We’re in the middle of summer, it's hot, and yet you’re still carrying your EDC like a champ (good job, pal). But when was the last time you changed out your carry ammo? 5 years ago? Never? This is your sign that you need new hollow-points, and a slew of our favorite companies have rebates occurring now. We share all three of them below so you can participate in everyone if you like.

Remington, Speer, and Federal @ TFB:

• The Rimfire Report: Remington 250th Anniversary 22LR Yellow Jacket
• Speer Receives Duty Rifle Ammunition Federal Agency Contract
• TFB Review: Federal 6.5 Creedmoor +Peak Ammunition - Is It Hot or Not?

Remington Ammunition Announces Protection with Payback Rebate

To take advantage of the Protection with Payback Rebate, customers must purchase at least two boxes of qualifying Remington self-defense handgun ammunition between July 1st and August 31st, 2026. Eligible purchases qualify for a rebate equal to 20% of the purchase price, excluding taxes, fees, shipping, and handling charges. The maximum rebate is $200 per person or household. Rebate submissions must be received by September 30, 2026. Qualifying products include:

• Golden Saber Defense
• Golden Saber Defense Compact
• Golden Saber Bonded
• Ultimate Defense
• Ultimate Home Defense

“Lonoke, Arkansas – July, 2026 – Remington Ammunition recently announced its Protection with Payback rebate, which offers consumers the chance to receive a rebate on qualifying self-defense handgun ammunition through August 31, 2026.”

Speer Ammunition’s Gold Dot Deals Rebate

To take advantage of Speer Ammunition’s Gold Dot Deals Rebate, customers must purchase at least two boxes of qualifying Speer self-defense handgun ammunition between July 1st through August 31st, 2026. Eligible purchases qualify for a rebate of 20% of the purchase price, excluding taxes, fees, shipping, and handling. The maximum rebate is $200 per person or household. Rebate submissions must be received by September 30th, 2026. Qualifying products include:

• Gold Dot Personal Protection
• Gold Dot G2 Personal Protection
• Gold Dot G2 Carry Gun
• Gold Dot Carbine
• Gold Dot Personal Protection Short Barrel

"Lewiston, Idaho – July, 2026 — Speer Ammunition’s Gold Dot Deals promotion launched July 1, offering consumers a rebate worth 20 percent of their purchase price. Gold Dot is a trusted line of bonded-core, jacketed hollow point ammunition, widely considered an industry standard for self-defense and law enforcement duty. It is prized for its ability to reliably expand and retain its weight even when fired through tough physical barriers."

Federal’s Protect & Save Personal Defense Ammo Rebate

To take advantage of the Protect & Save Personal Defense Rebate, customers must purchase at least two boxes of qualifying Federal Premium Personal Defense handgun ammunition between July 1st to August 31st, 2026. Eligible purchases qualify for a rebate of 20% of the purchase price, excluding taxes, fees, shipping, and handling charges. The maximum rebate is $200 per person or household. Rebate submissions must be received by September 30th, 2026. Qualifying handgun products include:

• HST
• Hydra-Shok
• Hydra-Shok Deep
• Practice & Defend HST
• HST Micro
• Hydra-Shok Low Recoil

 

“ANOKA, Minnesota – July, 2026 – Federal Ammunition has launched its summertime Protect & Save rebate, allowing consumers to save on select Federal Premium® Personal Defense handgun ammunition through August 31, 2026.”

The American spirit is strong in innumerable firearm companies this year as we celebrate our 250th anniversary as a nation. Another company that is getting in on that action is MTM Case-Gard with their America250 collection of products that includes a 4-can and 5-can set for any of your unique firearm storage needs.

MTM @ TFB:

• New In-Safe Handgun Storage Cases from MTM CASE-GARD
• MTM Case-Gard Shell Stack
• New: The BULL Rifle & Handgun Rest from MTM Case-Gard
• New Tactical Rifle Case from MTM CASE-GARD

America250 Ammo Crates in 5-Can & 4-Can Models

Within the America250 collection, there is the America250 4-Can Ammo Crate (SKU: AC4C-1776), which has a retail price of $54.91 on their website while the America250 5-Can Ammo Crate (SKU: AC5C-1776) is MSRP’d at $59.19 as a set. All of the nitty-gritty details that you will want to know about this patriotic storage is listed below as presented by MTM Case-Gard:

• Water-resistant O-ring seal
• Heavy-duty snap latches
• Rugged polypropylene construction
• Engineered for fully-loaded stacking
• Tie-down points for secure transport
• Double padlock tabs for added security
• 100% Made in the U.S.A.

A Word from MTM on their America250 Ammo Crates

“Dayton, Ohio – July, 2026 – MTM Molded Products Company proudly announces the release of its limited-edition America250 Ammo Crate Series, a patriotic tribute to 250 years of American freedom, independence, and self-reliance. Built for serious shooters and collectors alike, this exclusive red, white, and blue series is available in both 4-can and 5-can configurations for a limited production run.

For 250 years, American sportsmen have embodied the spirit of preparedness and personal responsibility. The America250 Edition celebrates that legacy with a durable, range-ready bulk ammo storage system designed to perform in the field and stand out in any collection.”

Final Thoughts

This limited-edition series honors the generations of American sportsmen and firearm owners who value preparedness, independence, and good-lookin’ storage options. They’re functional and commemorate a milestone in our nation’s history. As always, let us know all of your thoughts about MTM Case-Gard and their new America250 collection in the Comments below! We always appreciate your feedback and engagement.

The ‘tism is strong with Check-Mate Magazines with their most recent announcement… patriotism, that is! They have announced a limited-edition magazine set of 1911 double-stack magazines featuring red, white, and blue base plates as they participate in honoring our nation’s 250th anniversary.

Check-Mate @ TFB:

• Check-Mate Reveals Its Ultra-Hi Capacity Double Stack 1911 Magazine

Limited Edition Patriotic 1911 Double Stack Magazine Set

Each magazine set carries an MSRP of $250, and can be both a collector’s piece as well as a functional expression of your American pride at the gun range or for your everyday carry (EDC). These limited-edition sets are limited to just 250 exclusive sets with each commemorative package including three 1911 Double Stack UHC 19-round magazines:

• One blue anodized aluminum base magazine
• One silver anodized aluminum base magazine
• One red anodized aluminum base magazine

A Word from Check-Mate on their Patriotic 1911 Double Stack Magazine Set

“Thomasville, GA - July, 2026 - In celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States of America, Check-Mate announces a special, limited-edition release of its renowned 1911 Double Stack UHC 19-round magazines. Built to honor America’s enduring spirit of freedom, craftsmanship, and strength, this commemorative collection pays tribute to the nation’s historic milestone with a bold red, white (Silver), and blue presentation worthy of the American legacy.

“This limited-edition release is our way of honoring the American spirit and the freedoms that generations have fought to preserve,” said David Blenker, Chief Business Development Officer. “As a company rooted in American manufacturing, we wanted to create something meaningful for shooters, collectors, and patriots alike during this historic anniversary celebration.””

On today's episode of TFB's Behind the Gun Podcast, I'm happy to welcome Earle Pope, founder and owner of Chestnut Mountain Manufacturing, a brand-new company out of Brevard, North Carolina, that made quite a splash at GunCon 2026. Chestnut Mountain caught a lot of attention at the show with their OKP-7 reproduction optic, a faithful recreation of the classic Russian-pattern reflex sight built for real AK-platform use. Please give a warm welcome to Earle Pope!

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 #227: Earle Pope w/ Chestnut Mountain Manufacturing

On today's episode of TFB's Behind the Gun Podcast, I'm happy to welcome Earle Pope, founder and owner of Chestnut Mountain Manufacturing, a new company out of Brevard, North Carolina. Earle founded Chestnut Mountain in 2024 with a goal of bringing well-vetted, quality-controlled versions of hard-to-source products to market, starting with their OKP-7 reproduction optic. The OKP-7 is a faithful recreation of the classic Russian-pattern reflex sight, built for real AK-platform rifles and pistols, available in Picatinny and dovetail mount configurations and two reticle options.

Today Earle and I talk about how Chestnut Mountain got started, what went into sourcing and vetting the OKP-7, and what the company has in the pipeline next.

Chestnut Mountain Manufacturing: https://www.chestnutmountainmfg.com

Chestnut Mountain on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChestnutMtnMfg

Chestnut Mountain Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chestnutmountainmfg/

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

The iconic American rifle of World War 1 is the 1903 Springfield, but most of the Doughboys were issued a different gun. The US Rifle, Model of 1917, also known as the Enfield or P17, thanks to the vagaries of history, was the most prevalent US rifle by far. Over two million were made in a two-year span. So how does it stack up today?

Reviews @ TFB:

• TFB Review: Aimpoint ACRO C-2 
• TFB Review: Meprolight MPO PRO-F Red Dot and MPO Backup Sights 
• TFB Review: 2,500 Rounds On The H&R 635 9mm Subgun 
• TFB Review: Mesa Tactical Beretta 1301 Furniture 
• TFB REVIEW: Meprolight MVO 3-18x44 FFP M3, MRAD 

History

Heading into World War 1, the European powers were busy equipping their militaries with bolt-action rifles using smokeless powder. The Brits turned to the US to supply rifles to meet this demand. The Pattern 14 rifle in .303 British was manufactured by Winchester, Remington, and Remington sub-brand Eddystone, which together produced 1.2 million rifles in a few years.

As those British contracts were finishing up, the Americans were realizing a similar need for infantry rifles. The P14 was adapted to fire .30-06, and three factories began producing the Model 1917 rifle. In just under two years, the factories produced 2.1 million rifles. This is an abbreviated telling of the story, but Bruce Canfield's book on the topic covers the whole tale thoroughly.

My M1917 was made by Remington. It came into my possession like many other guns do, by being a good deal on the shelf in Gallenson’s Guns in Salt Lake City. My grandfather owned an M1917, and he showed it to me when I was a boy. I could not immediately place the gun, but I eventually figured out what it was with the help of various “guns of the world” type books bought on the sale tables at Borders. He told some pretty tall tales about his hunting exploits with that gun.

Overall, it is in very good condition. All of the parts appear to be original. The wood is still tight and free from any major problems. Mechanically, the function seemed flawless. The bore looked a little rough, but the price was such that I decided to grab it anyways.

The sights of the American Enfield are, in my opinion, superior to the 1903 Springfield. With the sight folded, the rear is an aperture near the shooter's eye providing a 400-yard battle zero. With the ladder extended, a second aperture is adjustable from 200 yards out to a very optimistic 1,600 yards. Both apertures would be better for target use if they were a little smaller, but as combat sights they are just about perfect.

On The Range

The day I bought it, I was already planning to hit the range after work, so I snagged a box of the cheapest .30-06 on the shelf and shot the Enfield too. It produced some very underwhelming accuracy, even for an over 100-year-old rifle. But it did function!

Back at home, I cleaned the barrel thoroughly and found it heavily coppered. What had looked like pitting or wear on the rifling was actually just decades of filth and shooting residue. One mountain of dirty cleaning patches later, the bore looked very nice! Back to the range for another outing, and it started shooting respectable groups.

The rear sight is not windage adjustable. All windage adjustments are made by drifting the front sight in its channel. The sight is retained by staking in place. With a punch and a hammer, I made some adjustments and centered the group. I staked the front sight in its new position, and it has not moved since. The lack of windage adjustment meant that the M1917 never really caught on in competition shooting. There were experiments with different rear sights that added that capability, but the Springfield reined supreme at places like Camp Atterbury and Camp Perry.

One criticism of the Enfield was its length and weight. It has a heavy profile 26-inch barrel, and it handles with noticeably more momentum than the slimmer Springfield. The actual size of the gun was most noticeable when it was lying on a blanket next to a PSA Sabre-10 with a 20-inch barrel and silencer attached. The lengths are almost identical!

I did some simple load development to see what ammo my rifle liked, with some surprising results. After some respectable but uninspiring groups with some 168-grain and 175-grain boat-tail hollow-point bullets, I went back to 150-grain options. It shot Winchester Power Point 150s surprisingly well, so I loaded up a bunch of 150gr FMJ ammo from the section of the reloading manual dedicated to M1 Garand loads. Just like that, it came to life. Groups are a little over 2 inches at 100 yards.

On steel targets, a 10-inch coffin at 200 yards is easy, and an 8-inch plate at 300 yards was a consistent victim. I even made some hits out to 550 yards, but picking out the steel while looking through the sights was the limiting factor. I lobbed some shots at 1,050 yards, and came very close to a C-zone target several times with the sight ladder set to 950 yards, but I was not able to connect. With a little practice and some more forgiving wind conditions, it seems possible to luck into a couple hits.

Conclusion

When I was a young boy listening to my grandfather’s hunting stories, I figured that, like any good fisherman, there was a fair amount of embellishment in the tales. As I learned more about guns and gained experience shooting in competitions and at long range, I figured that the stories were more embellishment than truth. How could an old surplus rifle with no scope and basic hunting-grade soft point ammo have possibly picked off deer at several hundred yards?

Now that I have an M1917 of my own, I think his stories were probably all true. It performs surprisingly well with the kind of ammo you can source at the local hardware store. The sights are simple yet precise. The long sight radius and heavy barrel help facilitate accurate shooting. While it may not produce the kind of accuracy necessary to win a PRS match, it is absolutely capable of landing hits in an 8-inch circle at 300 yards. That translates to a successful hunt in most situations. The doughboys may not have appreciated the M1917, and it always played second fiddle to the M1903 Springfield. But there is a lot to like about this rifle, and it can sometimes be found at competitive prices because it lacks the allure of the Springfield. What it fails to have in mystique it makes up for in shootability. Mine is staying in my collection for the forseeable future.

In 2020, the French Armed Forces selected the Glock 17 Gen5 as their new standard service pistol, naming it PANG for Pistolet Automatique de Nouvelle Génération. Over the next two years, Glock delivered 74,596 examples in coyote-colored polymer frames and black slides, each marked with Austrian coat-of-arms engravings and fitted with luminescent U-notch sights. This single procurement modernized a force still carrying MAC 1950s and license-produced Beretta 92Fs - a four-decade equipment gap finally closed.

Wild wheelguns @ TFB:

• Wheelgun Wednesday: Mandatory Montenegrin Gasser Revolvers 
• Wheelgun Wednesday: Mauser C78 Zig Zag 
• Wheelgun Wednesday: Buy Darth Vader's Shootin' Iron 
• Wheelgun Wednesday: Building A Budget Wild West Collection 

Manurhin history

Founded in the early 20th century, Manufacture de Machines du Haut-Rhin, aka Manurhin, has done a lot of things. They made food processing machinery and scooters. But after World War II, like much of reindustrializing Europe, they were keen to try new things, so they started making semi-auto pistols. First they licensed the Walther PP, PPK, and PPK/S designs, and built a reputation for solid quality. Then, the French government did something that many would find surprising: They asked Manurhin to build them a .357 Magnum revolver.

Over the first half of the 20th century, European governments were not known for giving their police and military high-powered big-bore handguns. While America went with the .45 ACP, European militaries went for handguns that had smaller bullets (7.63×25mm Mauser), or slower bullets (.455 Webley), or both (the Euros really loved their .32 ACP). But French leadership wanted a handgun with real hitting power and long-range accuracy, so they reached out to Manurhin. The result was the Manurhin MR73, as issued to the paramilitary police Gendarmerie Nationale as well as the hotshot GIGN anti-terrorist unit.

Remember that back in the mid-20th century, airliners were regularly getting hijacked by Communist terrorists, not to mention all sorts of other antisocial hijinks by the PLO, IRA and other revolutionaries funded in part by the Kremlin. The French leaders rightly realized that antiterrorist units would need crushing firepower to terminate such troublemakers with extreme prejudice, but that it would have to be easily concealable and portable. The result, introduced in 1972, was the MR73 revolver. It is still in production today; the company just announced a 250th anniversary version of the revolver.

The MR73 was hand-fitted and built to last 100,000 rounds before needing any real mechanical fettling. There was just one problem: It was crazy-expensive for consumers. Enter the MR88!

A team-up job

The MR88 came out in 1988 as a team-up between Ruger and Manurhin. The two companies had worked together previously; Ruger had designed the lockwork and frames for the Special Police F1 revolver, and Manurhin had focused on producing its cold-hammer-forged cylinders and barrels. The MR88 was the consumer version of that revolver, with a strong resemblance to a Ruger GP100, and the French moved production entirely to their home country, instead of combining Euro and American parts.

But it was still a high-quality piece; with the American design and French know-how, you had a revolver that came in at a lower price tag, but was still good for 50,000 rounds without a tune-up. Considering the price of ammo, it’s safe to say that most owners will never fire enough shells through an MR88 to need any mechanical attention, even if it’s only rated for half the use of the MR73.

The MR88 was sold in a sport-shooting version (MR88 Sport SX) and also a law enforcement version (MR88 Defense DX). Government surplus shoppers will sometimes also see a version called the MR88 Gendarmerie, with a large rubber grip, that was built for (as the name implies) the French police. Some MR88 revolvers came in .38 Special only, while others were the full-Monty .357 Magnum. There were also some versions with a 9x19mm conversion cylinder.

In other words, they’ve redesigned the revolver from the ground up, using modern equipment and CAD techniques to ensure it’s still as high-quality a firearm as it ever was. The manufacturer says the new handgun will benefit from “the same manufacturing requirements, precision and reliability that characterize the legendary MR73.”

The first version that’s coming to market is a modernized sport-shooting stainless steel SX model, with barrels in 3-inch, 4-inch, 5.25-inch or 6-inch lengths. We don’t see any MSRP listed on the revolver’s website, but Chapuis Armes says orders are now open and that they’ll start deliveries in Q1 of 2027—and that they’ve managed to keep the sticker shock less shocking: “Despite the scope of this work, we have kept a competitive pricing position for a revolver entirely made in France.”

Interested? You can see more details at the Chapuis Armes website here. Presumably, they’ll be floating at the SHOT Show next year.

Dead Air Armament has announced an extremely small-batch, limited-edition run of Sandman X suppressors to honor the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, known worldwide as the " Night Stalkers," and the legendary 5th Special Forces Group. They will be available exclusively through Dead Air’s website, and these limited-edition Sandman X suppressors feature the official insignias of each unit laser engraved on the suppressor body.

