peak Alloy casings is they have a higher lubricity. So, they pop into your magazines easier, feed better into a chamber, and simply have an aura of quality about them. The fit and finish on this ammo is clean

Recoil - Suppressed and Un-Suppressed

I only had one box of engineering samples (20 rounds) to get an experience with this new cartridge before the launch date. So, the ammo I fired was as pre-production as pre-production gets. I’m not making excuses for anything I’m about to say. I’m simply setting the stage and being as transparent as possible.

The recoil for the 6.5 Creedmoor + Peak with a standard muzzle brake on my Springfield Armory Model 2020 Waypoint felt pretty sharp (for 6.5 Creedmoor standards). The recoil felt like an actual 6.5 PRC as opposed to the 6.5 Creedmoor that it was supposed to be.

Conversely, when I fired 10 rounds of the 20 with a Dead Air Nomad 30 silencer attached, I could not tell the difference. Meaning, I had no clue this was 6.5 Creedmoor + Peak ammo. It felt like normal, suppressed 6.5 Creedmoor.

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Velocity - Chronograph Data

To test the velocity of this new and to see if it is as scintillating as Federal advertises it to be, I fired 10 rounds un-suppressed (factory muzzle brake) and 10 rounds suppressed (noise tamed by my Nomad 30). For the un-suppressed rounds, my data looked like this:

• Average Velocity: 3,101.6 FPS
• Slowest: 3,073.8 FPS
• Fastest: 3,122.4 FPS

Again, the data we confirmed was spot on. Our average suppressed was 3,110.7 FPS. Maybe the ammo was 10 FPS faster with a silencer. Or, it could have been that my rifle heated up shooting 20 rounds in 80°F heat. I would lean towards my gun heating up a bit because our “slowest” and “fastest” velocities reported were also ~12 FPS faster as well, loosely.

Final Thoughts

So, what are my final thoughts on Federal’s 6.5 Creedmoor + Peak ammunition?... Overall, it does everything Federal advertises that it should. The only two tests that remain are raw accuracy testing (which we didn’t perform because these were very raw engineering samples) and placing an ethical, humane shot on wild game. As more ammo becomes available and hunting seasons open up this fall, I should be able to follow up on one of our sister-websites like AllOutdoor.com or OutdoorHub.com to give a secondary review of accuracy and hunting. For now, I am impressed. Federal’s 6.5 Creedmoor + Peak is fast, flat, and a hard-hitter. Any miniscule complaints I’ve ever had about my 6.5 Creedmoor are remedied by 6.5 Creedmoor + Peak ammo.

In closing, I want to say thank you to Federal for allowing The Firearm Blog and myself the opportunity to try out their new 6.5 Creedmoor + Peak ammunition. That is greatly appreciated. Also, we would like to know what all of you guys and gals think?

Do you believe that the 6.5 Creedmoor + Peak ammunition is something worth spending your money on? Would you potentially deploy it to shoot a league or competition? Use it for a future hunt? As always, let us know all of your thoughts about Federal and their new 6.5 Creedmoor + Peak ammunition in the Comments below! We always appreciate your feedback and engagement.

The clock is ticking. With the FIFA World Cup 2026 kicking off in Houston in a matter of days,  with seven matches at NRG Stadium, an estimated half a million visitors, and a 39-day Fan Festival in East Downtown, the city's law enforcement community is making sure it's ready for anything. The Harris County Sheriff's Office SWAT team has been training hard, and this set of images gives a rare look at what that preparation actually looks like at scale.

Before World War II, and especially before World War I, the rifles of the whitetail-hunting world looked a lot different from today. Lever-actions ruled supreme, and they were often chambered for rounds that have fallen from favor. These include .33 Winchester, .303 Savage and even .44-40. But to me, the most interesting of them all is the .250-3000. This round served many hunters very well, and was one of the best choices in the first half of the 20th century—and now it’s long, long gone from popularity.

Savage Arms classics @ TFB:

• Fudd Friday: Seven Decades Of The Savage 110 
• The Rimfire Report: Single Shot "Revolver" – The Savage 101 Story 
• POTD: Savage Arms' M1907 Pistol that Almost DEFEATED the 1911 
• Fudd Friday: Escape From SHOT - Las Vegas Antique Arms Show 2026 

The .250-3000 was the brainchild of Charles Newton, one of the great firearms designers of the early 20th century. Newton long collaborated with Savage Arms, coming up with classics like the .22 Hi-Power and the .300 Savage. The .250-3000 slotted in between those two rounds, as sort of a middleweight cartridge aimed at practical small game hunting. It hit the market in 1915, as World War I raged in Europe, but the U.S. had not yet entered.

As the first commercial cartridge claimed to break the 3,000 fps mark, the .250-3000 (you can see where the name came from) was the hotshot of its day. Unfortunately, the greatest hype for the cartridge, its blistering speed, was also its worst enemy. Under Savage’s advisement, Newton used an 87-grain bullet to reach that 3,000 fps mark, but bullet technology of that day was not what it is today. Those 87-grain bullets had a reputation, rightly or wrongly, for being easily knocked off course when woods hunting, or blowing up instead of holding together for deep penetration. Newton would have preferred to use a 100-grain bullet, but then he couldn’t achieve the sacred 3,000 fps mark.

Or at least, that was the story about this cartridge for years. Despite the alleged shortcomings of the lighter 87-grain bullets, a lot of people bought them, and a lot of hunters killed a lot of deer with them. As is so often the case with lighter hunting rounds, the stories around gun store counters are often not reflective of real-world performance—more on that in a minute.

Demand for that heavier bullet was there, and eventually 100-grain loads became available. Peters introduced a 100-grain load (moving at 2,800 fps) in the early 1930s, but by then, the round was a proven killer, particularly in Savage’s lever-action rifles.

Lever-actions dominated hunting sales in that pre-World War II era, but most Marlins and Winchesters came with tube magazines and couldn’t safely use pointed bullets. The tips of these bullets would set off the primer of the next cartridge in the mag, causing a most unpleasant and dangerous explosion in your face. Savage’s lever-action rifles, with their rotary magazines, could handle spitzer rounds, and many in-the-know hunters, especially hunters with money, bought the Model 1899 and Model 99 as a result. Old-time hunting books are full of photos or stories about these guns in the hands of serious outdoorsmen.

One example I remember is Grass Beyond The Mountains, a memoir by Rich Hobson Jr. of his early ranching days in the interior of British Columbia, before World War II. Hobson and his associates were hard and tough men, mostly adventurous and experienced cowboys who scraped some money together to start new cattle companies in BC’s vast and empty wilderness grasslands. In their early years, they had to live off the land, and when Hobson and his crew went moose hunting, he took along his trusty Savage lever-action in .250-3000. He would have trusted that rifle implicitly, and trusted the cartridge’s ability to get the job done—they could have starved otherwise.

Another great memoir is Lawrence Koller’s Shots at Whitetails, based on his decades of northeastern whitetail hunting before World War II. Koller was a guide, a gunsmith and a dedicated deer hunter. His book has a decently long chapter on selecting a gun for whitetails, and Koller recommends the Savage 99 in .250-3000 as having sufficient power without punishing recoil—it’s what he personally used for years.

In that chapter, he wrote:

“This rifle was my first ‘high-power’ job, and for me, it has always been a wonderful rifle for taking whitetail deer. At the time I first began to hunt with the caliber, my deer hunting friends gave me the big raspberry. The rifle was entirely too small, bullet too fast; it would blow up on the first twig it touched — and to top it off it was hardly big enough to more than scare a deer.

“Strangely enough, I killed the first three bucks shot at with this rifle. One buck was struck in the neck, the others through the chest cavity; all three dropped as though struck by lightning.”

Koller recommended the .250-3000 because it was much easier to shoot accurately than the .300 Savage, he figured, due to lesser recoil. And that was the idea of many people who bought the gun, but three things came together to drive this round into obscurity.

First off, other options came along that offered more power. When the .250-3000 was introduced, it had an excellent blend of shootability and hitting power, but other rounds eclipsed it. In the 1930s, the .257 Roberts was commercialized, with just a bit more jam. If you wanted a quarter-bore, and you weren’t stuck on the lever-action layout, then you bought a .257 Roberts. Or if you wanted a lever-action with more hitting power, then you could buy a .300 Savage, which was itself based on the .250-3000 casing.

The second reason is closely related—the rise of the bolt-action. While there were .250-3000 bolt-action rifles, in pre-World War II days, it was never as popular as other rounds like the .257 Roberts mentioned above, or the .30-06. After the war, the floodgates of cartridge development were wide open, and lever-actions lost a lot of market share to bolt-actions, as well as semi-autos and even pumps.

The third reason is that everything the .250-3000 did, the .243 could do better. The .243 fits into short-action lever guns like the Savage 99 and later the Winchester Model 88 and Browning BLR. In the real world, most hunters would probably never notice any practical difference between the rounds’ performance. On paper, especially back when people actually cared what hunting magazines thought about cartridge development, the .243 was faster, and people thought that made it superior. I would suggest that any deer hit by either round at 250 yards or less would probably not notice the difference, and since that’s where the vast majority of deer are killed, there is almost certainly no practical difference.

You can still buy .250-3000 ammunition factory-loaded, but you’ll pay even more than you will for .300 Savage in my experience. That makes it one of the most expensive non-magnum deer rounds available; handloading is the only practical way to shoot a lot of this cartridge. Either way, if you’ve got a rifle in .250-3000, there is no reason you couldn’t use it to take a deer this season.

When SIG Sauer launched the P211 GTO in 2025, it made a statement: a steel-framed, double-stack 1911-architecture 9mm with an integrated compensator and the kind of fit and finish that makes serious competitors stop and take a second look. The obvious follow-up shot (pun intended) was: what about everyone who doesn't want a comp? The answer is two new variants, the P211-GT4 and the P211-GT5. Names that sound like they belong on a Nürburgring racing entry list more than a gun, but here we are.

Both pistols ditch the compensator for a cleaner, more traditional profile while keeping everything that made the platform compelling in the first place. The core architecture is unchanged: steel frame, alloy grip module with G10 panels, a removable steel magwell, and SIG's SIG-LOC PRO direct-mount optic-ready slide system. Sights are the XRAY3 day/night front paired with a black rear. Controls are fully ambidextrous, including the thumb safety and the trigger, which is a straight-pull, skeletonized flat-blade design for a clean, consistent break. The 3-slot Picatinny rail on the dust cover handles lights and lasers. Both ship with two 21-round and one 17-round P320-compatible steel magazines, which is a genuine logistics win for anyone already running P320s elsewhere in their kit.

Removing the compensator also opens up some practical doors. Without the integral compensator or sight block of the GTO, the GT4 and GT5 become more realistic platforms for suppressor use if aftermarket threaded barrel support follows, and the non-compensated configuration makes both models legal in more competition divisions and more compatible with department policies that restrict compensators. That broadens the addressable market considerably.

Both variants are available in Nitron black and Cerakote Coyote. Street price on both models is around $2,100, which undercuts traditional 2011-style platforms significantly for comparable features.

The overview of P211-GT4 and P211-GT5

The refresh itself isn't new, exactly. The Silver Pigeon I got a facelift in 2025 when Beretta rolled out a redesigned top lever with repositioned release pin geometry for a lighter opening effort, along with more detailed floral laser engraving that now wraps around the receiver tail and hinge pins. What this announcement does is extend those changes across the 28-gauge and .410 bore field guns, and introduces Sporting variants in both sub-gauges, which fills a gap that's been there for a while.

Those Sporting models carry the B-FAST adjustable stock system, offering drop, cast, height, and rotation adjustability in a package that will appeal to competitive shooters who've wanted a lighter-recoiling option for breaking targets. The 28-gauge in particular has earned a cult following among sporting clays shooters who prefer the softer impulse and the smaller payload as a training and fun-shooting tool, and getting the full Silver Pigeon I Sporting treatment in that bore size is a legitimate addition to the lineup.

Find the Beretta 686 family, including the new Silver Pigeons, here: https://www.beretta.com/en-us/firearms/by-gun-family/680-family 

The 686 Silver Pigeon I refresh kept the changes incremental rather than radical. Is that the right call for a gun this established, or would you have liked to see a more significant overhaul?

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If this post has you ready to hit the range, head over to gunranges.com - a free directory to help you find shooting ranges near you, wherever you are in the United States.

Federal has accomplished something truly clever with this latest introduction. Their “new” cartridge, 6.5 Creedmoor + Peak, has taken the stalwart 6.5 Creedmoor round to new heights by adding 200+ FPS (feet per second) to it, and it is not as simple as dumping more powder in a casing and making a dangerous hot load. By using Peak Alloy technology and casings, along with other premium components housed by Federal, they’ve given 6.5 Creedmoor owners a faster, flatter, and more lethal cartridge on game and steel targets alike.

Federal @ TFB:

• [SHOT 2026] New Federal Rifle, Handgun and Shotgun Ammunition
• Federal’s 2026 New Centerfire Rifle Ammunition
• Now Shipping: Federal’s New 9mm Self-Defense, 20ga Target Loads
• Keep Quiet With New Federal Subsonic Loads (Now Shipping!)

NEW Federal 6.5 Creedmoor +Peak

The 6.5 PRC (Precision Rifle Cartridge) was touted as a faster and flatter round than the 6.5 Creedmoor at the time of its introduction - and it has been - until now. Federal flipped the 6.5 game on its head by souping up the 6.5 Creedmoor to be “King of the 6.5” again.

The MSRP pricing for 6.5 Creedmoor + Peak will be similar to standard 6.5 Creedmoor and 6.5 PRC loads, which range from $59.99 to $78.99 for a box of 20 rounds. The new 6.5 Creedmoor + Peak is a high-pressure version of the trusted 6.5 Creedmoor. It has the same external dimensions as a conventional 6.5 Creedmoor and is compatible with existing 6.5 Creedmoor rifles. With a Peak Alloy case, it’s loaded to 80,000 PSI (pounds per square inch), producing muzzle velocities 300 fps faster and beyond 3,000 fps in select loads, while maintaining similar perceived recoil.

A Word from Federal on the NEW 6.5 Creedmoor +Peak Cartridge

Anoka, Minnesota - June 5th, 2026 - “When Federal introduced the 7mm Backcountry cartridge in 2025, we set the wheels in motion that will forever change high-performance rifle ammunition performance,” said Chairman and CEO Jason Vanderbrink. “We are now excited to roll out another Peak Alloy cartridge option. Our 7mm Backcountry and all-new 6.5 Creedmoor +Peak truly unlock unprecedented performance and are ushering in a new era of ammunition. The best part of the 6.5 Creedmoor +Peak is that hunters and target shooters are likely to already own a rifle that can shoot it,” said Vanderbrink.

“We saw the big-picture potential for this technology from the start,” said Mike Holm, Federal’s Director of Centerfire Rifle Ammunition. “It was obvious what Peak Alloy meant for legacy cartridges, and considering the popularity of 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5 Creedmoor +Peak was the natural place to show the world what it could do. We will first offer 6.5 Creedmoor +Peak in 130-grain Terminal Ascent and a 155-grain Fusion Tipped, with current plans to ship the new cartridge to dealers in August of 2026 and make it available online. Soon to follow will be loads in Gold Medal Sierra Tipped MatchKing, Barnes LRX and Berger Elite Hunter.”

Departing Shots

So, what are your thoughts on the new 6.5 Creedmoor + Peak cartridge? To me, it is nuanced, clever, faster, flatter, and many things yet I struggle with calling it a new cartridge. We did receive some sample ammunition before this announcement and will have a review going Live later today sharing with all of you how that went. So, stay tuned!

As always, let us know all of your thoughts about the new 6.5 Creedmoor + Peak cartridge debuted by Federal in the Comments below! We always appreciate your feedback and engagement.

Boot selection by assignment and climate, break-in realities, insole and orthotic considerations, and the long-term foot and knee impact of poor footwear over a twenty-year career.

Welcome back to Front Line Friday. This week is a gear week, and the topic is patrol boots: specifically, the gap between what gets issued or purchased at the start of a career and what actually holds up over twelve-hour shifts, across varying terrain, and over two decades of cumulative load. Boots are the one piece of equipment an officer is in contact with every minute of every shift, and they get less systematic attention than almost anything else in the duty gear conversation. Front Line Friday is brought to you by Dead Air Silencers, whose support keeps this column going every week.

This is not a ranking of popular boot brands. It is a framework for evaluating what a patrol boot needs to do for your specific assignment, climate, and foot anatomy, and for understanding how footwear decisions made in year one compound across a career into orthopedic outcomes that cannot be undone.

Front Line Friday @ TFB:

• Front Line Friday #14: Officer Safety and the False Comfort of Routine Calls
• Front Line Friday #15: Dead Air CT5P Review
• Front Line Friday #16: Body Armor Selection and Fit for Patrol
• Front Line Friday #17: Use of Force Documentation That Holds Up

Boot Selection by Assignment and Climate

The most common mistake in boot selection is treating footwear as a uniform item rather than a performance tool. Officers buy what looks right, what the academy said to buy, or what the guy in the next locker recommended. None of those processes produces a boot optimized for a specific assignment, climate, and foot type. The result is officers spending 12-hour shifts in boots that are ill-suited to the job they are doing.

Assignment drives the primary selection criteria. An officer working a desk-heavy administrative or court assignment has different needs than one working a foot-patrol beat in a downtown district, and both differ from an officer spending most of a shift in a vehicle on a rural highway. Vehicle-heavy assignments prioritize ankle flexibility and a low-profile sole that does not catch on pedals or drag across seat bolsters. Foot-patrol assignments prioritize cushioning, arch support, and outsole traction across varied surfaces. Officers transitioning between vehicle and foot work, which describes most patrol assignments, need a boot that handles both without failing at either.

Climate is the variable most agencies treat as irrelevant in procurement, a choice that produces predictable outcomes. Officers in the Southwest working summer shifts in uninsulated leather boots are managing heat stress in their feet for the entire shift. Officers in northern climates working winter foot patrol in non-insulated boots are managing numbness and circulation problems that accumulate over a season. The correct boot for a Phoenix traffic officer in August and the correct boot for a Minnesota patrol officer in January are not the same boot, and agencies that issue a single boot specification across climates are forcing officers to compensate for equipment mismatch with their own money or their own discomfort.

What I'd Watch

I'd watch for officers who are on their third or fourth pair of the same boot they bought at the academy because that is what they know, without ever evaluating whether it is actually the right boot for their current assignment. Familiarity and comfort are not the same thing, and a boot that felt acceptable in year one may be the wrong answer in year five when the assignment, the shift length, or the foot itself has changed.

I'd watch for agencies with a single approved boot vendor and a narrow list of approved models that does not account for the department's range of foot widths, arch types, and assignment conditions. The officer with a genuinely wide foot being forced into a standard-width boot because that is what the vendor stocks is being set up for a decade of preventable foot problems.

What I'd Change

I'd change the conversation about the boot allowance from "here is your dollar amount" to "here is what to look for before you spend it." A $150 boot allowance spent on the right boot for the assignment is a better outcome than $150 spent on whatever was on the approved list or on sale. Agencies that attach selection criteria to the allowance get better outcomes than agencies that attach only a dollar figure.

