The market for gun belts used to be a bit isolated, but in the last decade it’s exploded. I love it. I love competition, I love innovation, I love the fine art of capitalism. Ares Gear was kind enough to outfit the writers at Rendezvous 2026 with their Aegis Enhanced Belt. Since then, I’ve be...
Another thing I had a chance to try out while at the Athlon Outdoors Rendezvous this year was the Sub9 Suppressor from Rugged Suppressors. With the reduction of the Federal Tax Stamp to zero, there’s a lot of interest in suppressors, and they’re being sold in record numbers. While the...
Although the Athlon Outdoors Rendezvous is only two days, we managed to use the time wisely and packed in a lot of exposure to new products. One of the things I got to check out was the Dead Air Sandman-X suppressor. With the suppressor tax stamp being zeroed out, a lot more companies are jumping...
The USS Saratoga (CV-3) was one of just three United States Navy aircraft carriers—along with USS Ranger (CV-4) and USS Enterprise (CV-6)—to survive the entirety of the Second World War. Although outdated by 1943, as the newer and more capable Essex-cla...
I’m a fan of the 5.7x28mm round, but I had only ever used it in pistols and PDW-sized packages. That was until the Athlon Outdoors Rendezvous a couple of weeks ago. Amongst the many guns I got to check out was the Smith & Wesson FPC chambered in 5.7. This particular one was fitted with ...
How many ARs can a market take? We’ve been slowly run over by a wave of AR-15s at basically any budget price point. What can SIG do with the M400 Forge to stand out? That’s what I asked at Rendezvous 2026. The M400 series isn’t new, but it’s had several incarnations. The latest is the [&#...
As I write this, Athlon Outdoors Rendezvous 2026 has ended. My feet, throat, and body are sore, but I had an absolute blast. From the beautiful Brush Creek Ranch, we had the opportunity to not only shoot a variety of new guns but to speak with the guys behind the scenes who make our favorite [...
I attend many firearms-related events. Trips that take me around the country, and I’m eternally grateful for these opportunities. I get to do something I love and see and shoot tons of guns with ammo I didn’t have to pay for. They’re great events, but the Athlon Outdoors Rendezvous is w...