If you want to learn about trends in the firearms industry, and read about new products, you should check out Shooting Industry magazine. While tailored for firearms/outdoor gear retailers and industry professionals, this business publication also provides valuable information for all gun owners. We read Shooting Industry to learn about sales trends, new products, and gun legislation and regulatory issues.
READ for FREE — Shooting Industry is available in a digital PDF format for FREE. There are free archives for 2025 (10 months), 2024, 2023, and 2022.
Here are direct links for all ten 2025 issues, from the January 2025 issue through October 2025 (the last issue available in PDF format). You can also CLICK HERE to bring up a page with live links to all 2025 (10), 2024, 2023, and 2022 Shooting Industry magazine issues. From that landing page, for all 2022-2025 issues, simply click the link labeled “Click Here to VIEW”, found below the cover shot for each issue.
Shooting Industry — October 2025 Issue
September 2025
Top Stories:
“Silence” Is Golden
Navigating Used Gun Market
August 2025
Top Stories:
Profits At The Range
Muzzleloading Market
July 2025
Top Stories:
Long-Range Precision Market
Target Cameras
June 2025
Top Stories:
Long Guns For Home Defense
Eye/Ear Protection
May 2025
Top Stories:
The Ammunition Squeeze
Hunting The Hunters
April 2025
Top Stories:
On the Firing Line
Secure Storage
March 2025
Top Stories:
SHOT Show 2025
“Grandpa’s Gun” No More
February 2025
Top Stories:
2025 New Product Showcase: 3
Concealed Carry Market
January 2025
Top Stories:
2025 New Product Showcase: 2
Rimfire Takes Center Stage
BONUS! FREE Content from GUNS Magazine and American Handgunner
FMG Publications, the publisher of Shooting Industry magazine, also produces the popular GUNS Magazine and American Handgunner periodicals. If you visit the respective websites for these two magazines, you will find dozen of photo-illustrated articles available for FREE online. To access, just visit the Guns Magazine home page and scroll down, or likewise visit the American Handgunner home page and scroll down the page to find many interesting articles.
With the price of premium scopes approaching $3400.00 (and beyond), it’s more important than ever to provide extra protection for your expensive optics. ScopeCoat produces covers that shield scopes with a layer of neoprene rubber (wetsuit material) sandwiched between nylon. In addition to its basic covers, sold in a variety of sizes and colors, ScopeCoat has a line of heavy-duty 6mm-thick XP-6 covers that provide added security. CLICK HERE to review the full line of ScopeCoats on Amazon.
Triple-Thickness XP-6 Model for Added Protection
The XP-6 Flak Jacket™ is specifically designed for extra protection and durability. The 6mm-thick layer of neoprene is three times thicker than the standard ScopeCoat. XP-6 Flak Jackets are designed for tall turrets, with sizes that accommodate either two or three adjustment knobs (for both side-focus and front-focus parallax models). To shield an expensive NightForce, March, or Schmidt & Bender scope, this a good choice. XP-6 covers come in black color only, and are available for both rifle-scopes and spotting scopes.
The heavily padded XP-6 Flak Jacket is also offered in a Zippered version, shown at right. This is designed for removable optics that need protection when in storage. The full-length, zippered closure goes on quick-and-easy and provides more complete protection against dust, shock, and moisture. The line of XP-6 Scope Covers run $30 – $40 on Amazon.
Special Covers for Binoculars and Red-Dots
ScopeCoat offers many specialized products, including oversize covers for spotting scopes, protective “Bino-Bibs” for binoculars, rangefinder covers, even sleeves for small pistol scopes and red-dot optics. There are also custom-designed covers for the popular Eotech and Trijicon tactical optics.
Today, June 14th, is officially Flag Day. The United States’ stars and stripes flag is honored and celebrated this day every year. The week containing June 14 is also designated as National Flag Week. Wikipedia explains: “Flag Day…commemorates the adoption of the flag of the United States on June 14, 1777 by resolution of the Second Continental Congress. The Flag Resolution stated ‘That the flag of the thirteen United States be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation’.”
Super Sabre Society notes: “While we have added stars to that original flag as our country has expanded, the ideals it represents never fade — courage, liberty and loyalty“.
America Celebrates Flag Day on June 14 Thanks to Woodrow Wilson
In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson issued a presidential proclamation designating June 14 as Flag Day. On August 3, 1949, National Flag Day was officially established by an Act of Congress. Flag Day is not an official Federal employment holiday with Federal employees off work. However, it is at the president’s discretion to officially proclaim the observance.
Interesting Historical Fact — Today is Also the Birthday of the U.S. Army
June 14 is also a day to celebrate our Army. The United States Army celebrates the U.S. Army birthday on this date, as Congress officially adopted the American Continental Army on June 14, 1775.
The 250th Anniversary of the founding of the United States of America is coming up on July 4, 2026 — just 24 days from now. To help celebrate this event, Colt has created a Colt 1911 USA 250th Anniversary Special Edition pistol. This impressive, engraved 1911 Colt pistol will be sold exclusively through Iron Valley Supply, based in Birmingham, Alabama.
