Editorial

In the world of defensive handguns, the sky is the limit with both polymer striker-fired as well as double stack 1911 or 2011 style handguns. What most people don't realize is just how strong the 1911 market is. With the amount of options available today, from optic cuts, accessory rails and upgraded features, the mid-priced 1911 market has some truly strong offerings now that companies are adding a number of optional upgrades as standard. Recently, I have been shooting the new threaded version of the Springfield Operator that has gone through an overhaul in terms of overall design and features, including a standard threaded barrel as well as an optics cut and magwell. Let's take a closer look at the new threaded Springfield Armory Operator AOS.

In today’s Photo of the Day, the drone hunter shoulders a Benelli M4 A.I. Drone Guardian and readies a belt of tungsten-shot ammo from Norma’s AD-LER line. The Drone Guardian, a 12-gauge semi-auto with Benelli’s Advanced Impact system, is purpose-built for neutralizing small UAVs. Its modified barrel-and-choke design produces tighter, denser pellet clouds and extends effective engagement range to roughly 50 meters. In ideal conditions, even out to 100 meters according to the specifications.

Welcome back to another edition of Wheelgun Wednesday. Last week, we talked about my experience at the Rock Island Auction. If you happened to miss that article, be sure to click the link here to check it out. This week, I really wanted to take a look at some firearms that changed history and the world as we know it. The first logical one is the Colt Single Action Army, which I wrote about last week. Today, we’ll talk about the Registered Magnum and how those truly changed the world of modern firearms.

The UK Ministry of Defence has published an initial ‘Concept Stage’ tender for the replacement of the British military’s SA80 family of bullpup rifles. This preliminary tender notice officially launches Project Grayburn. The new rifle when selected will replace the SA80’s in-service variants including the L22, L98, L85A2 and the most recent mid-life upgrade - the L85A3. The UK is expected to require around 200,000 new rifles to replace the SA80 variants currently in service.

Trijicon has expanded its AccuPoint lineup with the introduction of the new AccuPoint 1-8x24 riflescope, aimed squarely at hunters pursuing dangerous game and those looking for a highly versatile, battery-free optic. Developed with input from professional hunters operating in environments ranging from Alaska to Africa, the AccuPoint 1-8x24 is designed to support big-bore rifles in both close-quarters and extended-range scenarios.

Nightforce has an entirely new scope family! The NX6 series adds several new magnification options, ranging from LPVO options, to high-magnification precision scopes. Let’s break down the whole family.

Langdon Tactical Technology has expanded its collaboration with Beretta by introducing the LTT 80X Cheetah in .32 ACP, a Langdon Tactical exclusive variant of the Beretta 80X platform. The new chambering offers shooters an alternative to .380 ACP with reduced recoil while maintaining practical defensive performance.

We’ve previously reported on Glock and FN’s selection as part of the UK Police’s National Carbine Framework - when selected a number of designs from manufacturers which British police forces can now procure through the framework. Another of the companies that was successfully selected for the framework was Beretta Defense Technologies UK (GMK Ltd), which submitted the Beretta NARP, the New Assault Rifle Platform (NARP).

Over the years, Azerbaijan has steadily moved from licensed production toward designing and manufacturing its own weapons systems, blending proven features from established designs with local manufacturing practices. One of the latest developments has been in heavy machine guns. Azerbaijan’s AN-12.7 heavy machine gun represents a notable step in the country’s efforts to develop indigenous small arms capabilities and reduce reliance on foreign suppliers. Chambered for the widely used 12.7x108mm cartridge and produced by enterprises under the Ministry of Defence Industry, the AN-12.7 draws on two familiar heavy-machine-gun families, the Soviet DShK lineage and the Chinese W-85, while incorporating modern refinements intended to meet contemporary battlefield requirements. I examined the weapon at IDEX-2025 in Abu Dhabi, where it was on display.

Today’s Photo of the Day highlights two new variants of SIG Sauer’s recently launched P211 platform: the P211‑GTO Equinox and the P211‑GTO Combat. Both models come from SIG Custom Works and represent tuned, performance‑driven editions of the modular double‑stack pistol introduced earlier this year.

Welcome back to TFB’s Small Business Spotlight! In this weekly column, we take a look at small firearm-related businesses. Today’s company is NDZ Performance, an online retailer and firearms accessories manufacturer from Cheshire, Connecticut.

The KRISS Vector platform is no stranger to special editions, caliber options, or configuration updates, but for shooters who appreciate factory-applied aesthetics paired with the latest generation hardware, KRISS USA has something new on the table. The company has announced the release of the KRISS Vector Gen 3 Two-Tone variant, available exclusively through Lipsey’s. I have to admit, I think it looks quite good.

As suppressor use continues to shape both rifle design and ammunition development, Federal Ammunition is expanding its centerfire rifle offerings for 2026 with a mix of new product lines and additional loadings across established platforms. The updates reflect a growing demand for suppressor-optimized performance as well as continued interest in long-range hunting and AR-based cartridges.

In the world of concealed carry, we always talk about the fastest and newest methods of carrying a concealed handgun. For some, it's an appendix carry style up front, while others prefer the latest and greatest Inside The Waistband Kydex holsters. For some, shoulder holsters are a great option for a number of reasons.

Vortex has announced the launch of the AMG 1-10x24 FFP riflescope, expanding its top-tier AMG lineup with a low-power variable optic designed for modern duty and tactical carbines. Built to meet demanding operational standards, the AMG 1-10x24 combines a wide magnification range with a compact footprint intended for short-barreled rifles and systems that require extensive rail-mounted accessories. The MSRP of $6,399.99 is not as compact.