Dead Air @ TFB:

• Dead Air's Asylum Program: A Five-Year Journey
• SILENCER SATURDAY #279: Spotlight On Dead Air Silencers
• Caught in a Bind? Dead Air Silencers has your “Hush Money”
• Dead Air Begins Shipping Nomax 33 Big Bore Silencer

Limited Edition Sandman X Suppressors

These suppressors are a tremendous tribute to the warriors who have worked to protect our country by being in some of the world's most dangerous and demanding environments. Each suppressor sold will support these men, women, and their families who have sacrificed in service to our country.

A portion of every sale will be donated to the Night Stalker Association and Special Forces Association Chapter 38, organizations dedicated to preserving the legacy of these elite units while providing critical assistance to veterans, active-duty personnel, and surviving family members.

These suppressors are incredibly, fairly-priced at $999 each whether it is one honoring the " Night Stalkers" or the 5th Special Forces Group. They are currently still available on Dead Air’s website, but I would not expect that to last long.

A Word from Dead Air on the Limited Edition Sandman X Suppressors

“Heber City, UT – Dead Air Silencers introduces two exclusive, limited-edition Sandman X suppressors honoring the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, known worldwide as the "Night Stalkers," and the legendary 5th Special Forces Group.

"The Night Stalkers and Green Berets have spent decades carrying the fight forward while defending freedom across the globe," commented Dead Air CEO, Ernie Beckwith. "This project is our way of honoring their service, preserving their legacy, and giving back to the communities that continue to support these warriors and their families."”

The market for small caliber ammunition in North America is growing fast. New research says it could reach USD 7.73 billion by the year 2035. Small caliber ammunition generally refers to cartridges up to about .50 caliber. Such growth points to how much ammunition still matters to a wide range of people and organizations.

According to Precedence Research, the market is expanding for several reasons. Demand keeps rising from the military, from law enforcement, and from everyday shooters. Each of these groups counts on reliable ammunition for their jobs and their hobbies.

Why the Market Is Growing

There are many reasons behind this steady growth. For starters, military spending across North America continues to climb. Governments want their armed forces to be ready and well supplied. That means buying a lot of ammunition.

Beyond that, more people are picking up shooting sports and hunting. Target shooting has become a widely enjoyed pastime. A good number of people are also purchasing firearms and ammunition to defend their homes. All of it adds to the demand.

Looking Ahead

The future looks busy for the small caliber ammunition industry. With demand coming from so many directions, companies will probably keep boosting production. Reaching USD 7.73 billion by 2035 would be a significant milestone. It shows just how strong and consistent this market has become over the years.

For shooters, hunters, and defense personnel alike, it means ammunition should stay available for years to come. The industry looks set to keep growing well into the next decade.

Sightmark @ TFB:

• TFB Review: Sightmark Wraith 4K 4-32×40
• TFB Review: Sightmark Citadel 1-10×24 HDR Riflescope
• Review: Sightmark Triple-Duty 4-16×44 MDD Riflescope & CJRK Mount

The V2 responds directly to the feedback that made the original work but less than it could have. The most visible change is the shift to capped turrets. The original used low-profile exposed adjustments that traded zero protection for tool-free convenience. That's a workable tradeoff until you're yanking the rifle into a truck bed or working cover during training and your zero walks. The V2 caps those turrets, making the optic more honest about what it is: a setup you zero once and leave alone.

Mounting got equal attention. The V2 maintains the Aimpoint Micro footprint that made the original stack easily with offset or piggyback setups, but now ships with hardware for four centerline heights, 1.15" through 2.32" in 0.39" increments. That flexibility covers different rifle builds, cheek welds, and sight stack geometries without sourcing additional mounts.

The accessories package expanded from a bare minimum to something actually useful. You get three risers, a honeycomb filter, rubber covers, throw levers in both sizes, a CR2032, a Torx key, a turret tool, full screw sets for each mount height, and a cloth. It's the difference between opening the box ready to shoot and spending an hour sourcing basic parts.

The optic itself remains unchanged where it matters. The CRF-4 MIL fiber-wire reticle runs second focal plane, meaning the reticle stays the same apparent size across the magnification range, which is the right choice for this class. Eleven brightness settings span nine daylight levels and two tuned for night vision compatibility. Shake Awake saves battery by going dormant after 10 minutes and waking on movement. From a CR2032, you're looking at roughly 1,500 hours on the lowest setting, six hours running high brightness all day.

Optically, the prism design delivers what it promises: compact footprint, bright image, and fast target acquisition. The 22mm objective and fully multi-coated glass produce 89.5% light transmission. Field of view runs 133 feet at 100 yards on 1x down to 35.8 feet on 4x. Eye relief spans 3.94" to 3.54", which plays well with proper scope placement and isn't punishing on higher recoil platforms. The housing is 6061 aluminum with a matte black finish, rated IP67 for waterproofing and nitrogen-filled against fogging. At 5.83 inches long and 17.6 ounces with the 1.54" mount, it's compact enough for any modern carbine platform.

Adjustments are 1/10 MIL clicks with 23 MIL of total travel in both windage and elevation, enough for practical zeroing and hold-over at mid-range work. Sightmark rates it for .308 caliber maximum recoil.

So the V2 doesn't reinvent the original concept, which already seems to have worked fine. It just removes friction where the original had it, giving you a purposeful 1x-4x sight that stays zeroed, ships ready to mount, and delivers the optical clarity and speed that define the prismatic design.

The V2 Specification:

• Magnification: 1-4x
• Reticle: CRF-4 MIL fiber-wire, second focal plane
• Illumination: Red, 11 brightness settings (9 daylight, 2 night vision)
• Objective: 22mm
• Light transmission: 89.5% (fully multi-coated lenses)
• Field of view: 133 feet (1x) to 35.8 feet (4x) at 100 yards
• Eye relief: 3.94" to 3.54"
• Click value: 1/10 MIL
• Adjustment travel: 23 MIL windage, 23 MIL elevation
• Housing: 6061 aluminum, matte black finish
• Waterproof rating: IP67, nitrogen-filled
• Maximum caliber: .308
• Length: 5.83 inches
• Weight: 17.6 ounces (with 1.54" mount)
• Battery: CR2032
• Battery life: 1,500 hours (low), 6 hours (high brightness)
• Mounting footprint: Aimpoint Micro
• Mount heights included: 1.15", 1.54", 1.93", 2.32"
• Included accessories: 3x risers, honeycomb filter, rubber lens cover, throw levers (large/small), turret tool, screw sets for all heights, battery, lens cloth

For more details, check with www.sightmark.com.

What mount height do you prefer, and does having four options in the box change whether you'd consider a prismatic over your current optic stack?

France has made a big decision about its military. The country wants to make its own ammunition again. To do this, France chose a group of companies led by FN Herstal, a well-known firearms and ammunition maker from Belgium.

This is a major step for France. For many years, the country did not make its own small-caliber ammunition. Instead, France bought ammo from other places. Now, leaders want to change that. They want the ability to produce ammunition right at home.

Why This Matters

Making your own ammunition is about more than just saving money. It is about being ready and staying safe. When a country depends on others for something as important as ammunition, it can run into problems. Supply chains can break. Other countries might not sell when you need it most. Recent world events have shown how quickly things can go wrong.

By bringing production back home, France wants to make sure its military always has what it needs. This is called self-reliance. Many countries in Europe are thinking the same way right now. They want to build up their own defense industries instead of counting on outside help.

Canucks and their guns @ TFB:

• Canadian Modular Assault Rifle - Canada Selects New Rifle 
• Crusader Arms Crypto: New "Not An AR" From Canada 
• Canadian Gov't Will Require License To Buy Mags And Gun Barrels 
• Oh Canada! Canucks Getting Their Gun Licenses In Record Numbers 

What’s happening?

Basically, starting back in 2020, the Canadian federal government has been working on banning a wide list of firearms, particularly almost any modern AR-style rifle. The feds were set to enact a mandatory turn-your-gun-in-for-money program through 2026, with the self-declaration period ending on March 31 of this year.

In the weeks leading up to the end of the self-declaration period, gun owners were already unhappy about being forced to participate in a mandatory seizure program, but they were even more incensed when they saw the prices they would be offered for their firearms. Some owners said that under the official government program, they were offered practically pennies on the dollar for their guns, with no recognition of the hundreds or even thousands spent on accessories that were now worthless without the gun they were attached to.

This unhappiness led the gun rights organizations to double down on their call for non-participation, and it led provincial leaders to double down on their talk about not cooperating with federal leadership. Canada is a place where crimefighting budgets are cash-strapped, and indeed, many of the gun owners affected by the cuts are actually crimefighters themselves (many Canadian cops bought ARs for range practice). As a result, significant law enforcement groups such as major police unions as well as provincial justice department leaders said they opposed the gun grab, as it would be ineffective and expensive. Indeed, a big smuggling bust in late May proved what law-abiding Canadian gun owners have been saying all along: That they aren’t the problem, and criminals will continue to smuggle massive amounts of illegal firearms into the country with or without the planned seizures.

So, by the end of spring, the federal government had itself backed into a corner. Despite years of planning and millions of dollars spent, they had no truly effective plan to accomplish their seizures, and there was little will outside urban areas to see the seizures go through. Even in urban areas, police leadership often opposed the move, and regular citizens questioned the expense.

CCFR vs. Canada

Private gun owners and firearms advocacy organizations have been battling the government in court ever since the first major gun bans were announced in spring of 2020, but at every turn, the feds have seen the legal wrangling go in their favor. Then, in late March, the Supreme Court of Canada said it would hear four appeals that were related to the firearms buyback program.

Until the appeals are decided, there will be no change to the status of Ottawa’s plan to seize these firearms. However, the appeals will give gun owners and the Canadian Coalition for Firearms Rights (CCFR) the chance to have another day in court, where things might finally go their way—and that’s a lot better than their chances have looked for a while.

But just as importantly, the amnesty for Canadian gun owners has been extended past the end of October. Given that court cases can drag on, many firearms owners could have faced a problem where the case was still in court, but their firearms were now illegal and the amnesty ended. With that in mind, the government program saw the amnesty extended again until the court offers its opinion. As per the feds’ website:

“… the Amnesty Orders have been extended and set to expire 90 days following the date the Supreme Court of Canada renders its decision, which is expected next year. By extending the amnesty period, the Government is providing certainty to individual owners and businesses that they will continue to be protected from criminal liability while the Supreme Court hears the appeal and renders its decision.”

So that means that there will probably be no involuntary seizures until at least 2027, and this is good news for both gun owners and for the feds. Both were holding a bad hand; the gun owners would have been criminalized had they not cooperated with the program by the end of October of 2026. The federal government had not really figured out how to make the program work, nor how to pay for it. No doubt the feds are trying to plan their next move, even as gun owners are praying for success when their day in court comes, with the appeal hearing scheduled for November 9-10, 2026.

CVA’s latest @ TFB:

• Fudd Friday: CVA Endura LRH Smokeless Long-Range Hunting Muzzleloader 
• CVA Cascade SR-80: The Scout Rifle Treatment 
• CVA Optima V2 Pistol Review: Compact Muzzleloader With Custom 3D Printed Stock! 
• Gun Review: CVA Optima V2 Muzzleloader 

Hush-hush hunting

The Cascade SR is built with a threaded muzzle, so shooters can easily screw on a suppressor to reduce their rifle’s decibel level. And because a suppressor will add length at the end of your barrel, the Cascade SR has been shortened so you’re not awkwardly banging it off trees and bushes in the woods. As their PR says: “This suppressor ready rifle is built for hunters who need a compact, maneuverable rifle that doesn't sacrifice performance. Whether you're weaving through tight hardwoods, setting up in a blind, or looking for the ideal suppressor host, the Cascade SR delivers.”

There are a couple of things to note here. The first is that this rifle is obviously based off the existing Cascade series, not a ground-up invention of a new rifle. As such, you can find plenty of user feedback on reliability and accuracy, although this is a new model.

The second thing to know here is that even with a suppressor, the Cascade SR might be fairly loud, depending what caliber you pick. It’s available in nine different calibers from .223 to .300 Win Mag. Even with a suppressor, a .300 Win Mag is still going to be just under the line of 140 dB, where you should have hearing protection according to OHSA.

But you knew that already, right?

Blasting birds @ TFB:

• Hornady Ammunition & Kent Cartridge Price Increases Announced for June 2021 
• New HEVI-Hammer Bismuth-Steel Dove Shotshells from HEVI Shot 
• Remington's new HyperSonic Steel Shotshells 
• Federal Introduces Prairie Storm shotshells

New pheasant loads

First up, a look at Kent’s new Ultimate Pheasant load. With a blend of #4 and #6 pellets, these shells also use Kent’s Diamond Shot (premium polished lead shot, for uniform-sized pellets). Add it all up and you’ve got a dense pattern up close but also the long-range knockdown power for birds that are farther away. They say the new cartridge “stands apart as a premium upland load built specifically for rooster pheasants. It is designed for hunters who demand consistency, appreciate hard-hitting performance, and want a load capable of making the most of every opportunity in the field.”

Well, the test of that will be when hunting season opens, and when that happens, you’ll see a 20-gauge and 12-gauge version of this cartridge. Both have the same #4 and #6 pellets, and both are 3-inch shells. But the 12-gauge shell has 1 ⅜ ounces of shot traveling at 1400 fps, while the 20-gauge shell has 1 ¼ ounces of shot traveling at 1300 fps. Keep an eye on Kent’s website here for more details, including pricing.

Return of the Fasteel Classic

For 2026, Kent is also selling Fasteel Classic Limited Edition shells. These are supposed to be a return to one of their most popular waterfowl loads of the past. As Kent puts it: “...this limited offering delivers the same pattern consistency, hard-hitting steel payload, and dependable ignition hunters have counted on for years.

“Built with the original gray hull and high-brass head, Fasteel Classic Limited Edition returns with the unmistakable appearance that made it a favorite among generations of waterfowl hunters.”

Reload speed is often a geometry problem as much as it's a training/repition one, and XTech Tactical thinks it's found a cleaner solution than the billet flare kits that have dominated the category. The new X-Flare 556 and X-Flare Digital are glass-filled nylon magwells built specifically for true Mil-Spec AR-15/M4 lowers, promising a funnel opening 1.75 times larger than what a stock lower offers. Installation is only supposed to take a few minutes and typically skips pulling the trigger guard or grip entirely. Sonic-welded steel inserts handle the fastener loads, and the whole unit reportedly adds only about an ounce - all for $40. The Digital variant builds on that base with a customizable marking surface for caliber ID or personalization, which I’m a huge fan of.

More from X-Tech Tactical @ TFB:

• The New LDR2000 B1 From XTech for the Bodyguard 2.0 
• XTech Tactical Takes Over Creature Grips 
• New Gold, Chocolate Chip Camo, & Marble MAG47s from XTech Tactical 

XTech Tactical Launches X-Flare AR-15 Magwell Lineup

XTech Tactical is proud to announce the launch of the X-Flare™ 556 and X-Flare™ Digital enhanced flared AR magwells, engineered specifically for Mil-Spec AR-15 / M4 receivers. These innovative polymer AR-15 magwells deliver dramatically improved reload speeds, enhanced ergonomics, and rugged durability while maintaining the lightweight profile shooters demand.

The X-Flare™ series addresses a clear market need for a high-performance flared magwell for the AR-15 that prioritizes real-world durability at a great value to the customer. Both models fit all true Mil-Spec receivers without requiring removal of any parts from the lower, while creating a 1.75x larger funnel opening compared to standard mil-spec magwells. Installation takes minutes and typically does not require the removal of the trigger guard or pistol grip.

X-Flare™ 556 AR15 Enhanced Flared Magwell

Injection molded from glass-filled custom compounded Nylon with sonic-welded metal threaded inserts, the X-Flare 556 provides a smooth, polished lead-in for faster, more positive magazine insertions. It is pre-marked for 5.56 caliber, addressing safety and identification needs on the range or in the field. Available in Black, FDE, and Grey, it offers exceptional value without the weight, cost, or finish-damaging drawbacks of billet aluminum options.

X-Flare™ Digital AR15 Enhanced Flared Magwell

Building on the X-Flare 556, the Digital variant features a customizable matrix surface allowing users to easily mark their caliber, name their rifle, or add personal identifiers. This makes it ideal for personalization or clear caliber identifcation while delivering the same superior performance and fitment. It uses a custom compounded material and advanced manufacturing for next-level strength and durability.

Key Features (Both Models):

Fits Mil-Spec AR-15 / M4 lowers (does not fit billet or non-mil-spec receivers)

Creates dramatically larger funnel opening for faster reloads

Injection molded from high-impact Nylon for exponential strength vs. 3D-printed alternatives

Sonic-welded metal inserts with included steel bolts

Lightweight design (~28.5 grams / 1 oz added)

Lifetime Warranty, Made in the USA

Available in single, 2-pack, or 5-pack

“We saw the market for minimalistic AR mag-wells develop over the past several years. The void was obvious to bring a better product at a better price to the market. And the X-Flare does exactly that. It’s simply unmatched in durability, execution and price. Expect rapid expansion from us as we closely follow market demand,” stated XTech Tactical co-founder Jeremy Deadman.

At $39.95 per magwell, or with discounts on 2- and 5-packs, the X-Flare Digital undercuts most billet flare options while avoiding the added mass and finish risk those parts can bring to a mil-spec lower or the durability and longevity risks that come with many 3D printed parts. The obvious question with any polymer magwell is long-term wear under hard use, and that's something worth watching once these start seeing range time and reviews. XTech is backing both models with a lifetime warranty, which is a notable commitment for a first-run polymer product entering a space aluminum has largely owned when it comes to the quality and durability department. The X-Flare 556 ships in Black, FDE, and Grey for now, while the new Digital variant's marking surface adds a new slightly more functional option, even if it's only a cosmetic one. More info on the official product page here: https://www.xtechtactical.com/product/x-flare-digital-magwell-mil-spec-blk-ar-15-m4-magwell/

The m/1867 rifle was a breakthrough. It was the first rifle mass-produced in Sweden for integrated ammunition, a reliable and easy-to-handle mechanical marvel that won the confidence of both Swedish and Norwegian defense forces. Its successor, the Carl Gustaf 1900, quickly became a hunter's favorite and remains so today. The rifle's reputation for precision, mechanical integrity, and honest engineering carried weight for over a century. That reputation is the actual product Carl Gustaf Watches is selling.