Break-In Realities and What They Actually Mean

Every boot has a break-in period. The industry talks about this as though it is a neutral feature of quality footwear, and to some extent it is. Leather stiffens during storage and must conform to the specific geometry of the foot it wears. That process takes time and mileage, and there is no shortcut that eliminates it. What the industry does not talk about clearly enough is what happens to officers who skip the break-in process because they bought new boots the week before their assignment started and have no choice.

An officer in new, unbroken boots is managing blisters, pressure points, and altered gait mechanics from the first shift. Altered gait mechanics under load across a twelve-hour shift on pavement are not a minor annoyance. They transfer mechanical stress up the kinetic chain: ankles compensate, knees absorb, hips adjust, and the lower back picks up whatever the rest of the chain cannot manage. Done across a handful of shifts, this is uncomfortable but recoverable. Done repeatedly because an officer cycles through new boots without adequate break-in time, it produces cumulative joint load that shows up as chronic pain years later.

The practical rule is simple and rarely followed: break in new boots on days off, not on shift. Wear them around the house, on errands, on short walks. Put meaningful mileage on them before the first twelve-hour shift in them. Agencies that issue boots and expect officers to wear them immediately are engineering the break-in problem into the schedule. Officers who buy a second pair and rotate, wearing the older pair on shift while the new pair breaks in off-duty, are solving the problem correctly.

What I'd Watch

I'd watch for officers who replace boots reactively, after the current pair has failed, rather than proactively, with enough time to break in the replacement before the old pair is worn out. Reactive replacement means new boots on shift before they are ready. A replacement timeline of sixty to ninety days before the current pair fails is the right window, not the week the sole starts separating.

What I'd Change

I'd change the expectation that boot allowances are spent at the beginning of the year and boots are worn immediately. An allowance structure that encourages a staggered purchase, an old pair still serviceable while a new pair breaks in, produces better foot health outcomes than a structure that ties purchase timing to the start of a budget cycle.

Insoles, Orthotics, and the Arch Support Question

The stock insole in most duty boots is not designed for twelve-hour shifts on hard surfaces under the combined weight of an officer and their duty gear. It is designed to meet a price point, pass a basic comfort standard, and not generate returns. That is a different design goal than "support a 200-pound officer with 20 pounds of duty gear across 12 hours on concrete and asphalt without producing plantar fasciitis." Officers who have worn through the comfort layer of a stock insole and never replaced it are standing on a compacted foam layer that is providing minimal cushioning and essentially no arch support.

Aftermarket insoles are among the highest-return-on-investment upgrades in the duty gear category. A quality insole from a brand that designs specifically for high-load standing and walking occupations costs $30 to $60, fits in any duty boot, and meaningfully changes the mechanical environment the foot operates in over the course of a shift. The difference is not subtle. Officers who switch from worn stock insoles to quality aftermarket insoles typically notice it within the first shift.

Orthotics are the next step for officers with specific biomechanical issues: significant pronation or supination, a history of plantar fasciitis, bunions, or prior foot injuries that have altered gait mechanics. Over-the-counter orthotic insoles address a range of common issues adequately for many officers. Custom orthotics, fitted by a podiatrist who understands the specific demands of prolonged standing under load, are the right answer for officers with persistent foot, knee, or lower back pain that has not resolved with off-the-shelf solutions. The cost of a custom orthotic pair is in the $300-$500 range. The cost of knee or spine surgery resulting from a decade of mechanically misaligned gait is substantially higher, in both dollars and lost work time.

What I'd Watch

I'd watch for: officers who report chronic knee or lower back pain without anyone in their supervisory chain asking about their footwear. Foot mechanics are a direct upstream contributor to knee and back load. An officer with bilateral knee pain who has never had their gait assessed or their insoles evaluated has not had a complete evaluation of what is producing the pain.

What I'd Change

I'd change: the framing of orthotics as a medical accommodation rather than a standard performance tool. In any occupation that requires prolonged standing under load, active insole management is a baseline occupational health practice. Law enforcement is that occupation. The conversation should not start when an officer is already injured. It should start at the academy.

The Twenty-Year Foot and Knee Equation

The cumulative math on patrol footwear is worth running once. An officer working five shifts per week over a forty-week patrol year logs 2,400 hours of on-duty time annually. Over a 20-year career, that is roughly 48,000 hours in duty boots. The mechanical load on the foot, ankle, knee, hip, and lumbar spine across those hours is not trivial, and the footwear decisions made in year one are not decisions that only affect year one. They are decisions that affect the structural condition of the officer's lower body over the course of a career.

The injury data on law enforcement musculoskeletal conditions is consistent on this point: foot, knee, and lower back injuries account for a disproportionate share of lost-time claims in the profession, and a significant fraction of those injuries trace to accumulated mechanical load rather than discrete traumatic events. Officers who retire with chronic bilateral knee problems or degenerative disc conditions did not develop those conditions in a single incident. They developed them across years of cumulative load under conditions that were either mechanically sound or mechanically problematic, and the difference is substantially determined by footwear and gait.

This is not an argument for expensive boots. It is an argument for deliberate boot selection. A mid-range boot that fits correctly, has adequate support for the assignment, has been properly broken in, and is paired with quality insoles will produce better twenty-year outcomes than an expensive boot bought for appearance and worn through to failure without replacement. The most expensive boot mistake an officer can make is not spending too little. It is wearing the wrong boot, correctly sized to the wrong foot, on the wrong surfaces, for too many hours without replacement.

What I'd Watch

I'd watch for: early-career officers who are managing persistent foot pain and accepting it as normal. Foot pain after long shifts is common. It is not normal and not a fixed feature of the job. An officer who normalizes foot pain in year two is setting a baseline that will appear much more serious by year ten.

What I'd Change

I'd change: the occupational health conversation at agencies to include boot rotation schedules the same way it includes vest replacement schedules. A duty boot has a service life measured in hours of wear under load. That service life ends before the boot shows any wear. An insole has an even shorter functional life. Neither should be replaced only when visibly failed.

Bottom Line / What to Do Monday

• Pull your current boots off and, with your thumb, press the insole at the heel and arch. If there is no meaningful rebound, the insole is past its functional life. Replace it this week. A quality aftermarket insole costs $30 to $60 and is the single highest-return footwear upgrade available.
• Check the outsole wear pattern on your current boots. Heavy wear on the outer heel edge indicates supination. Heavy wear on the inner edge indicates pronation. Either pattern, if significant, means your gait mechanics under load are producing asymmetric joint stress that an insole or orthotic can partially address. If the wear is severe, the boots are past their service life regardless of how the upper looks.
• If you are buying new boots, buy them with enough lead time to break them in off-duty before they go on shift. Sixty to ninety days of casual wear before the first shift in them is the right window. Buying boots the week before you need them is the wrong timing.
• If you have persistent knee or lower back pain that predates any traumatic injury, schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who works with occupational or sports populations. Ask specifically about gait assessment under load and custom orthotic options. Frame it as a performance question, not a medical complaint. The assessment cost is low. The cost of the alternative is not.
• FTOs: during equipment review with new officers, ask what boots they bought, whether they have broken them in, and whether they know the insole is replaceable. These are thirty-second conversations that establish habits that will affect foot health across a career.
• Supervisors: officers who report chronic foot fatigue at the end of shifts are giving you data. That data should prompt a conversation about footwear before it prompts a workers' compensation claim. The intervention at the footwear level is cheap. The intervention at the surgical level is not.
• Fire/EMS: structural firefighting boots have the same break-in and insole dynamics as patrol boots, with the added factor that heat exposure accelerates sole and insole degradation. A structural boot that has seen significant fire activity should be on a more aggressive replacement schedule than a patrol boot, and the insole should be inspected after any significant wear event, not solely on a calendar schedule.

That's Front Line Friday for this week: boot selection is not a cosmetic decision and not a one-time decision. It is a recurring performance choice that compounds across a career into orthopedic outcomes that are either manageable or not, depending largely on whether the early decisions were made deliberately. Next week, we are on fatigue and shift work, covering what the performance research actually shows about cognitive and physical degradation across extended shifts and rotating schedules, and what agencies and officers can do that is grounded in the data rather than tradition.

The XD series of handguns from Springfield Armory have been available for over a quarter century: 25+ years now. Having seen multiple iterations and upgrades, this truly is a suite of varying pistols for evolving needs: XD, XD Mod.2, XDS, XDS Mod.2, XDM, XDM Elite, and the XD Mod.3 round out that burgeoning family. Now, there is another offering that can be entered into that family tree with the unveiling of the XD Mod.4 OSP this spring. So, today we are going to take a look at the Springfield Armory XD Mod.4 OSP 9mm to see how it performs out on the range. Let’s dive in!

Springfield Armory @ TFB:

• TFB Review: The New Threaded Springfield Armory Operator AOS
• TFB Review: Springfield Armory 10-8 Master Class 1911
• Springfield Armory Launches Echelon Pistols with Aimpoint COA
• New: Springfield Model 2020 Heatseeker Pistol in .308 Win

Technical Specifications - Springfield Armory XD Mod.4 OSP 9mm

The Springfield Armory XD Mod.4 OSP 9mm (SKU: XDDG9101B-M4) has an MSRP of $399, making it supremely affordable for an optics-ready, high-capacity handgun. If you are somewhat familiar with the various XD models over the years, you can see small aesthetic influences from all of the handguns that have come before this one. While the XD Mod.4 OSP is not drastically different from other XD variants, it is truly unique. All of the technical specifications for the XD Mod.4 OSP can be read below as presented by Springfield Armory:

• Cartridge: 9mm
• Barrel: 4" Hammer Forged Steel, Melonite® Finish, 1:10
• Slide: Forged Steel, Melonite® Finish, Optics-Ready
• Frame: Black Polymer
• Sights: Fiber Optic Front, White Dot Rear
• Recoil System: Dual Captive Recoil Spring w/ Full Length Guide Rod
• Grip Width: 1.2"
• Magazines: (1) 16-Round
• Weight: 27 Ounces
• Length: 7.3"
• Height: 5.5"

While we are looking specifically at the XD Mod.4 OSP 9mm today (standard, high capacity magazine), Springfield Armory has 2 new offerings in this new XD Mod.4 OSP series. Again, for clarity, we are playing with the XD Mod.4 OSP 9mm (SKU: XDDG9101B-M4). The other offerings are listed below:

• XD Mod.4 OSP 9mm (High Capacity) | SKU: XDDG9101B-M4 | MSRP $399
• XD Mod.4 OSP 9mm (Low Capacity) | SKU: XDDG9101BLC-M4 | MSRP $399

Standout Features - Springfield Armory XD Mod.4 OSP 9mm

What are some of the driving factors that would motivate you to purchase an XD Mod.4 OSP or pique your interest enough to research them more? There is a lot to like about the XD Mod.4 OSP - and the XD series, in general - if you happen to be unfamiliar with them. Some of the more favorable features you’ll want to become accustomed to are listed below by Springfield Armory:

• Steel Sights - A red fiber optic front sight is paired with a white dot rear, both constructed of steel for durability.
• Picatinny Rail - The MIL-STD-1913 Picatinny rail is ready to accept a variety of accessories.
• Grip Safety - The passive grip safety adds a layer of safety and is disengaged with a proper shooting grip.

A Word from Springfield Armory on the New XD Mod.4 OSP 9mm

“The platform that set the standard for feature-rich striker-fired handguns remains a top choice for shooters worldwide. The XD® Mod.4 OSP™ features a factory-milled slide designed to accommodate today’s most popular optics, enhancing accuracy. Its aggressively textured frame ensures superior control, while the improved serrations on the hammer-forged slide provide a reliable grip in adverse conditions. The combination of a passive grip safety, tactile loaded chamber indicator and striker-status indicator add an extra layer of security. Additionally, the flat-face trigger delivers a consistent pull, with a defined wall and clean break. The XD Mod.4 ships with a 16-round stainless steel magazine.”

What’s the Upsell? What’s the 30-Second Elevator Pitch?

So, what’s the upsell? What’s the metaphorical and literal 30-second elevator pitch? For the XD Mod.4 OSP 9mm, you’re looking at several prominent traits that might tip the scale in favor of Springfield as opposed to a competing manufacturer at a similar price-point.

• Optics-Ready - The XD® Mod.4 OSP™ features a factory-milled slide designed to accept a variety of popular red dot optics, ensuring quick target acquisition and improved accuracy. OSP™ plates, available for purchase in our store, allow for easy customization to fit RMR®, DeltaPoint Pro and Docter footprints.
• Modified Frame - The frame of the XD Mod.4 features aggressive texturing strategically placed on the most important contact points. An undercut trigger guard and extended beavertail allow for a high-hand position for superior control.
• Improved Serrations - Functional serrations across the entire hammer-forged slide are deeper and more aggressive, providing enhanced grip and confident manipulation even in adverse conditions.

What’s in the Box?

One of the most common and recurring questions I receive reviewing firearms and their related products is, “what’s in the box?” Meaning, what do you get with your purchase? This is important because what you do and do not get will dictate what type of accessories you need to additionally buy, depending on what you want your end-product or concealed carry setup to look like. All this being said, this is everything that you will receive:

• (1) Owner’s Manual
• (1) Chamber Flag
• (1) Cable Lock
• (1) Cardboard Box
• (1) XD Mod.4 OSP 9mm
• (1) 16-Round Magazine
• (1) Optic Cover Plate

***No OSP Plates are included, sold separately***

Range Experience - Springfield Armory XD Mod.4 OSP 9mm

So, how does the Springfield Armory XD Mod.4 OSP 9mm perform out on the range?... Before we get this show on the road, let’s take a gander at what is under the hood, what makes this pistol tick, and what exactly is different about it from prior iterations we might have seen before. 

What’s Different?

Looking at the frame, there is unique texturing or stippling throughout the front strap, rear strap, and side panels to ensure that you have a confident and positive grip at all times. Some of the texturing lends its design from older model XD pistols, while other contact points utilize a feel that is entirely brand new. 

You will also notice improved slide serrations. The channels or cuts are deeper and more aggressive to deliver the best grip possible in inclement weather, adverse conditions, or whatever your day might throw your way. 

Optics Mounting

With the XD Mod.4 being an OSP (Optical Sight Pistol) compatible handgun, I immediately looked to mount a red dot to it to kick off my range session. My choice for this trip to the range was a Vortex Optics Venom Enclosed Micro Red Dot (6 MOA). This utilizes a DeltaPoint Pro footprint. So, while the XD Mod.4 OSP does not ship with any OSP plates out of the box, I got one for this review to demonstrate the mounting process. 

Accuracy

Once I got my red dot on and I established a hasty zero, I set about identifying just how accurate this pistol might be. I was shooting some affordable yet reliable Remington Range 9mm 115 Grain Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) for this review. So, I want to give them a quick shout-out and thank you for supplying the ammunition. That is greatly appreciated. 

Most of my accuracy demonstrations in reviews like this I am executing at 7 - 10 yards on a flat range. I perceive that to be a very common and practical distance. Whether you are a concealed carry advocate, league shooter, or carry a secondary pistol for defense while hunting, that is a meaningful distance for most people to train at. 

Intangibles

A few of my favorite elements about this pistol are the trigger and slide serrations. The trigger is reminiscent of an XDM Elite, where it has a flat shoe, nice pull, and it breaks cleanly. For a ~$300 pistol, the trigger punches in at a much higher price level for quality.

The slide serrations don’t have some exotic geometry or futuristic machining process (I assume), yet the deep cuts are easy to grasp and manipulate, and the handling is confidence-inducing. 

Final Thoughts

So, what are my final thoughts on the Springfield Armory XD Mod.4 OSP 9mm? Overall, this pistol delivers much more than its $399 asking price. For being optics-ready, high capacity, well textured, having a good trigger, and nice handling, Springfield would be justified in charging a lot more for this handgun. For all of those reasons, it makes this pistol a great buy for the price it is being retailed at. 

In closing, I want to say thank you to Springfield Armory for allowing The Firearm Blog and myself the opportunity to try out their new Springfield Armory XD Mod.4 OSP 9mm. That is greatly appreciated. Also, we would like to know what all of you guys and gals think?

Do you believe that the Springfield Armory XD Mod.4 OSP 9mm is something worth spending your money on? Would you potentially deploy it to shoot a league or competition? Use it for home defense? As always, let us know all of your thoughts about Springfield Armory and their XD Mod.4 OSP series of firearms in the Comments below! We always appreciate your feedback and engagement.

Welcome back to another edition of Concealed Carry Corner. Last week, we took a look at whether the overall size of your carry gun really matters when it comes to comfort and concealability. If you happened to miss that article, be sure to click the link here to check it out. This week, I think it's exciting to see Glock releasing the updated 15-round magazine for the Glock 43X and 48 models, making an interesting shake-up in the lineup when it comes to their concealed carry line of pistols. Let's take a look at whether or not the Glock 48 is the new standard.

The Glock 19 Was The Perfect Size

For over two decades now, the Glock 19 has been the golden child of concealed carry pistols, with what many call online the perfect blend of size, capacity, and weight to be an all-season carry gun compared to other options on the market. Combine that with the reliability that Glock is notorious for and there was a gold standard born. If you read online forums where people debate the best carry gun of all time or even read a Top 5 article about carry guns, the Glock 19 is almost always on the list, if not on top of the list. Being a mid-size option on the market with 15+1 capacity and being bulletproof reliable makes it a tough option to rule out for something to depend on to protect yourself day in and day out.

Why The 48 Is The New King

While the Glock 43X takes the same new 15-round magazines, the Glock 48 is the most interesting option. There's no denying the short barrel on the 43X is great for summer carry, but if we are looking at a direct comparison to the Glock 19, the Glock 48 has a number of similar features while being almost half the width. With the release of Glock’s factory 15-round slimline magazine, the Glock 48 becomes a slim variant of the Glock 19 with the same length and height but significantly thinner than the Glock 19, while offering the same capacity. The most important factor after overall weight when it comes to a carry gun is the overall thickness and size. The length of the Glock 48 doesn't affect concealability, but being a slimmer version of the Glock 19 makes carrying it all day, every day in hot weather much easier.

The lower profile cuts down on how fast you’ll fatigue, creating a much more comfortable experience for all-day carry. With multiple variants out, like the MOS cut version, to accept a wide variety of red dot optics and an accessory rail for weapon-mounted lights or laser devices, the Glock 48 is an incredibly modular system that allows you to set up your pistol with all the current accessories that people like to carry on their guns. Since it's a part of the Glock line of pistols, there's a large amount of aftermarket support if you want to add a magwell, aftermarket trigger, or any other accessory.

Transition To Slimmer Handguns

In the market today, there has been a shift from the smallest possible micro guns to handguns that may be slightly larger but remain slim. This is the case with the Glock 43X and 48, along with the SIG P365 XL and Macro line, and Springfield’s Hellcat line of pistols. The trend for handguns to become slightly larger while remaining slim seems to be the best of both worlds since you get to keep the longer sight picture for more accurate shots while keeping the handgun slim for easier carry all day long.

Overall Thoughts

The Glock 19 has been and will continue to be one of the top choices for a concealed carry handgun. The introduction of the new Slimline 15-round magazine for the Glock 43X and 48, though, really does move the needle where I suspect there will be a fairly large percentage of people who will shift over to the slimmer and lighter-weight Glock 48 instead of the classic Glock 19.

What do you guys think? Will you stick to the Glock 19 or think about moving over to the slimmer Glock 43X or 48 model variants? Let me know in the comments below. If you have questions about the Glock 48 or firearms in general, feel free to shoot me a message on Instagram @fridgeoperator. Stay safe out there and we will see you next week for another edition of Concealed Carry Corner.

