Editorial
Silencer Saturday #429: New Things At NRAAM 2026
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. The NRA Annual Meeting has come and gone, and as we usually expect, there were many relevant new releases in the world of silencers. Let’s take a look at what was unveiled.
TFB Review: Glock 17 Gen6 - First 1,000 Rounds
When Glock announced the sixth generation of its iconic striker-fired polymer pistol series in December 2025, the firearms community responded with the usual mix of cautious interest and the usual skepticism. For me, the release was really bad timing, as I had just bought another G45 Gen 5. Was this a genuine leap forward, or just a facelift on an already mature platform? I decided the best way to answer that question wasn't a bench test or a controlled range session. It was to throw a brand-new, straight-out-of-the-box G17 Gen6 into the deep end of a two-day beginner practical shooting course and see what happened. One thousand rounds later, we have some answers.
POTD: The Caracal UAE 50th Anniversary - Limited to 50
Exclusivity is often claimed, but rarely defined. The Caracal 2011 UAE 50th Anniversary was produced in a single run of just 50 pistols, each marked with a unique serial number from UAE01 to UAE50. These were made available only through a controlled release, with early allocation tied to ADIHEX 2021 and no repeat of those commemorative serials. Beyond the numbering, the build itself reflects a different approach compared to standard production pistols. Let’s take a closer look at the details, which even includes custom-made ammunition!
Fudd Friday: The Highs And Lows Of The Winchester Model 1200
The Winchester Model 1200 is a bit of a paradox. In my experience, these shotguns generally work pretty well; they’re easy to fix, they’re light, and they are affordable. You’d think they’d be popular, but they aren’t. Not with gun keeners, at least; gun writers and dedicated enthusiasts seem to have little interest in them, if not outright hostility. And yet, I don’t think that’s the fault of this shotgun at all—it’s the fault of the gun that Winchester made before it.
New Fiocchi Ammo Turns Any NATO Rifle Into a Drone Killer
Fiocchi Ammunition, operating under the CSG Group, has introduced a new line of counter-drone ammunition engineered for standard-issue assault rifles, addressing a critical gap in infantry-level UAV defense. The new ammunition is available in 5.56x45mm NATO and 5.45x39mm, with a 7.62x51mm variant already in development.
Zanders & CMMG Release Exclusive Bronze Suppressed .22LR
Zanders Sporting Goods has teamed up with Missouri-based CMMG to release a firearm you won't find anywhere else: an exclusive suppressed .22LR built on CMMG's MK4 platform, finished head-to-toe in a striking multi-bronze anodizing. Suppressed .22LRs happen to be a favorite kind of firearm for me, so hang on while we discover the details.
Inside the Hausken HX-Ti³: Europe's New 3D-Printed Suppressor
The HX-Ti³ is Hausken's latest suppressor, developed for hunters and shooters prioritising low weight, strength, and reliable field performance. It represents the company's answer to a growing demand: suppressors that don't just silence, but become a seamless part of the rifle system without the bulk.
TFB Long-Term Review: Streamlight Wedge XT EDC Flashlight
For the last two years, if I was wearing something with pockets, the Streamlight Wedge XT was in one of them. This little EDC light is a handy tool to have around, and I have used it extensively. So after all that time, am I staying with it, or getting something else?
POTD: Eight Shots of .357 - The S&W Performance Center 327
Capacity isn’t usually the headline with revolvers, but the Smith & Wesson Model 327 Performance Center changes that equation. With an eight-round cylinder in .357 Magnum, it pushes beyond the traditional six-shot format while keeping the revolver manual of arms intact. That alone makes it stand out in a market largely dominated by semi-autos for higher capacity.
Concealed Carry Corner: Holster Rundown Guide - Part 3
Welcome back to another edition of Concealed Carry Corner. Last week, we went over the various types of holsters you can carry in Part 2 of our holster rundown. If you happened to miss that article, be sure to click the link here to check it out. This week, we are going to wrap up our holster rundown series by looking at some of the accessories for concealed carry holsters. With a variety of options and additions available on the market, there are plenty of options to look at when ordering a Kydex or leather holster. What accessories are worth the money, what may be a waste of money, and how do you tell the difference?