The Connection

• Inspiration: The m/1867 rifle, first Swedish mass-produced rifle for integrated ammunition, carried by Swedish and Norwegian defense forces
• Factory heritage: Carl Gustaf's City Rifle Factory in Eskilstuna, rooted in the 17th-century Rademacher Smithies founded by King Charles X Gustaf
• Production scale: Approximately 250,000 m/1867 rifles manufactured in Sweden, over half at the Carl Gustaf factory
• Modern application: Swiss movements paired with Swedish design and leather, watchmakers in Switzerland, assembly by experienced craftspeople
• Limited production: 300 numbered examples per dial color variant, each with serialized case and certificate
• Materials: Stainless steel case and bracelet, genuine Swedish leather straps, brushed 316L locking mechanism, sapphire crystal front and back

Check out all the details here: https://www.carlgustafwatches.se 

The market for weapon lights and optics has become flooded with domestic and foreign products. When a manufacturer is organic to the United States, it is always well received, but when the products are engineered and manufactured domestically with some overseas manufacturing, it is a noteworthy achievement. Viridian Weapon Technologies' weapon optics and other accessories are nearly completely indigenous from start to finish, with a small part of their production overseas to keep costs down. The green machine is draped in red, white, and blue.

Who is Viridian

Viridian Weapon Technologies started in 2006, focused on domestically engineered and assembled lasers and lights. As the company grew in size and reputation, the logical path led toward optics. Today, Viridian has a large swath of choices in lasers, lights, and weapon optics. As the privately owned business grew, so did its reputation; with the onset of bespoke weapon-specific lights and lasers, the company offered universal products to their growing inventory alongside its model-specific products. The optics being examined in this article are the RFX44 and RFX45 closed emitter micro dots.

RFX 44 & RFX 45

The RFX 44 and 45 are closed emitter, low-profile green dot weapon sights. This optics duo is unique compared to many of the weapon sights in the “micro dot” optics realm, utilising state-of-the-art technology and years of end-user feedback. These two optics are as at home on a pistol as they are mounted directly to rifles or running as a secondary optic.

The closed emitter micro dot optics market has become commonplace for both civilian and professional use. Long gone is the belief that weapon optics have to use massive objective windows, and the designs push to offer small, robust, and effective weapon sights that can operate reliably in all conditions while retaining a user-friendly interface and being as at home in low light as well-lit environments.

What is Common

Mini or micro weapon sights are not a new phenomenon, but the closed emitter variation has become more desirable for end users anticipating harsh and wet environments. The RFX 44 & 45 are mini and micro sights that embody a basic shared design with a few differences. With the intent of being a pistol-mounted weapon sight first, the now common Acro footprint was chosen, given the market prominence and choice by professionals nationally and globally. The clamp-on design and interface provide rapid attachment and detachment with excellent repeatability, and the footprint has found itself to be used as both primary and secondary optics on rifles for all uses.

The RFX 44 & 45 have the “lunch box” or square appearance, lending their design to be impact-resistant while being fast to index. This design focuses more on effective use and durability than aesthetics and weight. Another smart design is the top-mounted battery compartment. By choosing this approach to battery location, it allows rapid access to the battery without compromising the zero on the optic. Another design cue was to move the emitter from the bottom of the optic to the top, located with the battery. This allows the RFX 44 &45 to maintain a lower-mounted profile. On a pistol, this equates to improved co-witness of iron sights and on a rifle, slightly lower height over bore. In both cases, this provides a better solution regardless of how the optics are mounted.

The shape of each is nearly identical, with the front and rear windows being treated for improved performance and sealed and pressurised to ensure flawless operation in every environment. The shape at the front of the optics is tapered, with the top protruding further out than the bottom in the front to assist with shading and rain. This attention to detail is greatly appreciated, given that I have shot in heavy rain, and any attempt to assist with rain on the front is an improvement. The illumination controls are side-mounted and tactile, with 8 visible and 2 night vision selections. Both the RFX 44 & 45 run on a single CR2032 with an estimated 50,000-hour operation. Optic reticles for both are the trademark green with a 5-MOA dot. 

What is Different

The differences between the two optics are minimal. The primary difference between the RFX 44 & 45 is the window and width of the optic housing. The RFX 44 has an overall shorter footprint and total length, coupled with a slightly narrower width than that of the RFX 45. It’s the window that leaves individuals deciding. The RFX 44 window is narrower but slightly taller, fitted for a slimmer pistol frame like the Glock 43x, while the RFX 45 has a slightly shorter window height but noticeably wider, intended for full-size slide width. This leaves the end user deciding what best suits their needs.

Application of Use

The use of the RFX 44 & 45 on a pistol is a no-brainer, but its other uses showcase some excellent ideas. The choice of the Acro footprint leaves the optics able to readily interface with pre-existing optics mounts without the necessity of an adapter plate in numerous cases. For example, the Swampfox Kraken, while an excellent closed emitter optic and in direct competition with both the Acro and RFX optics, has its own proprietary footprint and necessitates the use of an adapter plate.

The RFX optics, despite their minor size difference, still share the exact same Acro footprint, allowing either to mount onto rifles or optics. In my case, I mounted the slightly smaller but taller RFX 44 on a 12 o’clock Midwest Industries 34mm ring to support my Vortex AMG 1-10 LVPO. This slightly taller top-mounted secondary optic provides an excellent optic if magnification is dialled in for spotting target area, reflexive fire at close range, and passive co-witness with night vision. The robust housing and construction, coupled with long battery life and NV setting, provide an amazing optics package for a day/night defensive and offensive fighting rifle. I mounted this optics package on my Midwest Industries Combat HD 16” precision fighting rifle. I keep a Zenitco Perst 4 day/night laser on the front with a Witt Machine and Tool TuTuThree direct thread suppressor. This package provides an extremely well-thought-out fighting rifle that, with the Criterion Core barrel and MI precision trigger, makes this weapon as at home at 600 meters as it is at 25 meters.

Incidentally, I mounted the RFX 45 onto a Midwest Industries MK2 lower 1/3 co-witness Acro mount. The combination keeps the package light with a small footprint on my AEA Perun X16 PDW. The 8” 5.56 PDW is lightweight, low impulse, with a day/night light laser combination device coupled with the Viridian RFX 45 and an offset thermal for scanning. This package provides a compact truck gun that can be easily concealed in a small bag and employed even inside a smaller vehicle for manoeuvring. This creates a fast, light, and highly manoeuvrable package that can defend in constricted environments and still reach out reliably to 200 meters if need be; soft armor and light barriers are easily overcome, and the small Viridian RFX 45 doesn’t conflict with the much larger thermal optics at the 45-degree offset.

The optics are extremely daylight bright, with the dot easy to index and manipulate. The long battery life, combined with shake awake technology, provides instant use when needed but saves your insurance policy for when required. The optics look amazing, and the robust appearance is a welcome addition to any professional gun “vibe”. With the cost being $300 less than an Acro, there is sure to be a few smaller drawbacks if you are conducting a 30K AGL HALO jump into the Gulf of America and patrolling into the jungles of Central or South America hunting NARCO Terrorists; but for us civilians the chances of seeing a true need for those extenuating circumstances may be not worth paying the extra $300 for nearly the same optic over all. Brand names aside, this becomes more a matter of being a brand-name buyer rather than a mindful one.

Conclusion

The Viridian RFX 44 & 45 are a domestically designed and manufactured closed emitter micro dot optic designed to handle the worst of conditions with maximum performance and a price point made to attract professionals and private citizens alike. The current state of more modestly priced domestic and foreign optics has come a significant distance. I commonly say that the price point has caught up to the technology. There are so many well-produced optics that simply do not cost the same as some of the industry legends, and with the lifetime warranties, proven track records, and performance, companies like Viridian are making a strong name for themselves and their products.

The modular barrel system speaks to real-world flexibility. Choose between 7-inch and 16-inch configurations depending on whether you're building a suppressed truck gun or setting up for IPSC competition under country-specific barrel length regulations. The 11-inch version shown here strikes the practical middle ground, delivering roughly 2.75 kilograms overall with a compact 800mm length. DLG ergonomic handguards and a telescopic buttstock allow fine-tuning to individual preferences, while M-LOK slots provide room for whatever you're adding to the rail.

Since 2016, PERUN has delivered over 8,000 rifles to both civilian and military customers. The Perun 9 represents the company's understanding of what a 9mm carbine should be: reliable, affordable, and built to handle serious training or competition without pretense.

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Photo: PERUN Arms

I like to actually use my guns, and I typically don’t try to “baby” them. While most of the time I don’t go out of my way to outright mistreat them, they’re tools after all; I am far from the type to have any safe queens, let alone firearms that don’t get rotated in and out of use a couple of times a year. This is the same case for the Henry Golden Boy in .22 LR, which I covered in an earlier Rimfire Report. There's something about that Brasslite receiver that makes me want to treat it a little better than the rest of the collection when it's on duty, so when 1791 Gunleather sent over a couple of pieces from their 1791 Hunt collection, I was more than excited. These pieces are built specifically for lever guns like the Golden Boy, which is a platform that I often feel goes ignored when it comes to accessories, so today I figured it was worth finding out if the leather treatment actually earns its keep with my typical style of treatment, or if it just looks nice in pictures. Either way, it was a good excuse to check out a recent expansion in 1791’s already expansive leather holster collection, so let's get right to it.

More Rimfire Report @ TFB:

• The Rimfire Report: Master Chief's Favorite .22? FarrowTech's FT-M Kit 
• The Rimfire Report: Franklin's F22-V SBR - Is Two Stamps The Way? 
• The Rimfire Report: Celebrating 75 Years of CCI — A Trip to Lewiston 

The two specific pieces from the 1791 Hunt Collection we’re checking out today are the HUNT Youth Rimfire Butt Cuff and the HUNT Rifle Scabbard Lever Action. The butt cuff runs $59.99 and is handcrafted in Mexico from American steerhide, with a built-in bandolier that holds eight rounds of rimfire ammunition. It's fitted with a padded suede cheekpiece for a better cheek weld and sight picture, along with a "creep-stop" strap that wraps the butt plate to keep it from shifting under recoil. As with the holsters, the scabbard and butt cuff are both covered by 1791's lifetime warranty.

The scabbard I had on order is sized for youth-platform rifles like the Savage Rascal and Keystone Chipmunk rather than full-size guns. The scabbard is the bigger investment at $299.99, also handcrafted from steerhide, and built with integrated strap-loops and heavy-duty saddle straps for mounting to a saddle or vehicle. It comes in Trapper (16" barrel) and Carbine (20" barrel) sizing, is available for both left- and right-handed shooters, which is an often overlooked feature, but one that 1791 is likely used to including due to the nature of their primary business.

“Installation”

I hesitated to call anything involving leather an “installation,” so maybe “fitting is a far more fitting term for describing this part of pairing your Golden Boy with a 1791 skin suit. The Golden Boy in .22 LR is a small, slim rifle, closer in scale to those youth guns I mentioned above than to a full-size lever action, and the cuff fits it without a problem. You’ll have to either call or use your best judgment when selecting both the butt cuff and scabbard, but 1791 has some handy guides on each individual product page that I’d highly recommend reading before you buy. If nothing else, to save you time from having to return an improperly fitting scabbard or cuff.

I don't own a horse, so the saddle straps it ships with aren't doing what 1791 designed them for, but they're not dead weight if you don’t have a living mount. Those same straps seem like they would cinch down just as well on a dirt bike or an ATV, and in a pinch they'll turn the whole scabbard into a sling you can carry on your back, which is what I’ve used them for most. The Golden Boy draws and re-holsters smoothly as the fit is relatively loose. So you won't find yourself fighting the leather to get the rifle in or out, but it won’t hold the gun in there like a fitted holster would either.

An added benefit of the high-quality leather, especially when it comes to the Golden Boy, is that it does real work protecting and somewhat buffing the finish that typically scratches if you look at it wrong. Henry’s Brasslite mirror finish is beautiful to look at but smudges and scratches easily, so having the scabbard both protect it and buff away minor blemishes from use is a bonus in my book. Neither of these two well-sewn pieces is the more practical purchase over one or the other. However, if you both own a Golden Boy and also believe that "practical" is a word that fairly applies to a $300 rifle scabbard or a $60 Butt Cuff that adds a bit of extra utility, I think you can probably already see where the value and appeal meet.

Final Thoughts

Now I wouldn't tell just anyone to go buy this pairing. It's an expensive, unmistakably ritzy way to carry and store a rifle that, at its core, is a humble little rimfire gun made from Henry’s fancy (and good-looking) version of Zamak, and there are cheaper options out there (like a plain gun sock) that will protect a Golden Boy nearly as well. But if you genuinely appreciate leather goods for their own sake like me, or if you've got a saddle that needs a durable scabbard for a .22 LR or a larger lever gun, this pairing fits right into that world. Even without a horse in the picture, it's just as comfortable riding in the front seat of a pickup truck or lashed to the rack of an ATV or side-by-side. For me, it came down to loving the Golden Boy enough to want to dress it up a little, and on that front, I think 1791’s leather delivers.

The build sits on Wilson Combat's full custom 1911 platform, domestically sourced stainless steel, the kind of material baseline that eliminates the cheap-feeling finishes that kill most anniversary specials before they leave the display case. The configuration is deliberately restrained. A 5-inch barrel with fluted chamber, magwell, ambidextrous safety, carry beavertail, carry cuts, and checkered rear slide, but the sides are left intentionally bare. No model markings, no tactical posturing, just naked steel waiting for the engraving to tell the story. Deluxe satin-polished flats and a white gold bead front sight complete the platform.

Build Specs:

• Platform: Wilson Combat full custom 1911
• Barrel: 5 inches, fluted chamber
• Frame: All domestically sourced stainless steel, satin-polished flats, glass-beaded rounds
• Controls: Ambidextrous safety, carry beavertail, carry cuts, checkered rear slide
• Magwell: Included
• Front sight: White gold bead
• Sides: Intentionally bare for engraving emphasis
• Engraving options: Hand engraved by Wayne D'Angelo (Serials 1,25), or laser engraved in-house (Serials 26+)
• Frame: Unique serialized per pistol
• Order window: Through December 31, 2026
• Production cap: 25 hand-engraved, unlimited laser-engraved (through order deadline)

The left side shifts focus to the Gallic Wars and the conquest of Gaul itself, the campaign that began in 58 BC and consolidated Rome's northern boundaries. At the top, near the rear sight, sits the Temple of Divus Julius, the temple erected in Caesar's honor after his assassination. Near the front sight, Caesar himself appears in his prime. The narrative density is deliberate. Each side of the gun tells part of his story, and SK Guns positioned them so the history is visible in both presentation and handling.

The Conquerors Series approach is straightforward, the engraving is narrative rather than abstract, and the platform is the classic 1911, which carries its own collector weight. SK Guns capped this run at 200 units, which means either you're early or this becomes a secondary market hunt. The pre-order window is already open, with shipping expected in late October 2026. Pricing is set at $2,900 for the pre-order, with a note that prices will increase to MSRP once the limited run launches formally.

This isn't a range gun. It's a conversation piece built to century-old spec by a company that understood that historical engraving and mechanical reliability can coexist in the same frame. If you collect 1911s, understand the Roman Republic's collapse, or simply appreciate metalwork that takes longer to complete than most firearms cost to buy, the Julius Caesar deserves consideration while it's available.

The Julius Caesar specs:

• Platform: Colt 1911
• Chambering: .38 Super
• Production run: Limited to 200 units
• Finish: High-polish Colt Royal Blue
• Controls: 24-karat gold (hammer, trigger, safety)
• Grips: Presentation black Kirinite with color-filled Conquerors Series logo and Caesar portrait
• Engraving: Caesar crossing Rubicon (right slide), Gallic Wars conquest (left slide), Temple of Divus Julius (top rear), Caesar in prime (top front)
• Price: $2,900 (pre-order), MSRP to increase at launch
• Shipping: Late October 2026
• Series: Conquerors Series, third production (predecessors: Alexander the Great, Hernan Cortez)
• Contact: SK Guns, 904-800-4867, info@skguns.com

Dive deeper into the details from here: https://www.skguns.com/product/julius-caesar/ 

Do you run pre-order special pricing into your collecting strategy for limited-production guns, or do you wait for the formal release and accept the possibility of secondary market premiums?

The weight race for AR platform receivers just shifted, and this is of interest for anyone who’s running & gunning a lot. 1791 Industries is introducing its LiteRaider line of ultra-lightweight uppers and lowers built from Metal Matrix Composite, a material engineered to sit 33 percent lighter than aluminum while matching the strength profile of 7075-T6. That's not a marketing-thin claim; it's built on an actual material science play, one that could reshape how builders approach the sub-eight-pound rifle conversation.

The numbers matter here. The LRM4 stripped lower weighs 6.2 ounces, and the LRM4 stripped upper weighs 4.8 ounces. Combined, that's a roughly 3.2-ounce (about 91 grams) haircut versus standard aluminum receivers, which compounds fast when you're already chasing weight in the duty space. The material itself is a composite of pure metals and ceramic nanoparticles, a combination that delivers better vibration dampening and high-temperature resistance than conventional aluminum. 1791's pitch is clear: build a five-and-a-half-pound fighting rifle without betting your reliability on thinner walls or exotic alloys.

The development trajectory matters. 1791 explicitly designed LiteRaider for military and law enforcement duty use. Justin Hoffman, Director of Product Development, went on record saying: "We are developing this technology specifically for the military and law enforcement duty space. However, as ardent patriots here at 1791, we wanted to make it available to citizens at the same time, because everyone deserves a five and a half pound fighting rifle; especially the citizenry."

The receivers are anodized and Cerakoted for finish durability, available in Black or Flat Dark Earth, and built to Mil-Spec tolerances.

By the numbers:

• LRM4 Upper Receiver weight: 4.8 ounces (stripped)
• LRM4 Lower Receiver weight: 6.2 ounces (stripped)
• Combined receiver weight reduction: ~3.2 ounces versus aluminum
• Material: Metal Matrix Composite (pure metals and ceramic nanoparticles)
• Strength equivalent: 7075-T6 aluminum
• Weight advantage: 33% lighter than aluminum
• Construction standard: Mil-Spec
• Finish: Anodized and Cerakoted
• Available colors: Black, Flat Dark Earth
• Upper receiver MSRP: $299.99
• Lower receiver MSRP: $329.99
• Matched pair MSRP: $629.98
• Contact: 1-800-407-1791, contact@1791olg.com
• Website: 1791industries.com

Welcome to TFB Weekly Web Deals 196, brought to you by Strike Industries, manufacturer of innovative, high-performance firearm accessories. We’re back with more deals on guns, gear, ammunition, and accessories from some of our most frequented online retailers like Strike Industries, as well as 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.

