Barnett® unveils the Hyper Raptor GTX™, a high-performance crossbow launching arrows at 425 FPS with advanced features including the Halo System, TriggerTech™ Frictionless Release Technology, and Rope Hold™ Roller Ball technology. The package includes premium optics options, HyperFlite™ arrows, and accessories for immediate hunting readiness.
Rage Broadheads unveiled the Tyrant 3-Blade, featuring a massive 2.0+ inch cutting diameter—the largest 3-blade mechanical cut in brand history. The broadhead combines a titanium chisel tip, offset blade design for aggressive wound channels, and .035" thick stainless steel blades for durability, available Spring/Summer 2026.
Carbon Express unveiled four new hunting arrow lines at ATA 2026: the PHOTON Series for lightweight speed, the relaunched MAXIMA RED Series with updated components, the MACH 5 as the lightest 5mm arrow, and the PREDATOR AIR Series for durability and broadhead-ready performance, all available in multiple diameters starting Spring 2026.
Carbon Express announces the return of competitive shooting arrows for 2026, including the MAXIMA XL Series, NANO PRO RZ, NANO PRO X-TREME, and X-BUSTER models. These elite shafts feature advanced Tri-Spine Technology and are engineered for compound, recurve, and indoor shooters, with availability beginning Spring/Summer 2026.
The National Wild Turkey Federation received the Winchester Legend Award at its 50th Convention and Sport Show in Nashville, Tennessee. Winchester Ammunition presented the award recognizing the NWTF's decades of commitment to conservation and hunting traditions. NWTF Board Chairman Bryan Perry accepted on behalf of the organization and its volunteers, members, and partners.
Lee R. Anderson received the Beretta & Safari Club International Foundation Conservation Leadership Award at the 11th Annual Award Gala in Nashville, Tennessee. The prestigious award, sponsored by Beretta, recognizes Anderson's exemplary leadership and lifetime commitment to wildlife conservation, outdoor education, and humanitarian service.
Avian-X won the Bowhunting World Readers' Choice 2026 Gold Award for Wild Turkey Decoys, marking the brand's second consecutive victory. The award recognizes the realism and durability of Avian-X's HDR line, including the HDR Strutter, HDR Jake, and HDR Feeding Hen decoys.
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.
Sturm, Ruger & Company appointed Aaron Rivers, Stephen Timm, and Lorin Cassidy Wolfe as independent directors while Sandra Froman, Christopher Killoy, and Rebecca Halstead retired from the board. The refreshment strategy includes Todd Seyfert as President and CEO and Bruce Pettet from Leupold & Stevens as an independent director.
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.
SLG2, Inc. released its 2024-2025 Annual Report highlighting significant growth across its three brands: Shoot Like A Girl, Safe LivinG, and Hunt Like A Girl. The report shows 5,655 signed-in guests and an estimated 17,000 people nationwide engaged with the firearms safety and shooting sports experiences, with 87% of Bass Pro Shops and Cabela's visitors making purchases.
SLG2, Inc.'s Shoot Like A Girl experience will visit Bass Pro Shops in Gainesville, Florida on February 28-March 1, 2026, offering women, families, and outdoor enthusiasts a safe introduction to shooting sports with certified female instructors, FATS simulators, and archery activities.
Silencer Central founder and CEO Brandon Maddox contributed $25,000 to NSSF's Protect Liberty PAC to support candidates defending Second Amendment rights in the 2026 elections. The contribution aims to inform voters in key battleground states about candidates committed to protecting Constitutional liberties and opposing progressive gun control agendas.
Firearms Policy Coalition (FPC) announced a new challenge to the National Firearms Act of 1934, Roberts v. ATF, filed in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky. Plaintiffs including T.J. Roberts, Zachary Cockrell, Meridian Ordnance LLC, Buckeye Firearms Association, Center for Human Liberty, Jews for the Preservation of Firearm Ownership, and American Suppressor Association Foundation seek to declare NFA regulations unconstitutional.
The Second Amendment Foundation (SAF) is supporting a third federal lawsuit challenging the National Firearms Act's registration requirements for silencers and short-barreled rifles. After President Trump signed the One Big Beautiful Bill eliminating NFA taxes, SAF argues the government's constitutional authority for the law no longer applies. SAF now backs three cases: Brown v. ATF, Jensen v. ATF, and Roberts v. ATF, which includes plaintiffs Jews for the Preservation of Firearms Ownership, Center for Human Liberty, American Suppressor Association Foundation, Buckeye Firearms Association, and Meridian Ordnance.
The Range Network has appointed Colonel (Retired) Mark A. Davis as Military Liaison. Davis brings over two decades of senior Military Police leadership and recently served as Director of Protection for Army South at Fort Sam Houston before retiring from the United States Army in October 2025.
