Hunting and Fishing News Blog Articles

Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. (NYSE: RGR) is proud to announce that it has been named the 2025 NASGW Firearms Manufacturer of the Year, marking the third consecutive year and the sixteenth time in the last nineteen years the Company has received this honor.

Presented annually by the National Association of Sporting Goods Wholesalers (NASGW), the Firearms Manufacturer of the Year award recognizes excellence in manufacturing, distribution and service within the shooting sports industry. NASGW members evaluate the performance of manufacturers based on distribution policy, marketing, promotions and sales, logistics and operations, and overall support of NASGW and the industry.

“We are honored to be recognized once again by NASGW and its members,” said Todd Seyfert, Ruger President and CEO. “This award is a testament to the dedication of our nearly 2,000 American employees and the strength of the two-step distribution process that helps us deliver innovative, reliable firearms to consumers.”

The Firearms Manufacturer of the Year award was presented during the NASGW Expo and Annual Meeting in Grapevine, Texas.

For more information about the extensive line of award-winning Ruger firearms, visit Ruger.com, Facebook.com/Ruger, or Instagram.com/Rugersofficial. To find accessories for Ruger firearms, visit ShopRuger.com or your local independent retailer of Ruger firearms.

Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. (NYSE: RGR) and Magpul Industries Corp. are proud to announce that the RXM pistol has been awarded both Best New Handgun and Best New Overall Product at the 2025 NASGW-POMA Caliber Awards.

The RXM pistol is the result of a tremendous collaborative effort between Ruger and Magpul, combining Ruger’s long-standing reputation for producing rugged, reliable firearms with Magpul’s innovative design and accessory expertise. Launched in 2024, the RXM is a modular, polymer-frame striker-fired 9mm pistol developed to meet the evolving needs of modern shooters, offering maximum flexibility and customization.

“We’re honored that our peers in the industry have recognized the RXM with these awards,” said Shawn Leska, Senior Vice President of Sales & Product Strategy at Ruger. “This project was a true collaboration between Ruger and Magpul, and the result is a pistol platform we’re incredibly proud to bring to market. The RXM reflects the innovation and dedication of both teams, and we’re excited to see it resonate so strongly with the shooting sports community.”

The annual NASGW-POMA Caliber Awards honor the highest caliber new products in seven product categories. Winners are chosen by an independent panel of 18 industry professionals, including wholesalers and media members, who keep a pulse on the latest product trends and innovations. This unbiased approach ensures that the most deserving products are recognized.

This year, NASGW members met on October 14 in Grapevine, TX, at the Annual Awards Dinner and Reception for the presentation of awards.

Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. (NYSE: RGR) and Magpul Industries Corp. are proud to announce that the RXM pistol has been awarded both Best New Handgun and Best New Overall Product at the 2025 NASGW-POMA Caliber Awards.

The RXM pistol is the result of a tremendous collaborative effort between Ruger and Magpul, combining Ruger’s long-standing reputation for producing rugged, reliable firearms with Magpul’s innovative design and accessory expertise. Launched in 2024, the RXM is a modular, polymer-frame striker-fired 9mm pistol developed to meet the evolving needs of modern shooters, offering maximum flexibility and customization.

“We’re honored that our peers in the industry have recognized the RXM with these awards,” said Shawn Leska, Senior Vice President of Sales & Product Strategy at Ruger. “This project was a true collaboration between Ruger and Magpul, and the result is a pistol platform we’re incredibly proud to bring to market. The RXM reflects the innovation and dedication of both teams, and we’re excited to see it resonate so strongly with the shooting sports community.”

The annual NASGW-POMA Caliber Awards honor the highest caliber new products in seven product categories. Winners are chosen by an independent panel of 18 industry professionals, including wholesalers and media members, who keep a pulse on the latest product trends and innovations. This unbiased approach ensures that the most deserving products are recognized.

This year, NASGW members met on October 14 in Grapevine, TX, at the Annual Awards Dinner and Reception for the presentation of awards.

PARK FALLS, WIS. (October 16, 2025) – St. Croix has handcrafted the BEST RODS ON EARTH in the upper Midwest since 1948. Today, however, St. Croix is more than the premium American fishing rod manufacturer it’s been for the past 77 years. St. Croix is an angler-driven family of brands including St. Croix Rod, SEVIIN Reels, St. Croix Fly, Rod Geeks, and the St. Croix Factory Store.

“Our brands are distinct but connected by the common mission of delivering better fishing experiences for all anglers,” says St. Croix Vice President of Marketing, Jesse Simpkins. “It’s what we call our Upper-Hand Promise. It places anglers at the center of our decision making and drives every product we develop and bring to market.”

