TFB Behind the Gun #216: Hush-Points, Hot Dogs & Hand Grenades
Today, we bring back Dave K. from Hi-Point Firearms to talk a bit of shop about their new DMLS 3D printed suppressors, and of course, a bit of everything else. Hi-Point recently released their new Hush-Point series of firearm suppressors, and now, just four months down the road, they have their first DMLS 3D printed Titanium and Inconel suppressors. Today, Dave gives us the rundown on those, how they got into the suppressor business, and we also take some time to chat about our latest firearm obsessions and competition plans for the year. Dave also hosts the Live Fire Media Podcast, where he talks about guns, video games, and more.
TFB Review - 5.11 Range Ready Trainer Bag 50L
5.11 Tactical is a California-based company well known for designing and manufacturing high-performance tactical apparel, gear, and accessories. The brand originated in the 1960s when rock climber Royal Robbins developed the first pair of durable climbing pants, named “5.11” after the highest level of difficulty in the Yosemite Decimal System, signifying exceptional performance. In 2003, the company was officially established as 5.11 Tactical, focusing on outfitting law enforcement, military personnel, and first responders. Over the years, the brand expanded its offerings to include tactical backpacks, footwear, and everyday carry (EDC) gear, catering to professionals and outdoor enthusiasts. In my opinion, 5.11 has come a very long way since I was first introduced to the brand about 15 years ago. This review will focus on their Rage Ready Trainer Bag 50L. One of the reasons I wanted to test this 5.11 bag is that it looked both strong and streamlined, and I can appreciate gear that gets the job done without being too bulky.
POTD: Colt Canada C7A2 With M203A1 Grenade Launcher
Rapid deployment remains a core capability for modern forces, and recent images from Latvia highlight how that plays out in practice. During Operation “Thunder,” troops from the NATO Multinational Brigade Latvia conducted an airborne exercise focused on speed, coordination, and immediate task execution after insertion. It certainly looks like the Colt Canada C7A2 is on full auto.
Now Shipping: Howa Fence Line Rifles (In Standard, Mini Actions)
Back at SHOT Show, Howa announced its new Fence Line series of rifles, but as with a lot of stuff from SHOT Show, we’ve had to wait a while for these rifles to actually make their way to buyers in the U.S. market. Now, the Howa Fence Line rifles are shipping across the States, including short-action, long-action, magnum and even mini action choices.
The UK’s Bullpup AR-18 Prototypes
The UK’s path to develop the SA80 is littered with fascinating kitbashed mock-ups and (some might say) abominations. These sort of mock-ups and prototypes are common within firearms development and the UK’s Royal Armouries is custodian of quite a few of them, including a series made during the design of the SA80 bullpup family of weapons. A couple of weeks ago we shared a video published by Murdoch & Co., a US-based company, who have just launched a line of American-made SA80 clones, which looked at a bullpup Stoner 63 assembled by UK’s Royal Small Arms Factory Enfield.
5.11's AMP Backpacks are Back! (For a Limited Time)
Alongside the 5.11 Rush series, the AMP series is arguably one of the most popular backpack lines 5.11 Tactical has ever offered. Although 5.11 has officially retired the AMP series as a standard offering, the company has just announced it will be bringing back both the AMP12 and AMP24 backpacks for a limited time. There will be 511 units of each color, available until sold out. Full details are in the official 5.11 press release below.
TFB Review: The New Wilson Combat BULWARK Pistol
Welcome back to another TFB review. This week, I have been checking out the brand new Wilson Combat Bulwark. This is a brand new internally hammer-fired handgun with design cues from the EDC line of handguns, utilizing the same 15-round magazine. Over the past week, I have had the chance to take it to the range and put this new handgun through its paces. Let's take a closer look at the new Wilson Combat BULWARK.
POTD: Freedom Ordnance FM-9D Belt Fed 9mm PCC
The FM-9D from Freedom Ordnance is said to turn any standard AR-15 lower into a serious belt-fed 9mm blaster. This closed-bolt blowback upper feeds from 100- or 150-round disintegrating-link belts in reusable nylon bags and instantly switches to Glock magazines when the belt runs dry, with last-round bolt hold open on both. It looks really great in O.D. Green, and even better with a suppressor.
Small Business Spotlight: Lynx Defense
Welcome back to TFB’s Small Business Spotlight! In this weekly column, we take a look at small firearm-related businesses. Today’s company is Lynx Defense, a manufacturer of premium range bags from Selma, North Carolina.
Ruger & Beretta Announce Strategic Cooperation Agreement
Sturm, Ruger & Company (NYSE: RGR) and Beretta Holding S.A. have entered into a Strategic Cooperation Agreement that will allow Beretta Holding, already Ruger's largest shareholder, to increase its ownership stake to up to 25% of Ruger's outstanding shares. The deal, announced May 4, 2026, comes with a partial tender offer price of $44.80 per share in cash, representing roughly a 20% premium to Ruger's 60-day volume-weighted average share price prior to the tender offer announcement. That tender offer has not yet commenced and remains subject to regulatory approval.
Ruger LCP MAX Gets Magpul Enhanced Handgun Grip Treatment
Ruger has teamed up with Magpul to deliver a new variant of the LCP MAX chambered in .380 Auto, this time wearing Magpul's Enhanced Handgun Grip (EHG). The collaboration brings a purpose-built grip module to one of the smallest and lightest pocket pistols on the market, wrapping it in a package that Ruger says improves control and shootability without growing the platform's footprint.