Primary Arms Adds H1/T1 Footprint to the SLx MicroPrism
Primary Arms Optics has released the SLx 1x MicroPrismT, an updated version of their popular 1x MicroPrism built around an H1/T1-compatible footprint. The practical upshot: it works out of the box with the wide range of aftermarket mounts and risers already in most shooters' collections.
Blue Titanium & Midnight Bronze: Bodyguard 2.0 Carry Comp Exclusives
Chattanooga Shooting Supplies has announced two exclusive colorway variants of the Smith & Wesson Performance Center Bodyguard 2.0 Carry Comp, available through its authorized dealer network in limited quantities. The two new SKUs each pair a distinctively colored polymer frame with a Performance Center Gray Armornite slide. SKU SW14847 features a blue titanium frame, while SKU SW14846 goes with a midnight bronze frame. Both are otherwise identical to the standard Carry Comp configuration.
TFB Behind the Gun #214: Rafael Del Valle of Bersa Firearms
On today's episode of TFB's Behind the Gun Podcast, we sit down with Rafael Del Valle, U.S. Sales & Marketing Director for Bersa Firearms. For decades, Bersa Firearms has produced very popular and reliable firearms for Militaries, Law Enforcement, and civilians, offering everything from compact Thunder 380 pistols for concealed carry, to newer high-capacity TPR9 duty guns with threaded barrels, striker-fired BP series micros and full-sizers like the new BP9FS and BP13, double-stack B1911 and M2XI 1911s with bull barrels and 20+ round mags, plus new American Kennesaw-built BAR15 AR rifles and BAR9 pistols. Today, Rafael gives us a peek behind the curtain of one of the world's most well-known firearms manufacturers.
TFB Review: Tyrant CNC TWS 365 Chassis
Welcome back to another TFB review and today, we have something really interesting that just hit the market. The Tyrant CNC TWS 365 chassis system allows you to turn your P365 into a PDW system with a quick swap into this chassis. I have had the new TWS Chassis for the last couple of months and had some time to develop opinions on the system. Let's take a closer look at the Tyrant CNC TWS 365 Chassis.
POTD: Range Time With Arsenal AF2011-A1 - Double Trouble in .45
We continue to travel in the realm of strange and unique firearms. What could be odder than an Arsenal Firearms AF2011-A1? Apparently, it’s the world's first production double-barreled semi-automatic pistol, built to commemorate the centenary of the Colt 1911-A1. These images are from a range session last year in the Czech Republic.
Wheelgun Wednesday: The Colt BOA Is Back
Forty years of waiting ends with this Wheelgun Wednesday, as the CNC Firearms x Colt's Manufacturing Company BOA collaboration is officially unveiled. Originally introduced in 1985 as a limited run, the BOA never had the chance to become common. Among serious collectors, it occupies a rare position in Colt's history, defined not by how many were made, but by how few.
New York Wants To Make BB Guns Non-Functioning And Lame
Countless children worldwide have taken their first shots not with a .22LR rifle or a .410 shotgun, but an airgun, particularly a BB gun. But if state senators of New York have their way, they’re going to make BB guns (and other air rifles) sold in their jurisdiction lame and non-functioning through Senate Bill S9215.
Glock Officially Announces 15-round G43X and G44 Magazines
Glock is bringing additional capacity to some existing pistols. In a social media post, we got our first official look at new 15-round magazines coming to the G44 .22 LR pistol and the slimline 9mm models. Let’s take a look at what we know.
Magpul Announces Three New M-LOK Hand Control Accessories
Magpul has announced three new M-LOK accessories aimed at supporting hand control and consistent indexing: the M-LOK SVG Short Vertical Grip, the M-LOK Thumb Shelf, and the M-LOK Index Stop. All three are around the corner, for sale for almost nothing, and available for May 2026 delivery.
