ICYMI: Industry News From July 18 — July 24, 2026
Smith & Wesson Expands M&P15 Line with New AXE Pistol in .300 Blackout
The new M&P15 AXE Pistol, is the latest addition to the Smith & Wesson M&P15 platform.
Designed with suppressed shooting in mind, the M&P15 AXE Pistol leverages Gemtech’s GVAC direct impingement gas system. This purpose-built technology streamlines gas flow through the platform, helping reduce excess gas exposure and delivering a more premium shooting experience to the user.
Chambered in .300 Blackout, the M&P15 AXE Pistol ships with a 30-round magazine and features an Armornite-finished 8-inch 5R-rifled barrel with a 1:7.5-inch twist rate. Other key features include a 5/8×24 threaded barrel, a 7-inch Midwest Industries Combat M-LOK free-float handguard, and an enhanced bolt carrier group. The pistol also utilizes a Radian Raptor™ ambidextrous charging handle, is equipped with ambidextrous controls, features an M&P pistol grip, and comes fitted with a Magpul BTR arm brace.
The M&P15 AXE Pistol is designed for reliable performance across a wide range of applications and is backed by Smith & Wesson’s Limited Lifetime Service Policy. For more information, visit smith-wesson.com.
Remington’s Core-Lokt Tipped in 7mm Backcountry Now Available
Remington Ammunition added the award-winning 7mm Backcountry hunting cartridge to its Core-Lokt Tipped product line as a new product for 2026. The 7mm Backcountry high-performance cartridge uses the proprietary Peak Alloy case technology to deliver high velocities from shorter barrels, making it ideal for hunting with suppressors. The new Core-Lokt Tipped 175-grain load is currently shipping to dealers nationwide.
For more information on Remington ammunition and special offers, visit remington.com.
PROOF Research Expands PXT Barrel Line with New Competition Barrels, Pre-Fit Options and Caliber Offerings
Among the newest additions to the PXT lineup are steel competition blanks, engineered to deliver the consistency and performance required by today’s precision rifle competitors. Available in .224, .243, .257, .264 and .308 calibers, the new steel competition blanks offer premium steel barrel options featuring PROOF Research’s innovative PXT technology.
PROOF Research has also expanded its PXT pre-fit barrel lineup with new offerings for Impact Precision and Terminus actions. Available in both carbon fiber and steel configurations, the new pre-fit barrels include a range of today’s most popular chamberings, including .223 Rem., .22 Creedmoor, 6 ARC, 6 Creedmoor, 6 GT, 6 Dasher, 25 Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC, 7 Backcountry, 7 PRC, .308 Winchester and .300 PRC, depending on platform and barrel configuration. These additions provide shooters with more options to pair PROOF’s PXT technology with leading custom rifle actions.
Further expanding the lineup, PROOF Research has introduced new .243- and .257-caliber carbon fiber bolt barrel blanks, extending PXT compatibility to additional cartridge options. PROOF Research also expanded its AR-type carbon fiber barrel offerings with new configurations in .300 Blackout and .308 Winchester, as well as new AR-type steel barrel offerings in .223 Wylde, .300 Blackout, and 6.5 Creedmoor.
For more information about Proof Research, visit ProofResearch.com.
BlackPoint Tactical Introduces the New Concealed Duty Holster
Available in both standard and weapon light-compatible configurations, the Concealed Duty Holster provides the security of an active retention system in a streamlined, highly concealable outside-the-waistband design. Whether carried by plainclothes officers, executive protection professionals, armed security personnel, or responsibly armed citizens seeking additional firearm retention, the CDH offers retention without the bulk typically associated with duty holsters. The CDH launches with compatibility for the Glock 17 and the 19/45 with TLR-7 and TLR-7 HLX but other models are soon to follow.
For more information visit BlackPoint Tactical.
Federal’s Newest Addition to Power-Shok Handgun Hunting Line is Now Shipping
The new addition is a 45 Colt, 235-grain jacketed hollow-point (JHP) load.
he new 45 Colt, 235-grain JHP load is designed to deliver reliable expansion and penetration from a handgun-length barrel, as well as from lever-action rifles. And it is suited for a variety of medium and big game. It is loaded using reliable Federal brass and quality primers to provide consistent ignition and accuracy in the field.
For more information on all Federal products visit federalpremium.com.