TFB’s Concealed Carry Corner is brought to you by GLOCK

The American firearms industry is still going great guns after a minor slump in 2025, with the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) adjusted NICS numbers showing more than a million guns sold in the U.S. in May of 2026, as well as an increase over May’s numbers in 2025.

Guns for sale @ TFB:

• Massive Stash Of WW2 Brit Surplus Thompsons Found, Coming Up For Sale 
• NICS Numbers Are Still Sky-High, But Declining 
• CMP Moves Auctions To Gunbroker 
• The UXR Modular Rifle By PWS: Now Shipping to Dealers 

Why NICS numbers matter

When you buy a firearm at a gun dealer, the business sends a query to the FBI’s National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) for a background check. The reply from NICS lets the seller know whether the prospective buyer has a criminal record or can’t own a firearm for other reasons.

Obviously, NICS queries are not a straight one-to-one relation to firearms sales, because some NICS queries come back denied. Other NICS queries are for explosives, for CCW licenses or other reasons than a gun purchase, and some NICS queries are for multiple guns. As well, some states have no NICS queries at all, but instead use an alternative method for background checks. So, while an increase in NICS numbers generally means more people buying guns and a decrease means the inverse, you can only trust the figures so far.

Q has a well-earned reputation for building rifles that feel like they emerged from an engineering thought experiment, specifically: what's the minimum amount of rifle you need to accomplish the maximum amount of work? The Mini Fix in 6mm ARC is the latest answer to that question.

The new configuration pairs Q's Mini Fix platform with a 12-inch barrel and the 6mm ARC cartridge, a combination Q says delivers ballistic performance that punches well past what the package size implies. The press release puts it bluntly: this is a rifle for shooters who want precision and capability "in a platform that doesn't suck to carry around all day."

At the center of the design is Q's one-piece aluminum receiver, a folding adjustable stock, and a short-throw bolt action that the company says eliminates excess weight and bulk without compromising function. At 5.25 pounds, it's a setup that genuinely earns the word "compact" rather than just claiming it on a spec sheet. The 12-inch barrel keeps overall length to 31 inches, and the 1:7 twist with a ½-28 threaded muzzle makes it suppressor-ready out of the box. To be honest, it pretty much ticks all the boxes I like - unfortunately, where I live, the barrel must be 18” for hunting.

6mm ARC was developed with efficiency in mind, particularly in shorter barrels, and Q is leaning into that strength here. I only fired a few mags of 6mm ARC in my life, but it’s easy to appreciate. The cartridge offers competitive long-range ballistics from a gas gun and proves equally capable from a bolt platform, where barrel length constraints that might hurt other cartridges don't hit as hard. Whether this is heading into a hunting pack, riding in a truck, or serving as a training tool with a can on the end, the Mini Fix 6 ARC is positioned to cover a wide range of roles without asking for a dedicated gun for each one.

Q describes the Mini Fix as "everything you need; nothing you don't," which is the kind of line that's easy to roll your eyes at until you actually handle one of their rifles and realize they're not entirely wrong. The 16-inch non-NFA version of the same platform is available for those who want to skip the tax stamp, but the announcement is clearly aimed at the crowd that accepts the Form 4 wait as the price of admission for a genuinely compact package.

This Q is available now through Q dealers nationwide. MSRP is $3,600.

There isn’t an abundance of images of the new 12” version, but you can check out the 16” here: https://www.liveqordie.com/mini-fix-16-in-6mm-arc-gray 

Is the 12-inch Mini Fix the sweet spot for a suppressed precision hunting rifle, or does the non-NFA 16-inch barrel make more practical sense for most buyers?

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If this post has you ready to hit the range, head over to gunranges.com - a free directory to help you find shooting ranges near you, wherever you are in the United States.

The Nano Roni's ultra-low-profile chassis is designed with concealment in mind. It accepts pistols equipped with threaded barrels, compensators, or suppressors up to 35mm in diameter, and it's optic-ready, working with whatever red dot is already mounted on the host pistol. A MIL-STD Picatinny rail runs beneath the chassis for light and accessory attachment.

"We're proud to introduce the Nano Roni as the ultimate compact solution for shooters who demand more from their pistol," said Marc Hinawi. "It combines our proven design and engineering with American manufacturing to deliver unmatched versatility and performance in the smallest package yet."

Initial compatibility covers Glock 17, 19, 22, 23, 31, 32, and 45. Additional fits are on the way, with Glock 43 and 48 platforms, plus select SIG Sauer, Taurus, and Canik models listed as coming soon, if you need a clue to what’s around the corner. The kit is not a firearm and requires no FFL transfer. The MSRP is $199.

An accessories ecosystem backs the platform, with separately available belt holster, grip with magazine holder, magazine holder with flashlight, red dot sight, sling and swivel set, and Picatinny rail add-ons. Bundle configurations are also available directly through Roni.

More at https://micro-roni.com/product/nano-roni/ 

Would you consider a tool-free PDW chassis a legitimate upgrade for home defense, or is keeping a handgun standalone the smarter play?

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If this post has you ready to hit the range, head over to gunranges.com - a free directory to help you find shooting ranges near you, wherever you are in the United States.

The FM-9D continues to win over more shooters every month. For this week’s episode of Behind The Gun podcast, Adam from Freedom Ordnance joins us to talk company roots, the real development story behind their closed-bolt 9mm belt-fed upper, and why it’s seeing a major surge in popularity. What started as a somewhat boutique platform has become far more practical and downright addictive for civilian shooters thanks to the wider availability of forced-reset triggers and similar devices, including Freedom Ordnance’s own trigger-actuating grip. Adam breaks down the engineering choices, durability tests, ammo tests, talks to us about the proprietary belt system, and of course, options for those who don’t want ot mess with belts as often. Adam also takes some time to speak to the challenges of bringing a specialized firearm like this from concept to production while standing by his policy of only taking on orders he knows Freeodom Ordnance can fulfill.

More TFB Behind the Gun Podcast Episodes:

• TFB Behind the Gun #209: Ryan w/ Atrius Development Group
• TFB Behind the Gun #208: Vortex Edge's Chris Urrutia
• TFB Behind the Gun #207: Hot or Not w/ TFB's Doug E

TFB Behind the Gun #220: FM-9D Belt-Fed w/ Adam | Freedom Ordnance

Adam from Freedom Ordnance joins us this week to discuss the company’s background and the rise of their FM-9D. The FM-9D, a recent addition to the Freedom Ordnance lineup, is a closed-bolt, disintegrating-link 9mm belt-fed upper built for standard AR-15 lowers. Today, we talk about the product's pre-FRT roots and discuss the increased popularity and legal status of forced-reset triggers, which helped transform it from a niche novelty into a genuinely fun (but still kind of expensive) practical shooter for regular citizens who don't want to jump through all of the NFA hoops.

Freedom Ordnance official site: https://freedomordnance.com/

FM-9D product page: https://freedomordnance.com/product/fm-9d/

Freedom Ordnance on Instagram: @freedom_ordnance

Kimber’s award-winning R7 Mako: the polymer-frame, striker-fired micro-compact with 14 rounds total capacity, and a trigger you have to experience to believe. Feed your appetite for something different at www.R7Mako.com.

VNSH Holsters – www.vnsh.com/behindthegun

Hearing is one of those things in life that you simply can't get back; once it's gone, it's gone. Growing up in the military, this was preached to us at every possible moment on the firing ranges, when operating around loud machinery and so on and so forth. Personally, I have always taken hearing safety very seriously, as I never wanted to rely on hearing aids in my later years. After becoming a helicopter pilot, I take hearing safety even more seriously. The problem is that most places I work now, I need to be able to communicate while also having hearing protection. The solution to this problem, headsets that can lower ambient noise while enhancing voice chatter, but also be able to plug into a radio communication system on a helicopter or PTT.

While the army has its own headsets for tasks like this, they are big and bulky and only suited for one purpose. This is where the Ops Core Amps come into play, an advanced tactical communication headset designed for integration with Ops-Core helmets, providing active hearing protection, audio transmission, and enhanced situational awareness for its user. Let's see if they live up to the hype?

More Headsets @ TFB

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• ATN Introduces the New ATN X-Sound Hearing Protection
• Noveske Rifleworks & Safariland Collab on Liberator HP Electronic Ear Pro
• TFB Review: Comfort Combo by Qore Performance and Noisefighters

The Ops Core AMPs and Helmet Mounts were provided by Ops Core for this review, and while I am allowed to keep this headset after the conclusion of this review, this will not change my opinion on any of their current or future products. Ops Core has not been allowed to preview this article prior to its publication. I have been using the AMPs for about 9 months now and have taken them on multiple range trips, helicopter flights, and to my in-laws' house (Because they have 6 very loud dogs).

Specs - Ops Core AMPS

Battery Type - 2x AAA lithium batteries

Battery Runtime (Standard) - Up to 120 hours at 21°C (68°F

Operating Temperature - 40°C to +55°C (-40°F to +131°F) with lithium batteries

Weight - 0.92 (419 Grams)

Color Options - Black, Tan 499, Urban Gray, Foliage Green

Comms Systems - Integrates with standard tactical radios via U-173/U plugs

Number of Downleads - 2

Mounting - Headband or rail-mounted

Country of Origin - USA

MSRP - $1,595.95

Hearing Protection and Amplification

At its core is the 3D Hear-Through (3DHT) system and its active mics that amplify ambient noise for that natural ear feel while capping peaks. This means you can hear all the range commands while the gunshots will be toned down. NRR sits at 22 dB standalone (SNR 27 dB), plenty to tame a .300 Blackout or 12-gauge thunder without turning conversations into lip-reading exercises. While I did not have them for this review, the optional NFMI earplugs (another $200 or so), and you're at 34 dB. I love this feature as it lets me not be that guy in class asking the instructor to repeat themselves.

The noise-cancelling mic is boom-mounted (left or right), depending on your preference, with U-173/U connectors for getting up on a radio. I use this feature a good amount when I need to trade my flight controls for a camera at my unit. It's nice to be able to have my own dedicated headset to communicate with the rest of the crew. The controls are simple with earcup buttons for volume, modes, and power, and are glove-friendly for when hands are mittened up. Battery-wise, those AAAs deliver 120 hours of power with auto-shutoff after two hours of idle to stretch it further. There is also a Fail-safe mode. If the batteries die, the comms will revert to a passive mode so you can still hear and communicate in the aircraft.

When wearing anything around your head for multiple hours on end, you want it to be as comfortable as possible. The gel seals mold around your head without any noticeable pressure points in my experience. The headband distributes weight evenly, but the real versatility flex is the Rail Mount Kit. With the Rail Mount Kit, the headset clips to helmet rails for stabilized, counterbalanced wear under any compatible helmet. I have run my helmet with a normal headband headset in the past, and, unusually, after a few hours, a few hotspots have formed. With the rail mount, you get to have one less thing crushing your skull, and that can make all the difference. The AMPs are also IPX7 waterproof, and my pair has survived a few sudden rain showers to date.

Performance and Use

Transitioning to times when I need to have the headset mounted to my helmet, this feature has proved invaluable. It provides rock-solid stability and no slippage during dynamic maneuvers like transitions between positions. The mount's counterbalancing design complements optics and accessories, while its 360-degree adjustability allows for customized positioning that supports optimal cheek weld and doesn't interfere with night-vision setups. It will take up a slot on the rear section of the rail, but will allow you to mount more items on the top section.

Value

At $1,596 MSRP, the AMPs aren't an impulse buy, but for those in high-stakes roles like pilots, SWAT operators, or frequent range instructors, the return on investment stacks up quickly. You're not just buying hearing protection; you're investing in a system that adapts to your workflow, reducing the mental overhead of swapping gear mid-mission. Compared to cobbling together separate ear pro, comms mics, and helmet adapters (which could easily hit $800 and still underperform), the AMPs' all-in-one modularity pays dividends in reliability and sanity. Sure, the battery life is low at 120 hours, and bundling the NFMI plugs would sweeten the deal, but as-is, they've earned a permanent spot in my flight and range bag. Not to mention these are great for when I’m filming with James and I need a set of ear pro for my safety but also monitor audio levels.

Pitting the AMPs against staples like the 3M Peltor ComTac VII or SureFire EP4s, it carves a niche in shooter-centric versatility. After wearing the AMPS for a while I went back to my older pair of ComTacs and noticed there was much less room for my ears inside the cup. I'm not saying this is a problem but just an observation and if you have bigger ears that might be another reason to take a look at the AMPs.

ComTacs (around $600) nail basic protection (NRR 23 dB) and are lighter for pure range days, but lack the AMP's helmet rail seamlessness. EP4s are plug-simple for $20, but zero comms or amp, and that's fine for most people. Where the AMPS really shine is if you need to have active noise canceling while maintaining comms and want the versatility to mount on a helmet or a headband. There are very few out-of-the-box offerings on the market that can do this that I'm aware of. 

Wrap Up

The bottom line is that the Ops-Core AMPS are a versatile and tactical tool for a shooter's loadout, blending protection, comms, and modularity. From headband ease on sunny ranges to rail-steady tactics under a helmet, the do-it-all nature streamlines my gear choices when I leave the house. While they are certainly not cheap, they have been dependable and easy to use from day one. I do wish the Battery life were better, and they came with the NFMI out of the box.

If you're someone just looking for some simple ear protection at the range and you shoot a couple times a year, these are certainly overkill for you. If you shoot a lot and want the passive audio only, then there are much cheaper alternatives on the market that can accomplish that job for you. I believe this headset is best suited for Military and Law Enforcement applications. If you're in the market for a high-end headset with all the bells and whistles, then you can stop searching because it's the Ops-Core AMPS.

I would like to thank Ops Core for sending me this product for review. For more information on their products, please visit https://shop.gentexcorp.com/

The real question nobody's asking but everyone's thinking: is the trigger on the deployment mechanism Glock-like in its simplicity, or did Microtech actually manage to improve on it? Considering Glock's trigger has been both the most praised and most aftermarket-modified component in pistol history, the bar is simultaneously very high and very low depending on who you ask. Or is this the only “Glock” with a switch you can legally own (at least in some States)?

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Photos by Microtech Knives.

Functionally, this is a classic single-action revolver. You load one chamber at a time through the loading gate, manually cock the hammer before each shot, and eject spent casings one by one with the ejector rod. It slows you down in the best possible way. Every round is deliberate. There's no spray-and-pray here, just you, six shots and whatever you're pointing at. That's as close to the frontier as most of us will get, and for a lot of shooters, that's exactly the point.

"The Rough Rider has always been about delivering an authentic, accessible shooting experience rooted in American heritage," said Laura Prieto, Marketing Manager. "With the introduction of .32 H&R Magnum, we're honoring that legacy while giving Heritage fans something they've never had before - a more powerful option that stays true to the spirit of the original."

The gun is made in the USA at Heritage's facility in Bainbridge, Georgia.

The chassis ships with a Magpul MOE-K grip and accepts most standard AR grips without beavertails, which keeps customization options wide open. A 10.5-inch M-LOK handguard with five-sided attachment positions handles lights, lasers, grips, or whatever else the shooter wants to hang off it. A 3.75-inch, nine-slot 1913 Picatinny scout rail sits on top of the handguard for optics or a forward-mounted sight. Ambidextrous QD sling attachment points round out the feature set for those who plan to actually carry the thing.

The folding stock itself offers push-button adjustable length of pull between 12 and 13 inches and a push-button adjustable cheek riser, so getting a solid cheek weld with optics mounted is a straightforward exercise rather than a frustrating one. With a 16-inch barrel installed, the chassis folds down to 24.5 inches, a meaningful reduction from the 32.5 to 33.5-inch unfolded length. Without a barrel, the chassis itself collapses to just 11 inches, which pairs neatly with the Takedown platform's original purpose as a packable, go-anywhere rifle.

The Samson SAS/22 takedown chassis by the numbers:

• Platform: Ruger 10/22 Takedown (and most 10/22 Takedown pattern clones)
• Stock: Integrated SAS-K folding stock
• Length of pull: 12"–13" (push-button adjustable)
• Cheek riser: Push-button adjustable
• Handguard: 10.5" M-LOK, five-sided attachment positions
• Scout rail: 3.75" / 9-slot 1913 Picatinny
• Grip: Ships with Magpul MOE-K (accepts standard AR grips without beavertails)
• Sling attachment: Ambidextrous QD points
• Overall length (chassis only): 11" folded
• Overall length (16" barrel, folded): 24.5"
• Overall length (16" barrel, unfolded): 32.5"–33.5"
• Material: 6061-T6 aluminum
• Finish: MIL-A-8625 Type III Class 2 hard anodizing (black)
• Weight: 2.5 lbs.
• Made in: Keene, NH, USA

Product page: https://www.samson-mfg.com/sas22takedown.html

At $575, the SAS/22 Takedown costs more than the rifle itself, so is a chassis upgrade something you'd seriously consider, or does the stock platform do enough?

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If this post has you ready to hit the range, head over to gunranges.com - a free directory to help you find shooting ranges near you, wherever you are in the United States.

The new holsters in short:

• Carry modes: IWB hip and AIWB appendix
• Clip: DCC Mod 4 Universal high-retention gear clip
• Cant adjustment: -5° to +20°
• Height adjustment: Nearly 1 inch of travel
• Clip positions: Three (including sight channel position)
• Camming bars: Low, medium, high; all included standard
• Hardware: No-spin, double-post proprietary fasteners
• Light-bearing variant: CERTUM LUX4 (reduced profile for WML guns)
• Platform support at launch: Glock, SIG SAUER, Springfield Armory, Staccato, S&W M&P, Walther, H&K
• Replaces: CERTUM3 (standard), CERTUM LUX2 and CERTUM SOL (light bearing)
• MSRP: $125 (both models)
• Origin: Made in USA

Both models are available now at https://tenicor.com/pages/certum4-certum-lux4  

Tenicor ships all three camming bars in the box rather than selling them separately. Is that kind of out-of-the-box adjustability a deciding factor when you're choosing between holster brands?

Halifax Regional Police (HRP), the largest municipal police service in Atlantic Canada, has selected the GLOCK G45 COA as its new duty pistol platform following a competitive evaluation process centered on safety, reliability, and ease of use. The full platform package includes the GLOCK G45 Gen 5 COA pistol fitted with the Aimpoint COA red dot optic via an exclusive A-CUT mounting solution, Streamlight TLR-7 X weapon-mounted lights, Safariland duty holsters, and GLOCK G45T training pistols.

The A-CUT interface is a purpose-built, low-profile optic mounting system developed in collaboration between GLOCK and Aimpoint specifically for duty applications, pairing the Gen 5 operating system with an integrated optics solution rather than a traditional aftermarket cut.

With the adoption, HRP joins a growing roster of Atlantic Canadian agencies running GLOCK platforms through Rampart, including the Fredericton Police Force Tactical Unit, Summerside Police Service, Kensington Police Service, Kentville Police Service, and Grand Falls Police Force. According to Rampart, GLOCK pistols are currently deployed by more than 90% of Canadian law enforcement agencies at the municipal, provincial, and federal levels.

"The selection of the GLOCK G45 COA reflects the continued evolution of modern Law Enforcement pistol programs toward integrated optics-ready systems built around reliability and performance," said Mike Klein, President of Rampart.

