** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
From 115 grs. to 147, round-nose FMJs to hollow points and flat points, Aguila Ammunition’s five offerings in 9 mm Luger run the gamut, and provide shooters with variety and value. Most of the ammunition is best suited for range use, but shooters will find that despite modest over-the-counter prices, Aguila cartridges exhibit consistent quality. Most people may not know that Aguila actually manufactures all components of its cartridges, save the propellant, and in addition to its facilities south of the border, Aguila is expanding its American operations in Texas. American Rifleman’s Joe Kurtenbach has had the opportunity to shoot a lot of Aguila’s offering, and offers his take in this week’s NRA Gun Gear of the week video.
In 2024, former owner Gregg Ritz purchased Thompson/Center Arms. Now the company has introduced a modern take on its classic Contender/Encore concept: the ENCORE PROHunter.
While it's certainly a saturated marketplace these days, the AR-15 has never been more popular with American firearm enthusiasts, and many manufacturers are continuing to feed the need with new options loaded with new features.
Like any hobby or pastime that is in any way even vaguely related to machines or technology, firearms attract a (possibly) disproportionate number of “right-brained,” STEM-oriented personalities who like numbers.
Slingshots are fun, but they can also be a legitimate backup defensive tool—in 2023, a 13-year-old Michigan boy saved his 8-year-old sister from being kidnapped by using a $3 slingshot to fire a marble and a rock at the assailant, striking him in the chest and head.
Over the years, Ruger has enhanced its LCP with the introduction of the LCP II and LCP Max. New for 2026, Ruger is offering a new version of the LCP Max with the addition of a Magpul Enhanced Handgun Grip.