Silent Steel USA, based in Livingston County, Michigan, is seeking experienced sales representative groups to support its U.S. expansion. The company offers patented FLOW IQ™ suppressor technology developed by founder Harri Sjögren in Finland, combining European engineering with American manufacturing and backed by VP of Sales & Marketing Kim Jensen's commitment to premium brand representation.
NSSF, The Firearm Industry Trade Association, petitioned the U.S. Supreme Court for a writ of certiorari challenging New York's public nuisance law that attempts to circumvent the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act. NSSF argues the law is preempted by PLCAA and creates a circuit split requiring Supreme Court intervention.
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.
Gun Owners of America supports SB 1071 in West Virginia, which would authorize state-run distribution centers to transfer machine guns to qualified citizens under the Hughes Amendment exemption. Erich Pratt and Chris Stone of GOA argue the legislation adheres to existing federal law while defending Second Amendment rights.
The National Rifle Association is hiring a Field Representative for Northern California and Oregon to manage Friends of NRA fundraising events, volunteer committees, and grant promotion. The role requires strong leadership, organizational skills, and experience in business management and fundraising.
Pursuit Channel highlights Hard Truths of Conservation with Dan Cabela, a weekly series hosted by outdoor industry legend Dan Cabela that tackles critical conservation issues including chronic wasting disease, habitat loss, and public-land access. The show reaches 158.4 million viewers across platforms and airs on Pursuit Channel and Pursuit UP streaming service.
Dr. Bob Ledda's new show "Dr. Bob's Wild Diaries" premieres Friday nights at 8:30 p.m. ET on Outdoor Channel, featuring fly-in fishing adventures to Alaska's remote destinations. The experienced ER doctor and pilot operates All Alaska Outdoors Lodge and shares three decades of discoveries across the Kenai Peninsula.
Federal Ammunition has begun shipping its Federal Realtree 40th Anniversary ammunition, featuring limited-run HEAVYWEIGHT TSS and Grand Slam turkey loads with Realtree camouflage patterns to commemorate four decades of the iconic brand.
Hornady Security unveils its Mobilis Safe series for 2026, featuring three modular safe variations with digital locks, tamper-proof construction, and 2300°F fire protection. The customizable safes accommodate different firearms and accessories with Square-Lok interior wrapping and 120V power strips.
ALPS OutdoorZ introduced the DU Legacy Waterfowler's Bag, a premium field bag constructed from weatherproof waxed cotton, leather, and antique brass hardware. The collaboration with Ducks Unlimited supports habitat conservation, with a portion of sales benefiting the organization's mission across North America.
Mission First Tactical introduces the MFT Pocket Holster, designed for backup pistol or everyday carry with a cell phone profile design. The holster features CURV® Thermoplastic Composite construction, frictionless draw, and integrated pocket catch hook, priced at $34.99.
Flextone has launched two new mouth call lineups for turkey hunters: the Flex-Tech series featuring double-reed designs over plastic frames, and the Flex-Pro series with hand-stretched triple reeds over aluminum frames. Both lines offer versatility and realism for spring turkey hunting across various conditions.
WOOX announces the Gladiatore High Grade Stock & Fore End for Mossberg and Remington 12-gauge shotguns, featuring hand-selected American walnut with Italian-American design. CEO Ben Fleming highlights the collector-grade quality and unique craftsmanship of each piece.
Wiley X launches two new protective eyewear frames for 2026: the WX Alpine for tactical environments and high-risk pursuits, and the WX Citadel for outdoor activities. Both models feature military-grade ballistic protection, advanced lens technology, and are available online and through select retailers.
CZ announced the CZ TS 3 ORANGE tactical sports competition pistol at IWA Outdoor Classics, featuring optics-ready integration for USPSA and IPSC divisions, refined ergonomics with enhanced trigger control, and a heavy bull barrel. U.S. availability is planned for late 2026.
CCI Ammunition has begun shipping High Bar Air Gun Slugs designed for modern air rifles and pistols. The initial product line includes 22-caliber options featuring Segmented Hollow Point and standard hollow-point designs, with two additional options coming soon.
Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. announced 10 new 10/22 rifle models featuring upgraded components including BX-Trigger, match bolt release, and integrated rear cleaning ports. The expanded lineup offers threaded and non-threaded barrel options with Magpul, Hogue, and Ruger stock configurations.
SnapSafe introduces the Super Titan, a modular gun safe combining full-sized security with portability. The UL-listed digital lock safe assembles in minutes without additional tools, holds 24+ long guns, and features fire protection up to 2300°F with a lifetime warranty.