For HRP, the move to an optic-equipped duty platform puts the service in line with a broader shift happening across North American law enforcement, where red dot sights have moved from a tactical niche to a mainstream duty standard.

The Breakdown in short:

• Platform: GLOCK G45 Gen 5 COA
• Optic: Aimpoint COA with A-CUT mounting solution
• Weapon light: Streamlight TLR-7 X
• Holster: Safariland duty holsters
• Training pistol: GLOCK G45T
• Distributor: RAMPART Corp. (Ottawa, ON)
• Agency: Halifax Regional Police, Halifax, Nova Scotia
• Notes: Package includes instructor and armourer training; HRP is Atlantic Canada's largest municipal police service

Instructor and armourer training will accompany the rollout to support long-term deployment across the service.

Do you think that North American police services should standardize on optics-equipped duty pistols, or does the added complexity outweigh the benefits for patrol officers?

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Source: Rampart

The system is built to look like a traditional duty belt. That matters. Many agencies have strict uniform standards, and a modular platform that broadcasts its tactical origins isn't always welcome. HOLLE keeps the familiar leather and nylon aesthetic, the professional finish, and your choice of buckle: Sam Browne, Coplok, or Cobra, plus a buckleless option for those who prefer it. The belt also comes in a full range of sizes, from 20 inches up to 62 inches, so there are no fitment excuses.

Greg Freeman, vice president and general manager of Safariland Duty Gear, said the goal was a platform that delivers real-world flexibility without forcing officers to compromise on appearance or department standards. The HOLLE system is that argument in hardware form: a duty belt that finally treats modularity and professionalism as compatible priorities rather than a tradeoff.

Safariland’s HOLLE belt in bullet points:

• System: HOLLE (Hole Optimized Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment) Duty Belt
• Belt width: 2.25 inches (58mm)
• Accessory adjustment: 3/4-inch increments
• Buckle options: Sam Browne, Coplok, Cobra, buckleless
• Holster mounts: QUBL2, VUBL2, CUBL2 (mid and hi-ride)
• Compatibility: ELS, QLS, TQP, traditional belt-loop accessories
• Sizes: 20–26", 26–32", 32–38", 38–44", 44–50", 50–56", 56–62"
• Accessories: dump pouch, cantable single mag pouches (open and closed top), hard-mount belt keepers
• Manufacturer: Safariland, a brand of The Safariland Group (Cadre Holdings, NYSE: CDRE)

Belt yourself up at: https://safariland.com/products/holle-duty-belt 

Would a hard-mounted accessory system like HOLLE change how you configure your daily loadout, or does your current setup already work well enough?

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If this post has you ready to hit the range, head over to gunranges.com - a free directory to help you find shooting ranges near you, wherever you are in the United States.

It is hard to overestimate just how much movies shape modern gun culture. Like many, I attribute my fascination with firearms to Hollywood movies. But I am only aware of one instance when a movie gun accidentally created a new type of armament.

This story begins in 1967 in the jungles of Biafra in West Africa. British journalist Frederik Forsyth is embedded with the rebels who fight the government forces in one of the largest civil wars in the history of Nigeria. According to Forsyth, during that trip, he met many mercenaries from different countries, as well as rebel leaders who inspired him to write a book on this topic.

Based on that experience, in 1974 he published ‘The Dogs of War’, a novel about a group of mercenaries who plan to execute a coup d’état in a small African country of Zangaro. The book became a cult classic. In his books, Forsyth was extremely diligent when it came to technical accuracy, and the mercenaries in the book used mortars to gain fire superiority over local government forces.

In 1980, the movie was made based on a book. Starring Christopher Walken and Tom Berenger, it was a bit less authentic, and one of the main changes made to the story was the weapons used by the mercenaries.

Instead of mortars, which in the book were cleverly procured in a grey market deal in Yugoslavia, mercenaries in the movie relied on a different kind of firepower - a mysterious and imposing grenade launcher called XM18E1R. For the movie, a fictional but very convincing advertisement was created.

THE XM18E1R PROJECTILE LAUNCHER

The XM18E1R is an 18-round, 20mm projectile launcher. It represents the ultimate in assault technology. While being lightweight, it is able to launch 18 projectiles within a 5-second period for a distance of 100 meters and beyond.

Giving one man the capability of launching either one solid mode of action or a combination of smoke, gas, etc. It also provides the ability to launch high-impact flashette loads or other anti-personnel systems.

It was quite realistic - from the designation of the weapon to the terminology and overall style, it looked like it was printed on the pages of ‘Soldier of Fortune’ magazine, which was very popular at the time.

In reality, the prop used in the movie was the Manville Gun, designed in the early 1930s by Charles J. Manville. The version used in the movie was chambered for 26.5 mm shells. This weapon was designed primarily for riot control and fired less lethal flare, smoke, and riot gas shells, however it could be used to fire very lethal 12 gauge rounds.

The Manville Gun was used by the Indiana National Guard during the Terre Haute General Strike of 1935, but overall, the weapon did not sell well, so in 1943, Charles Manville’s company ceased production of the gun, and he destroyed all machinery, dies, diagrams, and notes.

But in the early 1980s, there was no internet, and the weapon looked as convincing as it could. So a young South African weapon design engineer, Andries Piek, decided that since such a weapon already exists, he could invent something similar.

Now Andries Piek is known as ‘The Father of the Original Multiple Grenade Launcher, worldwide known as the MGL’, but at the time, he had just finished his first design, the BXP ("blowback experimental parabellum") submachine gun. It was based on the Rhodesian LDP 9mm carbine.

Andries Piek ordered LDP from Rhodesia just before it became Zimbabwe, and South African customs impounded it. Andries managed to modify the gun and convert it to a semi-automatic, making it legal in South Africa.

In 1980, Milcor was founded, and Andries Piek went to work for them, gaining the opportunity to make XM18E1R a reality. Instead of shells, it used conventional 40x46 mm grenades, just like the iconic M79 or M203 UBGL (underbarrel grenade launcher).

In 1983, his creation was accepted into service by the South African Defense Force. Since then, over 50,000 units have been produced, and Milcor MGL is used by over 20 different countries, and adopted by the US Marine Corps and units within the US SOCOM (United States Special Operations Command).

Interestingly enough, the Manville Gun inspired one more gun designer, Michael Rogak, who invented the Hawk MM-1, also in the early 1980s. It used the same grenades and had one truly iconic movie role - in ‘Terminator 2’, Arnold Schwarzenegger used it in a scene where he gets into a shootout with a SWAT leaving the Cyberdyne Systems office.

Peak Alloy technology was first introduced in the commercial market in 2025 with the then all-new 7mm Backcountry, and that iconic silver casing drew as much attention as the newly announced cartridge. Now, Federal has signed what they’re calling a landmark agreement with the United States Army to accelerate high-performance ammunition across a range of cartridges deployed by our military.

Federal @ TFB:

• [SHOT 2026] New Federal Rifle, Handgun and Shotgun Ammunition
• Federal’s 2026 New Centerfire Rifle Ammunition
• Now Shipping: Federal’s New 9mm Self-Defense, 20ga Target Loads
• Fudd Friday: Go Old-School With Federal's New Upland Paper Loads

Press Release - Federal Premium and U.S. Army to Accelerate High-Performance Ammunition

“ANOKA, Minnesota – May 27, 2026 – Federal Ammunition today announced it has executed an agreement that allows the United States Army to utilize its patented Peak Alloy ammunition case technology for use in multiple cartridges and weapon systems. The new agreement specifies conditions necessary prior to granting Government Purpose Rights, such as the delivery of 40 million cases featuring the new technology.

Peak Alloy was first introduced in the commercial market in 2025 with the all new 7mm Backcountry. It is a high-strength, proprietary steel alloy casing that enables significantly higher chamber pressure — in excess of 80,000 PSI — than traditional brass for higher velocities in smaller, lighter, shorter-barreled rifles typically configured for suppressors. This case technology is also being evaluated by multiple allied European countries.

The agreement with the U.S. Army is inclusive of multiple chamberings including 50-cal and below.

“This is a historic agreement between the United States military and Federal Ammunition,” says Chairman and CEO Jason Vanderbrink. “As a 104-year-old American company, it further demonstrates our unwavering commitment to innovation. As the world’s most prominent manufacturer of small-caliber ammunition, I am particularly proud of the speed at which our team can develop a product with a purposeful application that improves the advanced systems our brave American warfighters use in the field of battle,” said Vanderbrink.

As always, let us know all of your thoughts about Federal Premium ammunition, Peak Alloy technology, and the new agreement signed with the U.S. Army in the Comments below! We always appreciate your feedback and engagement.

I am a huge fan of the Bodyguard 2.0 primarily because it conceals well in virtually any situation. One thing I really don’t like about it is that the magazines are notoriously difficult to load, and if you do any amount of practice, a mag loader is going to save your thumbs and fingers for the shooting, as these mags tend not to break in very much over the course of ownership. XTech has just announced the new LDR2000B1, a new addition to the LDR2000 lineup of affordable mag loaders, that is now specifically catered for the Bodyguard 2.0 and other .380 ACP pocket pistols with similar magazine bodies.

More from XTech Tactical @ TFB:

• XTech Tactical Takes Over Creature Grips 
• TFB Behind the Gun #210: XTech's Expansion w/ CEO Jeremy Deadman 
• New Gold, Chocolate Chip Camo, & Marble MAG47s from XTech Tactical 

The New LDR2000 B1 From XTech for the Bodyguard 2.0

"XTech® Tactical is excited to announce the release of the LDR2000™ B1, the ultimate Bodyguard 2.0 magazine speed loader. Key points are: 100% Made in the USA, lifetime warranty and a great value!

Bodyguard 2.0 magazine loader, and Bodyguard 2.0 mag loader designed specifically for the popular Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 2.0 .380 ACP micro-compact pistol.

This precision-engineered Bodyguard 2.0 accessory slips easily over factory or aftermarket .380 magazines, allowing users to load rounds smoothly with minimal effort using just a finger and thumb. It dramatically reduces hand strain for faster and more comfortable reloading.

Key features of the LDR2000™ B1 Bodyguard 2.0 Speed Loader include:

• Specifically engineered for Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 2.0 .380 magazines
• Capable of loading 2,0 magazines in 30 seconds or less
• Compact, lightweight, and easy to carry in a range bag or pistol case
• Durable injection molded polymer and construction built for years of reliable use
• Does not damage feed lips or ammunition
• Utility Patent Pending
• Made in the USA with XTech Tactical’s Lifetime Warranty

MSRP: $15.95 (SKU: XT4050001)"

Although it was filmed in Spain by an Italian director with another Italian providing the soundtrack, and the majority of the cast was also European, the 1966 movie The Good, The Bad and The Ugly was a generation-defining American western film. The guns used in the film did not gain the iconic status of the firepower used in Clint Eastwood’s later Dirty Harry series, but a horde of moviegoers had their interest in firearms piqued due to the film, so interest was understandably high when one of those long-lost weapons was found.

But there’s a catch: It wasn’t Angel Eyes’ revolver or the handguns or rifles used by another character in the film. Instead, enthusiasts have found the cannon that Clint Eastwood uses to set up the film’s final stages.

Saddle up, pardner @ TFB:

• Wheelgun Wednesday: Wild Bill Hickok's Smith & Wesson Model No. 2 Old Army Revolver 
• Cimarron Firearms Master Engraved Frontier .45LC Package 
• Guns of "3:10 To Yuma" (2007) 
• Wheelgun Wednesday: Building A Budget Wild West Collection 

Why is there a cannon used in a film about ruthless Western antiheroes looking for lost gold? Because this film is set against the backdrop of the American Civil War’s western campaign, with scenes of POW camps and pitched battles between the Confederate and Union troops. The gold the film’s main characters are searching for is lost Confederate funding, and there’s a theme of constant double-crossing and back-stabbing as they work their way closer to the stash. That’s where the cannon comes into the story; see below for the famous scene.

In real life, the history of that cannon is almost as convoluted as the film’s plot. It was actually made in England in the 1870s and eventually found its way to Spain, where it was in a military arsenal and then eventually was lent to filmmakers for the production of The Good, The Bad and The Ugly. That might sound odd, but the cash-strapped Spanish government lent a lot more than a cannon for this film; they also rented out the services of many conscript troops, who served as extras for the film’s battle scenes and also as hired laborers, building the cemetery in the scene above.

The Sad Hill Cultural Association, a group of volunteers dedicated to preserving the film’s history and sets in Spain, eventually realized this cannon was on display at a Spanish military museum, where it had been sent at some point after filming. Unlike the many other weapons used in the film, which were returned to prop departments and then disappeared over time, the cannon had been in government hands and the serial numbers showed it was the same one used in the movie.

For now, it’s going to remain at the museum in the city of Cartagena, but the Sad Hill Cultural Association hopes to return it to the desert site of filming in the future, as they work to recreate the sets of this iconic film.

Fabbrica d’Armi Pietro Beretta of Italy holds the title of world’s oldest firearm manufacturer, dating its roots as early as the year 1526. The current year is therefore the 500th anniversary of the birth of the company, a milestone that Beretta is celebrating in style. We’ve recently seen a rather unexpected high-tech MSR; now we’re invited to gaze at a gorgeously unattainable luxury shotgun.

Beretta SO10 EELL History: Introduction

Below we can find the full press release by Beretta:

“Beretta SO10 EELL History

Etched in steel, preserved in time

Gardone Val Trompia, May 27th, 2026 - Beretta proudly unveils the second one-off piece of 2026 - an extraordinary tribute to its origins, told through a vision of timeless artistry and strength, becoming a more traditional yet sumptuous interpretation of its 500th anniversary. A pinnacle of Pietro Beretta Selection craftsmanship, the SO10 EELL History brings the Battle of Pavia of 1525 to life through a thousand hours of full hand engraving, where every line captures not only the intensity, but the human drama and defining power of one of the Renaissance’s most pivotal clashes.

Franco Gussalli Beretta, President & CEO of Fabbrica d’Armi Pietro Beretta S.p.A., shares the story behind this exceptional tribute:

« The Battle of Pavia is one of the events that changed the history of the world – and of our world. This fight, between the Kingdom of France and the Habsburg Empire, represented a watershed between the use of medieval bladed arms and firearms, whose superiority determined the victory of Habsburg Empire. A turning point in military strategy, which would henceforth be characterized by the widespread use of firearms.

We’re in 1525, one year before the famous Bartolomeo Beretta’s receipt that allowed us to date Beretta origins around 1526, and we’re in Pavia, Lombardy, quite close from Bartolomeo’s workshop. The Val Trompia was already a reputed and designated center for barrel manufacturing at that time – and chances arquebus barrels produced by Bartolomeo Beretta took part into the battle are extremely high. »

Smoke drifts across the field. Steel clashes. The first echoes of gunfire begin to redefine the rules of war. At Pavia, history shifted, marking the moment when firearms rose to prominence, forever changing the course of combat.

Just one year later, in 1526, Bartolomeo Beretta’s receipt would mark the beginning of a legacy destined to endure. A story born in Lombardy, where craftsmanship, innovation, and destiny first converged - and where that same spirit continues to this day.

Five centuries later, that moment lives on - etched in steel, preserved in time.

Built in 20 gauge with 30” (76 cm) barrels, the SO10 EELL History showcases Beretta’s iconic SO10 sidelock system, featuring hand-detachable side plates that reveal the internal action, along with flawlessly integrated screws and pins.

An engineering masterpiece designed with millimetric precision, the SO10 is built around a receiver machined from a solid block of special high-resistance tri-alloy steel, with no casting or welding. Its flawless operation is ensured by a rear longitudinal bolt aligned with the hinge pins, complemented by two additional lower lugs for enhanced locking strength and efficiency, and the classic trapezoidal barrel shoulders working in opposition with those of the receiver.

The state-of-the-art design of this one-of-a-kind piece is exquisitely enhanced by select grade 5 walnut wood with a Tru-Oil® finish, mirror-polished barrels, and over 1,000 hours of hand engraving. Multiple techniques were employed, including hammer and chisel and burin, with extensive gold and copper inlays enriching the backgrounds and amplifying the grandeur of the scene.

Set within a rich deep-scroll framework, the engraved architecture of the city of Pavia becomes the stage for a powerful historical narrative.

On the left, Spanish soldiers wielding arquebuses engage the French chivalry depicted on the right sideplate. At the bottom of the receiver, the story reaches its climax as victors and vanquished converge in the aftermath of the battle, illuminated by the golden Beretta 500 Years logo - a seal marking this defining historical moment. The fretworked opening lever and trigger guard serve as refined tributes to the Company’s 500-year milestone.

Marco Martelli, Head of Design at Fabbrica d’Armi Pietro Beretta, explained:

« Based on the historical context of the Battle of Pavia, the goal of the SO10 History was to represent— in a highly faithful and traditional manner (consistent with the 16th century period)—an important milestone in the history of Beretta and of the Valley’s firearms industry.

The representation style aligns with that of the period, in order to remain as faithful as possible to the narrative of this Renaissance historical event. The intention, of course, is not only to celebrate it, but also to showcase the level of craftsmanship and complexity that our Pietro Beretta Custom Atelier is capable of achieving. »

Handcrafted with traditional mastery, the gun case of the SO10 EELL History also embodies the pinnacle of refined artistry. Its structure in solid wood is enveloped in vegetable‑tanned leather, while brass hardware adds enduring elegance. Inside, dark Alcantara meets gold‑finished accessories, creating a sanctuary of sophistication. Every detail is meticulously shaped by hand in the Gun Case Atelier, where heritage and luxury converge.”

When TFB first covered Dynamic Optronic Technologies back in September, the California-based company's debut EHS-1 holographic sight had already been turning heads since its SHOT Show appearance earlier that year. Now, DOT is back with a variant built around a different philosophy for how the optic attaches to your rifle. The EHS-1 L swaps the original's Quick Detach lever for a cross-bolt mounting system, and the result is a lower-profile package that DOT says is aimed at shooters who prefer a permanent, high-torque rail interface over a tool-free detach option.

Introduction: Why “Hey, Just Go Do Some Dry Fire” Isn’t Helpful Advise

In the early days of my competitive shooting career, I was a young college student who didn’t have the means to afford a ton of ammo for training. I was told that the alternative was that I would need to dry fire… a lot. The advice was great because it would allow me to improve my shooting skills. The problem was that I didn’t truly understand what that meant or how to get started. How exactly was I supposed to become a better shooter without actually shooting?

This is a common problem for newer shooters who may not yet have the skill or knowledge to train effectively with dry fire. In fact, they might not even know what dry fire is, how to do it safely, or how to practice properly. Even if they understand the concept, they may not know what drills to do, how to set practice goals, or how to make their dry fire practice carry over into live fire training.

The purpose of this article is to provide a simple starting point for new shooters. Dry fire training should be approachable and practical. It shouldn’t feel overwhelming, and you should be able to see your skills improving on the range.

1. What Dry Fire Actually Is

I define dry fire as the act of practicing firearm handling and shooting skills without live ammunition. It allows shooters to build repetition and consistency without having to make a range trip or spend large amounts of money on ammo. While I was in college and then in grad school, dry fire became crucial to my development as a competitive shooter, and I attribute much of my success to it.

Many skills can be improved through dry fire, including trigger control, sight alignment and acquisition, draws and presentations, reloads, and target transitions. More advanced shooters can even train movement and firearm transitions. Dry fire is a great way to develop these skills at home while simultaneously building muscle memory.

