SAF Submits Series of Comment Letters on ATF Proposed Rules

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The Second Amendment Foundation (SAF) submitted a series of formal comment letters to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) on multiple proposed rules, urging the agency to modernize regulations in ways that better respect the Second Amendment, gun-owner privacy and the right to interstate travel with firearms.

In late April, SAF Executive Director Adam Kraut was on hand for the announcement of 34 proposed and final rules announced during a press conference and signing by Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche and ATF Director Robert Cekada. At the ceremony, Cekada signed final rules, including the rescission of the “stabilizing brace” and “engaged in the business” rules, and provided summary insights into proposed rules, including updates to Form 4473 for the commercial transfer of firearms, clarifying interstate transportation of firearms under the Gun Control Act, and recordkeeping requirements for Federal Firearms Licensees.

“These comment letters reflect SAF’s commitment to ensuring that federal regulations remain consistent with the text, history and tradition of the Second Amendment,” said SAF Director of Legal Research and Education Kostas Moros. “The Constitution and our historical tradition demand that ATF get these proposed rules right. Fortunately, for the most part, they have. The proposed rules are, overall, in accord with the Second Amendment. We appreciate the opportunity to participate in this process and urge the agency to finalize rules that expand, rather than restrict, the rights of peaceable citizens.” Read more

Gun Control

Leupold’s New VX-Freedom Straight-Wall Riflescope

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Leupold & Stevens, Inc., provider of the world’s most rugged, lightweight, and clear sport optics, is pleased to announce the launch of its new VX-Freedom Straight-Wall riflescope.

Built specifically for rifles chambered for popular straight-wall cartridges, the VX-Freedom Straight-Wall gives hunters a fast, simple, and precise aiming solution in the moments that matter most. It ships with three pre-calibrated elevation dials, one for each of the three most common straight-wall hunting cartridges: .350 Legend, .400 Legend, and .450 Bushmaster.

“Many states that once limited gun hunters to using shotgun slugs for deer have now made it legal to hunt with a straight-wall rifle cartridge,” said Vici Peters, Gold Ring Product Line Manager for Leupold & Stevens, Inc. “With that added capability comes the opportunity to take longer shots–which means compensating for bullet drop. With the VX-Freedom Straight-Wall, we take care of that for you. Just choose your cartridge, zero your rifle, and install the appropriate, included dial. It makes hitting a target at several hundred yards as easy as range, dial, and shoot.”

The VX-Freedom Straight-Wall has the pre-calibrated .350 Legend dial installed out of the box. The .400 Legend and .450 Bushmaster dials are included and can be swapped out using a simple Allen wrench. The pre-calibrated dials allow hunters to shoot with confidence by simply turning the dial to the correct distance and holding dead on for a more precise solution than traditional holdover reticles. Read more

Optics

NSSF-Adjusted NICS Background Checks for July 2026

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The July 2026 NSSF-adjusted National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) figure of 1,061,883 is an increase of 8.5 percent compared to the July 2025 NSSF-adjusted NICS figure of 978,731. For comparison, the unadjusted July 2026 FBI NICS figure of 2,057,967 reflects a 6.3 percent increase from the unadjusted FBI NICS figure of 1,936,621 in July 2025.

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

Top-5 States for NFA Checks in July:
Texas 16,977
Florida 9,784
Virginia 7,599
North Carolina 5,941
Georgia 5,463
  • The July 2026 NFA figure of 130,013 is an increase of 108.8 percent compared to the July 2025 figure of 62,271.

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

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

Please note: Twenty-eight states currently have at least one qualified alternative permit, which under the Brady Act allows the permit-holder, who has undergone a background check to obtain the permit, to purchase a firearm from a licensed dealer without a separate additional background check for that transfer. Read more

Firearms

Beginner Backpacking at the Porkies

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Photo courtesy of Michigan DNR

Sept. 18-20 at Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park

Set in the picturesque Porkies – filled with miles of trails, thousands of old-growth trees and abundant wildlife – this class is designed to teach the basics of backpacking and introduce you to the wilderness experience. Instructors will help you develop a gear list, teach you how to plan a trip and stay safe in the backcountry, and introduce you to Leave No Trace principles and basic wilderness problem solving. You will be expected to provide and carry your own gear.

