Many Republican States Are Failing Gun Owners, 2026 FPC State Freedom Index Shows

Firearms Policy Coalition (FPC) today launched the 2026 FPC State Freedom Index—the most principled, transparent, and unapologetic scorecard of gun rights in America. With the Index, which shows the state of the law of the 50 states and Washington, D.C. as of the end of 2025, gun owners now have a single, clear tool to see exactly how their state is failing them—and the ammunition to demand their elected officials fix it. Gun owners and policymakers can visit fpcfreedomindex.org to explore the interactive map, compare states, and find out which laws need to be repealed.

The 2026 Index’s scores show that far too many states run by supposedly “pro-gun” Republican leaders are failing their own constituents, with only Kansas and New Hampshire earning a perfect 100% score. Surprising exactly no one, California finished last at 4.55%. But the real disappointments? The so-called “Freedom State” of Florida scored just 81.82%. Ohio matched Florida’s poor performance. And Nebraska underwhelmed at just 77.27%.

“Every state other than Kansas and New Hampshire has had every opportunity to get to 100%, but instead they chose not to,” said Firearms Policy Coalition President Brandon Combs. “That’s not a minor oversight—it’s a betrayal of the People and our fundamental rights. These states need to get their act together and fix their laws to fully respect the right to keep and bear arms.”

The FPC State Freedom Index gives gun owners and elected officials one clear, consistent answer to a simple question: Does your state respect the natural, pre-existing right to keep and bear arms—or not? Unlike rankings that rely on opaque methodologies or political favoritism, the FPC State Freedom Index objectively evaluates all 50 states and Washington, D.C. across 22 specific yes/no criteria in four categories:

    • Arms — What can you legally own?
    • Acquisition — How can you get it?
    • Carry — Where can you bear it?
    • Other — Preemption, registration, and more.

Read more

Gun Control

SAF Files Amicus Challenging NFA’s Registration and Taxation of Suppressors

The Second Amendment Foundation (SAF) has filed an amicus brief urging the Supreme Court to grant certiorari in George Peterson v. United States, a case challenging the National Firearms Act’s (NFA) registration and special taxation requirements for firearm suppressors.

SAF is joined in the amicus filing by the National Rifle Association, American Suppressor Association, California Rifle & Pistol Association, Second Amendment Law Center, Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus and the Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms.

“Suppressors are clearly ‘arms’ protected by the plain text of the Second Amendment, and there is no historical tradition supporting the NFA’s burdensome per-arm registration and taxation scheme,” said SAF Director of Legal Research and Education Kostas Moros. “History shows that the Founding generation would never have tolerated requiring every individual firearm or component to be registered with the government. These requirements burden the right to keep and bear arms and have no basis in our nation’s tradition. We urge the Court to grant review and strike them down.”

This case presents the High Court with an opportunity to clarify once and for all that suppressors are protected arms and to rein in unconstitutional registration and taxation schemes that treat the Second Amendment as a second-class right. Read more

Gun Control

Michigan camping and lodging reservations with flexible date searching!

three campers smiling in their campsite

Finding your next camping or overnight lodging spot just got a whole lot easier! We’ve recently rolled out a new flexible dates feature that we think you’ll like!

When choosing your stay on the Michigan state park and harbor reservation site, you’ll now see a brand-new “Flexible dates” toggle at the top of the dates menu. Just tell us how many nights you need, what month you have in mind, whether you’re holding out for a weekend and the state park you have in mind. Our goal is to help the stars align for your trip!

With campsites, lodging and harbor slips available for booking up to six months in advance, you can secure reservations all the way into September.
Wildlife

Witness the woodcock’s ‘magical’ mating dance

American woodcock in forest

Come witness the dazzling display of the American woodcock mating dance April 23 near Gladwin in mid-Michigan.

Join the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Ruffed Grouse Society for this free, guided woodcock walk at the Lame Duck Foot Access Area, a DNR-managed Grouse Enhanced Management Site (GEMS).

