I love Virginia. I love its mountains, its farms, its small towns and the hunting traditions that have been passed from one generation to the next. 

I also happen to be a gun owner. 

Those two things are not contradictory. In my experience, they go hand in hand because both reflect a culture that values personal responsibility, self-reliance, and individual liberty.

When Virginia’s lawmakers debated new restrictions on lawful firearm ownership, supporters believed they were taking meaningful steps to reduce gun violence. 

Many of us who own firearms believed something else would happen:

We believed thousands of otherwise hesitant Virginians would decide it was time to exercise a constitutional right before it became more difficult to do so.

That is exactly what happened.

Gun stores filled up. Background checks surged. First-time buyers became gun owners, and longtime shooters decided not to wait any longer. FBI background check data, widely used as the best available indicator of firearm purchasing activity, showed just how dramatic the response was. Virginia’s background checks climbed roughly 70 percent in March compared with the previous year, nearly 80 percent in April, more than doubled in May and exceeded three times the previous June’s total as the July 1 deadline approached. While background checks are not the same as firearm sales, the trend is unmistakable. Thousands of Virginians decided they would rather lawfully exercise a constitutional right today than wonder tomorrow whether they still could.

Whether someone supported the legislation or opposed it, the outcome should give all of us something to think about. An effort intended to discourage lawful firearm ownership encouraged many Virginians to become lawful firearm owners instead. Often many times over.

I don't think that was the metric anti gunners were aiming for (pun intended).  

When government signals that it may restrict a constitutional right, people often become more determined to exercise it. Virginia became the latest example, and to be clear I'm damned proud to be a Virginian because of it. "Sic semper tyrannic" indeed .

Thousands of law-abiding citizens completed the paperwork, passed the background checks and legally purchased firearms. They followed every law the Commonwealth required.

That distinction matters because we were not criminals exploiting loopholes. We were citizens willingly participating in the legal process. Too often, our public debate blurs the line between violent criminals and responsible gun owners even though they have very little in common.

The Virginia gun owners I know are veterans, law enforcement officers, teachers, nurses, mechanics, farmers, pastors, small-business owners and parents. We hunt because we love the outdoors. We shoot competitively because we enjoy mastering a skill. Some carry a firearm because they believe protecting their family is one of life’s most important responsibilities. What we share is not fear or anger. We share a commitment to doing things the right way.

As a Virginian and a gun owner, I do not celebrate increased firearm sales because I believe more guns automatically make us safer. I see something different. I see thousands of citizens choosing to exercise a constitutional right through the legal process. More importantly, I see no reason to believe law-abiding Virginians suddenly became the source of the violent crime that concerns us all. We exercised our rights legally, just as the Constitution intended. Rights remain meaningful only when responsible people are willing to exercise them.

That also means accepting the responsibility that comes with those rights.

If we ask our fellow Virginians to trust us with our freedoms, we should earn that trust every day. We should pursue quality training, practice safe storage, mentor new shooters, hunt ethically, and conduct ourselves in a way that reflects well on every responsible gun owner in the Commonwealth.

I also want to extend an olive branch to Virginians who support stricter gun laws.

I do not believe most of you dislike gun owners, nor do I believe you wake up looking for ways to take away anyone’s freedoms. I believe many of you are responding to the same heartbreaking tragedies that affect all of us. When children are murdered, when families lose loved ones, or when violence tears apart a community, my heart breaks just as yours does. We may disagree about the solutions, but I do not believe we disagree about the value of human life.

If your goal is to reduce violent crime, then it is my goal, too.

Let us work together where we can. Let us improve access to mental health care. Let us support law enforcement as they target violent repeat offenders. Let us invest in mentoring young people before gangs and violence recruit them. Let us encourage every gun owner to seek training, practice safe handling, and store firearms responsibly.

At the same time, I ask that those who advocate for additional restrictions recognize something Virginia has demonstrated. Law-abiding citizens value this constitutional right deeply. When many believed that right might become more difficult to exercise, they exercised it through the legal process. They did exactly what responsible citizens are supposed to do.