Bond Arms introduces the America 250th Special Edition Hand Cannon, a limited-edition firearm commemorating America's 250th Anniversary of Independence. Available in Rough Series ($499) and Black Cerakote ($699) finishes, the dual-caliber model features a stainless-steel frame, single-action operation, and custom commemorative engraving.
Meprolight, an SK Group company, introduced the Sting Lumina, a dual wavelength compact laser pointer with integrated IR illuminator developed with special forces for close quarters battle and covert operations. The system features visible red or green laser options, IR capabilities, and ambidextrous controls designed for high-recoil platforms.
Camfour is offering Turkey Season Focus Week from March 2-6 with special promotional pricing up to 21% off select turkey shotguns and premium ammunition. The promotion aims to help dealers prepare for increased demand with expanded inventory of top-performing platforms and TSS turkey loads across multiple gauges.
Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc. announces the release of the M&P9 M2.0 Metal with a direct-mount Aimpoint ACRO slide cut. The 9mm striker-fired pistol features a 7075-T6 aluminum frame, ClearSight Cut technology, optic-height night sights, and includes two 17-round magazines with interchangeable palmswell grip inserts.
Konus introduces the Fighter 4-16x50 riflescope, featuring multi-coated optics, dual illuminated ballistic reticle, and included Weaver/Picatinny mounting rings at an MSRP of $149.99. The scope also comes in 3-9x40 and 4-12x40 versions.
C&H Precision announced the launch of the STRYKR, a mission-ready enclosed-emitter red-dot optic designed for duty, defensive, and competition use. The optic features a 1913 Picatinny mounting interface, 50,000-hour battery life, and is backed by C&H Precision's lifetime guarantee.
HIVIZ Shooting Systems has launched the LiteWave Front Sight for Ruger Redhawk Alaskan revolvers, featuring interchangeable fiber-optic LitePipes in green, red, or white for customizable sight pictures. The sight delivers fast target acquisition and enhanced durability for demanding shooting environments.
Zanders, a national firearms distributor based in Sparta, Illinois, announced it is now stocking GForce Arms products, including the Jawbone 9mm PCC. The firearm features an Ace of Brace paddle pistol brace, ambidextrous controls, and a forend charge handle, offering reliable performance at competitive pricing.
Iron Valley Supply's Spring E-Show features over a dozen brands offering pistols, revolvers, AR's, and accessories. The event runs through March 1st, with additional deals added on February 25th.
Primary Arms Optics will exhibit at Paraclete Consulting Group's live-fire range event on March 13th-14th, 2026, showcasing the PLx HTX-1 Enclosed Reflex Sight and PLxC 1.5-12x36 FFP RDB Rifle Scope at the Secure America Now Training Center in Texas.
WE Knife will showcase its latest EDC, tactical, hunting, and outdoor knife innovations at the 2026 IWA Outdoor Classics in Nuremberg, Germany, February 26-March 1. VP Marketing Seth Ercanbrack highlighted the company's excitement to share new designs at booth #4-556 in Hall 4.
Meprolight will showcase its optical and electro-optical innovations at IWA OutdoorClassics 2026 in Nuremberg, Germany. The company will feature the Mepro MCO PRO, Meprolight Variable Optic (MVO), and Mepro MPO pistol optics at Booth #3A-308, highlighting battlefield-tested products designed for shooters and professionals.
SIGHTRON will exhibit at the 2026 IWA Outdoor Classics in Nuremberg, Germany, February 26-March 1, showcasing their SV ED binoculars, S6 30mm and 34mm riflescopes, and S1 one-inch riflescope line. Dealers can visit booth 3A-501 or contact the company about becoming authorized distributors.
BERSA USA will exhibit at the 2026 IWA OutdoorClassics in Nuremberg, Germany, February 26 - March 1, showcasing new M2XI double-stack 1911 and striker-fired pistol models alongside legacy products. Rafael Del Valle, Director of Sales and Marketing, highlighted the platform's importance for engaging international distributors and strengthening BERSA's global presence.
CZ will exhibit at IWA Outdoor Classics 2026 in Nuremberg, Germany, celebrating its 90th anniversary. The company will showcase new pistol models including the CZ 75 LEGEND and CZ SHADOW 2 CARRY, plus rifle offerings like the CZ 600+ Series and CZ 457 TARGET at Stand No. 3C-110.
HIVIZ Shooting Systems will exhibit at the 2026 IWA OutdoorClassics in Nuremberg, Germany, showcasing its full lineup of high-visibility sights including LiteWave H3 tritium/fiber-optic sights, FastDot H3 line, and TriViz shotgun sights. The company will highlight product expansions and discuss OEM partnership opportunities with industry partners.
When Patricia Burris first learned about First Shots®, it seemed like a natural extension of what was already happening at King Shooters Supply.
