Easton Archery's X10 arrow dominated the 2026 Hyundai Archery World Cup Stage 1 in Puebla, Mexico, with all individual gold medalists using X10 shafts. Winners included Zhu Jingyi, Brady Ellison, Sara Lopez, and Matthias Fullerton across recurve and compound categories.
The Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers' Institute, Inc. (SAAMI) announced that Supply Energetics, a nitrocellulose manufacturer based in Parsons, Kansas, has joined as an Affiliate Member. Supply Energetics will gain access to SAAMI's firearms and ammunition technical standards and reference ammunition program assessments.
CCW Safe announced its Certified Partner Program achieved 120 partners in its first year since launching in January 2025, with strong engagement on the East Coast particularly in North Carolina. The company hired James Concilio as Senior Manager of Partner Program Training and Jerome Vinet as Director of Field Sales to support expansion across the United States.
NSSF filed a Federal Election Commission complaint against Giffords PAC, alleging violations of joint fundraising rules. The complaint claims Giffords PAC and allied candidates failed to comply with FEC filing and disclaimer requirements while soliciting funds for both the PAC and preferred gun control candidates.
Brandon Powell and Madison Sharpe won Main Event Championships at the 2026 Browning Briley, with over 600 shooters competing at Greater Houston Sports Club. Powell scored 196 in the men's event while Sharpe claimed victory in the women's division, both competing for Team Remington.
Federal Ammunition team member Cory Kruse won the Super Sporting event at the NSCA-sanctioned Browning Briley tournament in Houston, besting over 370 competitors. Kruse also placed in FITASC, Federal Prelim Sporting, and 5-Stand events, while teammate Jonathan Prince finished second in Prelim Sporting and third in FITASC.
Hornady shooter Lauryl Akenhead won Top Production honors at the Koenig-Ruger Precision Rifle Competition in Grand Junction, Colorado, using Hornady 6mm 110 gr. A-Tip Match bullets in her 6mm Creedmoor for consistent accuracy.
The USA Clay Target League's spring season is underway with 40,100 student athletes competing on 2,094 high school and college teams nationwide. Over 100 new teams were started this year, with the high school season concluding May 24th and top athletes eligible for the National Championship in July.
Firearms Policy Coalition (FPC) filed a motion for summary judgment in Morris v. Savannah, challenging a City of Savannah firearm storage ordinance. FPC member Deacon Morris and attorney John R. Monroe of John Monroe Law, P.C. seek to affirm Georgia's firearm preemption law and block local gun control measures.
Springfield Armory will attend the 2026 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits in Houston, Texas, April 17-19, featuring its latest firearms and an Ace Virtual Shooting Simulator. The company will host a Booth Party giveaway on Saturday, April 18th at 3pm CT, hosted by competitive shooter Julie Golob, offering seven firearms to in-person attendees.
HeadHunters NW, an executive search firm specializing in regulated industries, will attend the 2026 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits in Houston, Texas, April 16–19. President Shaylene Keiner will be available for strategic meetings with industry leaders, alongside the firm's service dog George Washington.
The Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers' Institute (SAAMI) announced the release of the 2026 update to American National Standard SAAMI Z299.1-2026, providing pressure and velocity performance standards for rimfire ammunition and chambers. The standard ensures safety, reliability, and interchangeability of firearms and ammunition.
Buck Knives is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to drive efficiency, lead teams, and support manufacturing and business operations growth. Interested candidates should contact Tim Keaty, Human Resources Manager, at Buck Knives in Post Falls, Idaho.
HeadHunters NW has been exclusively retained by Heckler & Koch USA to conduct a confidential national search for a National Sales Manager — Commercial. The role offers autonomy and accountability leading H&K USA's growing commercial sales operations from Columbus, Georgia, across distribution and premium dealer networks.
Taurus introduces the Deputy Dual Cylinder, a single-action revolver featuring interchangeable cylinders in .357 Magnum/.38 Special and 9mm. The 5.5-inch barrel revolver combines classic Old West styling with modern functionality, offering shooters three caliber options in one firearm.
Wilson Combat announces the return of the Sentinel, its smallest 1911 platform, now joined by the all-new Sentinel XL. Both pistols feature hand-fit construction in Berryville, Arkansas, with the Sentinel XL offering a lighter aluminum frame and longer sight radius, available in 9mm or .38 Super.
Atrius Development Group has joined the Second Amendment Foundation (SAF) as a Gold-level corporate partner. The firearm accessory manufacturer, known for its Forced Reset Selector for AR-15 platforms, supports SAF's legal advocacy work defending Second Amendment rights.