You’ll enjoy a two-day, 5.6-mile scenic hike through the woods, including the chance to take in the views from the highest point in the park.

Cost is $105 per person, which includes meals for the trip. Registration is required by Aug. 14.

Learn more/register ?

This class is part of the Department of Natural Resources Outdoor Skills Academy, which offers in-depth, expert instruction, gear and hands-on learning for a range of outdoor activities at locations around the state. Learn more at Michigan.gov/OutdoorSkills.

Wildlife

Michigan DNR seeks public input on lifting bear hunting prohibition on Bois Blanc Island

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black bear in field with fall forest in background The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is considering a proposal to allow bear hunting on Bois Blanc Island in Mackinac County by removing the existing prohibition.

The hunting ban was established in May 1985 by the Michigan Natural Resources Commission. The prohibition was presented as a commissioner amendment and available NRC records do not provide a rationale behind its adoption.

Bois Blanc Island is located within the Newberry Bear Management Unit (BMU). Outside of state-run parks, recreation areas and safety zones near developed areas, Bois Blanc Island is the only location within a BMU where state law prohibits bear hunting. Other species can be hunted on the island, including deer, small game and waterfowl. The DNR manages 10,300 acres of the 23,700-acre island.

The proposal would allow bear hunting on state-owned land. Bear hunting on private land would require the landowner’s permission.

The DNR is seeking public input on the proposal. Send comments to Cody Norton, DNR bear and furbearer specialist, at nortonc3@michigan.gov.

Any hunting proposal would require NRC approval.

Learn more about bear hunting in the DNR’s 2026 bear hunting regulations summary.

Hunting

Interagency Grizzly Bear Study Team Grizzly Bear Trapping in Yellowstone

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BIOLOGISTS SET TO BEGIN GRIZZLY BEAR CAPTURES FOR RESEARCH PURPOSES ON THE CUSTER GALLATIN NATIONAL FOREST, MONTANA.
PUBLIC REMINDED TO HEED WARNING SIGNS

As part of ongoing efforts required under the Endangered Species Act to monitor the population of grizzly bears in the Yellowstone Ecosystem, the U.S. Geological Survey, in conjunction with Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks, is working to inform the public that pre-baiting and scientific capture operations are once again about to begin within the northwestern portions of the Custer Gallatin National Forest, south of I-90, in Montana. Biologists with the Interagency Grizzly Bear Study Team (IGBST) will begin the field captures August 8 and continue through August 28. Capture operations can include a variety of activities, but all areas where work is being conducted will have major access points marked with warning signs. It is critical that all members of the public heed these signs.

Research and monitoring of the grizzly bear population is vital to ongoing recovery and management of grizzly bears in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. In order to attract bears, biologists use natural food sources such as recently road-killed deer and elk. Potential capture sites are baited with these natural foods and if indications are that grizzly bears are in the area, culvert traps or foot snares are used to capture bears. Once captured, bears are handled in accordance with strict safety and animal care protocols developed by the IGBST and approved by the U.S. Geological Survey.

Whenever bear capture activities are being conducted for scientific purposes, the area around the site will be posted with bright warning signs to inform the public of the activities occurring. Read more

Wildlife

Because Huckleberries are in Short Supply, Bear Specialists Emphasize the Importance of Securing Attractants to Prevent Conflicts

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KALISPELL—Northwest Montana is experiencing a below average huckleberry crop this year, and as natural food sources become harder for bears to find, they are increasingly moving to lower elevations in search of alternatives. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks bear conflict specialists are asking for the community’s help to reduce potential conflicts.

