Editorial
Silencer Saturday #420: Peculiar Patents
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. I was browsing through public patent filings as I sometimes do, and saw several new ideas in the silencer world that are interesting. Let’s take a look at some new things that might be coming.
The State Of The Canadian Gun Ban/Buyback
What’s going on in the Canadian gun world these days? Same as always—more legal wrangling back-and-forth between shooters and the government. But there have been some relatively major recent developments with the federal government’s so-called buyback. The feds are steaming full speed ahead, or trying to, while an increasingly large number of partners are telling the government, “We’re not helping.”
POTD: The CZ 75 Story Told in Seven Pistols
Fifty years of continuous production is rare in the firearms world, and even rarer when the original design remains relevant. The CZ 75 has done exactly that, and this seven-pistol anniversary set captures the lineage in metal, wood, and markings that reflect decades of refinement. An excellent opportunity for TFB’s Photo Of The Day to show off some CZ steel.
Fudd Friday: Is A Shotgun Ammo Crackdown Coming?
Over the past half-decade, the cost of centerfire rifle cartridges has risen a lot; I would say the vast majority of hunters complain, but it doesn’t much affect them. You’ve heard the griping when some Fudd buys a rifle in a whiz-bang new PRC or Creedmoor cartridge and has sticker shock when they buy a box of shells. Or even when they pick up a box of .30-06 or .30-30 and see the price has doubled since COVID-19 … but since so many hunters never shoot more than a box or two a year, if that, it doesn’t really affect their finances.
Latest Anti-Drone Ammo from Russia, Switzerland and Lithuania
IWA 2026 and EnforceTac 2026 are just around the corner and if you visit the new product pages of their websites, you can get a sneak peek of what is going to be introduced at these exhibitions. One of these products that is interesting for the topic of this article is the new anti-drone ammunition line called Shatter4K developed by Swiss P.
[SHOT 2026] TANDEMKROSS TKX22 Light Rifle - Their First Complete Rifle
TANDEMKROSS used SHOT Show 2026 to announce their first complete firearm from start to finish. The TKX22 Light Rifle is a 10/22-compatible rifle built around the company's TKX22 receiver with everything but the stock manufactured in-house or OEM'd to their specs. At 3 pounds 6 ounces unloaded, it's one of the lightest rimfire rifles on the market and comes out of the box ready to shoot with fiber optic sights, a threaded barrel, and two magazines.
[SHOT 2026] Franchi MULE - Scout-Style Utility Rifle for Work & Play
Franchi introduced the MULE (Momentum Utility Lite Elite) at SHOT Show 2026, and it's a modern take on the scout rifle concept built around their Momentum platform. The company isn't explicitly calling it a "scout rifle" in their marketing, but it checks all the boxes Jeff Cooper laid out decades ago. This is Franchi's answer to the truck gun, UTV rifle, and general-purpose utility carbine that lives ready by the back door.
The RPK: The Soviet Choice of Commonality Over Capability
In the mid-1950s, the Soviet high command accepted a compromise that would shape frontline infantry small arms for decades: prioritizing platform commonality over dedicated squad-level suppressive fire capability. That decision, formalized with the 1959 adoption of an AK-derived automatic rifle, the RPK, sacrificed the sustained-fire advantages of the earlier belt-fed RPD in favor of simplified logistics, shared magazines and some parts, and easier training.
POTD: Where SCAR Meets FAMAS
Photo of the Day captures the Belgian Army’s Special Operations Regiment during Tropical Storm, a recurring multinational exercise conducted in Central Africa in cooperation with Gabonese authorities. Now in its fifth iteration, the exercise is designed to prepare a rapidly deployable task force capable of operating autonomously in demanding tropical environments. Time for the FN SCAR to meet the FAMAS.
Concealed Carry Corner: Can Carry Guns Be Outdated?
Welcome back to another edition of Concealed Carry Corner. Last week, we talked about how to stay sharp in the freezing cold winter months. If you happened to miss that article, be sure to click the link here to check it out. This week, I want to look at the idea of having a carry gun that's outdated. I cannot tell you how many times I have read people say that snub-nose revolvers are antique or outdated. While I understand why people may think that is the case, is it actually true? Let's take a closer look at the question: can carry guns really be outdated?