Wilson Combat Brings Back the Sentinel 1911 with Three New Models
Wilson Combat has announced the return of the Sentinel, described as the smallest 1911 the company has ever produced, alongside two new Sentinel XL variants. The relaunch brings three total configurations to the lineup, all hand-fit in Berryville, Arkansas, and all carrying Wilson Combat's 1.5-inch-at-25-yards accuracy guarantee.
Updated Magpul ELG Hand Guard: One Part, All Modern Marlin Lever Guns
Magpul has updated its Enhanced Lever Gun (ELG) M-LOK Hand Guard to fit all modern Marlin lever-action rifles, including those produced by Ruger and Remington. The original ELG Hand Guard was compatible only with the Marlin 1895 in .45-70. The updated version extends that compatibility to the 1894 and 336 models across all current chamberings, achieved through a clamp swap to match the appropriate magazine tube diameter. MSRP is $79.95, available in Black, FDE, and ODG.
The Bilson Arms Forward Charging System
@BallisticAviation speaks with Jeremy from Bilson Arms about the company’s unique forward charging system. A pump‑style charging mechanism that moves the charging handle to the forend of the rifle and replaces the traditional rear handle on the AR platform. Jeremy walks us through how the system works, why Bilson designed it, and where it really shines in suppressed shooting. Jeremy also goes through some real‑world use cases that prove that his system has some merit beyond the casual hunting and shooting spaces.
How Kaya Became the CEO of Tisas Arms
In this TFBTV episode, @ballisticaviation speaks with Kaya, new CEO of Tisas Arms Corporation (Tisas USA) and the latest addition to the TFBTV team, as he walks us through how he went from firearms YouTuber and consultant to leading the company’s American expansion. Kaya explains how he’s repositioning Tisas in the U.S. market and what this means for shooters used to his no‑nonsense, data‑driven commentary you typically find in his YouTube videos. We also talk about his experience working with Turkish manufacturers and why he believes Tisas’ 1911, 2011, and Browning Hi-Power-style pistols, as well as upcoming new designs, can compete head‑on with established brands.
Alpha Foxtrot's 10mm Romulus Double Stack 1911
Alpha Foxtrot’s GOLIATH Romulus 10mm Double Stack 1911 is a serious, big‑bore take on the modern 1911/2011 platform, built around powerful 10mm Auto and designed for shooters who want maximum capacity, aggressive ergonomics, and competition‑ready performance in a single, more approachable package than your typical 2011 pistol. In this episode, @BallisticAviation speaks with Andy from Alpha Foxtrot to discuss how the Romulus blends classic 1911 DNA with double‑stack reliability and what makes this 10mm Goliath stand out in a market exploding with new double-stack 1911 options.
Glock's New Higher Capacity 44, 43X & 48 Magazines
@BallisticAviation stops by the Glock booth at NRAAM 2026 to speak to Glock Team Shooter Morgan about Glock’s newest factory magazine releases: the 20-round metal magazines for the Glock 43X/48 and the new, larger 15-round magazine for the Glock 44.
Gun Rights: New Hampshire, Kansas vs. Everyone Else
The people at the Firearms Policy Coalition are busy these days. Along with lawsuits over gun bans in national park facilities and new legal action against California’s sin tax on firearms, they’ve taken a step back and ranked the U.S. state-by-state for its gun laws in the new 2026 FPC State Freedom Index. The news isn’t good for shooters: Only two states, Kansas and New Hampshire, get top marks for firearms freedom from the Coalition.
POTD: Curious Eyes on the Glock 45 COA Hunter Edition
Today's Photo of the Day spotlights the Glock 45 Hunter Edition, pictured in its A-CUT configuration, fitted with the factory-installed Aimpoint COA. Built on the trusted Glock 45 platform, this variant pairs a compact slide with a full-size frame, setting itself apart through a distinctive finish and tailored specification.
Tippmann's .380 Pirate Pistol Ships in a Treasure Chest
Tippmann Ordnance, the Fort Wayne, Indiana outfit best known for hand-cranked Gatling guns, has added something a little different to the lineup for 2026: the Pirate Pistol, now chambered in .380 Auto. I’m thinking this would be perfect for the “Slam Fire Division”, carrying a Pirate outfit, of course.