Kentucky, despite a Democratic governor and a fairly lengthy history of electing Democrats to that office, is a pretty pro-gun state. I mean, while Rand Paul and Thomas Massie aren’t exactly as beloved as they were a couple of years ago by most gun owners, they’re both from the state and both solidly pro-gun. But Louisville was always going to be an exception. As a relatively large city, its sensibilities are more akin to those of other large urban centers, as opposed to the more rural parts of the Bluegrass State.And now they’re asking the…
Suppressors weren’t just part of NRA 2026, they dominated the conversation. Walk the floor this year and one thing became clear fast: lighter, quieter, and more versatile is the name of the game. From 3D-printed titanium builds to modular, do-it-all cans, manufacturers are pushing hard into the next generation. Here are some of the standout suppressors that caught our attention. Daniel Defense Goes Lightweight and Purpose-Built Daniel Defense rolled out two new cans that hit very different use cases but both lean hard into weight savings. First up is the Mute 30 Ti, a bolt-gun-focused suppressor built using additive-manufactured titanium.…
U.S. officials pressed Israel and Lebanon for a security deal on Thursday as Washington tried to contain another volatile Middle East front involving Hezbollah, an Iran-backed group whose fight with Israel threatens to pull more American attention into the region. U.S. sources cited tensions rising inside the State Department about four hours after the start of Lebanese-Israeli negotiations, according to MTV Lebanon, a Lebanese TV station, on Thursday. A U.S. State Department official later described the daylong talks as “productive and positive,” according to the Associated Press, and said the U.S. looked forward to continuing the discussions on Friday. The…
When you think about where to shop for survival supplies, the dollar store might not be the first place that comes to mind. But you’d be surprised at the treasure trove of useful items you can find there! From tools to help you in an emergency to everyday items that can be repurposed, the dollar store offers a ton of affordable options. In this post, we’ll explore 101 invaluable items you can pick up that could make a big difference in your survival strategy. These essentials aren’t only cost-effective but also incredibly versatile. Want to save this post for later?…
From gym laps to alpine objectives, the best climbing harnesses keep you secure. The best designs also keep you comfortable and organized without adding bulk or hindering movement. For this update, lead tester Miya Tsudome evaluated two new climbing harnesses over a three-month cycle from her home base in Bishop, California. She put them to the test while sport climbing in Owens River Gorge and during long trad days in Pine Creek Canyon. From hanging belays to racking cams and draws, she rigorously assessed fit, pressure points, gear loop accessibility, and all-day comfort The Black Diamond Solution remains our best overall pick for…
As my colleague Tom Knighton mentioned in a previous post, the New Hampshire Senate debated a campus carry bill today. HB 1793 was actually approved by the chamber, but not before it was amended and considerably weakened. In fact, as adopted the legislation won’t allow any student or visitor to carry on a higher ed campus, even after it takes effect. lnstead, the Senate voted to create a committee to “study the feasibility of allowing guns on campuses of public institutions of higher education,” while also adopting language that “notwithstanding any provision of law to…
You inherited a gun collection, now what? Across the United States, millions of firearms are expected to change hands through inheritance and estate transfers over the coming decade as older generations pass collections on to family members. In many cases, heirs discover firearms in safes, closets, cabinets, or estate storage without knowing: what the firearms are worth whether they are collectible how to legally transfer or sell them where to find buyers how to stay compliant with state and federal laws The good news is that selling inherited firearms legally and safely is easier than many people realize. What Do…
The U.S. Coast Guard’s latest narcotics interdiction involved three suspected smuggling vessels carrying approximately 6,085 pounds of cocaine worth nearly $45.8 million, the service announced Thursday. The announcement comes on the heels of a banner 2025 year for the Coast Guard, which seized a record-high of more than 511,000 pounds of cocaine—more than three times the service’s annual average. Other successful efforts have been attributed to counter-narcotics operations through Operation Pacific Viper, which was launched in August 2025 to combat drug smuggling and narco-terrorism in the Eastern Pacific Ocean by using aircraft, cutters and tactical teams to disrupt trafficking routes…
Support us! GearJunkie may earn a small commission from affiliate links in this article. Learn More Ready to go lätt? That’s Swedish for light (or tasks requiring little effort). And if you’re looking ahead to longer, hotter days on the trail, any gear to lighten the load is welcome. That’s where Fjällräven’s latest hiking gear comes in. We recently outfitted in head-to-toe kits to see how the Swedish brand’s lightest, warm-weather trail gear performs in real-world conditions. Headlined by the 2.5-pound Kajka X-Lätt 45 trekking backpack, we also tested a full layering and trail system built for varied conditions and…
