There’s a question that creeps into a lot of conversations these days, especially after trade show season.
Would you rather own a $20,000 rifle? Or would you rather have a $500 rifle and $15,000 worth of memories?
Don’t get me wrong, I’m not here to trash-talk fine guns. Let’s just get that out of the way.
If you can swing any rifle you want, and still fund every trip or experience you have - God bless you. Im just not that guy.
The Highland Stalker - John Rigby & Co.
I love craftsmanship, the walnut that looks like it grew out of a dream, and hand engraving that tells a story, maybe your story, before the rifle ever does. There’s something deeply human about mastering steel and wood until it becomes art.
For as long as I can remember, I’ve dreamed of owning a Rigby-built rifle. Or a top-of-the-line Mauser, Blaser, etc. What I consider an heirloom gun. The kind that makes you slow down just to admire the lines before you ever chamber a round.
I even called a family meeting about it. Sat everyone down and pitched my plan: "If we save here and there, maybe someday I can own a rifle like that." And they were totally on board because they love me and support me. But honestly, that’s exactly what made me stop and think. Because if I actually went through with it, if I saved up with everyone cheering me on, if I picked blued steel over road trips or walnut over weekends together, I’d turn into the kind of person I never wanted to be.
The guy who chose owning things over being there for the moments that matter.
Sure, I could save up for that rifle. But honestly, it would cost me way more than just money. It would mean missing out on hunts I never took, tags I never bought, road trips I never drove, and memories I just can’t afford to lose. And that’s just not a price I’m willing to pay.
The American Gen II - Ruger
I’ve seen this more times than I can count. Some folks wait and wait for the perfect rifle, a custom build, an heirloom piece, something worthy of that dream hunt.
They always say, "Someday." But you know what? Someday gets crowded. Jobs pile up. Kids get busy. Bills, health stuff, time, all of it. The rifle savings keep growing. But the hunt fund? Not so much. Meanwhile, the mountains don’t wait for anyone.
There’s just something special about a rifle that enables dreams instead of just being one. A $500 rifle that’s seen $15,000 worth of tags, gas, boots, and campfire laughter? That becomes something no fancy engraving ever could.
Don’t get me wrong, I still admire heirloom guns. And the people who build them, too. But it isn’t about the metal of the gun, but the mettle of the man (or woman) who owns it. It’s all about where that rifle’s been and who carried it. The rifle your grandson treasures? It probably won’t be the most expensive one. It’ll be the one he remembers you carrying.
So if you’re staring at that $20,000 beauty and telling yourself you’ll go hunt “once things settle down,” let me just say this: Buy the $500 rifle. Take that $15,000, and go. Because you can always earn more money, but you can’t get time back.
The mountains are calling, and trust me, they don’t care what your rifle costs.
Jay Pinsky, Editor, The Hunting Wire & The Archery Wire
Marilyn Bentz, Executive Director of the National Bowhunter Education Foundation since 2003, received the Archery Trade Association's Industry Impact Award at the 2026 ATA Trade Show. The award recognizes her contributions to growing participation in archery and bowhunting through safety education and industry leadership.
Henry Repeating Arms is donating 50 limited-edition "Joel's Wildfire" Golden Boy Silver rifles through its Guns For Great Causes program to support wildland firefighter Joel Eisiminger's battle against acute myeloid leukemia. The rifle series is expected to raise over $40,000, with all proceeds going directly to Eisiminger's medical expenses and ongoing care.
Bleecker Street Publications announced the acquisition of Gun University, founded by Ryan Cleckner and Dave Chesson, a leading online platform for firearms education and gear reviews. The acquisition expands Bleecker Street Publications' portfolio while maintaining Gun University's mission of delivering responsible firearms education and training resources.
Remington Ammunition celebrated strong performances by its sponsored trap shooters at the 46th Annual Southern Grand in Odessa, Florida, with Team Remington capturing two of five event championships. Notable winners included Ian Lawrence in High All Around, Zach Nannini in Handicap Championship, Wyatt Debrie as Junior Champion, and Barrett Debrie winning Sub-Junior titles.
