ENDED: Enter to Win this +ONE℠ Whitetail Hunt Sweepstakes

For hunters across the country, September means the start of fall hunting seasons and preparations for the months ahead. Rifles and shotguns are coming out of storage, range trips are on the calendar and hunting gear is being readied for opening day. It also makes this a good time to check how your firearms are stored. Sept. 1–7 is Gun Storage Check Week^®, a nationwide reminder for firearm owners to review their secure storage practices and “Make Sure It’s Secure^®.” The September observance coincides with National Suicide Prevention Month, highlighting how secure firearm storage can help prevent unauthorized access, accidents, theft, misuse and suicide. As you prepare for hunting season, add a firearm storage check to your pre-season routine.

Check Your Firearms as They Come Out of Storage

Hunters may have rifles, shotguns and other firearms that remain stored for months between seasons. Before heading to the range or into the field, take some time to inspect both your firearm and how it has been stored. When firearms aren’t in use, they should be secured from children and other unauthorized individuals. Simply hiding a firearm in a closet, drawer or other location is not secure storage. Check your safe, lock box, cable locks and other storage devices to make sure they’re functioning properly. And when you return from a hunt, make secure storage part of your routine after cleaning and maintaining your firearm.

Consider What Has Changed Since Last Season

Your hunting firearms may be the same, but your household might not be. Children get older and more curious. Grandchildren may visit. Adult children come home. Family and friends may stay during hunting season. You may have moved or begun sharing a living space. That’s why firearm storage isn’t something you set up once and forget. There is no one-size-fits-all solution for secure firearm storage. Gun Storage Check Week is an opportunity to consider whether changes in your household or lifestyle mean it’s time to change how your firearms are secured.

Take a Moment to Check Your Storage Practices

For many hunters, firearms may spend months stored between seasons or travel between home, hunting camps, lodges and hunting destinations throughout the year. Gun Storage Check Week is an opportunity to ask a simple question: Are your firearms securely stored when not in use? There are a variety of storage options available, including:

• Cable locks
• Lock boxes
• Lockable firearm cases
• Full-size safes and cabinets

The right solution may vary depending on your household, the number of firearms you own and how frequently they are used. Learn more about safe firearm storage options.

Remember the Importance of “Time and Distance”

Gun Storage Check Week’s September observance coincides with National Suicide Prevention Month for an important reason. More than half of all firearm fatalities are suicide deaths. Securely storing firearms when they aren’t in use can create “time and distance” between a person experiencing a suicidal crisis and a lethal means. That time matters. It can allow immediate suicidal thoughts to pass and provide an opportunity for someone in crisis to seek support or for someone else to intervene. NSSF^® has worked for years with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide firearm owners and the firearm community with resources to help prevent firearm suicide. Hunters are part of that community. Looking out for the people we hunt with, shoot with and share camp with is another part of keeping one another safe. Remember 988. If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, call, text or chat 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Resources for veterans are available at VA REACH. An NSSF-AFSP suicide prevention toolkit is freely available to firearm retailers and shooting ranges.

Plan for Secure Storage While Traveling

Hunting season also means more time on the road. Whether you’re driving to a nearby hunting property or traveling across the country for a hunt, think about secure firearm storage before leaving home. If a firearm must be left unattended in a vehicle, take steps to secure it against theft and unauthorized access and keep it out of sight. A locked vehicle alone should not be considered adequate firearm storage. Also consider where and how you’ll secure firearms at your destination, particularly when staying at a hunting camp, hotel, rental property or shared lodging.

Make Secure Storage Part of Your Hunting Routine

Hunters spend considerable time preparing for a safe and successful season. We check equipment, confirm zeroes, review regulations, plan our hunts and make sure we’re ready before heading into the field. Secure firearm storage deserves a place on that checklist. Gun Storage Check Week takes place twice each year—June 1–7 during National Safety Month and Sept. 1–7 during National Suicide Prevention Month—but responsible firearm storage matters throughout every hunting season and all year long. Before your next hunt, take a few minutes to check how your firearms are stored, consider what’s changed since last season and make sure your current storage practices still meet your needs. Visit GunStorageCheck.org for secure storage information, home and vehicle safety guidance, suicide prevention resources, resources for veterans and other firearm safety programs. Make Sure It’s Secure.  

Engage With Safety Content, Enter Sweepstakes

Beginning Sept. 1, visitors to GunStorageCheck.org during Gun Storage Check Week can enter a sweepstakes for a chance to win a Lodestar Technology LNK9 Kit — a user-authorized 9mm firearm. The LNK9 features optional biometric fingerprint or PIN access, incorporated directly into the firearm to create an additional safeguard that complements secure firearm storage and safe handling.

