Birchwood Casey won the Readers' Choice 2026 Gold Award in the Shooting Target category from Predator Xtreme magazine for the second consecutive year, recognizing the brand's innovation, reliability, and leadership in shooting industry products.

ALPS OutdoorZ and founder Dennis Brune received the Lynn Boykin Hunting Heritage Award from the National Wild Turkey Federation at their 50th Annual National Convention. The company has contributed over $800,000 to NWTF's mission, including $170,000 for education and outreach, supporting mentored hunting and next-generation hunters since 2008.

Outdoor Edge won the Gold Award in the Knife category of the Bowhunting World and Predator Xtreme 2026 Readers' Choice Awards, marking the fifth recognition in six years. The Denver-based manufacturer's patented RazorSafe® replaceable blade system continues to resonate with hunters and outdoor enthusiasts.

TenPoint Crossbow Technologies earned two prestigious honors at the 2026 Kinsey's Dealer Show: Best in Crossbows for the fourth consecutive year and Best Innovator in Archery for the Turbo X. The awards recognize dealer votes across eight categories, reflecting TenPoint's reliability, innovation, and service excellence in the crossbow industry.

HEVI announced its Tom Takedown rebate program offering wild turkey hunters up to $100 back on purchases of HEVI-13, HEVI-Metal Turkey, Magnum Blend, HEVI-X Strut, HEVI-Bismuth Turkey, and HEVI-18 turkey loads through May 31, 2026.

Remington Ammunition launched the Strut N' Save rebate offering consumers up to $100 back on turkey shotshell purchases through May 31, 2026. Customers can receive $3-$5 per box rebates on products including Nitro Turkey, Premier Magnum Turkey, Final Strut HD, and Premier TSS.

Federal Ammunition's Spring Savings Slam rebate program runs through May 31, 2026, offering up to $100 back on turkey loads including Strut-Shok, Grand Slam, and new Realtree 40th Anniversary and Rob Roberts Limited Edition offerings.

SHIELD Sights is offering a Q2 2026 "Spring Savings" dealer promotion with 10% off all products through March 31, 2026, enabling dealers to offer up to 25% consumer discounts in April while strengthening inventory and profitability.

Lee Hoots, a respected editor of Rifle and Handloader magazines at Wolfe Publishing and former editor of Guns & Ammo, died February 6, 2026, at age 57 due to early-onset dementia. He had a 30+ year career in outdoor publishing with Western Outdoor News, Outdoor Sportsmen Group, and Petersen's Publishing.

Celerant Technology announced the launch of Cumulus Analytics, a cost-effective analytics module for Cumulus Retail users. The new tool provides independent retailers with essential dashboards and reports for sales, inventory, and customer insights, with beta customer Hobby Works praising its intuitive design and decision-making capabilities.

The Second Amendment Foundation (SAF) filed a petition for rehearing in Defense Distributed v. Attorney General of New Jersey after a Third Circuit panel dismissed the case. Originally filed in 2018, the case challenges New Jersey's statute prohibiting publication of digital firearms information on First and Second Amendment grounds. SAF Director Bill Sack and founder Alan M. Gottlieb argue the panel's dismissal was based on legal technicalities rather than substantive constitutional claims.

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.

Gun Owners of America endorses Senator Mike Lee's National Constitutional Carry Act, which aims to restore the right to carry firearms nationwide without state permitting requirements. GOA Senior Vice President Erich Pratt stated the legislation would preempt unconstitutional state regulations on firearms, ammunition, and magazine sizes.

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" to help retailers understand evolving compliance landscapes and regulatory changes impacting the firearms industry.

Firearms Policy Coalition (FPC) filed a reply brief with the U.S. Supreme Court in Schoenthal v. Raoul on March 3, 2026, seeking to overturn Illinois's ban on carrying firearms on public transportation. The case, represented by Cooper & Kirk, PLLC attorneys David H. Thompson, Peter A. Patterson, William V. Bergstrom, and David G. Sigale, could affect firearm carry rights nationwide.

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" covering regulatory updates, A&D recordkeeping, NFA products, and compliance technology for firearms retailers.

Texas Hunter Products announces the retirement of Emiliano Gonzalez after 56 years of service. Gonzalez began his career with Braden Wire and Metal in 1970, contributing to production, assembly, and maintenance across the company's operations. VP/GM Cody Borgfeld praised Gonzalez's dedication, reliability, and positive impact on company culture.

The Second Amendment Foundation filed a reply brief with the U.S. Supreme Court in Schoenthal v. Raoul, challenging Illinois' ban on firearm carry on public transit. SAF, joined by the Firearms Policy Coalition, argues the ban violates Second Amendment rights and lacks historical support, with Executive Director Adam Kraut and founder Alan M. Gottlieb emphasizing the law only disarms law-abiding citizens.

