KDG, headquartered in Seymour, Connecticut, has completed its brand transition and is accelerating product development with a focus on innovation and American manufacturing. The company plans to expand its Kinect and SideLok product lines while introducing new categories, with all products designed and manufactured in the United States.
Two-time Olympian Derrick Mein led the USA Sporting Clays Team to gold at the 48th World FITASC Championships in Lisbon, Portugal. Mein, Todd Hitch, Joseph Fanizzi, and Gebben Miles defeated France by nine targets, with Mein earning bronze in the Open Division.
The 59th annual Daisy Nationals BB Gun and Air Rifle Championship Match held in Rogers, Arkansas showcased youth precision shooting with competitors aged 8–20. Violet Combs won the BB Gun Individual National Championship, while Walton County claimed the Team Gold Medal and Austin Crawford took the Airgun Individual National Championship, with top finishers earning scholarships and Daisy credit.
Team Winchester and Team White Flyer shooters earned multiple podium finishes at the 2026 NSCA North Central Regional held at Northbrook Sports Club in Hainesville, Illinois. Kevin DeMichiel, Desi Edmunds, Connor Daniel, and Kayla Wilgus achieved top placements across various events including Main Event, FITASC, and 5 Stand competitions.
Fiocchi of America's Pro Team achieved exceptional results at the NSCA North Central Regional in Illinois and Iowa State Trap Tournament in Iowa. Bill McGuire captured three Veteran championships, Kiersten Sales earned two podium finishes, and Shelby Skaggs won eight Lady I event championships at the state competition.
Team Beretta athletes achieved outstanding results at the 48th FITASC Sporting World Championship in Portugal, with Desirae Edmunds capturing Silver in the Ladies Division. Anthony Matarese Jr., Joseph Fanizzi, and Connor Daniel earned Top-10 finishes, while Fanizzi and Daniel's teams won first place in their respective divisions.
SIGHTRON Ambassador Adam Migel won first place at the 2026 Rocky Mountain Airgun Challenge Speed Challenge in Utah using the SIGHTRON S-TAC 1-6x24 AR1 Riflescope. The event, hosted by Utah Airguns at the Garth Killpack Shooting Range, featured competitive airgun shooters competing for a $100,000 prize purse.
RCBS and Hodgdon Powder Company will host four reloading seminars at the 2026 US National Matches at Camp Perry, Ohio, from July 25-31. Sessions range from introductory-to-intermediate for team support personnel to advanced workshops for experienced handloaders, featuring expert staff, door prizes, and exclusive product offers.
The Second Amendment Foundation filed an amicus brief in Maryland's Supreme Court supporting Darius Duvall's petition challenging the state's refusal to recognize out-of-state carry permits. The brief, joined by Maryland Shall Issue, National Rifle Association, California Rifle & Pistol Association, Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus, Second Amendment Law Center, Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms, and Cato Institute, argues Maryland's policy violates the Second Amendment and lacks historical precedent.
RETAY USA launched the "Dog Days of Summer" Giveaway featuring a black lab puppy from Southern Pine Kennels, dog training gear from Avery Sporting Dog, a Lucky Duck kennel, MIGRA 20-gauge ammo, Sportsman's Pride dog food, and a RETAY ACE R 20 gauge shotgun for hunters preparing for fall season.
Silencer Central's 100 Days of Silence promotion concludes with a grand finale prize package worth over $12,000, including a BANISH 30 Gold-V2 suppressor, Wilson Combat Silent Bandit, Auto-Ordnance M1 Carbine SBR, and tactical training. Entries open July 24-25 at PopularSuppressors.com.
RetailBI, powered by Gearfire, released its Q2 2026 Shooting Sports Retail Sales and Inventory Report showing firearm unit sales declined modestly while retail revenue increased as consumers shifted toward higher-priced products. The report reveals suppressors delivered the strongest growth, premium products outperformed entry-level offerings, and dealers reduced inventory across firearms, ammunition, optics, and suppressor markets.
NSSF praises the Trump administration's new rules transferring firearm suppressor export licensing from the State Department to the Commerce Department. Lawrence G. Keane, NSSF Senior Vice President & General Counsel, stated the reforms will enable American suppressor manufacturers to compete more effectively in overseas markets without burdensome regulatory requirements.
