It’s a new year, which means our team is planning a new editorial calendar at The WON. But first, I want to look back at the 2025 Gear Up posts to review everything we covered for our partner, Springfield Armory.
It’s always a good day when I get to visit my FFL to pick up a new firearm, and 2025 certainly did not disappoint either of us. In December of 2024, I had a first look at the Echelon 4.0C, the latest Springfield Armory carry pistol. Find out what happened when the weather finally broke and I made it to the range in the post, “Springfield Armory’s Echelon 4.0C: It’s a Keeper!“
I also shared a first look at The Kuna, Springfield Armory’s new line of pistols. From the name’s history to a platform I wasn’t very familiar with, this personal defense weapon (PDW) in a portable package was a firearm I thoroughly enjoyed introducing at The WON. Then, in “On the Range with Springfield Armory’s Kuna Pistol,” I put it to the test at the hunt club. Let’s just say a few people stopped by to see what the heck I was shooting.
As if Springfield Armory didn’t introduce enough new firearms, they also refreshed the SAINT series. On the September 2nd release date, I shared my first look at the SAINT Victor 2.0. Check back in 2026 when I spend time on the range with this new version.
2025’s articles weren’t just about new products; they also included training and safety tips, among other topics.

After attending The Mingle: Openness to Experience, I had to share what I learned from Brian Hill. “A Simple Shooting Drill to Improve Your Shots” covers what you can do when you start missing.
“Tips for Using Your 9mm Carbine for Home Defense” is a compilation of past articles that are sure to help beginners to the AR platform and offer some reminders for more seasoned shooters.

It’s always a good idea for firearms owners to review their storage practices. “Gun Storage Check Week” covers the many options for storing firearms at home, in the car and while traveling. This ties in so well with our partnership with the National Shooting Sports Foundation’s Project ChildSafe initiatives.
If a new pistol is in your future, you’ll want to read “Shopping for a New Pistol” before you head to the firearms dealer. My friend and firearms trainer Andrew Blubaugh, of Apex Shooting and Tactics, shared what he looks for and what he does on the range after his purchase.
During an extremely hot, humid period in Ohio, I researched heat exhaustion and wrote “Safety Tips for Hot Days on the Range.” This article is one you should bookmark and review again before summer.
Staying safe while shopping or socializing with friends is essential year-round. “Stay Safe this Holiday Season” features tips from experts in personal safety.

In “2025 Fall Fashions Trends and Concealed Carry,” I offered different concealed carry options, tying them to the latest fall styles. This article is a great resource any time of year.

And that’s a wrap for 2025. In the meantime, in case you missed any Gear Up articles, follow this link for past articles.
To see everything Springfield Armory has to offer, check out its website.
Michelle Cerino, aka Princess Gunslinger, first entered the firearms industry in 2011 as co-owner, president and trainer at a national training company. She immediately began competing in both 3-Gun and NRA Action Pistol, becoming a sponsored shooter. Michelle is currently a columnist and Managing Editor of Women’s Outdoor News, as well as owner of Pervenio LLC. She also manages social media for Vera Koo and FASTER Saves Lives. Michelle encourages others to step out of the comforts of home and explore. View all posts by Michelle Cerino