Armament Systems and Procedures (ASP) hired Eric Alexander as Director of Sales for the Midsouth US region. Alexander will manage law enforcement agency relationships across New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Asia distributor relationships. Vice President Daryell Harmon praised Alexander's customer relationship skills and leadership experience.

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.

Shadow Systems, a Texas-based firearms manufacturer, has been acquired by Roe Strategic Capital LLC, a partnership between CEO Trevor Roe and investor Richard Roe, from Catalyst Holdings. The management-led transaction positions the company for long-term growth and product expansion while maintaining current operations and leadership.

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.

Hook & Barrel Magazine announces Cameron Willis's appointment as Head of Digital Strategy. Willis brings a decade of international media and digital expertise across the UK, U.S., and UAE, and will lead the brand's digital initiatives to expand its online presence.

Davidson's, Inc., a leading firearms, ammunition, optics, and accessories wholesaler, is hiring an Assistant Marketing Director in Greensboro, NC. The role supports dealer-focused marketing strategies and brand initiatives, requiring 5+ years of B2B marketing experience and preferably firearms industry knowledge.

Smith & Wesson is hiring a Director of Domestic LE Sales based in Maryville, TN to lead law enforcement sales strategy across the United States. The role requires 5-10 years of firearms industry sales experience, preferably in law enforcement channels, with progressive management responsibilities and a bachelor's degree preferred.

Smith & Wesson is hiring a Law Enforcement District Sales Manager for the western U.S. territory covering WA, OR, ID, UT, WY, MT, ND, SD or Northern NV. The role involves managing law enforcement sales opportunities, demonstrating S&W products, and coordinating training across city, state, and federal agencies with substantial travel required.

Sportsman Channel launches "Streamlight's Lock & Load Thursdays" programming block featuring shows like The Adventures of Chapo Gringo, Guns & Gear TV, Guns & Ammo, Gun Stories hosted by Joe Mantegna, and Made for the Outdoors, airing Thursday nights 8-11 p.m. ET with content available on MyOutdoorTV.

Pursuit Channel highlights Hank Parker's Outdoor Magazine, a long-running series featuring bass-fishing icon Hank Parker sharing authentic fishing techniques, conservation insights, and practical how-to segments. The program airs weekly on Pursuit Channel and streams on Pursuit UP across 120+ million users on multiple platforms.

Outdoor Channel's "Night At The Range" airs Wednesdays 7-10 p.m. ET featuring shooting sports programming including Guns & Ammo hosted by Eric Poole, Handguns hosted by J. Scott Rupp, Gun Stories hosted by Joe Mantegna, American Rifleman hosted by Mark A. Keefe IV, Shooting USA hosted by John Scoutten, and Airgunner Challenge hosted by Mike Hart and Rossi Morreale.

Dan Wesson Firearms announces that the DWX and Specialist pistols are featured on the cover of Guns & Ammo's April 2026 issue. The feature highlights both single-stack and double-stack performance platforms, showcasing the craftsmanship that defines the Dan Wesson brand under the headline "OH, DAN!"

The Armory Life announces its Spring 2026 print magazine issue, marking the fifth anniversary of the quarterly publication. The issue features a cover story on the Echelon 4.0FC 9mm, interviews with Jeff and Kristi Hoffman of Black Hills Ammunition, and reviews of Springfield Armory firearms including the SAINT Victor and Model 2020 Waypoint.

EAA Corp is now shipping the CMX and CMXX compact pistols in 9mm, featuring updated grip texturing, an Auto Firing Pin-Block safety, and optic-ready slide cuts. The CMXX model includes an integral compensator for reduced recoil. Additional calibers in 10mm and .45 ACP are available for pre-order this spring.

Chattanooga Shooting Supplies (CSSI) unveiled an exclusive dealer package featuring the Sig P365X "Sick Puppy" 9mm with HUSH suppressor, Holosun 407K optic, and threaded match barrel. The premium bundle offers a turnkey solution combining performance and innovation for dealers and consumers seeking an enhanced everyday carry platform.

Samson Manufacturing introduced the Hannibal T1 rail, a direct mount solution for red dot sights using the Aimpoint® T-1 footprint on Mini-14®/Mini-Thirty® rifles. Compatible with optics from Holosun®, Sig Sauer®, Primary Arms®, Bushnell®, Vortex®, and other manufacturers, the rail eliminates adapter plate fail points and simplifies installation.

Zanders, an all-women-owned distributor based in Sparta, Illinois, announced it is now stocking Bucked Up Energy drinks, supplements, and proteins. The partnership brings the performance energy brand to Zanders' nationwide dealer network, offering high-caffeine, sugar-free products with clinically studied ingredients.