Avian-X has expanded its Power Butt Kicker motion decoy lineup with three new species: Mallard Hen, Pintail Drake, and Black Duck. These decoys feature anatomically accurate bodies with power-kicking webbed feet that replicate natural feeding behavior, available now online and in-store with dual motion modes for extended runtime.
Federal Ammunition is now shipping a new 45 Colt, 235-grain jacketed hollow-point load for its Power-Shok handgun line. According to Chris Laack, Handgun Product Manager at Federal, the load is suited for medium and big game including hogs and deer, and also performs well from lever-action rifles.
Primary Arms Optics released a limited commercial run of the PLx Compact 1-8x24 FFP RDB Rifle Scope featuring the ACSS Raptor 5.56/.308 Meter G2 reticle, designed for international teams using metric systems. The scope is available for $1,749.99 at primaryarms.com and select dealers while supplies last.
Atrius Development Group's "Together We Win" campaign in June raised over $17,000 for the Second Amendment Foundation's legal and educational efforts. The veteran-owned company, which specializes in AR-15 platform innovations, donated a portion of proceeds from each sale to support SAF's ongoing work defending constitutional rights.
Gun Owners of America has appointed Quinn Cassidy as Managing Director of Advancement to build strategic corporate partnerships and cultivate major donors. Cassidy brings nearly a decade of industry experience, including his recent role as Manager of Exhibition and Sponsorships for the SHOT Show at the National Shooting Sports Foundation.
The International Hunter Education Association – United States of America (IHEA-USA) has partnered with NSSF's First Shots program to integrate shooting safety education into hunter education courses across all 50 states. Eleven states currently participate, with Maine introducing over 400 new shooters in three months.
Ammunition Depot and the National Rifle Association announced a partnership to support Second Amendment litigation, including the landmark Rhode v. Bonta case challenging California's ammunition restrictions. Ammunition Depot is launching a checkout donation option to help fund the NRA's ongoing legal efforts across the country.
Tom Marx, former Chicago Police Department officer and instructor at Smith & Wesson Academy, passed away February 15, 2026. He held leadership roles at Smith & Wesson, Michaels of Oregon, and Blackhawk Products Group, and lectured internationally with organizations including ILEETA, IALEFI, and the NRA.
The Guns & Ammo Buzz podcast, hosted by Guns & Ammo's editorial team and brought to you by Watchtower Defense and Poncho Outdoors, features legendary gunsmith Paul Liebenberg discussing the history of the Pachmayr Combat Special, red-dot pistols, and custom 1911 innovations on episode #43.
Walk the Talk America announced its four most-downloaded Guns & Mental Health podcast episodes from early 2026, featuring conversations with Charles Anderson of Athlon Outdoors, Yale researcher Kerri Raissian, Sandy Hook mother Nelba Márquez-Greene, and Dr. Chris Knoepke on mental health and responsible firearm ownership.
Remington Ammunition has added the 7mm Backcountry hunting cartridge to its Core-Lokt Tipped product line for 2026. The new 175-grain load uses Peak Alloy case technology to deliver high velocities from shorter barrels, ideal for suppressed rifles, and is now shipping to dealers nationwide.
Tac Shield introduces the Bird Dog Shotgun Sling, a hardware-free carry strap designed for upland hunters and bird dog handlers. The sling features slip-over cinch loops, suede-lined barrel protection, and padded Tac-Grip material, allowing comfortable field carry without permanently modifying firearms.
Custom & Collectable Firearms unveiled the limited-edition Heckler & Koch Mark 23 Bellum .45 ACP, featuring custom diamond-pattern engraving, OD Green and FDE Cerakote finishes, Aimpoint ACRO red-dot sight, and SilencerCo Osprey suppressor. Only 50 individually numbered packages are available.
Zanders, a national distributor based in Sparta, Illinois, has added We The People Holsters to its product lineup. The partnership expands concealed carry options for dealers, offering precision-molded Kydex holsters and everyday carry accessories trusted by law enforcement and shooting enthusiasts.
BlackPoint Tactical, a High Speed Gear Products Group brand, launches the Concealed Duty Holster (CDH), an active-retention holster combining duty-level security with concealed carry concealability. Initially available for Glock 17 and 19/45 with TLR-7 and TLR-7 HLX, the KYDEX holster features Level II retention and is designed and manufactured in the USA.
Nosler, Inc. and Sportsman's Warehouse announced an exclusive partnership to introduce the Western Big Game ammunition line, featuring the legendary Nosler Partition bullet. Available exclusively through Sportsman's Warehouse stores and online, the lineup includes seven premium loads designed for big game hunters nationwide.
