Industry Update

Firearms Policy Coalition, alongside the National Rifle Association and Second Amendment Foundation, filed an amicus brief with the U.S. Supreme Court in Johnson v. United States challenging the federal government's permanent disarmament of people convicted of nonviolent crimes, arguing historical tradition supports disarming dangerous people, not peaceable citizens.

Orchid announced its Firearm Digital Marketing service exclusively for retailers using Orchid eCommerce, addressing the advertising restrictions imposed by Google, Meta, and TikTok on firearms retailers. Led by Erik Sherman, the service focuses on search engine optimization, conversion rate optimization, email marketing, and marketplace listings, with monthly performance reporting against baseline metrics.

The Second Amendment Foundation (SAF) and National Rifle Association filed an amicus brief with the U.S. Supreme Court in Johnson v. United States, challenging a lifetime federal firearms ban for nonviolent felons. SAF Director Kostas Moros and Executive Director Adam Kraut argue that historical tradition supports disarming only dangerous persons, not all individuals with felony convictions.

Silencer Central founder and CEO Brandon Maddox has doubled his commitment to NSSF's Protect Liberty PAC to $50,000 with a second $25,000 contribution, matching the company's 2024 support level and demonstrating confidence in the PAC's mission to elect candidates who will protect Second Amendment rights.

Steiner Optics announced that Clyde Armory in Athens, Georgia, is now an authorized dealer for the Steiner Overwatch Program, offering special pricing on select Steiner optics products to qualified military, law enforcement, and first responders. Founded in 1991, Clyde Armory operates locations in Athens and Warner Robbins, Georgia.

The Second Amendment Foundation (SAF) and National Rifle Association (NRA) filed an amicus brief in Daniel Defense v. Lowy, arguing that military-themed firearms advertising should not create manufacturer liability for third-party crimes. SAF Director Kostas Moros and Executive Director Adam Kraut contend that military themes have historically accompanied civilian arms commerce since the Founding.

SLG2, Inc. will bring its Shoot Like A Girl experience to the Oaklawn Outdoor Show at the 2026 Black Bass World Championship in Hot Springs, Arkansas, October 1-3. The mobile range will offer firearms, archery, and outdoor product demonstrations led by certified instructors, welcoming women, men, and families of all skill levels.

Firearms Policy Coalition filed a federal lawsuit challenging Colorado and Denver laws that deny non-residents the ability to carry handguns for self-defense. The case, Hoffman v. City and County of Denver, represents FPC's continued nationwide litigation against residency-based carry restrictions, following successful challenges in California, New York, and Louisiana.

Bryan Tucker, CEO of Davidson's, Inc., has made a second $25,000 personal contribution to NSSF's Protect Liberty PAC for the 2026 election cycle, matching his 2024 commitment. Tucker's renewed support demonstrates confidence in the PAC's mission to elect candidates who will protect Second Amendment rights and constitutional freedoms.

The inaugural FFL Compliance Summit, "The Briefing," concluded a sold-out event in Dallas featuring direct dialogue between Federal Firearms Licensees and leadership from the ATF and FBI. ATF Director Robert Cekada delivered the keynote address on "The New Era of FFL Compliance," with sessions covering NFA transfers, Form 4473 processing, and regulatory updates. The event was supported by title sponsors FastBound, FFLGuard, Gearfire, and U.S. LawShield.

The U.S. District Court for the District of Connecticut granted a preliminary injunction preventing enforcement of Connecticut's handgun ban law. NSSF, represented by Senior Vice President Lawrence G. Keane, challenged the law in NSSF v. Griffin, arguing it violates Second Amendment rights and fails the Supreme Court's Bruen test.

Remington Ammunition's 5th Annual Shoot to Cure sporting clays fundraiser raised nearly $15,000 for Arkansas Children's Hospital, bringing the five-year total to over $70,000. The event featured 150 shooters and notable competitors Madison Sharpe and Olympian Kayle Browning on an all-women's team.

The Headrest Safe Company appointed Todd Pearson as Chief Operating Officer, promoting him from Revenue Director. The company's discreet vehicle safe storage system is now sold in 34 countries worldwide, with founder and CEO Irving Meisler praising Pearson's strategic execution capabilities.

The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the federal ban on direct interstate handgun purchases violates the Second Amendment in Elite Precision Customs v. ATF, a major victory for Firearms Policy Coalition (FPC). The court rejected the government's arguments and reversed the lower court's dismissal, holding that the constitutional right to keep and bear arms includes the right to purchase them.

Lawrence G. Keane, Senior Vice President & General Counsel of NSSF, has been appointed to the Hunting and Shooting Sports Conservation and Access Council to advise the U.S. Secretaries of Interior and Agriculture on wildlife conservation and hunting policy.

Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation President and CEO Kyle Weaver accepted a nomination to serve on the Hunting and Shooting Sports Conservation and Access Council, continuing RMEF's distinction on the federal advisory group dating back five presidential administrations. The council provides recommendations to President Trump on wildlife conservation, hunting, and public access.

NSSF, The Firearm Industry Trade Association, praised President Trump's executive order protecting hunting heritage, which includes provisions protecting traditional ammunition use, expanding public land access, and increasing Sunday hunting opportunities. NSSF President and CEO Joe Bartozzi attended the White House Rose Garden announcement and worked with the administration on the policy.

Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc. and World Whiskey Society announced the release of the Smith & Wesson 7-Year Classic Edition bourbon, an inaugural whiskey celebrating American gunsmithing heritage and premium spirits craftsmanship. The aged straight bourbon features vintage-inspired packaging with imagery of founders Horace Smith and Daniel Baird Wesson.

NASGW announces Electronic Transfer, Inc. as its newest affiliate partner, a payment processing provider serving the firearms industry for over 35 years. NASGW members receive exclusive benefits including free payment terminals, competitive rates, and cost comparisons.

NSSF filed a lawsuit challenging Connecticut's H.B. 5043, which bans cruciform-trigger handguns effective October 1, 2026. NSSF Senior Vice President Lawrence G. Keane argues the law unconstitutionally infringes Second Amendment rights by targeting law-abiding citizens instead of criminals who illegally modify firearms with machinegun conversion devices.