WATCHTOWER Defense appointed Jordan Davis as Chief Executive Officer to lead strategic direction and growth initiatives. Davis, formerly Chief Growth Officer at WATCHTOWER Firearms, will focus on consumer products and market expansion from the company's new state-of-the-art facility in Tomball, Texas.
The NSSF commends Indiana Gov. Mike Braun for signing Senate Enrolled Act 176, which prohibits local governments from using zoning regulations to prevent firearm retailers and shooting ranges from operating in commercially-zoned areas. The law takes effect July 1, 2026.
Kinetic Development Group (KDG) announced strong Q1 2026 performance with expanded dealer engagement and distribution partnerships. The company's presence at buy group shows drove growth across retail channels, with new two-step distributor partnerships and multiple product launches planned for the remainder of 2026.
Gearfire announced a bi-directional integration between AXIS Point of Sale and AIQ, a CRM and loyalty platform for firearms retailers. The integration enables real-time customer data sync, behavior-driven marketing campaigns, and customizable loyalty programs that reward actual purchase behavior.
Hornady Manufacturing Company launched a limited-edition "Nebraska Strong" t-shirt fundraiser, with 100% of profits benefiting the Nebraska Cattlemen's Disaster Relief Fund. The initiative supports ranchers affected by wildfires that burned nearly 1 million acres across Nebraska's Sandhills region.
Dead Air Silencers announced that Cris McRae, formerly of Magpul Industries Corp, joined as Senior Product Manager for Accessories. McRae brings over a decade of firearms industry experience in product development and commercialization to drive innovation and strategic growth.
ZEV Technologies, a maker of performance handguns and AR-style rifles, is relocating its headquarters and manufacturing operations from Washington state to Riverton, Utah by May 31. The move to the 2A-friendly Salt Lake City area will expand ZEV's 40,000-square-foot facility and create new jobs in advanced manufacturing and engineering roles.
Night Fision, a premium sight systems and optics-mounting solutions manufacturer, is actively seeking U.S.-based export partners to expand distribution across international commercial, law enforcement, and military channels. Director of Sales Pat Murphy stated the company has seen steady global demand growth for its handgun sight systems and optic mounting solutions.
Hodgdon Powder Company marks the 50th anniversary of Pyrodex, the revolutionary black powder substitute introduced at the 1976 NRA Annual Meetings. Developed by Bob Hodgdon and Dan Pawlak, Pyrodex has become the most trusted propellant among muzzleloading enthusiasts, offering cleaner-burning performance and improved storage stability.
The Second Amendment Foundation (SAF) has promoted attorney Bill Sack to Senior Director of Legal Operations. In this role, Sack will oversee SAF's legal program, including litigation management, case tracking, and public education. Executive Director Adam Kraut praised Sack's coordination of outside counsel and legal program management during his tenure with the organization.
Guns.com's Dealer Network achieved a 44% year-over-year sales increase in March, significantly outperforming the national 11.9% decline in firearm sales. The online marketplace partners with nearly 2,000 licensed dealers nationwide, with over 67% of 2026 sales benefiting small businesses and nearly 900 suppressor product listings from 60 manufacturers.
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.
RetailBI released its monthly Firearm Sales Index showing an 11.9% year-over-year decline in March 2026 and an 8.2% year-to-date decline. The index, powered by Gearfire and compiled from over 2,000 U.S. firearms retailers, provides data-driven market insights to manufacturers, distributors, and retailers.
NSSF praised Kansas Governor Laura Kelly for signing HB2501, which removes state criminal prohibitions against firearm suppressors and eliminates state-level tax stamp requirements. The law passed with overwhelming bipartisan support and includes provisions for retailer immunity and enhanced penalties for criminal misuse of suppressors and short-barrel firearms.
Brownells announced the expansion of its VALOR Program, a law enforcement initiative providing reduced-price access to firearms parts, maintenance supplies, and duty gear. The program, led by Bill Hampstead, offers individual officers verified law enforcement pricing and agencies a single reliable source for equipment sustainment across legacy and current platforms.
NSSF praises the Trump administration's Office of the Comptroller of the Currency and Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation for publishing a Final Rule eliminating "reputational risk" from supervisory programs, ending banking discrimination against firearm and ammunition businesses. Lawrence G. Keane, NSSF Senior Vice President & General Counsel, stated the rule prevents unlawful denial of banking services to legitimate industries.
Engaged Industries, a 100% American-made suppressor manufacturer, launched its Authorized Dealer Network on its one-year anniversary. The company's patent-pending Vacuum Expansion Technology and Stealth LoK QD system address shooter complaints about gas blowback, finicky mounts, and sound suppression across multiple caliber platforms.
Protect Liberty PAC announced its Freedom Giveaway Sweepstakes featuring a Benelli Lupo Rifle in 300 Win Mag. and patriotic t-shirts commemorating America's 250th birthday. The initiative aims to expand grassroots engagement ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, with t-shirt purchases providing sweepstakes entries.
The NSSF-adjusted NICS figure for March 2026 reached 1,412,917, a 1.9 percent increase from March 2025. NFA checks surged 121.2 percent to 206,871, with Texas, Florida, and Virginia leading in NFA activity. The National Shooting Sports Foundation provides these adjusted figures to reflect market conditions.
Brownells announced the launch of 2nd Adventure Global Solutions, a new division led by Casey Betzold to help manufacturers expand internationally. The division leverages Brownells' 80+ years of experience and 30+ years of European operations to manage compliance, distribution, and market access across business-to-business, direct-to-consumer, and government channels in approximately 65 countries.