CZ announced that former U.S. Navy SEAL and trainer Jeff Gonzales has joined as Marketing & Communications Specialist and brand ambassador. Gonzales, founder of Trident Concepts and host of AR15.com's Bulletproof Workshop podcast, will contribute to CZ and Dan Wesson's marketing efforts, product development, and customer engagement.
Colt has appointed Jillair Kubish as President and Chief Executive Officer effective April 1, 2026. Kubish brings over 20 years of firearms industry experience, including a decade at Colt in senior leadership roles overseeing Military and Law Enforcement programs, plus prior U.S. Government service and consulting expertise.
The HeadHunters NW Podcast features Mark Cherpes, former President and CEO of FN America, discussing his 25-year career in defense manufacturing, leadership strategies, and his Pentagon background. The episode airs Tuesday, April 14th and covers organizational mergers, market expansion, and talent management insights.
Taurus USA announces the launch of the Taurus RPC, its first dedicated 9mm PDW built to NATO standards. The compact platform features fully ambidextrous controls, a 4.5" threaded barrel, and is available with or without a Strike Industries folding brace, now shipping to dealers nationwide.
Magpul announced three new M-LOK products: an Index Stop, Thumb Shelf, and SVG Grip designed to improve firearm control. All accessories are ambidextrous, available in May in multiple colors, and constructed from durable proprietary polymer with mil-spec hardware included.
UTG Pro, a brand of Leapers, Inc., has released an Extended Cocking Handle for MP5 and MP5K platforms featuring one-piece construction and made in the USA. The product offers improved ergonomics for larger hands and ambidextrous shooting, compatible with UTG Pro Monolithic M-LOK handguards.
Chattanooga Shooting Supplies announced two exclusive colorways of the Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 2.0 Carry Comp: a blue titanium frame with Performance Center Gray Armornite slide and a midnight bronze frame with matching slide. Both models combine premium aesthetics with reliable performance for everyday carry.
Galco introduces the Avenger Belt Holster with Alligator trim, featuring an alligator collar on the holster mouth for enhanced elegance. The premium steerhide holster offers full firing grip accessibility, molded sight rail, and reinforced opening, available in tan with midnight brown or black with black alligator trim.
Ukrainian operators have successfully used Drone Round, a purpose-built 5.56 NATO and 7.62x51 counter-UAS cartridge, to neutralize unmanned aerial systems in viral footage. Developed through a partnership between Unlimited Ammo and Freedom Munitions, the ammunition requires no weapon modifications and works against fiber-optic controlled drones that cannot be jammed.
Daniel Defense announces the launch of the MUTE30Ti, a 3D-printed titanium suppressor engineered for precision bolt-action rifles. Weighing 8.3 ounces with a 1.55-inch diameter, the suppressor features a low-flow design, integral flash hider, and HUB mounting compatibility, backed by a lifetime warranty.
Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc. announced the release of the Bodyguard 38 2.0, a compact .38 S&W Special +P revolver designed for personal protection. The 5-shot revolver features a 1.875" stainless-steel barrel, ambidextrous cylinder release, and is available with an optional Crimson Trace red laser at MSRPs of $449.00 and $549.00 respectively.
Magpul expands its Enhanced Lever Gun (ELG) M-LOK Hand Guard lineup with a proprietary clamp system to fit Marlin lever guns manufactured by Ruger and Remington, including 1895, 1894, and 336 models. The one-foot-long handguard features six M-LOK slots and an integrated hand stop, available in black, FDE, and ODG.
Kinetic Development Group is advancing its optic mount development efforts guided by feedback from dealers and professional users. The company's SideLok series flagship platform continues to evolve to support diverse modern rifle configurations and optic setups, with new product development progressing beyond conceptual stages.
Daniel Defense announces the release of the Null9Ti suppressor, a 3D-printed titanium solution engineered for pistol caliber carbines. The ultra-lightweight suppressor weighs 4.4 ounces and delivers over 75% noise reduction compared to bare muzzle, now available through local dealers.
HOWA's new 25 Creedmoor rifles are now available through Legacy Sports International in 1500 barreled actions with 22" and 24" barrel options. The cartridge, dubbed the Triple Threat, serves varmint hunting, deer hunting, and precision shooting applications with ballistic performance comparable to the 6.5 Creedmoor.
Springfield Armory is launching the Model 2020 Gear Up promotion, offering purchasers of select new Model 2020 rifles a free XD-M Elite 10mm pistol worth $674. The program runs from April 15 through August 31, 2026, and includes an online redemption process with dealer delivery.
