Winchester answered demand for lighter autoloading shotguns with its Super X4. At 6 lbs., 12 ozs., the newcomer shaves a quarter-pound and offers thinner pistol grip and fore-end dimensions than the predecessor SX3. The gun’s self-adjusting gas system cycles a wide range of loads and its Quadra-Vent porting diverts excess gases for clean operation. There are four model variations, all in 12 gauge and featuring 26" barrels. The base SX4 and Waterfowl Hunter, are chambered for 3½" shells and come with synthetic stocks, while the Field and Compact Field are dressed in walnut. Controls, such as the charging handle and bolt release, are large and easy to operate in damp weather and cold conditions. winchesterguns.com
CVA's mid-point Optima muzzleloader got a refresh in 2025, and this third-generation model offers a number of additional features while still remaining affordable.
Any survey of military firearms isn’t complete without also discussing the development of ammunition across this past quarter-millennium. From a conceptual standpoint, very little has changed.
Initially introduced in 2019 to the international military market in a select-fire format, the IWI Carmel is a modular, durable and thoroughly modern sporting rifle.
Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc. became the first Blue Diamond level sponsor of the Scholastic Shooting Sports Foundation (SSSF) in 2024 by supporting the youth shooting sports program with more than $75,000 a year.
KelTec has brought the stripper clip back with the thoroughly unconventional PR57—a carry pistol with an uncommon chambering, an unusual action and no box magazine.