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SHOT Show 26 – Crye Precision Announces New Airlink Knee & Elbow Pads

January 21st, 2026

Crye Precision has been working on a new knee and elbow pad system for a couple of years and has now launched the Airlink Combat Knee Pad, Field Knee Oad and Elbow Pad.

From Left to Right:

The Airlink Elbow Pad is molded from firm EVA foam to provide increased comfort and stability when shooting from the prone position. Its L-shaped cross section prevents the pads from rolling out from under the elbow, maintaining consistent contact and alignment. A flat exterior surface delivers a stable platform against the ground for improved shooting support.

The Airlink Field Knee Pad provides full-coverage protection for users who prefer an enclosed knee pad with extended shin coverage. Molded from durable EVA foam, it’s designed to absorb impact and redistribute pressure away from the kneecap for increased comfort on hard surfaces. The contoured shape enhances stability while kneeling and maintains a secure, comfortable fit during movement.

The Airlink Combat Knee Pad is molded from a single piece of flexible, durable EVA foam and shaped to distribute weight away from the kneecap while absorbing impact efficiently. Its contoured design is based on precision pressure mapping and extensive impact testing to maximize protection without sacrificing mobility. Engineered to perform like a performance running shoe, it provides joint protection in a lightweight, low-profile form.

Coming late 2026.

Posted in Advertiser, Clothing, SHOT Show | 1 Comment »

Mission First Tactical Guardian Duty Holster Earns NTOA Recommendation

January 21st, 2026

Horsham, PA – (January 19th, 2026) – Mission First Tactical(MFT) manufacturers of state-of-the-art, USA made rifle/carbine accessories and holsters, is proud to announce they have earned the prestigious National Tactical Officers Association (NTOA) members testing approval and recommendation for the MFT Guardian Duty Holster.

We are incredibly honored and humbled by this recognition, “said Bobby McGee Exec. Vice President Product Development & Innovation, Mission First Tactical. “We push the limits of retention by utilizing our instinctive locking system’s full containment technology. It maximizes strength and durability using magnetic and aerospace carbon fiber rod technology. “McGee goes on to say, “We designed and created a system that is safer, faster, and lighter for the frontliners that demand that out of their safety equipment. We proudly stand behind and support all officers, first responders, US Military and those who choose to run to, instead of from, critical situations.”

The NTOA Member Tested and Recommended Program has tested more than 3,000 products in real-world situations, since 2003, and is regarded by many law enforcement agencies as paramount to their product purchasing decisions.

Too many duty holsters sacrifice either speed or security, putting lives at risk. The MFT Guardian Duty Holster eliminates the need for that compromise, without impeding a master grip. This revolutionary design reduces the risks of gun grabs, foreign object and finger ingress, and optic bobble when drawing. The instinctive locking system and automatic optic hood reset offer consistent reholstering, giving officers the confidence they need while on duty. Backed by over 25 years of tactical experience and real-world feedback, it’s built for professionals who demand rapid access and reliable retention for every shift and every draw.

Posted in Advertiser, Holsters, Press Release | No Comments »

FN Expands 502 Series with California Compliant Offering

January 21st, 2026

(McLean, VA — January 20, 2026) FN America, LLC is pleased to announce the expansion of its .22LR offerings with the all-new California compliant version of the FN 502® MRD. Featuring a 10-round magazine and California compliant magazine disconnect, the new version of the FN 502 MRD meets requirements for sale in the Golden State and is officially on the roster for purchase.

Originally launched in 2021, the FN 502 lineup includes the FN 502 Tactical, the FN 502 MRD and now the California-compliant version of the FN 502 MRD. The series is purpose-built for all-day range days. It’s designed with a best-in-class, hammer-fired trigger for consistent accuracy; an industry-first, optics-ready slide; and proven, textured grip for complete control.

“The FN 502 platform was designed to give shooters a professional range-day shooting experience in a rimfire pistol, and now we have extended that opportunity to California residents,” said Dan Hines, Vice President Commercial and Law Enforcement for FN America. “The FN 502 delivers FN quality and reliability in a rimfire pistol that is great for training, plus cost-effective and fun to shoot.”

The hammer-fired FN 502, with its best-in-class single-action trigger, performs like a robust-style target pistol, delivering fast, accurate rounds on target with more versatility than any other rimfire on the market. It offers superior ergonomics inspired by the grip profile of the FN 509 family of pistols and delivers the perfect balance between slide and frame along with fully ambidextrous controls.

The FN 502 MRD shares the same optics mounting system as the Tactical model that was inspired by FN’s patented Low-Profile Optics-Mounting System™. Compatible with multiple micro red dot optics, users are able to swap out the MRD insert plates with integrated sights depending on their optic of choice and be ready for a fun-filled range day within minutes.