Participants will meet at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 23, at the corner of Bowmanville Road and Lame Duck Truck Trail, 15 miles northeast of Gladwin. All ages are welcome. Bring binoculars and a headlamp or flashlight. Be prepared to navigate muddy, uneven ground; the trails are not considered accessible under Americans with Disabilities Act guidelines.

RSVP by calling 989-426-9205, Ext. 2267630. Leave a message with your name, contact number and number of participants.

The American woodcock is a plump little migratory shorebird with a long bill for probing earthworms in the forests and fields of eastern North America, according to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Michigan is a premiere state for woodcock hunting and viewing.

“The male woodcock’s evening display flights are one of the magical natural sights of springtime,” the Cornell Lab notes. “He gives buzzy peent calls from a display area on the ground, then flies upward in a wide spiral. As he gets higher, his wings start to twitter. At a height of 200–350 feet the twittering becomes intermittent, and the bird starts to descend. He zigzags down, chirping as he goes, then lands silently (near a female, if she is present). Once on the ground, he resumes peenting and the display starts over again.”

The makeup date in case of rain for the Gladwin woodcock walk is Thursday, April 30.

Wildlife

Protecting the wildest of Michigan’s wild places

The view from Mount Arvon during the fall color season.Michigamme Highlands conservation easement established

By KERRY HECKMAN
Forest land administrator, Forest Resources Division
Michigan Department of Natural Resources

Deep in the Upper Peninsula’s Huron Mountains, among the wildest of Michigan’s wild places, the rugged Michigamme Highlands is comprised of vast forests, remote lakes, cold trout streams, moose-inhabited swamps and granite outcroppings.

Now, 73,000 acres of what is arguably some of the most important forest land in the Great Lakes region has been protected and is available for Michigan’s residents to enjoy – forever.

With funding entirely from grants and donations, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources has acquired a working forest conservation easement to secure these rights for the public while also supporting the state’s forest products industry.

A sign designates the top of Mount Arvon in the Michigamme Highlands.

The property

The sweeping views are spectacular from the top of Mt. Arvon, which, at 1,979 feet above sea level, is Michigan’s highest natural elevation. Rolling forests stretch for miles until they meet the dark blue waters of Lake Superior. On a clear day, the Abbaye Peninsula can be seen jutting out into the lake in the foreground while the Keweenaw Peninsula dominates the horizon. The Huron Islands can also be seen rising out of the cold Lake Superior waters.

Check out a map of the lands the easement covers. Read more
Wildlife

SHIELD Sights Announces Spring Savings Promotion

SHIELD Sights is pleased to announce its 2026 consumer “Spring Savings” promotion, offering up to 25% off the entire SHIELD product line available at participating dealers.

This limited-time promotion provides shooters with an opportunity to purchase premium, UK-designed and manufactured micro red dot optics at a significant savings in preparation for peak shooting season.

With continued demand for non-Chinese manufactured optics and increasing price pressures across the industry, this promotion benefits consumers by improving accessibility to best quality red dot sights without compromising quality.

Customers are encouraged to contact their local dealer for availability and promotion details.

Promotion Details:
– Up to 25% off all SKUs
– Valid on all purchases April 1st through April 30th
– Available at participating SHIELD Sights dealers

Learn more at: ShieldSights.com Read more

Optics, Promotions

Smith & Wesson Announces Military & Law Enforcement Rebate Program

 

MARYVILLE, TN – Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc. (NASDAQ Global Select: SWBI), a leader in firearm manufacturing and design, is proud to announce the launch of its Military & Law Enforcement Rebate program.

This rebate program, formerly named the American Guardians Rebate program, was established to show appreciation to military members and first responders, allowing them to receive up to $150 in physical or virtual prepaid cards, with qualifying purchases of a Smith & Wesson firearm or Gemtech suppressor. This exciting offer, limited to one rebate per eligible new firearm or suppressor purchase, can be redeemed exclusively online at https://www.smith-wesson.com/military-le-rebate, where participants can also find the full terms and conditions. Eligible purchasers must have an active and valid GOVX ID to qualify for the rebate.