Strike Industries is a trusted provider of high-performance firearm components and tactical accessories for AR-style platforms, pistols, and other weapon systems. Founded with a mission to bring innovation, reliability, and affordability to firearm enthusiasts, they offer a wide range of products including compensators, muzzle brakes, handguards, magazines, and optics mounts. Their products are engineered with cutting-edge materials and rigorous quality control, trusted by sport shooters, law enforcement, and military professionals around the world.

Mass Driver Comp for GEN3, GEN4 or GEN5 GLOCK™

The Strike Industries Mass Driver Compensator (MDC) represents a quantum leap in compensator design. Current designs have largely been unchanged since the 1930s. It’s about time for something revolutionary. The Mass Driver name is inspired by the idea of theoretical mass driver engines in space travel. By ejecting mass, an equal and opposite reaction is generated propelling the space vehicle forward. The Mass Driver Compensator is driven by the hot gasses expelled through the barrel after the round is discharged, and acts as a counter balance system to attenuate mechanical recoil. Barrel mounted compensators add reciprocating mass and increase the moment of inertia to the operating system, which can have a negative effect on reliable cycling of recoil operated handguns. By separating the compensator from the operating components after ignition, the MDC allows for close to stock cyclic speeds, and reduces reciprocating mass. The compensator of the MDC system has a widened bore to reduce baffle strikes and keyholing rounds along with a 2.5mm relief cut at the top of the rear to reduce “lipping” and damage to the face of the pistol slide.

Product Features:

-No threaded barrel needed (but can be used)

-Eliminates the need for threaded barrels. 50 State Legal

-Widened bore to reduce baffle strikes and keyholing rounds

-2.5mm relief cut at the top rear of comp to reduce "lipping" and damage to the face of the slide

-No permanent modification of weapon required

-Blended, no snag profile

-Matches with width of the slide, it can be used with open holsters, no special holster needed

-Counter recoil design, as the slide moves back the comp moves forward to reduce felt recoil

-Contours with slide dimensions to be compatible with most open-bottom holsters

-Precision CNC machined

COMPATIBILITY:

-For GLOCK™ GEN3, GEN4 or GEN5 G19 (compact) & G17 (standard) SLIDES

-Holsters: SI Mass Driver Comp sits flush with OEM GLOCK™ slides and can be used in most open-ended holsters that accommodate compensators

NOTE:

-Recommended torque value for guide rod nut is 25 lbs/in.

-Use with +P and +P+ 9mm ammo will produce premature internal spring wear and cause failure

Deals at 5.11 Tactical

LVC M4 Shorty 18L Rifle Bag

Sale Price: $52.48

The LVC M4 Shorty is the ideal, low-vis solution for transporting up to a 29" rifle. With just the switch of a strap, you can wear it as backpack or a crossbody bag. This pack makes it easy to stay organized, too. Its front compartment features a laser-cut loop panel and internal mesh pocket. There's a top fleece-lined pocket to keep your eye protection secure, or flip the pocket inside out to hold your ID panel/patch. Stay ready and under the radar with the LVC M4 Shorty. Imported.

CloudStryke Pack 10L

Sale Price: $37.48

Whether exploring a new trail or scrambling to a favorite hideaway, our CloudStryke Pack 10L keeps essentials at hand without weighing you down. This 10-liter capacity ultralight backpack is engineered from the ground up for maximum comfort. The adjustable torso system with low-profile mesh shoulder straps feature 1/2" increment adjustability, dual adjustable sternum straps, and adjustable side compression system that allows for a custom fit and strategic counterbalance. A ventilated back panel delivers support under load while dispersing heat buildup. The pack employs a cinch drawstring at the top to keep the contents inside secure. A built-in hydration compartment holds a 2-liter reservoir (sold separately) with reflective pass-through loops on each shoulder for easy hose management. The front zipper pocket and chest pockets provide quick access to small items such as HydraPak 500 ml SoftFlasks (sold separately), electronics, lip balm, and sunscreen, that you'll need on the trail. MOLLE attachment points and multi-position bungee loop system multiply external carrying capacity. There are stashable loops to strap on trekking poles and a convenient top handle for fast grab-n-go. The CloudStryke Pack 10L is the ideal ultralight option when you have miles to cover.

5.11 Norris Sneaker

Sale Price: $22.48

The 5.11® Norris Sneaker is a high-top casual sneaker that combines style, comfort, and tactical intelligence, making it an exceptional choice for those who value both fashion and functionality. This unique footwear is designed to provide optimal traction and durability, particularly on wet surfaces, thanks to its Vibram® Marbrani outsole with XS Trek. The 5.11® Norris also features Ortholite® technology, ensuring your feet are cushioned in total support and comfort throughout the day. The sneaker is ASTM certified for puncture resistance, and its super-strong Welmax board protects your feet against up to 1,200 newtons of force. This shoe is more than just a stylish addition to your wardrobe; it's a reliable and functional choice for any situation. The climbing grade rubber toe protection and Ortholite® upper cuff offer additional comfort, heel hold, and protection, making the 5.11® Norris Sneaker a top choice for anyone in need of versatile, durable footwear. Imported and built to last, the Norris Sneaker is the perfect blend of style, comfort, and tactical intelligence.

Deals at Palmetto State Armory

Winchester .300 AAC Blackout 200 gr Super Suppressed Subsonic Ammunition, 20 Rounds - SUP300BLK

Sale Price: $16.99

Shop PSA's wide variety of rifle ammunition for every shooting application from hunting to range/target rounds! Winchester Super Suppressed .300 Blackout 200 grain rifle ammo is optimized specifically for supressor use, delivering quiet, clean, and reliable performance in both suppressed and non-suppressed firearms. With reduced noice subsonic technology, velocities stay below the speed of sound; therefore, decreasing the intensity of sound. For consistent accuracy and reliability, choose Winchester Super Supressed ammunition for your target and range shooting needs.

Canik TTI Combat 9mm 4.6" 18rd Pistol w/MeCanik MO3, Bronze / Black - HG7854V-N

Sale Price: $999.99

Taran Tactical Innovations and CANiK proudly announce their collaboration in introducing the CANiK TTI Combat—a revolutionary addition to the CANiK lineup. Crafted on a brand-new polymer frame conceptualized by Taran Butler himself, the TTI Combat sets a new standard in performance. Meticulously designed for champions by champions, it boasts an array of features tailored to meet the exacting demands of a world-class shooter like Taran Butler.

Benchmade Mini Claymore OTF Dagger Point Knife, Ranger Green - 3375GY-1

Sale Price: $234.99

Experience superior performance with the Benchmade 3370GY-1 Claymore OTF. This automatic knife boasts a distinctive ball-bearing matrix grip, rapid out-the-front deployment, and a durable CPM-D2 double-edge dagger blade. Built for hard use and tactical applications, the Claymore features a lightweight Grivory handle for ambidextrous control.

Hornady Frontier XM193 5.56 NATO 55 Grain FMJ Ammo Can, 150 Rds - FR602

Sale Price: $74.99

Load up with Hornady Frontier XM193 5.56 NATO. These 55 grain FMJ rounds come in a 150-round ammo can. Enjoy high-velocity performance and military-grade reliability during your next high-volume shooting session at the range.

Get precise results for training or varmint hunting. This XM193 5.56 ammo uses Hornady bullets for total consistency. Trust this bulk pack for elite speed and a smooth, reliable cycle in any AR-15 platform you bring to the field.

Federal Champion 9mm Bulk Ammo 115 Grain FMJ 500rds

Sale Price: $139.99

Federal® Champion™ handgun loads provide accurate, target-grade performance. They're loaded with quality brass and primers and are affordably priced for volume shooters.

Reliable brass and primer

Consistent performance

Ideal for target practice

Affordably priced

Bulk Pack - 500 Rounds

Deals at Venture Surplus

Tru-Spec H20 Proof Boonie Hat, One Size

Sale Price: $12.79

These hats are one size fits all. Hats feature a drawstring on the back to ensure ideal fitment.

Ever wish your boonie hat was a little better in the rain or snow? Well than look no further that the Tru-Spec H20 Proof Boonie Hat! These H20 Proof Boonie hats are modeled after the standard USGI boonie hat but with a twist. Unlike most boonie hats these Tru-Spec H20 Proof boonies are designed with wet weather in mind. Hats are constructed from 100% nylon material making them more water resistant and feature loose webbing loops, and extra wide 3 inch brim for keeping that sun or precipitation off your face, hat drawstring and is one size fits all with a drawstring adjustment at the hats back for ideal fitment. Overall, these H20 Proof boonie hats are great option for those who love the classic boonie style but want something that’s built to deal with the rain and snow.

These hats are one size fits all. Hats feature a drawstring on the back to ensure ideal fitment.

Condor Gen II Micro TK Pouch

Sale Price: $29.74

Pictured medical contents are NOT INCLUDED and are for display purposes only!

These are Gen 2 Micro TK (Trauma Kit) Pouches from Condor. These compact and lightweight pouches are a great option for mounting IFAKs on pistol or battle belts. The pouches are constructed from Laminate Cordura for increased durability and water resistance. The Gen 2 TK pouch is a 2 piece design that utilizes a mounted sleeve and removable insert. The sleeve features a hook and loop closure, elastic loops, loop panel for patches/ identifiers and mounts with 2 MOLLE straps. The insert is also constructed from laminate Cordura and features a hook and loop closure, left/ right side pull tabs as well as elastic loops for organizing medical contents. So, whether you’re building out a new IFAK for your kit or need a new pouch to replace the aging one you’re using consider grabbing one of these Gen 2 Micro TK Pouches from Condor today!

Dimensions: WITHOUT CONTENTS 4" T x 6" W x 2" D

Snugpak Dri-Sak, with Air Valve, 40L

Sale Price: $22.00

These are Snugpak 40 Liter Dri-Saks with Air Valve. These wet bags are designed to help compartmentalize and waterproof the gear in your pack or rucksack. Bags are constructed from a 100% waterproof nylon fabric with reinforced hems and a roll-down buckle closure. Bags can carry roughly 40 Liters of contents, measure out at 24″ T x 15″ W and feature an air valve on the bags front to allow air out of the bag for maximum compression. Keep that gear dry and organized on your next adventure, add some Snug Pack Dri-Saks to your packing list today!

Dimensions: 24″ T x 15″ W

Deals From GunMagWarehouse

Hornady Frontier Cartridge 5.56 NATO Ammo 55gr M193 FMJ

Sale Price: $8.99 (per 20)

Favored by informal target shooters, law enforcement training academies, and military personnel across the country, Frontier® Cartridge 5.56x45mm NATO 55gr M193 FMJ target ammo offers dependable ignition and consistent performance without breaking the bank. This ammo features clean-burning powders, premium components, and premium Hornady® bullets, loaded in select brass casings for exceptionally smooth and reliable feeding and ejection performance with most semi-auto and bolt-action rifles chambered in 5.56x45mm. Stock up and order today!

Bulgarian AK-47 7.62x39mm 30-Round Steel Lined Polymer Magazine

Sale Price: $8.99

Featuring lightweight polymer construction with a steel-lined insert, the Bulgarian AK-47 7.62x39mm 30-Round Steel Lined Polymer Magazine is as tough as the rifle it’s made for. The durable steel spring and polymer follower ensure smooth, reliable feeding for those all-day range sessions. Based on over a half-century of experience and expertise producing AK rifles and accessories, Bulgarian factory AK magazines are some of the finest you can buy. Each magazine has passed rigorous military testing for function, strength, sand/dust tolerance, water & temperature. Notoriously reliable and rugged, these are the gold standard for polymer AK mags and a perfect addition to any AK owner’s kit. Grab a few spare magazines today to double down on firepower and get more trigger time at the range.

Magpul PMAG GEN M2 MOE AR-15 .223 / 5.56 30-Round Magazine

Sale Price: $9.49

Crafted from lightweight, impact-resistant polymer with stainless steel internal springs and anti-tilt, self-lubricating followers Magpul's PMAG MOE magazines are the perfect upgrade for your favorite rifle.

Magpul’s Gen M2 PMAG broke the mold—becoming the world’s first lightweight polymer rifle magazine to offer the reliability of a USGI steel magazine with even more durability and better features.

Magnum Research Magnum Lite .22LR 10-Round Magazine

Sale Price: $13.99

With durable, lightweight construction and a reliable rotary design, this Magnum Research magazine is the perfect accessory for your Magnum Lite rifle.

Rugged polymer construction reduces weight and boosts durability. The rotary design allows for a full 10-rounds to be stored in a flush-fitting profile, preventing the magazine from protruding from the rifle and creating a snag hazard.

The rotary design also promotes reliability and provides smooth feeding round after round.

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. This week we are looking at the BOE Suppression family of IncoLite silencers. These are unique cans that are both light weight and constructed from Inconel, which is not a common combination.

 

Silencer Saturday @ TFB:

• Silencer Saturday #440: A Special Integral Upper From The DEA Archives 
• Silencer Saturday #439: America 250 And Legal News
• Silencer Saturday #438: Wheel Gun Suppression With Revolver Seal 
• Silencer Saturday #437: Precision Armament TiTrex 300Ti Review 
• Silencer Saturday #436: Subsonic Loads With Trail Boss Powder

BOE Suppression should be a familiar name around here given all of the coverage we have had with the Mod 1 family of silencers. BOE is a sister company of Duramag, the makers of my favorite metal AR magazines. The Mod 1 was their first foray into the world of silencers. It features a unique design with a removable core serialized outer sleeve and modular front and rear caps. Both vented and closed front caps are included with each silencer. You can read more about it here or here.

The IncoLite series takes a different approach. This family of silencers is fully 3D printed and made from Inconel 718, unlike the Mod 1 series which has traditional sleeve and baffle stack construction with a printed core. The IncoLite name comes from the Inconel construction and how lightweight these silencers are, ranging from just 4 oz up to 10 oz for the modular long version.

Inconel and lightweight are not typically used in the same sentence but that is what BOE has achieved with these cans. Additive manufacturing allows for the most efficient use possible of this material. By keeping walls thin and supports perfectly sized for their purpose the overall weight is impressively low. Looking inside the suppressor, there are internal structures reminiscent of flying buttresses linking the baffles to the outer wall. These would be complicated to manufacture with traditional processes, but not with 3D printing.

There are currently three models of IncoLite 9mm suppressor:

MODEL	WEIGHT	LENGTH	MSRP
IncoLite 9S	4 oz	4”	$599
IncoLite 9	6.5 oz	5”	$599
IncoLite 9M	10 oz	7.5”	$699

The 9S is the smallest and lightest member of the family. It is rated for 9mm, .357 Magnum, and select subsonic options like .300 BLK, .338 ARC, and .350 Legend. The 9 is very similar in design to the 9S but adds an inch of length. It has the same caliber ratings.

The 9M differs most from the others. It is modular and has a removable front module. The main portion of the silencer is the same size as the IncoLite 9, and the front section adds about two and a half inches. Both the removable section and main body have flash hider features. It also has a wider range of caliber compatibility. 9mm is rated for full auto with no barrel length restrictions. .300 Blackout supers are rated down to 8-inch barrels with limited full-auto firing, and .300 Blackout subs have no barrel length or rate of fire restrictions. 5.56x45 and 7.62x39 are rated for limited full-auto use down to 10.5-inch barrels. Even .308 Winchester is an acceptable caliber so long as the barrel is at least 16-inches and it is only fired in semiautomatic. That is an interesting range of options from what initially seems like just a pistol silencer.

All three models feature HUB threads on the mounting end. This leaves open the option of

BOE provides a titanium 1/2x28 direct thread mount on all models, so while you can add whatever mount suits your needs, you also have one of the most popular options ready right out of the box. Booster assemblies with HUB threads are also an option.

One thing I am looking forward to testing is whether a booster will even be needed. The 9S only weighs four ounces, which is shockingly light. I previously tried a SilencerCo Omega 9k without a booster on this Glock 19, and it did not cycle with a wide range of ammo, but it was so close with a few of the heavy loadings. That suppressor weighs 7.3 ounces. With how much lighter the IncoLite cans are, they just might work without a booster.

I also want to see how it holds up in full auto, perhaps some forced reset trigger use, and the full range of compatible firearms and chamberings. Comparing the suppression between the different models on the same host gun will also be interesting. Drop a comment below if there is something you would like to see tested. We’ll see you back here for more silencer content next week.

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

In a market dominated by striker-fired pistols, you are always hearing about Glock, Smith & Wesson, but rarely Beretta. At times it feels like the Beretta APX series doesn’t get the same limelight as other pistols in the same category, and I can't figure out why. When many Americans hear Beretta and think of the U.S. Army’s last-generation service pistol, the M9, maybe that's the problem. Is it possible that the M9 is so well known in pop culture that Beretta hasn’t been able to dethrone the old king? With that being said, I think the APX series is well worth consideration!

The APX is a modern offering from the storied Beretta name that stands out in their line of handguns. The APX series is an attempt by the brand to marry its long-standing tradition with the new. I have set out to put the APX under a microscope. I would also be remiss if I did not mention the elephant in the room: the Cerakote job. Beretta offered TFB this APX in this colorway from the Florida-based company A Really Bad Design, and while it's not my cup of tea, it definitely makes the pistol stand out. I have really wanted to put an APX through its paces for a while, so I can embrace an unconventional style of finish.

More Beretta @ TFB:

• TFBTV Beretta APX Review: 5000 rounds through the APX and a Mud Test
• Beretta Adds New APX A1 Compact Model
• TFB Review: Beretta APX A1 Optics Bundle
• TFB Review - Beretta 1301 C Chisel Stock

Note: The APX was provided by Beretta for this review, and I will be returning this pistol at the conclusion of this review. This will not influence my opinions on any current or future offerings from Beretta. Beretta has not previewed this article before its publication.

You can trace Beretta’s history back to 1526, making it the oldest firearms maker in the world to have operated without interruption. It is a story of quality and innovation. Over the centuries, they have become the go-to for military, law enforcement and civilians alike, building a reputation for being both precise and reliable. With the APX, Beretta made a calculated move into the striker-fired market. It is their answer to the need for a versatile handgun that is simple to maintain and up to the task for the more demanding user.

 Specs - APX A1 Tac

Model: Beretta APX A1 Full Size Tac

Caliber: 9x19mm Parabellum

Action: Striker-fired, semi-automatic

Barrel Length: 4.92 in. (threaded 1/2x28)

Overall Length: 8.26 in.

Weight (unloaded): 29.2 oz.