The overwhelming majority of those new gun owners are not the source of the violence that concerns us all. They are your neighbors, your coworkers, your fellow church members, and the parents sitting beside you at Friday night football games. They are not the people terrorizing neighborhoods or preying on innocent victims. They are ordinary Virginians exercising a constitutional freedom responsibly.

To my fellow Virginia gun owners, I have a simple challenge.

Do not let this moment end with the purchase of a firearm. Let it begin there. Invite a curious neighbor to the range. Teach a first-time shooter with patience and humility. Be the safest person on the firing line and the most ethical hunter in the woods. Listen before you argue. Answer honest questions with respect instead of frustration.

The Second Amendment does not simply need defenders. It needs ambassadors.

If we truly believe this right matters, then let us become the kind of people who make that case without raising our voices. Let our character speak louder than our politics. Let our conduct make it impossible to confuse responsible gun owners with violent criminals.

Virginia’s recent experience should teach us more than a lesson about firearm sales. It should remind us that constitutional rights matter to millions of ordinary citizens. It should also remind us that every right carries a responsibility to strengthen the community around us.

The best argument for the Second Amendment will never be made in Richmond or Washington. It will be made every day by responsible Virginians who live with humility, integrity and respect for both their neighbors and the Constitution they cherish.

– Jay Pinsky

jay@theoutdoorwire.com

Metal Décor Studios, a Veteran-owned Wisconsin business specializing in handcrafted metal art, has renewed its national sponsorship with Whitetails Unlimited. The partnership continues to provide distinctive wildlife and Northwoods-themed metal décor pieces for WTU events and members.

Whitewater launches the FINESSE Hybrid Jacket, a technical midlayer featuring 120g Sorona Aura insulation, baffled construction, and optimized stretch fabric designed for anglers. The jacket combines thermal regulation with athletic mobility, DWR protection, Polygiene StayFresh odor management, and UPF 50+ sun protection, available in Vintage Camo and Black for $179.99.

The National Bowhunter Education Foundation presented Bob Barnette with its International Instructor of the Year award at the IHEA-USA Conference in Glendale, AZ. Mathews supplied Barnette with a signed 2026 ARC bow. Barnette, a Texas bowhunter and educator, has certified hundreds of students and serves as a field operations coordinator for the Texas Wildlife Association's Youth Hunting Program.

The NRA National Youth Hunter Education Challenge (YHEC) will return to Bentonville, Arkansas, July 19–26, 2026. Open to youth ages 8–18, this premier event features eight challenging competitions including shooting disciplines and responsibility-based activities conducted under realistic hunting conditions. Organizational sponsors include Arkansas Friends of NRA, Safari Club International, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, and corporate partners like Federal, Remington, Henry Repeating Arms, and Bushnell.

The Boone and Crockett Club reached a $5 million endowment milestone for its wildlife conservation program at Clemson University, renamed the John P. Evans '75 Boone and Crockett Wildlife Conservation Program in recognition of Johnny Evans' leadership. The program supports science-based wildlife management research across the Southeast, including studies on black bears, invasive species, and predator-prey dynamics.

Gunwerks and the Worldwide Trophy Adventures Outdoor Guardian Fund committed $109,000 to fully fund the Wild Sheep Foundation's Coming Home project, which will translocate approximately 100 California bighorn sheep from Oregon to British Columbia over two years, completing a significant North American conservation effort.

Italian Firearms Group highlights how Italy's Banco Nazionale di Prova ensures quality through mandatory testing and verification. Manufacturers Tanfoglio, Pedersoli, and F.A.I.R. combine rigorous internal testing with national proofing standards, creating a distinctive approach where craftsmanship is matched by independent verification.

Magpul collaborated with Ruger, Vortex, Hornady, CCI, and Fix It Sticks for a 250 Years of Freedom Giveaway totaling $4,500 in firearms, optics, ammunition, and gear. The prize package includes two Ruger firearms, Vortex optics, ammunition, and extensive Magpul accessories. The giveaway ends July 31.