Team Lapua athlete Nancy Tompkins set multiple national records during the 2026 March Madness smallbore series at Ben Avery Shooting Facility in Phoenix, Arizona, including three women's national records at the Metric Smallbore Nationals and five additional records at the Western Wildcat, with teammate Michele Medige.
Walther Arms will showcase its PDP platform and lineup at the 2026 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits in Houston, Texas, April 16–19. The Fort Smith, Arkansas-based company will demonstrate its striker-fired pistols designed for personal defense, competition, and duty use.
MTM Case-Gard, a family-owned company since 1968, showcases its latest American-made storage and transport solutions at the 2026 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits in Houston, Texas. New products include the Suppressor Protector 2, 250th Multi-Can Ammo Crates, Emergency Boxes, Chronograph Case, Pistol Range Kit, Molle Panels, and Truck Underseat Gear Crate at booth #2107.
Sarsilmaz, a global firearms manufacturer, will exhibit at the 2026 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits in Houston, Texas, April 17-19. At Booth #4335, the company will showcase the SAR9 SOCOM series, 7/24 Series, and SAR9 Gen3 family of pistols, highlighting their performance and reliability innovations.
Kinetic Development Group will exhibit at the 2026 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits in Houston, Texas (April 17-19) at Booth #913, showcasing its SideLok optic mount series, Kinect quick-detach M-LOK system, and firearm accessories. Exclusive show specials will be available to attendees and KDG newsletter subscribers.
Armscor/Rock Island Armory will exhibit at the 2026 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits in Houston, Texas, April 16-19, showcasing new products including the RIA-USA Pak-Out, updated 22TCM Bolt Action Rifle, and TAC II Series at Booth #1934.
Umarex Airguns will exhibit at the 155th NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits in Houston April 16-19, showcasing new products including the Umarex Komplete 25, Umarex Tusk 357, and Notos Gen 2. The interactive booth, partnering with Laser Ammo, will feature Elite Force airsoft replicas engaging drone targets.
Jaguar Silencers will exhibit at the NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits 2026 in Houston from April 17-19, showcasing three new suppressor systems: the CAF556H Fatty Series 5.56, NANO 9mm, and CAM762 MAX Series 7.62, all featuring the company's proprietary Intermittent-Flow Technology.
RETAY will showcase innovative firearms at the 2026 NRA Show in Houston, April 16-19, including the new ACE Series shotguns, 724 Patrol Tactical Shotgun, RA1522 rifles and pistols, Asend .22 LR, and Gamelander straight wall rifles at Booth #1033.
BERSA USA will exhibit at the 2026 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits in Houston, Texas, April 16-19, showcasing new BP9 and M2XI pistol variations. Rafael Del Valle, director of sales and marketing, highlighted the event's importance for connecting with firearms enthusiasts nationwide.
EchoCore Suppressors will exhibit at the 2026 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits in Houston, Texas, April 16–19, alongside Silencer Shop at booth #3643. The company will showcase its premium suppressor lineup, including the award-winning Sector 5.56 models and the newly released Topo 22 rimfire suppressor.
Rock River Arms will exhibit at booth #3002 at the 2026 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits, showcasing their American-made Modern Sporting Rifles and pistols including 1911 pistols, AR-15 rifles, short-barreled rifles, and bolt-action rifles. The Colona, Illinois manufacturer will demonstrate firearms engineered for accuracy and reliability.
Faxon Firearms, a Cincinnati-based manufacturer, will exhibit at the 2026 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits (April 16-19) in Houston at Booth #2317. The company will showcase its new FAXON HARMONIX Ti•CONEL Suppressors, AR upper receiver groups, and award-winning barrels.
Redding Reloading Equipment will exhibit at the NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits in Houston, TX from April 17-19, 2026, at booth #3113. The company will showcase presses, dies, case preparation equipment, and other ammunition reloading products, with technical staff available to discuss features and connect with reloaders and enthusiasts.
Bear & Son Cutlery, an Alabama-based knife manufacturer, will exhibit at the 2026 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits in Houston at booth #3202. The company will debut over a dozen new products including the 112A Stainless Steel Frame Lock Assisted Opener, Locking Farmhand series, Slidelock Folder series, and expanded kitchen cutlery line.