Federal Ammunition's sponsored trap shooters achieved strong performances at the 46th Annual Southern Grand in Odessa, Florida. Weston Anderson earned Singles Co-Champion honors with Fiocchi's Ricky Marshall, Jr., while Hall of Famer Deborah Ohye Neilson won High All Around and High Over All Championships in the Lady II Division.
Henry Repeating Arms launched a National Forest Foundation Edition Rifle Series with four commemorative rifles to support conservation across nearly 200 million acres of national forests. Proceeds fund reforestation, wildlife habitat restoration, watershed protection, and trail improvement, with founder Anthony Imperato donating $25,000 directly to the National Forest Foundation.
Chestnut Hill Outdoors highlights fruit tree varieties well-suited to southern climates, addressing challenges posed by warmer winters and limited chill hours. The company recommends low-chill peaches, plums, nectarines, warm-climate apples, pears, persimmons, figs, and pomegranates for reliable harvests in the Southeast.
Whitetails Unlimited distributed $318,541 in grants through its HOPE for Wildlife Program, with funds primarily supporting land acquisitions for public hunting access. The organization partners with state and federal agencies to enhance wildlife habitat, increase hunting opportunities, and reduce poaching through initiatives like Deer Management and Whitetail Watch.
The Light Goose Conservation Order, an annual tradition since 1999, offers unique spring waterfowl hunting opportunities in northern states with relaxed regulations. Guide JR Borchelt of Waterfowl Assassins and Hardcore Waterfowl discusses hunting strategies in the Dakotas, emphasizing full-body decoys, large spreads, and electronic callers for pursuing snow geese during migration.
Badlands announces the new Mag Turkey Vest, a lightweight run-and-gun vest featuring a Fidlock® magnetic seat system for quick deployment and mobility. The vest weighs 2 lbs. 8 oz., includes silent magnetic box call pockets, and is covered by Badlands' Unconditional Lifetime Warranty.
Buck Commander unveiled the BUK OPS Cycloptic™ series featuring patent-pending Primetime Color Vision™ technology for enhanced low-light visibility. The line includes the Cycloptic handheld viewer and Cycloptic-X crossbow scope, both offering 4K video recording, 1-5x zoom, and customizable reticle options.
TUO, a Nexus Outdoors brand, introduces the Clement Puffy Jacket featuring body-mapped Paralite™ insulation with 80g in the core and 60g in sleeves for thermal efficiency without bulk. The technical jacket combines a wind-resistant 20D nylon shell with extreme packability and articulated design for outdoor performance.
Real Avid has launched Master Collections series for AR-platform firearms, offering bundled tooling and maintenance products ranging from basic cleaning sets to armorer-level assemblies. The collections include five AR-15 options and four dual-platform AR-15/10 solutions designed for DIY enthusiasts and professional gunsmiths.
ScentLok introduces the BE:1 Silentude Jacket, Bib, and Pant, featuring the quietest premium fleece fabric ever developed. The gear combines Carbon Alloy® odor control with Precip-X™ water resistance and articulated design for maximum comfort during extended hunting sits.
ZeroTech Optics has launched the Vengeance 1-4x24 SFP LPVO RAR Illuminated FDE and Vengeance 1-4x24 SFP LPVO RAR MOA, low power variable optics featuring true 1x magnification for close-range engagement and 4x magnification for extended distances. Built from 6061-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum with a 30mm tube, these scopes offer durability and practical performance for defensive carbines, competition rifles, and range use.
RCBS is expanding its MatchMaster Precision Case Trimmer lineup with a new .338 caliber pilot and a pilot-free 3-Way Cutter Head. Co-developed with Henderson Precision, the MatchMaster trimmer is now shipping to customers and available at RCBS reloading equipment retailers.
Rock River Arms introduces the 10.5-inch A1 Carbine SBR to celebrate the new zero tax on NFA Short-Barrel Rifles. The retro rifle features a lightweight chrome moly barrel, forged LAR-15M lower receiver, and is available with M4-style or fixed entry stock options, priced at $1,135-$1,150.
Pursuit Channel highlights its popular Texas Team Trail fishing series, airing weekly with live tournament coverage, tactical insights, and interviews with top teams competing across Texas's legendary fisheries. CEO Rusty Faulk notes the show consistently ranks among the network's most-watched fishing programs.
