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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, and concealed-carry roles through a unified system. Modular Chassis and Core Design Features Central to the TX9 series is the Taurus Modular System, which uses a serialized steel internal chassis. This design allows for modular grip configurations, simplified component replacement, and long-term adaptability across different frame sizes. Taurus positions the TX9 as a scalable system rather than a single fixed handgun. All models use a striker-fired trigger system intended to provide a consistent trigger pull across the lineup, supporting training continuity and predictable handling. Optics-Ready Configuration Across the Line Every TX9 pistol ships with a Taurus T.O.R.O. (Taurus Optic Ready Option) slide. The optic cut shares a standardized geometry designed to accommodate many of the most common duty and carry red-dot sights. Taurus states that the optic-ready capability was integrated into the slide design from inception, rather than added as a retrofit, with the goal of improving durability and maintaining zero under extended use. Three Size Variants With Shared Architecture The TX9 series launches with three configurations built around the same core architecture. The Full Size model features a 4.5-inch barrel and a 17-round magazine capacity, targeting uniformed duty use, home defense, and high-volume training. The Compact variant uses a 4.0-inch barrel with a 15-round magazine, offering a reduced footprint while retaining full-duty controls and handling characteristics. The Subcompact version is equipped with a 3.4-inch barrel and a 13-round magazine, intended for concealed or off-duty carry while preserving optics compatibility. Consistent Ergonomics and Controls All TX9 variants share the same control layout, trigger characteristics, and general ergonomics to allow seamless transition between sizes. Modular grip frames with interchangeable backstraps are included to accommodate different hand sizes. According to Taurus, this consistency is intended to reduce retraining requirements and improve user familiarity across multiple roles. Strategic Significance for Taurus Taurus leadership describes the TX9 as a major step in the company’s product strategy. CEO Bret Vorhees stated that the platform represents Taurus’s first dedicated duty pistol, applying the TX platform’s established ergonomics to a service-oriented 9mm system. With the TX9, Taurus aims to compete more directly in the duty and professional handgun market while maintaining cross-compatibility and modularity across the lineup. View full article

Weatherby Launches the 25 Weatherby RPM Cartridge Weatherby has officially introduced the 25 Weatherby RPM (25 WBY RPM), expanding its Rebated Precision Magnum (RPM) cartridge lineup. The new .25-caliber cartridge is designed to deliver magnum-level performance in a compact, efficient case, emphasizing flat trajectory, high velocity, and long-range capability without the bulk of traditional belted magnums. Design Philosophy and RPM Series Context The 25 Weatherby RPM follows the core design principles of the RPM family, which focus on maximizing ballistic efficiency through a rebated-rim case and modern geometry. By eliminating the belt and optimizing internal volume, the cartridge aims to provide consistent performance while fitting into standard-length magnum actions. Weatherby positions the 25 RPM as a solution for shooters seeking extended effective range in a lightweight hunting or precision rifle platform. Rifle Compatibility and Action Platforms Rifles chambered in 25 Weatherby RPM will be built on Weatherby’s Mark V action, including six-lug variants engineered to handle high-pressure magnum cartridges. Supported models include the Backcountry, Backcountry Ti, and other Mark V configurations designed for lightweight strength and accuracy. The cartridge will also be compatible with Weatherby’s Model 307 rifles, such as the Alpine MDT Carbon, expanding options beyond the traditional Mark V lineup. Ballistics, Twist Rate, and Intended Performance Weatherby lists a recommended 1:7.5-inch twist rate, reflecting the cartridge’s focus on stabilizing long, high-ballistic-coefficient .25-caliber bullets. This fast twist supports modern projectile designs intended for long-range shooting, contributing to the cartridge’s flat trajectory and retained downrange energy. Performance comparisons published by Weatherby place the 25 RPM among the faster and more efficient .25-caliber options currently available. Reloading Considerations and Case Specifications Weatherby describes the 25 RPM as particularly well-suited for handloaders. The cartridge features a 35-degree shoulder and a case capacity of approximately 72.5 grains of water, promoting efficient powder burn and consistent velocities. With a maximum overall length of 3.34 inches and 0.940 inches of seating depth, it accommodates long, streamlined bullets without sacrificing usable case volume. Compared to the 25 Creedmoor, Weatherby reports roughly 40 percent greater case capacity, translating to higher potential velocities. Weatherby has confirmed that unprimed brass will be offered alongside factory ammunition options. View full article