This handsome Colt 1911 Classic Government Special Edition pistol is adorned with gold embellishments that exhibit the signing of the Declaration of Independence while honoring those who have fought to defend America’s freedoms.
Colt 1911 Classic Government — USA 250th Special Edition
About Iron Valley Supply: For decades, Iron Valley as been a leading supplier of shooting sports and outdoor products. Based in Birmingham, Alabama with offices across the country, Iron Valley distributes more than 150 of the nation’s leading brands of shooting and outdoor products.
We think every gun owner should have a .22 LR rifle and .22 LR pistol for training and fun plinking. You can shoot .22 LR rimfire rounds for a tiny fraction of the cost of centerfire ammo, which can exceed $1.80 per round just for components. Today we spotlight some of the best .22 LR rimfire ammo deals on the web.
At CheapAmmo.com we found quality, respected-brand .22 LR rimfire ammo for as low as 7 cents per round with bulk ammo purchases. These deals, all just 7 cents or 8 cents per round, are available now with the discounted ammo in stock and ready to ship. Everything shown below is listed as “IN STOCK” (and ready to ship) as of 11:30 pm PST on 6/6/2026.
Bonus — Big Rimfire Ammo Comparison Test
This Backfire Channel Video features an accuracy comparison test of 13 .22LR ammo types from multiple manufacturers. This includes low-priced ammo, such as Aquila, as well as more costly match ammo from ELEY, Lapua, and SK. The most accurate ammunition in the tester’s rifle was Lapua Center-X. Do note that different ammo may shoot better or worse in different rimfire guns. For example a round that works in a Ruger 10/22 may not be the best choice for a .22 LR revolver. But this review can help you get started in your ammo selection process.
An Important Anniversary Eighty-one years ago today, Allied forces crossed the English Channel and began the assault of Europe that meant the end of Nazi occupation and the end of WWII in the European Theatre. There are few of those assaulters left today, but we all owe them a debt of gratitude. They’re part of that “Greatest Generation” that preserved freedom in its time of greatest peril. And we thank them all. — The Shooting Wire
Back in 2014, Forum member Robert Chombart posted this message from his home in Normandy, France: “On the occasion of the 70th anniversary of D-Day, I … salute the memory of the thousands of American soldiers who sacrificed their youth to liberate France, with … particular [respect] for those who rest in Normandy ground.” Today, 80 years after that historic invasion day, it is important we never forget the sacrifice of those who gave their lives on the beaches of Normandy.
Today we should remember those who crossed the Channel to begin the liberation of Europe. Thousands of soldiers, sailors, and aviators gave their lives on June 6, 1944. Their sacrifice on “The Longest Day”, allowed people throughout Europe to enjoy freedom. We should remember those brave warriors, and never forget that freedom is not free — it requires continuing vigilance and sacrifice.
The true cost of living has risen significantly in the last couple of years. Accordingly, it’s important to save money whenever possible. Mid-Grade gasoline is $4.75/gallon, food prices are going up, health costs are rising very significantly, and the cost of components (bullets, brass, powder, primers) remain at high levels (though inventory is starting to improve). In addition, we are seeing 10-20% increases in the cost of optics, barrels, and actions. To help you hang on to those hard-earned dollars, here are discount codes you can use with a variety of online retailers, including leading vendors such as Brownells, MidwayUSA, Optics Planet, and Sportsman’s Warehouse.
For more deals, check regularly for current COUPON CODES at Gun.deals/coupons.
Sportsman’s Guide
DEAL: 15% Off Sitewide
CODE: SG4261
Expiration date: June 5, 2026 (end of day)
Optics Planet
DEAL: 11% Off (+2% Bucks)
CODE: GETET
Expiration date: June 6, 2026
DEAL: 12% Off (+2% Bucks) in the APP
CODE: APPYDL
Expiration date: June 6, 2026
EuroOptic
DEAL: 12% Off Many Vortex Products
CODE: VTX12
Expiration date: Unknown
MidwayUSA
DEAL: FREE Shipping for Orders over $100
CODE: Activated automatically when products added to Cart
Expiration date: Unknown
Brownells
DEAL: FREE Shipping for Orders over $150
CODE: 150FREESHIP
Expiration date: Unknown
Natchez
DEAL: 5% Off Sitewide
CODE: DG5
Expiration date: Unknown
DEAL: 10% Off Vortex Optics, plus FREE Shipping for some models
CODE: VORTEX10
Expiration date: Unknown
MidwayUSA Foundation provides significant cash grants to youth shooting programs. Team grant applications are reviewed and decided upon by the MidwayUSA Foundation Board of Directors twice per year — in December and June. The current deadline to apply is June 15, 2026, just 12 days away. NOTE: Eligible teams and organizations must submit their application by the mid-June deadline.
MidwayUSA Foundation grants provide cash that youth shooting sports programs use to cover essential expenses, including ammunition, targets, entry fees, travel, and safety equipment. Programs with a MidwayUSA Foundation endowment receive 5% of their endowment balance. Youth shooting teams must have at least $2,000 in their Team Endowment Account before they can apply for a grant.