Back in September, FN invited a handful of media folks out to South Carolina for an early look at what they've been working on. Among the lineup was something I didn't expect: a pistol aimed squarely at the operator, average Joe, and newbie alike. The FN 309 MRD is FN's attempt to crack into the consumer 9mm market with a gun that's supposed to be easy to shoot, easy to use, and easy to own. After putting around 300 rounds through it at Sawmill Training Complex in Laurens, I walked away thinking they might actually pull it off.

In 1959, two completely different events defined the history of modern small arms. In the US, Fairchild Corporation, the parent company of ArmaLite, licensed the manufacturing of the AR-15 to Colt, essentially starting the proliferation of this rifle.

Photo Of The Day: Frømandskorpset, the Danish Naval Special Warfare Group, continues to represent some of the most capable maritime special operations forces in Europe. Known for their demanding selection process and high operational standards, Frogman operators train for a wide spectrum of missions, from maritime interdiction and underwater reconnaissance to direct action in complex environments.

The Ruger 10/22 is the undisputed champion of the .22 LR firearm world in the United States, and likely the world. With more than six decades on the market, it has faced numerous competitors that have tried, and sometimes managed, to out-spec or out-feature it, but rarely to replace its unique mix of charm, reliability, affordability, and familiarity. In just the last few years, a new wave of so‑called “10/22 killers” has appeared, only to fade into niche roles or carve out small corners of the market based on a single clever feature or gimmick. Today, my goal is to dig into why the Ruger 10/22 simply refuses to die, and to look at the few that have tried, have ultimately failed, to dethrone the undisputed king of rimfire carbines.

Welcome to TFB Weekly Web Deals 170! We’re back with more deals on guns, gear, ammunition, and accessories from some of our most frequented online retailers like 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.

Thumbhole stocks have become increasingly common across hunting and sporting firearms, offering shooters improved ergonomics, consistent grip placement, and better control - particularly when precision (and sometimes comfort) matters. While this kind of stock is not very common on shotguns, TriStar Arms is now leaning into that trend with the introduction of the Upland Hunter Thumbhole Stock. This is a 20-gauge over/under shotgun aimed squarely at turkey hunters and upland shooters looking for stability and balance in a lightweight package.

Yankee Hill Machine has a new shotgun suppressor for 2026! The Victra-20 is a 20-gauge suppressor, bringing peace and quiet to a new category of shotguns. Let’s take a look at all the details.

FALCO Holsters has expanded its concealed carry lineup with the introduction of a new series of pocket holsters designed for everyday carry. The new release includes three models: a leather wallet-style pocket holster, a Kydex pocket holster, and a carbon fiber pocket holster. Each design focuses on minimalist construction, secure retention, and reliable pocket carry, giving users multiple material options to suit different preferences and carry styles. The new pocket holsters are intended for discreet concealed carry with compact handguns while maintaining consistent orientation and a clean draw.

Mossberg is rolling out another camo option for the 940 Pro Waterfowl line—Model 85186, this time wearing   Realtree's Legacy pattern head to toe. Stock, forend, receiver, barrel, the works. If you've been holding out for this specific camo to match your gear, your wait's over.

Good afternoon, everyone, and welcome back to TFB’s Silencer Saturday, brought to you by Yankee Hill Machine, manufacturers of the new Victra-12 shotgun suppressor. This week, we're looking at the return* of some classic suppressors. While they bear the names of the originals, they also differ in some modern ways.

Following the most comprehensive small-arms trial conducted by UK policing in more than 20 years, the GLOCK GR-115 rifle has been selected for UK specialist armed units through two separate procurement awards. GLOCK won an exclusive contract to supply a high-level specialist national policing network, and the GR-115 also ranked highest among carbines approved under the broader framework agreement. Evaluated against competing rifles from multiple global manufacturers, the GR-115 recorded the highest accuracy results in both suppressed and unsuppressed testing.

James Reeves recently got access to one of the most secretive facilities in American law enforcement: The FBI's Ballistic Research Facility in Huntsville, Alabama. What he learned there should settle a lot of internet arguments about caliber selection.

Many years ago, I was looking at Amazon for a new EDC gun belt to hold up my pistol. At the time $100 for an EDC belt seemed like all of the money in my checking account, so I was trying to save as much money as I could but still wanted a product that would work as a gunbelt but also looked somewhat normal. As I scrolled through the endless belts from China, I finally found one that looked half decent and was exactly what I was looking for price wise. While the name was a bit strange, the Daltec Force steel core reinforced leather gun belt promised to be what I needed.

For waterfowl hunters or anyone looking for an AR-15 that stands out from the typical black or tan tactical configurations, this limited-edition Daniel Defense offers an alternative aesthetic. The Duck Camo gives it a distinct appearance compared to standard carbines commonly seen at the range or in the field. At first, you may not see it, and take it for a simple tan-only rifle, but take a look at the images below and the pattern will show. 

These days, hunting rifles usually sport as clear and crisp optics as a hunter can afford.  The vast majority of hunting rifles now sold either don’t come with iron sights or have no provision for mounting them. For most hunters and hunting situations, a magnified optic provides more precision, a clearer, closer picture of their quarry's vitals, and aids in continued target verification (though initially finding and identifying one’s quarry is always best done with binoculars or a spotting scope).