Author: news

When I got invited to tour the Kawasaki Motors Manufacturing Corporation (KMM), I was excited; I love factory tours. But I’ll be honest: Lincoln, Neb., isn’t known to be the most exciting of destinations, especially in February. My invite promised I’d meet former pro wrestler, Kawasaki spokesperson, and UTV racer Stone Cold Steve Austin. As Stone Cold famously says, “Oh hell, yeah.” Now I was really looking forward to Lincoln. A Manufacturing First in the USA In 1974, Kawasaki became the first foreign vehicle manufacturer to have an assembly plant on U.S. soil. What started as a relatively small factory…

Liz Derstine is a pianist and composer whose musical bona fides are as impressive as her accomplishments as a runner. She has two master’s degrees from the Longy School of Music. In 2020, she set the fastest known time (FKT) for the Appalachian Trail. She plays in concerts all over Massachusetts and New Hampshire. In 2024, she set an FKT on her thru-hike of the Kungsleden in Sweden. The list goes on. Last year, Derstine set out on the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), eyeing another FKT. The Mountain Hardwear athlete had wanted to do the PCT self-supported, faster than anyone…

Sometimes, a knife just looks different, unlike anything else in its class. When such a knife arrives on the scene it is almost automatically up for consideration for coverage here at KnifeNews HQ. Thus we present to you the Boker Plus Fafo, a tactical fixed blade with a style all its own. The Fafo is a collaboration piece, as many Boker Plus releases are; it comes from the mind of Robert Kohut, and according to Boker is one of those knives that originated as a knife forum fantasy before making it all the way to physical objecthood. It’s inspired by…

Dan Wesson Firearms today announced the launch of its newly redesigned website, marking a renewed commitment to the principles that have long defined the brand: Heritage, Craftsmanship, Precision, and Innovation. “Dan Wesson has always stood for quality above all else,” said Chris Sprangers, Director of Marketing for CZ and Dan Wesson Firearms. “This new website reflects who we are today while honoring where we came from. It gives our customers and dealers a clear look at the craftsmanship, precision, and innovation that define every firearm we build.” The redesigned platform delivers an elevated digital experience with streamlined navigation, refined product…

Spring is beautiful everywhere, but it hits different in the Midwest. After months of snow and bitter cold, temperate, sunny days in March and April are a true godsend. And thankfully, if you’re a hiker who’s been cooped up all winter in Minnesota, Michigan, or Indiana, the weather is finally good enough to hit the trails. I’ve been living in the Midwest for a decade. In that time, I’ve gathered up the best hikes in the region from my experiences and from friends and family. There’s something for everyone here, from the casual dayhikers who want a chance to swim…

Nashville, TN — March 9, 2026, ZeroTech Optics is proud to introduce the newest addition to the Vengeance lineup—the Vengeance HD 1–10×28 FFP LPVO. Designed for shooters who demand rapid close-range capability and confident precision at distance, this versatile optic is now available in both classic Black and Flat Dark Earth (FDE) finishes. Built for modern sporting rifles, the Vengeance HD 1–10×28 combines rugged construction, advanced optical performance, and a versatile reticle system to deliver exceptional performance across a wide range of shooting environments—from fast-paced competition to demanding tactical applications. Product pages:zerotechoptics.com/p/1-10×28-lpvo-rmg-l-illuminatedzerotechoptics.com/p/1-10×28-lpvo-rmg-l-illuminated-fde Key Features • First Focal Plane (FFP) RMG-L…

Sneak Peek Tracer Tactical – Lunger Harness Named after the infamous gunfighter, Doc Holiday, the Lunger is a new low-profile, minimalist chest rig from Tracer Tactical. These photos of are V2 Prototypes and are about 90% there. It’s combined with the Bino Placard which answers many complaints about other binoculars harnesses. The minimalist design is intended for comfortable sustained wear, low-vis operations and minimized printing. The design merges a Bino Harness style shoulder harness, eliminating the need for a back strap, and a tactical chest rig system that accommodates most placards on the market. According to Tracer Tactical, it will…

When it comes to home defense training, you have to train like you intend to fight.In 2013, I hunted with some American war fighters on the U.S. Army’s base in Hohenfels, Germany. That was an interesting experience—a story for another time—and it has nothing to do with home defense. However, while I was in Germany, I went to a Pond Training Academy. At that time, Pond was conducting some of the security at the gates to the Hohenfels Army base, and in the Pond Academy, they had a unique shooting range.That shooting range does have something to do with home…

By Richard Johnson Posted in #Guns Editor’s Note: The author received a Springfield XD Mod.4 pistol on loan from the company for the purposes of writing this review. I’ve always appreciated the Springfield Armory XD series for what it is: a simple, reliable and accurate 9mm pistol. While the original may have more than two decades under its belt, I appreciate a gun with a solid reputation for performance. That’s what the XD handgun is known for: being a dependable, no-nonsense striker-fired pistol. With the new XD Mod.4, Springfield is clearly taking that familiar foundation and bringing…

FORT CAMPBELL, Ky. — The 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) tested their ability to integrate unmanned aircraft systems to support ground forces during a live-fire exercise on March 12. “We are no strangers to innovation here on Fort Campbell,” said Brig. Gen. Travis McIntosh, deputy commanding general of operations for the 101st. “Drones are reshaping the geometry of the battlefield in real time and we must adjust. Distance and sanctuary no longer provide the protection they once did, and mass and speed of decision-making will increasingly be enabled by autonomy and AI. This event tested and proved these assumptions for…