AirForce Airguns has been named Title Sponsor of the Big Bore Slug Challenge at the 2026 Rocky Mountain Airgun Challenge (RMAC), hosted by Utah Airguns at Garth Killpack Shooting Range in Springville, Utah, June 23–28, 2026. The event will feature steel targets out to 600 yards showcasing AirForce's Texan® and Tex-Rex® platforms, with Rapid Air Worx also participating as a Gold Sponsor.
VKTR Industries, a manufacturer of piston-driven AR-15 rifles and Double Stack 1911 pistols, announced sponsorship of the TTPOA Conference in Round Rock, TX from April 22-24, 2026. The company will showcase the VK-1 rifle and VKP Pro pistol, offering special program pricing for TTPOA members and attendees.
Sturm, Ruger & Company continues its longstanding support of the Kids & Clays Foundation, which has hosted 46 events in 2025 and raised five million dollars for Ronald McDonald Houses. Ruger donates firearms to the foundation's annual sporting clays, skeet, and trap fundraising events benefiting critically ill children and their families.
States are expanding public shooting opportunities, modernizing aging facilities and improving access for recreational marksmen and women — and they’re doing it with a powerful combination of federal support and industry-backed reforms.
At the center of that progress is the Pittman-Robertson Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act, a longstanding conservation funding mechanism supported by excise taxes paid by firearm and ammunition manufacturers. While the program is widely known for supporting wildlife conservation, habitat restoration and hunter education, it also provides critical funding for public shooting range development and improvements.
Efforts by NSSF have made those funds more accessible and impactful. Combined with ongoing supervision and distribution of funds by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to the states, new ranges are opening, existing facilities are being modernized and public access to safe, structured shooting environments is expanding.
NSSF-Led Reform
For years, states faced barriers to using Pittman-Roberson funds for shooting range development. The previous funding formula required states to cover 25 percent of project costs upfront, with a 75 percent federal match, and projects had to be completed within three years.
That changed with the enactment of the federal Target Practice and Marksmanship Training Support Act, an NSSF priority. The law reduced the state funding requirement to just 10 percent, increased the federal match to 90 percent and extended the project completion window to five years. The bill was a direct outgrowth of dialogue between NSSF and state fish and game agencies on how to establish more opportunities for recreational target shooting.
The result has been a measurable increase in range construction and modernization nationwide. Since the law took effect, dozens of projects have been completed or are underway, demonstrating how targeted policy reform can — and does — translate into real-world access and infrastructure improvements.
Across the country, states are using these expanded funding opportunities to deliver tangible results.
In South Dakota, a state-owned $20 million, 400-acre public shooting complex opened following investment supported by Pittman-Robertson funds. The facility provides a modern, accessible venue for recreational shooters, competitive events and training programs.
Ohio is undertaking a major overhaul of an existing public range. The Trumbull County Grand River Wildlife Area Shooting Range is undergoing an $11.3 million overhaul, demonstrating how states can use the funding not just for new construction, but also for modernization and expansion of existing infrastructure.
In Alaska and Maine, public shooting facilities have been reopened following upgrades that improved safety, accessibility and environmental compliance. These projects highlight the ability to bring older facilities to current standards rather than allowing them to fall into further disrepair. That’s a key benefit of the program.
Florida and other states have also moved forward with projects that expand public access, particularly in areas where population growth has increased the demand for safe, regulated shooting environments.
These examples reflect a broader trend of states that increasingly view public shooting ranges as essential infrastructure, not optional amenities.
Partner with a Payer
That progress is indicative of the effectiveness of the Partner with a Payer® program, which brings together state agencies, firearm industry officials and USFWS leadership to bring together the industry that pays the excise tax that funds the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration programs and the state agencies that use those funds to benefit citizens.
This coordination has proven critical. While Pittman-Robertson funding has long been available for public range development, some states underutilized those funds due to matching requirements, administrative complexity or limited awareness of how funds could be utilized.
Since enactment of the Target Practice and Marksmanship Training Support Act, the USFWS’s Partner with a Payer program has helped spotlight range projects nationwide, from new construction to modernization of existing facilities. These projects are expanding access, improving safety standards and ensuring ranges are designed to meet growing participation in the shooting sports.
Policy Success, Continued Momentum
The success of the Target Practice and Marksmanship Training Support Act demonstrates what effective policy and industry leadership can achieve when aligned with state-level execution. State officials respond when federal funding structures align with practical realities on the ground. The benefits for recreational shooters buying firearms and ammunition mean more access, better facilities and stronger support for safe and responsible participation.
As more projects come online, the impact of this reform will only grow. Stakeholders should watch for continued state-level announcements, additional modernization efforts and ongoing federal guidance that further streamlines access to these funds.
