By Chris Avena December has a way of slowing things down for most people. The holidays are in full swing, calendars start to clear, and the year begins to wind down. For me, however, this past December did anything but slow down. I found myself stepping inside one of the most iconic firearms manufacturing facilities in the world, the GLOCK plant, for an exclusive look at the launch of their highly anticipated GLOCK Gen 6 pistols.As someone who has spent years in the outdoor, hunting, and shooting sports industry, opportunities like this never lose their impact. GLOCK isn’t just another firearm manufacturer; it’s a brand that has helped define modern handgun design, reliability, and performance. Being invited behind the scenes to see where that legacy continues to evolve was both humbling and exciting.A Purpose-Driven EvolutionFrom the moment the conversation turned to the Gen 6 platform, one thing became immediately clear: this wasn’t change for the sake of change. Every update, every refinement, and every design decision was made with intent. GLOCK has always been known for engineering with purpose, and the Gen 6 pistols embody that philosophy at every level.Walking through the facility, speaking with engineers, product developers, and the people responsible for bringing these pistols to life, it was evident that the Gen 6 represents a thoughtful evolution, one rooted in real-world feedback from shooters across disciplines.Ergonomics That Lock In Your GripOne of the most noticeable advancements in the GLOCK Gen 6 pistols is the redesigned ergonomic frame. GLOCK has always prioritized simplicity and reliability, but with Gen 6, they’ve taken ergonomics to a new level.The frame now features a subtle palm swell, an extended thumb rest, and an enlarged beavertail, all working together to create a more intuitive and locked-in grip. When you pick up a Gen 6 pistol, it naturally guides your hand into a consistent shooting position. There’s no adjustment period, it simply feels right.This ergonomic redesign isn’t just about comfort. It’s about control, repeatability, and confidence. Whether you’re shooting on the range, training, or carrying professionally, those small enhancements translate into improved performance when it matters most.A New Gen 6 Grip TextureGrip texture is one of those details that often goes unnoticed, until it’s done exceptionally well. GLOCK’s Gen 6 grip texture combines two distinct textures into one unified surface, delivering the perfect balance between comfort and performance.The extended surface area allows for better contact without feeling abrasive during extended shooting sessions. It’s aggressive where it needs to be and smooth where it should be, offering consistent traction without sacrificing shootability.As someone who has handled countless firearms over the years, this stood out immediately. It’s a grip that works whether your hands are bare, gloved, or wet, something outdoorsmen and professionals alike will appreciate.Enhanced Slide Serrations for Confident ManipulationAnother refinement that deserves attention is the Gen 6 slide serrations. GLOCK has angled the serrations deeper into the slide, creating a more tactile surface for slide manipulations.This may seem like a small detail, but it makes a significant difference. Whether you’re performing a press check, clearing a malfunction, or manipulating the slide under less-than-ideal conditions, the improved engagement provides added confidence and control.It’s one of those updates that speaks directly to real-world use—especially for shooters who train hard and demand consistency from their equipment.The Flat-Faced Trigger: Familiar, Yet RefinedPerhaps one of the most talked-about features of the GLOCK Gen 6 pistols is the flat-faced trigger design, which now comes standard across the platform.While the trigger profile has been updated, GLOCK has remained true to what matters most: the Safe Action® System. The Gen 6 trigger maintains the same uncompromising safety and reliability that GLOCK is known for, while offering a more consistent and predictable trigger press.The flat-faced design promotes better finger placement and improved trigger control, particularly during rapid or repeat shots. Combined with the undercut trigger guard and reduced distance from the frame to the trigger, shooters can achieve a higher grip and an easier reach, benefits that accommodate a wide range of hand sizes and shooting styles.Designed for a Higher Grip and Better ControlThe undercut trigger guard on the Gen 6 pistols allows shooters to get their hand higher on the frame, which directly translates to better recoil management and faster follow-up shots. This design choice isn’t about aesthetics, it’s about performance.During my time handling the Gen 6 pistols, the higher grip position was immediately noticeable. The pistol feels planted in your hand, reducing muzzle rise and increasing overall control. It’s a design that benefits everyone, from seasoned professionals to new shooters looking to build confidence.The Gen 6 Optic Ready SystemModern shooters demand flexibility, and GLOCK has delivered with the new Gen 6 optic ready system. Designed to integrate seamlessly into the platform, this system allows users to mount optics with confidence, without compromising the pistol’s reliability or balance.Optics-ready pistols are no longer a niche option, they’re becoming the standard. GLOCK’s approach ensures that shooters can run their preferred optics while maintaining the rugged dependability the brand is known for.Touring the GLOCK FacilityBeyond the pistols themselves, touring the GLOCK plant was a reminder of why this brand has earned its reputation. Precision, consistency, and quality control are evident at every stage of the manufacturing process.Seeing the pistols assembled, tested, and inspected reinforced the idea that GLOCK doesn’t cut corners. Every Gen 6 pistol leaving the facility reflects decades of experience, innovation, and commitment to excellence.A Platform Built for the FutureThe GLOCK Gen 6 pistols represent more than just a new generation, they reflect GLOCK’s ability to evolve without losing its identity. The ergonomic advancements, improved grip texture, enhanced slide serrations, flat-faced trigger, and optic-ready system all come together into one cohesive platform engineered with purpose.As I left the facility in December, I couldn’t help but feel excited about what Gen 6 means for shooters, professionals, and enthusiasts alike. This isn’t a radical departure from what made GLOCK great, it’s a refinement of everything that already worked.Final ThoughtsBeing invited to the GLOCK plant for the launch of the Gen 6 pistols was an experience I won’t soon forget. It offered a rare glimpse into the thought process, engineering, and dedication behind one of the most trusted names in firearms.The Gen 6 platform is intuitive, refined, and purpose-built, exactly what today’s shooters expect from GLOCK. Whether you’re on the range, in the field, or relying on your firearm professionally, the Gen 6 pistols deliver confidence where it matters most.For GLOCK, Gen 6 isn’t just the next chapter, it’s a strong statement about where the brand is headed.Glock: Next Generation   