“We’ve responded to an unusually high number of calls this season,” said bear and lion conflict specialist, Justine Vallieres. As fall approaches and bears enter hyperphagia, a time when they actively seek out extra calories to prepare for winter, specialists expect that call volume to increase. Read more

Wildlife

Sabudawn Safaris Continues as a Whitetails Unlimited National Sponsor

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Sabudawn Safaris will continue as a Whitetails Unlimited national sponsor, announced WTU President Jeff Schinkten. “Sabudawn Safaris is dedicated to quality, and their knowledgeable, experienced team excels at planning exceptional African safari experiences,” said Schinkten. “They handle travel and lodging logistics, allowing customers to focus on enjoying the hunt of a lifetime. We’re excited to continue our relationship with Sabudawn Safaris.”

Sabudawn Safaris is a full service “Safaris and Tours” operations. They specialize in coordinating travel arrangements for individuals and groups that will take care of all logistics like accommodations, transfers, air charters, touring, and all safaris for you. They are independent and can book and plan the itinerary to suit their customers’ needs. The team at Sabudawn, from the office staff, lodge staff, hunting professionals, skinners, and trackers, are all dedicated to making your hunting experience in Southern Africa a memorable one. To see all the activities there are to experience or a list of the animals you can hunt, go to sabudawnsafaris.co.za.

About Whitetails Unlimited: Since our beginning in 1982, Whitetails Unlimited has remained true to its mission and has made great strides in the field of conservation. Thanks to more than 475 chapters, 120,000-plus members, chapter volunteers, and corporate sponsors, Whitetails Unlimited has earned the reputation of being the nation’s premier organization dedicating its resources to the betterment of the white-tailed deer and its environment. Our mission is to raise funds in support of educational programs, wildlife habitat enhancement and acquisition, and preservation of the shooting sports and hunting tradition for future generations. To date, Whitetails Unlimited has expended more than $159.3 million on program services and activities that continue to enhance, and ultimately foster, our mission. Stay connected with us: Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn, WTU Website

Hunting

Guns.com and Off Grid Suppressors Launch Exclusive $100 Instant Rebate

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First-Of-Its-Kind Promotion Helps Offset Cost of NFA Transfer Fees for Gun Owners Nationwide

Burnsville, MN – Guns.com launches Off Grid Offset, an exclusive partnership with Off Grid Suppressors to offer gun owners an instant $100 rebate. Available now through August 9, the exclusive promotion automatically applies at checkout on all Off Grid Suppressors, allowing customers to save immediately without the hassle of submitting rebate forms or waiting for reimbursement. Plus, all suppressors available on Guns.com, including Off Grid, ship free. Read more

Promotions

Derya Arms Launches the Derya MAX

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Derya Arms (South Derya Corp.), a leading firearms manufacturer with expanding U.S. manufacturing operations in Jacksonville, Florida, today announced the official United States market launch of the Derya MAX, a completely new proprietary magazine-fed 12-gauge semi-automatic shotgun. The MAX made its public U.S. debut at the Gun Owners of America (GOA) GOALS 2026 summit and is now in full production in small quantities at the company’s Jacksonville facility, with guns expected to be released and seen in the market beginning in September.

While select media coverage of the MAX has previously appeared from Derya’s operations in Türkiye, this announcement marks the official U.S. launch. The shotguns are now being manufactured in Jacksonville, Florida.

As the manufacturer that has produced more magazine-fed shotguns than any other company in the industry, Derya Arms brings unmatched experience to the category. Magazines have long been the number-one source of reliability issues on magazine-fed shotguns, even on high-end guns. Drawing on years of development and that deep platform knowledge, the company created an entirely new, proprietary design unlike anything else currently on the market. The result is the Derya MAX: a purpose-built shotgun engineered from the ground up for maximum performance, competitive excellence, and real-world reliability. Read more

Firearms
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