“When we first started the development of the FN 502 platform, our goal was to up the ante for quality and versatility in a new rimfire pistol, applying our expertise in factory milled optics-ready slides and professional-quality triggers,” said Chris Johnson, Senior Product Manager for Pistols for FN America. “With the FN 502 MRD we have a trustworthy, range ready .22LR pistol that’s perfect for training and now available for purchase in California.”

The FN 502 MRD ships with two 10-round flush-fit magazines along with the necessary plates to mount compatible micro red dot optics. Due to its similarity in muzzle and trigger guard dimensions to the FN 509, the FN 502 MRD will fit in most FN 509 holsters.

The pistol will debut in the FN Booth (Booth 12805) at the 2026 NSSF SHOT Show, January 20–23 in Las Vegas. To discover more about the California compliant version of the FN 502 MRD, please visit fnamerica.com/pistols/fn-502-series. To purchase any FN firearms, find an FN dealer near you at fnamerica.com/find-a-dealer.

Posted in Firearms, Press Release | No Comments »

GA-ASI Breaks Ground on a New Hangar in El Mirage

January 21st, 2026

SAN DIEGO – 18 January 2026 – General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) began construction January 14 on a new hangar at El Mirage Airfield in El Mirage, California. The new construction is in the high desert of Southern California adjacent to GA-ASI’s current Desert Horizon Flight Operations Facility.

GA-ASI plans to build nearly 85,000 square feet of new hangar space that will house and test GA-ASI’s latest Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA), the MQ-9B SkyGuardian®/SeaGuardian®. As part of the new construction, GA-ASI expects to dedicate space to support as many as a dozen new Certifiable Ground Control Station (CGCS), which are used to operate the RPA.

The groundbreaking event featured GA-ASI team members, as well as local dignitaries. Speakers included GA-ASI CEO Linden Blue, San Bernardino County Supervisor, Second District Jesse Armendarez, and Parkway Construction CEO Ryan Elmer. Parkway is leading the construction of the new hangar.

“Breaking ground on a new facility is always an exciting day for our company,” said GA-ASI CEO Linden Blue. “We continue to fill our order book for new MQ-9Bs, which represent the latest in RPA technology, so it’s important that we have the right team and facilities in place to build and test these important aircraft.”

Nations across the world continue ordering the class-leading MQ-9B, from the United Kingdom to Canada to several others. Last week, Germany became the latest with the purchase of eight SeaGuardians.

In addition to supporting RPA and CGCS development, the new hangar will feature three aircraft launch pads and four new gate terminals.

Posted in Aviation, Industry, Press Release, UAS | No Comments »

Safariland Releases New SafariMesh

January 21st, 2026

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Safariland® a brand of The Safariland Group, a leading global provider of safety products designed for the public safety, military, professional and outdoor markets and one of Cadre Holdings, Inc.’s (NYSE: CDRE) (“Cadre”) key brands, is excited to announce the launch of SafariMesh™, a next-generation communication device that enables dependable team communication in challenging operational conditions. SafariMesh which will be launching at the 2026 SHOT Show in Las Vegas, January 20-23.

SafariMesh™ provides secure, flexible communication without the need for towers, repeaters or centralized networks. Built on a self-forming, self-healing mesh network that automatically adapts as users move, the device allows teams to maintain reliable voice and data connections across complex terrain, buildings and large facilities.

“We are proud to introduce SafariMesh as a powerful new communications solution for operators working in the most challenging environments,” said Brad Medine, communications product category director for Safariland. “The goal was to create a solution that is easy to use, adaptable to different missions and dependable in the field.”

Designed for global use, SafariMesh supports flexible deployment and integrates seamlessly with Safariland’s Liberator headset series and other communications headsets. Its compact, rugged design allows for hands-free operation and intuitive one-button control, making it well suited for high-tempo and mission-critical operations.

Product Specs

Decentralized Mesh Network

Extended Range

Military-grade AES-256 Encryption

Global Spectrum Support: Operates on 1.8 GHz (EU) and 1.9 GHz (US)

Voice-activated transmission for clarity and efficiency

Low detectability and secure network formation

Up to 50 users and 4 simultaneous talkers

Compatible with Safariland Liberator and other communications headsets

200 hours of continuous operation on a single charge via standard USB-C

Automatically pair devices with the push of a button

Attendees at the 2026 SHOT Show can get a first-hand look at SafariMesh at the Safariland booth #11268 from January 20-23, 2026.

To explore Safariland’s extensive range of holsters and accessories, visit Safariland.com.

