FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2026 - PM EDITION   |   SUBSCRIBE    ARCHIVES

ARCHERY

Barnett offers five value-priced crossbows for hunters with $350–$500 budgets: the XP370, Wildcat Ultralite, Whitetail Hunter STR, XP385, and XP390. Each features TriggerTech triggers, anti-dry-fire safety, and hunting-ready accessories, proving budget-friendly crossbows don't sacrifice performance.

AWARDS & HONORS

The National Association of Sporting Goods Wholesalers (NASGW) and Professional Outdoor Media Association (POMA) announced finalists for the 2026 Caliber Awards across seven categories including Best New Rifle, Handgun, Shotgun, Ammunition, Optic, Accessory, and Suppressor. Winners will be announced October 12 at the NASGW Annual Appreciation Reception during the 2026 NASGW Annual Meeting & Expo in Phoenix.

CONSUMER PROMOS

Bond Arms is offering a limited-time 250th Anniversary Gift Card Rebate Promotion from October 1-31, 2026, providing rebates up to $75 on qualifying firearms. Customers can receive gift cards in three tiers based on their purchase, with redemption available through Bond Arms' online rebate form.

INDUSTRY UPDATE

Steiner Optics announced that Clyde Armory in Athens, Georgia, is now an authorized dealer for the Steiner Overwatch Program, offering special pricing on select Steiner optics products to qualified military, law enforcement, and first responders. Founded in 1991, Clyde Armory operates locations in Athens and Warner Robbins, Georgia.

SLG2, Inc. will bring its Shoot Like A Girl experience to the Oaklawn Outdoor Show at the 2026 Black Bass World Championship in Hot Springs, Arkansas, October 1-3. The mobile range will offer firearms, archery, and outdoor product demonstrations led by certified instructors, welcoming women, men, and families of all skill levels.

Silencer Central founder and CEO Brandon Maddox has doubled his commitment to NSSF's Protect Liberty PAC to $50,000 with a second $25,000 contribution, matching the company's 2024 support level and demonstrating confidence in the PAC's mission to elect candidates who will protect Second Amendment rights.

The Second Amendment Foundation (SAF) and National Rifle Association (NRA) filed an amicus brief in Daniel Defense v. Lowy, arguing that military-themed firearms advertising should not create manufacturer liability for third-party crimes. SAF Director Kostas Moros and Executive Director Adam Kraut contend that military themes have historically accompanied civilian arms commerce since the Founding.

Firearms Policy Coalition filed a federal lawsuit challenging Colorado and Denver laws that deny non-residents the ability to carry handguns for self-defense. The case, Hoffman v. City and County of Denver, represents FPC's continued nationwide litigation against residency-based carry restrictions, following successful challenges in California, New York, and Louisiana.

JOBS, JOBS, JOBS

Bass Pro Shops and Cabela's will host a National Hiring Event on October 7-8 at retail locations throughout North America, offering competitive wages, industry-leading benefits including up to 50 percent merchandise discounts, and health insurance programs for eligible team members.

NEWSSTAND, RADIO & TV

Pursuit Media, in partnership with Careco Multimedia Entertainment, announced an expanded Q4 lineup on Pursuit UP featuring diverse outdoor programming including George Poveromo's World of Saltwater Fishing, Uncharted Waters with Peter Miller, and Saltwater Underground with Nick Honachefsky, available free across major streaming platforms.

Outdoor Channel premieres an investigative special hosted by biologist Chris Dorsey examining whether polar bear policy is driven by science or climate advocacy. The documentary features perspectives from Inuit hunter Ryan St. John, Brian Nesvik of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and other wildlife experts, exploring the intersection of wildlife management, politics, and conservation economics in the Arctic.

MyOutdoorTV launches WhitetailStream, an ad-free live streaming channel presented by Umarex featuring premium whitetail hunting content including Bone Collector, Whitetail Freaks, and North American Whitetail with Dr. James C. Kroll. The exclusive channel offers 24/7 on-demand access to top hunting series across multiple streaming platforms.