If waterfowl hunting is on your bucket list—or if you’re ready to experience it like never before—this is the giveaway you don’t want to miss. North American Outdoorsman, in partnership with NSSF — The Firearm Industry Trade Association, is giving one lucky hunter and a guest the opportunity to experience a fully guided, world-class Saskatchewan waterfowl hunt from October 1–4, 2025 with Aurora Skies Outfitting. The total prize value is $4,990 USD, plus bonus hunting gear from top industry sponsors.   Located in one of the most productive flyways on the continent, Aurora Skies Outfitting delivers unforgettable waterfowl action, comfortable lodging and exceptional hospitality. Whether you’re a seasoned wingshooter or someone looking to take their first trip north, this is the perfect opportunity to chase ducks and geese in a setting known for its sky-darkening flocks and scenic prairie landscapes.

Don't miss your chance to win! This contest ends July 30th, 2025.

See Official Rules Here.

By Robert Sadowski The market for night-vision and thermal optics stays red hot, but red dots at LPVOs remain in the mix this year. Optics such as night vision and thermal are being offered by more brands, making these exotic optics more accessible to hunters. Some price points are still at nose-bleed heights because they are so feature rich the process is more like buying a computer than a scope. Other brands make owning thermal and night-vision optics for mere mortals easier. There still is a steep entry price, but once you go thermal it’s hard to go back. There is also no reason why you can’t put your pistol-buying customer in a red-dot optic. This year there are red-dot reflex sights at all price points. Enclosed emitter red dots (red-dot optics sealed from the elements) are making inroads with models at lower price points. LPVOs (Low-Powered Variable Optics) continue to be a strong presence in the riflescope market. Here are the details.

Apex Optics

Apex Optics' new VAPOR 1-4x22mm variable-zoom PRISM sight (SRP: $699-$799) is the first variable-zoom prism sight available on the market. Designed for tactical situations, competition, or anyone looking for cutting-edge innovation, precision, and durability, the VAPOR offers effortless zoom from 1X through 4X with a simple turn of the front zoom ring, similar to a traditional riflescope. It is compatible with Picatinny mounts for easy integration into any AR-style platform. A six-position illuminated, glass-etched reticle with off settings between each brightness level is built into a 30mm one-piece aircraft-grade aluminum tube. The new ION 1x25mm red-dot sight (SRP: $350) is designed for defensive and tactical pistol or AR platforms. The ION uses the RMSc footprint, so it is compatible with all RMSc mounts. Features include AutoSleep and JOLT-AWAKE technologies that automatically power down during inactivity and instantly reactivate with motion. There are 10 brightness settings, including two for night-vision use. Reticle options include a 6 MOA dot or a selectable three-position MRX reticle. The Edge BLACK 1-10×24 LPVO (SRP: $1,800) is now fully assembled and quality controlled in the USA and offers the same unparalleled performance as the original Japanese-made Edge 1-10×24. Check these out on: apexoptics.co

Barska

The NVD35 Night Vision Adapter (SRP: $549.99) transforms nearly any riflescope into a highly efficient night-vision system by attaching seamlessly to the ocular lens of most riflescopes. Equipped with a 1024×768 pixel OLED display, the NVD35 boasts a digital zoom range from 1X to 5X. The easy-attachment mechanism allows for quick installation and removal, making it highly adaptable for a variety of shooting scenarios. Check these out on: barska.com

Burris

The Fullfield riflescope line has a 50-plus-year reputation of proven performance, and for this year the Fullfield line has been redesigned with five magnification ranges and a variety of reticle options. The proprietary 4X zoom system offers performance in a compact scope, combined with simple Plex or more advanced MOA and BDC-based reticle options. The optional Burris Knob Synergy turrets elevate performance. Six new Fullfield models include a 2-8x35mm, 2.5-10x42mm, 3-12x42mm, 3-12x56mm, 4-16x50mm, and 6-24x50mm (SRP: $192-$600). Whether you're a hunter or a long-range shooter, the Fullfield lines offer value and performance. The new FastFire E (SRP: $420) is an enclosed emitter red-dot optic designed for a variety of platforms and to ensure reliable performance in any environmental conditions. Built with an aluminum body, the FastFire E is constantly powered on with a 60,000-hour battery life from one CR2032 battery that juices a red or green 3.5 MOA dot. Check these out on: burrisoptics.com