Magazine Capacity: 21+1 rounds (ships with three 21-round magazines)

Optics Ready: Factory-cut slide for red dot optics

Sights: Suppressor-height steel sights

Frame: Polymer with interchangeable backstraps

Chassis: Removable stainless-steel serialized chassis

Controls: Ambidextrous slide stop, reversible magazine release

Finish: Aqua Tech Shield corrosion-resistant finish

Barrel: Hammer-forged steel

Cerekote Finish: A Really Bad Design

MSRP: $600

 First Impressions - APX A1 Tac

Right off the bat, this APX gives off an air of ruggedness, and that might be because it looks like a Dewalt drill? But in all seriousness, there are clean lines to it, and the controls are laid out intuitively, so it is as practical as it is stylish for the shooter who knows what they want. The ‘Really Bad Design’ finish is available in a number of colorways including Periwinkle, Carbon Black, Yellow Jacket, Prison Pink, Slate, Aztec Teal, Burnt Orange, Black Cherry, Robin’s Egg Blue, and Green Mamba. Inspired by cel shading and cartoons, it creates a 2D effect, it also has the look of a Call of Duty or Fortnite weapon skin for the gamers out there.

When you get your hands on the APX A1, the texture of the grip is reassuring, and it tells you you will have control even if conditions are less than ideal. I also must note that the APX A1 Tac ships with 3 21-round magazines, and I love when you can get a gun and have plenty of magazines right out of the box.

As for the trigger system itself, it is meant to be as safe as it is effective. You will find a smooth pull that breaks with a crispness at around 6 pounds, easy enough to handle. There is a distinct reset that you can feel and hear it and that allows for faster follow-up shots when you are under pressure.

You will find the same serial-numbered stainless-steel chassis on the A1 as you do with the earlier APX pistols, one that encloses the fire-control hardware in a polymer grip module. The beauty of it is that you can take this chassis out by hand and put it in a grip module of a different size, shape or colour if you like. That way you can have a grip to your own liking without having to make any permanent changes to the factory style, and more importantly, to the legally regulated chassis itself.

Materials & Construction - APX A1 Tac

I put the APX through its paces in a good deal of testing and found it to be exceptionally reliable, no matter what kind of ammunition we fed it. Even when you are firing off rounds quickly, the extraction and feeding are as smooth as can be with nothing to interrupt your aim. That kind of consistency in cycling is proof positive that the APX will be a dependable sidearm for any self-defense or tactical situation you might find yourself in.

When it comes to accuracy, the APX is hard to fault. I put it through its paces from 25 yards out and found it had a knack for putting together tight groups with consistency. I would say the gun’s inherent precision is only bolstered by the intuitive sights and low bore axis and they make for steady follow-up shots and let you get on target quickly. While the sights are nice, I threw a dot on the gun and pretty quickly found the pistol to shoot even better for me.

Then there is the matter of recoil. The balanced design and weight keep things under control and predictable. You can feel the grip ergonomics at work in taming muzzle flip so you can reacquire your target without fuss. Even through some rapid strings of fire, the stability is there to give any shooter confidence. I do not consider myself a great pistol shooter but the APX felt great in the hand and was a joy to shoot. As for handling and ergonomics, the APX is a pleasure to use. The textured grip and overall balance are comfortable, and the controls are right where you want them. It has a natural feel in hand that makes the transition from other handguns straightforward.

Final Thoughts - APX A1 Tac

In the end, you could say the Beretta APX A1 Tac is as robust and easy to get along with as any modern handgun should be. It has the accuracy and sound ergonomics you want, and the recoil is nothing to worry about regardless of the shooter. The modular design and straightforward maintenance makes for a piece of equipment that is very much in keeping with Beretta’s way of putting innovation and function before anything else. Whether for personal carry, range plinking, competition or for duty use, it's a fine choice and now you have the choice of some bold colors too!

Front-stuffer rifles @ TFB:

• Traditions Firearms Introduces the new Pursuit XT .50 Caliber Muzzleloader 
• Buy Teddy Roosevelt's Big-Bore Hawken Rifle at RIA's Premier Auction 
• Fudd Friday: New Muzzleloaders For 2025 
• [SHOT 2025] Traditions NitroBolt: Not Your Daddy's Muzzleloader 

A hot-rod past

You would have a hard time finding a firearms manufacturing company with a history more tied to performance than Weatherby. Founded by Roy Weatherby in California in 1945, the whole point of this company from day 1 was to push the limits of firepower. Weatherby wanted to develop flat-shooting, hard-hitting, high-velocity cartridges and he wanted rifles that could handle them.

Weatherby’s timing was perfect. In World War II, a whole generation of American buyers had learned to handle the M1 Garand, a semi-auto in .30-06, and servicemen were also exposed to a wide range of other weapons, either in the hands of themselves and their allies or in their opponents’ use. The lever-actions that had dominated America’s gun counters were on the way out, and superior firepower was on the way in. Increased consumer spending power drove sporting rifle sales, and gun magazines did booming business with stories about overseas safaris. And if you wanted a gun to smash a water buffalo, Roy Weatherby could sell you the gun to do just that.

Over time, the Weatherby lineup changed to include other rifles besides their iconic Model V; today, the Vanguard gives a more affordable entry point into their catalog. But Weatherby is still one of the most respected names when it comes to the cutting-edge of hard-hitting fudd firepower. And not only were they pushing the limits of sporting cartridges, but their rifles also came with a fit and finish that was near custom-level.

This whole philosophy sounds kind of like the opposite of muzzleloading. Or maybe it isn’t; Weatherby says their new Model 307 MZY is a high-performance rifle too; it just happens to load from the front.

The important deets

To make the Model 307 MZY perform, they used a sealed inline ignition system that would typically be used for custom muzzleloaders. This lets the rifle push the performance level without worrying about blowback that you’d get from some other rifles. It also makes for repeatable headspace, helping the shooter dial in long-distance accuracy that you might not usually expect from a muzzleloader. The sealed inline ignition system is also supposed to make ignition more reliable.

Here’s how Weatherby’s website describes their newest sporting rifle:

“The Model 307 MZY is Weatherby’s first ever muzzleloader built for hunters who want centerfire performance in a front end loader. Designed around the modular Model 307 platform the MZY brings a new standard of precision to the world of modern muzzleloading. At the heart of the MZY is the Arrowhead Gen2 Ignition System. Typically only found in the custom gun world, this sealed rifle primer design solves the problem of other ignition systems. By using precision fit primer modules with large rifle primers, the system delivers hotter and more consistent ignition through a short straight flame path while fully sealing the breech. This eliminates blowback, protects the action, and maintains repeatable headspace shot after shot. Available in both 45 and 50 cal options, the MZY has options that are compliant in many western states.”

Barrel length on either caliber is 26 inches, plus another 2 inches for the muzzle brake. The .45-caliber version has a 1:20 twist, while the .50-caliber version has a 1:26 twist. Both versions of the rifle weigh 7.1 pounds without accessories and unloaded, with an overall length of 45 inches and a 13.25-inch length of pull. An adjustable TriggerTech unit comes standard. Peak 44 provides the carbon-fiber buttstock, which has a 3DHEX recoil-reducing buttpad. The metal comes with a Cerakote finish to fight corrosion.

The key to accuracy

The Arrowhead Gen2 ignition system is somewhat like the NitroFire system, though; it uses not just a primer, but also a housing for that primer. Unlike NitroFire charges, which are disposed of after a single shot, the Arrowhead Gen2 housing can handle as many as 30 shots before they need to be thrown away. Weatherby ships 20 unprimed, reusable Arrowhead Gen2 primer housing modules with the Model 307 MZY rifle, which is probably enough to get you through several years of shooting, but if you ever want more, they’re currently listed on Weatherby’s site at $140 for 20.

Weatherby also includes a breech plug wrench and socket, a collapsible ramrod and Cedar Mountain quick-loaders with the rifle. You can order the Model 307 MZY with your choice of two different open sights, or with a bare barrel for easy optics mounting.

Note that this is not a smokeless muzzleloader. Weatherby recommends using Blackhorn 209 powder (a charge of 105 grains by weight or 150 grains by volume), and a 280-grain Hornady Bore Driver bullet for .45-caliber rifles or the same bullet in  340 grains if you’ve moved up to the .50-caliber version.

With that in mind, consider the $2,699 to $2,849 MSRP (the $2,849 is for the version with the Williams Precision iron sights). For just under $1,200, Woodman Arms will sell you a front-stuffer that’s capable of using smokeless powder. A used Savage 10 ML-II will cost you even less. If you want Weatherby quality and accuracy, it’ll cost you more, but if you want to fire a smokeless muzzleloader, you might actually be able to save some money.

See more details on Weatherby’s new muzzleloader here.

---

All photos: Weatherby

European American Armory @ TFB:

• EAA Launches Girsan Brat 2311 Pistol 
• EAA Akkar Churchill 20Ga Shotguns Reconfigured for Home Defense 
• [SHOT 2022] The Modern Hi-Power, the EAA/Girsan MC P35 Match 
• New Enhanced Girsan MC312 Tactical Shotgun from EAA

The finer details

When EAA announced they’d acquired the production facility, they didn’t mince words. They very much plan to establish manufacturing operations in the U.S. As their PR puts it:

European American Armory (EAA Corp) is pleased to announce the acquisition of a large manufacturing facility in Mountain City, Tennessee with additional acreage for future expansion, marking a significant investment in the future of American firearms manufacturing and strengthening the company's long-term commitment to domestic production.

The newly acquired facility is currently undergoing extensive renovations and modernization to support advanced manufacturing, machining, assembly, logistics, and other firearm industry operations. The expansion is expected to create new opportunities for growth while establishing a collaborative manufacturing hub for the firearms industry.

It’s just one more example of the U.S. gun industry moving operations down into the Southeast, instead of its traditional base in the Northeast. And EAA might not be the only company involved in this move. In their PR, they also said they’re looking for “strategic industry partners” who might lease space in the facility to conduct their own firearms industry operations.

Chase Duffey of EAA Corp explained it this way: "Our vision extends beyond expanding EAA's manufacturing capabilities. We want to create an environment where companies throughout the firearms industry can grow together, share resources, and strengthen the domestic manufacturing base.”

It’s an interesting idea, purposefully developing synergies like that, and it seems the local governments in Mountain City and Johnson County are keen to promote the area as a good spot to do business, thanks to favorable economic development programs as well as nearby transportation corridors.

We all have a broom or shoe closet at home that houses all of our firearm cases. Big, small, medium, large… you probably own countless sizes, but how well do they actually fit? Were they made with any purpose in mind? [Federal Premium enters the chatroom] Federal has created mindful cases for suppressor use and quick-slip covers for fast transport that were crafted with intention. Now, they are shipping to dealers for our future purchase!

Federal Ammunition @ TFB:

• Federal’s 2026 New Centerfire Rifle Ammunition
• TFB Review: Federal 6.5 Creedmoor +Peak Ammunition - Is It Hot or Not?
• Faster & Flatter than 6.5 PRC! Federal’s NEW 6.5 Creedmoor +Peak Round
• [SHOT 2026] New Federal Rifle, Handgun and Shotgun Ammunition

Federal Suppressor Cases - Now Shipping

Federal has created a new Suppressor Case that is sized to fit the most common rifle, handgun, and shotgun silencers and will be compatible with suppressors 10 inches or less in size. They are being offered in a Coyote Tan colorway, and boast rugged materials, a zippered storage pocket, heat-resistant lining, and side-pinch pockets. Also, the case opens and closes fast with a full-length zipper and T-handle.

• Federal Suppressor Case | 10” Rifle/Handgun/Shotgun | FHGCCTAN | MSRP $39.99

A Word from Federal on their Suppressor Cases

“Anoka, Minnesota – “Modern shooters are running suppressors more today than ever before,” said Jake Jacobs, Federal’s Accessories Product Director. “Our unique Suppressor Case helps keep cans secure, protected, and ready to go wherever the day takes you. Its convenient design also acts like an oven mitt to help take a suppressor off a rifle easily, even when it’s still piping hot. Any shooter not patient to wait for their can to cool off will love that feature, I certainly do!””

Federal Fit Coil Rifle Cover & Quick Strike Muzzle/Scope Cover - Now Shipping

The second set of new products that Federal has announced this year that are now shipping are their Federal Fit Coil Rifle Covers and Federal Fit Quick Strike Muzzle/Scope Covers. These two products are available in Medium, Large, and Extra-Large sizing for 6 options total.

• Federal Fit Coil Rifle Cover, Medium | FFCOILM | MSRP $59.99
• Federal Fit Coil Rifle Cover, Large | FFCOILL | MSRP $59.99
• Federal Fit Coil Rifle Cover, X-Large | FFCOILXL | MSRP $59.99

• Federal Fit Quick Strike Muzzle/Scope Cover, Medium | FFQSM | MSRP $49.99
• Federal Fit Quick Strike Muzzle/Scope Cover, Large | FFQSL | MSRP $49.99
• Federal Fit Quick Strike Muzzle/Scope Cover, X-Large | FFQSXL | MSRP $49.99

A Word from Federal on their Fit & Quick Strike Covers

“Anoka, Minnesota - “With a roll-up design that lets shooters adjust case length to the firearm, our Federal Fit Coil Rifle Cover is a suppressor-ready rifle case that is ready for anything,” explains Jake Jacobs, Federal’s Accessories Product Director. “It has a heat-resistant lining in the muzzle area and a quick-grab handle. With suppressors being so wildly popular these days, having the gear needed to protect them properly and conveniently is an absolute necessity.”

“Our new Federal Fit Quick Strike Cover keeps your scope and muzzle clear and protected with this fast-deploying cover,” continued Jacobs, Federal’s Accessories Product Director. “It features a convenient stretch-fit design, and it’s ideal to keep your scope and muzzle covered while your firearm is connected to a pack, ATV, UTV, e-bike, or the gun rack inside the truck,” he said.”

Final Thoughts

All of these new product offerings are simple in their design, but intentional in how they were made. For all of your gun range and hunting exploits, whether you are running suppressed or not, these cases would be a nice addition to maintaining and taking care of your beloved firearms.

As always, let us know all of your thoughts about Federal Premium ammunition, their Suppressor Cases, Quick Strike Covers, and Fit Covers in the Comments below! We always appreciate your feedback and engagement.

The Professional-Grade Red Dot Optical System centers on Leupold's premium aspheric lens, and the results here are the marketing-proof version of "crystal-clear without distortion." The 1x magnification delivers unlimited eye relief, which matters during transitions or when shooting unconventional positions. The housing itself got a purpose-built redesign, recessing the lens to cut glare while expanding your field of view for situational awareness. On a full-size dot, that kind of clarity compounds fast across a shooting day.

On Paper:

• Magnification: 1x
• Sight length: 3.5 inches
• Mounting height: 1.5 inches (absolute co-witness)
• Field of view: Unlimited
• Elevation travel: 140 MOA
• Windage travel: 140 MOA
• Reticle options: 1 MOA dot, compass points with dot, circle-dot with compass points, 65 MOA ring with compass points and 1 MOA center dot
• Illumination: 20 daylight settings, 10 night-vision settings
• Construction: One-piece machined US aluminum
• Waterproof rating: 66 feet
• Weight: 9.6 ounces (battery included)
• Battery life (MST enabled): 30,000 hours average
• Finishes: Matte, Flat Dark Earth
• Part numbers: 187640 (Matte), 187641 (FDE)
• Guarantee: Lifetime

Platform selection for concealment, the holster and print-management realities that separate a workable off-duty setup from one that stays in a drawer, and the mindset differences that matter more than the hardware when an off-duty officer encounters a threat.

Welcome back to Front Line Friday. This week is a gear week, and the topic is off-duty carry: the setup an officer actually wears when the uniform comes off, and the practical, legal, and mental factors that determine whether that setup is a genuine capability or a checkbox. Off-duty carry is one of the areas where the gap between what officers are issued or told and what actually works in daily life is widest, because the duty holster and duty pistol that make sense on a belt under a uniform are frequently the wrong answer for concealment in street clothes across a normal day. Front Line Friday is brought to you by Dead Air Silencers, whose support keeps this column going every week.

Front Line Friday @ TFB:

• Front Line Friday #19: Fatigue and Shift Work: The Performance Data
• Front Line Friday #20: In-Car First Aid and Trauma Kit Configuration
• Front Line Friday #21: De-escalation Training That Actually Transfers
• Front Line Friday #22: Female Officer Gear and Fit: The Systemic Gap
• Front Line Friday #23: After-Action Reviews That Officers Will Actually Use

The single most important fact about an off-duty gun is whether it gets carried. A duty-size pistol that stays home because it is too big to conceal comfortably in a t-shirt provides exactly zero protection, and the honest starting point for off-duty platform selection is the recognition that carry consistency beats capability on paper. The officer who carries a smaller, lower-capacity pistol every single time they leave the house is better armed in practice than the officer who carries a full-size duty gun only when the outfit and the errand make it convenient, because the threat does not schedule itself around which days the bigger gun comes along.

That said, the tradeoff is real and worth understanding rather than pretending away. Smaller pistols are harder to shoot well. The shorter sight radius, reduced grip real estate, lighter weight, and snappier recoil of a subcompact all degrade practical accuracy and speed relative to a full-size gun, and the officer who carries a subcompact needs to acknowledge that and train to it rather than assuming their duty-gun skills transfer directly. The compact middle ground, a gun large enough to shoot well but small enough to conceal reliably, is where many officers land, and it is a defensible answer for a lot of body types and wardrobes. The point is not that smaller is always better. The point is that the gun carried consistently is the one that matters, and the selection should prioritize consistent carry over capability, not the reverse.

Caliber and capacity anxiety consume a lot of off-duty carry discussion and deserve less weight than they get. Modern defensive ammunition in the common service calibers performs well enough that the differences between them are minor relative to shot placement, and shot placement is a function of how well the officer shoots the specific gun they are carrying. A subcompact in a caliber the officer shoots accurately beats a larger-caliber gun the officer shoots poorly. Capacity matters more for the reload question than for the fight itself in most off-duty scenarios, and carrying a spare magazine addresses the capacity concern more directly than sizing up the whole platform. The officer who is well-served is the one who has chosen a gun they will carry, that they shoot well, and that they train with, in that order of priority.

The holster is where most off-duty carry systems fail, and it fails quietly, by making carry uncomfortable enough that the officer stops doing it. A gun the officer wants to carry paired with a holster that digs, shifts, prints, or requires constant adjustment is a system that erodes carry consistency over time. The officer does not consciously decide to stop carrying. They just find themselves leaving the gun behind more often because the setup is a low-grade nuisance every time they wear it, and the nuisance wins by attrition. A good holster is the difference between a carry system the officer maintains and one they abandon.

