Bass Pro Shops announced plans for a 200,000-square-foot Outdoor World location in Sayreville, New Jersey, expected to open fall 2026. The largest single-level Bass Pro Shops in the U.S. will feature a 65,000-gallon Shipwreck Aquarium, boat brands including TRACKER and RANGER, and immersive conservation education experiences designed by founder Johnny Morris.
Industry Update
Beretta USA celebrated its Gallatin, Tennessee manufacturing facility's 10th anniversary with an employee and family appreciation event. Since 2016, the facility has become a cornerstone of Beretta's American operations, producing firearms for hunters, competitive shooters, and professionals nationwide.
The U.S. Supreme Court unanimously ruled in United States v. Hemani that the federal ban on gun possession by marijuana users violates the Second Amendment. Firearms Policy Coalition, FPC Action Foundation, and the Center for Human Liberty filed supporting amicus briefs in the case decided June 18, 2026.
Firearms Policy Coalition (FPC) criticized Senator John Cornyn's SHOT Act (S. 4775), stating it fails to adequately strengthen the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act. FPC has proposed alternative PLCAA amendments to better protect Second Amendment rights and prevent frivolous litigation against the firearms industry.
The Second Amendment Foundation (SAF) is supporting former Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli's legal challenge to Virginia's newly passed assault weapons ban. The lawsuit, Curtis v. Katz, includes plaintiffs Bob's Gun Store, Mike Wood, Dustin Curtis, and Daniel Hinkson, arguing the ban violates Virginia's Militia Clause.
Christensen Arms has integrated with Guns.com to allow customers to find and purchase rifles directly from ChristensenArms.com through the online marketplace, with firearms shipped to local FFL dealers. The integration bridges product research and purchase while supporting the licensed dealer network.
The Briefing: FFL Compliance Summit will convene Federal Firearms Licensees with ATF and FBI leadership September 23-25, 2026, at the W Hotel Dallas. Travis Glover, COO of Silencer Shop and 4473 Cloud, will present on modern firearms compliance, digital recordkeeping, and NFA processing for dealers.
SAAMI has established a working group to evaluate Federal Premium's new 6.5 Creedmoor +Peak cartridge, which uses advanced case technology that falls outside existing standards. SAAMI takes no position on the cartridge's compatibility with standard 6.5 Creedmoor firearms or legacy suppressors pending technical review.
NSSF welcomes U.S. Rep. Derek Schmidt's introduction of H.R. 9298, the SHOT Act, which would strengthen the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act to prevent frivolous public nuisance lawsuits against firearm manufacturers and retailers. Lawrence G. Keane, NSSF Senior Vice President & General Counsel, stated the legislation addresses gaps created by court decisions allowing lawsuits intended to bankrupt the industry through litigation.
Firearms Policy Coalition (FPC) filed an opening brief with the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals in Ziegenfuss v. Martin, challenging Texas's carry bans in ordinary public places including restaurants, racetracks, and sporting events. Represented by attorneys from Benbrook Law Group, P.C. and Cooper & Scully, P.C., FPC argues these bans violate the Second Amendment and historical tradition.
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in United States v. Hemani that a lifetime firearms ban for marijuana users is unconstitutional. The Second Amendment Foundation, Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms, California Rifle & Pistol Association, Second Amendment Law Center, and Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus filed amicus briefs supporting the decision.
Gun Owners of America (GOA), Gun Owners Foundation (GOF), Virginia Citizens Defense League (VCDL), and journalist John Crump petitioned the Virginia Supreme Court for an urgent ruling challenging Virginia's upcoming ban on "assault firearms" and large capacity magazines set to take effect July 1, 2026. The coalition seeks a preliminary injunction to block enforcement of the ban during litigation.
NSSF praises Sen. John Cornyn's introduction of S. 4775, the SHOT Act, which would strengthen the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act to prevent frivolous public nuisance lawsuits against firearm manufacturers and retailers. Lawrence G. Keane, NSSF Senior Vice President & General Counsel, stated the legislation addresses gaps created by court decisions that have allowed lawsuits in 11 states.
The Second Amendment Foundation filed a federal lawsuit challenging Contra Costa County Sheriff David Livingston's policies prohibiting permit holders from carrying handguns with red dot sights, flashlights, or single-action 1911-style pistols. SAF argues these restrictions violate the Second and Fourteenth Amendments under Supreme Court precedent.
Bass Pro Shops, led by founder Johnny Morris, has acquired the legendary Cheeca Lodge in Islamorada, Florida, uniting it with the World Wide Sportsman Store & Marina. The acquisition reinforces Bass Pro Shops' commitment to nature-based hospitality while preserving the resort's authentic character and heritage of connecting guests to the Florida Keys' natural beauty.
The Second Amendment Foundation submitted formal testimony to the Virgin Islands legislature opposing Bill No. 36-0144, urging a wait-and-see approach due to pending Supreme Court and Third Circuit cases that will impact the bill's constitutionality, including Wolford v. Lopez and Koons v. Attorney General of New Jersey.
SLG2, Inc. will bring its Shoot Like A Girl experience to Bass Pro Shops in Niles, Ohio on June 13-14 as part of its 2026 Grand Safety Tour. The free event features hands-on firearm and archery experiences, product demonstrations, and outdoor education in a mobile range and gun bar setting for women, families, and outdoor enthusiasts of all experience levels.
NSSF commends House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Bruce Westerman and Ranking Member Jared Huffman for introducing H.R. 9250 to reauthorize the Legacy Restoration Fund. The legislation would continue funding for deferred maintenance on federal lands managed by USFWS, USFS, and BLM, supporting hunting, recreational shooting, and wildlife habitat conservation.
Evolution Outdoor, a leading fishing gear provider based in Kilgore, Texas, has appointed Steve Self as Vice President of Sales. Self brings over 40 years of outdoor industry experience, including previous roles at St. Croix Rods, Maurice Sporting Goods, and Zebco, and will focus on Buy Groups, distributor relationships, and international business expansion.
Orchid released its annual ranking of the top 30 largest U.S. firearm manufacturers based on ATF data, showing Ruger, Smith & Wesson, and Sig Sauer leading the market. The top 30 manufacturers accounted for 8.4 million of 9.6 million firearms produced domestically in 2024, with notable movements including Empire Precision Plastics entering the top 30 and Mossberg securing its fifth consecutive year as the top shotgun manufacturer.