C&H Precision

The new COMP MAX (SRP: $339.95) is an open-emitter red dot with a viewing window larger than other red dots. The COMP MAX is purpose-built for competition, duty, or concealed carry. It has the same footprint as the RMR and features a multiple reticle with a 2 MOA dot, 30 MOA circle—or both. The new EDC-EN (SRP: $275) is an enclosed emitter red dot to protect against dirt, dust, and debris interfering with the emitter. Powered up 50,000 hours, the EDC-EN features shake-to-wake technology, so it instantly comes on and powers off after five minutes of inactivity. It uses a RMSC footprint for a wide range of compatibility. Red and green dot reticle models are available with multiple reticle choices: 2.5 MOA dot, 34 MOA circle, or both. The HNT-R MAX (SRP: $339.95) is another open emitter red dot with a large viewing window, RMSC footprint, and True Timber camo finish. Add this to your turkey shotgun. Check these out on: chpws.com

C-More

The RTS3 (SRP: $749) open emitter red dot is a total redesign to maximum performance and reliability. The RTS3 placed first overall at the 2024 USPSA Carry Optics National Championship. It features a large viewing window; is available with either a 3, 6, or 9 MOA dot; has 50,000 hours of battery life; and the footprint is compatible with STS2 and RTS2 mounts. It also has a 30-year warranty. Check these out on: cmore.com

Crimson Trace

Crimson Trace has evolved two of its best selling products, the Railmaster CMR-201 and CMR-206 Universal Laser Sights. Now both lasers are equipped with aluminum rail clamps to outlast the competition and prevent slipping. The CMR-201 also features a robust polymer body, brightest allowable 5mw red laser, and externally replaceable 1/3N Li battery. The small footprint fits on a wide range of handguns and rifles. The CMR-206 features a daylight visible 5mw green laser—brightest allowable by law. Both lasers come with two rail fit adapters: universal and GLOCK profile. SRP: $129.99, CMR-201; $239.99, CMR-206. Check these out on: crimsontrace.com

Eotech

The housing of the super-short Vudu 3-9×32 riflescope is constructed of lightweight aircraft-grade aluminum. This second focal plane design comes in at 6.8 inches and is fog-, water-, and shock-resistant. The turrets offer 1⁄4 MOA adjustments and are both capped for protection. A rotary dial provides an illuminated reticle with 10 brightness settings, and the CR2032 battery provides roughly 300 hours of operation. The unique design provides an integrated base that is also compatible with aftermarket mini-ACOG mounts. For those wanting a non-magnified solution, EOTECH offers a version that includes a ring mount and EFLXTM that can be mounted to the front tube section. It can be positioned at the top or at 45-degree offsets for close or moving targets. Check these out on: eotechinc.com

GPO

It shouldn’t take retailers long to figure out the new CENTURI lines of riflescopes offers all the features shooters demand at an affordable price. The CENTURI 4-16x44i FFP Super Compact riflescope (SRP: $519.99) has a small footprint at just 9.9 inches long. It weighs a mere 20 ounces. Features include a first-focal plane milliradian reticle illuminated with GPO iControl technology, .1 milliradian turrets that lock, and an innovative “in-cap” zero-stop locking function. Other models in the CENTURI family include a 2.5-15x44i (SRP: $619.99), 2.5-15x50i (SRP: $619.99), and 3-18x44i (SRP: $619.99). All feature a 6X zoom magnification and are built on 30mm tubes. Check these out on: gpo-usa.com

Hawke Optics

The new Vantage IR 1-4x20mm Turkey Dot riflescope (SRP: $239) is designed for turkey hunting with features like a full Mossy Oak camo finish and Turkey Dot illuminated reticle. It comes with flip-up covers, honeycomb sun shade, and removable zoom throw lever. The new XB30 FFP crossbow scope (SRP: $219.99) with an FFP reticle is a first for crossbow optics. The XB30 FFP SR illuminated reticle keeps you on target at any magnification. Check these out on: us.hawkeoptics.com

Hi-Lux Optics

The Malcolm Long Rifle Telescope Gen II (SRP: $799) blends period-correct aesthetics and modern performance. The Malcolm comes equipped with a 6X magnification eyepiece, sliding dovetail mounts, a 5-inch extended sunshade for 30-inch barrels, and parallax adjustment from 10 yards to infinity. If your customer's rifle barrel has both front and rear sight dovetails, you should be able to mount this scope without any drilling or tapping. Dove mounts are compatible with Uberti, Shiloh, Perdesoli, and Chiappa rifles. Check these out on: hi-luxoptics.com

Pulsar

Engineered with cutting-edge technology and precision craftsmanship, Thermion digital thermal riflescopes deliver clarity and precision to ensure success in any low-light environment. For 2025, Pulsar adds three models to the Thermion line: 2 LRF XP60, 2 LRF XG60, and 2LRF XL60. All feature a video recorder, AMOLED 2560×2560 display type and resolution, a 60mm objective lens, and 64 Gb of built-in memory. The units can detect images up to 2,000 meters (2,800 for the 2LRF XL60), and the included remote control allows hunters to to adjust settings and make precise shots without ever losing sight of the target. Check these out on: pulsarnv.com