HS Strut introduced the Elite 6, a new lineup of six diaphragm turkey calls developed with input from Paul Butski, Mark Drury, Tad Brown, and Ricky Joe Bishop. Each call features a three-reed latex design engineered for flexibility and realistic sound, suitable for both beginners and experienced hunters.

TAG Precision, a Dallas-based maker of precision handgun sights, announced a Lifetime Warranty backed by their patented FiberLok technology. The warranty covers all sights and fibers, with free repair or replacement if anything fails, demonstrating the company's confidence in product durability and quality.

T/C Arms launches multiple new products including the ENCORE PROHunter Pistol Frame Assembly, ENCORE PROHunter Turkey Shotgun, ENCORE PROHunter FireStick Muzzleloader .50 cal., expanded accessories, and returning Contender Barrels. CEO Gregg Ritz emphasizes the company's commitment to modularity and American-built reliability across proven platforms.

Derya Arms launches the EX1400, a 12-gauge side-by-side shotgun featuring a lightweight mono-block steel receiver, interchangeable chokes, and Turkish walnut stock. Priced at $699.00, the shotgun is available through distributors Bill Hicks, Lipsey's, RSR, and Sports South, meeting compliance standards in California, Maryland, and Massachusetts.

Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc. announced the release of the Performance Center Equalizer Carry Comp, a 9mm micro-compact pistol featuring performance upgrades including a PowerPort for reduced recoil, EZ technology for easy charging, and Ameriglo night sights.

Hornady announces the 400 Legend 210 gr InterLock ammunition in the American Whitetail line, designed for straight-wall cartridge hunting states. The American-made offering features controlled expansion and deep penetration for deer-sized game.

Magpul has expanded its AMAG line with new 10- and 12-round stainless-steel magazines for the SIG P365, featuring controlled-tilt followers, stainless-steel springs, and capacity indicators. The magazines are designed to minimize printing and maximize concealment, available at competitive prices compared to OEM options.

O.F. Mossberg & Sons, Inc. announced the Mossberg 590 Bliksem, a special edition pump-action shotgun created in collaboration with Christian Craighead and Ministry of Defence (MOD). The compact firearm features a 14.375-inch barrel, Rhodesian Brushstroke camouflage finish, and premium design elements including a Flat Dark Earth bird's head-style pistol grip and corncob forend with leather strap.

Konus introduces the #7293 Fearless-HD 4-16x50 riflescope featuring a 34mm tube, high-definition glass, and first focal plane system with tactical turrets offering precise 1/10 MIL adjustments. The riflescope includes a laser-engraved dual-illuminated reticle and Zero-Stop elevation turret, priced at $469.99.

Walker's has launched the SHOTSYNC wearable shot timer, now available online and through retailers nationwide. The device pairs an integrated microphone with accelerometer sensors to track shot counts and split times, featuring Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity with the Walker's Link app for custom training configurations and performance tracking across all firearm types.

Thompson/Center Arms announced the launch of the ENCORE PROHunter Pistol Frame Assembly, a modular handgun frame designed for hunters and precision shooters. The CNC-machined frame offers compatibility with ENCORE pistol barrels and is available through authorized dealers with an MSRP of $530.

Breek Arms announced the Omni Buster Charging Handle, an ambidextrous suppressor-ready charging handle for AR-15 and AR-10 platforms designed to reduce gas blowback. Machined from aerospace-grade 7075-T6 aluminum with integrated gas management features, it serves both right- and left-handed shooters in suppressed and unsuppressed configurations.

JEBS Chokes achieved record-setting sales and exceptional consumer engagement at the National Wild Turkey Federation Convention in Nashville. The company's newly introduced JEBS Charging Handles sold out by the second day, while its low-profile red-dot mount and branded apparel also demonstrated strong demand.

Maxim Defense will exhibit at the first annual Sharkapalooza 2nd Amendment Festival & Range Day on March 13-14, 2026, at Gun Craft Range in Ruskin, Florida. Attendees can test fire the SDX RFLX and PDX-SD integrated suppressor systems at the Maxim shooting lane, with suppressors available for pickup once tax stamps are approved.

Barrett Firearms Manufacturing will participate in Gun Owners of America's inaugural GEAR event, hosting a 1,500-yard long-range shooting experience. The event brings together firearms enthusiasts and industry leaders for education and community engagement, with Barrett showcasing precision rifle platforms and providing hands-on instruction.

Measuring the effectiveness of the First Shots^® program at Triangle Shooting Academy is an easy thing to do. It starts in the morning when the day’s students arrive and check in for the class at the shop in Raleigh, N.C.

“When we check them in, you can tell they’re quiet, a little nervous,” said Casie Bennett, assistant general manager. “But at the end when they’re coming out, there’s usually a big smile. And they’re lined up at our guest services desk, signing up for future classes or range cards.”