By: Ashley Holm  The outdoors has always been a place of healing, strength, and connection. Whether it’s in the field with a shotgun in hand or around a campfire swapping stories, the outdoor community is built on resilience and camaraderie. But even in these wide-open spaces, life has a way of reminding us that the toughest battles are not always against the elements. For many women who hunt, fish, and live for time outside, breast cancer is a reality that has touched their lives — either personally or through someone they love.Women in the outdoors are no exception when it comes to the impact of breast cancer. Behind the camouflage and waders are mothers, daughters, wives, and friends whose lives have been shaken by the diagnosis. While the field offers moments of escape and peace, the fight against cancer is often carried right alongside the shotgun. It’s in that space where awareness, support, and community matter most.That sense of community is what inspired the owner of Camp Co, Brendon Paden, to start this season’s project, “Blasting for Boobies”.A Word from Brendon:“I wanted to share something personal for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. A little over two years ago, my wife was diagnosed with stage 3C breast cancer at 27. She went through many rounds of chemo, radiation, and multiple surgeries — and through it all, she stayed strong and fought like hell. Last year, she was able to get back in the field in South Dakota and Minnesota and even harvested her first wild rooster. She’s doing great now and is back to living a healthy, active life — but we know so many others are still fighting. To raise awareness and help in a small way, I painted the barrel of one of my shotguns pink. For every bird taken with this pink gun, I will personally donate $1 to a breast cancer non-profit. I’ll be tracking donations through the end of the year. The gun will be used in Pennsylvania, Minnesota, and South Dakota, and will be used by a few different people.If you’d like a way to help spread awareness, we will be giving away FREE pink awareness stickers to put on your gear or gun. Message me your address and I’ll ship one out. I know times are tough for a lot of folks — but if you can spare a few bucks, please consider donating to a breast cancer organization of your choice. Every bit helps. Thanks for reading and for being part of this community. Together we can make a difference.”Stories like Brendon’s remind us of the strength and courage found in both the outdoors and in life’s hardest battles. They also show us the small but powerful ways we can contribute — whether it’s by sharing a story, carrying a pink sticker, donating to a cause, or simply showing up for one another.This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, let’s remember that it’s not just about hunting seasons or harvests. It’s about standing together as a community — hunters, anglers, adventurers, families — to support good people and a great cause. Because when we come together, we not only make the outdoors stronger, but we also make hope stronger.If you’d like to join in the fight by displaying the pink ribbon on your guns or gear this season, reach out to Brendon at info@campcogoods.com.

A message from: Dan Wolgin, CEO, Ammunition Depot There’s been a surge of speculation about rising ammunition prices, driven by new U.S. tariffs and concerns about international supply chains. Let’s put those fears to rest. At Ammunition Depot, we don’t foresee any meaningful effects in the near future from the tariffs, and here’s why.1. The U.S. Ammo Supply Chain Is Largely Domestic Most of our ammunition inventory comes from American manufacturers. That means we’re largely insulated from international trade disruptions. While tariffs may impact some imported goods, they have little to no bearing on the bulk of the U.S. ammunition market. Key reasons: ● Ammunition components materials like brass, lead, and powder are largely sourced and processed domestically. ● Ammunition is loaded and manufactured here in the U.S. ● Foreign ammunition is only a small percentage of our sales.So, while some headlines are causing anxiety, tariffs don’t move the needle for the core of this industry.2. Two Current Factors, Neither Driving Prices Antimony: A Marginal ComponentAntimony, a hardening agent used in bullet cores, is no longer being exported by China as of December 2024. But: ● On average, it makes up less than 2% of bullet composition. ● The U.S. can import it from Australia, Bolivia, and Turkey. ● It constitutes a tiny fraction of the total production cost of a bullet.This shift happened before the current tariff situation and is not driving pricing pressure today. Smokeless Powder: A Domestic Supply Concern There has been a domestic shortage of smokeless powder for over two years. It’s not an import issue, as most powder is produced in the U.S., but it could impact prices if the supply tightens further. So far: ● Prices for powder have recently risen by about 15% this year. ● Ammo prices haven’t moved, thanks to careful inventory management and domestic sourcing.Bottom line: it’s a known factor, but it hasn’t driven price increases yet.3. Manufacturers Have Tried to Raise Prices, and It Hasn’t Stuck Ammo producers have made several attempts over the past two years to raise prices. But in every instance, the market rejected those increases. Unless there’s a real, sustained shift in cost structures (which hasn’t happened yet), price hikes are unlikely to take hold. For the last year ammo prices have gone lower, not higher.4. The Real Threat? Panic Buying The only real risk to price stability is consumer-driven: panic buying. If fear over tariffs or other rumors triggers a run on ammo, it could lead to short-term shortages and price spikes. That’s not supply-chain driven, it’s behavioral economics at play. Stay calm. Stay informed. And buy smart.Conclusion: No Reason to be Tariff-ied Despite international tension and economic noise, the American ammo market remains strong, stable, and domestic. At Ammunition Depot, we’re monitoring the landscape closely, and we see no legitimate reason to expect a rise in prices driven by tariffs or supply chain issues. So no, you don’t need to be “tariff-ied.”