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

Trijicon Celebrates One Millionth RMR with Limited-Time Rebate Program

Wixom, MI — Trijicon Inc., global provider of innovative aiming solutions to military, law enforcement, and individual consumers, is celebrating the extraordinary success of the Trijicon RMR® with a limited-time consumer rebate program. In recognition of more than one million RMR reflex sights produced, Trijicon will offer a $100 rebate on eligible RMR Auto LED and RMR Adjustable LED Red Dot models, as well as Dual Defense Kits and RMRs packaged with mounts, purchased between April 3 and May 31, 2026. Excluded from the promotion are Dual Illuminated models, RMR Adjustable LED, Green Dot models, RMR HD, RMRcc, and RCR.

The rebate will be managed online at MillionthRMR.com, where consumers can find terms and conditions along with the required proof of purchase information to receive the rebate.

Since its introduction in 2009, the Trijicon RMR® (Ruggedized Miniature Reflex) has dominated the pistol-mounted red dot category. Engineered with a patented housing shape for unmatched durability, the made-in-USA RMR quickly earned a reputation for reliability in the harshest conditions and has become one of the most trusted reflex sights in the world.

The RMR’s proven performance has made it a top choice for military, law enforcement, and civilian users alike. In 2018, USSOCOM selected the RMR for its MAS-D Handgun Reflex Sight program, further validating the optic’s ruggedness and dependability for professional end users. Read more

Optics, Promotions

NSSF-Adjusted NICS Background Checks for March 2026

The March 2026 NSSF-adjusted National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) figure of 1,412,917 is an increase of 1.9 percent compared to the March 2025 NSSF-adjusted NICS figure of 1,386,724. For comparison, the unadjusted March 2026 FBI NICS figure of 2,212,094 reflects a 10.5 percent decrease from the unadjusted FBI NICS figure of 2,470,705 in March 2025.

New for 2026 – Monthly NFA checks (Form 1 and 4) to provide improved market insights:

  • The March 2026 NFA figure of 206,871 is an increase of 121.2 percent compared to the March 2025 figure of 93,518.

Top-5 States for NFA Checks in March:

Texas 26,248
Florida 14,364
Virginia 8,874
North Carolina 8,831
Georgia 8,661

Additional insights on the month-over-month NICS data from GunBroker, NICS Reporting & Analysis (March 2026 data), available in the member portal under Industry Research.

  • Top-5 States for Adjusted NICS Checks: TX, FL, CA, PA, CO
  • Top-5 States for FBI NICS Handgun Checks: TX, FL, PA, CA, VA
  • Top-5 States for FBI NICS Long Gun Checks: TX, VA, PA, FL, CA Read more
Firearms

Hook & Barrel Magazine Launches New Giveaway Featuring Springfield Armory Echelon 4.0FC

Hook & Barrel Magazine®, The Lifestyle Magazine for Modern Outdoorsmen™, is excited to announce its latest exclusive giveaway sweepstakes, giving readers the chance to win the Springfield Armory Echelon 4.0FC. Designed to combine full-size capacity with a more compact, fast-handling profile, the 4.0FC features a 4-inch barrel paired with a full-length grip, along with a modular chassis system and optics-ready interface that adapts to a wide range of shooting styles.

“The Echelon 4.0FC hits that sweet spot: full-size capacity with faster handling in a more compact package,” said Niki Morrison, Hook & Barrel’s Director of Marketing and Public Relations. “It’s a true do-it-all platform built for how people carry today, which is why it feels like a natural fit for our readers.”

Entering the sweepstakes is simple: readers and viewers can visit the Hook & Barrel website and follow the instructions on the giveaway page, where full terms and conditions are also available. The sweepstakes is currently running through April 30, 2026, and the winner will be announced shortly thereafter. Read more

Contests

SAF Files Supplemental Brief in National Firearms Act Challenge

The Second Amendment Foundation (SAF) and its partners have filed a supplemental brief in Brown v. ATF, one of three lawsuits the organization is supporting challenging the constitutionality of the National Firearms Act (NFA).

Before President Trump signed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, purchasing silencers, short-barreled rifles, short-barreled shotguns, and “any other weapons” (AOWs) under the NFA required paying a $200 tax and registering the firearms. The tax and registration regime, Congress insisted, was based on its authority to levy taxes. Once the One Big Beautiful Bill eliminated taxes on those arms, however, SAF and its partners filed lawsuits challenging the remaining registration requirements, because without the tax, Congress’ reliance on their taxing power as constitutional authority to enact the law is no longer justifiable.

