Firearm News

USSOCOM Starts HICAR Effort for Extended-Range M4A1 U.S. Special Operations Command on May 18, 2026 released a Naval Surface Warfare Center solicitation for the Hypervelocity Improved Capability Assault Rifle, or HICAR, a pressure-tolerant upper receiver for the M4A1 family. The program aims to extend the practical combat range of URG-I-configured M4 carbines from about 300 meters to 600 meters while preserving the existing 5.56×45mm NATO ecosystem. Rather than moving to the 6.8×51mm cartridge u

Magnum Research and Iron Monkey unveil limited-edition Desert Eagle Magnum Research has partnered with Iron Monkey Rifle Works to introduce the “Dueling Katanas” Desert Eagle, a limited-edition version of the company’s flagship large-frame pistol. The release keeps the standard Desert Eagle’s core .50 AE chambering and carbon steel construction, while shifting the emphasis toward decorative finishing, engraving, and collector appeal rather than mechanical redesign. The pistol is positi

Release announced Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc. announced on April 14, 2026, the release of the Bodyguard 38 2.0, a revised small-frame revolver intended for personal-protection and everyday-carry use. The company, listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under ticker SWBI, said the model was developed as a compact, lightweight platform with a focus on straightforward operation. Caliber and operating system The Bodyguard 38 2.0 is chambered in .38 S&W Special +P.

Taurus Enters 9mm PDW Segment Taurus USA announced on April 14 the launch of the Taurus RPC, a new 9mm platform described by the company as its first dedicated entry in the personal defense weapon, or PDW, category. Taurus said the RPC is built to NATO standards and is intended to offer a compact format with a focus on reliability and adaptability. The release places the RPC as an expansion beyond the company’s established handgun and long-gun lines into a more specialized pi

Springfield Armory adds target-sighted 1911 Garrison models in .45 ACP and 9mm Springfield Armory announced on April 17, 2026 the release of two new 1911 Garrison Target pistols, chambered in .45 ACP and 9mm. The additions expand the company’s Garrison line with versions equipped with a fully adjustable rear sight intended for accuracy-focused and competition-oriented use. Both pistols retain the traditional Government-size 1911 format and are built with hot salt blued carbon steel pai

Release and configuration Springfield Armory announced on April 17, 2026, the release of the Model 2020 Heatseeker .308 Pistol, a bolt-action firearm built on the company’s Model 2020 action and configured in a compact chassis format. The pistol is chambered in .308 Win., has an overall length of 22.5 inches, and uses a 12-inch barrel. Springfield lists the finish as Graphite Black Cerakote. The launch adds a pistol-format variant to the Model 2020 line, which previously centered on bo

Launch announcement Springfield Armory announced the SAINT Victor 5.5-inch 9mm PDW on April 16, 2026, in a release issued from Geneseo, Illinois. The firearm is a compact 9mm, AR-pattern personal-defense-weapon-style platform built around a 5.5-inch barrel and an SB Tactical HBPDW collapsible brace. Springfield said the model is intended for maneuverability in confined spaces while retaining space for optics and other accessories. Receiver and operating system The SAINT Victor 9mm

Henry Introduces Bear’s Leg Lever-Action Pistol Henry Repeating Arms has announced the Bear’s Leg Pistol, a modernized lever-action handgun based on the classic Mare’s Leg format. The new model is offered in four chamberings: .357 Magnum/.38 Special, .44 Magnum/.44 Special, .30-30 Winchester, and .45-70 Government. MSRP is listed at $1,129 for all variants. The Bear’s Leg uses a blued steel receiver and a round blued steel barrel with black synthetic furniture. All versions share a 13.

HK Introduces VP9CC Micro-Compact 9mm Heckler & Koch has announced the VP9CC, a new micro-compact pistol chambered in 9mm and built at the company’s factory in Oberndorf, Germany. The model is positioned as a reduced-size variant of the existing VP9 series rather than a separate design, carrying over the platform’s general ergonomics, controls, and trigger system into a smaller concealed-carry format. The VP9CC measures 6.02 inches overall with a 3.12-inch barrel and an u

New SA-35 Variant Announced Springfield Armory has expanded its SA-35 pistol line with the introduction of the SA-35 4", a new compact-format 9mm variant announced April 7, 2026. The pistol adds a shorter configuration to the company’s existing SA-35 family while retaining the core design elements that define the series. The SA-35 is Springfield Armory’s modernized interpretation of the Browning Hi-Power, the historic P-35 pattern originally associated with John Moses Brownin

Springfield Armory Introduces Echelon Pistols with Factory-Mounted Aimpoint COA Springfield Armory has launched a new series of Echelon 9mm pistols factory-equipped with the Aimpoint COA closed-emitter red dot sight. The initial rollout includes select Echelon variants machined for Aimpoint’s proprietary A-CUT interface, integrating the optic directly into the slide without adapter plates. The collaboration marks an expansion of Springfield’s optics-ready handgun offerings, d

U.S.-Focused Expansion Debuts at IWA 2026 At IWA OutdoorClassics 2026 in Nuremberg, Pistollo unveiled a U.S.-specific variant of its pistol platform alongside a limited production model developed in partnership with American distributor Deluxe Arms. The announcement marks a targeted effort to increase the brand’s presence in the United States through enhanced compatibility and exclusive offerings. The standard U.S. configuration incorporates several technical modifications designed to