Inside-the-waistband carry is the most common concealment approach for good reason: it conceals better than outside-the-waistband under most clothing and keeps the gun close to the body. Within IWB, position is a personal decision driven by body type, wardrobe, and comfort. Appendix carry, forward of the hip, conceals well and offers a fast, protected draw for many people but does not suit every body type and requires attention to muzzle discipline during holstering. Strong-side hip carry behind the point of the hip is the traditional position and works well for many officers, at some cost to concealment when bending or reaching. The right position is the one the officer can carry all day comfortably and draw from consistently, and finding it usually takes experimentation and more than one holster purchase, which is a normal part of the process rather than a sign of a wrong first choice.

Holster material and construction matter more than they appear to. A quality Kydex or hybrid holster that holds its shape when the gun is drawn allows one-handed reholstering and consistent draw geometry, whereas a soft, collapsing holster does not and introduces safety and consistency problems. A proper gun belt is the other half of the holster system and the part most often neglected. A holster is only as stable as the belt it rides on, and a flexible dress belt lets the gun sag, shift, and print regardless of how good the holster is. A rigid purpose-built carry belt is not optional equipment for consistent concealed carry. It is the foundation on which the rest of the system depends, and officers who skip it and blame the holster have misdiagnosed the problem.

Print, the visible outline of a concealed gun against clothing, is a real consideration and also a source of more anxiety than it warrants. New concealed carriers frequently believe their gun is far more visible than it actually is, checking and adjusting constantly in a way that draws more attention than the print ever would. The reality is that most people are not looking, most people who notice a bulge do not identify it as a gun, and the officer who moves naturally and dresses appropriately conceals effectively without constant fussing. The goal is reasonable concealment that does not telegraph, not perfect invisibility under all conditions, which is neither achievable nor necessary.

The practical print-management factors are straightforward. Darker and patterned clothing conceals better than light, tight, solid fabrics. A layer, even a light one, breaks up the outline significantly. Clothing cut slightly loose in the right places conceals without looking like tactical wear, and the officer who dresses around carrying rather than trying to hide a gun under clothing chosen for other reasons has an easier time of it. Garment selection is a bigger lever than most carriers realize, and adjusting the wardrobe to accommodate carry is more effective than trying to make any given outfit work with a gun it was not chosen to conceal.

The behavior side of print management matters as much as the garment side. Constant touching and adjusting of the gun is the most common way carriers give themselves away, far more than actual print. The gun properly holstered on a proper belt does not need to be checked every few minutes, and the officer who has confidence in their setup stops touching it, which results in both better concealment and less telegraphing. Printing occasionally when reaching for a high shelf or bending to tie a shoe is a normal part of concealed carry and rarely matters. The officer who has calibrated their concern to the actual risk carries more comfortably and more consistently than the one who treats every possible momentary exposure as a crisis.

The hardware is the easy part. The harder and more important part of off-duty carry is the mental model, because an off-duty officer who encounters a violent situation is in a fundamentally different tactical and legal position than the same officer on duty, and defaulting to the on-duty response can get them killed or get them into serious legal jeopardy. On duty, the officer has a uniform that identifies them, a radio that summons help, backup on the way, body armor, a duty belt full of options, and the legal and tactical context of being a recognizable agent of the state. Off duty, they have a concealed gun, and none of the rest of that, and the situation reads completely differently to responding officers and to everyone else present.

The identification problem is the one that gets off-duty officers hurt by other officers. An off-duty officer with a gun in their hand, in street clothes, at the scene of a violent incident, looks exactly like a threat to responding officers who do not know them. The officer who intervenes off duty and is still holding a gun when uniformed officers arrive is in genuine danger of being shot by their own side, and the discipline of displaying empty hands, following commands immediately, and identifying verbally the instant police arrive is a survival skill that has to be thought through in advance because it runs against the instinct to keep the gun ready. This is not hypothetical. Off-duty and plainclothes officers have been killed by responding officers in exactly this scenario, and the prevention is entirely a matter of a pre-planned mindset.

The decision to intervene at all is different off duty, and the honest guidance is that the threshold should be higher. On duty, intervening is the job. Off duty, without backup, without armor, without identification, frequently with family present, and with a concealed handgun as the only tool, the calculus changes. Being a good witness and a good caller is often the better choice off duty than being an intervener, and the officer who has thought through in advance when they will and will not intervene, rather than defaulting to on-duty reflexes, makes better decisions under pressure. Protecting the immediate safety of the officer and their family, calling it in, and providing information are frequently more valuable than inserting a lone armed plainclothes person into a situation that responding officers will have to sort out. The gun is for situations the officer cannot avoid or retreat from, not for volunteering for every incident they witness.

The family factor deserves specific attention because it changes everything about an off-duty encounter. An officer with their kids at the mall is not in a position to run toward a threat as they would on duty, and their primary responsibility shifts to getting their family to safety. The off-duty mindset that keeps officers and their families alive prioritizes evasion and protection over engagement, treats the gun as a last resort for an unavoidable direct threat, and accepts that the heroic intervention that makes sense in uniform frequently does not make sense when the officer is the only thing standing between their own children and a chaotic, dangerous scene.

• Audit your actual carry consistency honestly. If your off-duty gun stays home more often than it comes with you, the problem is almost certainly the platform, holster, or belt making carry inconvenient enough to skip. Fix the friction rather than blaming your discipline, because a carry system you will actually maintain beats a better gun you leave behind.
• If you are carrying a duty-size pistol off-duty and find it inconvenient, try a quality compact as a test. Many officers discover that a gun they shoot nearly as well but conceal far more easily gets carried far more consistently, which is a net gain in real-world readiness even at some cost on paper.
• Invest in a proper, rigid gun belt before you spend more on holsters. The belt is the foundation of the whole system, and even with a good holster on a flexible dress belt, it still sags and prints. This is the highest-return upgrade for most concealed-carry setups, and the one most often skipped.
• Practice drawing from concealment, not just from your duty holster. The draw from under a covering garment is a different motor skill from the open-duty draw, and it requires its own repetitions. Dry practice at home with a verified-clear firearm builds the concealment draw without range time.
• Think through the identification problem before you ever need it. Rehearse mentally what you will do when uniformed officers arrive while you have a gun out: empty hands, immediate compliance, verbal identification, concealed badge. This is a survival skill that runs counter to instinct and must be planned in advance to be available under stress.
• Decide your intervention threshold in advance, especially in the family scenario. Knowing in advance when you will intervene and when you will evade, protect, or report keeps you from defaulting to on-duty reflexes that may not fit the off-duty reality. The higher threshold is usually the right one when you are alone, unarmored, and unidentified.
• FTOs and supervisors: talk about off-duty carry and off-duty response with newer officers. The academy covers the legal authority, but rarely the practical and mindset realities, and a new officer who has thought through the identification problem and the intervention threshold before they face one is far better prepared than one who has only been told they are authorized to carry.
• Fire/EMS: for those of you who carry off duty where permitted, the same principles apply, with the added consideration that your instinct to move toward a medical emergency has to be weighed against the same identification and family-safety factors. The mindset discipline of not becoming an unidentified armed person in a chaotic scene applies regardless of which service you come from.

That's Front Line Friday for this week: off-duty carry is a system, and it only works if it's carried, which makes consistency the first priority and everything else secondary. The right platform is the one you will carry every day, the right holster and belt are the ones that make that comfortable, and the right mindset is the one that recognizes an off-duty encounter is a different problem than an on-duty one, with a higher intervention threshold and a hard identification discipline that keeps you from being shot by your own side. Next week we shift to a suppressor review, back to the gear-test format, with a full field evaluation of the next Dead Air unit in the rotation. See you then.

If you have been following along, you know I have already put time into both the Beretta 21A Bobcat Covert in 22LR and the Beretta 3032 Tomcat Covert in .32 ACP over on our sister site AllOutdoor. Both came factory-threaded with dark walnut grips and both were a pleasure to review. Something always nagged at me about stopping at two, though. The original Beretta pocket pistol, the one that started all of this, was the 950 Jetfire in .25 ACP. The 21A carried that torch for a while before Beretta pulled the plug on the chambering, and they did that well before the Covert lineup existed. Nobody is rushing out to buy a .25 ACP as a primary carry gun. “Better than nothing” does not exactly move product. Still, there is no Beretta 21A Bobcat Covert .25 ACP. Beretta never made one. So I did.

Note: Ammunition for this review was provided by AmmoForSale.com. Make sure to check those folks out, they offer a good variety of products and bulk options too!

Beretta Coverage on AllOutdoor & TheFirearmBlog:

• AllOutdoor Review – Beretta 3032 Tomcat Covert .32 ACP
• AllOutdoor Review – Beretta 21A Bobcat Covert .22 Long Rifle
• What’s The Difference? – Beretta 92FS vs Beretta 92X RDO Full Size
• TFB Review: Mesa Tactical Beretta 1301 Furniture
• Silencer Saturday #408: Beretta 71 Ammo Selection

Specifications: Beretta 21A Bobcat .25 ACP (Modified)

The base gun is a standard Beretta 21A in .25 ACP. The Covert modifications are a threaded barrel extension from JP Grips and Machine and a set of dark walnut grip panels from Midwest Gunworks. The grips are listed as Tomcat Covert panels but they fit the 21A frame without modification. They were the only correct walnut option I could track down, which makes sense since Midwest Gunworks is almost certainly Beretta's replacement parts distributor.

• Action: Single/Double
• Caliber: .25 ACP
• Firing Mechanism: Semiautomatic Straight Blowback
• Threading: 1/2x28 (JP Grips and Machine, fixed extension)
• Safety: Manual Right-Handed Thumb
• Safety Grips: Dark Walnut (Beretta Tomcat Covert panels via Midwest Gunworks)
• Slide & Barrel: Blued Steel
• Frame: Aluminum Forging, Black Anodized

JP Grips and Machine charges $185 for .25 ACP threading, which covers the permanently fixed threaded extension, thread protector, and $15 return shipping.

First Look: Beretta 21A Bobcat Covert .25 ACP

Sourcing the parts was the more interesting half of this project. For the barrel threading I initially tried to go back to Tornado Technologies. Adam Scepaniak and I have both used them before for our Nagant revolvers, but their site suggested a location move and when I reached out to confirm where to send the barrel they never responded. I did not want to send a barrel somewhere blind and wait indefinitely.

JP Grips and Machine got the call instead. By the look and feel of their operation they are a small shop, probably one or two people running specialty services. I could have threaded the barrel myself but decided my time was worth more than what they charge and its good to support small businesses. Turnaround was a little long for my anxious soul but I am only saying that because I am being nitpicky. Their communication was solid throughout and the work came back clean. It was also shorter and less cumbersome than I remember Tornado Technologies being with the Nagant jobs. No offense to them.

Range Time: Beretta 21A Bobcat Covert .25 ACP

Comparing this one to  its siblings at the range was unavoidable. Going in I expected .25 ACP to land somewhere between the 22LR and nothing on the recoil scale. I was wrong. The .25 ACP in this gun is surprisingly snappy. Not as aggressive as shooting a .32 or a .380 in a frame this size, but closer to the .32 Tomcat than the .22 Bobcat. There is real pep there and it gets your attention.

The trigger was slapping my finger. I was getting some good trigger slap. Not a dealbreaker in a pocket pistol but present enough to notice and mention. I do not remember getting that with either of the other Coverts.

Sound was comfortable to the ear, not too quiet, not super super quiet, but quiet and comfortable. Running the shorter suppressor configuration was a different story - unlike the Odessa 9 I have, the short configuration on this gun was pretty loud. Not hearing safe at all. The groups stayed the same size regardless of which configuration I ran, which I appreciated.

Final Thoughts: Beretta 21A Bobcat Covert .25 ACP

Nobody needs a .25 ACP in 2026. Having all three of these little Coverts in the same box closes something off, and the .25 ACP earns its place in that set. It is snappier than expected, it rewards suppressed shooting, and it represents the actual origin of the whole Beretta pocket pistol lineage. The 950 Jetfire started this family. Having it at the end of the row in matching Covert trim felt like the right call.

Special thanks to AmmoForSale.com for supplying the .25ACP I used as well as JP Grips and Machine for the quality barrel work on this project. You guys and gals - do you think Beretta was right to let the .25 ACP fade out, or is there a case for keeping a caliber like that alive? Would you build a project gun like this yourself or hold out for something factory? And for those who have shot .25 ACP, were you surprised by the recoil character? Let us know in the Comments below! We always appreciate your feedback.

Few firearms carry as much cultural weight as the MP5K. Its silhouette is immediately recognizable to anyone who has paid attention to special operations units over the past four decades, and the SP5K-PDW is HK's answer for those who want the genuine article in a civilian-legal configuration. Manufactured at Heckler & Koch's factory in Oberndorf, Germany, on the same production lines and by the same workforce that has been building MP5s for years, it shares the roller-delayed blowback operating system that defines the platform's reputation for smooth shooting and mechanical precision.

Welcome back to another edition of Concealed Carry Corner. Last week, we discussed the basics of printing and how to avoid printing. If you happened to miss that article, be sure to click the link here to check it out. This week, I want to take a closer look at some of the unique challenges of riding a motorcycle that are different from riding in a vehicle or other options. Let's take a deeper dive into concealing on a motorcycle.

Motorcycles Are A Different Style

The big difference between carrying in a regular car and a motorcycle is the fact that you're exposed to the outside world and elements while on a motorcycle, so there aren't many places to just outright hide your handgun. Not only do you have to worry about keeping your handgun concealed, but you also have to keep in mind that moving around and leaning on your bike can cause different strain on your holster than what's typically normal for carrying concealed. When going at highway speed, it's common for shirts to ride up in the wind without a heavier vest to keep things in place. It's important to think about where your handgun is positioned and if there's a chance of it being exposed at higher speeds when on the highway.

For some, carrying appendix or strong side with an IWB holster can be a little tricky if you don't wear the proper cover garment. While a lightweight cover garment in the summertime will be perfectly fine in a regular car, having something that light while riding 60 mph+ just won't stay tucked in or down, ultimately creating a situation where your gun is plainly in sight for all passing traffic to see. The takeaway is the fact that even though certain styles may work for a car, it's drastically different for a motorcycle, but there are certainly fixes for this.

Things To Consider

When it comes to carrying on a bike, you have to keep a few things in mind that are different from carrying in a regular car. Your right hand is in charge of the throttle and front brakes, so carrying on the right side of your body won't be the easiest thing to get to if you're moving. There is a pretty divided line when it comes to carrying a handgun on the bike. Half of people want to have the handgun accessible to the left hand since that only works the clutch, while the other half don't think it's possible to try and get away on the bike and have a handgun in your hand at the same time.

I am in the second group of thinking where I either want to be trying to evade the situation on the bike or I'm stopped with no other choice when I draw my handgun. This idea of having my handgun out while I'm riding like it's a scene out of Sons of Anarchy is ridiculous. What people who don't ride often seem to miss is the fact that each arm and leg has a job to do and it's incredibly difficult to put a handgun into the mix. I still carry one every time I ride a bike, but the idea of being on the move and drawing your handgun is crazy talk in my mind.

When it comes to concealing your handgun, I use a leather riding vest to my advantage since they protect against road stones or debris from hitting your chest as you ride, but also allows you to carry easily in the vest with zero printing. Leather does an incredible job of breaking up any printing since it's a thicker material, but a heavy canvas vest or riding jacket can do the same thing as well. Having a vest or riding jacket will obviously protect you if you have an accident, but it also does a phenomenal job of concealing firearms as an added bonus.

Overall Thoughts

When it comes to carrying on a bike, it's really tough to have a one-size-fits-all solution. Some people wear full leather tracksuits while others wear a shirt and shorts. You should have some sort of heavier cover garment, whether it's a leather or heavy canvas vest, in order to have the weight to keep your gun covered and protect yourself from debris off the road. Figuring out what you want to carry and going from there, it'll just take time, but it will be worth it.

Let me know if you have a favorite style of carry when it comes to riding on a motorcycle in the comments below. If you have questions about concealment 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.

Apex Ammunition specialties @ TFB:

• Apex Ammunition's New SmallTown Hunting 28-gauge TSS Turkey Load 
• [SHOT 2024] Turkeys Beware – New Tungsten 28GA Load From Apex ammunition 
• APEX Ammunition Upland Bird TSS Loads Now Available 
• Apex Ammo's New Mossy Oak Shadow Grass Habitat Waterfowl Blend 

Why use Stratified loads?

When we look specifically at the new dove-hunting loads in the Stratified series from Apex, we see a layered shot payload of hardened L3 high-antimony lead pellets in different sizes. This is supposed to provide optimized pattern and hitting power at either close-in birds or those further-out fliers. Improved shot density is supposed to get more of your pellets on-target.

Even though non-toxic loads aren’t required in many jurisdictions, some hunters are regulated to use them, and others prefer them. Apex Ammunition also offers steel dove loads with S3 zinc-plated steel pellets.

Apex Ammunition says they made these shells off real-world feedback from the field, not the mind games of a bunch of nerds in a lab.

“Our move into lead and steel dove loads is the result of tremendous demand from retailers and our customers in the upland community who want Apex’s consistent quality and performance in loads for smaller, more fragile game birds like dove and quail,” said Jason Lonsberry, the big boss at Apex Ammunition. “We are excited to now offer affordable, high-quality lead and non-toxic steel options for these hunts.” 

See pricing below (MSRP per 25-round box):

Apex Ammunition Dove Stratified L3 Lead

• 12 Ga, 2 ¾” 1 ¼ oz #7 and #8 L3 Lead Shot - $19.99
• 12 Ga, 2 ¾” 1 ⅛ oz #7 and #8 L3 Lead Shot - $18.99
• 20 Ga, 3” 1 ⅛ oz #7 and #8 L3 Lead Shot - $18.99
• 20 Ga, 2 ¾” 1 oz #7 and #8 L3 Lead Shot - $16.99

Apex Ammunition Dove Stratified S3 Steel

• 12 Ga, 2 ¾” 1 oz #6 and #7 S3 Steel Shot - $18.99
• 20 Ga, 2 ¾” ¾ oz #6 and #7 S3 Steel Shot - $16.99

On today's episode of TFB's Behind the Gun Podcast, I'm happy to welcome Jeremy Hammons and Drew Markel, the founder and co-owner of One Horse, a brand-new 100% American-made AR-15 manufacturer out of Brownstown, Indiana, with a little bit of pedigree from Anderson Manufacturing, which recently shut its doors for good. Today we'll dig into the One Horse origin story, what their current lineup looks like, including their new One Horse Express, and where the company is headed next in this constantly changing market. Please give a warm welcome to Jeremy and Drew!