How to Start Carrying as a Woman
These were all thoughts running through my head the first time I tried to conceal carry, and I wasn’t even carrying a firearm yet! It was just the holster. I was testing my wardrobe and getting used to the feeling of something on my body… and it was still uncomfortable.
POTD: Laugo Arms Alien Remus Gemini Akimbo
Some firearms stand out for performance, others for engineering. Then there are those that do both in a way you didn’t see coming. At EnforceTac 2026, Laugo Arms showcased the Alien Remus Gemini Limited Edition, a matched set built around the compact Alien Remus platform.
The Rimfire Report: Do 3D Printed Rimfire Suppressors Make Sense?
Rimfire suppressors have traditionally been relatively expensive compared to the firearms they’re mounted on and the ammo that is shot through them. The idea of a cheap, 3D printed polymer suppressor is not a new one, but Shift Zer0 Ballistics (operating under their former Zer0 and Sons name) is testing a still-affordable, yet hybrid alternative with the Model 1225: an aluminum outer tube suppressor that uses a replaceable 3D printed polymer stack as its core. Priced at an MSRP of around $300, the 1225 attempts to solve the biggest barriers to rimfire suppression: the upfront cost, and the subsequent servicing/repairs should they be damaged. By making the internal suppression stack a consumable item that can be replaced for free by the manufacturer or printed at home by the owner, James and Shift Zer0 Ballistics hope to change the way end-users look at cheap 3D printed suppressors.
Sig Sauer Releases KILO-8K ABS Gen II SWG Rangefinder
Somewhat out of the blue, Sig Sauer announced a new member of its laser rangefinder family. The new KILO-8K ABS Gen II SWG builds on the prior generation and cuts down the blue tint by 95%. This is a real blue-chip upgrade that shooters have been clamoring for for a long time.
Strike Rotatable Optic Mount from Strike Industries
The new Strike Rotatable Optic Mount makes a strong impression as a versatile offset optic system for modern weapon setups. Its most notable feature is the adjustable offset angle, which offers up to 120 degrees of rotation, allowing users to tailor optic placement to their shooting style, rifle configuration, and application.
The PTR JACK SBS FS: 25-Inch 12 Gauge NFA Shotgun
PTR Industries has added a fixed-stock variant to its JACK lineup with the introduction of The JACK SBS FS, a factory short-barreled shotgun chambered in 12 gauge. The FS configuration pairs a pistol grip forend with a fixed stock, keeping the platform in familiar shotgun ergonomic territory while cutting overall length down to 25 inches. I get scared and nervous just by looking at the images of this Beast!
TFB Weekly Web Deals 184: Deals for May 4th, 2026
Welcome to TFB Weekly Web Deals 184! We’re back with more deals on guns, gear, ammunition, and accessories from some of our most frequented online retailers like 5.11 Tactical, Primary Arms, Natchez Shooters Supply, Palmetto State Armory, Brownells, and more. Whether you’re looking for deals on new or used guns, ammo to add to your reserves, or specific accessories like flashlights, range bags, optics, bipods, and magazines, each week we’ll have new sets of deals that might fulfill one of those needs and save you a few dollars.
Silencer Saturday #430: Big Changes Coming From The ATF
Good afternoon, everyone, and welcome back to TFB’s Silencer Saturday, brought to you by Yankee Hill Machine, manufacturers of the new Victra 20-gauge shotgun suppressor. The ATF is proposing 34 new changes to its administrative rules, and many of those impact National Firearms Act items like silencers. This time, though, the changes all appear to make things easier for NFA enthusiasts.
9mm vs. .40 S&W vs. .45 ACP: Which Should You Choose?
Arguments over calibers are about as old as using calibers to measure projectiles launched with gunpowder. One can imagine the early pioneers of firearms debating the best bullet sizes while making their own black powder. These debates continue, with one of the most legendary ones being over the three most popular handgun cartridges: 9mm, .40 S&W, and .45 ACP. Which should you choose? Let’s break it down.
POTD: Stribog PCC With Spartan-Ronin F/S Dagger
The Spartan-Ronin F/S Dagger is a modern interpretation of the classic Fairbairn-Sykes fighting knife, developed by Spartan Blades in collaboration with Tu Lam. The design reflects a focus on practical use, drawing from both historical patterns and contemporary materials.
Fudd Friday: The MTs255 and The Appeal of Revolver Shotgun
One of the more unique firearm concepts that I wish would have made more of an impact on the market in the last two decades has to be the revolver shotgun. Combining the ammunition diversity of the shotgun world with the ease of selection that accompanies a revolver’s cylinder, the versatility of this firearm design could be near limitless.
Wilson Combat Acquires Guncrafter Industries
Wilson Combat has acquired Guncrafter Industries, the Berryville, Arkansas-based company. The deal brings Guncrafter's brand and assets under the Wilson Combat umbrella, with Alex Zimmermann, who founded Guncrafter Industries, remaining involved in an advisory and developmental capacity.
MAC Releases LMF MP5 Weaponlight Details
Military Armament Corporation's flashlight handguard for the MP5 is coming soon, and we now have all of the details. We first saw this light at SHOT Show 2026, and it generated a lot of excitement. They have listened to the customer, and the light accepts standard scout-style flashlight heads!