Firearms News September 2026: Special Hunting Issue — Field Test of the Horizon Venatic Carbon in.300 Win Mag

# What this issue covers

# Rikk Rambo's Venatic Carbon review Rambo tested the Venatic Carbon in.300 Win Mag on whitetail deer, wild boars, black bears, a blacktail deer in Alaska and a coyote. The review is framed as a field-proven assessment: the rifle was used for real harvests rather than bench measurements alone. Readers can expect firsthand observations about performance in hunting conditions and notes on suitability for big-game work in.300 Win Mag.

# Gear and firearm coverage inside The issue collects several rifle and gear features useful for hunters preparing for the season:

• Howa Model 1500s: Articles on carbon-stalker and yote rifles in.22 ARC, offering options for varmint and light-cartridge applications.

• Springfield Armory Heatseeker Rifle: Coverage of an older platform updated in 6.5 Creedmoor by Patrick Sweeney.
• Multi-barrelled drillings: A historical look at hunting longarms used by the German Luftwaffe.
• Scopes and optics: A practical evaluation of common 3–9x scopes for hunting.
• Suppressors: A writeup on the Banish 30 as a hunting suppressor option.

# Practical hunting and carry topics The issue includes applied hunting advice beyond hardware: an article on cold-weather concealed-carry garments and field-appropriate equipment choices for hunters operating in lower temperatures.

# Policy and news pieces Firearms News pairs gear content with policy reporting relevant to hunters:

• Special report on Ohio's only national forest being offered to the highest bidder, a piece that addresses public-land access concerns.

# Publisher context and availability The issue celebrates Firearms News' place within Outdoor Sportsman Group's publishing portfolio and marks the magazine's 80th anniversary. The new issue is distributed on newsstands and at major retailers such as Walmart and Barnes & Noble, with subscription options promoted for regular readers.

Hunters preparing for fall and winter seasons will find practical rifle and ammunition evaluations, firsthand field accounts of a high-powered carbon rifle in.300 Win Mag, and a mix of accessory and policy reporting that affects access and regulation. Readers looking for tested hunting rifles and season-ready gear will find multiple reviews grounded in field use.

# Quick editorial notes The package mixes hands-on weapon tests, cartridge and optics guidance, a hunting-safety/carry column, and at least one public-land policy piece. The overall aim is to provide actionable information for hunters selecting rifles, optics, suppressors and loads for big-game seasons.