FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2026   |   SUBSCRIBE    ARCHIVES

EDITOR'S NOTE

In observance of the Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples Day holiday weekend there will be no Weekend Edition on Saturday, October 10, and we will not be distributing any of our services on Monday, October 12. The Outdoor Wire Digital Network will resume our normal distribution schedule on Tuesday, October 13. Due to the holiday weekend, we request you submit news for Tuesday's editions no later than 2:00pm ET Saturday.

Today's edition of The Dealer Wire is split into two: the morning edition you are reading now, and an afternoon edition that you will receive closer to noon Eastern Time. The split editions are due to the large volume of releases appearing today.

AWARDS & HONORS

Armament Systems and Procedures (ASP) presented its 2026 Premier Partner Awards to Galls (USA), Antero Lopes (Portugal), and ASCiM (Turkey) during IMPACT Week in September. ASP also introduced its inaugural Subject Matter Expert Award to Chris Patzer of Handcuff Warehouse, recognizing exceptional product knowledge and customer service.

TriStar Arms' Viper G3 Bronze semi-auto 12ga shotgun has been named a finalist for the 2026 NASGW-POMA Caliber Award for Best New Shotgun. The next-generation platform builds on the award-winning Viper G2 series and will be showcased at the 2026 NASGW Expo in Phoenix, Arizona.

CONSUMER PROMOS

Riton Optics is offering rebates through December 31, 2026, including $20 off 1 Series products and $50 off 3 and 5 Series products. Eligible items include the 3 Tactix MPRD XL, 5 Primal binoculars and scope, and 5 Conquer 5-25x56 scope.

INDUSTRY UPDATE

Silencer Central made a second $25,000 contribution to NSSF's Protect Liberty PAC, bringing its 2026 total to $50,000. Founded by Brandon Maddox, the company has also contributed over $2 million to conservation partners including Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Ducks Unlimited, and Pheasants Forever.

The Outdoor Sportsman Group announces Joe Kurtenbach's return as Editor in Chief of Shooting Times, replacing Joel Hutchcroft. Kurtenbach brings over 15 years of industry experience, including previous roles at American Rifleman, Guns & Ammo, and Silencer Central.

GSM Outdoors announced a strategic partnership with Dude Perfect Outdoors to exclusively represent Stealth Cam and Walker's brands. The collaboration will deliver exclusive videos, educational resources, and behind-the-scenes experiences via the @dudeperfectoutdoors YouTube channel, aiming to inspire youth to engage in outdoor pursuits and foster the next generation of conservationists.

GrabAGun Digital Holdings Inc. announced a strategic collaboration with Sarsilmaz, one of the world's largest privately held firearms manufacturers, marking the fourth manufacturer to join the PEW Logistics platform. PEW Logistics will power e-commerce at sarsilmaz.us, managing compliant order processing, FFL routing, fulfillment and customer support.

Tactacam reports 40-percent retail growth and 36-percent increase in dealer applications heading into Q4 2026, driven by the successful launch of REVEAL 4.0 Cellular Trail Camera line and DEFEND's new AI-powered security features. The company now operates in approximately 7,000 brick-and-mortar retail locations across North America, including major retailers like Walmart, Bass Pro Shop, and Tractor Supply.

Watchtower Defense officially opened its new state-of-the-art headquarters and manufacturing facility in Tomball, Texas, showcasing next-generation products planned for 2027 launch. The company, operating under new ownership and leadership, is repositioning itself as a broader product-driven brand with an expanding portfolio of firearms and firearm-related products for shooting, hunting, and defense markets.

The National Shooting Sports Foundation reported 1,152,077 NSSF-adjusted NICS background checks for September 2026, a 2.3 percent decrease from September 2025. Third quarter 2026 figures showed a 2.5 percent increase to 3,329,270 checks, with Texas, Florida, and Georgia leading in NFA checks.

Henry Repeating Arms donated serial number 1 of all three models from its America's 250th Anniversary Tribute Edition collection through a GunBroker auction that raised $23,526 for Gun Owners Foundation. The proceeds will fund legal work for Gun Owners of America, with Federal Premium Ammunition contributing 5,400 rounds of commemorative ammunition to the lot.