Posted in Comms, Press Release, SHOT Show | No Comments »

NP Aerospace and ITEN Defense Form Strategic Partnership

January 20th, 2026

NP Aerospace, the global armour manufacturer and vehicle integrator, has formed a strategic partnership with ITEN Defense, a US-based specialist in opaque and transparent armour technologies. The partnership brings together two highly complementary businesses to deliver an enhanced, locally supported specialist armour and survivability engineering offering to the US market, alongside selected wider global opportunities.

Over the last seven years, NP Aerospace has significantly expanded its global survivability and protection portfolio, establishing itself as a mid-tier defence business with a strong international footprint. The company provides turnkey survivability solutions across land, maritime, and aerospace platforms, underpinned by a comprehensive platform armour product range. This includes advanced composite vehicle armour systems, mission-specific platform protection kits, and a leading personal protection portfolio encompassing proprietary helmet shell technologies and high-end specialist ballistic plates designed to meet demanding military requirements.

ITEN Defense is a US-based armour manufacturing specialist with advanced materials processing and integration capabilities across both opaque and transparent armour. The company has built a strong reputation for process engineering expertise, rapid prototyping, and the delivery of high-volume, high-performance armour solutions optimised for US defence and law enforcement programs, with a particular focus on domestic manufacturing, quality assurance, and responsive customer support.

The partnership announcement, which coincides with SHOT Show in Las Vegas, USA, this week (20-23 January 2026), establishes a framework for both companies to explore joint manufacturing and market access opportunities. NP Aerospace and ITEN Defense will collaborate across a range of upcoming US platform armour opportunities spanning land, maritime, and aerospace domains. In parallel, the partnership will extend into personal protection programs for military customers and OEMs, combining NP Aerospace’s deep expertise in composite armour systems engineering, vehicle survivability, helmet shell and specialist body armour plate technologies with ITEN Defense’s advanced materials design and large-scale production capabilities.

James Kempston, Chief Executive Officer of NP Aerospace, said: “This partnership brings together the complementary strengths of both companies and reflects a shared intent to explore how, together, we can support our customers. By working with ITEN Defense, we are seeking to strengthen our US market access, enhance manufacturing resilience, and respond to increasing demand for locally supported high-performance protection solutions for military platforms and the individual soldier.”

Damon Walsh, Chief Executive Officer of ITEN Defense, added: “NP Aerospace is a highly respected partner in the global survivability and protection space and we’re looking forward to working closely with them to continue our collective tradition of protecting those in harm’s way. We’re proud to have established this partnership as it brings together two highly skilled and experienced businesses to improve market access for both parties while delivering best-in-class capability, innovation, and value to our customers.”

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Streamlight Launched the TLR-3X Rechargeable Weapon Light

January 20th, 2026

Lightweight, Multi-Fuel Light Provides Broad Fitment for Compact and Sub-Compact Handguns

EAGLEVILLE, PA, January 20, 2026 – Streamlight®Inc., a leading provider of high-performance lighting equipment, launched the TLR-3®X / TLR-3®X USB, designed to combine powerful performance with multi-fuel capability. The new light brings extraordinary brightness and beam distance to compact and select sub-compact guns and provides a practical and reliable gun light option to shooting enthusiasts.

The new light operates on either one CR123A battery or one Streamlight SL-B9® rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack. Weighing only 2.15 ounces with a disposable battery or 2.25 ounces with the SL-B9 battery, the TLR-3X is one of the narrowest offerings in the TLR product series, measuring at just 2.75 inches in length and 1.07 inches wide. Its high-power LED delivers 500 lumens and 6,500 candela over a beam distance of 161 meters. With an SL-B9 Li-Ion 850mAh USB-C rechargeable battery inserted, the run time is one hour; using a CR123A battery, the run time is 1.5 hours.

“The TLR-3X delivers everything in a sleek, compact design — a high-quality, multi-fuel light that produces 500 lumens. It combines rugged durability, and broad fitment for a wide range of handguns,” said Michael F. Dineen, President of Streamlight. “This new light is ideal for everyone, from beginners to seasoned shooting enthusiasts.”

Ready for use in seconds, the TLR-3X’s innovative, snap-on-and-tighten design ensures quick and safe installation and removal without placing hands in front of the gun muzzle. Rear switches to the left and right of the trigger guard provide ambidextrous operation. Offering both momentary and constant on operation, the light also features a user-activated strobe.

The TLR-3X is available in three models: 1913 model fits handguns equipped with standard 1913 rails (see Streamlight’s Fit Guide for current compatibility); 1913 Slim model to fit the Glock® 43X® MOS, 48 MOS, 43X®Rail, and 48 Rail, FN Reflex®, and FN Reflex® XL; and the P365 model, which fits the Sig Sauer® P365 and P365® XL (closed rail systems only – does not fit the P365® XMACRO). A reversible clamp system enables the 1913 model to fit short and standard railed handguns.