Burris and her husband, owners of the 20-year-old store in King of Prussia, Pa., have always seen the value in offering more than just guns and shooting accessories to their customers. They got their start in the industry as bullet makers, which later expanded into firearm sales. And once they added a firing range (they now have two), there was a natural move into training.
When First Shots came along, King was already offering private one-on-one lessons covering much of the same material included in the NSSF® program. But this was an easy way to take that introductory training in a different direction.
“We’ve been doing it for years, but First Shots gives us the opportunity to do a classroom setting,” Burris said. “Now we give people the option. You can come in and do this in a classroom setting, or you can do a private lesson. We even have some people who do the First Shots program and then come in and do it again in a private lesson.”
Make it Your Own
One of the appealing aspects of the program was the freedom to make it fit the needs of King’s customers.
The program provides most of the tools and resources needed to put on a class, which can be tailored to handguns, rifles, shotguns and now, suppressors. Support includes targets, ammunition, eye/ear protection (gifts for your customers) and a First Shots handbook for each participant. The curriculum was developed by an advisory panel of veteran First Shots instructors, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be personalized.
Burris believes in keeping things as simple as possible for new shooters. So they started by taking out the sections dealing with revolvers. They also minimized discussions about the differences between striker- and hammer-fired guns.
“I tell my instructors, when you learn to drive a car, you don’t learn to change the oil first,” Burris explained. “You get in the car, you adjust your seat, you adjust the mirrors, you figure out where your controls are and you drive.”
There is always time later, she said, to get a little deeper into the weeds: “It’s something you should know at some point, but you don’t need to know it at the beginning.”
King also saw an opportunity for a natural evolution of the First Shots concept. After experiencing success with the program, they decided to develop their own Second Shots class. The goal is to keep the momentum going for these new customers.
They get an average of 10 students each month for First Shots, which has both a classroom and range component. Everyone shoots the same gun (a .22-cal. GLOCK 44) for consistency and ease of instruction.
After completing the course, students are offered an opportunity for Second Shots. Think of it as a chance to hone the range skills learned in First Shots, but with a 9mm SIG SAUER P365. Each month, more than half of the students sign up for this next-level class — which also has a $25 fee.
Moving from .22-cal. to 9mm is a natural step for most shooters to take. Encouraging them to make the move now, rather than later, has benefits for both the customers and the range.
“We keep them shooting and, hopefully, bring them along to keep them growing in their firearm journey,” Burris said.
King Shooters Supply offers a Second Shots class to students interested in advancing from rimfire to centerfire pistols.
Double Duty
For King Shooters, the addition of First Shots offers benefits on more than one level. For starters, the store can take satisfaction from teaching new shooters.
“I like to have a full calendar of class offerings,” Burris said. “It’s teaching and helping people learn, helping them get started or helping them get to the next step.”
But also, the store’s financial success is connected to what’s best for these customers. Pennsylvania, for example, has no state-mandated training requirements for gun owners — meaning, any training is voluntary. Burris noted it’s rewarding to watch customers with no firearm experience walk off the range with smiles on their faces. Even better, the dollars attached to those smiles help the store’s bottom line.
“That’s a brand-new customer who hasn’t spent all their money on guns already. It’s money coming in the front door so we can pay our bills,” Burris said. “Revenue has to be a part of any decision we make.”
For anyone considering joining the First Shots program, Burris has thoughts on how to be successful. Top of mind is remembering many new shooters are going to walk into your store with little or no knowledge of firearms.
It might be worth having a conversation with your instructors about the need to take a step back and think like a new shooter. Burris remembers listening in on her own instructors covering safety rules, including: “Never let the muzzle cover anything you aren’t willing to destroy.”
It’s wonderful advice. But is it plain enough for someone who has never held a gun? What if the student is unclear about what a muzzle is?
“You have to go back to basics. You’re using terms they don’t know yet,” she said. “And even if you put a picture of the gun up on the screen and say, ‘Here’s what these things are,’ you still have to put it in terms that they’ll understand.”
There are other elements experienced shooters take for granted. She once asked her instructors what they told people about taking a bathroom break during a shooting session.
“The laughed at me. But I said you’ve been shooting too long if you don’t remember the first time you needed to go to the bathroom with a gun on your hip,” she said. “You have to cover this sort of stuff.”
Finally, keep in mind these new customers are likely feeling intimidated. That’s where the quality of your staff and your customer philosophy is critical. Burris attributes a welcoming approach at King Shooters for the creation of a diverse customer base.
“Everybody gets greeted with a smile,” she said. “We treat everybody like a person. No one is stereotyped by gender or color or appearance or any outward markers. Everybody gets treated well.”
“We keep them shooting and, hopefully, bring them along to keep them growing in their firearm journey.”
— Patricia Burris, King Shooters Supply Owner
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.
