# Firearms News Hits 80-Year Milestone: A Legacy of Liberty in Print
In an era dominated by fleeting social media scrolls and algorithm-driven echo chambers, Firearms News is dropping a mic-drop moment with its January 2026 issue—celebrating a whopping 80 years since its roots as *Shotgun News* in 1946. This isn’t just another anniversary puff piece; it’s a testament to the enduring power of ink-on-paper journalism in the firearms world. Founded post-WWII when surplus guns were flooding the market and Americans were rediscovering their shooting heritage, the publication evolved from classified ads hawking shotguns to a full-spectrum authority on all things 2A. Editor-in-Chief Vincent L. DeNiro leads the charge with a deep-dive review of the MKE AP51, a Turkish MP5 clone imported by Century Arms that’s reigniting debates on affordable, reliable pistol-caliber carbines (PCCs). With its stamped-steel construction echoing the HK original, the AP51 isn’t just a nostalgic nod—it’s a practical powerhouse for home defense or range domination, especially as ATF import restrictions tighten. Paired with coverage of Remington’s resilient lineup (post-bankruptcy glow-up), Springfield Armory’s pocketable Hellcat .380 (micro-compact carry perfection), and Aimpoint’s bombproof ACRO handgun red dot, this issue screams future-proof your safe amid rising carry trends.
For the 2A community, this milestone transcends nostalgia—it’s a bullish signal amid cultural headwinds. Print media like Firearms News has outlasted countless digital darlings because it delivers unbiased, hands-on intel that algorithms can’t censor or throttle. Think about it: 80 years of chronicling everything from the AR-15’s rise to suppressors going mainstream, all while navigating bans, lawsuits, and media smears. The AP51 feature, in particular, spotlights how import pipelines keep innovation alive when domestic manufacturing hits regulatory snags—Century Arms has been a 2A lifeline, turning potential shortages into shelf-ready winners. As concealed carry reciprocity expands and urban self-defense becomes non-negotiable, pieces on the Hellcat .380 (22+1 capacity in a sub-20oz frame) and ACRO optic underscore a golden age of ergonomic, optic-ready pistols. Implications? This issue arms enthusiasts with actionable insights to vote with their wallets, fortify their collections, and push back against incremental encroachments. Grab a copy, subscribe, and join the legacy—because in the fight for the Second Amendment, timeless truth beats viral hype every time.
*Source: Firearms News Announcement*
