ThinkingAfield.org

Lipsey’s, a nationally renowned firearms distributor, celebrates the return of the legendary Smith & Wesson Night Guard, now reintroduced as a Lipsey’s Exclusive with modern enhancements designed for today’s shooters.

Originally produced in 2010, the Night Guard has been thoughtfully updated while staying true to its rugged, hard-use heritage. The new Night Guard lineup debuts with two L-Frame editions: the 5-shot Model 396 chambered in .44 Special, and the Model 386 chambered in .357 Magnum with a 7-shot capacity. Both models deliver significant power in a lightweight package, featuring a scandium frame paired with a stainless steel cylinder.

Lipsey’s collaborated closely with Smith & Wesson to enhance the original design. Key updates include a 3-inch barrel, no internal key lock, a ball detent lock-up for increased strength and durability, and a thicker forcing cone. The revolvers are equipped with a fully adjustable rear sight with a .150″-wide notch and an XS .130″-width square-top front night sight, enabling fast target acquisition at close range while maintaining accuracy at distance. Hogue Bantam rubber grips complete the package, providing excellent recoil control and concealment. Read more

15 new models built on the next-generation Inertia Driven® platform with refined ergonomics and field-focused upgrades.

After debuting the next generation Affinity 3 and Affinity 3.5 in 2025 – the platform’s first major evolution in more than a decade – Franchi builds on that momentum for 2026 with the introduction of 15 new models across both lineups, offering hunters expanded options to make the Affinity their own.

Within the Franchi family, the Affinity is a true do-it-all Inertia Driven® semi-auto—trusted for its proven reliability, clean operation, and the kind of field performance that holds up across seasons. Paired with Franchi’s signature craftsmanship and Italian design influence, the updated Affinity lineup brings together tradition, function, and modern refinement in one familiar platform.

The latest Affinity shotguns feature an all-new stock design that highlights Franchi’s Italian artistry while delivering meaningful ergonomic improvements. A slimmer forend with enhanced checkering provides a more secure grip and faster, more responsive swings, while grip checkering is positioned higher and farther back to improve control in real-world shooting conditions. Read more

Dayton, OH – MTM Case-Gard® makes range trips effortless with the new Pistol Range Kit (PRK), a purpose-built, all-in-one solution that keeps your range essentials organized, protected, and ready to go.

Packed inside a clear red, water-resistant dry box, the PRK includes a foam-padded handgun tray, five-magazine storage case, ear and eye protection, safety flags, and paper targets—everything you need for a safe and productive day at the range. Compact, secure, and portable, it’s perfect for both new and experienced shooters.

Key Features: Read more

Stoeger builds guns for people who put in real hours and expect their gear to do the same. That mindset drove the launch of the STR-9 Thinline last year—and it’s exactly why Stoeger is stepping it up with the new STR-9 Thinline+.

Like every pistol in the STR family, the Thinline is built on Stoeger’s proven striker-fired, semi-auto platform. What makes it different is how it carries. The slim, one-inch-wide slide rides close to the body to stay out of the way, while the standard-size grip gives shooters a solid, confident hold—no compromises when it counts.

The STR-9 Thinline+ refines that formula even further. Its ported barrel and lower overall profile reduces printing and lowers the bore axis for improved recoil control. A larger magwell makes reloads quicker and more forgiving, and the Tungsten Cerakote slide finish adds both durability and corrosion resistance for everyday carry in real conditions. Read more

New A.I. models, cold-weather controls, and updated camo for unforgiving seasons.

Accokeek, MD — Benelli’s Advanced Impact (A.I.) evolution continues to gather momentum in 2026 as the Super Black Eagle 3 A.I. lineup expands with new 28-gauge models, new camouflage offerings, and purposeful operational enhancements. Built for demanding environments and uncompromising performance, the latest SBE 3 A.I. updates reinforce Benelli’s leadership in modern waterfowling shotguns.

Benelli’s Advanced Impact barrel technology has established a new benchmark in shotgun performance, maintaining higher pellet density while delivering increased velocity and penetration compared to conventional barrel designs. From open water to tight timber, and from first light to final shot, A.I. technology delivers decisive results—on both clays and birds alike.

For 2026, Benelli introduces its first-ever 28-gauge Super Black Eagle 3 models, all of which are equipped with Advanced Impact (A.I.) barrels and chambered for 2 3/4- and 3-inch shotshells. Read more