Although dry fire can never fully replace live fire, it can make live fire training more productive. As you develop new skills, the muscle memory you’ve built will help make the application of these skills to your live fire practice much easier. Dry fire can also help with skills maintenance for shooters who have limited range access. By using dry fire to routinely practice specific skills that don’t necessarily require ammo, like draws and reloads, you can free up your limited range time to focus on shooting-specific skills.

Overall, dry fire is a great way to become more familiar with your firearm and continue developing your shooting skills. Proper training and application can improve your live fire performance and help you make major advances in your skill set.

2. Safety Comes First

As with all things firearms, safety must come first. The basic rules of firearm safety apply to dryfire as well. Do not allow dryfiring to create an environment of complacency. When dry firing, you still must treat your firearm as if it is loaded and point it in a safe direction. Confirming and understanding the condition of your firearm at all times is paramount, and you still must practice trigger finger discipline. Do not get lazy with these practices.

To safely prepare for training, first unload the firearm completely. This includes removing the magazine, clearing the chamber, and confirming the chamber is empty. Remove all live ammunition (including your loaded magazines) from the room where you plan to dry fire. Ensure that you can clearly see the follower on any magazines that you are working with. Choose a wall or area to aim at that would minimize danger in the event of a negligent discharge. Even though your firearm should be unloaded and the ammo stored separately, it is vitally important to maintain safe muzzle direction.

It’s also important to minimize distractions while dry firing and stay focused while handling a firearm. Just as you would at the range, avoid multitasking or leaving screens on, and come into each session with a plan to keep yourself on track.

3. What Beginners Should Actually Practice

Once you’re ready to dry fire, it’s time to figure out exactly what to practice. Without a plan or purpose behind your training, there will be little benefit to your live fire. Early on, I struggled to make progress because I didn’t have a clear purpose behind my dry fire sessions. Once I started creating a plan with intention behind each exercise, my skills began improving quickly.

If you’re a beginner, one of the first skills to train, and one you should continually revisit, is trigger press. Good trigger control and a smooth press will lead to much more success in live fire. The goal is to keep the firearm and sights steady during the press. A simple drill is to aim at a sticky note on the wall and focus on keeping your sights still while pressing the trigger. This is something I still incorporate into my own training. While the drills I use now are more advanced than when I started, trigger press remains a skill I train during every session.

Other important skills to train are presentation and draw. Practicing your firearm presentation in dry fire can improve your live fire performance and overall consistency. Start by working from a low ready or compressed ready position, then practice presenting the firearm to the target. This helps develop consistent sight acquisition and eventually will improve your speed.

As you progress, you can begin practicing your draw. Doing so will allow you to continue developing your presentation while building a consistent grip and enabling quicker sight acquisition from the holster. Break the draw down into steps so you can build a smooth and repeatable motion (see examples below).

Once you’ve developed your trigger press, presentations, and draws, you can begin adding more advanced skills such as reloads and target transitions. Focus on efficient movement and consistency to build proper reload mechanics. For target transitions, be intentional about moving your eyes first and finding specific spots on the targets to aim at for better accuracy and speed.

4. What Might a Dry Fire Session Look Like?

Now that you know what to practice, what exactly should a session look like?

Remember, consistency matters more than long sessions. Your training should also reflect your goals. As a competitive shooter, my sessions often have very specific focuses depending on upcoming matches and the areas where I need improvement. When I’m competing less, my focus shifts more toward concealment and fundamentals. Determining your goals will help shape your training routine.

If you’re new to shooting, I’d recommend starting with 10-15 minutes of dry fire, 3-4 times a week. Focus on quality repetitions over volume, and make sure every rep has intention behind it.

A simple beginner session could look like this:

• Get a good grip and stance.
• Trigger presses: Practice pressing the trigger without moving the sights. Aim for 2 sets of 10 presses without any movement in the sights.
• Presentations: Work on consistent presentations beginning with 2 sets of 10 good reps.
• Draws: Practice safe draw and (slow) reholstering techniques. Break the draw into steps, then slowly and progressively build it into one smooth motion.
• Putting it all together: Perform a few reps combining a smooth draw, solid presentation, and steady trigger press.

This is a solid session for a beginner. As you improve, or if you decide to pursue more advanced or competitive shooting, you can begin adding more drills. You might even find yourself spending entire sessions on just one of the components from the list, above. There are several good online resources with advanced dry-fire drills and training plans.

As you get started, try to avoid some common mistakes.

• Don’t go too fast, too early. Your initial focus should be on quality repetitions .
• Don’t treat your training casually. Make sure you have a clear goal or intended purpose for each session. Stay intentional with your practice.
• Don’t ignore safety habits. Follow firearm safety rules during every session.

Conclusion - Start Simple and Stay Consistent

Now you’re ready to start dry fire training. Remember, it doesn’t need to be complicated, especially when you’re just beginning. You also don’t need expensive gear, or even a holster, to get started. You can still practice fundamentals and presentations until you decide to add more equipment.

Consistency is key. Your sessions don’t need to be long or complicated. Focus on quality repetitions, intentional practice, and steady improvement.

Start simple, stay consistent, and watch your skills develop over time.

ELEY’s line of premium UK-produced ammunition is a pretty rare sight here in the States for most of us, mostly because of its price. In addition to the budget, specialty, and standard 22LR offerings we’ve been checking out, I’ve also decided to start folding in some more premium 22LR offerings, including this week’s offering - ELEY Force 42gr Round Nose. This supersonic load is primarily intended for high-level competitive shooters, and today we’ll be putting it through the Ingegrally Suppressed Angstadt/Ruger Precision Rimfire.

More Rimfire Report @ TFB:

• The Rimfire Report: Remington 250th Anniversary 22LR Yellow Jacket 
• The Rimfire Report: Do 3D Printed Rimfire Suppressors Make Sense? 
• The Rimfire Report: Is Remington’s Budget Cyclone 22LR Any Good? 

ELEY Force overview

Product Link: https://www.eleyammunition.com/eley-force-22lr/

"ELEY force is a high-velocity, semi-automatic .22LR round designed for power. Featuring a new propellant utilising a distributed pressure curve that accelerates the bullet to a supersonic velocity, providing maximum knock-down force.

ELEY force is a .22LR round that delivers both strong kickback and accuracy.

•  Bullet profile: Round nose
•  Cartridge length: 25.4mm/ 1inch
•  Bullet weight: 2.7 grams/ 42 grain
•  Velocity: Muzzle: 381m/s (1250ft/s), 25m(27yds): 355m/s(1164ft/s), 50m(55yds): 336m/s (1103ft/s), 91m(100yds): 314m/s(1031ft/s)
•  Lubricant: Paraffin Wax
• Strike Depth – 0.012-0.015 in
• Recommended headspace 00.040-00.041 in
• Mean Velocity is determined in ELEY Rifle test barrels. Results may vary in your firearm.
• Drag Model – RA4
• Ballistic Coefficient 0.112

key features

• High velocity
• Extreme knock-down force
• Smooth functioning

designed for

• High level competitive semi-automatic shooters

used for

• Competitive semi-automatic rifle

firearm

• .22LR semi-automatic rifle
• .22LR semi-automatic pistol
• .22LR Revolver"

ELEY Force is not sold directly on the ELEY website but is instead imported here into the States and resold by various online retailers. I purchased my box of ELEY Force from MidwayUSA for $7.50, which comes out to about $0.15 per round, which is not that expensive when it comes to competition-grade ammunition. The only other match-grade 22LR ammunition I recall ever testing in a Rimfire Report article was SK High Velocity match a few years ago, and it turned out to be a supremely accurate cartridge. So how will ELEY’s high-velocity offering hold up?

When it comes to rimfire competitions, sometimes having a bit of extra oomph is what you need to give yourself an edge at a PRS competition, or, if you’re of the type, a rimfire ELR match. Hotter ammo typically has a much more forgiving bullet trajectory, allowing you to shoot further out without having to make the same level of adjustments as you would with standard velocity or subsonic ammo. The Vanquish 22 barrel is a poor example of this important aspect of this ammo, as it cuts down the velocity by 200 feet per second, but I could see this ammo still being used as a highly precise competition or hunting ammo.

Final Thoughts

All of the ELEY ammo I’ve tried out so far from their fairly large catalog of specialty rimfire ammo has been quite impressive in almost every metric - including its price. I typically find that ELEY’s other offerings are sometimes two or three times as expensive as what I found ELEY Force for. Given its level of consistency out of the Angstadt RPR, I’d gladly pay $8 all day for that level of performance, especially if it transfers into a higher-end competition semi-auto rimfire rifle or pistol.

The MC9 Prime earned 2025 Concealed Carry Handgun of the Year honors on the back of a loaded spec sheet for the money: 17+1 capacity in a micro-compact frame, Night Fision tritium sights, an aluminum flat-face trigger with a 90-degree break, optics-ready slide, and that integrally compensated barrel and slide setup Canik calls an "integrated expansion chamber." The NC variant keeps every bit of that except the porting. Same grip texture, same deep serrations, same trigger, same sights, same Shield RMSc optic cut. Just a clean, traditional slide and barrel where the ports used to be.

That's not a small thing for a meaningful slice of the carry market. Plenty of shooters prefer non-compensated pistols for a variety of reasons. Canik made the right call, leaving the entire Prime package intact and only changing the muzzle end, rather than stripping the gun back to a lesser configuration.

"The METE MC9 PRIME has been overwhelmingly well-received for its balance of size, capacity, and optics-ready capability," said CANiK Director of Marketing Jeff Rose. "With the new METE MC9 Prime NC, we're giving customers exactly what they've asked for - the same outstanding ergonomics, trigger, and sight package in a non-compensated version that maintains the lightweight, slim profile our customers love."

At $649.99 MSRP with two 17-round magazines included, the Prime NC slots right at the same price point as the base Prime and maintains the value proposition that made the platform hard to ignore in the first place. The micro-compact carry segment is crowded and getting more so, but Canik has been operating at a quality level that punches above the price tag for several years running. I shot another model from Canik last week, in a timed event on the Texas star and some other steel target. I managed to place in the top 3, so they seem to work.

Do you prefer a traditional slide profile over an integrated comp for everyday carry, or does the comp's recoil benefit outweigh the trade-offs for you?

For more information, visit Canik.com.

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If this post has you ready to hit the range, head over to gunranges.com - a free directory to help you find shooting ranges near you, wherever you are in the United States.

At its core is VKTR's VK-1P, a 10.5-inch piston-driven 5.56 AR pistol that the company bills as the lightest, most feature-rich piston platform on the market. Pair that with an Exigent Defense LE556 suppressor, a Hiperfire single-stage trigger and a Holosun ARO-MRS-GR green dot on a Unity Tactical FAST mount, and you've got a capable short-barreled rig that's ready to run the moment it comes out of the included Savior double rifle bag.

The VKTR VK-1P brings a patented low-profile piston system with a cup-and-spigot gas seal design, ambidextrous billet controls, and an SBA3 brace to the party. For those unfamiliar with VKTR's engineering, the piston system uses staged gas bleed to maintain reliable cycling whether you're running suppressed or bare, which matters a lot with a 10.5-inch barrel and a can on the end. The platform ships in black with M-LOK rail space and a 1:7 twist rate, loaded 30+1 in 5.56 NATO.

The Exigent LE556 is the headliner of the suppressor side of this equation. Built via direct metal laser sintering from Inconel 718, the can uses a proprietary coaxial forward-flow venting system that Exigent says redirects expanding gases into an annular vent path, reducing backpressure and gas to the face. Full-auto rated, direct-thread at 1/2x28, and designed to handle the short-barrel heat cycle, it's a serious piece of kit for a suppressor that fits Exigent's stated philosophy of "Over Built Under Budget." Minimum barrel length for the LE556, per Exigent, is 10.3 inches, so the 10.5-inch VK-1P clears that threshold with a little room to spare.

VKTR Sales Manager Eric Luley called it plainly: "This is an awesome collaboration and is a great way to get into a VK-1 piston setup, at a great price point. Shark Coast Tactical built the kit into a true out of the box product."

That out-of-the-box framing is really the pitch here. Sourcing a quality suppressor-ready piston pistol, a duty-grade Inconel can, a solid green dot optic with a proper height mount, and a bag to carry it all involves a lot of individual purchasing decisions, NFA paperwork coordination, and compatibility verification. Bundled through a single retailer that's done the legwork? That's a different conversation. It's also worth noting the DFCO Tiger Claw indexor is in the box, a detail that suggests someone thought through the ergonomics of running this thing suppressed with a shorter sight radius.

The Kentucky Truck Gun is available exclusively through Shark Coast Tactical, and priced at $2,850.00.

What other piston-platform AR pistols would you put up against the VK-1P in this price range?

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If this post has you ready to hit the range, head over to gunranges.com - a free directory to help you find shooting ranges near you, wherever you are in the United States.

This year is quickly becoming the year of the Aimpoint COA. Since SHOT Show, we have seen a lot of companies offer this popular enclosed emitter optic because of its durability, reliability, and its unique yet secure mounting system. Springfield Armory announced Echelon models that will be outfitted from the factory with Aimpoint COA red dots earlier this year, and now you can add the 1911 Operator, 1911 TRP, and 1911 DS Prodigy to that list as well.

Springfield Armory @ TFB:

• TFB Review: The New Threaded Springfield Armory Operator AOS
• TFB Review: Springfield Armory 10-8 Master Class 1911
• Springfield Armory Launches Echelon Pistols with Aimpoint COA
• New: Springfield Model 2020 Heatseeker Pistol in .308 Win

Springfield Armory Aimpoint COA-Equipped 1911 & 1911 DS Prodigy

For those who might be unfamiliar with the craze that is sweeping the gun industry, the Aimpoint COA is an enclosed emitter red dot, meaning dirt, debris, and other grime can’t obstruct your red dot. Yes, debris can temporarily obstruct your view, but you can simply wipe it off. Easy-peasy. The Aimpoint COA A-CUT (its attachment method) is a unique yet firm attachment style utilizing a front hook and a rear wedge. This secure attachment system lends itself to durability, reliability, and repeatable quality as we alluded to earlier. Other desirable attributes are its night-vision settings, a side-loading CR2032 battery, and a 7075-T6 aluminum housing.

• 1911 Operator® COA® Handgun .45 ACP | Black - MSRP $1,623
• 1911 TRP™ COA® Handgun .45 ACP | Black - MSRP $2,424
• 1911 DS Prodigy™ 4.25" COA® Handgun 9mm | Black - MSRP $1,955

A Word from Springfield Armory on the Aimpoint COA-Equipped 1911 and 1911 DS Prodigy Pistols

“Geneseo, Illinois - May 26th, 2026 - Springfield Armory® is proud to announce the launch of new 1911 and 1911 DS Prodigy™ additions to the Aimpoint® COA®-equipped line of pistols — first launched with the Echelon 9mm. These new offerings — made up of a 4.25” 1911 DS Prodigy 9mm and a 5” railed 1911 TRP™ and 5” 1911 Operator®, both In .45 — arrive factory-milled with the Aimpoint A-CUT™ interface and fitted out with the class-leading Aimpoint COA closed-emitter red dot sight.

“We’re proud to announce these new Aimpoint COA-equipped 1911 and 1911 DS Prodigy pistol offerings to complement our previously launched Echelon COA pistols,” said Steve Kramer, Vice President of Marketing for Springfield Armory. “Pairing the rugged and durable Aimpoint COA closed-emitter optic with these dedicated A-CUT pistols provides shooters with an appealing combination of a cutting-edge optic with the proven 1911 and 1911 DS platforms.””

Final Thoughts

The only thing that might drive shooters away from these newly released offerings from Springfield Armory is the price. With the TRP, Operator, and 1911 DS Prodigy fluttering around $1,600 to $2,400 that is simply a lot of money. The quality is absolutely present, but for shooters who are more budget-minded, that is a large price tag to swallow.

As always, let us know all of your thoughts about Springfield Armory and the new Aimpoint COA-Equipped 1911 and 1911 DS Prodigy pistols in the Comments below! We always appreciate your feedback and engagement.

Welcome to TFB Weekly Web Deals 188! We’re back with more deals on guns, gear, ammunition, and accessories from some of our most frequented online retailers like 5.11 Tactical, Primary Arms, Natchez Shooters Supply, Palmetto State Armory, Brownells, and more. Whether you’re looking for deals on new or used guns, ammo to add to your reserves, or specific accessories like flashlights, range bags, optics, bipods, and magazines, each week we’ll have new sets of deals that might fulfill one of those needs and save you a few dollars.

Previous TFB Weekly Web Deals:

• TFB Weekly Web Deals 185: Deals for June 11th, 2026 
• TFB Weekly Web Deals 184: Deals for May 4th, 2026 
• TFB Weekly Web Deals 183: Deals for April 27th, 2026 

Deals at Palmetto State Armory

Smith & Wesson M&P Shield Plus 3.1" 9mm (1)15rd, (1) 13rd, (1) 10rd Optics Ready Pistol

Sale Price: $369.99

The Shield Plus builds upon the trusted M&P platform with an optimized grip and increased capacity while maintaining a slim, concealable profile. Its optics-ready slide allows easy mounting of micro red dots, and the front and rear serrations provide secure slide manipulation.

Springfield Hellcat RDP 9mm Pistol, 1:103.8" Barrel, Tritium Night Sights, Black

Sale Price: $449.99

The new Hellcat Rapid Defense Package (RDP) configuration builds on the strengths of the ever-popular pistol, the highest capacity micro 9mm in the world. Featuring a Self-Indexing Compensator, the Hellcat RDP combines fast target acquisition with rapid, accurate follow-up shots. The pistol features the new Gen 2 trigger featuring enhanced ergonomics.

1,000 Round Case of PMC X-Tac 5.56 62gr Ammo

Sale Price: $499.50

PMC's X-TAC Line sets the bar for excellence, meticulously crafted to meet the highest industry and military standards. When your life is on the line, you can rely on the unwavering performance of PMC X-TAC ammunition. This powerful, accurate, and dependable ammunition leaves no room for compromise because, in critical life-threatening situations, only the best will suffice. Trust in PMC X-TAC for the utmost confidence and peace of mind in any high-stakes scenario.

Walther PP .32 ACP 3.90" 8rds

Sale Price: $549.99

Experience the legacy of precision and craftsmanship with the reintroduction of the Walther PP, a true classic reborn for a new generation of collectors and enthusiasts. After years of anticipation, Walther proudly brings back one of its most iconic firearms, seamlessly blending timeless design with modern innovation. Retaining the elegance of its original form, the Walther PP is enhanced with best-in-class features that exemplify Walther's dedication to quality, performance and reliability. Chambered in both .380 ACP and .32 ACP, this legendary pistol has earned a reputation as a trusted choice for personal defense and law enforcement. Now, with refined craftsmanship and modern enhancements, the Walther PP continues its legacy, delivering the perfect fusion of historic design and contemporary performance.

Tyrant CNC Black Aluminum/Polymer Folding Braced Chassis, Fits Sig P365 - TYTD-P365-TWS-BLK

Sale Price: $539.99

The Tyrant Weapon System 365 (TWS365) converts the Sig Sauer P365 into a compact, modular PDW. Featuring a spring-loaded folding brace, removable blast shield, and dual-magazine system, the TWS365 delivers unmatched versatility and control in a lightweight chassis.