Riton

The new 5 Primal 3-18×50 Crossover Scope (SRP: $999.99) is designed to be just as useful on the 1,000-yard range as in the backcountry. Built on a 34mm tube, the Primal features .1 mil capped turrets and the popular Long-Range Hunter (LRH) first-focal plane (FFP) reticle with a Christmas-tree style set-up. The new 3 Tactix 3X Magnifier (SRP: $249.99) adds magnification to 1X dot-style optics when you need it—and stays out of the way when you don’t. The push-button design flips the magnifier out of the way to run a dot without additional magnification. Features include two mounting height configurations and a choice between a dot-only or a circle-dot reticle. Pair the 1 Tactix ARD 2 (SRP: $229.99) with the 3 Tactix 3X magnifier for a versatile package. Check these out on: ritonoptics.com

Umarex

The Umarex RDS8 (SRP: $39.99) stands for Red Dot Sight 8 and is compatible with various airguns, airsoft guns, and imaged paintball training equipment. The RDS8 is a compact, lightweight red dot sight with an 8 MOA reticle with two brightness levels. A Picatinny universal mount is included so it can adapt to a variety of other air-powered platforms. The OR/MOS Adapter Plates (SRP: $20) are now available for select air-powered Walther PDP and Glock models in airgun, airsoft, and paintball variants. The plates come in the most popular mounting footprints for Trijicon, Vortex, Leupold, and C-More. Check these out on: umarexusa.com

U.S. Optics

The new RISE Red Dot Sight (SRP: $279.99) is a high-performance reflex sight equipped with a 3 MOA red dot, 10 brightness settings (including night vision), and a durable aluminum housing. It is compatible with the Leupold DeltaPoint Pro footprint, and is ideal for pistols, shotguns, and rifles with tactical, sporting, and home-defense applications. Check these out on: usoptics.com

Winchester Supreme Optics

The new line of value-focused riflescopes includes six models: 6-18x50mm SF Illuminated Reticle (SRP: $344.99), 4-12x44mm SF (SRP: $241.99), 3-9x40mm (SRP: $206.99), 3.5-10x50mm (SRP: $218.99), 2-7x32mm (SRP: $144.99), and 1-4x24mm Illuminated Reticle (SRP: $264.99). Features include premium lens multi-coated with Winchester WINcoat to transmit the maximum amount of low dusk or dawn light to your eye. All scopes use second focal plane (SFP) reticles and fast-focus eyepieces. Check these out on: worldofwinchester.com

XS Sights

The DXT2 PRO Series night sights are designed for self-defense. This improved Big Dot line offers increased durability and corrosion resistance due to the upgraded tritium lamps and BlackNitride surface finish. The PRO Series is also the first XS Big Dot available with a green glow dot front sight that delivers high contrast in bright light while glowing extremely bright in low light. The DXT2 PRO Series sights offer the same exceptional benefits of the original XS Big Dots with a large, easy-to-see tritium front sight with dual-illumination technology for high visibility in low light and a rear, tritium stripe for fast and easy vertical alignment. The overall design and sheer size of the dot at 0.188 inch drives focus to the front sight for lightning-fast target acquisition. The sights will fit selected models from Glock, SIG Sauer, Springfield Armory, Smith & Wesson, and FN. SRP: $153. XS Sights is also offering new, pre-drilled front sights, featuring a self-illuminating tritium Glow Dot, for S&W K-Frame, L-Frame, J-Frame and Ruger SP101 revolvers. The dual-illuminated front sight has a self-luminous tritium vial surrounded by XS’ proprietary photoluminescent Glow Dot that absorbs ambient light to glow in low light. The pairing ensures the front sight will glow brightly in low light and contrast well in bright light conditions. While the Standard dot sets come with a front sight only, the Minimalist sets come with a front sight and serrated, anti-glare, non-tritium rear sight. It is designed to be as minimalistic as possible while driving focus to the front sight. Check these out on: xssights.com

X-Vision Optics

The latest to the FLEX thermal optic lines is the all-new compact TR2 (SRP: $3,499.99) with features like detection range up to 1,700 yards, 1-4X magnification, a large 2.56-inch display screen, customizable color-palette and reticle selections, and a quick-release Picatinny mount. You may also be interested in: https://www.letsgoshooting.org/resources/articles/firearms/new-handguns-coming-to-stores-in-2025/