Apex Ammunition will exhibit at the 2026 Ducks Unlimited Expo in Memphis, TN (July 31-August 2) showcasing its Waterfowl Stratified S3 Steel, TSS, and TSS/S3 Steel Blend loads. The company will also launch a new waterfowl line with 24.7 Hunt, with both teams meeting attendees at Booth #1209 on Saturday.
Traditions® Performance Firearms will exhibit at the 2026 Chattanooga Shooting Supplies Dealer Show on July 27–28 at the Chattanooga Convention Center. The company will showcase innovative products including the NitroBolt® and NitroFire® platforms, along with rifles, revolvers, and shooting accessories at Booth #507.
Franchi will showcase its new 2026 Affinity Series shotguns at the Delta Waterfowl Duck Hunters Expo, July 24–26, in Des Moines, Iowa. The 15 new models feature the next-generation Inertia Driven® platform with refined ergonomics and field-focused upgrades designed for waterfowl hunters.
Chiappa USA, the exclusive U.S. importer and distributor for Chiappa Firearms and Charles Daly, will exhibit at the Chattanooga Shooting Tradeshow 2026 on July 27–28 at the Chattanooga Convention Center. The company will showcase its complete firearms portfolio and discuss dealer programs with industry professionals.
Benelli USA will exhibit at the 2026 Delta Waterfowl Duck Hunters Expo in Des Moines, Iowa, July 24–26, showcasing the Super Black Eagle 3 Advanced Impact®, Ethos Advanced Impact®, and upgraded M2 Field lineup. The Advanced Impact barrel system delivers higher pellet density, increased velocity, and improved penetration for enhanced waterfowl hunting performance.
HEVI Ammunition announced Wade Shoemaker, an outdoor media personality and professional lifestyle photographer, as its brand ambassador and community manager. The signing was revealed at the 2026 Delta Waterfowl Duck Hunters Expo in Des Moines, Iowa, where Shoemaker will engage hunters and promote HEVI's waterfowl and hunting ammunition products.
AirForce Airguns and Rapid Air Worx return as sponsors for the 2026 Pyramyd Air Cup, taking place August 5–8, 2026, in Marengo, Ohio. The event features elite competitions, educational seminars, and a demo range where attendees can test-fire the latest AirForce and RAW rifles.
Hodgdon Powder Company donated Pyrodex muzzleloading propellant to the 2026 Scouting America National Jamboree, enabling thousands of Scouts to safely experience muzzleloader shooting using Traditions muzzleloaders at the July 22-31 event in West Virginia.
Pursuit Channel announced the addition of The Luke Branquinho Show to its programming lineup, hosted by world-champion team roper and rodeo icon Luke Branquinho. The series blends rodeo life with hunting, fishing, ranching, and Western lifestyle adventures, airing Q3 & Q4 2026 across DIRECTV, Comcast Xfinity, Verizon Fios, and Pursuit UP streaming platforms.
Outdoor Action TV highlights its expansive library of premium outdoor programming available on VOD platforms, the OATV App, and FAST Channel. Standout series include Hard Truths of Conservation with Dan Cabela, World of Saltwater Fishing, Uncharted Waters with Peter Miller, and Sportsman's Adventures with Captain Rick Murphy, all available free to viewers.
Katlyn Sullivan, Isabella Probst, Victoria McClung, Women's 10m Air Rifle Jr Champions
With two years remaining until the Olympic and Paralympic Games return to American soil in Los Angeles, USA Shooting's 2026 National Championships demonstrated exactly what it takes to build a medal-winning team.
Held throughout May and June, the championships brought together Olympians, Paralympians, National Team members, collegiate standouts, and the nation's top junior athletes to compete for national titles across rifle, pistol, and shotgun. More than a championship season, the events served as a benchmark for the athletes pursuing Team USA selection while showcasing the growing depth of American shooting sports.
"This season is proof our pipeline is deep, and it's growing," said USA Shooting CEO Kelly Reisdorf. "We saw three-year highs in participation across rifle, pistol, and shotgun, with some of the biggest gains coming from our women athletes. We also watched proven champions like Vincent Hancock and Samantha Simonton get pushed by a rising class of juniors who are closing the gap fast. That competitive pressure, top to bottom, is exactly what builds a team that wins in 2028."