Deals at Primary Arms

Sig Sauer Romeo MSR Red Dot Gen II

Sale Price: $79.99

The Sig Sauer Romeo MSR Gen 2 Red Dot is built for shooters who want a dependable optic for their modern sporting rifle. Designed with a precise 2 MOA red dot reticle, it provides quick target acquisition while maintaining clarity and accuracy. Powered by a single CR2032 battery, this optic delivers up to 40,000 hours of runtime, so you can stay focused on performance instead of power management. The analog rotary dial allows you to easily switch between 12 brightness settings, including two options compatible with night vision. Its see-through riser mount allows for convenient co-witness, while the rugged body stands up to tough environments with waterproof and fog-proof protection. Whether on the range or in the field, the Romeo MSR Gen II offers reliability with every shot.

Holosun ARO 2 MOA Red Dot Sight

Sale Price: $119.99

The Holosun ARO 2 MOA Red Dot Sight is designed for fast target acquisition and dependable performance, making it a solid addition to your long gun setup. This compact optic features a durable 22mm aluminum housing and comes with a lower 1/3 co-witness pedestal mount. Its 2 MOA red dot reticle delivers precise aiming, while Shake Awake technology conserves battery life by automatically powering down when inactive and instantly reactivating with movement. Running on a CR2032 battery, it offers up to 50,000 hours of operation at mid-level brightness. With 12 brightness levels, including 10 for daylight and 2 compatible with night vision, this sight ensures visibility in any lighting environment.

Geissele Automatics Super Semi-Automatic Enhanced SSA-E Two Stage AR-15 Trigger

Sale Price: $174.99

The Geissele SSA-E trigger installs in your lower receiver in the same way that a Mil-Spec trigger is installed. It uses a standard .154” trigger and hammer pin so it will fit in any Mil-Spec stripped lower receiver. It features a curved trigger bow that helps to keep your finger in the same spot while pulling the trigger, allowing for better trigger control and accuracy. Not only does it work in 5.56 or .223 AR-15 rifles, but it works in .308 AR-10 pattern rifles. Each trigger is precision EDM wire cut from heavy duty tool steel with a durable black finish giving you the reliability and durability you can depend on.

Primary Arms GLx 1x MicroPrism with Red Illuminated ACSS Cyclops Reticle

Sale Price: $269.99

The Primary Arms GLx MicroPrism™ brings new technology and enhanced optical performance to the close-quarters prism scope. With its wider objective lens and updated internal design, the GLx 1x MicroPrism offers superior glass quality and edge-to-edge clarity with ½ MOA adjustments. Optimized for fast target acquisition, the GLx 1x MicroPrism has near unlimited eye relief for consistent performance across different mounts and platforms. This MicroPrism also introduces push button controls and improved Daylight Bright® reticle illumination. Experience the reliability and durability of a prism scope with the light weight usability of a red dot sight with the GLx 1x MicroPrism.

EOTECH EXPS3-0 Holographic Weapon Sight

Sale Price: $749.00

The EOTech HWS EXPS3-0 is built for speed and precision in demanding conditions with a large field of view through the expansive window. Its holographic reticle combines a 68 MOA outer ring with a precise 1 MOA center dot, giving shooters rapid target engagement at close range while maintaining accuracy for mid-range shots. Designed with a streamlined housing and side-mounted controls, it mounts securely with a quick-detach lever while leaving room for additional accessories. Rugged construction, reliable battery life, and night vision compatibility make it a trusted choice for professionals and enthusiasts who require performance without compromise.

Deals from GunMagWarehouse

Taurus TX22 .22 LR 22-Round Magazine

Sale Price: $26.99

This is a 22-round .22 LR Taurus TX22 extended magazine.

The Taurus TX22 .22 LR 22-round magazine proves you can't go wrong with a factory OEM magazine.

Constructed from lightweight and durable polymer, this TX22 magazine is built for lasting service and corrosion resistance in harsh environments.

A high-tensile steel spring and polymer follower combine to ensure consistent cartridge alignment and smooth feeding for reliable operation shot after shot.

The side button serves as a built-in speed loader for faster, more comfortable reloading, and the loading lever channel works as a witness window for quick, visual round counts.

Further, the impact-resistent polymer floorplate extension facilitates an increased round count and provides an added layer of drop protection for tactical mag changes.

Order a few spare Taurus TX22 mags from GunMag Warehouse and load up your range bag today.

Magpul TMAG Gen3 AR-15 / M4 .223 / 5.56 30-Round Magazine

Sale Price: $17.99

This is a 30-round .223/5.56 Magpul TMAG Gen3 AR-15 magazine.

Constructed from lightweight and durable crack-resistant polymer, this Magpul TMAG magazine is built for lasting service in adverse conditions.

The translucent olive drab finish allows for visual round counts at a glance, while ribbed front and rear straps make for a non-slip grip and faster reloads.

A 4-way, anti-tilt follower and USGI-spec stainless coil spring work together to ensure proper cartridge alignment and reliable feeding performance.

Further, the AR magazine includes a low-profile floorplate and paint pen dot matrix for custom markings.

The TMAG is optimized for Colt-spec AR-15/M4 platforms, but is also compatible with any STANAG-style receiver.

Order a few spare Mappul AR mags from GunMag Warehouse and add to your stockpile today.

10 Pack of Magpul PMAG GEN M3 AR-15 .223 / 5.56 30-Round Magazines - Black

Sale Price: $129.99

Next-generation impact and crush resistant polymer construction

Modified dimensions for platforms such as the HK416/MR556A1/M27 IAR, British SA-80, FN SCAR MK 16/16S

Anti-tilt, self-lubricating follower for increased reliability

Long life stainless steel spring

Over-travel insertion stop on the spine

Magpul TMAG Gen3 AR-15 / M4 .223 / 5.56 20-Round Magazine

Sale Price: $19.99

Crack-resistant plastic material

Translucent design with olive drab hue

Ribbed front and rear straps

4-way anti-tilt follower

USGI-spec stainless steel spring

Low-profile floorplate

Paint-pen dot matrix

Magpul PMAG GEN M3 Window AR-15 .223 / 5.56 30-Round Magazine

Sale Price: $14.49

This is a Gen M3 Magpul windowed PMAG 30-round magazine for AR-15 rifles

Combining rugged, impact-resistant polymer construction with Magpul's trademarked MagLevel window, USGI-spec stainless steel springs and anti-tilt internal followers, these enhanced, next-generation magazines take durability and reliability to the next level.

Improving on excellence and the gold standard in rifle magazines, Magpul’s “Gen M3” PMAG combines the rugged reliability that PMAGs are known for with a few additional features that make the world’s most trusted combat magazine even better …

These full-capacity Magpul PMAGs feature an optional clear polymer window for keeping up with ammo capacity at-a-glance. That’s in addition to all the standard Gen M3 PMAG features; over-insertion stops, aggressive texturing and reinforced sidewalls.

Modified internal and external geometry also permits operation with a wide range of non Colt®-spec platforms such as the HK® 416 and MR556A1, M27 IAR, British SA-80, FN® SCAR™ MK 16/16S, and others. A redesigned bolt catch notch in the rear of the magazine provides increased bolt catch clearance, while an over-travel stop on the spine helps ensure the magazine will not over-insert on compatible weapons.

Grab a few Gen M3 Windowed PMAGs to complete your tactical kit today!

Made in U.S.A.

Dust cover sold separately

Good afternoon, everyone, and welcome back to TFB’s Silencer Saturday, brought to you by Yankee Hill Machine, manufacturers of the new Victra 20-gauge shotgun suppressor. Suppressor brakes are increasing in popularity, showing up on more and more silencers. Let’s take a look at where they came from and what options are available.

 

Silencer Saturday @ TFB:

• Silencer Saturday #433: Scout Rifle Silencers
• Silencer Saturday #432: KAC Silencer Design Theory 
• Silencer Saturday #431: What Other NFA Rules Could Be Changed?
• Silencer Saturday #429: New Things At NRAAM 2026 
• Silencer Saturday #428: Should You Run A Silencer In Competition?

The Idea

Redirecting firearm combustion gases to control recoil is not a new idea. At the most basic level, brakes put a flat surface ahead of the muzzle of a firearm. When the gas and ejecta from the shot exit the muzzle, they hit a flat surface perpendicular to the bore line. That impact pushes the muzzle brake forward, offsetting the recoil impulse. One of, if not the, earliest examples was the Cutts Compensator, famously seen on the Thompson submachine gun in the 1920s. During World War 2, more firearms started to adopt the technology, like the PTRS-41 anti-tank rifle and PPSH-41 submachine gun.

But most of the muzzle brakes in that era were seen on heavier weapons. The vaunted Panther tank’s 75mm main gun and the 88mm main gun on the Tiger tank were both fitted with brakes. The M4A3 76W Sherman tank was also fitted with a brake. If a brake can help reduce the recoil impacts of a tank gun, what can it do on a silencer?

The earliest example of a post-suppressor brake feature (to my knowledge) was the SilencerCo Harvester 30. It was released in early 2014, equipped with the Anchor Brake. It was a permanently attached muzzle brake with multiple chambers at the front of the silencer. It works the same as any other brake, but it harnesses the gas impact after it exits the silencer. This was a very logical feature for a lightweight silencer designed for use on centerfire hunting rifles.

The Harvester 30 was one of the first rifle silencers I owned. On a variety of rifles from 6.5 Creedmoor up to 300 Win Mag, it did a very good job of reducing felt recoil. This was not without trade-offs, though. In certain circumstances, the brake would direct additional sound back towards the shooter. I was once shooting off of a ridgeline into a canyon, and the only spot that I could set up in was down between two rocks. The chambers on the break sent the sound directly into those rock faces and back to my ears. It was startlingly loud, and a good reminder that using a silencer is not a guarantee of a quiet shooting experience.

Current Examples

Suppressor brakes took some time to catch on, but are now starting to become common. SilencerCo has continued fitting brakes of various styles to its rifle silencers. The Omega 300 hit the market about a year after the original Harvester, and it had a removable brake. When the Harvester was replaced with the Harvester Evo, that model did away with the brake, but it reappeared on the Scythe-STM and Ti. Both of those models feature a removable single-port brake. That design is shorter than the original Anchor Brake, and despite having only one chamber, it still offers noticeable recoil reduction.

The new Precision Armament TiTrex also features a removable single-port brake endcap. This lightweight titanium silencer produces some very impressive sound reduction. Comparing the recoil impulse between the flat cap and the brake, the brake does a lot of work to reduce recoil and stabilize the muzzle after firing. It is much easier to spot hits at closer ranges with the brake than without. Like the Scythe models, this is a lower-profile unit that is intended for rifles that are carried afield.

On the more competition-oriented side of the spectrum, the Thunder Beast Magnus and similar models feature very large brakes that maximize recoil reduction and stabilization. These larger multi-chamber brakes can add several inches to the suppressor body. The Area 419 Maverick also features a large two-port brake and has started showing up on PRS rifles.

Barrett QDL Suppressor

We also would be remiss if we did not mention the Barrett QDL, Thunder Beast Ultra 50, and Surefire SOCOM 50-SPS .50 BMG silencers. These are among the largest silencers on the market and feature the largest brakes seen on suppressors. The mighty .50-cal produces plenty of recoil, and brakes are a common feature on both the guns and the silencers used on them.

Last up, we have an option for silencers that did not come equipped with a brake from the factory. RecoilX produces a range of brakes that fit silencers with removable endcaps. These brakes thread on with a jam nut that allows the ports to be timed correctly with the silencer tightened down. Most models cost $275, which is quite a bit cheaper than replacing the entire silencer for one with a brake.

SILENCER SHOP –    HANSOHN BROTHERS –    DEADEYE GUNS

MAC TACTICAL

ALL YHM PRODUCTS AT BROWNELLS

DEALERS: If you want your link to buy YHM suppressors included in future Silencer Saturday posts, email:   silencers@thefirearmblog.com

I have never really been a huge piston-driven AR-15 fan. The extra weight, complexity, and lack of real benefit for me as a fairly low-volume civilian shooter left me convinced that a well-built direct impingement rifle still offered the best balance for people like me. So when Franklin Armory offered to send out one of their OPS-16 rifles, I figured it’d be another chance to reaffirm my somewhat anti-piston-AR stance. This fairly new rifle is intended to be used with Franklin’s Binary system, but I’ve decided to abscond with the BFS and instead review the standard, 16-inch 5.56 rifle configuration, which uses a low-profile, self-regulating Osprey Defense piston system that aims for cleaner operation and suppressor compatibility without the usual adjustments or swapping out of other components.

More Firearm Reviews @ TFB:

• TFB Review: FX DRS Tactical - Air Rifle Meets AR 
• TFB Review: 2,500 Rounds On The H&R 635 9mm Subgun 
• Fudd Friday: Review - The Swedish m/38 Mauser 

Franklin Armory OPS-16 Specifications

Product Link: https://franklinarmory.com/shop/firearms/franklin-armory-ops-16/

Franklin Armory lists the following details for the standard semi-auto model:

• Caliber: 5.56 NATO
• Barrel: 16-inch lightweight contour, 4140 steel, nitride finish, 1:7 twist
• Gas System: Osprey Defense low-profile self-regulating short-stroke piston
• Handguard: 15-inch M-LOK with integrated barrier stop and full Picatinny top rail
• Muzzle Device: Franklin Armory Triumvir linear-compensating flash suppressor
• Receivers: Flat-top upper, FAI lower
• Bolt Carrier: Salt bath nitride
• Trigger: Standard semi-automatic
• Stock: B5 Systems SOPMOD
• Grip: B5 Systems P-Type 23
• Weight: Approximately 6 pounds 14 ounces unloaded
• Sights: Optics ready
• MSRP: $1,349.99 (currently on sale for $1,215.99)

The Osprey Piston System

The main event, as it were, with this rifle is Franklin’s take on the Osprey Defense piston design. It stays low-profile inside the slim handguard and automatically manages gas flow. The company states you can move between suppressed and unsuppressed use, or different ammunition, without manual tuning, which, if you’ve shot AR’s loing enough, either means they have a very specific tuning, or the rifle is just always overgassed to ensure that every type of ammo will run through the gun without the need for tuning.

Accuracy, Ergonomics, and Performance

The 15-inch M-LOK handguard offers plenty of space and a surprisingly useful integrated barrier stop. B5 furniture, as usual, feels comfortable and familiar, and I have noticed that B5 Systems furniture tends to be slowly sneaking its way into more factory-default builds over time, compared to Magpul or classic M4 furniture. The rifle shoulders naturally and balances well for a piston gun, but like any piston gun, it’s pretty front-heavy compared to its DI contemporaries. Accuracy with 69- to 77-grain match loads hovered around 2-3 MOA at 100 yards, but I had some Phenominal success with my .223 55-gr Nosler hand loads, just a touch over 1” in size at 100 yards. I’ll give myself a pass because of the rain, but I think it's safe to say the rifle is at least accurate enough with most ammo.

Regular bulk 55-grain 5.56 PMC is what I mostly shot out of the rifle. That ammo opened up to the expected 3- to 4-MOA range, which is partially on me and my available magnification level, and half on the fact that bulk 5.56 just isn’t that accurate out of most rifles. Although I spent very little comparative time shooting out of it, the muzzle device seems to work just fine. It’s advertised as a linear compensator and works as such, but really doesn’t change that much, especially when the rifle is outfitted with a suppressor, in my case, an old Form 1 can that is not in any respect a low back pressure design, but still didn’t generate nearly as much gas thanks to the Osprey piston system.

So, in my observation, the system delivers what I perceive to be noticeably less gas to the face when suppressed, even when equipped with a higher back-pressure suppressor. It does not, however, eliminate gas. The bolt carrier group, to me, also seems to stay cleaner than on a comparable DI gun after about 500 rounds, when I took the photo below. The rifle ran nearly 750 rounds of mixed ammunition by the end of my testing over these last few months, both suppressed and unsuppressed, with zero malfunctions with factory ammo. Recoil feels soft and manageable, closer to a good DI rifle than many of the other piston platforms I’ve had the pleasure of trying. At under seven pounds, the OPS-16 avoids the heavy and rather unbalanced handling characteristics that most piston AR’s give you. The OPS-16 seems less “front heavy” than other piston guns I’ve tried.

How it Compares to Other Piston AR’s I’ve tried

Against adjustable piston rifles such as the HK MR556 or the Sig Spear’s short-stroke piston system on rifles like the newer Spear LTs, the OPS-16 wins on simplicity, price, and overall better balance in my book. Against virtually any DI rifles like a standard BCM, Aero Precision, or Daniel Defense rifles out there, you gain better suppressor performance and a cleaner action, but lose some of the raw simplicity, lighter weight options, and broad aftermarket support that the original AR-15 design offers its users. I do like the inclusion of the low-profile barricade stop as it's a neat feature that I think can come in handy for a lot of shooters, and reduce or eliminate the need for another part to install.

If you shoot suppressed frequently, the OPS-16 could be considered a boon to your health as it does help further reduce gas to the face, but any high-volume shooter will know that accessories and systems alone won’t be enough; you’ll need to wash up real good after each range session if you want to keep those lead levels down and possibly take more frequent breaks from shooting if you can. If you mostly shoot unsuppressed and prioritize minimum weight plus maximum parts availability, a solid DI gun with a solid flash hider or blast can would be my preferred option for reducing exposure to the typical run of toxins.

Final Thoughts

As much as the OPS-16 has addressed most of my piston AR complaints, I still think piston systems will always add weight, cost, and complexity compared with a quality direct impingement rifle. The lightweight barrel heats up faster during sustained fire than heavier profiles, which will inevitably lead to your groups opening up faster with sustained fire. I can’t currently assess the long-term durability of the proprietary piston components at this time, especially since I can’t legally review any “rate-enhancing devices” in this state anymore. The price sits a tad bit higher than a similarly equipped DI build, which may give budget-conscious buyers pause if they’re indifferent about a piston versus a DI system, especially given that many modern suppressors feature low-back-pressure designs, which somewhat negate the gas reduction that piston systems typically deliver on AR-15 rifles.

All that is to say that as a rifle, the Franklin Armory OPS-16 will not win over every piston skeptic. It does not need to. I’m still not fully convinced myself, but I do think it smartly delivers the practical benefits most people actually want from a piston AR: reduced gas blowback with a suppressor, cleaner operation, and reliable function without constant fiddling, and best of all, it's pretty dang accurate in my experience. The self-regulating Osprey system performs as advertised in real use, although, since I don’t currently have access to a low-back-pressure suppressor, I have no way to compare that performance to the OPS-16 on a similar non-pistol rifle to see if the juice is really worth the squeeze here.

Despite their perceived nature being more of a fun-focused company that would more often like to mag dump into trash with its rifles, the OPS-16 seems like it is more of a refined, low-maintenance choice in a segment that has often delivered the opposite, and for those that can, it still can run with the Franklin Binary Firing System. Would be interested to hear your thoughts on what you’ve seen here so far, and if this is the type of rifle you’d pick up in this day and age to run with a suppressor and possibly even a Binary or forced reset style system.

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If this post has you ready to hit the range, head over to gunranges.com - a free directory to help you find shooting ranges near you, wherever you are in the United States.