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 The 2K11 Comp series consists of four models offered in either black or stainless finishes. Buyers can choose between a full-size version with a 5-inch barrel or a Pro-size model with a 4.25-inch barrel. Each variant incorporates an integrated compensator positioned forward of the front sight. The compensator is designed to reduce muzzle rise and improve control during rapid or sustained fire without altering the platform’s core operating system. Updated Construction and Grip Module A notable update across the Comp series is the introduction of Kimber’s carbon fiber and glass-filled matrix grip module. The grip is paired with a CNC-machined stainless steel subframe coated in DLC, incorporating a proprietary shoulder intended to prevent magazine over-insertion and potential ejector damage. The design aims to balance weight reduction with structural rigidity while maintaining compatibility with the 2K11’s double-stack magazines. Features and Mechanical Details All 2K11 Comp pistols are chambered in 9mm and retain several features introduced with the original platform, including a patent-pending toolless guide rod system, external extractor, improved internal magazine geometry, and optics-ready slide. Select models are equipped with a Stan Chen Customs magwell and TAG Precision steel optic adapter plates. Barrels are crowned and fluted, using 5R rifling, and are fit to the slide to tight tolerances. Manufacturing and Availability Kimber states that each 2K11 Comp is assembled from start to finish by a single technician at its Troy, Alabama facility, where the stainless-steel slide, frame, and barrel are machined. Finishes vary by model, with some receiving DLC coatings and others offered in stainless. Retail availability is expected as early as January 2026, with immediate shipment planned following launch. View full article

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 Both Harrier models feature 16-inch barrels and free-floated M-LOK handguards. The base configuration is equipped with standard A2-pattern furniture, including an A2 pistol grip and M4-style waffle stock, and carries a listed MSRP of $699. A second variant, priced at $749, upgrades to Magpul furniture, specifically the MOE-K2 grip and DT Carbine collapsible stock. This model also adds a full-length Picatinny rail along the 12 o’clock position of the handguard, providing additional mounting space for optics and accessories. Manufacturing Location and Background Product images for the Harrier series display a “Proudly Made in Hebron, KY” watermark. Hebron was previously home to Anderson Manufacturing, a well-known AR-15 producer that ceased operations before being acquired by Ruger. The Harrier rifles appear to reflect the integration of Anderson’s manufacturing assets into Ruger’s production pipeline. In its final years, Anderson expanded its AR lineup and improved overall fit and finish, suggesting that the Harrier series may benefit from that experience combined with Ruger’s quality control standards. Barrel, Receiver, and Finish Specifications Both rifles use a 16.1-inch government-profile barrel with a 1:8-inch twist rate and six-groove rifling. The barrel is nitrided for corrosion resistance and longevity and is threaded 1/2x28 at the muzzle, fitted with a removable A2 flash hider. Upper and lower receivers are machined from 7075-T6 aluminum forgings to mil-spec dimensions and finished with Type III hardcoat anodizing. The lower receiver incorporates a tension screw designed to reduce play between receivers. Operating Components and Compatibility The Harrier series is configured around standard AR-15 components for broad compatibility. Each rifle includes a single-stage GI trigger, mil-spec selector, charging handle, carbine buffer, and spring. The bolt carrier group is nitrided, with a properly staked gas key. The upper receiver includes a forward assist, dust cover, and brass deflector. Ruger ships the rifles with one 30-round Magpul PMAG, positioning the Harrier line as a turnkey replacement for the outgoing AR-556 models. View full article

U.S. Launches Strikes in Venezuela, Trump Claims Maduro Captured The United States conducted large-scale military strikes across Venezuela in the early hours of Jan. 3, with President Donald Trump stating that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife were captured by U.S. forces and removed from the country. Trump announced the operation on Truth Social, describing it as a coordinated action involving the U.S. military and law enforcement. He said additional details would be provided at a news conference later in the day. Explosions were reported in Caracas beginning around 1:50 a.m. local time, with airstrikes lasting roughly an hour. Power outages were reported in parts of the capital, and blasts were also reported in other regions of the country. There has been no confirmed casualty count. Military Operations and Arrest Claims According to U.S. officials cited by CBS News, the operation included a direct action mission by the Army’s 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment-Delta, commonly known as Delta Force, to arrest Maduro. He was indicted in a U.S. federal court in 2020 on narcoterrorism charges. Senator Mike Lee of Utah said Secretary of State Marco Rubio told him Maduro would be transported to the United States to face trial and that the strikes were intended to protect personnel executing the arrest warrant. Reuters, the Wall Street Journal, and CBS News confirmed that U.S. forces carried out the strikes, while the Pentagon referred inquiries to the White House. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth publicly shared Trump’s statement but did not provide further details. Venezuelan Government Response Venezuela’s government condemned the strikes as a “military aggression.” Foreign Minister Yván Gil Pinto accused the United States of attacking multiple sites, including in Caracas and the surrounding states of Miranda, Aragua, and La Guaira. Maduro declared a state of emergency and ordered the activation of national defense plans. Vice President Delcy Rodríguez said the government did not know Maduro’s whereabouts and demanded proof of life. Gil requested an urgent meeting of the United Nations Security Council. Colombian President Gustavo Petro reported missile attacks on Caracas but did not explicitly identify the United States as responsible. Regional Buildup and Targeting U.S. preparations reportedly included a months-long military buildup in the Caribbean. Assets in the region include the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford, its carrier strike group, the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group with the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, multiple fighter squadrons, and special operations aviation units. Venezuelan opposition figures said the strikes hit key military bases and ports. On the eve of the attack, the U.S. seized two oil tankers near Venezuela and struck more than 30 vessels accused of drug trafficking. Since September, U.S. forces have carried out dozens of strikes against suspected smuggling vessels, actions Washington frames as counter-narcotics operations. International Reaction and Escalating Tensions Russia, a close Venezuelan ally, condemned the strikes as an act of armed aggression and reaffirmed support for Caracas, calling for Latin America to remain a “zone of peace.” Moscow and Caracas signed a strategic partnership agreement in May 2025. U.S.–Venezuela relations have deteriorated sharply in recent months. Measures have included sanctions on Maduro’s relatives, a blockade of sanctioned oil tankers, and the closure of U.S. airspace over Venezuela. While Maduro recently signaled openness to talks on drug trafficking and energy investment, U.S. officials have acknowledged that recent pressure was also intended to force political change. View full article

U.S. Threats Amid Escalating Unrest in Iran U.S. President Donald Trump warned on Friday that Washington could intervene if Iranian security forces fired on protesters, as demonstrations over economic hardship continued across Iran. In a social media post, Trump said the United States was “locked and loaded and ready to go,” though he did not specify what form any action might take. His remarks came days into unrest that has left several people dead and is viewed as one of the most serious internal challenges faced by Iranian authorities in recent years. Iranian Response and Security Warnings Senior Iranian official Ali Larijani, head of Iran’s National Security Council and a close adviser to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, rejected Trump’s comments, warning that U.S. interference would destabilize the broader Middle East. Iran supports allied armed groups in Lebanon, Iraq, and Yemen, and Larijani cautioned that American actions could put U.S. forces in the region at risk. Iranian state media also quoted a local official in western Iran warning that any illegal gatherings would be met “decisively and without leniency.” Protests, Casualties, and Arrests The demonstrations, driven largely by soaring inflation and economic strain, are smaller than some previous nationwide uprisings but have spread to multiple regions. State-affiliated media and rights groups report at least 10 deaths since Wednesday, including a member of the Basij paramilitary force linked to the Revolutionary Guards. Deadly clashes have been concentrated in western provinces, including Lordegan and Kuhdasht. Rights group Hengaw also reported a death in Fars province, a claim denied by state media. Hengaw said at least 80 people have been arrested, mostly in western Iran, including members of the Kurdish minority. State television reported additional arrests in Kermanshah, alleging the manufacture of petrol bombs and homemade firearms. Iranian media also said two heavily armed individuals were detained in central and western regions before carrying out planned attacks. Independent verification of all reports has not been