Product Launch and Availability Henry Repeating Arms began shipping its new Explorer Carbine series on February 19, 2026, following the line’s introduction at the 2026 SHOT Show. The carbines are offered across several of the company’s established centerfire lever-action platforms and incorporate updated finishes and configuration changes intended to enhance durability and field utility. Design and Finish Each Explorer Carbine features a Burnt Bronze Cerakote finish applied to the

Taurus Introduces TX9 as a Dedicated Duty-Grade Pistol Platform Taurus has announced the TX9 series, a new line of striker-fired 9×19mm pistols positioned as the company’s first purpose-built, duty-grade handgun platform. Developed as an expansion of the existing TX platform, previously limited to rimfire, the TX9 is designed to meet military and law-enforcement standards, including NATO specifications. The pistols are built in the United States and are intended to serve duty, defensive, an

Kimber Expands 2K11 Line With Compensated Models Kimber Manufacturing has announced the addition of the 2K11 Comp series, expanding its high-capacity, 1911-style platform with factory-compensated variants. The new models are scheduled to debut in January 2026, roughly a year after the original 2K11 was introduced in late 2024. The expansion addresses sustained demand for recoil-mitigating options within Kimber’s double-stack 1911 lineup. Four Configurations and Size Options T

Ruger Updates AR-15 Catalog Ahead of SHOT Show 2026 As the firearms industry approaches SHOT Show 2026, Ruger has announced a restructuring of its AR-15 offerings. The new Harrier series will replace the long-running AR-556 family, signaling a shift in both branding and feature set. At launch, the Harrier line consists of two rifle configurations built around a shared core platform, with differences primarily in furniture and rail setup. Initial Models and Pricing Structure B

Glock Unveils Generation 6 Pistols With Focused Ergonomic Innovations Glock has formally announced the Generation 6 (Gen6) series, bringing significant ergonomic and functional upgrades to its flagship G17, G19, and G45 pistols. This trio of 9mm handguns is slated for dealer release on January 20th, 2026, with pricing unchanged from current Gen5 MOS offerings—a testament to Glock’s commitment to measured evolution over drastic reinvention. Incremental Improvements With User-Focused Des

Marlin Introduces First-Ever 10mm Auto Lever-Action Trapper In a significant move for lever-action enthusiasts, Marlin has announced the release of the Model 1894 Trapper chambered in 10mm Auto, breaking new ground for the legendary firearms brand. This marks the first instance where Marlin has paired the venerable lever-action platform with the powerful, rimless 10mm cartridge, setting the stage for fresh discussions on versatility and modern utility in the world of lever guns. Modern

Viking Desert Eagle: Norse Inspiration Meets Modern Firepower Magnum Research has announced the release of its Limited Edition Viking Desert Eagle, blending Old World legend with contemporary handgun engineering. This striking model, chambered in .50 Action Express, arrives as both a collector’s artifact and a high-performance shooting tool. Craftsmanship Rooted in Mythology The Viking Desert Eagle features a distressed, battle-worn finish designed to evoke imagery of Norse warrio

FightLite Industries Unveils DFX Belt-Fed Upper Receiver for AR Platforms FightLite Industries has announced the upcoming release of its DFX Dual-Feed Upper Receiver, a belt-fed modular system designed to seamlessly upgrade standard AR-15, M16, M4, or HK416 pattern lower receivers. The new DFX aims to combine sustained-fire capability with the flexibility of traditional magazine-fed operation, targeting civilian enthusiasts and professional users seeking enhanced performance. Dual-Feed

Springfield Armory Introduces 1911 Operator AOS Threaded Pistols Springfield Armory has expanded its well-regarded line of 1911 handguns with the launch of the Operator AOS Threaded series, designed specifically to meet the rising demand for suppressor-ready pistols. This new offering reflects a growing trend among firearm enthusiasts, who increasingly seek compatibility with muzzle devices such as suppressors and compensators. Enhanced Features for Modern Shooters The 1911 Operat

Springfield Armory Reveals New Coyote Brown 1911 DS Prodigy Comp 9mm Springfield recently introduced another exciting range of weapons to their ever-growing holster after their successful attendance at the SHOT Show. The newest addition to Springfield Armory's collection is the 1911 DS Prodigy Comp AOS 9mm handgun, now available in the striking Coyote Brown colorway—an exciting notice for fans of 50 Shades of FDE. Choosing the Perfect Model Springfield Armory’s Coyote Brown 1911 D

Smith & Wesson Unveils Latest CSX E-Series Micro-Compact Pistols In a recent move showcasing their commitment to innovation and craftsmanship, Smith & Wesson has presented the latest addition to their concealed carry platform - the CSX E-Series. Building upon the success of the CSX line, which debuted only three years prior with the introduction of the aluminum alloy frame CSX micro-compact pistols, the premier gunsmiths have been diligently honing the line's design and features, an

The Staccato HD: Innovation in 2011 Pistols Staccato has recently unveiled its highly anticipated product: the innovative and technologically advanced Staccato HD. This next-level edition of the 2011 platform has been developed based on valuable insights from elite law enforcement and government customers and tested extensively to endure the toughest environments and conditions. Featuring a Suite of Performance Upgrades The Staccato HD, built on a chassis of substantial