Headquartered in Park Falls, Wisconsin, St. Croix of Park Falls LLC is the parent company to the St. Croix Family of brands.

St. Croix Rod has been handcrafting the Best Rods on Earth for nearly eight decades. Combining state-of-the-art manufacturing processes, skilled craftsmanship, and the best angler service in the industry, St. Croix is the only major producer to still build rods entirely from design through manufacturing. The company remains family-owned, owning and operating duplicate manufacturing facilities in Park Falls and Fresnillo, Mexico. With popular trademarked series such as Legend®, Avid®, Premier®, Imperial®, Triumph® and Mojo, St. Croix is revered by all types of anglers from around the world. stcroixrods.com

Wherever and however you fish, the reel in your hand should help create better experiences. Born from St. Croix Rod’s seven decades of design and manufacturing expertise, industry-leading customer service, and unbroken private ownership by the Schluter family dating back to 1977, SEVIIN reels are meticulously engineered and purpose-built to help anglers conquer every species on every piece of water on the planet. SEVIIN focuses on reels and reels only, designing and marketing products that improve the angling experience, regardless of the rods anglers choose. Seven seas, seven continents, seven days a week, SEVIIN reels are fueled by a collective love of fishing surpassed only by a passion to deliver the most reliable reels on the water. seviinreels.com

Heber City, UT – October 2025 — Dead Air Silencers has been named the 2025 NASGW Award winner for Accessory Manufacturer of the Year during the Expo and Annual Meeting held in Grapevine, Texas. The honor was presented Tuesday evening as part of the 9th Annual NASGW Awards, which celebrate the best new products in the shooting sports industry.

Presented jointly by the National Association of Sporting Goods Wholesalers (NASGW) these awards recognize innovation, engineering, and impact across seven product categories—rifle, handgun, shotgun, ammunition, optic, accessory, and suppressor—with one overall best new product selected from the finalists.

Winners are determined by an independent panel of 18 seasoned industry professionals, representing a combined wealth of experience from media and wholesale sectors. These judges evaluate hundreds of new products each year, identifying those that truly advance performance, quality, and design in the firearms and outdoor markets.

Dead Air’s selection as Accessory Manufacturer of the Year underscores the company’s relentless pursuit of performance and precision—principles that have defined the brand since its founding. With a “never settle” philosophy driving every product design, Dead Air continues to push boundaries in suppressor technology and firearm accessories that deliver unmatched sound suppression, strength, and shooter confidence.

“This recognition speaks to the discipline and craftsmanship that define our team,” said Ernie Beckwith, CEO of Dead Air Silencers. “From concept to execution, we hold ourselves to the highest standards of innovation and performance across every product we produce.”

Milner, GA (October 16, 2025) – Any type of machinery is subject to malfunction, but the leading cause is a lack of maintenance. Ranew’s Outdoor Equipment (ROE) proudly builds all its products to provide rugged, reliable performance, but once they leave its ISO 9001:2015 certified Milner, Georgia plant, it’s up to the owners to ensure that the products continue to work at peak performance. 

The Elements

Sun, rain, and neglect are among the worst enemies of equipment. Firminator implements should have a designated shelter to protect them from the elements when not in use. It’s okay to leave them outdoors briefly between uses, but owners should consider covering the units with a tarp or canvas. Even on the nicest days, harmful UV rays can accelerate aging of the durable powder coat finish and rubber tires (on Firminator ATV Model), requiring more frequent maintenance. On the bad days, moisture in the form of rain, snow, and even fog can collect on the machine, eventually leading to rust and corrosion. Furthermore, heavy or steady precipitation can wash protective lubricants from the seed cups, requiring more frequent lubrication.

Groundbreaking

Before initial use or after a lengthy break, operators should thoroughly inspect all moving parts to ensure they are properly lubricated and in good working order. A maintenance checklist can be very helpful in tracking this. After that, occasional cursory inspections and cleaning of excess dirt and dust with a hose or power washer are advised. Fine particulates can collect moisture, leading to rust, or work their way into moving parts. 

North Kansas City, MO (October 16, 2025) – The Meat Stick pump shotgun series is designed for the local pond pounders and big water duck hunters. Rugged, reliable, and ready, it’s everything the waterfowler needs to bring home the birds. Cloaked in camo and available in three game-getting gauges, Akkar USA’s Meat Stick is a trusted “grocery getter.”

The shotgun features a 28” barrel with five extended choke tubes. Extended tubes make swapping between constrictions a breeze. By doing so, hunters can tailor shot patterns to the target and conditions. With a versatile chambering of 2 ¾” to 3” on the 20-ga and 28-ga and an impressive 2 ¾” to 3 ½” on the 12-ga, this shotgun is ready to tackle a variety of waterfowl loads. 