Bleecker Street Publications is hosting a 250th Anniversary Giveaway featuring two Smith & Wesson firearms: the Model 1854 Traditional Walnut Lever Action and the Model 19 Classic. CEO Charles Anderson states the promotion honors Smith & Wesson's 170-year legacy and American firearms heritage.

Warne, a premium scope mount and shooting accessories manufacturer based in Tualatin, Oregon, has expanded its partnership with Odle Sales to represent the brand across the western United States. Odle Sales will provide dealers with enhanced product expertise, faster communication, and personalized support throughout the region.

Millennium Outdoors appointed Scott Ware as Director of Sales and Marketing. With nearly three decades of industry experience and 26 years at Outtech representing Millennium brands, Ware brings deep dealer relationships and product knowledge to strengthen the company's market presence and dealer partnerships.

Kinsey Brands is hiring a Procurement & Supply Chain Analyst to support its Consumer Brands Division. The role involves managing manufacturing procurement, supply chain planning, logistics coordination, and inventory management across Kinsey's portfolio of outdoor and hunting brands.

The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF) is hiring a Regional Director for western South Dakota and western Nebraska to manage volunteer chapters, organize fundraising events, and oversee grant programs. The remote position requires frequent travel and a bachelor's degree with five years of professional experience.

Kinsey's Inc., a leading outdoor sporting goods distributor headquartered in Mount Joy, Pennsylvania, is hiring a Distribution Account Manager to manage 100-130 dealer accounts. The role combines sales, account management, and customer service with an emphasis on building dealer relationships and driving profitable growth.

Kinsey Brands is hiring a Director of Brands to oversee its consumer brand portfolio, manage multi-channel sales strategies, guide product development, and lead supply chain operations. The role requires strong analytical skills and experience managing relationships with mass merchants, distributors, and international accounts.

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department will administer a guide and outfitter written examination on August 15 at 1 p.m. in Bismarck. Preregistration is required by August 7 by calling 701-328-6604. Candidates must pass the exam, complete a background check, obtain CPR and first aid certification, and meet employment requirements.

SLG2, Inc. will bring its Shoot Like A Girl experience to Cabela's in Hamburg, Pennsylvania on July 11-12, followed by Bass Pro Shops in Harrisburg July 18-19. The free event features hands-on firearm and archery experiences, product demonstrations, and outdoor education for women, families, and enthusiasts of all skill levels.

Vortex Optics has released the Crossfire® II Red Dot lineup, available in red or green, featuring a 2 MOA dot, solar with auto D-TEC technology, and motion activation. The optic is designed for recreational shooters and compatible with AR-style rifles, rimfires, shotguns, and other firearms with Picatinny rails, with pricing starting at $149.99 MAP.

Whitetails Unlimited announced its 2026-2027 Program Service Initiatives including the Deer Poster & Target initiative, Clean Optics Hunt Safely initiative, Donate a Deer Initiative, and Kids on Target shooting team program. Members attending WTU events will receive educational materials, lens cleaning cloths, and resources supporting hunting safety, conservation, and youth shooting sports engagement.

ALPS Mountaineering has released the Micro Air portable air pump, a compact device powered by external power banks that inflates and deflates sleeping pads and other inflatables. Weighing just 1 ounce with multiple nozzle options and a carry bag, the pump will launch in summer 2026.

Daisy Outdoor Products released three special Red Ryder commemorative models for the nation's 250th Anniversary: two Limited Edition Carbine Lever Actions (250 each) and a CO2-powered Revolver (1,776 units). All feature patriotic engravings and are available exclusively at www.daisy.com.

Tink's recommends pairing trail cameras with Tink's Naturally PRIMED Scrape Rope to improve deer scouting photos and inventory. The scrape rope creates a focal point encouraging deer to stop in front of cameras for better identification and antler growth monitoring before hunting season.

WOOX, an Italian-American gunstock manufacturer, announces the Elegante Hybrid bolt action rifle stock designed for hunters seeking precision without sacrificing traditional handling. Crafted from hand-selected Claro American walnut with an integrated aluminum mini-chassis, the stock weighs 35 ounces and is priced from $549 to $879.

