🔥 Hot Gun Summer

Good Afternoon. Summertime is right around the corner and like your IG crush’s OnlyFan’s page, it’s going to be a hot one! When is the first day of summer anyway? It’s June 20th, so that’s exactly one month away. If you’re living in Minnesota, you’re probably still shoveling out, but if you're in the 305, you’re already enjoying Nikki Beach and less-than-string bikinis. Sorry, Minnesota fam. Regardless, are you ready? Warmer weather doesn’t mean you can’t be strapped. So, swipe down to discover our 2025 Summertime EDC must-haves, carry-ready apparel, and to round it out, 10 deadly saltwater weapons to hook into that boatside ceviche you have been longing for!

LFG,
John J. Radzwilla, CEO

In today’s edition:

• FRESH TRACKS 🥾 

  • Top 7 Summer 2025 EDC Handguns

  • 10 Deadly Saltwater Fishing Weapons

  • Best New Warm-Weather Carry Apparel

• WHAT’S THE DEAL WITH…Hound-hunting black bears?

DID YOU KNOW? 🤔

Effie Crockett, Davy Crockett’s sister, visited the Muskogee Tribe and saw babies in cradles hung from tree branches, safe from bugs and animals, and rocked by the wind. As she watched, a tear ran down the mother’s face. Effie was deeply touched. The mother sang lullaby, “Rock-a-Bye Baby,” in her native tongue, and it revealed a deeper meaning: the cradle’s fall symbolized a child growing up, no longer needing protection, and unable to hold the weight, the branch would break, beginning life’s journey. Effie shared the song, which became the lullaby we know today. The song reminds us as parents that every moment is precious and that letting go is part of love.

FRESH TRACKS 🥾

Top 7 Summer 2025 EDC Handguns
This summer’s EDCs are fire. From sexy sleek models like Sig’s P938 Titanium Rainbow to Springfield Armory’s latest truck-gun, because S(can)HTF in the In-N-Out parking lot sometimes. It’s time to get strapped for what we are calling “Hot Gun Summer.” Move over Megan Thee Stallion.

10 Deadly Saltwater Fishing Weapons
Saltwater fishing gear needs to be tough as nails to handle brutal ocean conditions and monster fish. Top brands like PENN and TackleDirect offer rods, reels, and lures built to survive the salty chaos. Invest in quality, or your gear might just become fish food.

Best New Warm-Weather Carry Apparel
Editor’s Tip: This summer, when carrying your favorite 9mm, you don’t want to look like Lia Thomas in a Speedo. Just because summer calls for less clothing, it doesn’t mean you should stroll around printing. Check out our roundup of trending warm weather concealed-carry-wear.

H&B TV 📺

Speaking of the In-N-Out parking lot, have you watched the latest episode of SAFE SPACE featuring BJ Baldwin?

POST OF THE WEEK 📸

@bombshell_fishing

Got a pic to share? Slide into our DMs or tag us on Instagram @hookandbarrelmag

WARRIOR MINDSET 💪🏼

Obsession isn’t about working hard, but about having an unrelenting mindset that pushes you through discomfort, pain, and obstacles. It’s a new day, and every day the rent is due. “Obsession is not a bad thing, it’s a requirement. To be truly great at something, you have to be obsessed with the process. Motivation is crap. Motivation comes and goes. When you’re driven, whatever’s in front of you will get destroyed. Greatness is not something that, if you meet it once, it stays with you forever. It’s something you have to meet every day of your life.” ~David Goggins

For more health & wellness content, check this out!

WHAT’S THE DEAL WITH…

Hound-Hunting Black Bears?

It’s a wild, controversial ride where GPS-collared dogs chase bears up trees, and you stumble after them, praying you don’t collapse. Is it a gritty tradition—thrilling, dog-driven, or PETA’s worst nightmare? Maybe it’s both. Banned in places like Oregon, it’s loved by hunters but loathed by animal rights folks. If you can handle the side-eye from vegans (and shelling out for the hunt), maybe it’s worthy of an add to your bucket list.