Throughout the season, Olympic veterans reaffirmed their place among the nation's best while emerging athletes continued closing the gap. Every event carried significance as athletes battled not only for national titles but for momentum heading toward future National Team selections and international competition.
Peter Fiori, Men’s Smallbore Rifle
Rifle National Championships
Hosted by the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) in Anniston and Talladega, Alabama, the Rifle National Championships showcased excellence across Olympic and Paralympic rifle events.
Peter Fiori claimed the Men's 10m Air Rifle National Championship while Griffin Lake earned the Junior National title. Isabella Baldwin won Women's Air Rifle, and Elizabeth Probst captured the Junior Championship.
Lake added another national title in Men's 50m Rifle Three Positions, while Braden Peiser earned Junior National Champion honors. Cecelia Ossi won Women's 50m Rifle Three Positions, with Karlie Lynn taking the Junior title.
Para rifle competition featured standout performances across multiple classifications, highlighting the continued growth of the Paralympic program. Agapito Morales won the R1 Men's 10m Air Rifle Standing SH1 title, while Taylor Farmer claimed the R2 Women's 10m Air Rifle Standing SH1 championship. Toai Nolan captured national titles in both R3 Mixed 10m Air Rifle Prone SH1 and R6 Mixed 50m Rifle Prone SH1, while Benjamin Hays earned titles in R4 Mixed 10m Air Rifle Standing SH2 and R5 Mixed 10m Air Rifle Prone SH2. Jadon Nafzinger rounded out the Para Rifle champions with the R9 Mixed 50m Rifle Prone SH2 national title.
Alexis Lagan, Lisa Emmert Traciak, Ada Korkhin, Women’s Sport Pistol
Pistol National Championships
Hosted by Hillsdale College at the new John Anthony Halter Shooting Sports Center Nimrod Complex, Pistol Nationals featured Olympians, Paralympians, veterans, and rising talent competing for national titles.
Nick Mowrer captured the Men's 10m Air Pistol National Championship while Mark Shen earned the Junior title. Suman Sanghera won Women's Air Pistol, with Sophie Li earning Junior National Champion honors.
Olympian Keith Sanderson claimed the Men's Rapid Fire Pistol title while junior standout Blaine Simpson earned the Junior Championship. Lisa Emmert Traciak captured Women's Sport Pistol national title as Eva Allan earned Junior National Champion honors.
YanXiao Gong led the para field capturing titles in P1 Men's 10m Air Pistol SH1, P3 25m Pistol SH1, and P4 50m Free Pistol SH1. Debra Freed earned the P2 Women's 10m Air Pistol SH1 national title.
Rachel Tozier, Women’s Trap National Champion
Shotgun National Championships
The season concluded in Hillsdale, Michigan, where many of America's most accomplished shotgun athletes once again proved why the United States remains among the world's elite shooting nations.
Olympian Vincent Hancock and Samantha Simonton claimed the Men's and Women's Skeet National Championships while Aidin Burns and Madalynn Schroder earned the junior titles.
In Trap, Rachel Tozier captured the Women's National Championship and Derek Haldeman won the Men's title. Taylor Dale and Max Hatfield were crowned Junior National Champions.
Christian Elliott, Vincent Hancok, Dustan Taylor, Men’s Skeet
Beyond the podium, participation reflected encouraging momentum for the sport. Rifle Nationals welcomed 209 event entries and 122 unique competitors, the highest participation in three years. Pistol Nationals recorded 172 event entries and 121 athletes, also marking a three-year high, while Shotgun Nationals saw 230 qualification entries. Growth was seen across every discipline, including significant increases in Women's Rifle, Women's Trap, and both Men's and Women's Skeet.
As Team USA prepares for LA28, that increasing depth may be one of the program's greatest strengths. Every new athlete entering the pipeline raises the level of competition, ensuring national champions continue earning their place against the strongest competitors in the country.
USA Shooting extends its sincere appreciation to our partnered organizations whose continued support helps grow Olympic and Paralympic shooting sports across the United States.
A special thank you to the Civilian Marksmanship Program for hosting Rifle Nationals and Hillsdale College for hosting both the Pistol and Shotgun National Championships. Their continued partnership provides elite venues that help prepare athletes for success on the international stage.
Complete results from all National Championship events are available below.
Results
Shotgun National Championships – Hillsdale, Michigan
