Industry Update

The Inter-American Court of Human Rights published an advisory opinion requested by Mexico's government, but it provides little support for Mexico's lawsuits against U.S. firearm manufacturers and retailers. The U.S. Supreme Court previously dismissed Mexico's claims in Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc. v. Estados Unidos Mexicanos, and Mexico's pending retailer lawsuit against Diamondback Shooting Sports, Inc. faces similar legal obstacles.

Attorneys for George Peterson, represented by David H. Thompson, Peter A. Patterson, Jack Tucker, Cody J. Wisniewski, and Richard J. Richthofen Jr., filed a petition for certiorari with the U.S. Supreme Court in Peterson v. United States, a Firearms Policy Coalition-backed challenge to federal NFA tax and registration requirements for suppressors.

The Virginia General Assembly passed SB749, banning semi-automatic firearms and magazines holding over 15 rounds, despite Second Amendment protections. Governor Abigail Spanberger is expected to sign the bill, which takes effect July 1, 2026. Firearms Policy Coalition President Brandon Combs announced plans to file a federal lawsuit challenging the ban.

Beretta Holding, Ruger's largest shareholder with 9.95% ownership, clarified that it proposed a strategic minority investment on market terms to improve performance, not to seek control. The company criticized Ruger's board for maintaining longstanding leadership despite underperformance and nominated independent director candidates including William F. Detwiler, Mark DeYoung, Fredrick DiSanto, and Michael Christodolou.

Azimuth Technology announced the promotion of Mauricio Giraldo to Vice President of Operations after more than 13 years with the precision manufacturing company. Giraldo will lead manufacturing strategy and operational performance across Azimuth's platform, focusing on production excellence and process optimization for the defense, aerospace, and military sectors.

Beretta Holding, Sturm, Ruger & Company's largest shareholder with 9.95% ownership, criticized Ruger's Q4 and full-year 2025 results, citing margin erosion, declining earnings, and strategic missteps. The company highlighted gross profit declines of 18.7% quarterly and 29% annually, questioning management's innovation strategy as average selling prices fell from $377 to $364.

SLG2, Inc. will bring its Shoot Like A Girl experience to Bass Pro Shops in League City, Texas on March 14-15, 2026. The free, family-friendly event features instructor-led firearms training using FATS by InVeris simulators, archery instruction, and product demonstrations from partner companies including optics and concealed carry brands.

Sturm, Ruger & Co. responded to Beretta Holding S.A.'s nomination of four board candidates, detailing Beretta's demands for discounted stock, disproportionate board representation, and governance rights that would violate antitrust laws. Ruger's board stated it engaged constructively with Beretta but rejected demands inconsistent with corporate governance best practices and U.S. law.

RetailBI, powered by Gearfire, released its February Firearm Sales Index reporting a 6.5% year-over-year decline compared to February 2025. The index uses point-of-sale data from over 2,000 U.S. firearms retailers with same-store methodology to provide accurate new firearm demand measurements, replacing reliance on NICS figures.

NSSF, The Firearm Industry Trade Association, announced the relaunch of its improved Where To Shoot mobile app, helping shooters find ranges across the United States. The redesigned app features location-based search, indoor and outdoor range filters, and training opportunities for iPhone, iPad, and Android devices.

The silencer market has experienced unprecedented growth following the elimination of the $0 tax stamp on January 1st, with ATF Form-4 submissions more than doubling since 2023. Over 800,000 silencers were submitted in 2025, and the industry projects approximately 1.5-1.6 million Form-4s for 2026, with supply chain capacity ready to meet demand.

The Project ChildSafe Foundation, a program of NSSF, launched a streamlined product donation process to support its Safety Sweepstakes and charity auctions. The new system allows manufacturers, retailers, and industry partners to easily submit products that help raise funds for firearm safety education and community outreach nationwide.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.