The Meat Stick shotgun is equipped with a standard-length magazine tube and holds five 2.75-inch shells. However, with the plug installed, it complies with migratory bird hunting regulations, creating a maximum capacity of 2 + 1. 

Akkar USA takes safety seriously. The Meat Stick features a reliable and familiar cross-bolt safety conveniently positioned on the trigger guard for quick access when the birds are within range. 

Utilizing Mossy Oak Shadow Grass Blades camouflage, the Meat Stick blends seamlessly into wetland environments and gives hunters the edge to outsmart wary waterfowl. 

Grapevine, TX (October 13, 2025) – Akkar USA is proud to announce its first attendance at the NASGW Expo and Annual Meetings, which take place October 15th –17th in Grapevine, Texas, at the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center. Attendees are invited to visit Booth #117 to explore the latest shotguns from Akkar USA and a showcase of new favorites.

Founded in Istanbul in 1985, Akkar has grown into a global brand, bringing durable, reliable, high-performance firearms to American consumers. Akkar USA offers an impressive lineup of over/under, pump, and side-by-side models, delivering the ultimate shooting experience. With innovative designs that prioritize reliability and safety while remaining faithful to our hunting and shooting heritage, Akkar USA shotguns are built for those who demand reliability in the field, at home, and at the range.

This year’s exhibit allows attendees to explore new releases and speak with the Akkar USA team. Booth #117 will be a must-see stop on the show floor for hunters, sport shooters, distributors, and fans of fine craftsmanship.

For more information, please visit https://www.akkarusa.com.

About Akkar USA:

EDGEFIELD, S.C. — The Michigan NWTF Beard and Spurs Chapter recently hosted its 30th Annual JAKES Day for youth with disabilities — a group that often lacks opportunities to try outdoor shooting sports or fishing unless someone makes them available.

“It was a perfect day,” said Dave Potter, NWTF Beard and Spurs Chapter president. “Some of the special education teachers reached out to me and said it was such a great event for their students. Everyone caught a ton of fish, and the kids always think that’s the greatest thing because a lot of them have never been fishing before.”

This year’s event welcomed more than 50 children with physical and learning disabilities to participate in four outdoor stations: fishing, archery, slingshot shooting and an interactive and educational wild turkey food activity.

Students learned about what wild turkeys eat and who their natural predators are. To put their knowledge to the test, they played a relay game, using spoons to scoop rubber insects, nuts, beads and pom-poms out of bowls that were spaced out between pictures of predators such as skunks, snakes, owls, bobcats, coyotes or raccoons. Whichever relay team was able to collect the most food from the bowls won the game.

Potter and his committee also invited 15 National Honor Society students from St. Regis Catholic School to volunteer and work with the young attendees. For a lot of them, it was their first time trying activities like fishing and archery, so they were able to try each of the stations themselves.

SEVR broadheads introduces the new Ti X Series, engineered specifically for today’s high-performance crossbows. The SEVR Crossbow X Series features a stronger, wider base that increases impact strength and a offers a smooth transition to crossbow arrow diameters —enhancing both durability and flight precision.  Available in two models—the four-blade Ti 1.75 Hybrid X and the two-blade Ti 2.0 X—each is designed for deep penetration, field point-accurate flight, and large wound channels at any speed.

The Ti 1.75 Hybrid X combines a 1.75” rear-deploying main blade with a 0.75” fixed bleeder, delivering a 2.5” total cut—40% more than the original. For those seeking maximum entry and exit wounds, the Ti 2.0 X brings SEVR’s largest cutting diameter with a 2.0” dual-blade design for pass-through power and heavy blood trails.

Both broadheads feature a one-piece machined titanium ferrule, precision-ground tip, and diamond-honed stainless-steel blades. The SEVR patented Lock-and-Pivot feature provides a straighter arrow path when encountering bone, while the Stretch Cut effect creates wound channels larger than the blade itself. The Practice Lock allows hunters to train with the same head with which they’ll hunt— boosting shot confidence in the field.

Features:

Available only at www.sevrbroadheads.com

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. – October 8, 2025 – SK Guns®, the Nation’s only series-driven, limited-edition manufacturer of custom firearms, is proud to announce the release of the ‘San Judas’ Colt 1911, the third installment in its Saints series. This limited-edition firearm is restricted to 500 units, each chambered in .38 Super and individually numbered.