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I was at my “local” gun store a few days back (my local gun store is actually 1.5 hours’ drive away, more if you take the logging roads, which I generally do this time of year) and took a good long look around their racks of used firearms. Lo and behold, amidst the usual lineup of free-floated synthetic stocks and detachable mags, I noted some old-school iron in a corner, with classy, slim wood stock and a blind mag. I looked closer. They had not one, not two, not three, but four Husqvarna 1640 rifles stashed there, all in .30-06 and all priced under $500. It was a great deal that most buyers would miss, not even knowing that Husqvarna was a gun brand to watch out for. So, here’s a very quick look at these Huskies that you might be able to pick up at your LGS, guns that other buyers will miss due to a lack of awareness.

Euro Fudd weaponry @ TFB:

• The Rimfire Report: The Complex British-Made BSA Ralock 
• POTD: Benelli Lupo Alpha 
• Merkel HELIX CARBON Straight-Pull Bolt Action Rifle 
• Baikal MP153 Shotgun Review 

Why buy a 1640? Because this Mauser-pattern bolt action, built from the early 1950s until the late 1960s, was built to a quality standard that few other commercial rifles for the mass market could match (we’re talking the equivalent of a pre-’64 Winchester Model 70 here, the cream of the crop for the working man). And the 1640 was a bit of an odd design, too; not a large-ring Mauser 98 action, but a small-ring full-length controlled-feed version of the Mauser 98.

This was a natural evolution of Sweden’s long-standing production of small-ring Mausers. While some might question the small-ring action’s capability to handle full-power loads, let alone belted magnums, the 1640 series was made of fine, modern steel and these guns can handle the heat.

And even though they’re basically laid out like a Mauser 98, Husqvarna baked some improvements into the design, particularly the slide-safety on the side of the action, instead of the back-of-the-bolt design the original Mauser 98 used, which doesn't work well with a low-mounted scope—the safety bumps into the rear eyepiece when it’s rotated. Not so on the Husqvarna 1640.

Other upgrades included a better trigger, an improved gas venting system in case of a cartridge casing failure, and, of course, the fact that the small-ring design cut down weight from a large-ring Mauser.

Despite these advantages, the 1640 series, like other Husqvarna rifles, never made a huge dent in the North American market, probably partly because snooty gun writers turned up their noses at these sensible Euro rifles because they tended not to use fine walnut stocks. To shooters who didn’t care about that, the Huskies were a great choice, as were their predecessors.

Buying a 1640 today

The Model 1640 is still readily available on the used market, not just because of the old imports, but also because of new imports. For some time, shooters in Sweden, where the Husqvarnas were made, were restricted to a specific number of firearms allowed by their gun license. When something shiny caught their eye, it was often out-with-the-old, in-with-the-new, and that meant these old Huskies were bought up by import/export businesses and sent across the pond to North America, where they went on to new owners. They’re readily available in the U.S. because of this, and even more so in Canada, where companies like Trade-Ex (before the owners retired) had a business practically built around importing Fudd-friendly guns like this from Scandinavia.

As a decades-old gun at this point, all the usual rules apply when looking at a used Husqvarna 1640, with one added caveat: Don’t automatically assume that you can upgrade the rifle with Mauser 98 parts. Some stuff will fit OK, but because the action is modified, other parts obviously won’t. A stock, one of the most common upgrades, will require some fettling.

But they’re readily available if you search auction sites, and many times in very good shape. Maybe that’s too big a risk for you, but if you keep an eye on the racks of your local gun store, you’ll see them come through from time to time, if you want to handle one for yourself; work the action, shoulder the stock, all the stuff you want to do to see if it will fit you in the field. Prices seem to be climbing in the US, but they’re still a lot cheaper than a pre-’64 Model 70… even if the Husqvarna’s stock is nowhere near as nice.

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If this post has you ready to hit the range, head over to gunranges.com - a free directory to help you find shooting ranges near you, wherever you are in the United States.

The lower is built around VKTR's patented ambi control suite, which includes a billet-machined magazine release, a dual-use bolt catch-and-release paddle, and a proprietary VKTR Tactical Selector Lever. All billet controls are heat-treated stainless steel, which VKTR says is built to handle sustained use in demanding conditions. A patented heavy-duty buffer retainer with a precisely angled strike face provides greater surface contact with the buffer assembly, a design VKTR positions as particularly well-suited for suppressed use.

The fire control group is a 4.5 lb. single-stage Hiperfire unit. The lower ships with a Magpul K2 grip, a carbine buffer and spring, and a mil-spec buffer tube, and buyers can configure it with the tube only, a Magpul SL-M stock, or an SB Tactical SBA3 brace. The receiver is compatible with all small-frame AR calibers, weighs 2.06 lbs., and is available in Armor Black. As a serialized component, it must transfer through an FFL. There’s an 8-10 week lead time for direct orders, though VKTR notes the lower may be available sooner through authorized dealers.

At $599.99, does the Hiperfire trigger and full ambi billet control set justify the price over a standard mil-spec lower build?

The FN MAG has served in more than 90 nations since its development in the early 1950s, chambered in 7.62x51mm NATO and fielded under designations including the M240 in the United States and the L7A2 in the United Kingdom. FN Herstal describes the new TACTICAL variant as the only GPMG-category package solution to integrate in-line day and night operational capability alongside refined ergonomics, bringing the platform into alignment with features already present on the company's FN EVOLYS ultralight machine gun and FN MINIMI light machine gun.

The centerpiece of the conversion is an 11-inch monolithic Picatinny-type top rail, which FN says provides approximately 14 inches of operational space for in-line day, night, or thermal optics while preserving compatibility with the original iron sights. The rail integrates an ambidextrous feed cover latch built on the company's SIDE-CLICK system, enabling one-handed cover operation from either side. A companion AUTO-LOCK retention mechanism holds the feed cover open during loading, unloading, or malfunction clearance, with a built-in stop at 62 degrees designed to protect mounted optics. FN says the system can retain up to 2.5 kilograms of optics hardware in the open position.

Rounding out the kit is a redesigned articulated carrying handle compatible with full-size in-line optics during barrel changes, and an adjustable tactical buttstock offering three length-of-pull positions and six cheek rest height settings. The stock includes an integrated folding shoulder rest and soft butt plate and, according to FN, requires no modification to the existing GPMG operating system.

Here’s a video to explain the news:

FN VP Small Arms Christophe Soleil called the new configuration "the definitive choice for military organisations seeking decades of proven reliability alongside modern ergonomics and in-line optic capability," noting that three patents are pending on the technology. Soleil also emphasized that the configuration is fully supported by FN as the original designer and manufacturer.

The Long Rail Conversion Kit is compatible with existing M240 and L7A2 platforms and can be installed by unit armourers using basic tools. The adjustable tactical buttstock is also available as a standalone upgrade. The FN MAG TACTICAL with Long Rail is slated for display at EUROSATORY in Paris, running June 15 through 19.

By the numbers, once upgraded:

• Caliber: 7.62x51mm NATO
• Platform: FN MAG GPMG (also compatible with M240 and L7A2 variants)
• Top Rail: 11'' monolithic Picatinny-type
• Optic Space: Approximately 14'' of operational space for in-line day/night/thermal optics
• Feed Cover Opening Angle: 62 degrees (built-in stop for optic protection)
• Optic Retention Capacity: Up to 2.5 kg
• Buttstock Adjustment: 3-position length of pull, 6-position cheek rest
• Conversion: Field-installable by armourers with basic tools; standalone buttstock also available
• Service: 90+ nations
• FN Herstal Updates Combat-Proven MAG GPMG for Modern Optics

The FN MAG is what I used in the military, and while there have been some completely new models adopted after that, the MAG is still in service. It has served in more than 90 countries for over six decades. Does a conversion kit approach make more sense for a platform this entrenched than a clean-sheet replacement?

Big Horn Armory, manufacturer of high-end lever-action rifles, has seen their YouTube channel removed by the video hosting site’s staff—and it doesn’t look like they’re going to be back.

Lever-actions @ TFB:

• Midwest Industries' New Rossi and Winchester Lever-Action Handguards 
• Review: Henry "Big Boy Steel" in .327 Federal Magnum-Is this curious caliber worth it in a rifle? 
• Fudd Friday: Savage Revel Classic Review 
• Fudd Friday: Building A BLR Into A Better Fudd Rifle 

After their YouTube channel was taken down, Big Horn Armory reached out via a PR agency to share their side of the story. See it below, quoted verbatim from their statement:

“The termination follows three strikes issued against videos that had been posted more than two years prior without incident, each cited as violations of the platform’s updated firearms policy.

“The videos in question were routine, non-instructional content that included demonstrations such as shooting frozen chickens. They contained no instructions for manufacturing or modifying firearms, no sales solicitation, and no content that would have violated YouTube’s long-standing community guidelines at the time of posting. The company assesses that the strikes were the result of retroactive policy changes that now classify the mere handling of a firearm as a policy violation in certain contexts.”

Currently, you can’t live-stream content on YouTube that shows a person holding, handling or transporting a firearm, and Big Horn Armory says this policy appears to have been expanded to include content created before this rule was put in place. The firearms manufacturer has successfully appealed YouTube’s rulings in the past and also pursued the company’s formal appeals process this time following the first strike. This time, Big Horn Armory’s appeals were denied, and company leadership decided not to press it further because “the updated language appeared to prohibit the type of firearms-handling content that is central to virtually all of Big Horn Armory’s video library.”

Greg Buchel, owner of Big Horn Armory, said his company has not changed its content, but YouTube has changed its standards and applied those rules retroactively.

“At a certain point, continuing to appeal a policy that is written to exclude us made no sense,” said Buchel. “We accept what has happened, and we are moving forward.” And now, if you want to see their video content, you can find it on Rumble.

Report writing under stress, the legal exposure that comes from vague language, what prosecutors and defense attorneys actually look for, and the documentation habits that protect officers long after the incident is over.

Welcome back to Front Line Friday. This week is an editorial week, and the topic is use of force documentation: specifically, the gap between what happened, what got written down, and what holds up eighteen months later in a courtroom or an internal affairs hearing. Use of force documentation is one of those skills that gets mentioned in the academy, gets underemphasized in FTO programs, and then becomes critically important on the first day an officer faces a serious review. The habits formed in the first two years tend to stay for the rest of the career.

Front Line Friday is brought to you by Dead Air Silencers, whose support keeps this column going every week.

This isn't about how to avoid accountability. It's the opposite. Officers who document force accurately and thoroughly are the ones who can defend their decisions clearly. Officers who document force vaguely, partially, or in agency boilerplate are the ones who spend depositions trying to explain what they actually meant. The report is the record. If the reasoning that justified force isn't in the report, it functionally didn't exist.

Front Line Friday @ TFB:

• Front Line Friday #14: Officer Safety and the False Comfort of Routine Calls
• Front Line Friday #15: Dead Air CT5P Review
• Front Line Friday #16: Body Armor Selection and Fit for Patrol

Why Reports Get Written Wrong Even When the Force Was Right

The conditions under which use-of-force reports are written are not ideal for producing accurate, detailed documentation. The incident just ended. Adrenaline is still up. There's scene management happening around the officer. A supervisor is asking questions. The officer is physically tired, possibly injured, and processing what just happened, both physiologically and emotionally, at the same time. The report has to be written anyway, and it has to be written well, because the version written during that window will define the incident for every subsequent review.

The most common failure mode is not lying. It's compression. Officers under stress default to efficient language, and efficient language in a use-of-force report produces phrases like "subject was combative," "I feared for my safety," and "I used force to gain compliance." Those phrases describe conclusions. They don't describe the specific facts that led to those conclusions, and conclusions without facts don't hold up. A defense attorney's entire job in a civil case is to find the gap between what the officer wrote and what the video shows, and vague language creates gaps even when the force was entirely justified.

The second failure mode is the template. Many agencies have use-of-force report forms with checkboxes and dropdown fields that are treated as documentation rather than as the administrative scaffolding around it. An officer who checks the boxes, selects the force type, and writes two sentences in the narrative field has technically submitted a use-of-force report. What they haven't done is document the incident in a way that will survive scrutiny. The form captures categories. The narrative captures what actually happened. The narrative is where the legal work gets done, and it's the part that gets the least attention.

Reports that describe force in passive or institutional language and don't include specific physical descriptions of the subject's behavior are the ones that create problems later. If the narrative reads as though it could apply to any use-of-force incident rather than this specific one, it isn't doing what it needs to do.

What Prosecutors and Defense Attorneys Are Actually Looking For

Officers who have never been deposed or testified in a civil use-of-force case sometimes have a general sense that the report matters without a clear picture of why it matters mechanically. Understanding what the lawyers on both sides are doing with the report is useful context for knowing what to put in it.

Prosecutors in criminal cases involving officer-involved shootings are looking for whether the force was objectively reasonable under Graham v. Connor, and the report is the primary document establishing the officer's perception of the threat at the moment force was used. The report needs to articulate the specific facts available to the officer at that moment: what the subject was doing, what the officer perceived as the threat, what the officer knew from prior contact or dispatch, what the environmental factors were, which less-lethal options were available or unavailable, and why. If those facts aren't in the report, the prosecution's job is to argue that the officer's decision was based on something other than articulable facts, and if the report doesn't contain articulable facts, that argument is easier to make.

Defense attorneys in civil cases are working the same document from the other direction. They're looking for language that is inconsistent with video evidence, language that contradicts the officer's subsequent testimony, descriptions of subject behavior that are conclusory rather than factual, and omissions of details that were visible on the body camera and didn't make it into the report. Inconsistency between the report and the video is often what leads to civil cases being won against officers. Not because the force was wrong, but because the documentation created a gap that suggests the officer's account is unreliable.

Internal affairs reviewers are looking at a different but related set of questions: did the force fall within policy, was the level of force proportionate to the resistance, were less-lethal options considered and documented, and is the officer's account consistent with witness statements and video? The report is the baseline against which everything else gets compared. An officer whose report is thorough and specific has given the IA reviewer a document that is easy to evaluate against policy. An officer whose report is vague has given the reviewer room to fill in the blanks in ways the officer may not prefer.

Reviewing use-of-force reports needs to be a supervisory skill, not just a supervisory task. Supervisors who review use-of-force reports need to know what a report that will hold up looks like, and they need to be willing to send a narrative back for revision when it's too thin. A supervisor who approves a two-sentence narrative of a significant use-of-force incident because approving it is faster than reviewing it is failing the officer they just signed off on.

The Language That Gets Officers in Trouble

Certain phrases appear in use-of-force reports repeatedly and create consistent problems in subsequent reviews. Understanding why they're problematic is the first step to replacing them with language that actually holds up.

"I feared for my safety" is the most common one. It's a conclusion, and as a standalone statement, it's legally meaningless because it doesn't identify what the officer perceived that produced that fear. The phrase that holds up is the one that describes the specific behavior: the subject's hands going to the waistband, the subject's statement that they had a weapon, the subject's physical size relative to the officer, the subject's history as communicated by dispatch. "I feared for my safety because the subject reached toward his waistband with both hands while verbally stating he was going to kill me" is a different document than "I feared for my safety." Both might accurately describe the officer's state of mind. Only one of them is legally useful.

"Subject was combative" has the same problem. Combative describes a category, not a behavior. The report needs to describe what combative looked like: the subject was throwing closed-fist strikes at the officer's head, the subject was actively pulling toward the officer's holster, and the subject was biting the officer's forearm while two officers attempted to apply handcuffs. Those descriptions are specific, they're behavioral, and they're the kind of facts a jury can evaluate. "Combative" asks the jury to accept the officer's word as the conclusion. Specific behavior asks the jury to evaluate whether the facts the officer described justified the response.

"To gain compliance" is another compression phrase that removes the reasoning from the narrative. Force is not used to gain compliance in the abstract; it's used because specific less-lethal approaches were tried and failed, because the threat level made de-escalation impractical, because the subject's behavior met the threshold for a specific force type under policy. The report should say which of those things is true and why, not substitute a phrase that sounds like it explains the decision without actually explaining it.

Omissions are as dangerous as vague language. Officers who fail to document that a subject stated they were going to fight, that the subject had a known history of violence that was communicated before contact, or that a weapon was visible before force was used have left the most important facts out of the record. The video may show those things. The report should also show them. The report is the officer's contemporaneous account of what they perceived and why they acted. Facts the officer knew that aren't in the report look, in retrospect, like facts the officer is introducing later when it's convenient.

Writing Under Stress: The Physiological Problem and What to Do About It

The stress response that occurs during and after a significant use-of-force incident has been documented to affect memory encoding. Tunnel vision, auditory exclusion, time distortion, and perceptual narrowing are all well-documented stress response phenomena, and they mean that an officer's recall of a high-stress event immediately after the event is not the same as their recall after the stress response has subsided. This is not a character flaw. It's physiology. It's also something that has been used against officers in court by attorneys who characterize differences between an officer's immediate post-incident statement and their later testimony as evidence of deception rather than a normal stress response.

The practical implication for report writing is that the timing and sequencing of documentation matters. Most agencies require an immediate use-of-force report, and that's appropriate for accountability purposes. What officers should understand is that the immediate report written at peak stress is the document that creates the record, and investing in accuracy in that window, slowing down, working from notes, and reconstructing the sequence of events deliberately rather than from whatever is most cognitively available, produces a better document than writing quickly to get it done.

The habit that helps most is physical note-taking at the scene before the report is written. Officers who spend five minutes before leaving the scene writing down, in their own shorthand, the sequence of events as they remember them, what was said, what the subject did, what the officer perceived, what force was used, and in what order, have a reference document when they sit down to write the formal report. The formal report written from notes is more accurate than the formal report written from memory alone, and notes taken at the scene are contemporaneous documentation that can support subsequent testimony.

Officers who write use-of-force reports the same way, regardless of the incident's significance, are building habits that will cost them later. A minor hands-on for a resisting misdemeanor arrest and an officer-involved shooting are not the same documentation task. The habits built on lower-level force incidents will be applied to higher-level ones, and officers who have developed a pattern of thin narratives on minor use-of-force incidents will write thin narratives on the incidents that get the most scrutiny.

The Body Camera Era Changed the Rules

Body-worn cameras have changed use-of-force documentation in ways the profession has not yet fully internalized. The camera creates a record that exists independently of the officer's report, and the relationship between those two records is where a significant amount of current legal and administrative risk lives.

The most important thing body cameras did was remove ambiguity from a class of incidents in which the officer's word had previously been the primary account. That's generally good for accountability and good for officers who acted appropriately, because the video confirms their account. Where it creates problems is for officers whose reports and videos don't match, not because the officer did something wrong, but because the report was written vaguely enough that the video appears to contradict it when it actually doesn't.

An officer who writes "subject reached toward his waistband" and whose body camera shows the subject moving their hand toward their hip is in a defensible position. An officer who writes "I observed threatening behavior" and whose body camera shows the subject reaching toward their waistband has written a report that fails to document the specific fact that the camera captured. The camera saw what happened. The report should describe what the officer perceived in specific terms so that the video and the report tell the same story rather than two different stories that happen to be compatible.

The body camera also changes the dynamics of the immediate post-incident period. Officers are typically required to be separated from their cameras and not to review footage before writing their initial report, a policy designed to ensure the report reflects the officer's contemporaneous perception rather than a reconstruction from video. Understanding why that policy exists helps officers take the initial report seriously: it is the record of what the officer perceived in real time, and it must be accurate and specific on that basis alone, without the benefit of video review.

Training on the legal and administrative functions of body camera footage in use-of-force documentation should occur as part of the body camera rollout, not as an afterthought. Officers who understand how the camera interacts with the report write better reports. Officers who think of the camera as surveillance and the report as a separate document write reports that create problems that didn't need to exist.