Manufactured from heat-resistant engineered polymer, the light also features a scratch-resistant BOROFLOAT®high-temperature glass lens. With live-fire tested, impact-resistant construction, the new light has an IPX7 rated design, making it waterproof to 1 meter for 30 minutes. The TLR-3X is also compliant with the Trade Agreements Act.

The TLR-3X comes with a single CR123A lithium disposable battery, while the TLR-3X USB model ships with a rechargeable lithium polymer battery pack; both models can accept either battery. The TLR-3X has an MSRP of $170.00 and the TLR-3X USB has an MSRP of $179.00. Both come with Streamlight’s Limited Lifetime Warranty.

Posted in Advertiser, Lights, Press Release, Weapon Accessories | No Comments »

Garmin Launches Xero L60i Laser Rangefinder

January 20th, 2026

Garmin unveils revolutionary Xero L60i laser rangefinder with superior optics, GPS and onboard mapping technology

Mark targets with Laser Locate and maneuver to them using high-resolution digital mapping, augmented reality and advanced navigation features for an immersive visual experience

OLATHE, Kan./Jan. 20, 2026/ Garmin (NYSE: GRMN) is taking laser rangefinding capabilities to new horizons with the Xero® L60i. This GNSS-enabled rangefinding monocular combines premium optics with advanced technology and state-of-the-art sensors for an unparalleled rangefinding experience. With Xero L60i, users get a sharp, bright view through augmented reality technology that overlays graphics in full color, including distance, maps, navigation and more—all while ranging targets out to 3600 meters through 7X magnification.

See the Xero L60i laser rangefinder in action

“Xero L60i is a groundbreaking rangefinder that pushes the boundaries of what’s possible for rangefinding technology. Combining superior optic quality, robust mapping and integrated navigation features like Laser Locate, Sensor Locate and Visual Recall, Xero L60i represents what Garmin does best – integrating revolutionary new technology with rugged devices – to give hunters, wildlife enthusiasts, researchers, SAR teams and more the tools they can depend on to enhance their outdoor experience.”
—Susan Lyman, Garmin Vice President of Consumer Sales and Marketing

The Xero L60i difference

The Xero L60i is the first and only laser rangefinder with onboard map-based GPS navigational capabilities and a high resolution, multi-color display overlaid into superior optics. This enables features such as:

Digital Mapping: View current and ranged locations marked on topographic mapping and use the Xero L60i to navigate to them.

Smart Integration: Waypoints can be shared to the Garmin Explore™ App on a compatible smartphone, then shared to a compatible Garmin handheld or wearable device using the Garmin Share functionality.

Laser Locate™: Leverage the range taken, along with compass heading and GPS coordinates, to project a waypoint on the display, then navigate to the waypoint through directional cues.

Sensor Locate: When the desired object is too far to range, built-in GPS, compass, inclinometer and mapping can calculate and project a waypoint of the intended target, allowing estimated ranges to targets several miles away.

Visual Recall: When moving to a new vantage point after ranging, use on-screen cues to steer your visual field back to a previously marked waypoint.

Superior optics

Purpose-built to give users the highest quality optical experience, Xero L60i features fully multicoated, low-dispersion glass, which provides razor-sharp optics with a flat field of view, accurate color fidelity and superior light transmission. The 32mm objective lens was intentionally chosen to provide a generous exit pupil, low-light performance, and superior field of view. During dawn or dusk use, an ambient light sensor automatically controls display brightness, ensuring the visual scene remains clear.

Precise long-distance ranging

Range animals to 2,775 meters and trees to 3,600. In optimal low-light conditions, the Xero L60i makes it possible to reach as far as 7,000 meters to retro reflective objects while achieving accuracy of +/- .25 meters under 1,000 meters and +/- 1 meter out to maximum laser-ranged distances.

Onboard ballistics

Get access to the onboard Applied Ballistics Ultralight™solvervia the AB Quantum app for all the data needed to make the perfect shot. Thanks to the GPS positioning, temperature, compass, and barometric sensors, the Xero L60i delivers an accurate ballistic solution for short- and long-range shooting, including the effect of Coriolis on the point of impact. Change profiles, setup target cards, and more, all with a few button taps. Archers will appreciate the all-new arrow ballistics solver, which provides details on angle compensated range, max arrow height, and the arrow entry angle at the target.

The Xero L60i is built to withstand the harsh outdoor conditions with an IPX7 water-resistance rating and runs on two AAA lithium batteries. See it on display at the Garmin booth, #10119, during SHOT Show 2026. It’s available now for $2,499.99.

Posted in Optics, Press Release, SHOT Show | No Comments »