Silencer Central launched "Ship to Dealer," allowing customers to purchase suppressors online and pick them up at licensed dealers nationwide. The service follows ATF guidance eliminating NFA registration requirements for suppressors, available in 27 states alongside Silencer Central's traditional front-door delivery option.
The Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers' Institute (SAAMI) has standardized the 5.56 Commercial cartridge, introduced by Hornady Manufacturing Company. The new round features a 55-grain bullet at 3,400 fps with a maximum average pressure of 62,000 psi.
Primary Arms Optics announced the promotion of Jeff Scheider to Vice President of Sales. Scheider, who previously served as National Sales Manager, will lead sales strategy and strengthen dealer partnerships for the Houston-based optics company.
Heckler & Koch USA announced Katherine Karaki's appointment as National Sales Manager. Karaki brings extensive sales leadership and manufacturing experience from a custom firearms manufacturer, holding a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Texas at Tyler. She will begin her role at the NASGW Expo in Phoenix, Arizona, October 13-15.
Dead Air Silencers welcomes the ATF's new guidance eliminating approval and registration requirements for suppressors, short-barreled rifles, and short-barreled shotguns following Congress's reduction of the federal tax to $0 effective January 1, 2026. The change removes barriers established since 1934, making hearing protection devices more accessible to responsible gun owners while state and local laws remain in effect.
HeadHunters NW clarified that ZEV Technologies was a victim of a recruiting scam, not its source. A fraudulent recruiter exploited a genuine Vice President of Sales opening that HeadHunters NW was recruiting for, using fake emails to solicit payment from candidates.
Luth-AR founder and NRA Board of Directors member Randy Luth attended the Friends of NRA fundraiser in Park Rapids, MN on October 3, 2026, featuring raffles, silent auctions, and the Wall of Guns.
B&T USA, a plaintiff in Silencer Shop Foundation v. ATF, welcomed ATF guidance applying a federal court ruling nationwide that eliminates registration and approval requirements for suppressors, short-barreled rifles, and short-barreled shotguns. Suppressors now transfer through licensed dealers with Form 4473 and background checks like other firearms.
CZ announced the appointment of Jon Shaffer as Vice President of Commercial Sales, reporting to President and Chief Commercial Officer John Dain. Shaffer brings two decades of sales experience, including over 10 years at SIG SAUER, and will lead commercial sales execution and channel development for CZ-USA and Dan Wesson.
Colt has delivered more than 2,000 M4A1 rifles to Guatemala through the Foreign Military Sales program, supporting the Guatemalan Army's modernization efforts. The delivery reinforces defense cooperation between Guatemala and the United States, with the M4A1 providing a trusted platform for allied forces.
Primary Arms Optics announced Stephen Morgan's promotion to Vice President of Product Development and Marketing, effective immediately. Morgan, who joined the company in 2021, previously served as Senior Director of Sales and Marketing and will now lead product positioning and strategy for the optics division.
The National Shooting Sports Foundation reported 1,152,077 NSSF-adjusted NICS background checks for September 2026, a 2.3 percent decrease from September 2025. Third quarter 2026 figures showed a 2.5 percent increase to 3,329,270 checks, with Texas, Florida, and Georgia leading in NFA checks.
Watchtower Defense officially opened its new state-of-the-art headquarters and manufacturing facility in Tomball, Texas, showcasing next-generation products planned for 2027 launch. The company, operating under new ownership and leadership, is repositioning itself as a broader product-driven brand with an expanding portfolio of firearms and firearm-related products for shooting, hunting, and defense markets.
Shell Shock Technologies and CBC Global Ammunition signed a definitive manufacturing agreement to produce SST's NAS3™ hybrid case technology across multiple calibers. The partnership adds advanced tooling and new operations in Michigan and Oklahoma to support industrial-scale production for military and commercial markets.
Streamlight, Inc. announced four key sales leadership promotions effective October 1, 2026. Matt Baker, Bobby Knight, Justin Thomas, and Brian Osborn have been promoted to expanded roles across Law Enforcement, Sporting Goods, Federal/Military, and OEM markets to strengthen sales operations and strategic partnerships.
Silencer Central made a second $25,000 contribution to NSSF's Protect Liberty PAC, bringing its 2026 total to $50,000. Founded by Brandon Maddox, the company has also contributed over $2 million to conservation partners including Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Ducks Unlimited, and Pheasants Forever.
Silencer Central founder and CEO Brandon Maddox has doubled his commitment to NSSF's Protect Liberty PAC to $50,000 with a second $25,000 contribution, matching the company's 2024 support level and demonstrating confidence in the PAC's mission to elect candidates who will protect Second Amendment rights.
Bryan Tucker, CEO of Davidson's, Inc., has made a second $25,000 personal contribution to NSSF's Protect Liberty PAC for the 2026 election cycle, matching his 2024 commitment. Tucker's renewed support demonstrates confidence in the PAC's mission to elect candidates who will protect Second Amendment rights and constitutional freedoms.
The Headrest Safe Company appointed Todd Pearson as Chief Operating Officer, promoting him from Revenue Director. The company's discreet vehicle safe storage system is now sold in 34 countries worldwide, with founder and CEO Irving Meisler praising Pearson's strategic execution capabilities.
Angled Spade Technologies announced Joe Timbo as Vice President of Sales. Timbo brings 15 years of technology and firearms sales experience and will lead AST's commercial strategy across direct-to-consumer channels and dealer networks for suppressors, muzzle devices, and complete pistols.