POTD: The SP5 Woodlander
In my opinion, Offensive Marketing Group takes some of the best photos in the industry. These images of the HK SP5 9x19mm “Sports South Exclusive” in Woodland Camo don't disappoint, and are great for TFB’s Photo Of The Day. The barrel length of this SP5 is 8.86". The red dot reflex sight is the FDE version of the Aimpoint ACRO P-2™ 3.5 MOA, and the perfect color for this build.
The Rimfire Report: A Closer Look at Remington Standard V Ammo
Hello and welcome back to another edition of The Rimfire Report! Back in May, Sam S filled in for me one week to give everyone a first look at the new formula Remington Standard V 38-grain ammunition. Sam did an excellent job demonstrating that the ammo is not only pretty inexpensive at about 8¢ per round, but had excellent reliability, if not simply lacking in the accuracy department. Today, we’re going to take a deep dive into this specific bulk ammunition in the hopes of exploring why this ammo might not be the Remington equivalent of CCI Standard that most of us are probably looking for. Let's dig into a good chunk of this box to see what the ammo is made of.
NOR23 - 3D Printing Enabled Natural Bolt-Action Evolution
In the USA, the Remington 700 pattern is synonymous with “bolt-action rifle”. Whether it's for hunting, military, or sport shooting, the manual precision rifle almost invariably ends up being a derivative of the venerable Remington design. While many have brought to the market gradual improvements on the original receiver, its limitations have mostly been carried over for over 60 years. With modern design tools and the manufacturing freedom granted by 3D printing, NOR23 modernizes the platform, growing its strengths and minimizing its shortcomings.
Silencer Saturday #396: New Suppressor In Time For Hunting Season?
Good afternoon, everyone, and welcome back to TFB’s Silencer Saturday, brought to you by Yankee Hill Machine, manufacturers of the YHM R45 Multi-Host Suppressor. It's currently early September. Most rifle hunting seasons start in the next few weeks. Is there still time to get a silencer? If so, what should you consider buying?
TFB Review: Is the Springfield Armory M1A Still Relevant in 2025?
The good old M1A, it's a rifle we have talked about over and over again here at TFB. While its a design that is coming up on being 70 years old, there are still many people today who love this rifle. Whether it's for the rifle's historical importance, aesthetics, or a personal connection, it's a firearm that simply won't die even in the year 2025. With myself being someone who always dreamed about owning an M14 / M1A ever since watching Black Hawk Down when I was a teenager, you can imagine my excitement when Springfield Armory agreed to send me one of their M1A Standard Issue rifles to review. With this rifle, I aim to answer one simple yet apparent question: is the M1A still relevant in 2025?
POTD: The SARB-15 Chassis Meets BRN-180
SRU Precision from Taiwan makes chassis for various firearms, or in their own words, specializes in crafting aesthetically designed and other innovative firearm parts. In this Photo Of The Day, their SARB-15 chassis got a major upgrade, now paired with the BRN-180 upper for a sleek, compact, low-recoil package. According to the company’s description, you get reduced overall length, uncompromised barrel performance, and a bold, futuristic look.
Fudd Friday: CVA Endura LRH Smokeless Long-Range Hunting Muzzleloader
Long-range hunting is all the rage in Fuddland these days, but what if you’re a muzzleloader user—by choice, or by necessity? CVA hears your cry and offers up the new Endura LRH to help you stretch out your effective range while still using a front-stuffer. There are various tricks used to achieve this, but one important point is that the CVA Endura LRH can use some smokeless loads—but there is a huge caveat to that point.
Barnes Bullets Launches Hand-Loaded Ammo for Niche Hunting Cartridges
For those of us who like to shoot less-common hunting cartridges during fall hunting seasons, Barnes Bullets has your back. If you own odd rounds and don’t have the free time to reload some premium hunting ammunition, then the newly announced Barnes Reserve might be of help.
True Velocity’s Multi-Caliber Belt-Fed Machine Gun - The RM834
True Velocity was one of the three down-selected companies which reached the final stages of the US Army’s Next Generation Squad Weapons program. For the support weapon element of the NGSW program they offered a variant of their bullpup rifle, the RM277. The US Army eventually selected the SIG Sauer submission but True Velocity have continued to develop their offerings.
