Morris Swarts of Professional Marketing Inc. received ZeroTech Optics' 2026 Sports Inc. Rep of the Year award for his 30+ years in the shooting sports industry and dedication to dealer relationships. The recognition was presented at ZeroTech's Dealer Appreciation Party in Nashville, where Pine City Outdoors of Jackson, Alabama was also honored as Dealer of the Year.

ZeroTech Optics honored Pine City Outdoors of Jackson, Alabama as its 2026 Sports Inc. Dealer of the Year at an event in Nashville. Owner Shane Sturdivant's retailer was recognized for product knowledge, customer presentation, and partnership strength, receiving a custom limited-edition ZeroTech Optics timepiece by Stirling Timepieces.

Davide Pedersoli firearms achieved five individual gold medals at the 31st MLAIC World Championship in Austria, with shooters including Denis Pasolini and Sturm earning top scores. A Pedersoli Sharps Competition also successfully hit a target at 1,015 meters using traditional aperture sights and black powder ammunition.

NSSF's Partner with a Payer program showcases how federal excise taxes from firearm and ammunition manufacturers fund conservation. The initiative featured Arizona's Ben Avery Shooting Facility, the Arizona Game and Fish Department, and Remington Ammunition, demonstrating how Pittman-Robertson Act funding supports wildlife restoration, hunter education, and public shooting access across all 50 states.

The Firearms Policy Coalition thanked numerous individuals and organizations that filed amicus briefs supporting its Viramontes v. Cook County case before the U.S. Supreme Court, which challenges the constitutionality of "assault weapon" bans nationwide. The briefs argue that semiautomatic rifles are protected by the Second Amendment and are in common use for lawful purposes including self-defense, hunting, and target shooting.

The Firearms Policy Coalition (FPC) secured a major Second Amendment victory when the United States District Court for the District of Delaware ruled that the state's bans on possessing and self-manufacturing unserialized firearms are unconstitutional. The court held that unserialized firearms and firearm frames and receivers are protected "Arms" under the Second Amendment, and that Delaware failed to justify its bans under historical firearm regulations.

Firearms Policy Coalition (FPC) filed an amicus brief in United States v. Squire urging the Fifth Circuit to reverse Curtis Squire's conviction, arguing Congress cannot use the Commerce Clause to criminalize local firearm possession merely because a gun crossed state lines. FPC President Brandon Combs stated the federal government cannot use the Commerce Clause as a backdoor to powers the Constitution never granted it.

NSSF® would like to share a message from ATF. The ATF has completed installation of a new FFLAlert notification system using the Everbridge BEACON platform to provide FFLs with time-sensitive information about firearm thefts, disaster preparedness, and administrative updates via text, email, and phone.

NSSF celebrated the conclusion of Gun Storage Check Week (Sept. 1–7), which coincided with National Suicide Prevention Month. NSSF President and CEO Joe Bartozzi emphasized that the "Make Sure It's Secure" message promotes year-round firearm storage practices to prevent unwanted access and save lives.

Remington Ammunition expands its Core-Lokt rifle ammunition line with a new 300 HAMR 130-grain load, now shipping to dealers nationwide. The offering brings the proven performance of Core-Lokt's controlled expansion design to modern AR-15 platforms with reduced recoil compared to .308 ammunition.

Real Avid has released the Range Ready Rifle series, an educational content platform presented by champion shooter Doug Koenig. The five-part YouTube series covers rifle preparation topics including optic setup, zeroing, optimization, and maintenance, releasing through September 27.

Realtree celebrates its 40th anniversary with the documentary Long Live Real, now streaming on YouTube. The film explores founder Bill Jordan's vision and traces four decades of innovation in camouflage design and outdoor products that built the globally recognized brand.

Safari Club International supports the House Natural Resources Committee's investigation into taxpayer-funded environmental litigation. SCI Sr. Litigation Counsel Regina Lennox previously testified about reforming the Equal Access to Justice Act to prevent unnecessary lawsuits that delay conservation initiatives and wildlife management decisions.

The National Rifle Association Political Victory Fund announced nationwide candidate grades and endorsements for federal, state, and local races based on Second Amendment voting records and questionnaire responses. The NRA-PVF is launching a fall get-out-the-vote program including the Gun Bus Battleground Tour across 13 states, orange endorsement cards, and grassroots activism to mobilize gun owners before Election Day.

Walk the Talk America released a Suicide Prevention Month Resource Guide for September, offering gun owners, families, retailers, ranges, instructors and clinicians practical tools including the Guns AND Mental Health Survey, mental health screenings, the WTTA Mental Health Plan, responsible firearm storage guidance, and an updated WTTA Toolkit.

GrabAGun has renewed its corporate partnership with the Second Amendment Foundation (SAF) and upgraded to Platinum level sponsorship. The firearms eCommerce retailer is also a badge sponsor of SAF's 41st annual Gun Rights Policy Conference in Dallas, September 25-27.

