Steiner Optics appointed Clinton Thornburg as Law Enforcement Sales Manager. Thornburg brings over 20 years of law enforcement and sales experience, including service with the U.S. Marshals Service Violent Fugitive Task Force and Daniel Defense, and will lead the company's law enforcement sales initiatives and agency partnerships.
Industry Update
Firearms Policy Coalition President Brandon Combs criticized the Seventh Circuit's reversal of a district court ruling that declared Illinois' Protect Illinois Communities Act bans unconstitutional. FPC notes the Supreme Court recently granted certiorari in their Viramontes v. Cook County case, which presents the same constitutional issues.
The Second Amendment Foundation (SAF) and the Firearms Policy Coalition filed a petition for Supreme Court review in Calce v. City of New York, challenging New York City's ban on electronic arms. SAF Executive Director Adam Kraut and founder Alan M. Gottlieb argue the prohibition violates the Second Amendment and that residents should have access to non-lethal self-defense options.
Real Avid introduces the "Range Ready" initiative featuring a 15-part content series with world-renowned competitive shooter Doug Koenig. The program emphasizes preparation and confidence through expert guidance on firearm setup, shooting techniques, and performance mindset for shooters of all skill levels.
Bass Pro Shops announced plans for a new 148,000-square-foot destination retail location in La Mesa, California, expected to open in 2028. Founded by Johnny Morris, the store will be the sixth Bass Pro Shops location in California and will feature immersive outdoor experiences, conservation initiatives, and employment for over 150 Outfitters.
Firearms Policy Coalition (FPC) filed a petition for certiorari with the Supreme Court challenging New York City's ban on electronic arms like stun guns and tasers. The petition, supported by the Second Amendment Foundation and represented by Cooper & Kirk, PLLC, seeks to clarify that the Second Amendment protects all bearable arms and resolve confusion among lower courts regarding constitutional analysis of such bans.
NSSF, The Firearm Industry Trade Association, expressed disappointment with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit's decision in Barnett v. Raoul, which reversed a lower court ruling that Illinois' law restricting Modern Sporting Rifles and standard-capacity magazines is unconstitutional. NSSF plans to file a cert petition with the U.S. Supreme Court, citing over 32 million MSRs in circulation and disagreeing with the court's characterization of these firearms as "dangerous and unusual."
Firearms Policy Coalition filed a motion to supplement its federal lawsuit challenging California's handgun roster by adding a claim against the state's ban on semiautomatic handguns with cruciform trigger bars, including most Glock pistols. The coalition, represented by Benbrook Law Group, PC, argues California's expanding handgun bans violate the Constitution and Supreme Court precedent.
HIVIZ Shooting Systems marks its 30th anniversary with three decades of innovation in high-visibility sight solutions. The company has introduced groundbreaking products including the M-Series Magnetic Shotgun Sight, TriViz Sight, and FastDot H3, while partnering with major firearms brands including Benelli, Browning, Ruger, and Smith & Wesson.
The NSSF-adjusted NICS figure for June 2026 reached 1,123,006, an 11.7 percent increase compared to June 2025's 1,004,986. The National Shooting Sports Foundation introduced monthly NFA checks tracking, with Texas, Virginia, and Florida leading in NFA checks during the month.
The Gun Rights Policy Conference (GRPC) planning committee announced additional speakers for the 41st annual event scheduled for September 25-27 in Dallas, including Brandon Herrera, ATF Director Robert Cekada, and ATF Chief Counsel Robert Leider. Co-hosted by the Second Amendment Foundation and Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms, the conference features leading Second Amendment experts and advocates.
Orchid announced the "FFL Compliance Countdown" summer program offering firearm retailers, distributors, and manufacturers up to 25% off software packages including Orchid Retail Suite, Orchid eState, and Orchid eBound ERP through July 31.
The NSSF celebrates the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to hear Viramontes v. Cook County and Grant v. Higgins, petitions challenging state bans on Modern Sporting Rifles. With over 32 million MSRs in circulation, NSSF argues these firearms are protected under the Second Amendment per Heller and Bruen precedents.
SLG2, Inc. will bring its Shoot Like A Girl experience to Cabela's in Hamburg, Pennsylvania on July 11-12, followed by Bass Pro Shops in Harrisburg on July 18-19. The free event features hands-on firearm and archery experiences, product demonstrations, and outdoor education for women, families, and enthusiasts of all skill levels.
The Briefing FFL Compliance Summit, taking place September 23–25, 2026 at the W Hotel Dallas, has confirmed ATF Director Rob Cekada, Chief Counsel Robert Leider, and other top federal officials as speakers. The inaugural conference addresses 34 pending ATF rule changes affecting the country's 70,000-plus active FFLs, with early bird registration at $399 through July 31.
NSSF, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the Department of Justice (DOJ) launched a month-long public education campaign in San Antonio reminding the public about federal penalties for unlawful firearm purchases. The 26-year-old "Don't Lie for the Other Guy" campaign emphasizes that illegal firearm purchases carry up to 15 years in prison and $250,000 in fines.
Burris Optics announced a partnership with Promoboxx to provide retailers with brand-approved digital marketing campaigns including email, social media, and web content. The collaboration enables Burris dealers to promote products professionally while focusing on sales and customer service.
The Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers' Institute (SAAMI) has expanded voting membership eligibility to U.S. suppressor manufacturers and designers. SAAMI recently published the Z299.6-2025 voluntary industry standard for firearm sound suppressors, developed with input from suppressor, firearm, and ammunition manufacturers.
Gun Owners of America (GOA) and Gun Owners Foundation (GOF), alongside Air Force veteran Craig Philips, filed a federal lawsuit challenging Pennsylvania's lifetime denial of carry licenses for individuals with minor drug convictions. The lawsuit cites the Supreme Court's Hemani decision to argue the ban cannot survive constitutional scrutiny under the Second Amendment.
Millennium Outdoors appointed Scott Ware as Director of Sales and Marketing. With nearly three decades of industry experience and 26 years at Outtech representing Millennium brands, Ware brings deep dealer relationships and product knowledge to strengthen the company's market presence and dealer partnerships.