“The funding from MidwayUSA Foundation has helped our team to participate in more events throughout the season and buy gear for the team,” said Jason Giovannone, Heathwood Hall Highlanders Head Coach. This South Carolina youth shooting team has received nearly $50,000 in cash grants so far.
MidwayUSA Foundation’s endowment model helps youth shooting programs achieve financial stability. The Foundation’s nearly $500 million in endowment funds are invested, adding market earnings to every active endowment. And, along with industry sponsors, the public charity offers FREE fundraising product grants to help teams fundraise in their communities, and the Foundation’s website allows any donor the ability to give to the youth shooting team of their choice. These contributions are also matched, dollar-for-dollar with generous funding from Larry and Brenda Potterfield.
Since its inception, MidwayUSA Foundation has awarded over $99 million in cash grants to support youth shooting sports, including $7.6 million in 2026 alone. Teams are encouraged to apply for their grant every year and can do so through the Foundation’s online system. Learn more on the team grants webpage.
The MidwayUSA Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity providing long-term funding to youth shooting teams. Every donation made is 100% tax-deductible. The Foundation supports all shooting disciplines. For more information visit Midwayusafoundation.org or call 1-877-375-4570.
We really like to see this kind of major support for youth marksmanship programs. Young people are the future of recreational and competitive shooting.
James Crofts of Team Berger has been crowned the 2026 F-TR Vihtavuori V2 Series Champion following an outstanding performance in Raton, New Mexico. Held May 13–16 at the NRA Whittington Center, the Vihtavuori V2 Finale is an invitation-only, long-range championship. The 3-day event features two, 32-shooter brackets in both F-TR and F-Open disciplines. Competitors earn their place in Ratopn by participating in F-Class Points Series qualifying matches, accumulating points based on their finishes. The top 32 shooters in each division advance to the Finale, where they compete in a double-elimination bracket to determine the champion.
Crofts competed in the F-Class Target Rifle (F-TR) category, which has strict equipment requirements. Rifles must weigh no more than 18 pounds, and competitors are limited to standard .308/7.62 NATO or .223/5.56 NATO chambers with no modifications. Crofts loads his .308 Win match ammo with Vihtavuori N150 powder in Lapua .308 Winchester Palma brass. His bullet choice is the Berger 208gr Long Range Hybrid Target, with a 0.689 G1 BC and 0.354 G7 BC.
“With the continued use and support of Berger and their components, I had 100% confidence in my ammunition,” said Crofts. “I knew if I missed or had a bad shot, it wasn’t the ammo — it was the conditions. Berger bullets, Lapua brass, and Vihtavuori powder are hands down the best.”
Berger congratulates James Crofts on his impressive V2 Series win at Raton, NM. What’s next? James will compete with Team USA this fall at the 2026 F-Class World Championships in Bisley, England.
Gun Storage Check Week is the time to ensure your firearms are stored safely and securely. NSSF, the Firearm Industry Trade Association, is promoting Gun Storage Check Week, June 1-7, 2025, to remind gun owners to review their storage practices to prevent accidents, suicides and thefts. During this week, check your gun safe(s), and ensure your firearms are stored correctly and locked down properly. Also use secure gun cases when transporting firearms to the range. When traveling by air, use proper TSA-approved gun cases and comply with transport rules.
“Securely storing guns when they’re not in use can save lives. It’s really that simple,” said Joe Bartozzi, President and CEO of NSSF. “No one wants their gun in the hands of an unsupervised child, a person in crisis, someone who does not understand how to safely operate firearms, or a thief. If something bad happens because your gun isn’t stored securely, you’ll regret it, probably forever.”
This video covers gun safety rules and secure storage of firearms.
Gun Storage Check Week’s safety resources highlight many options to store firearms securely so that guns are off limits to unauthorized persons. Secure gun storage devices include:
Cable Locks — Available free of charge through NSSF’s Project ChildSafe® program Lock Boxes — Secure storage solution for guns kept for home security and in vehicles Lockable Gun Cases — for security, portability, and travel Full-size Gun Safes — For owners with multiple firearms to protect against fire and theft.
Enter to Win a Biometric Pistol Lock
Visitors to GunStorageCheck.org can enter the Gun Storage Check Week Sweepstakes to win a B.O.S. Lock Fusion. This innovative firearm safety device mounts to a handgun’s accessory rail, combining a biometric slide lock with an integrated tactical light and green laser.
The B.O.S. Lock Fusion is the world’s first biometric slide lock that integrates a tactical light and laser into a single, high-performance locking device. Go to GunStorageCheck.org to register. One winner will be chosen.
NOTE: Gain 5 extra entries by watching any of the firearm safety or suicide prevention videos after you complete the entry form.
With the price of premium scopes approaching $3400.00 (and beyond), it’s more important than ever to provide extra protection for your expensive optics. 
The heavily padded XP-6 Flak Jacket is also offered in a Zippered version, shown at right. This is designed for removable optics that need protection when in storage. The full-length, zippered closure goes on quick-and-easy and provides more complete protection against dust, shock, and moisture. The line of XP-6 Scope Covers run 