“Smith & Wesson stands with law enforcement officers, military personnel, and all first responders who defend our nation and uphold the freedoms we enjoy. Our Military & Law Enforcement Rebate program was developed to express our gratitude and recognize all the everyday heroes in the first responder community who put service above self,” said Mark Smith, President and CEO.

Individuals who may be qualified under this program include the following: Read more

Firearms, Promotions

Magnum Research and Iron Monkey Rifle Works Unveil the “Dueling Katanas” Desert Eagle

Magnum Research and Iron Monkey Rifle Works are proud to announce the debut of the “Dueling Katanas” Desert Eagle, a gorgeous masterpiece that fuses legendary ballistic power with unparalleled artistic expression. This exclusive collaboration transforms the iconic .50 AE Desert Eagle, originally crafted from premium carbon steel, into a stunning tribute to the Asian heritage of the Iron Monkey Rifle Works team. By seamlessly blending ancient tradition with modern ballistic design, the two companies have created a unique collector’s piece that stands as a testament to both mechanical perfection and a centuries old warrior tradition.

The craftsmanship behind this limited-edition firearm is extensive and deliberate. Each individual component is meticulously hand-polished to a mirror-like gleam, serving as the foundation for the intricate Japanese iconography that defines the piece. The design, inspired by the storied tradition of dueling katanas, is further enhanced by a sleek and durable black nickel finish, with the slide and barrel in DLC. The contrast between these finishes evoke the hamon on the blade of a finely crafted katana. These coatings not only ensures the longevity of the firearm but also highlights the detailed engraving, turning the classic silhouette of the Desert Eagle into a true work of fine art that is as distinctive as it is powerful, paying tribute to the master bladesmiths who created the highest quality swords ever made. Read more

Firearms

Magnum Research Elevates an Icon With New Zirconium Nitride Gold Desert Eagle Series

Magnum Research is proud to announce the latest evolution of its legendary Mark XIX platform, the Desert Eagle Zirconium Nitride Gold Series. As a long-standing icon of unyielding power and a premier symbol of authority in the firearms world, the Desert Eagle continues to set the standard for those who demand a fusion of breathtaking looks and world-class performance. This newest series features a brilliant, high-durability Zirconium Nitride Gold finish, providing a stunning gold luster that is engineered to withstand the rigors of heavy use.

To suit the specific tastes of collectors and shooters alike, the Zirconium Nitride Gold Series is available in two distinct color configurations. Customers can choose all gold in .50AE, .44 MAG, or .357Mag. The California model is only available in .44MAG, all gold. The newest version is a .50AE gold gun accented with striking black controls and appointments for a high-contrast, modern look. Each powerhouse is built on the proven Mark XIX platform, featuring a 6-inch barrel equipped with an integral Picatinny-style optic rail, allowing for easy customization with various sighting systems. Read more

Firearms

Ruger Introduces Left-Handed Models of the Ruger American Rifle Generation II

Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. (NYSE: RGR) is pleased to announce something left-handed shooters have been asking for – left-handed models of the Ruger American® Rifle Generation II. The first of these models will be released in the Ranch configuration, with six chamberings available: 7.62x39mm, 450 Bushmaster, 400 Legend, 350 Legend, 300 Blackout and 5.56 NATO.

Compact and purpose-built, American Rifle Gen II Ranch models feature a 16.1″ cold hammer-forged, threaded barrel paired with a factory-installed radial port muzzle brake. This combination provides precise rifling, excellent durability and consistent accuracy in a maneuverable package. Each rifle also features a Cobalt Cerakote finish and a Flat Dark Earth stock accented with a black splatter texture.

The American Rifle Gen II platform enhances the proven reliability and accuracy of the original Ruger American Rifle, incorporating improved ergonomics, a three-position safety and a more rigid stock designed to work seamlessly with the included length-of-pull spacer and removable cheek riser. By introducing left-handed models in the versatile Ranch configuration first, Ruger is delivering a compact, real-world-ready option to the left-handed shooters who have long been asking for it. Read more

Firearms
1 … 40 41 42 43 44 … 2,074