Bottom Line / What to Do Monday

• Pull out your last three use-of-force reports and read the narratives. For each one, ask whether a reader who wasn't there could reconstruct the specific sequence of events, the specific subject behaviors that justified the force level used, and the specific reasoning the officer applied. If the answer is no, that's the documentation gap to close going forward.
• Stop using "feared for my safety," "subject was combative," and "to gain compliance" as standalone statements. Replace each one with the specific facts that produced that conclusion. The extra two sentences are the legal work. Don't skip them.
• Start taking physical notes at the scene before writing the formal report on significant use-of-force incidents. A handwritten sequence-of-events note taken before you leave the scene is more accurate than memory alone and is defensible as contemporaneous documentation.
• If your agency's use-of-force form has a short narrative field, write past it. Use a supplemental report if necessary. The form's character limit is an administrative convenience, not a documentation standard. The narrative needs to be as long as the incident requires, not as short as the field will accept.
• FTOs: review use-of-force report narratives with new officers during the FTO period, not just the checkbox fields. Show them the difference between a narrative that presents conclusions and one that presents specific facts. The pattern established in the first year will be there in year fifteen.
• Supervisors: when reviewing use of force reports, ask yourself whether you could defend the specific narrative in a deposition. If the answer is no, send it back. Approving thin documentation to avoid the friction of a revision conversation is transferring risk from the officer's report to the officer's deposition, and that's a bad trade.
• Fire/EMS: documentation of patient care decisions, especially decisions to withhold or modify treatment, or decisions made in a hostile or dangerous environment, follows the same principle. The record should document what was observed, what was decided, and why, in specific terms. "Patient was uncooperative" creates the same kind of exposure in a malpractice review as "subject was combative" does in a use-of-force review.

That's Front Line Friday for this week: use-of-force reports that document specific facts, not just conclusions, are the ones that protect officers when the review comes. The report gets written once. It gets read many times by people whose job is to find the gap between what was written and what happened. Close the gap at the keyboard. Next week, we're on Night Operations and Low-Light Patrol Work, covering lighting discipline, target identification under stress, and the gear and training gaps that most often show up when the sun goes down.

Starting around 2017, Kalashnikov Concern embarked on a new and somewhat unconventional project. Since the original development of the AK platform, reliability had always been prioritized over accuracy. However, this philosophy began to shift with an improved accuracy program focused on the AK-103, arguably the most successful rifle of the AK-100 series. The initiative was driven by a foreign client, Pakistan, which sought an enhanced-accuracy variant of the AK-103, leading it to merge with the already ongoing Russian Ratnik program, resulting in the AK-103-3 and later the AK-203.

For Russia’s Ratnik modernization program, the AK-103 was initially adapted to support accessory mounting systems, resulting in the designation AK-103-3, which fulfilled the 7.62x39 requirement. Around 2015-2016, development was temporarily shelved while the AK-15 was prioritized. Later in 2016, the program was revived under a new designation, focusing not only on improved mounting capabilities but also on enhanced accuracy and upgraded features derived from the AK-103, which evolved into the AK-103-3. In 2019, the Russian Army officially redesignated the AK-103-3 as the AK-203 (GRAU index 6P45-1).

The Gun

The Gun is an improved 7.62x39mm AK-103. What makes the design notable is not the overall arrangement, but the way several key dimensions and structural elements are changed to improve practical accuracy. These changes are a combination of internal ballistic refinement.

The Barrel

The first major improvement focuses on the barrels' bore diameter, rifling twist, and the chamber leade taper. The chamber features two tapered sections, the freebore and the leade, with the second taper reduced to about 1º15 '± 11'. This is intended to help the projectile enter the rifling more smoothly, reducing the abruptness of the transition as the projectile engages the barrel. In simple terms, a smoother entry means less disturbance at the start of the shot. The barrel’s twist rate is changed to a range of roughly 255 to 275mm, intended to moderate bullet spin, preserving stable flight while reducing unwanted oscillation. This is equal to about 1:10 to 1:10.8’’ while the standard AK-103 twist rate is 1:9.45’’.

Modularity

The second major part of the patent is modularity. The weapon features a more modern configuration for a customer who expects compatibility with optics and accessories, further enhancing the weapon's potential. The receiver cover is fitted with an M1913 Picatinny rail, and the fore-end can also carry additional M1913 Picatinny sections on the bottom and sides. This allows the mounting of optical sights and other enablers. The receiver cover is hinged at the front and detachable at the rear with an SVD-type lever, and features a rigid mounting solution that reduces deformation during use. That is critical, as a stable sight base helps preserve zero and supports better optics mounting.

In practical terms, this means the AK-103 is being transformed from a traditional iron-sight rifle into a more adaptable fighting system with improved accuracy. The original AK was designed in an era with different expectations about optics and accessory mounting. This new modernization effort is therefore not just about precision in the barrel, but about making a better all-around fighting rifle.

The standard AK-103 reportedly has roughly 3-5 MOA accuracy, while the improved version reportedly has about 2-3 MOA. This is an improvement of about 33-40%. In the patents example, group size at 100 meters improves from no more than 15cm to 12cm in a four-shot group.

Modern users often want the same basic reliability they have always valued, but with better accuracy, optical compatibility, and enabling mounting options. The accurized AK-103 concept answers that demand by rethinking the AK. The result is a rifle that stays true to the Kalashnikov while moving closer to the expectations of a modern combat rifle.

In the end, the project is not a radical departure, but an OEM product improvement. It retains the proven AK reliability and familiarity while upgrading its accuracy and flexibility. This is what customers want in a 7.62x39mm rifle with better accuracy and compatibility with modern enablers. That combination is the whole point of the program for an improved AK-103 that is not only reliable but also measurably more accurate and adaptable.

Conclusion

The fate of the original improved-accuracy AK-103s is reportedly that the rifles never made it to Pakistan for an unknown reason and eventually ended up in Ethiopia, where they will never be fully used to their potential. As for the AK-203, it has seen some domestic use, with its export success unknown. Personally, after testing the military and civilian AK-203, I find it a far better rifle than the AK-12/15, particularly in terms of accuracy. Maybe in the future we will see these modifications percolate into other Kalashnikov Concern weapon designs, like the AM-17 or the SVCh, in whatever future flavor they decide to go with.

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If this post has you ready to hit the range, head over to gunranges.com - a free directory to help you find shooting ranges near you, wherever you are in the United States.

Welcome back to another edition of Concealed Carry Corner. Last week, we talked about some of the best carry items to check before the summer season hits full steam. If you happened to miss last week's article, be sure to click the link here to check it out. This week, I want to look at another common point of contention when it comes to a perfect carry setup. So many people say the size of your gun will directly affect how comfortable a carry gun will be before fatigue kicks in. Let's take a closer look at trying to answer the question: Does size really matter?

Common Struggles With Carry Guns

One of the most common issues I see when it comes to carrying a handgun is choosing the wrong gun for your needs or body type. Whether it's the fact that someone can only afford one handgun to train with and carry or a lack of knowledge, so they carry the gun they shoot the best. While situations like this happen, it's best to have a designated handgun that you specifically carry every day. Going to the gun range and training with that specific carry gun. While it's completely possible to force a certain handgun to work if it's the only option, the most common issue people have is suffering from fatigue, where the skin becomes irritated over time due to friction and the holster moving around. Irritation can also come from “hotspotting”, where your belt can irritate the opposite side of your body to where your gun rides. For people who carry strong side on their hip, it will be the opposite hip that begins to become irritated to the point where the belt begins to dig into the skin, creating discomfort over time.

The other major struggle is printing or accidentally showing the concealed firearm. Printing is when your shirt or cover garment shows a clearly defined outline of your concealed firearm. The whole point of carrying a concealed handgun is having it be concealed for a reason. In certain circumstances, depending on your state, printing can be taken as a momentary brandishing. Florida laws are some of the best examples where even momentary printing can draw the attention of police. When carrying a handgun, you have to ensure your gun is always concealed, no matter the weather or situation.

Weight Is The Issue Not Size

When it comes to being comfortable long-term while carrying a handgun, the real culprit is how much your handgun weighs. Having an all-steel or metal-framed firearm can speed up how fast you become fatigued, rather than the overall size of your handgun. Looking at the Glock 43X versus the longer Glock 48 variant, both feel almost identical to carry, with the Glock 48 having a longer barrel than the smaller Glock 43X. Everyone likes to stress about overall size, but the weight of a handgun will make you fatigue and become uncomfortable faster than anything else.

Carrying something like a full-size 1911 is certainly possible, but without a sturdy belt or solid holster, carrying a steel-framed handgun can make you incredibly uncomfortable compared to something lighter of equal size, like a Glock 17 or even the Glock 19. I personally love to carry either a full-size 1911 or my SIG Sauer P226, but it does take a sturdy holster and belt for the best results. If you look at larger carry guns like the Glock 48 or P365 FUSE, the size will be larger than micro carry guns, but the overall weight won't be dramatically more, even though the size of the handguns is larger.

Balance Is Key

Just like everything else in life, picking your handgun of choice is a balance that takes a number of factors into consideration. Whether it's overall size, weight capacity and the amount of accessories installed, all the factors will certainly play a role in how easy it is to concealed carry a given handgun all day long. Something like my Glock 48 will be a much easier gun to conceal than, say, my loaded up 1911 with a red dot and weapon-mounted light. Both are concealable with the right gear, but the smaller polymer-framed handguns will just be less of a struggle to comfortably conceal. Keeping in mind the overall weight and size of your handgun will allow you to effortlessly carry no matter what.

Overall Thoughts

Some people will just start carrying whatever gun they want without looking at the weight aspect and start leaving it at home when they think it's “too big,” when in reality it's just too heavy. Without the proper holster and belt, you may struggle to carry a larger gun, but out of everything, weight will always be a much bigger factor than a handgun's size for concealed carry. Looking at aspects like printing and how easily you can carry a certain gun on your body is also something most people don't always get right from the start, with a bit of practice required to figure out what fits their body best.

What do you guys think? Does size matter when it comes to carry guns? Let me know your thoughts down in the comments below. If you have questions about carrying or guns in general, feel free to shoot me a message on Instagram @fridgeoperator. Stay safe out there and we will see you next week for another edition of Concealed Carry Corner.

TFB’s Concealed Carry Corner is brought to you by GLOCK

A mass shooting in Kyiv on April 18 has reignited one of the most divisive questions in Ukrainian society. Should civilians be allowed to own handguns for self-defense?

The attack left seven people dead and seven injured. The shooter opened fire in a public space and, according to   footage that emerged afterward, two police officers fled the scene rather than engage, leaving victims, including a child, without protection for roughly an hour. That failure by law enforcement has pushed the debate from social media into government offices.

Ukraine currently prohibits civilian ownership of handguns but allows ownership of other firearms such as shotguns and rifles for those over 21 and 25 respectively. Broad discussions about changing that have been underway since the 2022 full-scale invasion, when the government   handed out more than 25,000 weapons in Kyiv alone during the first two days of fighting, along with 10 million rounds of ammunition. Some analysts believe that move helped halt the Russian advance on the capital. The national police later claimed no crimes were committed using those distributed weapons.

For veterans like Oleksandr Klymchuk, the answer is obvious. Before the war he opposed civilian guns, citing a lack of training infrastructure and legal clarity. Now he argues that armed civilians could have prevented some of the 2022 war crimes in Kyiv’s suburbs. "With a weapon in their hands, a person has a chance," he said. He also points to a legal absurdity: at the front he was trusted with any weapon and any caliber, but in civilian life he is considered "unreliable."

Not every veteran agrees. Another former soldier, Viktor, told The Reload that serving in the army convinced him gun ownership is more complicated than it looks from the outside.

The legalization argument is also fueled by the reality of unregistered weapons. After years of war, a massive number of firearms are circulating outside any legal framework. The exact number is unknown even to officials. Advocates argue a formal system would bring those guns into the light where they can be tracked and regulated, rather than leaving them in the shadows.

Supporters often point to the Czech Republic as a model. Despite having over 1.1 million registered firearms, the Czech Republic consistently ranks among the top 15 safest countries in the world according to the Global Peace Index. The country pairs a high level of gun ownership culture with rigorous digital oversight of every owner.

Ukrainian lawmakers are now weighing whether to follow a similar path. The question is whether a society already traumatized by war can safely integrate millions of firearms into daily civilian life, or whether that would only turn isolated tragedies into frequent headlines.

Beretta Defense Technologies plans to make Eurosatory 2026 its coming-out party for LIVET, an eight-barrel remote-controlled weapon station built around the kinetic counter-drone logic that has driven the BDT group's C-UAS (Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems) development for the past several years. The platform mounts no less than eight Benelli Drone Guardian shotgun systems on a single automated turret capable of tracking and engaging drone targets without requiring an operator to physically aim the weapon.

Anti-Drone Shotguns @ TFB:

• Benelli’s M4 Drone Guardian Takes Aim at UAV Threats
• Benelli's Anti-Drone M4 Shotgun (+Tungsten Ammo): A.I. Drone Guardian
• DSEI 2025: Counter Drone Shotguns

LIVET was developed through a collaboration between Beretta Defense Technologies and Italian technology company DUALEE, and represents the industrialization of the shotgun-based counter-drone approach Benelli has been refining through the Drone Guardian program, now scaled into a multi-barrel, remotely operated configuration suited for fixed-site and critical infrastructure protection.

The underlying logic of putting shotguns on a C-UAS turret rather than conventional automatic weapons comes down to geometry. Small drones present a difficult targeting problem for rifle or machine gun fire because they are small, fast, and maneuverable, and hitting them with a single aimed projectile under pressure is genuinely difficult for human operators. A shotgun's spread pattern changes that equation at short to medium range, and the Drone Guardian platform was designed to push that envelope further with purpose-built ammunition.

The system consists of the shotgun, associated sighting, and a specific cartridge developed by Norma Precision, also part of the BDT group, with the shotgun itself based on the Benelli M4-A1 self-loading, 12-gauge, magazine-fed platform.

The ammunition component is the purposely developed AD-LER round, standing for Anti-Drone Long Effective Range. It hosts 2.7 mm diameter tungsten shot that leaves the barrel at 405 m/s, exploiting the rifle chamber's capacity to withstand 1,320-bar pressure.

LIVET takes that proven individual weapon and multiplies it. With eight Drone Guardian systems integrated into a single RCWS featuring auto-tracking and remote engagement capabilities, the platform shifts from a last-ditch individual tool into a layered, automated site-defense asset. BDT says the system is designed to deliver extremely rapid reaction times suited to current operational C-UAS scenarios, which in practice means the kind of FPV swarm and quadcopter threats that have defined drone warfare in recent conflicts.

ATN Corp has expanded its Blaze Series thermal monocular lineup with the launch of four Gen 6 models, anchored by a new flagship unit and spanning price points from under $500 to just under $5,000. The full Gen 6 lineup consists of the BlazeSeeker 6 210, BlazeTrek 6 325, BlazeHunter 650 LRF, and the new top-of-the-line BlazeHunter XD LRF. ATN says all four models share the same 6th Generation thermal engine, SharpIR AI-enhanced imaging, 50 Hz refresh rate, OLED display, Hot Point Tracking, six color palettes, IP67 housing, onboard recording, and ATN Connect 6 Wi-Fi pairing.

The BlazeTrek 6 325 runs a 384x288 sensor with the same sub-18mK NETD and a 25mm germanium lens. ATN puts its detection range at 1,300 meters and lists 2.8-22x magnification in a 320-gram IP67 housing. The entry-level BlazeSeeker 6 210 drops to a 256x192 sensor with an NETD rating at or below 20mK and 460-meter detection, housed in a 270-gram body with 8-hour battery life, all at an under-$500 price point.

ATN CEO James Munn commented on the lineup's design intent: "Hunters have been telling us the same thing for years: they want flagship thermal performance, but they don't want to pay flagship pricing to get it. Whether you're spending under $500 on a BlazeSeeker or stepping into the 1,280×1,024 BlazeHunter XD, you're getting the same 6th Generation core, the same SharpIR AI, and the same American engineering."

Munn added: "Sixth Generation isn't a marketing label, it's a real leap in image processing, sensitivity, and durability. We built it for the way our customers actually hunt: hogs at 200 yards in heavy cover, coyotes crossing a fence line at 400, search and rescue working a tree line at 2 a.m."

All four Blaze Series Gen 6 models are available now at atncorp.com and through authorized dealers nationwide. The BlazeHunter XD LRF carries an MSRP of $4,995. The BlazeHunter 650 LRF is priced at $2,895. The BlazeTrek 6 325 lists at $1,195, and the BlazeSeeker 6 210 comes in at $569.

For more information, visit atncorp.com.

At what price point does a thermal monocular become a realistic purchase for your hunting setup? As always, I recommend buyers of thermals to compare and benchmark, preferably in the conditions that you hunt and not inside the shop where everything is perfect, to make an educated purchase.

According to FN the new rifles name, ARKA, alludes to the bow or ‘arc’ in French. The ARKA has been in development for a number of years and combines the short-stroke piston operating system of the SCAR with ergonomic and engineering improvements. It will be available in a number of variations: the standard configuration will have either a 14.5” standard barrel paired with a short or long M-LOK handguard, while the shorter carbine configuration will have a 11.25” close quarter combat barrel and the short M-LOK handguard. All configurations of the new rifle are available in FDE or black finishes.

In terms of ergonomics, FN has taken cues from the AR-platform, driven by customer requests, and in addition to new MLOK forends, the ARKA can be fitted with any AR-compatible buttstock or pistol grip. FN say “Rather than making limited changes to the AR internal mechanism and keeping many of the performance and reliability problems that are inherent to the AR, FN has taken the far superior internal mechanisms of the FN SCAR and put them into an outer body which has the ergonomics of the AR.” The rifle also features an AR-stlyle rear charging handle and a forward assist.

Christophe Soleil, FN’s VP Small Arms, went as far as to say: “FN is pleased to complement its rifle portfolio with this new AR-15-type platform that is built upon the proven performance of the FN SCAR, currently in service with over 20 armed forces worldwide,” adding “the FN ARKA provides equivalent levels of reliability, durability, and performance, allowing customers to select the ergonomics and architecture that best suit their preferences.”

As such, FN say the ARKA is less a SCAR replacement but more an accompaniment to the improved SCAR MK2.

Here are the technical specs for the ARKA:

Calibre 5.56x45mm NATO

Operating principle Gas operated with short-stroke piston and rotating bolt

Overall Length 

CQC Extended: ≈ 820mm (≈ 32.3″) Collapsed: ≈ 735.2mm (≈ 28.9″)

STD Extended: ≈ 934.5mm (≈ 36.8″) Collapsed: ≈ 849.5mm (≈ 33.4″)

Barrel length 

CQC: ≈ 285mm (11.25»)

STD: ≈ 368mm (14.5»)

Weight (empty magazine) 

CQC: ≈ 3.7 kg (8.2 lb)

STD:≈ 3.9 kg (8.6 lb)

Magazine capacity 30 rounds

Cyclic rate of fire ≈ 600-700 RPM

For now, the ARKA is only available chambered in 5.56x45mm and in the initial rifle and carbine configurations. Unlike the SCAR, there does not appear to be a folding-stock configuration currently offered.

You can find out more about the FN ARKA at fnherstal.com.