Industry Update

NSSF praises the bipartisan introduction of the Federal Firearms Licensee Protection Act (S. 4671) by U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham, which strengthens criminal penalties for firearm thefts from licensed retailers. The legislation builds on NSSF's Operation Secure Store initiative with the ATF, which has achieved a 60 percent drop in firearms stolen during burglaries and robberies at retail locations.

The NSSF-adjusted NICS figure for May 2026 reached 1,105,758, a 3.2 percent increase from May 2025's 1,071,685. The National Shooting Sports Foundation reported new monthly NFA checks data, with Texas, Virginia, and Florida leading in NFA checks, while the May 2026 NFA figure of 146,551 increased 100.4 percent year-over-year.

Cadre Holdings' subsidiary Safariland has been selected as the ballistic panel provider for Predictive Ballistics LLC's Overt Armor Kit, which was awarded a five-year, $61 million FBI contract. Safariland's SX™ HP ballistic panel was chosen over 11 competing products for its superior performance and quality.

NSSF announces all 50 Range USA locations are participating in the first Gun Storage Check Week retailer pilot program to promote secure firearm storage practices. The campaign, observed June 1–7 and September 1–7, aims to prevent firearm accidents, suicides, and thefts through the "Make Sure It's Secure" message.

Derya Arms, a firearms manufacturer with operations in Jacksonville, Florida and Türkiye, announced the appointment of Keebler Rockwell as Business Development Director. Rockwell will drive OEM sales, lead military and law enforcement business development, and manage the authorized dealer program while reporting to President Abdullah Celer and Vice President Dustin Jones.

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.

Celerant Technology and Action Target have integrated their range management systems to automate lane activation and improve shooter experience. The partnership connects Celerant's Range Management software with Action Target's SmartRange AXIS™ system, enabling automatic lane activation, personalized check-ins, and future in-lane ordering capabilities for dealers.

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.

Derya Arms announced that Betul Polat has been promoted to Operations Director focused on Industrial Engineering, Process Improvement, and Lean Systems at the Jacksonville facility. With a Master's in Industrial & Systems Engineering and Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification, Polat will lead continuous improvement initiatives and oversee inventory systems and ATF compliance.

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.