possible. Scenes From Affected Cities Verified video footage showed crowds gathered outside a burning police station overnight, with sporadic gunfire and protesters chanting slogans condemning authorities. In Zahedan, a southern city with a large Baluch population, Hengaw reported chants including “Death to the dictator.” Rights groups and social media posts indicated further protests late Friday in several cities. Regional and International Context Trump’s warning followed a recent meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and came against the backdrop of heightened regional tensions. The United States and Israel carried out strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities and military targets in June, intensifying pressure on Tehran. Additional strains include the ousting of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, a key Iranian ally, and Israeli operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon. Washington has maintained extensive sanctions on Iran, particularly since Trump withdrew from the 2015 nuclear deal in 2018. Iranian Leadership and Economic Pressures President Masoud Pezeshkian has taken a more conciliatory approach, pledging dialogue with protest leaders and acknowledging government failings. He said authorities were responsible for addressing public dissatisfaction rather than blaming foreign actors. His administration’s economic liberalization efforts, including partial currency deregulation, have contributed to a sharp fall in the rial on unofficial markets. Inflation has remained above 36 percent since March, according to official estimates, deepening public frustration in an economy heavily constrained by sanctions. View full article

Alleged Drone Incursions After Ceasefire Thailand’s army on Monday accused Cambodia of violating a newly signed ceasefire by flying more than 250 unmanned aerial vehicles into Thai territory. According to a Thai military statement, the drones were detected late Sunday night crossing from the Cambodian side of the border. Bangkok said the activity constituted a provocation and breached measures agreed to reduce tensions under a joint statement finalized at a bilateral border committee meeting on Saturday. The ceasefire, declared “immediate,” followed weeks of renewed border clashes that killed dozens of people and displaced more than one million civilians across both countries. Ceasefire Terms and Potential Repercussions Under the truce, Thailand and Cambodia committed to halting combat, freezing troop movements, cooperating on demining and cybercrime, and facilitating the return of displaced civilians. Thailand also agreed to release 18 Cambodian soldiers captured in July within 72 hours, contingent on the ceasefire holding. Thai army spokesman Winthai Suvaree said the alleged drone flights reflected a “hostile stance” that could endanger military personnel and civilians in border areas. He added that Thailand may reconsider releasing the detained Cambodian soldiers depending on developments and observed behavior. Cambodian Responses and Denials Cambodian Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn characterized the incident as a “small issue” involving drone sightings along the border and said both sides had discussed the matter and agreed to investigate and resolve it promptly. However, Cambodia’s defense ministry later issued a categorical denial. Spokeswoman Maly Socheata said no drones were launched by Cambodian authorities, citing bans on such flights by the ministry and provincial border administrations. Despite these assurances, uncertainty remains among families of detained soldiers. Relatives expressed concern that the promised release might not proceed amid the new dispute. Background of the Border Conflict The latest clashes in July marked a breakdown of an earlier truce brokered with the involvement of the United States, China, and Malaysia, the current chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. A follow-on declaration witnessed by U.S. President Donald Trump in October collapsed within weeks, with each side accusing the other of instigating renewed fighting. The conflict centers on an unresolved territorial dispute along the 800-kilometer Thai-Cambodian border, rooted in colonial-era demarcation and overlapping claims to ancient temple sites. Ongoing Diplomacy and Regional Engagement Thai and Cambodian foreign ministers concluded two days of talks in China’s Yunnan province on Monday. In a joint statement with China, the parties said they discussed steps to restore normal exchanges, rebuild political trust, improve bilateral relations, and safeguard regional stability. Cambodia also called for another bilateral meeting in early January to continue border survey and demarcation work. Civilian Calls for Peace In Phnom Penh, more than a hundred Buddhist monks and hundreds of civilians gathered at a war monument on Monday evening to pray for peace. Participants said they hoped for an end to hostilities and the safe return of detained soldiers, underscoring public concern over the durability of the ceasefire. View full article