Author: news

KommandoStore – Strelka Defender 2 Armor Vest The latest addition to KommandoStore’s high quality line of Strelka reproductions is the Defender 2 armor vest. Currently offered for preorder with delivery in January 2026, this is the vest created in response to lessons learned during the early 90s conflict in Chechnya. In fact, this model is based on the difficult to find Emerald version of the vest. The Defender 2 is available as a vest only or as a full kit. If you opt for the full bundle, they provide enough AK magazine pouches for a full “placard” loadout, so you’ll…

By Dave Merrill and Iain Harrison Back in 2019, Maxim Defense won RECOIL’s Best of SHOT award and also graced the cover of RECOIL Issue 41 when they released the PDX, a short 5.5-inch barreled PDW with an overall length of 18.75 inches and offered in 5.56mm, .300BLK, and — our favorite in this form — 7.62x39mm. Systems this small have been attempted before, but, importantly, the Maxim Defense PDX actually worked. They cracked the code.  When it comes to a gun that’s stubby and stashable while also chambered in a rifle caliber, the clandestine capability also comes with an…

There’s a reason why the AR-15 has earned the moniker “America’s Rifle.” The modularity and flexibility of the AR-15 means you can alter it to perform any number of tasks, from close-range, home-defense drills to shots out to 1,000 yards and beyond. This “jack of all trades” capability makes the AR popular, but the second part  of that “jack of all trades” phrase is “… and master of none.” This means that when it comes to AR-15s, a gun that is set up to work within 100 yards is going to struggle beyond 500 yards, and a gun that works…

Soldiers from 1st Battalian, the Royal Australian Regiment (1RAR), achieved gold at this year’s Exercise Cambrian Patrol, proving why they are Australia’s best. Wind howled through the Welsh hills as the Australian infantry section stepped off into darkness for the biggest challenge of their careers. Ahead lay unforgiving terrain, freezing water crossings and a gauntlet of combat scenarios to test the limits of endurance, skill and teamwork. Fresh from their Duke of Gloucester (DoG) Cup victory, the team had just over a week of rest before flying to London and travelling from there to Cardiff. After a crash course in…

ZeroTech Optics, a global leader in precision sporting optics, is proud to announce its attendance at CanCon 2025 Nov. 7-8 at the Clinton House Plantation in SC—the nation’s premier suppressed-shooting event. Known for innovation and rugged dependability, ZeroTech Optics will present its newest lineup of riflescopes, red dots, binos, and spotters—each designed to deliver unmatched clarity, precision, and durability in the field. ZeroTech Optics × SilencerCo × Disavowed Group × C3 Firearms At CanCon, ZeroTech Optics joins forces with SilencerCo, Disavowed Group, and C3 Firearms for a full-scale suppressed-fire demonstration.Shooters can experience the seamless pairing of ZeroTech’s optical precision with…

There are many ways for visitors to see and experience Italy: via train, car, or cruise ship. The best way, however, is by foot, and fortunately, there is an established trail that allows you to do just that. The Cammino di San Francesco (CDF), or Way of St. Francis, takes hikers from Florence to Rome on a culturally rich and naturally beautiful route that will help them see Italy in a whole new light. I did the Cammino di San Francesco in 2018, and made mistakes and got blisters, so you don’t have to. Learn all about this unique hike,…

When it comes to knives, variety is the name of the game. People are picky, myself included, so having options creates appeal. Over time, I have come to prefer certain materials over others, along with certain shapes and sizes. Suffice it to say, when I go hunting for knives, I know what I’m looking for. That being the case, I knew about the Vosteed Psyop; it’s been around for a few years. I never really had any interest in it. As much as I love the Elmax steel employed on its blade, the size and shape didn’t appeal to me.…

If you’ve always dreamt of becoming an intrepid Arctic explorer, good news: Fjällräven is opening up applications for its 2026 expedition to the Scandinavian Arctic. The brand will invite 20 people from all over the globe on the all-expenses-paid journey of a lifetime. Anyone can apply to participate until November 24. Fjällräven Polar Expedition Storied Swedish outdoor brand Fjällräven will take 20 individuals on a unique journey that spans 7 days — March 27 to April 2, 2026. The 186-mile route begins in Swedish Lapland and ends near the Norwegian fjords; the area is one of Europe’s largest permafrosts. Participants…

NEWINGTON, N.H., (November 5, 2025) – SIG SAUER, a leading manufacturer of advanced firearms, optics, and ammunition, is pleased to announce the recent approval and authorization of new parts and accessories for the M17 (full size) and M18 (compact) pistols as part of the U.S. Army’s Modular Handgun System (MHS) Program. This authorization simplifies procurement, enabling soldiers to order items directly through established military supply channels. The design of the SIG SAUER P320’s Fire Control Unit (FCU) allows the unique ability to modify the pistol to meet operational needs and Soldier preferences. Everything wrapped around the FCU is an adaptable…

Thinking of the winter sports fanatic in your life? Whether they’re skiers, snowboarders, ice climbers, fat tire cyclists, or just someone who likes walking along a snowy trail, everyone who plays in the cold needs winter gear to make it comfortable. But there are so many options out there — how do you choose the right gift? Here are some of our favorite gift ideas for winter gear and apparel, from down ponchos to ski goggles, puffy jackets, mittens, and more. They range in size and price, but they’re all functional gifts that offer that special someone plenty of use all…