JOBS, JOBS, JOBS

Davidson's is hiring a Call Center Sales Manager to direct sales teams and mentor Account Executives. The position requires 5+ years of B2B sales management experience, firearms industry knowledge, and onsite presence in Prescott, with a starting salary of $90k-$100k plus comprehensive benefits.

NEWSSTAND, RADIO & TV

GAME & FISH TV, powered by Outdoor Sportsman Group, features the "Taste of the Wild" programming block every Monday night from 6:00-11:30 p.m. ET, showcasing shows like Farming the Wild with Mike Robinson, McMillan, Ranch America with River Klass, Cast Iron Cowboy with Kent and Shannon Rollins, Jason the Butcher with Jason Nauert, and Dead Meat with Scott Leysath.

MyOutdoorTV has launched the 'Texas Whitetail Hunting Channel,' presented by Rhino Metals, an ad-free streaming channel featuring hunting programs set in Texas. The channel offers exclusive content including shows hosted by Brandon Houston, Brian Quaca, and the McFerrin Family, plus series like Bone Collector, Buck Commander, and MeatEater available 24/7.

Buck Commander returns for Season 17 on Outdoor Channel, premiering Sundays at 10:30 p.m. ET. The show features Willie Robertson, Luke Bryan, Jason Aldean, Tyler Farr, Adam LaRoche, Ryan Langerhans, Tombo Marin, and Ryan Busbice hunting across Florida, Louisiana, Arkansas, the Midwest, and South Texas.

PRODUCT NEWS

Diamondback Firearms announces the DB15 Swamp Stalker in 5.56 NATO, a Sports South exclusive featuring a custom hand-applied Cerakote finish, 16-inch barrel, and DB15 Carbon platform. The rifle ships with a Magpul Gen M2 PMAG 30 RD and Savior Equipment Specialist case.

Millennium Marine introduces the B100 Camo Boat Seats, purpose-built duck boat seating available in Realtree® Legacy, Mossy Oak® Bottomland™, and Mossy Oak® Shadow Grass® Habitat™ patterns. Constructed of powder-coated aluminum with no plastic components, these seats feature ComfortMAX contoured design, UV and mold-resistant fabric, 400 lb. capacity, and include mounting hardware for easy installation.

VIKTOS, a veteran-designed performance apparel company, announces its Fall 2026 Collection featuring waterproof jackets, the Johnny Combat S2 Leather Waterproof Boot, fleece essentials, and the Gunfighter RR Jean in new Faded Blue. The collection combines weather protection, durable construction, and everyday comfort for range and workday use.

Custom & Collectable Firearms unveils the limited-edition Walther PDP Pro-E Compact "Recon," restricted to 300 units with MultiCam Black Cerakote finish. Available in two configurations with or without Vortex Venom 3 MOA red dot, both feature adjustable sights and custom grips.

CZ announces the availability of the CZ 600+ Carbine in the United States, a compact, lightweight bolt-action rifle chambered in .300 Blackout. The rifle features a cold-hammer-forged barrel, beechwood stock, adjustable trigger, and CZ's patented S.E.A. safety system, designed for hunters and recreational shooters.

Hornady® Security launches its Lock Box line featuring 16-gauge steel construction in multiple sizes, including the Lock Box Large and XL for handguns, and the TrekLite® Lock Box XXL with TSA locks for travelers. The Lock Box Large is California DOJ-approved as a firearm safety device supporting Project ChildSafe® initiatives.

Millennium Treestands announced the Dinner Bell 400 and 600 feeders, designed to help hunters pattern deer and manage wildlife. These feeders feature 12-volt motors, programmable timers, heavy-duty steel construction, and varmint cages for reliable performance throughout the hunting season.

Ol' Man Outdoors launches two new Quad Pod models for deer hunters: the BaseCamp 7' Quad Pod (OT-702) and Fortress Deluxe 12' Quad Pod (OT-703). Both feature 5'x5' platforms, heavy-duty construction, and multiple zippered windows for enhanced stability and comfort during extended hunting sits.

XS Sights launched the XS ACRO optic plate for Glock Gen6 pistols and R3D 2.0 night sights for Glock 43X/48 COA pistols. The company's 'Glocktober' sale runs through October 31, offering 20% off all Glock products and a free optic plate with orders over $175.