Guidefitter and the National Rifle Association announced a strategic alliance connecting the NRA's 150,000+ certified instructors and safety officers with Guidefitter's platform for verified outdoor professionals. NRA-affiliated members gain access to exclusive gear benefits, educational opportunities, and VIP-level benefits from over 300 leading outdoor brands.

Remington Ammunition announces two new 12-gauge loads for its Premier Nitro Sporting Clays line, featuring 1-ounce shot sizes 7.5 and 8 with 1,250 fps muzzle velocity. Shotshell Product Manager Ronnie Evans states the powered-down loads address customer feedback for tournament-winning performance.

Iron Valley Supply is releasing a Colt 1911 Classic commemorative pistol dedicated to the 25th anniversary of September 11th, 2001. The firearm features engravings of the Twin Towers, 9/11 Memorial & Museum, Statue of Liberty, and the four hijacked flight numbers, with grips engraved with World Trade Center exterior design.

Burris Optics announces the redesigned 2026 Veracity riflescope lineup is now available at dealers nationwide. The new series features improved optics, enhanced ergonomics, five reticle options, and the innovative Burris Knob Synergy System for customizable turret configurations. MSRPs range from $1,019 to $1,559.

Tikka U.S., distributed by Beretta USA, is expanding its T3x ACE rifle family with new left-hand configurations of the T3x ACE Target and T3x ACE Game models. These left-handed rifles feature the platform's modular chassis system, bolt-action accuracy, and extensive accessory compatibility for hunting and competitive shooting applications.

HEVI, an industry leader in performance shotshells, launched a rebrand featuring a new logo, tagline "Hit Harder," and updated website. The company dropped "Shot" from its name to reflect growth beyond its original tungsten pellet innovation, now offering comprehensive shotshell products including HEVI-Hitter and HEVI-Steel.

DeSantis Gunhide announces its full range of hunting holsters and accessories, including the Dual Angle Hunter, Outdraw Chest Rig, Black Mamba, Predator II Bandoleer Rig, and Wild Hog models. These durable leather and nylon holsters are designed for hunters and outdoor enthusiasts, offering secure carry options and quick firearm access.

Apex Ammunition launched Waterfowl Stratified S³ Steel shotshells in 12- and 20-gauge with layered shot sizes designed for versatile waterfowl hunting performance. President and CEO Jason Lonsberry stated the shells deliver tight mid-range patterns and increased terminal energy at distance for confident kills on ducks and geese.

Magnum Research, Inc. announced an exclusive custom Desert Eagle .50 AE pistol produced for Chattanooga Shooting Supplies, featuring a Cerakote NRA Blue frame, brushed stainless steel barrel with integral muzzle brake, and Picatinny rail. The U.S.-manufactured pistol retails for $2,186 and ships with one 7-round magazine.

Custom & Collectable Firearms unveiled a limited-edition Colt 1911 .45 ACP to commemorate the 25th anniversary of September 11th. The stainless steel pistol features detailed engraving honoring first responders, with only 500 consecutively serialized units produced bearing serial numbers from "REMEMBER001" through "REMEMBER500."

Zanders, a national distributor based in Sparta, Illinois, has partnered with SIG SAUER to offer dealers special sale pricing and entry into a drawing for SIG SAUER ZULU6 HDX binoculars through September 13, 2026. Dealers earn one entry for every $1,000 spent on SIG SAUER products with unlimited entry opportunities.

Firearms News releases its September 2026 Special Hunting Issue featuring Field Editor Rikk Rambo's cover story on the Horizon Firearms Venatic Carbon Rifle in .300 Winchester Magnum. The issue includes reviews of rifles from Howa, Chiappa, and Springfield Armory, plus articles on suppressors, scopes, and hunting gear from contributing writers including Patrick Sweeney and James Tarr.

The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources is offering free shooting at the Lee Kay Public Shooting Range in Salt Lake City and the Cache Valley Public Shooting Range in Logan on National Hunting and Fishing Day, Sept. 26, for those with valid hunting, fishing, or combination licenses. DWR Director Riley Peck emphasized hunters and anglers' crucial role in wildlife conservation funding.

Blue Force Gear will exhibit at the 2026 Maneuver Warfighter Conference in Fort Benning, Georgia, showcasing the ISH™ Integrated Stealth Harness and DRYOUT® moisture-removal technology designed to reduce weight and enhance operational capability for military personnel.

Federal Ammunition sponsored six athletes, led by four-time Olympic gold medalist Vincent Hancock, earned spots on USA National teams following the Fall Selection Match. The team includes Conner Prince, Amber English, Derrick Mein, Brian Burrows, and Kayle Browning, who will represent the U.S. at international competitions including the ISSF World Championships in Doha.

A quarter century ago, the United States was shaken to its core as terrorists hijacked passenger planes, turned them into missiles and attacked what they considered the ultimate symbols of United States.