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 #226: Jeremy & Drew of One Horse

In this episode of TFB's Behind the Gun Podcast, I'm happy to welcome Jeremy Hammons and Drew Markel, the founder and co-owner of One Horse Firearms, a 100% American-made AR-15 manufacturer out of Brownstown, Indiana. Jeremy is a U.S. Army veteran with over a decade of experience in engineering, machining, and firearms industry leadership, while Drew brings a background in sales, strategy, and supply chain. Together they've built One Horse around a simple premise: no imported parts, no corner-cutting, no excuses.

We dig into the One Horse origin story, what drove them to launch a domestic rifle manufacturer in 2025, and cover the current lineup, including the OH-15 and the recently announced One Horse Express, a factory-built rifle built around the Atrius Forced Reset Selector.

One Horse website: https://theonehorse.com

One Horse on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theonehorsefirearms

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

I recently had a great opportunity to try out Zeiss’ new V3 Lineup of Rifle Scopes on a beautiful ranch in Oklahoma. While I had always known about the scopes that Zeiss makes, I honestly think of them as a photo and video lens company first, given my background as a photographer and videographer. Nonetheless, Zeiss invited me out to a media event last week to show off these optics and let us writers get some trigger time behind them.

More News from Zeiss @ TFB

• ZEISS Conquest V6 – The new 6x zoom riflescope from ZEISS
• ZEISS DTC 3 - The First Thermal Clip-On Device from ZEISS
• ZEISS Secacam 5 and 7 – New High-End Trail Cameras
• Next-Level Stability: ZEISS Unveils Their New Pro-Series Tripods

The establishment that hosted the event was the Cross Bell Ranch and from my understanding this is a very historic ranch in Oklahoma. The ranch itself was around 54,000 acres, giving us plenty of room for long-range shooting activities.

The Zeiss team started things off with a presentation outlining the five core ideas behind the V3s, and they said the aim is to be a good, more affordable option for around 70% of buyers, without dropping the quality. They have done plenty of research into what people want from scopes and how they perform, and we got to handle pre-production V3’s. They felt nice and balanced, and were comfortable to hold, giving a good first impression before we even shot.

The next morning, we were shooting. We used centerfire rifles and also tested the rimfire scopes (I was really impressed with those at about 150 yards). The way all the V3s felt from the lower-end ones to the better ones, showed Zeiss’ usual attention to detail. These aren’t just basic scopes, but can enable hunters who want better accuracy and dependability in the field to really think about getting one.

Looking through the 18x scope, I did notice a bit of color fringing in the treetops when sweeping around, and this is pretty normal when you push a scope’s zoom that far. But generally, the picture was good, showing that Zeiss still provides very good glass for the money. Then we switched to 6.5 Creedmoor rifles for really stretching the legs of the optics and my personal shooting skills.

After lunch, we spent the afternoon comparing the various V3’s to scopes from other companies. They were all on tripods, and though the zoom levels weren't quite the same, we could really compare how they handled parallax, contrast, and how much light they let in. I always love doing side-by-side comparison testing like this, and I appreciate Zeiss letting us do this. Later in the afternoon, I tested the lower-powered scopes (2.5-10x magnification) and hit targets at 700 and, unbelievably, 1,000 yards with some serious calculations and a bit of luck. This was beyond what I expected and really showed the quality of the V3’s engineering and Zeiss’ obligation to still provide these scopes with great glass if they will bear the Zeiss name.

I do believe they will be a strong choice for serious hunters or shooters who want more performance without the huge cost of top-end scopes. My time in Oklahoma has convinced me that the Zeiss V3 optics are very capable. They’ll make shooting better for a lot of people and add a new level of refined, affordable scopes in the market. I’m interested to see how they are received by shooters and hunters in general. Zeiss will be sending me a few scopes to write full reviews on in the near future so look out for those where I can really dive into more specifics on each model and what I like and don’t.

In the meantime let’s look over the technical specifications for each of the upcoming models, right out of the Zeiss catalog!

ZEISS V3 Riflescopes for Hunting

Product Highlights, Features, and Details Overview

Brighter Viewing Experience from HP Optics with ZEISS Bright™ Technology

Delivering at least 90% light transmission to the eye

High-Performance (HP) optical system

Fully multi-coated lenses for better light transmission and color fidelity. Hydrophobic lens coating for repelling water, dust, dirt, and fingerprints.

• European-style fast-focus adjustable diopter
• Optimized mounting space for ring placement
• Fixed Parallax
• @ 50 yards: 2.5-8x35 RF model @ 150 yards: 2.5-8x35, 3.5-10x42, and 4.5-14x44* models
• Side Adjustable Parallax: 25 yards - Infinity, for 4.5-14x44, 4.5-14x50, and 6-18x50 models

Repeatable, Positive, and Tactile turrets and adjustments

• Capped Elevation and Windage Turrets
• Waterproof with cap removed
• External Elevation w/ Ballistic Stop: Optional
• Metal-on-Metal Construction
• 0.25 MOA per-click value - 10 MOA per rotation
• 70-100 MOA total elevation travel
• Optimized engravings for better readability and faster adjustments

ZEISS Transferable Limited Lifetime Warranty and Transferable Five-Year No-Fault Policy

• Lighter designs and shorter footprints
• 3x 200m ratio
• 1-inch* and 30 mm* maintube options
• Weight*: 12.6 - 18.7 ounces (357 - 530 grams)
• Length*: 10.7 - 13.1 inches (274 - 333 mm)

Reticles SFP:

Plex-style #6

XRR #84

Elevation Turrets in MOA

External with Ballistic Stop

• Traditional and modernized reticle options
• MOA designs (XRR, SHR, and SHRi)
• Center-Dot Illumination: As an option
• Rheostat controlled
• Red in color
• 10 intensity levels - off between settings
• Auto-off feature - 3-hour timeout
• Battery: Coin-type 2032

Waterproof: submerged up to 3.3 feet (1 m) for 1-hour

Charter Arms wheelguns @ TFB:

• The New Charter Arms Pathfinder II .22LR 8-Shot Revolver 
• Wheelgun Wednesday: Charter Arms Coyote & Combo Series 
• Wheelgun Wednesday: Charter Arms Professional VI .357 Magnum 6-Shot 
• Charter Arms to Unveil New Professional Revolver at Concealed Carry Expo 

A company with CCW history

If there was ever a company with street cred in the concealed carry game, it is Charter Arms. Their Bulldog revolver of the late 1970s, chambered in .44 Special, was a hard-hitting, no-nonsense hideaway piece that had the lines of a classic European hand cannon of the late 1800s (think: Webley’s MP, or their classic British Bull Dog revolver). When most American hideout guns were chambered in .32 rimfire or .22LR, the British (and their Belgian copycats) were making hard-hitting pocket pistols for gentlemen of taste.

The Charter Arms Bulldog was more affordable than a magnum from big-name companies like Smith & Wesson or Colt, and it still offered a lot of hitting power, with police departments approving the revolver for backup carry. Private citizens bought them for the same reason, and of course, when David Berkowitz carried out his killing spree in New York as the Son of Sam, he gave the revolver even more notoriety—at one point, due to his choice of a rare-at-that-time handgun, police had dubbed their then-unknown suspect “The .44 Caliber Killer.”

You can see our review of the .44-caliber Charter Arms Bulldog here, from back in 2013. Not much had changed from the original production revolver’s formula. As Richard put it back then, “I had high hopes when I got the Charter Arms Bulldog, but was worried it might not live up to my expectations. Fortunately for me, it did. I found the Bulldog to be a solid, well-built handgun for a very reasonable price. The Tiger paint style just added to the cool factor.” When you get an idea that works, why mess with it, right?

A different take

But Charter Arms has sold revolvers in lighter-recoiling calibers for a long time as well, despite making their name with big-hitting power in a small package. At the SHOT Show this winter, they were showing off first glimpses of their new Walker line of rimfire revolvers. They’ve now released more details on these wheelguns.

The Walker revolvers come chambered in either .22 LR or .22 Magnum, the two most common rimfire cartridges. They’re teeny-tiny; they even got the “Honey, I Shrunk The Grips” treatment, as they ship with small rubber grips. They’re lightweight, too, with an aluminum frame (the barrel is all steel, and so is the eight-shot cylinder). The weight for either caliber choice is 15 ounces unloaded. The only barrel length available is 2 inches. A shrouded hammer should help with a snag-free draw.

Charter Arms offers the revolver in a black anodized frame, with black passivate finished stainless steel components, or a pink-anodized or blue-anodized frame with highly-polished stainless steel parts.

Because these guns are made to shoot at bad-breath distances, not for plinking at far-away bullseyes at a range, they come with basic sights—a fixed ramp sight up front, with the rear sight consisting of a simple notch cut into the top strap of the frame. You point and shoot with these things; they aren’t target pistols.

Why go with a .22LR or .22 Magnum concealed carry revolver? The two most obvious reasons are lack of recoil and affordability. A rimfire round is definitely easier to shoot than a heavy centerfire. And no other round will ever be as cheap as .22LR, and .22 Magnum is also affordable compared to centerfire rounds while offering a step up in hitting power. That means you can stockpile rounds affordably and get in a lot of practice, whereas you might not be able to with more expensive ammo.

But there are other advantages to buying a rimfire revolver. For one, in an age where Wal-Mart won’t sell handgun ammo, you can always buy .22 LR or .22 Magnum at your local Wally World, if that’s the only gun store in town (which might be the case if you live in a small municipality). And if you’re already sitting on a stack of .22 LR ammo (many shooters are), then a handgun that shoots that ammo is always a good idea.

Finally, while you can now find centerfire revolvers with 8-shot capacity quite easily, that wasn’t always the case. Historically, rimfire revolvers were available with higher-capacity cylinders, like the 8-shot Walker models. Thankfully, centerfire 8-shot wheelguns are much more common now, especially since modern .32-caliber models have gained popularity.

Aesthetics don't cycle a bolt, though, and Meridian didn't stop at cosmetics. Under the weathered finish sits the same rugged AK-103 foundation the company has built its reputation on. The barrel is cold hammer-forged, chrome-lined, and runs a 1:9.45 twist optimized for 7.62x39mm, with internals and gas system equally robust. The chrome-lined muzzle brake and front sight block handle recoil management and corrosion resistance in parallel, while Meridian's Performance Trigger breaks crisp at 3.5 to 4 pounds. The folding polymer stock keeps logistics simple.

Limited production runs and hand-finishing mean scarcity is built into the design, which will appeal to shooters who already appreciate what Meridian brings to the AK-103 platform: American manufacturing standards applied to Soviet-inspired engineering.

Specifications:

• Cold hammer-forged, chrome-lined barrel with 1:9.45 twist rate
• U.S.-made hammer-forged internals
• Full chrome-lined gas system
• Chrome-lined muzzle brake and front sight block
• Folding polymer stock; side optics rail
• Meridian Performance Trigger (3.5–4 lb pull)
• UltiMAK M1-B gas tube Picatinny rail
• Hand-finished Cerakote in three colorways (Midnight Varan, Dubok Shadow, Steppe Ghost)
• 7.62x39mm; limited production; each rifle individually finished

Weatherby's new 250th Anniversary Mark V isn't just another limited-edition rifle timed to capitalize on patriotic sentiment. It's a deliberate declaration, built on a frame that's been holding American hunters' ambitions since 1957, honoring 250 years of the freedom that let Roy Weatherby walk into a California storefront with nothing but an idea. That same freedom built this company into a Wyoming dynasty. That same freedom built a nation. This rifle is where those stories intersect.

Military Armament Corporation is an SDS Arms brand, and they have been putting out some interesting guns at prices that are hard to argue with. The MAC IX is their newest offering, a 9mm direct blowback pistol that feeds from MP5-style magazines and runs on AR-15 controls. It is a hybrid concept that works better than it sounds: familiar ergonomics, widely available magazines, and a suppressor-ready barrel right out of the box. SDS was kind enough to send yours truly a sample. Let's dive right into the TFB review of the MAC IX!

More SDS & MAC onT FB:

• [SHOT 2026] Tricked Out Hi-Power And Affordable MP5 Lights From SDS
• SDS Arms Unveils New PX-9 Comp Variants for Carry & Competition
• SDS Arms Announces the Return of the Tisas 1911 A1 Stakeout .45 Auto
• MAC-5 & MAC-5K Pistols Now With Franklin Armory Binary Triggers
• Military Armament Corp (MAC) Introduces New MAC IX 9mm PCC

A quick note before we get into specs: Vortex was kind enough to send along their AMG UH-1 Gen II Holographic Sight to pair with this gun. Look for a standalone review of that optic coming separately. A big thank you also goes out to AmmoForSale.com for providing PMC 147gr FMJ and to Federal for sending along their CCI Blazer 147gr TMJ subsonic. Ammo support from companies like these makes the job possible, and we do not take it for granted.

Specifications: SDS Imports MAC IX 9mm

The MAC IX is made by Akdas in Turkey and imported under the Military Armament Corporation name. The lower receiver says "Made In Turkey" right on it, which is perfectly fine. A lot of excellent guns come out of Turkey and there is nothing to hide there. MAC brings the design, the branding, the warranty infrastructure, and the U.S.-based support. The receivers are machined from 7075-T6 aluminum with a black anodized finish, and the barrel is 4140 steel, chrome-lined and Melonite coated.

• Caliber: 9mm Luger
• Action: Direct blowback, semi-automatic
• Barrel Length: 6.5"
• Barrel Material: 4140 steel, chrome-lined, Melonite coated
• Overall Length: 15.97"
• Weight: 5.10 lbs (unloaded)
• Receiver Material: 7075-T6 aluminum, black anodized
• Handguard: Aluminum M-LOK
• Rail: Full-length Picatinny on top, rear 1913 Picatinny for brace/stock
• Magazine Compatibility: MP5-style
• Included Magazines: Two 30-round metal magazines - MAC branded
• Muzzle: Tri-lug adapter + 1/2x28 TPI threads
• Sights: Click-adjustable, removable, guarded front and rear
• Safety: Manual two-position selector
• Finish: Black anodized
• MSRP: $797

The $797 price tag covers more than just the gun. Inside the lockable hard case you get two 30-round metal MP5-style magazines, a cleaning kit with patches, a bungee single-point sling that connects to a QD cup at the rear of the receiver, the removable iron sights, front sight tool, a 9mm A2-style birdcage flash hider, an extra mainspring retainer pin, a cable lock, and the manual. MAC backs it with a 1-year limited warranty on materials and workmanship, followed by a Lifetime Service Plan covering material defects going forward.

“The MAC IX is a rugged, modular 9mm PCC built for reliability and performance. It features a proven direct blowback system for minimal recoil and fast follow-up shots, and accepts MP5-style magazines for dependable, familiar feeding. With a monolithic upper, full-length Picatinny rail, and M-LOK handguard, it’s mission-ready—whether for competition, defense, or the range.”

First Look: SDS Imports MAC IX 9mm

Out of the box, the MAC IX makes a solid first impression. The fit and finish are not going to blow anyone away. Nothing is hand-fitted, nothing reads as premium, but it looks like exactly what it is supposed to be and there is nothing disappointing about opening that case.

Squint at it a little and there is some HK UMP in the profile. The MP5-style magazines slot into what is otherwise a very AR-influenced package and the combination works visually. MAC includes the iron sights in the case rather than pre-installed, which is probably the right call since most buyers are going straight to an optic. Installing them requires an Allen key but unfortunately there is no Allen key in the case. Yeah, it's likely something the average Joe will toss after install or throw in a junk drawer but an inclusion would have been nice.

The charging handle is an AR-style T-handle at the rear. If you have run an AR, you already know how to use this one. It does not interfere with a rear-mounted optic and it does not get in the way of a brace. The pistol grip is AR-compatible, so there is a deep aftermarket catalog available if you want to personalize it. The M-LOK handguard is short, which makes sense given the barrel length and the need to potentially accommodate the tri-lug at the muzzle, but your support hand is landing right at the end of the rail. A hand stop is worth considering, I certainly entertained going out and buying one.

On the muzzle end, the barrel has the tri-lug adapter machined directly into it with 1/2x28 TPI threads in front of that. The included A2 birdcage threads on cleanly. If you plan to run a suppressor via tri-lug, know ahead of time that the thread protector on this gun runs a larger diameter than similar setups on other guns in this category. It needs to come off before the tri-lug mount can seat fully. Two seconds of work, but if you are used to tri-lug setups where the adapter goes right over the thread protector without removing it, this one is different. Gotta take it off and expose the threads.

Note: At least this was the case with my Dead Air Wolfman with the Dead Air Tri-Lug Adapter. Maybe others have more clearance?

The rear of the lower receiver has a 1913 Picatinny rail built-in, and it’s genuinely useful. The SB Tactical TF1913 folding brace I bought just for this review drops right on and turns this into a much more shootable package. More on that in the range section below.

Range Time: SDS Imports MAC IX 9mm

Yours truly ran roughly 200 rounds through the MAC IX across supersonic and subsonic loads. About 150 of those were Remington Range 115gr FMJ supersonic. The remaining 50 were split between PMC 147gr FMJ (courtesy of AmmoForSale.com) and CCI's new Blazer 147gr TMJ subsonic (courtesy of Federal). Zero malfunctions across the board. The direct blowback action loaded, fed, fired, and ejected without a hiccup on everything I ran.

Recoil is mild. Blowback 9mm can be snappy in smaller packages but the MAC IX at just over five pounds handles it without drama. Unsuppressed it is perfectly comfortable. Running the Dead Air Wolfman on the tri-lug suppressed is where this thing really shines. Very quiet, very easy to shoot, not gassy at all, exactly what you want out of a fun 9mm PCC. The Wolfman seated cleanly after the thread protector was removed and ran without issues through the session.

For the optic, I ran the Vortex AMG UH-1 Gen II Holographic Sight. It did not co-witness with the iron sights so whenever I felt like switching I had to remove it, which wasn't a huge deal because of the AMG UH-1’s QD system. The iron sights themselves are more capable than they look. They feel basic because they are basic, but they click properly, they stay put, and I would not feel cheated running them as-is for a while. In fact, I think the clean look without an optic has a certain appeal if we are just going for looks.