Millennium Treestands introduced the L325 Wide Load Ladder Stand, an 18-foot heavy-duty stand featuring a 24-inch-wide platform, ComfortMax seat, and 300-pound weight capacity. The stand includes a Secure Tree Brace System, SafeLink Lifeline harness, and weighs 78 pounds for easy transport.
ALPS Mountaineering has launched the Quantum Insulated Air Pad, featuring a 7.3 R-value insulation made from 100% recycled material and innovative 20D nylon ripstop construction. Weighing just over 2.5 pounds, the pad includes a convertible pump sack and pairs well with ALPS' Nano Air Pump for easy inflation.
Kids & Clays Foundation Executive Director Zac Lemmon appeared on the Connecting with Conservation Podcast hosted by Jon Gassett of Wildlife Management Institute and Jim Curcuruto of Outdoor Stewards of Conservation Foundation. Since 1999, Kids & Clays has raised over $50 million through sporting clays events to support Ronald McDonald Houses across America.
Easton's Match Grade Pro Shop Series arrows offer bowhunters precision-crafted hunting arrows made in the USA using the exclusive Acu-Carbon process. These arrows feature industry-leading tolerances, refined precision components, premium helical fletching, and Easton's five-point straightness scrutiny, available exclusively at authorized Easton pro shops.
Hornady released the 12th Edition Hornady Handbook of Cartridge Reloading, featuring data for over 400 cartridges and introducing new bullet lines including CX®, ELD-VT®, and Sub-X®. The handbook includes expanded reloading propellant data with Winchester's StaBall Match, StaBall 6.5, and StaBall HD, plus new cartridge additions like 22 ARC, 6mm GT, and 7mm PRC.
Primary Weapons Systems announced the BDE556K-TI Suppressor, a compact 5.56 titanium suppressor featuring 3D-printed Grade 5 aerospace titanium construction and a precision monocore baffle assembly. The suppressor weighs 11.5 oz, measures 5.5 inches, and carries an MSRP of $749.95.
C&H Precision announced the hiring of Bryce Laemmlen as director of business development. Laemmlen brings over a decade of tactical and optics industry experience, including his previous role as Military and Law Enforcement Account Manager for Vortex Optics, and will lead strategic growth initiatives across military, law enforcement, government, and commercial markets.
WOOX, an Italian-American gunstock manufacturer, announced the new Superleggera "High Grade" line of lightweight hunting stocks for bolt-action rifles. Hand-selected American walnut stocks weigh 33-35 ounces and feature adjustable length of pull, achieving .278 MOA accuracy in testing.
Sarge Knives has renewed its sponsorship with Whitetails Unlimited, announced by WTU President Jeff Schinkten. The family-owned Greer, South Carolina company offers high-quality knives at value prices with lifetime warranties, partnering with premier factories worldwide.
Briley Manufacturing, a leading shotgun choke tube and firearm accessories manufacturer based in Houston, Texas, is hiring a Gunsmithing/Service Manager to oversee seven gunsmiths and manage repair services. The role includes customer liaison duties, parts ordering, and warranty center operations for Yildiz shotguns through Academy.
ALPS Mountaineering introduces the Aleutian 3-Person Outfitter, a category-leading 4-season tent designed for rugged adventures. Weighing under 10 pounds with 48 sq. ft. of tent area and featuring a three-pole design with factory-sealed seams, the tent is available at authorized dealers and alpsmountaineering.com.
Millennium Outdoors released the Q400 Guard House Buck Hut in 2026, an elevated hunting blind featuring heavy-duty steel construction, seven shooting windows, and a 500-pound weight capacity. Standing 15 feet 8 inches tall, it accommodates the M369 Revolution Seat and provides all-weather protection for hunters.
Flambeau Outdoors introduces the Trail'r Rolling Gear Box paired with the King Strutter and MAD Walking Tom decoys to help spring turkey hunters organize gear and create realistic field setups. The rolling gear box features bulk storage and mobility, while the decoys deliver lifelike detail designed to attract gobblers.
The United States Practical Shooting Association (USPSA) and Steel Challenge Shooting Association (SCSA) have become official partners of NSSF's First Shots program, an introductory target-shooting initiative. The partnership will offer First Shots Intro to Steel Challenge experiences at participating clubs, providing safe introductions to competition shooting for new participants.