Eleven minutes after nine on that 9/11 morning, the World Trade Center in New York City was engulfed in a hellishly hot fire, fueled by jet fuel and hatred. The Pentagon in Washington was in flames, and a group of heroic passengers, rather than allowing their hijacked jet to become a fourth projectile, rushed the cockpit forcing a crash in an empty field outside Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

Our world was changed. Unfortunately, not for the better.

Twenty-five years later, despite the solemn commemorative services and words of unity being delivered this morning, we may be more divided as a country that any time since the 1860s.

And the 9/11 casualty count continues to rise. There were 2,977 initial victims at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and that field outside Shanksville, Pennsylvania. But more than 9,000 people involved in the rescue efforts and subsequent cleanup at those sites have died. More than 154,000 people have entered the World Trade Center Health Program. Last year, 10,000 names were added. After working or living in or around the toxic blend of poisons the attacks left behind, the residents of that part of NYC and the rescue/recovery/reclamation workers have come down with a variety of maladies that were tied directly to the World Trade Center aftermath.

As the human costs keep rising, the positive affects of the attack and the heroism displayed in the aftermath seem to have faded from our collective consciousness.

Many of the same politicians who gathered on the steps of the United States Capitol to show unity are still in Washington, but their partisanship promises have evaporated.

Today, their words of unity from twenty five years ago sound as ridiculous as a lizard bragging about being descended from dinosaurs.

Talk, at least in Washington, has always been cheap. But the expense tied to their cheap talk and empty promises is enormous. Like the victims list from 9/11, it keeps growing.

We’re mired in a worsening economy, tied inarguably to the complete fiscal irresponsibility shown by our “leaders.” The national debt is unsustainable, and our “leaders” continue to spend with complete disregard for the fact that no one, individual or nation, can outrun its debt forever.

If you disagree, take a stroll down the grocery aisles and watch your bank balances evaporate. Better yet, pull up to the gas pump where you fueled your ride last week and check the cost of fuel today.

I’ve traveled in California and Washington and lived in the Northeast. So, I’m totally aware that costs are different depending on the political and geographic climate. If you’re in those places, costs are higher. So, too, are mandated minimum wages, taxes and housing.

But I live in Tennessee, a conservative state (outside Nashville, anyway) with no state income tax, reasonable property taxes and an economy that’s doing well, not hemorrhaging jobs and people.

Living here is more reasonably priced than either coast, explaining the influx of displaced Californians and New Yorkers who have decided the costs of living there no longer justify the wear and tear on both the wallet and the soul.

Unfortunately, they didn’t leave their political or societal opinions behind, so we’re dealing with the inevitable culture clash. Hopefully, they’ll come around to the fact that the blue collar values in the red states are why life’s easier on the mind, psyche and finances.

Last Friday, I pulled into a gas station to fill up before driving from Knoxville to Murfreesboro. For a minute, I thought I was back in New York or California. Fuel had jumped 42 cents per gallon. If I’d filled up the day before, I would have paid six dollars less.

After filling up, I went inside for a coffee. While I was inside, prices jumped another four cents per gallon.

Prices have moderated a bit, but the happenings in the Strait of Hormuz has crude oil prices rising.  The accepted rule-of-thumb in the oil business is that every $10 in crude barrel pricing adds 25 cents to the price per gallon at the pump.

The cost to all of us isn’t just at the pump. Everything shipped (almost everything) will cost more - due to transport costs. If a product requires  a petroleum ingredient, that will increase more, too.

At the $6.24/gallon price I saw, a 240 gallon fill-up would cost slightly less than $1,500. Based on 6.5-7.5 MPG of trucks, we’re  talking about a 1,680 mile range. That puts fuel costs alone at  89 cents per mile. Short haul rates are even higher. Industry watchers say fuel costs may add from 15-28 percent on top of baseline haul rates.

Economics aren’t the explanation for everything, but they’re a base for much of the national angst. For 250 years, our social, political and economic rules have allowed states to run their  state’s respective social and economic policies however they pleased. If a state got too-extreme, companies were free to “vote with their feet” and relocate to friendlier places.

Today, extremes have pushed costs to ridiculous levels. California has a “billionaire tax” initiative on the ballot this fall. New York has their pied-á-terre tax and both places use “lawfare” to advance ideological or partisan agendas. Under their rules, businesses are at risk. Without the businesses, their social systems are at risk. Tesla, Oracle, Chevron and others have already eliminated the risk associated with California headquarters. California’s suing to keep the movie business from following suit.

Twenty five years after 9/11, we have cities and states at risk of becoming “failed states” due to laws based on imagined injustice and class envy.

Twenty five years after terrorism pulled this country together we’re facing the very real possibility that politics and poor policy decisions will accomplish what terrorists failed to do. 
Today is a time for solemn remembrance of the 2,977 innocents who died twenty-five years ago. But it’s also the time we need to renew the vows that we made that day. We must, as it is attributed to Benjamin Franklin, “hang together or we shall assuredly hang separately.”

Stand up. Show up. Speak up. We are still worth it.

— Jim Shepherd