NSSF, The Firearm Industry Trade Association, announced the relaunch of its improved Where To Shoot mobile app, helping shooters find ranges across the United States. The redesigned app features location-based search, indoor and outdoor range filters, and training opportunities for iPhone, iPad, and Android devices.
The Inter-American Court of Human Rights published an advisory opinion requested by Mexico's government, but it provides little support for Mexico's lawsuits against U.S. firearm manufacturers and retailers. The U.S. Supreme Court previously dismissed Mexico's claims in Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc. v. Estados Unidos Mexicanos, and Mexico's pending retailer lawsuit against Diamondback Shooting Sports, Inc. faces similar legal obstacles.
RetailBI, powered by Gearfire, released its February Firearm Sales Index reporting a 6.5% year-over-year decline compared to February 2025. The index uses point-of-sale data from over 2,000 U.S. firearms retailers with same-store methodology to provide accurate new firearm demand measurements, replacing reliance on NICS figures.
Beretta Holding, Ruger's largest shareholder with 9.95% ownership, clarified that it proposed a strategic minority investment on market terms to improve performance, not to seek control. The company criticized Ruger's board for maintaining longstanding leadership despite underperformance and nominated independent director candidates including William F. Detwiler, Mark DeYoung, Fredrick DiSanto, and Michael Christodolou.
SLG2, Inc. will bring its Shoot Like A Girl experience to Bass Pro Shops in League City, Texas on March 14-15, 2026. The free, family-friendly event features instructor-led firearms training using FATS by InVeris simulators, archery instruction, and product demonstrations from partner companies including optics and concealed carry brands.
The Project ChildSafe Foundation, a program of NSSF, launched a streamlined product donation process to support its Safety Sweepstakes and charity auctions. The new system allows manufacturers, retailers, and industry partners to easily submit products that help raise funds for firearm safety education and community outreach nationwide.
Sturm, Ruger & Co. responded to Beretta Holding S.A.'s nomination of four board candidates, detailing Beretta's demands for discounted stock, disproportionate board representation, and governance rights that would violate antitrust laws. Ruger's board stated it engaged constructively with Beretta but rejected demands inconsistent with corporate governance best practices and U.S. law.
Beretta Holding, Sturm, Ruger & Company's largest shareholder with 9.95% ownership, criticized Ruger's Q4 and full-year 2025 results, citing margin erosion, declining earnings, and strategic missteps. The company highlighted gross profit declines of 18.7% quarterly and 29% annually, questioning management's innovation strategy as average selling prices fell from $377 to $364.
The National Shooting Sports Foundation reported February 2026 NSSF-adjusted NICS background checks of 1,265,320, a 3.5 percent increase from February 2025. The NSSF introduced monthly NFA checks data for 2026, with Texas, Florida, and Virginia leading in NFA checks during the month.
The Gun Rights Policy Conference (GRPC) planning committee announced registration is open for the 41st annual conference scheduled for September 25-27 in Dallas at the Westin Dallas Fort Worth Airport hotel. Co-hosted by the Second Amendment Foundation and Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms, the event brings together Second Amendment advocates, attorneys, and industry leaders.
Industry experts including JC Clark, Travis Glover, Jamison Collins, Gentry Bell, and Michele Salerno will host a webinar on March 12, 2026, titled "From A&D to NFA: Navigating Firearms Compliance in 2026." The session will cover regulatory updates, A&D recordkeeping, NFA products, and compliance technology solutions for firearms retailers.
Target Sports USA unveiled a state-of-the-art ammunition vending machine featuring age verification technology, secure payment processing, and real-time inventory tracking. The machine was displayed at the Great American Outdoor Show and aligns with the company's expansion goals, including their AMMO+ Membership and New Republic USA ammo brand.
Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. reported fourth quarter net sales of $151.1 million and full-year net sales of $546.1 million, with CEO Todd Seyfert highlighting strong product momentum including 65 new models launched and three new platforms: Glenfield by Ruger rifle, Red Label III shotgun, and Harrier rifle. The company generated $54.3 million in operating cash flow and returned $36.2 million to shareholders in 2025.
Celerant Technology announced the launch of Cumulus Analytics, a new analytics module for Cumulus Retail users that provides dashboards and reporting for small and mid-sized retailers. The cost-effective tool offers 10 essential reports covering sales, customers, inventory, and suppliers, with beta customer Hobby Works praising its intuitive interface and decision-making capabilities.
ZEISS and palero signed an agreement to spin off the Hunting & Nature business into an independent company with palero as sole owner. ZEISS will license its brand to the new company, with completion planned for the second half of 2026. The new entity will continue developing analog optics, trail cameras, and digital solutions under the ZEISS brand.
Brandon Maddox, founder and CEO of Silencer Central, donated $25,000 to the National Shooting Sports Foundation's Protect Liberty PAC to support candidates dedicated to protecting Second Amendment rights. Maddox, who serves on the NSSF Board of Governors, recently advocated for suppressor deregulation in South Dakota, resulting in the bill's unanimous passage and signing by Governor Rhoden.
Lipsey's, a leading firearms distributor, announced construction will begin in April 2026 on a new 265,000 square foot corporate headquarters and distribution center in Baton Rouge next to Ruffino's. The project, developed with Arkel Construction, Ritter Maher, and Powers Brown Architects, will feature advanced logistics, expanded storage, and upgraded technology infrastructure.
Sarsilmaz appointed Maschmedt & Associates as its sales representative agency for the Western Region, representing the SAR9 and 7/24 Series product lines across 13 western states. The partnership, which began at SHOT Show, aims to strengthen Sarsilmaz's market presence and improve accessibility to its NATO-standard firearms.
Range USA, the nation's largest indoor gun range and firearm retailer, announced plans to open three new stores in 2026 in Smyrna, Tennessee; Monroeville, Pennsylvania; and Lenexa, Kansas, creating over 100 employment opportunities. COO Jimmy McManus cited strong performance at existing locations as driving the expansion strategy.
Vihtavuori, a world-renowned smokeless reloading powder manufacturer, unveiled its new brand look at the IWA Outdoors Classics exhibition in Nuremberg, Germany, February 26-March 1st. Sales and Marketing Manager Olof Borgstrom confirmed the product range remains unchanged while new branding will appear on bottle labels throughout the year.