“In response to our Motion for Summary Judgment, the court requested additional briefing, which highlight multiple critical elements of our claim,” said SAF Director of Legal Operations Bill Sack. “We are thrilled to have an additional opportunity to explain exactly why our claim is so strong. The brief highlights why SAF and our members have standing to bring this suit, and precisely how the merits analysis supports our position. As we always do, we make our positions as plainly and forthrightly as possible, and we post links to the entire docket for each case on our website so everyone can read the full arguments we are making on their behalf.”

SAF is joined in Brown v. ATF by the American Suppressor Association, National Rifle Association, Firearms Policy Coalition, Prime Protection STL Tactical Boutique and two private citizens.

“For almost a century, the NFA has been used to infringe on the Second Amendment rights of citizens,” said SAF founder and Executive Vice President Alan M. Gottlieb. “We now have a chance to remove these unconstitutional restrictions and look forward to fully restoring the right to keep and bear arms for the countless Americans who own silencers and short-barreled rifles across the nation.” Read more

Gun Control

Prepare for Orioles & Hummingbirds 

Western birders will enjoy attracting Bullock’s Orioles to your yards (photo by Nancy Christensen).

April is an exciting month when the birds we see changes dramatically from wintering birds to new birds making migration stops – brief or extended – plus the arrival of favorite summer residents like orioles and hummingbirds. April is also a good time to look ahead in a general way to assess our yards with respect to birds, to consider what we can do to improve things ranging from landscaping to feeders to flower gardens. Preparing for birds like orioles and hummingbirds also requires a change of feeders and foods to attract and benefit these popular birds.

It’s not too early to prepare for the arrival of orioles and hummingbirds, which begins later this month in many regions of the country and extends into May in more northern latitudes. Read more

Wildlife

Found a Baby Bird on the Ground This Spring? Here’s What to Do

SALT LAKE CITY — It’s a beautiful spring day, so you decide to go for a nice walk around your neighborhood. You are strolling along the sidewalk when suddenly you hear loud chirping near your feet. You look over and see a baby bird lying on the ground near a tree trunk. What should you do? The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources has a few tips.

It is not unusual to find a baby bird on the ground during this time of year. Many birds are hatching and often leave their nests before they are able to fly. Some may also be blown out of nests during spring thunderstorms.

“Baby birds usually chirp and call from the nest, waiting for their parents to bring food to them — and sometimes they get excited or agitated, which results in them falling from their perch,” Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Migratory Game Bird Coordinator Jason Jones said.

The most common baby birds that people find are robins (which nest in trees) and swallows (which build their mud nests in eaves and on the sides of houses).

If you find a baby bird on the ground, here is what to know:

Put it back in the nest if it doesn’t have feathers

If the bird is very small and still featherless, you should place it back in its nest. If you can’t find the nest, put the bird on a branch safely out of reach of dogs and cats.

“The baby will squawk, and its parents will find it,” Jones said.

Unlike with some other wildlife species, you don’t need to be concerned about leaving your scent on the bird. Most birds do not have a good sense of smell so if you pick up a baby bird, its parents won’t even know you’ve handled it. Read more

Wildlife

Fiocchi Introduces Predator & Pest™ Sub-Gauge Shotshell Line

Ozark, MO — Fiocchi Ammunition proudly announces the launch of its all-new Predator & Pest™ shotshell line, purpose-built for sub-gauge hunters who demand serious performance. Designed specifically for .410 bore, 28 gauge, and 20 gauge, this innovative lineup delivers the much needed solution for raccoons, opossums, skunks, nutria, ditch tigers, and the ever-resourceful landfill rats.

At the heart of Predator & Pest™ is Fiocchi’s proprietary Duplex Density Matrix™, blending two unlikely partners: osmium, the densest naturally occurring metal known to man, and saltpeter, sourced from The Great Salt Lake, Utah. This historic compound dates back to the 1800s, when farmers relied on salt-based loads for rat and rodent control in the barnyards, minimizing collateral damage.

“With tungsten prices climbing faster than a raccoon up a corn crib, we challenged ourselves to think differently,” said Fiocchi product manager Ben T. Franklin. “The result is a payload that’s high on terminal performance, while modernizing a time-tested formula at a very affordable price point.”

The osmium component delivers unmatched density and downrange energy, while the saltpeter serves a dual purpose: a buffering agent to the osmium pellets, and a short-range peppering projectile. Together, the combination has earned a nickname among field testers – the Salt and Pepper Strafer.

Adding a little fire (quite literally) to the equation is Fiocchi’s PhosTrace™ Illumination Technology. This phosphorus-infused element ignites briefly upon discharge, allowing shooters to visually track the shot string in low-light conditions. Whether viewed with the naked eye or through thermal and infrared optics, the pattern streaks toward the target like a cruise missile on a mission.

“Predator & Pest provides instant shooter feedback,” said Franklin. “You’re not guessing where your pattern went… you’re watching it happen in real time.” Read more

Ammunition
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