Sportsman Channel launches "Big Game Wednesday" programming block featuring hunting shows including Legends of the Fall, Whitetail Properties, The Woodsman, North American Whitetail with Host Haynes Shelton and Dr. James C. Kroll, and Adrenaline with Host Kyle Wieter, airing Wednesdays 8:00-10:30 p.m. ET.

NOW SHIPPING

CCI Ammunition announced its new Hunter Series rimfire ammunition designed for small game hunters, featuring 40-grain lead flat nose bullets in supersonic and subsonic velocities. The product is now shipping to retailers nationwide, with Steven Monniere, Rimfire Product Manager for CCI, highlighting the ammunition's practical design and terminal performance.

PRODUCT NEWS

Derya Arms, an international firearms manufacturer with operations in Jacksonville, Florida and Konya, Türkiye, has launched the EX1500 lever-action .410 shotgun in three configurations: an 18-inch Ironwolf tactical model, a 20-inch walnut-and-nickel field model, and a 24-inch engraved hard-chrome heirloom model, all now shipping through authorized dealers nationwide.

Langdon Tactical Technology (LTT) has expanded its product lineup with the LTT Steyr ATD, combining Steyr Arms' modern DA/SA pistol platform with LTT's custom refinements. The pistol features a modular trigger system, optics-ready slide, and is available in standard and compensated configurations, both chambered in 9mm.

Orion Wholesale announces Suga Cub, the second custom CANiK SFx Rival in an exclusive three-part series created by Taylor Customs. Built on CANiK's competition-ready SFx Rival platform, Suga Cub features a tan frame, gray slide, and copper-toned barrel accents, available exclusively through Orion Wholesale.

Zanders, a national firearms distributor based in Sparta, Illinois, is now stocking the Winchester SXR2 MG4 DBM in .300 Win. Magnum, .30-06, .308 Win, and 9.3x62 calibers. The semi-automatic hunting rifle features a classic blued finish and walnut stock with detachable box magazine capability.

KJI announces the Pathfinder 30mm Ball Head, the company's first camera-first ball head designed for photographers, optics users, and rimfire shooters. The versatile head pairs with tripods and monopods, offering faster deployment and smoother movement for hunting, spotting, and competitive shooting applications.

Remington Ammunition announced a partnership with Lexington Resources to launch Remington-branded pet products, now available in approximately 275 Walmart stores and on Chewy.com. The new lineup includes coated dog harnesses, crate mats, fleece hoodies, collars, leads, boots, and bowls designed with durable materials and outdoor-inspired styling.

Franklin Armory announced Rabbit Rounds™, a patent-pending multi-projectile cartridge featuring four spin-stabilized projectiles designed for AR-style rifles. Available in 5.56x45mm, the ammunition achieves 3,150 feet-per-second muzzle velocity and maintains effective patterns beyond 40 yards for hunting smaller game.

Summit Treestands released a new 72" Climber Armpad in Mossy Oak® Original Bottomland® featuring full-length coverage, one-piece construction, and durable 50D Brushed Tricot fabric. Available now for $44.99 at Summitstands.com, the armpad offers hunters improved comfort and concealment for all-day sits.

Aegis Optics officially launches its flagship product catalog featuring red dot sights and precision scopes, including the Sentinel and Vanguard red dot lines and Pathfinder scopes. The optics are exclusively available on RETAY's RXP22 and RA1522 rifle and pistol platforms.

SHOWS

Beretta USA will serve as platinum sponsor of the 2026 Green Top Outdoor Expo on October 3-4 in Ashland, Virginia, featuring displays of the AX800 Suprema, B22 Jaguar, and A400 Solo firearms. Ward and Jeb Burton of Crossroads with the Burtons will join for a meet and greet on Sunday, with consumer rebates up to $300 available on select models.

Colt will support the Colt Collectors Association's 2026 All Colt Show and Auction in Noblesville, Indiana, October 1–4. CEO Jillair Kubish will attend, emphasizing Colt's commitment to supporting collectors who preserve firearms history and the stories behind them.

Thompson/Center Arms will showcase the new ENCORE FireStick Muzzleloader and expanded product lineup at the Green Top Outdoor Expo on October 3-4, 2026, in Hanover County, Virginia. CEO Gregg Ritz emphasized the company's commitment to connecting with hunters and families at this premier regional outdoor event.

 
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