New Russian 5.45x39 Anti-Drone Ammunition
Small suicide drones have proven to be one of the most effective weapons on modern battlefields. Ever since these little machines started being deployed en masse, people have been trying to find ways to counter them, and arguably, the most effective tool is the good old scattergun. While it’s great to have a shotgun handy for the anti-drone work, it’s not always possible for a variety of reasons. That’s why soldiers have been trying to come up with ways to make their standard rifles more effective against drones. One of such attempts seen in the Russo-Ukrainian war was loading 5.45x39 ammo with a column of BB pellets in a piece of shrink wrap. The reports on the effectiveness of this DIY solution vary, but I guess the concept has proven to be viable, as the Russian company Tekhkrim has recently introduced 5.45x39 ammunition loaded with birdshot in a metal discarding sabot.
The Staccato X Stroup Knives Fixed Blade MK2 Knife
Staccato has collaborated with Stroup Knives on the MK2 fixed blade knife, which is manufactured in the USA. The blade is made from 1095 high-carbon steel, measures 4.5 inches in length, and contributes to an overall knife length of 9.5 inches. This model includes Staccato-specific branding and G10 handle scales. It comes equipped with a Kydex sheath and is intended for applications such as range use, field operations, everyday carry, or heavy-duty tasks.
TFB Exclusive: Zastava's New M20 7.62x51 Machine Gun
During our recent visit to the Zastava Arms factory in Kragujevac, Serbia, we had the opportunity to explore one of the region’s most renowned and historic manufacturers of firearms and artillery. With a legacy dating back to the 19th century, Zastava Arms remains a prominent name in the global defense industry.
POTD: German Bundeswehr’s Master Key - Mehrzweckflinte 5
In today’s Photo Of The Day, we get some shotgun action. Here we can see the specialized forces of the German Bundeswehr rely on a unique tool for quickly opening windows and doors: the Multi-Purpose Shotgun 5, or MZF 5. Or MehrZweckFlinte 5 in the German language, like a “Multi Pass” for all levels. Unlike a combat weapon, this modern shotgun is optimized for breaking hinges and locks.
Concealed Carry Corner: Popular Alternative Carry Methods
Welcome back to another edition of Concealed Carry Corner. Last week, we took a look at the top items you should stop carrying with you. If you happened to miss that article, be sure to click the link here to check it out. Hop in the comment sections as well, since last week we had some passionate discussions about FMJ versus JHP rounds! This week, I want to take a look at some of the best alternative carry setups that people may know about but have never tried before. I’ll be honest and admit that I wrote some of these off and had no interest in trying them out until I actually started carrying a different way. Let's take a closer look at some of the popular alternative carry methods.
TFB Review: Springfield Armory Coyote Brown SAINT Victor V2 5.56 NATO
The AR-15 market continues to be saturated, but one thing will always remain: threading the needle of quality and affordability will always matter. Very few people are looking to spend $4K - $5K on a rifle; conversely, you feel pretty worried if you’re purchasing one for around $400 - $500. The sweet spot that most buyers are looking for is $1,000 - $1,500 in price. That territory is where Springfield’s AR-15s have lived for a long time. We’re going to review one of the newly announced Springfield Armory SAINT Victor V2 rifles in a Coyote Brown Cerakote today, which retails for $1,279 to see if it, too, can thread the needle on quality and affordability. Let’s dive in!
Palmetto State Armory Prevails in Shield Arms Magazine Patent Case
In February 2023, Palmetto State Armory (PSA) unveiled plans to release its Micro Dagger line of Glock 43X and 48 clones, starting with slides, followed by magazines, and then complete handguns later in the year. The announcement created predictable excitement within the community, as specs included an optics cut and a new Glock-compatible 15-round magazine, not to mention PSA’s tradition of offering products at prices that present considerable value. PSA followed through with its promise to roll out the line; however, later that year, Shield Arms demanded that they stop selling Micro Dagger magazines, claiming the design infringed on its patent for the S15, an aftermarket magazine for the Glock 43X and 48 that also holds 15 rounds and was originally released in 2019. Well, the dispute has finally been decided by a South Carolina District Court, with judgment in favor of PSA.
Cole Fine Guns & Gunsmithing Unveils the Cole Exclusive Rizzini BR22
Cole Fine Guns and Gunsmithing is unsurprisingly known for making some immaculate firearms as well as performing some amazing gunsmithing. Every once in a while they will even look to collaborate on projects to kick up the curb appeal and quality to an even higher level, and that is exactly what occurred to create the Cole Exclusive Rizzini BR220 Limited.