Bear OPS, the tactical division of Bear & Son Cutlery, unveiled the Nekema™ II everyday carry knife featuring a 3.5-inch Sandvik® 14C28N stainless steel blade and lightweight aluminum handle. Made in Jacksonville, Alabama, the knife is priced at $92.49–$97.49 and available in Black & Copper or Gray & Blue colorways.

Walker's has launched the Razor Junior Muffs, hearing protection designed specifically for youth shooters with smaller head sizes. The muffs feature dual Hi-Gain microphones, HD speakers, sound-activated compression, and a 23dB Noise Reduction Rating, now available online and through retailers nationwide.

Kent Cartridge introduces Southern Reserve™ Dove shotshells featuring proprietary Diamond Shot technology designed for consistent dove hunting performance. Available in 12ga, 20ga, 28ga, and .410 bore with balanced payloads and tuned velocities for dense, uniform patterns.

Beretta USA launched a limited-edition America's 250th Anniversary Collection of commemorative baseball hats celebrating all 50 states' outdoor heritage. A portion of proceeds from each hat sold benefits Folds of Honor, providing educational scholarships to families of fallen or disabled service members and first responders.

Silencer Central is offering triple reward points on BANISH suppressor purchases from July 13-17, 2026. Customers can redeem 1,000 points for $50 discounts, free shipping, or merchandise, with additional earning opportunities available through their rewards program.

Bass Pro Shops will celebrate its new 130,000-square-foot Loveland, Colorado location with an Evening for Conservation on July 22, featuring legendary anglers Roland Martin, Jimmy Houston, Edwin Evers, Kevin VanDam, Jim and Eva Shockey, and Nate Zelinsky. The company will donate 15% of sales to local conservation organizations, with festivities including live entertainment, a ribbon-cutting ceremony, and a 12,000-gallon aquarium.

FOXPRO will continue its partnership with Whitetails Unlimited as a national sponsor. Founded in 1993 by John Dillon, FOXPRO manufactures electronic game calls and hunting products sold worldwide. The company, now a 70-person operation based in Lewistown, Pennsylvania, remains committed to supporting Whitetails Unlimited's conservation mission.

GAME & FISH TV launches "Big Game Wednesday" programming blocks featuring shows like Everything Eichler, Addicted to the Outdoors, Driven with Pat & Nicole, Crush with Lee & Tiffany, Beyond the Hunt, and The Lindsey Way. The free streaming channel, powered by Outdoor Sportsman Group, airs hunting and fishing content every Wednesday in July across multiple platforms including Roku, Prime Video, and Samsung TV Plus.

Pursuit Media announced a renewed 5-year distribution agreement with DIRECTV, extending their 18-year partnership. The enhanced deal makes Pursuit Channel content available in full HD across DIRECTV Satellite, DIRECTV Stream, U-Verse, and MyFree by DIRECTV, reaching millions of subscribers.

Outdoor Channel welcomes back Sporting Classics with Chris Dorsey for Season 8, a cooperative effort between Sporting Classics magazine and Dorsey Pictures. Host Chris Dorsey travels globally showcasing high-end hunting and fishing experiences while emphasizing conservation's role, premiering Thursdays at 6 & 10 p.m. ET with nine new episodes.

The Cianciarulo family's 26th season of The Choice premieres on Pursuit Channel, featuring Ralph, Vicki, RJ, and Aubrey hunting boars at Cree River Lodge in Saskatchewan while enjoying fishing opportunities in this action-packed episode.

The Cianciarulo family continues their 26th season of The Choice on Pursuit Channel from Cree River Lodge in Saskatchewan. Aubrey tagged her biggest black bear to date while Vicki pursues a large boar, with the episode airing Monday, July 13th at 11:30 PM EST.

MyOutdoorTV launches a new Bowhunting Channel throughout July featuring shows like American Archer, Bow Madness, Bowhunter TV, and Bowhunting Whitetails with Bill Winke to help viewers prepare for upcoming hunting seasons with commercial-free, 24/7 streaming content.