Air Force veteran Tim Kirk didn’t expect to earn awards helping veterans, but he received a pretty big honor last week. The NFL Hall of Fame named Kirk one of its Awards of Character recipients for 2026 for his work supporting veterans’ needs through the Warrior Healing Center in Sierra Vista, Arizona. The award, a joint venture with USA Today and Payton Productions, was introduced this year to honor “everyday Hall of Famers,” community leaders who uphold the hall’s key values of commitment, courage, integrity, respect and honesty. Kirk, accompanied by his wife, Cathie Goodman, received the accolade from two…
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This wild game pot roast turns tough deer, elk, antelope, or bear shoulder into a tender Mother’s Day dinner that tastes like effort, love, and hunting-season strategy. Make it right, serve it hot, and bank a few points before Fall. This is your chance to earn all the days you want to spend hunting this Fall. Don’t fowl it up. It’s been several months since you brought home fresh backstrap, and you’re probably running low on the best cuts of meat from your deer last year. Fortunately, this wild game pot roast recipe will help you make a tasty meal…
A new nationwide survey conducted by Mission Roll Call suggests that most veterans believe the Department of Veterans Affairs is improving, even as concerns about staffing and continuity of care persist. The survey, which included more than 2,200 veterans, found that 81.7 percent of respondents said VA’s overall performance is either improving or holding steady. The survey also found that 77.8 percent said transparency has improved or remained consistent over the past year. Mission Roll Call CEO Jim Whaley, a retired Army lieutenant colonel, said in an interview that those numbers reflect real progress, particularly in how the VA communicates…
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So you want to go handgun hunting? Great, you’ve come to the right place. Today, we are digging into the best handguns for hunting. But first, let’s dig into the different types of handguns you’ll run into while hunting. Handguns For Hunting There are three types of handgun configurations popular amongst hunters. Revolvers Revolvers are known for their inherent strength, reliability, and ability to handle powerful magnum cartridges. Wheelguns are available in any caliber and configuration and are capable of hunting everything from squirrels to bears when you pick the right caliber. They can offer a light single-action trigger, which…
Since regular hunting seasons are winding down, many of us are looking forward to chasing some non-traditional game or exotics. Wild boar or feral hogs are probably our most hunted exotic game. The topic of what is the best caliber for wild boar gets brought up nearly every time hunters get together during one of our pig hunts. I get asked some variation of “if you could have any caliber, what would you choose?”. I don’t like using minimal calibers. The vast majority of shots presented to me are short range, under 150 yards. I can only recall two times…
Whether you’re logging big mountain miles or enjoying a casual day hike, the right women’s hiking pants make a huge difference. To finalize this year’s rankings, lead tester and GearJunkie Editor Chris Kassar put eight women’s hiking pants through a grueling 9-month testing cycle. She logged more than 60 days and 500 miles in wind, rain, sun, and snow — from exposed trails in the Tetons to Alaskan river crossings, prickly desert paths, and the craggy summits of Colorado fourteeners. We crowned the lightweight Outdoor Research Ferrosi Pants as our best overall pick for its rare mix of mobility, dependable…
As a hunter, you become adept at making holes. Shot placement is key, and you quickly learn precisely where to shoot your target for the quickest, most ethical results. That ability to visualize a deer’s vitals is fantastic, and it’s great that you’re able to fill your freezer with healthy, lean meat. You probably have a carefully thought-out rifle-and-optic setup and possibly spend time every day mapping out a food plot or feeders. Maybe you have a tree stand; maybe you have raised blinds. You take hunting seriously, and you have the gear to show for it. Or do you?…
Women’s hiking boots protect against some of the biggest trip-ruiners: rolled ankles, soaked socks, bruised toes, and agonizing blisters. To finalize this year’s rankings, GearJunkie Editor Chris Kassar and two additional testers put 10 women’s hiking boots through a 10-month test cycle. From Grand Teton National Park to Patagonia, we logged more than 500 miles and 30,000 feet of elevation gain to find the best pairs. We crowned the Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid GTX as our best overall pick for its standout mix of agility, traction, and waterproof protection. Meanwhile, the Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof earned our budget…
Ten handgun hunters, black bears inside 25 to 50 yards, fading light, and a week full of lessons. This Maine black bear handgun hunt delivered close calls, hard-earned misses, standout revolver performance, and enough honest takeaways to make us want another crack at it. I had been wanting to schedule a black bear hunt in the Carolinas for one of the non-hibernating giants for quite some time. Then my good friend Kim Ralston contacted me about a handgun black bear hunt in Maine. He had used the guide and outfitter previously and spoke highly of the effort and ability involved.…
The Benelli Lupo Alpha looks like an Italian design team got loose with a CAD file and a bottle of Pinot Grigio, but this 5.73-pound hunting rifle flat-out performs. It is light, slick, weatherproof, and with the right load, it shoots tiny groups that make the futuristic stock a lot easier to love. This Alpha dog is born to hunt. Benelli’s new special edition Lupo Alpha rifle sports a unique stock with stylish lines and a dozen sculpted holes that make you wonder if its Italian designers sipped too much pinot grigio and went full rivoluzionario. If you’re a traditionalist,…