[SHOT 2026] RISE Triggers Rev 535 - Snap-In AR Trigger System
RISE Triggers rolled out something different at SHOT Show 2026 with the Rev 535 trigger, and the standout feature is how it installs. The company built a new Slide-and-Snap system that eliminates the usual trigger pin hassle and gets the whole thing locked in place in under 60 seconds on mil-spec lowers. No hammer punches, no loose pins to chase across the workbench, and often no need to even pull the grip or safety selector.
[SHOT 2026] Black Rain Ordnance Freedom Fighter AK - American-Made
Black Rain Ordnance brought their Freedom Fighter AK to SHOT Show 2026, marking the company's first production AK after shelving a prototype back in 2013. Built entirely in Neosho, Missouri, this isn't your typical import or parts-kit build. Black Rain went all-in on American manufacturing with a milled steel receiver and billet machined components throughout.
TFB Behind the Gun #205: Fast Matches w/ Russell Phagan
Today, we sit down with Russell Phagan, a name well known to fans of the Brutality match series, to discuss his new independent firearms competition venture: Fast-Matches.org. This new two-gun competition format is designed to bring fast-paced, physically engaging challenges to shooters across the country and have a good time while doing it. Russell breaks down the structure of his unique divisions for both two-gun and rifle-only matches, explaining how they’re built to reward marksmanship, movement, and efficiency over simple brute force or expensive gear advantages. He’ll also cover what new shooters should bring and how to prepare for their first match. With upcoming events launching in the Pacific Northwest later this year and plans to expand nationwide in subsequent years, today, you will also get an inside look at how Fast-Matches is reshaping the landscape of two-gun shooting. Whether you’re a seasoned competitor or just a range enthusiast looking for a fun way to spend the weekend with your range buddies, today, Russell should provide you with sufficient motivation to get off the sidelines and join up to do your part in keeping this fun firearms sport alive.
TFB Review: Wilde Custom Gear Chest Rig and Accessories
The market for tactical nylon gear is expansive. There are so many companies today producing bespoke high-end equipment for a wide variety of needs. It should be fair that, among the wild west of manufacturers all competing for your attention and mighty dollar, one of these companies has risen to the top by focusing on purpose-driven products - Wilde Custom Gear. Driven by user input and quality design and manufacturing, Wilde Custom Gear produces products based on mission needs.
POTD: FB Radom MSBS Grot - U.S. Rifle & Pistol
The news is out, and for a continent hungry for more photos, this Photo Of The Day may come as some remedy. As reported before, Fabryka Broni “Łucznik” Radom and Arms of America have announced that they will be bringing the MSBS Grot to the U.S. civilian market, with both a 10.5-inch pistol configuration and a standard rifle version planned. Note the fluted barrel and what looks like a threaded barrel.
Wheelgun Wednesday: Henry Deadeye Revolvers
Welcome back to TFB’s Wheelgun Wednesday weekly column, where we discuss everything revolving around gats with cylinders. Today, we’ll take a look at the latest addition to the Henry Repeating Arms revolver line, the Deadeye revolvers. Henry Deadeye revolvers differ from their siblings in that they have adjustable rear sights and fiber optic front sights that were added in response to customer feedback. Let’s go over the specs and features of the new Henry Deadline revolvers.
MDT Acquires Lone Peak Arms and Leading Edge Machine
MDT Sporting Goods just got a whole lot more interesting. The Canadian chassis maker announced today that it has acquired Lone Peak Arms and Leading Edge Machine, the Utah-based shop that actually manufactures Lone Peak's precision bolt actions.
Reloaders, Rejoice! Hornady's 12th Edition Cartridge Handbook Is Here
Cartridge reloading is a fast-changing world, with new rounds on the market every year—these days, straight-wall rounds, long-range precision ammunition and variations on the 5.56 NATO case are the main arenas of development for the consumer market, it seems. And the 12th Edition Hornady Handbook of Cartridge Reloading is here to guide you through the latest rounds and components used to make those rounds.