SnapSafe, a brand of Hornady Manufacturing, introduces In-Wall Safes designed to mount between standard wall studs with 16-gauge steel bodies and electronic locks. Available in two sizes, these safes feature removable shelves, configurable doors, and a lifetime warranty against material defects.

Millennium Treestands, based in Pearl, MS, is promoting its full lineup of ladder stands designed specifically for firearm deer season, featuring models like the L110, L125 Lite, L325 Wide Load, L366 Revolution, L-220 Double, and L225 Lite with adjustable shooting rails and ComfortMAX seats for stability and all-day comfort.

CZ-USA announced the launch of the CZ DUTY, a new striker-fired pistol platform featuring a serialized modular chassis, advanced safety systems, and direct-mount optics compatibility. Available in four 9mm configurations starting October 6, 2026, with an MSRP of $729.

Blue Force Gear has partnered with Kroll International, a leading wholesale distributor for law enforcement and tactical markets, to expand dealer access to its weapon slings, load carriage systems, and mission-essential gear including the Vickers Sling™, Ten-Speed® pouches, and Micro Trauma Kit NOW!®.

Tink's and Dead Down Wind are partnering to promote a complete scent strategy for whitetail hunters, combining scent elimination through Dead Down Wind products with strategic scent introduction using Tink's offerings. The approach emphasizes minimizing hunter odor while intentionally using deer scents to create curiosity and interaction.

Hornady Manufacturing provides a comprehensive guide to essential reloading equipment for beginners, including presses featuring the Lock-N-Load® bushing system, precision dies, case care tools, measuring instruments, and quality brass. The guide emphasizes Hornady's commitment to precision and offers reference materials through their Reloading Handbook and app.

Zanders has been selected as the first and exclusive distributor of Cloak Industries, Inc. The partnership brings Cloak Industries' products to Zanders' extensive nationwide dealer network, supporting the brand's growth in the firearms and outdoor sporting goods marketplace.

Hornady introduces the RAPiD Safe Ready Vault with WiFi, a full-size gun safe featuring RFID entry technology, WiFi connectivity with Hornady Security app alerts, and patent-pending Square-Lok racks accommodating up to eight long guns and 14 handguns with customizable interior mounting options.

Springfield Armory introduced the 4" Polished Blued SA-35 9mm pistol, featuring a polished blued finish, walnut grip panels, and a 15-round capacity. The pistol combines classic styling with modern enhancements and is made in the U.S.A. with an MSRP of $799.

RETAIL

Viridian Weapon Technologies announced its optics, laser sights, and firearm accessories are now available at Runnings, a Minnesota-based retailer with approximately 90 stores across 12 states. Products including the RFX11 green dot sight, VENTA riflescopes, and 4LUX 2K DUO integrated foregrip system are arriving at Runnings locations throughout the Upper Midwest.

SHOWS

WE Knife will showcase its latest EDC, tactical, hunting, and bushcrafting knives at Blade Show West 2026 on October 9-10 at Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City. VP Marketing Seth Ercanbrack highlighted the company's innovative designs, with sister brands CIVIVI and SENCUT also featured at Booth #200.

Derya Arms will showcase firearms and debut its new OBone .22 LR suppressor at CanCon West 2026, October 22–24 at Boulder Rifle & Pistol Club in Boulder City, Nevada. The company will place products on partner firing lines and gather feedback from attendees at the world's largest fully suppressed range day, presented by Dead Air Silencers.

Bond Arms will showcase its America 250th collection at the NASGW Expo and Annual Meetings, October 13–15 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Granbury, Texas-based manufacturer will feature handcrafted commemorative handguns including the Cyclops 'Merica, Black Cerakote, and America 250th models at Booth #905.

Chris DiCenso, founder of Growth Strategy Partners, will hold one-on-one meetings with shooting sports industry executives at the 2026 NASGW Expo on October 13–14. DiCenso brings 30+ years of consulting experience, including leadership roles at SDS Arms and Camfour, and will discuss growth strategies, business valuation, and sale readiness.

HeadHunters NW, an executive recruitment firm specializing in firearms and outdoor industries, announces President Shaylene Keiner will attend the 2026 NASGW Expo on October 13-14 in Phoenix, Arizona, available for strategic meetings with companies seeking to strengthen leadership teams.

 
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