Podcast: Play in new window | DownloadThis weekend’s winter storm is going to be a doozy for many areas. We are looking at a convergence of atmospheric conditions that threatens to disrupt infrastructure across a massive swath of the United States. For those who track weather patterns as part of their ongoing prepping assessment, the data indicate a multi-hazard scenario involving Arctic temperatures, heavy snow accumulation, and, most critically, a significant ice storm. The Preparedness Drill: Anxiety and panic are what happen when preparation hasn’t been made. As a prepper, or at a minimum, a preparedness-minded person, you’re ready for…
At SHOT Show, Steiner introduced the MPS-C as the latest addition to its pistol-optics lineup. It is a new compact, fully enclosed pistol red dot designed for the RMS-C footprint. It builds upon the earlier MPS but shifts to a more compact footprint without reducing the window size. The focus lies on durability, sight picture, and battery management without unnecessary complexity. The MPS-C uses a fully enclosed emitter in an all-aluminum body. As a result, the design resists debris and moisture better than open-emitter micro dots. The optic fits slides cut for the RMS-C footprint, keeping compatibility with a very…
Primary Arms showcased a PLX 1.5-12 at SHOT Show 2026, which pairs compact size with typical Platinum series quality. PLX Line Context and Intent Primary Arms positions the PLX series as its premium optics line, and this 1.5-12 model expands that catalog. Instead of pushing magnification extremes, the company focused on a flexible option that bridges the gap between Low and Mid power optics. As a result, the optic targets shooters who want more reach than a 1-6 or 1-8 without sacrificing clarity, as many 1-10s do, or jumping to a larger mid-power scope. The scope uses a 30mm tube…
When you’ve got a large organization, it’s important that everyone knows what they’re expected to do. It’s too difficult to tell people on the fly and hope it filters to everyone who needs to know in time for them to do what they’re supposed to do. In the military, we largely knew our roles in day-to-day operations, so there was no need to get direction beyond the broader strokes. In corporations, they have SOPs and training on how to do various things as well. And like it or not, active shooter training is a thing.While…
The FN 309 MRD is a budget-focused, optics-ready 9mm pistol designed to be easy to shoot, easy to own, and easier on the wallet. FN developed it using direct customer feedback, especially from newer and value-driven shooters. The result is a simplified carry pistol that trims cost without stripping out features that matter. FN officially showed the 309 MRD at SHOT Show 2026, positioning it below the FN 509 line while keeping familiar ergonomics, felt recoil, and reliability. MSRP lands at $549, with availability starting now and a wider retail presence expected by the end of the quarter. Design Goals:…
From mountain range to apparel brand to drag queen: The name Patagonia has a long history that stretches back to the 1500s. And now it’s at the center of a lawsuit. Patagonia — the apparel brand founded by climber Yvon Chouinard after visiting the South American mountain range — has filed a lawsuit accusing a popular drag queen and social media personality of trademark infringement. Pattie Gonia, whose given name is Wyn Wiley, has long used the moniker for performances and fundraisers on behalf of environmental groups. More recently, however, Wiley began using the name to sell merchandise online. That…
Soap isn’t nearly as difficult to make as you might think. I’ve known several people who were intimidated by the idea of making their own bath and beauty products. They assumed there would be a steep learning curve.In reality, just about anyone can learn how to make soap. Now if you want to make really fancy soaps that look like little flowers and smell like lavender, or if you want to make soap from fat and ashes, then yes, you’ll have to spend some time learning and practicing.But if you just want some ordinary old-fashioned bar soap, you can make…
This weekend, athletes and fans will descend upon Aspen, Colo., to watch one of winter sports’ most anticipated competitions of the year. From January 23 to 25, the X Games returns to Buttermilk Mountain for its 25th year. Skiers, snowboarders, and — for the first time since 2021 — snowmobilers will compete head-to-head for spots on the podium. This year, all daytime music and competitions will be free to the public. That includes headliners Alesso and Disco Lines. After dark, X Games said its venue will transform into a fully equipped music festival setting, with headliner concerts, more live sports events,…
Springfield Armory’s new SA‑35 Polished Blued brings a traditional, high‑luster finish to its modernized take on the legendary Browning Hi‑Power. A Polished Take on a Familiar Platform Springfield Armory built the SA‑35 as an updated interpretation of the P‑35, retaining the original pistol’s feel while addressing long‑standing shortcomings. This new Polished Blued variant leans into the wood‑and‑steel aesthetic with a deep, reflective hot‑salt blue finish. Unlike the original matte‑blue SA‑35, Springfield applies a dedicated polishing process before bluing. That extra step creates a finish closer to early postwar Hi‑Powers, offering a more traditional look without changing the underlying pistol. Upgrades…
According to the United States ruler, Donald Trump, the European countries he threatened with tariffs don’t need his help to fall into ruin. Trump claimed that they are making “horrible” decisions and “destroying” themselves. Trump’s Unhinged Tariffs On NATO Countries Over Greenland Dispute Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos on Wednesday, Trump said that while the U.S. wants to see Europe succeed, “it is not going in the right direction.” Is Europe the next region Trump will set his sights on for regime change, takeover, and control? He blamed European nations’ uncontrolled migration policies and what he called…
This wasn’t on my bingo card for 2026. Bentley just dropped a short gymkana-style drift video featuring its Supersports car and Travis Pastrana. The video takes place across Bentley’s campus in Crewe, England. It’s called Supersports: FULL SEND. The Car: ‘Mildred’ the Bentley Supersports (Photo/Bentley) Only 500 Bentley Supersports are going to be produced, and they’re all already spoken for. The car has the latest performance and aero trickery from the company, as well as rear-wheel drive (RWD) and 657 horsepower. The starting price for one of these is around half a million dollars. Production of this limited-edition car begins…
