FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2026   |   SUBSCRIBE    ARCHIVES

AWARDS & HONORS

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.

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.

DEALER PROGRAMS

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.

INDUSTRY UPDATE

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit ruled that NSSF has standing to challenge New Jersey's 'reasonable controls' law, reversing a lower court's decision that invoked the Younger Abstention Doctrine. NSSF Senior Vice President Lawrence G. Keane stated the law violates the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act and is unconstitutional.

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.

Steiner Optics has partnered with PromoBoxx to provide retailers with professionally developed, brand-approved digital marketing materials. The platform enables dealers to easily share campaigns across email, social media, and websites while maintaining consistent brand messaging and driving customer engagement.

GrabAGun Digital Holdings Inc. announced the appointment of John Swanagon as Chief Technology Officer effective September 1, 2026. Swanagon brings over 30 years of technology leadership experience from UnitedHealth Group's Optum Financial and SiriusXM, and will lead GrabAGun's technology strategy and AI initiatives.

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.

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.

Safe LivinG, in collaboration with the Army & Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES), will bring its free firearms safety and suicide prevention experience to Fort Stewart, Georgia on September 11-12. The event features a mobile range with FATS by Inveris simulators, demonstrations from SABRE® and Streamlight®, and family-friendly firearm safety education.

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.

Gun Owners of America (GOA) announced a new Corporate Membership program enabling pro-Second Amendment businesses to formally join GOA's fight to defend the Second Amendment. The tiered program offers annual memberships at $1,000, $5,000, and $10,000 based on company size, with complimentary individual memberships for eligible employees.

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.

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.

Derya Arms announced that beginning January 1, 2027, drop-ship fulfillment of its firearms and accessories through distributors Sports South, Lipsey's, RSR Group, and Bill Hicks & Co., Ltd. will be exclusive to Derya Authorized Dealers. The program protects stocking dealers and strengthens pricing integrity across the 1,400+ dealer network.

Gun Owners of America, Gun Owners Foundation, Century Arms, Canik USA, B&T USA, and Fostech filed an amicus brief with the U.S. Supreme Court in Viramontes v. Cook County urging the court to strike down assault weapons bans and affirm that AR-15s and commonly owned semiautomatic rifles are protected by the Second Amendment.

JOBS, JOBS, JOBS

Burris Company, Inc. is hiring an Account Manager for Commercial Accounts in Greeley, CO to drive sales growth and brand development across regional accounts. The role requires five years of sales management experience, a bachelor's degree, and 80% or more travel.

NEWSSTAND, RADIO & TV

HeadHunters NW released a podcast episode featuring Ibrahim Pataudi, co-founder and Chief Revenue Officer of Armanet, discussing how the advertising platform helps firearms and outdoor brands overcome restrictions from Google and Meta. Armanet offers programmatic advertising across 100+ firearms and outdoor websites with measurement and attribution tools designed specifically for the industry.

The Armory Life has launched its 21st edition digital magazine featuring an Echelon-themed issue focused on the popular family of modular 9mm pistols. The magazine includes a cover story review of the Echelon Alpha 4.0C, in-depth articles on the Variable Interface System, and aftermarket options. Editor-in-Chief Mike Humphries highlights the publication's commitment to delivering engaging firearms content.

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.

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.

NOW SHIPPING

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.

PRODUCT NEWS

WOOX, an Italian-American gunstock manufacturer, announces the continued success of its Elegante line of bolt-action rifle stocks introduced in June. The premium Claro American Walnut stocks with aerospace-grade aluminum mini-chassis have exceeded demand expectations, with CEO Ben Fleming noting shooters seek functional stocks with lasting beauty and heritage.

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.

Catalyst Arms has released the Apex Bag Rider 2.0, an upgraded rear stock accessory for Gen 1-Gen 3 Ruger Precision Rifles featuring a sleeker profile and refined angle for smoother elevation adjustments and improved stability. The product is now available with an MSRP of $44.95.

Langdon Tactical Technology introduced the LTT Mossberg 590, featuring an Action Job with NP3-coated internals, a 4.5-pound trigger, Adjustable Super Duty Shotgun Sight, and Magpul furniture. Available in 18.5-inch Standard and 14.375-inch Shockwave configurations at Langdontactical.com.

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."

Magpul has expanded its glove line with the Patrol 2.0 and Technical 2.0 now available in Multicam. The Patrol 2.0 features a goatskin palm and padded knuckles at $64.95, while the Technical 2.0 offers touch-screen compatibility and synthetic suede at $44.95.

Federal Ammunition launched Cosmic shotshells featuring UV-fluorescent Podium wads and neon colors that glow under black light for nighttime clay target shooting. The 12-gauge loads contain 1⅛-ounce No. 8 shot at 1,145 feet per second and are now shipping to dealers nationwide.

ELEY offers a comprehensive .22LR ammunition range for all shooting disciplines, featuring a new recommendation engine to match shooters with the right cartridge. The company provides batch testing services across five locations and trial packs available globally through retailers including Killough Shooting Sports in the USA.

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.

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.

Firefield released the Verge binocular lineup in 8x42 and 10x42 configurations, featuring fully multicoated optics, BK7 roof prisms, and IPX4 water resistance. Designed for hunters and outdoor users seeking reliable performance without premium pricing, both models offer durable polycarbonate housing and internal focusing systems for field use.

Magpul announced the availability of DAKA Range Bags in Flat Dark Earth (FDE) color, offered in Small (20-liter) and Large (40-liter) sizes. The bags feature durable DAKA materials, YKK Aquaguard zippers, multiple storage compartments for magazines including AR-10 and GLOCK PMAG compatibility, and a foldable work mat.

FALCO Holsters and the 3 of 7 Project unveiled the C917 and C917 L Kydex holsters, featuring OWB/IWB strong-side carry capability with full Kydex construction and perforated leather backing. The light-bearing C917 L accommodates weapon-mounted lights, with MSRPs of $219.95 and $229.95 respectively.

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.

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.

C&H Precision Weaponry launched optic adapter plates for Kimber KDS9c and 2K11 pistols, enabling direct mounting of Leupold Delta Point Pro, EOTech EFLX, and Vortex Defender sights without slide milling. Plates are machined in-house in Richmond Hill, Georgia, and available with or without built-in rear sights.

Summit Treestands launched three gear-management accessories: Summit Utility Hooks 3-pack, 23" Bow Hanger, and 13" Bow Hanger. Tiffany Lakosky of Outdoor Channel's CRUSH with Lee & Tiffany praised the products for keeping gear organized and within reach. All accessories are available at summitstands.com.

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.

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

SHOWS

Blue Force Gear will exhibit at the 2026 Maneuver Warfighter Conference at 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.

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