Triangle has been a First Shots (they call it “Basic Handgun”) participant for nearly 10 years. During that time, the program has proven its value both as a training tool and a way to create new customers.

It Starts with Training

From the beginning, Triangle saw the course as a great entry point for novices who were interested in guns and learning more about how to use them safely and effectively.

“We consider ourselves a training facility first, and a gun store second,” said Jay Nichols, the store’s education coordinator. “Obviously, you’ve got to start with good fundamentals. We typically have people start off with basic handgun as an introduction. It’s a very good steppingstone for our more advanced classes.”

After taking the First Shots class, students will often move on to the intermediate pistol class and other defensive pistol options. Or they may be looking for more training in concealed carry.

“Those are our two paths of training. Some people just want the concealed carry, while others want to get way into the weeds on the defensive pistol stuff,” Nichols said. “Basic Handgun is our initiation.”

The NSSF^® program provides most of the tools and resources needed to put on a class, which can be tailored to handguns, rifles, shotguns and suppressors. Support includes targets, ammunition, eye/ear protection and a First Shots handbook for each participant.

Bennett noted the NSSF-provided handbook makes a great take-home option for students who may find it challenging to absorb everything they hear during classroom instruction.

“It’s like drinking from a fire hose for beginners,” she said. “It gives them something to go back home and reflect on. And they might find it a month or two later at their house and say, ‘Hey, I need to get back in there.’”

“About 50 percent or more stay and become loyal customers. That could be in various ways, whether they sign up for membership, purchase a firearm or do additional training.”

— Casie Bennett, Triangle Shooting Academy Assistant General Manager

Good for Business

Training is great for Triangle’s customers. But it’s also great for Triangle’s bottom line, with the store making better margins on its classes than its firearm sales. Yet from the beginning, the goal was always to offer customers more than they were finding at other stores.

“We see a lot of different gun stores where they’ll sell you a gun,” Bennett said. “But then the people are walking out to their cars, and they’re like, ‘How the heck do I even operate this thing?’ We kind of wanted to get away from that.”

To make it work, they set out to make the store as welcoming as possible to every customer who walks through the front door — creating an environment where people feel comfortable wanting to learn. This focus has contributed to many of the solid relationships that have developed between the store and former First Shots students.

“About 50 percent or more stay and become loyal customers. That could be in various ways, whether they sign up for membership, purchase a firearm or do additional training,” she said.

Many people take the class just to see if they might like it.

“Then, they buy a gun right after class or come back in the next day,” Nichols added.

Focus on Comfort

One of the most important factors in running a successful training program — particularly for rookies — is understanding the insecurities and nervousness of people who are stepping into a foreign landscape (a gun range) that can be quite intimidating.

“Get on their level and make them feel comfortable,” Bennett said. “You’re building a relationship for them to come back. And they are never going to come back to an instructor that’s just angry, yelling at them or making them feel invisible.”

Triangle keeps its First Shots class size manageable, with no more than 11 students in a session. And with three instructors in each class, there’s little chance that someone is going to feel left out.

The store also offers multiple versions of its First Shots class, including co-ed, youth and women-only. The main free-for-all class happens four or five times a month, while the women-only course is offered twice a month.

It’s an easy way to make training more appealing to women who might feel intimidated sitting in a class filled with men.

“There are some women who will not come and train unless it’s women only,” Nichols said. “And we want them to feel included. We want them to use their Second Amendment rights and be trained.”

No matter who the customer is, the goal is the same: Triangle wants the range and its instructors to be welcoming and compassionate.

“They don’t make you feel like you’re an idiot because it’s your first class and you don’t know what you’re doing. That happens a lot in this industry,” Nichols said. “But our guys are good at making everybody feel like it’s everybody’s first time and it’s going to be okay. By the end of the class, everybody’s comfortable.”

Is First Shots Right for Your Range?

Do you want more customers? Is your facility equipped to introduce first-time shooters to safe and fun shooting? Do you have instructors and range safety officers who enjoy working with new shooters? If you answered “yes” to each of these questions — your facility is ready to reap the benefits of hosting a First Shots introductory course.

There are courses available for introductions to rifle/pistol, clay target shooting and — a new offering — suppressors.

An additional incentive to consider: Funding, which was previously limited to marketing efforts, is now available to qualifying NSSF member ranges, instructors and shooting sports organizations to help cover a variety of expenses related to First Shots hosting efforts. Hosts are eligible to receive $15 per First Shots participant, up to a maximum of $1,500.

To learn more or to sign up as a host, contact Ann Gamauf at agamauf@nssf.org or Zach Snow at zsnow@nssf.org. For more information on First Shots, visit the First Shots welcome page on the NSSF website.

– Tim Barker

Republished courtesy of NSSF