Wolford v. Lopez was argued before the Supreme Court this Tuesday. This case challenges Hawaii’s “Vampire Rule,” which makes it a crime for licensed concealed-carry permit holders to bring a handgun onto private property open to the public (e.g., stores, restaurants, etc.) without the owner’s explicit permission. Hawaii essentially inverted the default to “no guns allowed” unless the owner affirmatively consents. In case you missed it, here are the weakest, most strained, or outright comical arguments advanced by Hawaii’s counsel (Neal Katyal) and the most problematic questions/comments from Justices Sotomayor, Jackson, and Kagan.1) Willfully conflating…
in Mitchell Graf, SHOT Show 2026 Detroit Gun Works’ DGW Mini-R is a modular bolt-action rifle that runs AR calibers, uses AR magazines, and folds into a compact chassis. Built around a proprietary receiver and barrel system, it lets shooters swap calibers without replacing the entire rifle. The design targets shooters who want bolt-gun precision with AR-style compatibility. Detroit Gun Works says the Mini-R is available now with a $2,500 MSRP. Modular Bolt-Action Design The DGW Mini-R centers on a modular platform. Detroit Gun Works machines its own receiver and chambers its own barrels. The system supports AR-style calibers rather…
Strength training is often considered the foundation of physical fitness, earning its reputation for supporting muscle mass, bone density and functional movement. In fact, having strong legs contributes to longevity by enabling independence through mobility and social activity in our later years. Recent scientific findings now provide even more compelling evidence to prioritize strength training as part of a holistic fitness plan. While its importance cannot be overstated, an effective exercise regimen should also incorporate flexibility, mobility and cardiovascular training to maximize overall health benefits. A recent study in the journal Biology highlights the anti-aging potential of regular strength training. Researchers analyzed data…
A coalition of pro-gun organizations, led by the National Rifle Association, has filed a brief with the U.S. Supreme Court requesting that it hear the constitutional challenge to Illinois’ public transit carry ban. The NRA, along with the Association of New Jersey Rifle & Pistol Clubs, the Gun Owners Action League, the New Jersey Firearms Owners Syndicate and the New York State Rifle & Pistol Association, filed the brief in Schoenthal v. Raoul, which challenges Illinois’ law that prohibits concealed carry licensees from carrying firearms on public transportation unless the firearms are unloaded and secured—effectively rendering them useless for lawful…
The Subaru WRX just got a whole lot cheaper. After a miserable year, Subaru has decided that maybe it shouldn’t have gotten rid of the base model of all of its vehicles. So the entry-spec WRX is back, bringing the price down by more than $5,000. It’s even cheaper than it was in 2024, and it comes with more standard stuff. 2025 Sales Were Brutal — This Could Fix It (Photo/Subaru) Yes, some of Subaru’s drop from 18,587 WRX sedan sales to 10,930 between 2024 and 2025 was due to production changes, but probably not all of it. This change…
The Firearms Policy Coalition isn’t exactly known for mincing words. That’s especially true on social media, where a lot of calls for gun control are met with a hardy “F**k you.” I dig it.In most of their other communications, they tend to be a little more…well, polite isn’t necessarily the right word, nor is “professional.” No, I think they just get a bit more creative in saying the same thing in a way that will make it in print.A case in point is the group’s feelings on the Department of Justice and the Trump administration’s…
The Pedersoli 1805 Baker Rifle faithfully recreates Britain’s first standard‑issue military rifle, blending historical accuracy with modern Italian craftsmanship. Why the Baker Rifle Mattered At the turn of the 19th century, European armies relied almost entirely on smoothbore muskets. Those arms emphasized rate of fire and massed volley tactics, leaving limited room for precision or selective engagement. The Baker rifle marked a shift in that thinking. Designed by London gunsmith Ezekiel Baker and adopted by the British Army in 1800, it became the first rifled firearm issued for regular military service. The rifle equipped the Experimental Corps of Riflemen, later…
Especially if your military household moved to a new state in 2025, as a military spouse, keep in mind that you’ve received new rights in recent years in terms of where to pay your state income taxes – or not pay, if the state has no income tax.In 2023, military spouses gained options for filing their state income taxes under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act that now eclipse even those of active-duty members, because “In a weird quirk of the law, service members can use SCRA protections only for their military pay,” Military.com’s financial columnist Kate Horrell wrote in last year’s Tax Week…
I got my hands on the Codex87 Horizon Edge ahead of its SHOT Show 2026 debut, and it’s clear this isn’t just a cosmetic refresh. Benchmade completely changed how the blade is built, not just how it looks (though it really looks rad). The knife is based on the Saddle Mountain Skinner, a proven platform with a blade shape that already works for breaking down game. Benchmade left that alone and focused entirely on the cutting edge. Here’s what’s new. Blade Materials and Construction Codex87 Horizon Edge; (photo/Benchmade) The Codex87 Horizon Edge uses a bi-metal blade construction with two steels…
In the wake of the Bruen decision, gun control activists and anti-gun politicians unanimously declared that allowing more Americans to exercise their right to bear arms would have deadly consequences. When Donald Trump took office and shut down the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention and rescinded hundreds of millions of dollars in grants to “gun violence prevention” efforts, those same folks predicted that American cities would become more dangerous places. Instead, it looks like the United States was safer in 2025 than it has been since the FBI started keeping track of nationwide crime…