TFB Behind the Gun #182: Firearms Accuracy in Media
Although many people hate to admit it, the media is one of the biggest drivers of purchases. Whether that’s video games, TV shows, movies, or comic books, a lot of us just happen to latch on to certain products simply because they appeal to us in whatever medium we happen to be consuming at the time. Firearms are no different, and that’s why today I’ve brought on the guys from The Carry Handle Podcast, as well as Scout Trooper, to talk about how accurately firearms are represented in media like movies, games, and TV shows. Be sure to let us know what your favorite or least favorite firearms representations have been over the years!
TFB Exclusive: Vietnam’s PKP Pecheneg - The New STrL-P Machine Gun
I previously covered the PKP machine gun and its use in Armenia. Now, it is making an unlikely appearance in Vietnam. For decades, the backbone of Vietnam’s infantry firepower has been shaped by Soviet and later Russian weaponry. From Kalashnikov rifles to the PKM machine gun, Vietnamese soldiers have long relied on designs imported or licensed from abroad. But the landscape is changing. Vietnam’s growing defense industry, centered around the Z111 Factory, has begun producing locally manufactured small arms to reduce reliance on imports.
POTD: Panamanian Forces Train with Navy SEALs and Green Berets
Photo Of The Day and we’re visiting Panama City, where Panamanian security forces engaged in a comprehensive training exercise during the PANAMAX Alpha scenario at the Cerro Tigre range. The operation involved a collaborative effort with the U.S. Special Forces, including elite units such as the U.S. Navy SEALs, Army Green Berets, explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) technicians, and other specialized personnel. The exercise was designed to enhance interoperability, refine tactical skills, and strengthen joint operational capabilities between Panamanian forces and their U.S. counterparts.
Wheelgun Wednesday: Booligan's Muzzle Loader Modernized
Welcome back to Wheelgun Wednesday, our weekly article series where we cover everything related to revolvers. Today’s topic is another creation by TFB’s friend Booligan, whom you may remember for some unconventional creations. This time, as well, we can see a unique revolver customization, likely divisive due to both its visual impact and design intent.
NEW Fiocchi Arkansas Steel - Paying Homage to the Famed Delta Region
Fiocchi has released a new offering of shotgun shells for waterfowl hunters that is meant to pay tribute to Arkansas and the famous Delta waterfowl region throughout the South. This new Fiocchi Arkansas Steel load looks to deliver superior downrange energy, and clean, ethical harvests in even the toughest wetland conditions.
WATCHTOWER Firearms APACHE Coyote Double-Stack 1911
WATCHTOWER Firearms has released the APACHE Coyote, a new variant of its double-stack 1911 pistol, featuring a Matte Copper PVD coating. This finish provides a non-reflective, copper-toned appearance and enhances resistance to wear and corrosion compared to standard finishes. There are only a few images to share, but it looks great in my opinion.
New Schmidt & Bender 3-18x42 Meta Riflescope
For more than a few of my rifles, I’m looking for a riflescope that’s a good combination for both hunting and competition scenarios. It seems that the German high-end riflescope manufacturer Schmidt & Bender has a really interesting solution, as they unveil the next evolution with the 3-18x42 Meta (First Focal Plane). This scope blends those features needed, has a proven performance, with a sleek, modern design.
The New DOT EHS-1 Holographic Sight
I first saw them at the SHOT Show at the beginning of this year, but for some unknown reason, we forgot to cover their story. So this is DOT’s, or Dynamic Optronic Technologies, first appearance here at TFB, but most likely not the last. Just in time for this story, they now also offer their holographic sight in FDE - which I think looks great! The EHS-1 Enhanced Holographic Sight is described as a cutting-edge optic designed to redefine accuracy and reliability for both professional and enthusiast shooters. Priced at $599.99, the EHS-1 combines rugged construction with advanced features.
TFB Review: REVAMPED Saint Victor 14" Pin/Weld
Springfield Armory has refreshed the Saint line of rifles and pistols. They sent a pinned-and-welded rifle out early for review so I could run it prior to release. Across a range of shooting situations it has proven to be a solid example of the current state of the AR-15.
POTD: SA80A3s With Smartshooter SMASH X4 Sight
Modern battlefields are no longer just about bullets and boots. Now it’s also about bytes and blades, and today’s subject in TFB’s Photo Of The Day. With the rapid rise of small, weaponized drones, the fight has shifted upward, and soldiers are turning to new tech to bring those threats crashing down. It’s like having a minefield in the sky, something not many had been thinking about until recently.
Small Business Spotlight: Airlock Industries
Welcome back to TFB’s Small Business Spotlight! In this weekly article series, we talk about small firearm-related businesses. Today’s company is Airlock Industries, a suppressor manufacturer from Horseshoe Bend, Idaho.