[SHOT 2026] Caldwell Rock 2 Rests & XLA Bipods - Range Gear Refresh
Caldwell used SHOT Show 2026 to roll out updates across their range gear lineup, and the Rock 2 rear rest series is the anchor of it. The Rock 2 is a redesign of one of the most popular benchtop rear rests in the shooting sports category, and it's coming in three flavors this year to cover everything from casual bench shooting to dedicated benchrest competition.
[SHOT 2026] Stoeger STR9 Thinline+ & STR-45 Combat - Practical Upgrade
Stoeger rolled out two new STR-series pistols at SHOT Show 2026, and both are refinements of existing platforms rather than ground-up redesigns. The STR9 Thinline+ takes the slim concealment pistol and pushes capacity up to 19+1 with a ported barrel, while the STR-45 Combat brings .45 ACP authority to the Combat platform with a 5.18-inch threaded barrel and 16-round magazines.
The RPD - Soviet Union’s First Squad Automatic Weapon
In the years after World War II, the Soviet military asked a simple question: how could an infantry squad bring a higher volume of automatic fire without surrendering mobility? A lesson they learned from the Eastern Front, where volume of fire was king. The answer, in part, was the RPD; this lightweight, belt-fed machine gun became the first Soviet weapon explicitly designed to serve as a squad automatic weapon (SAW) firing the new intermediate 7.62x39 cartridge.
POTD: Compact, Folded, and Definitely Different
At first, it might not be clear, but the FS-PRO is a modern semi-automatic tactical shotgun. It’s described as being built around versatility, compact handling, and thoughtful ergonomics. Its defining feature is a folding design that dramatically shortens overall length for transport and storage, making it well-suited for tight spaces without sacrificing shootability when deployed.
Small Business Spotlight: REPACKBOX
Welcome back to TFB's Small Business Spotlight! In this weekly column, we take a look at small firearm-related businesses. Today, we're featuring REPACKBOX, LLC, an Alaska-based manufacturer that's been solving one of reloading's most annoying little problems for over a decade: What do you do with all that loose ammo?
Vortex’s New $150 Triumph 2 MOA Red Dot
Vortex is no stranger to budget red dots, but for each year they release a new one, the tech and the presentation seem to get better and better without the price climbing too much. This year’s example is the new 2 MOA Triumph red dot. This new budget-friendly series is meant to appeal to newer shooters or those just looking for an inexpensive red dot to throw on a spare gun. Even though it is in the budget category, the red dot still comes standard with a lot of neat luxury features like a motion-activated auto-off that saves battery, 9 daylight and 2 night vision brightness settings, and a standard Aimpoint micro footprint.
Virginia Backs Away From Punishing Tax On Suppressors
It is shaping up to be a battleground year between firearms-restricting legislators and shooters who just want to do their thing without being hassled by The Man. Already, we’ve seen restrictive laws passed against semi-auto firearms in New Mexico, and similar laws in Virginia as well. But it’s not all doom-and-gloom for the 2A believers: Virginia has just backed off from a potentially crippling tax on suppressors.
Aimpoint Releases The COA R Rifle Red Dot for Hunters
Just after SHOT Show, Aimpoint announced the new COA R, a rifle-focused red dot sight built specifically for hunters who prioritize speed, durability, and a streamlined setup. The COA R carries over the ultra-compact, enclosed design of the original COA, tipping the scales at just 48 grams. It features a 3.5 MOA dot and an optical profile tuned for fast target acquisition at close range while still supporting precise holds at extended distances.
[SHOT 2026] Kinetic Blossom MAGPIE Handheld Electric Speed Loader
Loading double-stack single-feed pistol magazines by hand can be difficult, tedious, time-consuming and even painful depending on the number and/or capacity of magazines you load. Thankfully, there are multiple different speed loaders available on the market that make the loading process of the aforementioned magazines easier. Most of these devices are manual, though. Last time I checked, we are a quarter of the way through the 21st century, cars are self-driving, mail is delivered by drones, so maybe it’s time to have power tools for loading pistol magazines. The question is, does anyone make one? Well, there is at least one option - the Magpie handheld electric speed loader by Kinetic Blossom. In fact, the company claims that this is the world's first automatic handheld 9mm magazine loader.
TFB Weekly Web Deals 173: Deals for February 16th, 2026
Welcome to TFB Weekly Web Deals 173! 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.