Industry Update

NSSF, The Firearm Industry Trade Association, is promoting Gun Storage Check Week June 1–7 with the message "Make Sure It's Secure" to encourage responsible firearm storage practices. The campaign aims to prevent accidents, thefts, suicides, and unauthorized access, offering resources through GunStorageCheck.org and a sweepstakes featuring a B.O.S. Lock Fusion biometric device.

Crow Wholesale's exclusively distributed Challenger and Clever ammunition brands earned top five positions in Scope DLX's 2026 shotshell market share analysis. The rankings highlight growing momentum among clay target shooters, hunters, and retailers seeking dependable performance and competitive value.

Rock River Arms, founded by brothers Mark and Chuck Larson in 1994, celebrates 30 years of American firearms manufacturing in 2026. The Illinois-based company evolved from custom 1911 components to producing AR-platform rifles and innovative systems like the LAR-9, LAR-8, and LAR-47, maintaining its commitment to precision and performance.

Federal Ammunition announced an agreement with the United States Army to utilize its patented Peak Alloy ammunition case technology across multiple cartridges and weapon systems. The high-strength steel alloy casing enables chamber pressures exceeding 80,000 PSI for higher velocities in compact rifles.

Chattanooga Shooting Supplies announced the promotion of Robin Richardson-Peel to Sales Manager after seven years with the company. Richardson-Peel brings over 40 years of shooting sports industry experience, including previous work with Ellett Brothers, and is recognized for exceptional customer service and leadership.

Arsenal Inc., a premier American importer and manufacturer of Kalashnikov pattern firearms, is offering 20% off its entire catalog to Virginia residents in response to the state's newly signed assault weapons and high-capacity magazine ban taking effect July 1, 2026. The Virginia Crisis Support initiative runs through June 22, 2026, and includes firearms, magazines, and accessories available through ArsenalInc.com and K-VAR.com.

Celerant Technology hosted its 2026 Client Conference in Dallas, introducing major product updates including Skylar IQ AI retail agent, Customer Engagement Suite, and redesigned POS interface. The event brought together firearms retailers, distributors, manufacturers, and industry partners including SIG SAUER, RSR Group, NASGW, Silencer Shop, and Project ChildSafe to discuss regulatory changes and retail technology solutions.

Media Lodge announced a partnership with Lexipol Media Group to represent their first responder digital media network, including Police1, FireRescue1, and EMS1, enabling consumer brands to reach off-duty police officers, firefighters, and EMTs through integrated marketing opportunities.

The NSSF is funding a lawsuit against Virginia challenging HB 217/SB 749, which bans Modern Sporting Rifles, standard capacity magazines, and commonly owned handguns and shotguns. The complaint, filed by Erick Black, Britton Condon, Clark's Gun Shop, Inc., Optimus Arms, LLC, and Hexmag USA, LLC, argues the law violates the U.S. and Virginia Constitutions.

Colt's Manufacturing Company LLC appointed Kristin Marlow as Head of Marketing, bringing over 25 years of marketing leadership experience. Marlow previously served as Chief Marketing Officer at Staccato and Fractional Chief Marketing Officer at CCW Safe, leading brand strategy and digital initiatives across the firearms industry.

EOTECH announced its Officer-Involved Shooting (OIS) Optic Replacement Program, providing immediate temporary replacement optics at no cost to law enforcement agencies whose issued EOTECH optics are removed as evidence following verified OIS incidents. The program preserves training consistency and alleviates emergency replacement costs for departments.

Kinetic Development Group (KDG) announced it has officially joined the Worldwide Buy Group to strengthen dealer relationships and support independent retailers in the firearms and outdoor industries. The company will showcase its product lineup including Kinect quick attach systems, SideLok optic mounts, and Optic Hub ecosystem at the Fall Market in Reno.

NSSF wrapped its 2026 Marketing & Leadership Summit in Hilton Head, South Carolina, bringing together firearm industry executives and business leaders to discuss AI, workplace culture, consumer trends, and e-commerce. Platinum sponsor 20North Marketing, silver sponsor Shopware, and bronze sponsors including BigCommerce, Listrak, and Payroc supported the event. The 2027 Summit is scheduled for May 11-13, 2027, in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida.

UNITY Tactical announced the hire of Mike Silva as vice president of global sales and business development. Silva brings over 10 years of industry experience, including seven years at Team Wendy where he managed U.S. DOD sales and led the NAVAIR HGU-98/P helmet program delivery of over 80,000 helmets for Navy and Marine Corps.

WOOX, an Italian-American manufacturer of premium gunstocks, axes, and knives, is expanding its Hickory, North Carolina facility with groundbreaking planned for late 2026. The expansion aims to meet growing customer demand while reviving local woodworking craftsmanship traditions in the region.

Southwick Associates released its April 2026 Hunting & Shooting Market Pulse, revealing that hunters and shooters are cutting discretionary spending due to economic concerns but increasing ammunition supplies and planning to spend tax refunds on hunting and shooting products. The quarterly subscription service provides market analysis and industry trends to executives and investors.

Tisas Arms USA, the world's largest producer of 1911-type pistols, established customer service operations in Buford, Georgia. VP Operations Tim Mulverhill and CEO Erdal Kaya emphasized the company's commitment to its limited lifetime warranty and world-class customer support for all Tisas-manufactured pistols.

NSSF President and CEO Joe Bartozzi will appear on Health Uncensored with Dr. Drew on Fox Business May 10 to discuss Project ChildSafe secure firearm storage and the Brave Conversations initiative, a partnership with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and Department of Veterans Affairs.

Target Sports USA has appointed Steven Blinn as Chief Marketing Officer. Blinn brings over 20 years of digital marketing and ecommerce experience, and was recently named a 2026 Top 100 Marketer by the OnCon Icon Awards. He will oversee marketing operations across ecommerce, digital growth, brand development, and emerging AI initiatives.

Derya, a Jacksonville-based precision firearms manufacturer, launched an advanced AI customer service agent available during business hours, supporting over 30 languages. Vice President Dustin Jones emphasized the company remains committed to hiring and live agent support for complex inquiries.