Hawke® Optics announced a strategic partnership beginning in 2026 with the Chasing Giants Podcast, a premiere whitetail deer hunting show hosted by Don Higgins and Terry Peer. The partnership aligns the precision optics leader with a podcast that shares expert hunting advice and listener-driven content based on 40 years of trophy whitetail hunting experience.
The Boone and Crockett Club has partnered with the University of Wyoming to establish a Working Lands Wildlife Conservation Professorship in the College of Agriculture, Life Sciences and Natural Resources. The program will focus on wildlife habitat conservation, ranch management, and wildlife disease research, including chronic wasting disease, while supporting Wyoming's ranching communities and big game populations.
Dead Air Silencers announced the hiring of Jack Cannon as Key Accounts Manager. Cannon brings 15 years of experience from Davidson's Inc., where he held multiple roles including National Accounts Manager. CEO Ernie Beckwith stated Cannon's background will help the company better serve wholesalers and distributors.
German Precision Optics (GPO USA) now includes a premium custom-fitted Cordura stay-on zip case at no additional charge with all PASSION APO spotting scopes, including the 16-48×65 APO and 20-60×85 APO models, providing rugged protection for field use.
Federal Ammunition has begun shipping its America 250th commemorative ammunition line, featuring limited-edition loads across American Eagle, Top Gun, and Champion product families. The special packaging honors the country's 250th anniversary while delivering reliable accuracy and performance across rifle, handgun, rimfire, and shotshell categories.
Ranew's Outdoor Equipment offers the Firminator lineup of food plot implements for turkey hunting, including the G3, RT, and ATV models. Each features an Accurate Seeding System for efficient planting of various crops like wheat, rye, oats, and clover, with easy adjustments for different terrain conditions.
Vortex® and the Vortex Nation™ Podcast are hosting The Vortex® Dream Build Experience through March 31, 2026. One winner will receive a custom rifle build, optics package, two-day experience at Vortex® HQ with Hunter Marksmanship Course, airfare, lodging, and meals.
Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc. announced ten distinguished retailers nationwide as 2025 Ambassador Dealers, including Americana Arms, Not Just Guns, H&H Shooting Sports, Fuquay Gun, Fin Feather Fur Outfitters, Magnum Shooting Center, Freedom Firearms, Idaho Guns & Outdoors, Shoot Straight, and Smoky Mountain Guns & Ammo, honoring their exemplary performance and dedication to the brand.
Beretta USA and Gray Rose will serve as Main Event sponsors for the 2026 Gator Cup Sporting Clays Tournament on May 24-29 at Back Woods Quail Club. Beretta will showcase competition shotguns including the 694 Black DLC, DT11 Super Sport, SL2, AX800 Suprema, and A400L, with Team Beretta athletes Zach Kienbaum, Desiree Edmunds, and Connor Daniel competing.
Vortex Optics has renewed its commitment as a national sponsor of Whitetails Unlimited, according to WTU President Jeff Schinkten. The Barneveld, Wisconsin-based optics company offers riflescopes, binoculars, spotting scopes, and accessories backed by an unlimited lifetime warranty.
Outdoor Sportsman Group Networks announces a packed Q2 schedule starting March 30, featuring new series and seasons across Outdoor Channel, Sportsman Channel, World Fishing Network, and MyOutdoorTV. Highlights include Chef Mike Robinson's Fishing the Wild, Heather Douville's Our Way of Life, and live McKenzie ASA Pro Am archery tournaments on Sportsman Channel.
MyOutdoorTV announces "Turkey Season Full Strut" presented by TriStar, featuring comprehensive turkey hunting content from March through May on the premier streaming platform. The programming includes popular segments like Can't Stop the Flop, BuckVentures Turkey, and Spring Thunder, plus live scheduled channel TurkeyStream and replays of Michael Waddell's live turkey hunts.
The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department urges residents to remove birdfeeders and secure food sources as black bears emerge from winter dens earlier than usual. Bear biologist Jaclyn Comeau emphasizes proactive measures including bear-resistant garbage containers and electric fences to prevent conflicts, as Vermont's bear population continues to grow despite increased hunting harvests.