The ‘San Judas’ model pays homage to Saint Jude, the patron saint of lost causes, through intricate design elements that reflect his significance. The left and right sides of the slide feature engraved doves symbolizing the Holy Spirit, encircled by flames representing Pentecost. Columba flowers, chosen for their resemblance to doves, adorn the slide, with each stem bearing seven blossoms to signify the Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit. An elegant 24k gold scroll with deep shading further enhances the slide’s aesthetic.

“Culturally, San Judas Tadeo embodies the blending of traditional Catholic faith with contemporary Mexican expressions of identity and resilience,” said Simon Khiabani, owner and founder of SK Guns. “He is a powerful symbol of faith, protection and solidarity in Mexican culture. We are proud to honor San Judas not only as a saint, but a representation of perseverance, compassion and divine aid in life’s most difficult struggles.”

Atop the slide, an engraving depicts Saint Jude holding his staff and a medallion bearing the face of Jesus, with a flame above his head and a Columba flower envisioned as a dove with open wings. The back right panel of the slide displays the special edition number within a designed scroll, while the left side features the Mandylion of Edessa, a linen towel said to have retained Christ’s features from the sweat of his brow.

The firearm’s frame, slide, barrel and hardware are highly polished, with select areas and controls plated in 24k gold, set against a deep Colt Royal Blue finish. Completing this historical masterpiece are Green Pearl Kirinite grips and the iconic Rampant Colt in gold.

(MANSFIELD, TEXAS) – Sightmark proudly announces the release of the Minishot M-Spec M1 V2, a next-generation red dot sight built to surpass the performance of the original Mini Shot Pro M1. Designed for shooters who demand rugged reliability, speed, and adaptability, the M1 V2 delivers significant upgrades in durability, battery efficiency, and operational technology.

While the original Mini Shot Pro M1 set a high bar for compact reflex sights—earning its place among law enforcement officers and competitive shooters—the new M1 V2 pushes even further. With Shake Awake technology now standard, the V2 activates instantly with motion and conserves battery during inactivity, eliminating the need for timed shutdowns. Compared to the M1’s 300–30,000 hour runtime, the M1 V2 delivers up to 50,000 hours, depending on settings—over 60% longer on the lowest setting.

The M1 V2 also introduces a dual reticle system, featuring a 3 MOA dot and a 32 MOA circle for faster target acquisition across a variety of engagement distances. Built from durable 6061-T6 aluminum and rated IP67 waterproof and 5-foot drop tested, the optic maintains the toughness of its predecessor but sheds the steel shield for a lighter, sleeker profile.

Additional features include a top-mounted CR1632 battery for quick changes without unmounting, Docter/Venom footprint compatibility, and included high and low mounts for rifles, shotguns, or pistols. Eleven brightness levels, including two night vision settings, ensure the reticle is always visible—day or night.

Visit Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube to learn more about Sightmark® products.

Lake Worth, FL (October 6, 2025) – Tigress Outriggers & Gear, a leader in premium fishing and marine equipment, continues to raise the bar in innovation and functionality with its complete line of rod holders, including Mate Series Combination Rod & Cup Holders and the new screwless rod holders. Both deliver boaters a clean, efficient, and reliable rigging experience, and they will be front and center at the upcoming International Boat Builders’ Exhibition & Conference (IBEX), October 7–9, 2025, at the Tampa Convention Center.

The Mate Series Combination Rod & Cup Holders have quickly become a favorite among boaters and anglers for their ability to streamline deck layouts without sacrificing utility. Instead of drilling two separate holes, one for a cup holder and one for a rod holder, Mate Series consolidates both functions into a single, innovative design. The result is fewer cutouts, a cleaner look, and a more organized deck that is easier to maintain over time. Beyond aesthetics, the design offers real-world benefits. Anglers can quickly swap a drink for a rod the moment a fish strikes, keeping the action moving without missing a beat.

Equally noteworthy is the Tigress screwless rod holder line. These holders deliver the same robust performance Tigress is known for, with an added focus on cosmetics and installation ease. By eliminating visible screws, these holders provide a seamless, polished appearance that complements today’s premium boat designs. With durable, marine-grade construction, Tigress rod holders are built to withstand the harshest conditions while delivering long-term reliability.

To further support boaters and builders, Tigress has developed detailed installation videos that walk users through the process of mounting and using its products. These resources ensure confidence and precision during installation, helping customers get the most out of their investment.

At IBEX 2025, Tigress Outriggers & Gear will display these innovations alongside its extensive lineup of outriggers, kite fishing accessories, and other high-performance marine products. IBEX is North America’s largest technical marine event, bringing together professionals from across the industry to experience the latest advancements in boat-building and rigging technology.