Author: news

Denver Water says Antero Reservoir will close to recreation in 2026 as part of its drought response, with water from the Park County reservoir set to move to Cheesman Reservoir in the coming weeks. The utility now lists May 13 as the last day for public recreation access at Antero. The move comes as Denver Water tries to hang onto water in a year with historically low snowpack and runoff. Denver Water said that Antero has the highest evaporation-to-storage ratio in its system, and shifting that water to Cheesman could save about 5,000 acre-feet, roughly 25% of Antero’s storage capacity,…

Berryville, AR — Wilson Combat is proud to announce the immediate acquisition of the Guncrafter Industries brand and assets, bringing together two of the most respected names in American custom firearms manufacturing. This strategic acquisition unites decades of innovation, precision engineering, and uncompromising craftsmanship under one banner while preserving the distinct heritage that defines each brand. Founded by Bill Wilson, Wilson Combat has built a global reputation for producing world-class 1911 pistols, premium defensive firearms, and high-performance accessories trusted by professionals and enthusiasts alike. Guncrafter Industries, founded by Alex Zimmermann, is widely recognized for its pioneering development of the .50…

Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va. — In a pivotal step for infantry modernization, the Marine Corps has successfully completed Initial Operational Test and Evaluation (IOT&E) and the early capability release of the Organic Precision Fires-Light (OPF-L) system. Managed by the Program Manager for Ground Weapons Systems (PM GWS) at Portfolio Acquisition Executive Marine Corps (PAE MC), the OPF-L gives infantry battalions a significant advantage through organic precision strike power. With features like waypoint navigation and target-locking, Marines can guide the munition to its target while maintaining full situational awareness. This allows battalions to strike beyond the enemy’s threat range and…

The wind changed directions and clouds quickly blocked out the sun. A storm was descending on my Vail Pass backcountry zone as a partner and I approached an exceptionally windy ridgeline. I stopped and ripped out my hardshell — Stio’s Objective Pro Jacket.  A weird rain came next, followed by thick, fluffy snowflakes intermingled with blasts of wind. With the Objective Pro’s hood up, my layering system was impenetrable. I was warm despite what the weather was doing outside. I was able to stay out in the storm for lap after lap, harvesting the new fallen snow in relative comfort. …

Beretta Launched Training Gear at NRAAM 26 I got a chance to look at Beretta’s new Training Gear Collection during last week’s NRA Annual Meeting & Exposition in Houston. Developed in collaboration with elite shooters to enhance performance on the range and in competition, the line is moves with the body, manages moisture thanks to fabric selection, reinforced seams, and four-way stretch systems. Collection Highlights: Sonoran Softshell Vest (MSRP: $179)Wind- and water-resistant construction with Beretta Wind Resistant (BWR) membrane, soft microfleece interior, and DWR-treated exterior for enhanced moisture protection. Features include large zippered pockets, adjustable drawstring hem, and rear ventilation…

The White Mountains in New Hampshire only reach a maximum height of 6,288 feet, an elevation far below famous American peaks like Mt. Whitney (14,505) and Mt. Rainier (14,417). And yet, despite its lower elevation, this mountain range is among the deadliest in the country. Last week alone, six people had to call search and rescue. Unpredictable weather, rugged trail conditions, and unprepared hikers frequently combine here with life-threatening consequences. Recent Rescues The nascent spring season in the White Mountains this year has already prompted several emergency rescues. According to the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department (NHFGD), on April…

TOPS is known for many things, but one of their more recent claims to fame is the annual employee design challenge, which has resulted this year in the Sidekick Diver from Ana Espinoza. It must be fun to work at a knife company, particularly one like TOPS which lets everyone get in on the action. The employee design challenge opens the door for TOPS crew members – no matter their official role – can take a crack at knife design, with the winning design brought into actual production and sale. This year’s winner comes to us from an Espinoza –…

New M-LOK Accessories from Magpul Magpul showed off their new M-LOK Accessories at the recent NRA Annual Meeting & Exhibition in Houston and I’ve got to say I’m looking forward to them. First up is the Index Stop, a low profile means to ensure a consistent grip, time after time. Next is the Short Vertical Grip. It’s a bit more substantial than the Index Stop and can assist with recoil management. I saved my favorite for last. The Thumb Shelf works like a gas pedal on a pistol. It keeps your thumb forward and offers a solid point to get…

I’ve toured Seek Outside’s Grand Junction, Colo., headquarters, where the brand not only makes gear but also tests it, hunting and backpacking on the Western Slope. I’ve tested much of its gear as well, and every time it seems to raise the bar. Seek Outside’s newly revised Cimarron 2.0 continues the company’s tradition of consistently topping my “If I could only have one…” list. The Cimarron can effectively be several different tents in one. The 2.0 version is tauter, more secure in high winds, and more feature-rich than its predecessor. Still, I wanted to see how well this one-size-fits-all tipi…

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Army today announced the implementation of the new Combat Field Test (CFT), a major update to its physical readiness program designed to align fitness standards with the demanding realities of modern combat. Implementation will begin in April 2026. The CFT is required annually for active-duty Soldiers serving in 24 designated combat military occupational specialties. “The Combat Field Test is a critical step forward in ensuring our Soldiers serving in the most physically demanding specialties have the specific fitness required to dominate on the modern battlefield,” said the Secretary of the Army Hon. Dan Driscoll. “This is…