At 15 yards with iron sights I was seeing 4 to 5 inch standing groups. The Vortex optic tightened that up with supersonic ammo. Past 25 yards I was shooting informal pot shots rather than running formal groups, but nothing was embarrassing. Where I did notice a real difference was suppressed subsonic. The 147gr loads opened groups back up compared to the supersonic performance at the same distance. Blowback, tri-lug barrels, and heavy subsonic loads do not always agree, and this gun falls into that category. If suppressed subsonic is going to be your primary diet with this gun, go in knowing the accuracy picture may change.

Note: I bought some of the straight profile 40rd ProMag polymer MP5 magazines. I wanted to lean into that vague UMP look. For what it's worth, they did not fit. They do not insert fully or seat in the gun. Stick with metal MP5 mags.

Final Thoughts: SDS Imports MAC IX 9mm

The MAC IX is a fun gun. It runs reliably, ships with a legitimately useful package of accessories, and has a suppressor-ready barrel setup from the factory. For my sample and testing the accuracy past 25 yards has a ceiling and heavier subsonic loads are not its strongest suit, so based off of that if precision shooting is the goal this is probably not the right platform. As a range gun, close range PCC competition setup and suppressor host at $797, it is hard to find fault with what you are getting for the money.

In closing, I want to thank SDS Arms and Military Armament Corporation for allowing TFB and myself the opportunity to try out their MAC IX! That is greatly appreciated. Also, we would like to know what all of you guys and gals think. Have you had a chance to shoot a MAC IX yet? If you have run it suppressed, what can did you pair it with and how did it perform? Would you buy one as a dedicated suppressor host, or does something else hold that spot in your safe? Let us know all of your thoughts in the Comments below! We always appreciate your feedback.

The Omega variant runs a 9-inch threaded barrel and feeds from CZ Scorpion magazines, giving it a wide pool of readily available magazine options. The trigger is a HIPERFIRE XAK Mark 2, a flat-faced single-stage unit with a claimed sub-2-pound pull courtesy of the HIPERSHOE adjustable finger pad, which is a meaningful upgrade over any factory AK-pattern trigger. Rounding it out is an A3 Industries aluminum folding brace, keeping the overall package compact without adding unnecessary weight.

Dead Air and Medford have carved out their own lanes in their respective markets: one built on precision sound suppression, the other on knives engineered like they're designed to outlast their owners. This collaboration feels inevitable in retrospect. The Dead Air x Medford Knuckle Knife is a limited run of 150 serialized blades that takes a page from actual trench-knife design and runs it through Medford's overbuilt playbook. The result is a knife that doesn't compromise on utility or toughness, which is exactly what you'd expect from both brands.

The blade itself is 1095 Cro Van finished in black oxide, 6.75 inches of edge with a 0.260-inch spine, and ground to a profile that works as well for detail work as it does for rough cuts. That steel choice is deliberate. 1095 is simple, holds an edge well, and sharpens fast in the field. The handle is where the trench-knife DNA really shows: layered black and gray G10 with cutouts for aggressive grip purchase, plus a knuckle-duster-style guard that doubles as a striking surface if you need it. It's not subtle, and it's not supposed to be.

At just over a pound, this isn't a lightweight, but the weight distribution puts most of it in the blade rather than the handle, which reads well in the hand. The overall length is 12 inches, which keeps it functional without tipping into fantasy-blade territory. If Medford's reputation for durability follows here, this is a knife that'll see decades of use before you even start worrying about abuse. The serialization means there's a finite window to grab one before the run closes.

Specs:

• Blade Material: 1095 Cro Van, black oxide finish
• Blade Length: 6.75"
• Cutting Edge: 6.0"
• Blade Thickness: 0.260"
• Handle: Black and gray layered G10 with Dead Air logo
• Overall Length: 12"
• Weight: 1 lb. 3.09 oz
• Sheath: Black pebbled leather with black stitching, paracord retention, leg-tie, Dead Air branding
• Serialization: 001–150
• Country of Origin: USA (Phoenix, AZ)

This is a tool for hard use, not a safe queen. Collectors will appreciate the limited run and Dead Air branding. Everyone else will just sharpen it and go to work.

Check the following links for more details: https://medfordknife.com/special-projects/dead-air-silencers-knuckle-knife-by-mkt/ and https://deadairsilencers.com/ 

Would you carry a knife with this trench-knife ergonomic, or does the knuckle-duster guard feel dated to you?

An Echelon, but More Affordable? Springfield Armory Unveils the NEW Echelon Alpha

The Springfield Armory Echelon is the pistol of choice for a lot of shooters because of its wide package of accoutrements and modern features. The only gripe that some shooters raise is that the more tricked out variations might be too expensive for their budget. So, Springfield has heard that request and lowered their price-point with the unveiling of the Echelon Alpha!

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

Specifications - Springfield Armory Echelon Alpha 9mm

The new Echelon Alpha from Springfield Armory has a new easier-to-attain MSRP starting out at $599, with a Cali-compliant variant being a touch more at $649. Many of the specs and attributes are going to be the same as the Echelons we already know.

• Cartridge: 9mm
• Barrel: 4" Hammer Forged Steel, Melonite® Finish, 1:10
• Slide: Billet Machined, Melonite® Finish, Optics-Ready
• Frame: Black Polymer, Small Grip Module
• Sights: White-Dot Front, Tactical Rack U-Dot™ Rear
• Recoil System: Captive
• Grip Width: 1.2"
• Magazines: (1) 15-Round or (1) 10-Round
• Weight: 24 oz w/ Flush Mag
• Length: 7.25"
• Height: 5.125" w/ Flush Mag
• MSRP: $599 (Standard and Low-Cap version) | $649 (Cali-compliant version)
• SKU: ECA9409B

The biggest differentiating factors from the Alpha and Echelons that are already out are a recontoured slide, only shipping with one stainless steel magazine, and utilizing white dot sights compared to a standard U-Notch rear sight and a tritium front sight with luminescent ring. These small tweaks were able to drop the retail price from $710 (standard Echelon) to $599 (Echelon Alpha). At this time of announcement, there are 3 initial model offerings to choose from:

• Echelon™ Alpha 4.0C Handgun, CA Compliant - MSRP $649
• Echelon™ Alpha 4.0C Handgun - MSRP $599
• Echelon™ Alpha 4.0C Handgun, Low Capacity - MSRP $599

A Word from Springfield Armory on the NEW Echelon Alpha

“With an MSRP of $599, the new Echelon™ Alpha 4.0C 9mm offers a more accessible entry point into the modular Echelon ecosystem. Built around the robust Central Operating Group™, a serialized stainless steel chassis, it delivers a rock-solid foundation for a modern defensive handgun. The Variable Interface System™ enables direct-mount capability for today’s most popular optics, while purpose-driven ergonomics deliver performance where it counts. The Echelon Alpha is ready to perform today and evolve with you over time.”

Final Thoughts

I’ve been a fan of the Echelon from Springfield Armory for quite some time having used it to compete in The Tactical Games, deployed for concealed carry, and general fun at the range. To see that Springfield is making this popular pistol even more affordable is a nice in-line addition to their growing portfolio of Echelons. As always, let us know all of your thoughts about Springfield Armory and their newly announced Echelon Alpha in the Comments below! We always appreciate your feedback and engagement.

KAK Industry has a new bolt carrier designed for optimal use with forced reset triggers. The Dead Blow Carrier (DBC) uses special internal weights to help keep everything operating in sync. Let’s dig into it.

Forced Reset @ TFB:

• [SHOT 2026] FRT90 Forced Reset Trigger for PS90 from Armory of Kings
• [SHOT 2026] AS Designs MP5 Forced Reset Triggers
• Judge Blocks ATF From Treating Forced Reset Triggers As Machine Guns
• AK-Compatible Forced Reset Trigger - Trigger Empire KONO
• TFB Behind the Gun #190: The Future of FRTs with Desk Pop

The DBC system incorporates some design elements from Colt 9mm SMG bolt carriers to improve FRT function. An additional set of weights in the bolt carrier is floating and acts like a dead blow hammer to prevent bolt bounce. The DBC can also function with a standard carbine buffer instead of the H or H2 units typically required for those systems to function.

KAK offers the DBC as a carrier you can add to your bolt, a complete bolt carrier group, or as a weighted insert you can add to your existing BCG. The DBC Carrier Insert requires drilling mounting holes in your bolt carrier. KAK offers a free 3D printer file to create a drilling jig to make sure those holes end up in the right place. The Carrier Insert costs $29.95. The DBC carrier costs $79.95, or $114.95 for the vented K-Spec version. Complete BCGs come in a standard chrome-line phosphate option, or a K-Spec version with a downward vent that reduces gas backpressure flow to the charging handle area.

From the manufacturer:

“This BCG enables you to run a standard 3 oz standard carbine buffer instead of H buffer weights with an FRT.

There is a floating weight in the carrier tail which has a dead blow effect eliminating bolt bounce, and providing enough weight for the FRT to function as intended.

We have tested this successfully with the Hoffman Tactical Super Safety, AS Designs ARC fire FRS, Atrius Development FRS, and Rare Breed FRT. Similarly designed product should work as well.”

Federal, Remington, and a lot of the ammunition brands under The Kinetic Group (TKG) umbrella are known for securing military and government ammo contracts. Now, TKG is announcing once again that they have secured a rifle ammunition contract with the FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation) for 4 types of rifle ammo.

Federal @ TFB:

• Available Now: Federal’s Personal Defense HST 44 Magnum
• [SHOT 2026] New Federal Rifle, Handgun and Shotgun Ammunition
• TFB Review: Federal 6.5 Creedmoor +Peak Ammunition - Is It Hot or Not?
• Faster & Flatter than 6.5 PRC! Federal’s NEW 6.5 Creedmoor +Peak Round

Federal and Remington Awarded All Four Categories of FBI Rifle Ammunition Contract

For this most recent contract with the FBI, Federal was able to secure three categories of ammunition while Remington was able to win one. All of these deliverables are quite unique compared with offerings we might see on the civilian market, or a normal brick ‘n mortar gun shop.

• Duty - Federal Tactical Bonded 5.56mm 64 Grain
• Training Reduced Lead - Federal Modified Jacketed Soft Point 5.56mm 64 Grain
• Jacketed Frangible - Remington Disintegrator Lead-Free 5.56mm 55 Grain
• Non-Jacketed Frangible - Federal Ervin BallistiClean RHT 5.56mm 45 Grain

A Word from The Kinetic Group (TKG) on the Newly Secured FBI Contract

“Anoka, Minnesota - June, 2026 - The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) recently awarded Federal and Remington Ammunition—both part of The Kinetic Group (TKG)—one of the largest law enforcement contracts in TKG’s history. The contract is valued at $77.4 million. Federal was chosen to be the sole supplier in all four of the rifle product categories, including Duty, Training Reduced Lead, Non-Jacketed and Jacketed Frangible ammunition. Remington, along with additional technology from HEVI, paired to provide the fourth product category in Jacketed Frangible ammunition. Delivery is expected to begin in 2026.

“This is a tremendous honor for our company. All our brands are humbled and excited to build and deliver ammunition to the FBI. It is one of the most prestigious contracts ever awarded in our long-established company history,” said CEO Jason Vanderbrink. “To receive an award in all four of the requested categories is an accomplishment we are extremely proud of. This is a great source of pride for our highly skilled American workforce dedicated to engineering and building the most advanced ammunition in the world.””

None of the 4 aforementioned ammo flavors are listed on Federal or Remington’s website. All four varieties are specialized offerings specifically devised for this contract.

As always, let us know all of your thoughts about Federal, Remington, The Kinetic Group (TKG), and their newly secured FBI Ammunition Contract in the Comments below! We always appreciate your feedback and engagement.

If you have spent any amount of time on the range with a KelTec P17, you already know it looks like it fell out of a prop bin on a low-budget sci-fi set. The telltale signs of a KelTec’s typical clamshell polymer construction and boxy lines have earned it comparisons to everything from a Nerf gun to a prop from a video game nobody can quite put their finger on. FarrowTech decided to stop pretending the resemblance was a coincidence and leaned all the way in with the FT-M kit. This conversion kit dresses the P17 up as a reasonably faithful (but compact) stand-in for the M6D Magnum, a firearm frequently seen throughout the Halo series. Today we’ll check out this roughly $100 aftermarket conversion kit to see what it does to your P17 pistol.

More Rimfire Report @ TFB:

• The Rimfire Report: Celebrating 75 Years of CCI — A Trip to Lewiston 
• The Rimfire Report: Reviewing the FN 502 Tactical Rimfire Pistol 
• The Rimfire Report: Testing SK High Velocity 22LR Match Ammo 

What You Actually Get

The FT-M kit runs $95 at the moment, down from $105, and that price gets you both slide cover styles (one cut for an RMR-pattern optic, one with iron sights) along with two mag bases, all the hardware, and all the tools needed for installation. FarrowTech backs it with the same lifetime warranty they put on the rest of their lineup, which is a nice bit of confidence in a product category that is, at the end of the day, a 3D-printed part strapped to a $199 gun.

That "3D printed" part is worth dwelling on for a second, because FarrowTech is not hiding it or treating it as a shortcut. Most of the company’s catalog runs on additive manufacturing, and pairs those printed housings with machined metal hardware wherever load actually matters. That is a different proposition than the usual garage-printer novelty part. If you were hoping to just print your own housing instead of buying one, you are not skipping some manufacturing secret; you would be doing roughly what FarrowTech already does, just without their dialed-in files, their material selection, or printing skills, which is something I’m still trying to nail down myself.

Installation

This is the part of the review where I tell you installation is easy, because it is. You remove a set of factory screws from the P17 and replace them with the ones FarrowTech includes, which is also how the kit avoids being a permanent modification. Every screw you take out gets a 1:1 replacement, so if you ever want your P17 back in its original, unmodified format, you just reverse the process. No drilling, no cutting, no dealing with adhesives. That matters more than it sounds like it should, because it means the FT-M is less of a permanent transition and more of a cosplay that you can do with your gun for a little while.

Mechanically, the P17 does not seem to notice the kit is there. Across roughly 500 rounds over the last week I’ve had the gun in this configuration, the P17 has given me the same mixed bag of reliability P17 owners have come to expect, which is to say whatever hiccups showed up tracked back to the usual rimfire ammo lottery rather than anything the kit introduced. The added bulk and weight do not change how the gun cycles or introduce any new failure points that I can observe. You are not losing reliability to gain a costume, which is really the best-case outcome for a kit like this. This could change once we add an optic, as the additional weight of both the bulky rear end and the optic could upset the tuning of the P17, but we’ll check that out in a follow-up article.

Where the kit does cost you something is precision. The FT-M's printed housing is bulky by design, since that bulk is what makes the P17 read as an M6D in the first place, and that bulk sits right around the sight line. Getting genuinely accurate hits with the stock iron sights is harder than shooting the bare P17. The holdover is pretty severe, but with practice, it is not unusable, and walking shots in for casual plinking is easy enough, but if you are after tight groups, the iron-sighted version of this kit is not the configuration for that. That is exactly why the eventual red dot matters here, and not just for looks. FarrowTech also sells a red dot mount that replaces the rear iron sight portion of the FT-M body, and putting an optic up top should claw back a lot of the precision the housing costs you with irons alone.

Some Criticisms

The two places the FT-M kit runs into real, physical limitations are the trigger guard and the bulky rear’s interference with the safe operation of the slide stop. FarrowTech built the housing to mimic the M6D's oversized guard, and if you have anything close to a full-sized adult hand, you are not getting a comfortable second full hand in there alongside your firing grip. It is not dangerous or unsafe; it is just tight, or you have to modify your grip by moving your index finger out of the big trigger guard to just under the new dust cover. If you want to actually replicate the clone look people are chasing with this kit, meaning the full profile with no trigger guard interference, the real answer is a trigger guard delete on the P17 itself. That is a bigger conversation than "bolt a kit on," and one I wouldn’t recommend.

Secondly, and again probably unavoidably, the operation of the slide stop/release becomes quite painful when sending the slide home while using your thumb to do it, as many of us would during a reload, or sending the slide home on an empty chamber. Doing this with the rear part of the housing attached inevitably pinches your thumb in between it and the forward part of the conversion kit, not ideal, but something you soon won't forget next time you run the gun and try to do a hasty reload. Other than that, throwing any old ammunition, a suppressor, and maybe even a light on this thing is a fun time with some like-minded friends at the range if you’re into that.

Scale, For Context

This next section is for all of you Halo nerds in the audience who are wondering. I think it is worth noting, before we go, just how small this whole package actually is compared to what a “real” M6D would look like if we were to make a 1:1 replica. The M6D Magnum in Halo lore comes in at roughly 10.51 inches long and 10.83 inches tall, dimensions that exist to accommodate a fictional 12.7x40mm round pushing what amounts to a .50 caliber projectile, and be handled by a 7-foot-tall cyborg in 2 tons of armor.

The KelTec P17 underneath the FT-M kit is 6.7 inches long and 5.3 inches tall, is shooting .22LR, and is, of course, handled by relatively normal-sized humans (Hop is approaching the height of a Spartan, but he’s not quite there yet). Of course, I don’t mean to imply that FarrowTech is trying to make a 1:1 scale replica. Instead, they are building something that reads as the M6D at a glance while staying a genuinely small, genuinely cheap rimfire pistol. The reactions we’ve gotten from others at the range are worth the price alone, as anyone who has ever played the original Halo will instantly recognize the lines of the M6D Magnum pistol, even if it's scaled down.

Final Thoughts (For Now)

The FT-M kit by itself gets the P17 most of the way to looking the part without touching reliability, and it does it without permanently altering the host gun. What it does not do, at least not yet, is complete the illusion or shoot as precisely as the bare gun does. If you’re willing to commit to the bit, a trigger guard delete, extended magazines, a paint or Cerakote job to match the M6D's is probably all you’d need to get it a bit closer to the real deal. Down the road, once there is an optic on top of this thing (likely an RMRcc or RMR), and the rest of the build is finished, we will circle back to see whether the FT-M holds up as more than just a neat shape bolted to a budget .22.

For now, the kit does what it claims to do. It is a reversible, well-made novelty piece that will not hurt how your P17 runs, and depending on how much you care about hand fit inside a cosplay-accurate trigger guard or shooting fast, precise groups through irons, it might be all the "Halo pistol" you need until someone scales things up and replicates the “real” M6D. Anyway, your thoughts and comments, as always, are welcome below. Thanks as always for stopping by to read The Rimfire Report, and we’ll see you again next week!