Derya, a Jacksonville-based precision firearms manufacturer, launched an advanced AI customer service agent available during business hours, supporting over 30 languages. Vice President Dustin Jones emphasized the company remains committed to hiring and live agent support for complex inquiries.
Industry Update
Target Sports USA has appointed Steven Blinn as Chief Marketing Officer. Blinn brings over 20 years of digital marketing and ecommerce experience, and was recently named a 2026 Top 100 Marketer by the OnCon Icon Awards. He will oversee marketing operations across ecommerce, digital growth, brand development, and emerging AI initiatives.
NSSF President and CEO Joe Bartozzi will appear on Health Uncensored with Dr. Drew on Fox Business May 10 to discuss Project ChildSafe secure firearm storage and the Brave Conversations initiative, a partnership with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and Department of Veterans Affairs.
Silencer Central, the country's largest suppressor retailer, announced three key hires to its sales and marketing leadership team: Ryan Houck as Senior Director of Marketing, Daniel Baugher as Director of Sales, and Shawn Porter as Event Sales Manager. The additions support the company's continued growth and innovation in the suppressor industry.
The Second Amendment Foundation and partners including the National Rifle Association and California Rifle & Pistol Association filed an amicus brief with the U.S. Supreme Court urging review of Patrick Tate Adamiak's case, a Navy veteran sentenced to 20 years for possessing cut-up gun parts and inert training dummies.
The Second Amendment Foundation (SAF) launched a new 60-second national television ad campaign airing on 26 cable networks, calling Americans to pledge support for Second Amendment rights. SAF founder Alan M. Gottlieb stated the campaign warns against anti-gun extremists pushing bans on common firearms and restrictive carry laws.
The Second Amendment Foundation, California Rifle & Pistol Association, Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus, and Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms filed an amicus brief with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit in Baird v. Bonta, urging the court to strike down California's ban on open carry of firearms.
The Second Amendment Foundation (SAF) will review 21 final and proposed ATF rules announced by Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche and ATF Director Robert Cekada, including updates to "engaged in the business" definitions and Federal Firearms Licensee recordkeeping requirements. SAF Executive Director Adam Kraut and founder Alan M. Gottlieb expressed encouragement with the regulatory changes and commitment to participate in the notice and comment process.
The Department of Justice is expected to release over 50 proposed pro-gun rights rulemakings affecting the firearms industry in coming weeks and months, with publication anticipated in batches following Robert Cekada's confirmation as ATF Director. This ambitious regulatory agenda represents a significant step toward the administration's Second Amendment priorities.
VKTR Industries has acquired U.S. Patent No. 7,735,410 for the Combat Match Bolt from inventor Robert Clark. The company plans to bring the product to market in 2026, leveraging enhanced durability characteristics and improved reliability compared to standard bolt designs.
The Project ChildSafe Foundation announced winners of its annual Safety Sweepstakes, which raised funds for the firearm safety education program through donations from industry companies. Nearly 3,000 donors participated, with prizes including firearms, safes, and training courses donated by sponsors like Colt, Beretta, and Gunsite Academy.
The NSSF reported April 2026 NICS checks at 1,193,428, up 1.6 percent from April 2025's 1,174,294. NFA checks surged 130.3 percent to 190,086, with Texas, Virginia, and Florida leading in NFA activity. The adjusted data provides market insights while noting that background checks do not directly correlate to firearm sales.
Registration is now open for the 41st Gun Rights Policy Conference (GRPC), scheduled for September 25-27 in Dallas and co-hosted by the Second Amendment Foundation and Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms. Confirmed speakers include Jared Yanis, Joseph Greenlee, Kenyon Gleason, Shermichael Singleton, Jeff Folloder, Chris Boeck, and Fernando Nava.
CZ-USA announced leadership changes with Petr Pistelak transitioning back to Colt CZ Group in the Czech Republic. Petr Palecek becomes CEO and Head of Operations, while John Dain assumes the role of President and Chief Commercial Officer, with Tom Taylor transitioning to Chief Business Development Officer for Colt CZ Group.
Southwick Associates released its April 2026 Hunting & Shooting Market Pulse, revealing that hunters and shooters are cutting discretionary spending due to economic concerns but increasing ammunition supplies and planning to spend tax refunds on hunting and shooting products. The quarterly subscription service provides market analysis and industry trends to executives and investors.
FastBound announced its sponsorship of the NSSF Marketing & Leadership Summit, taking place May 12–14, 2026, in Hilton Head, South Carolina. VP of Sales & Marketing Jamison Collins stated the sponsorship reflects FastBound's commitment to innovation and leadership in the firearms and outdoor industries, serving over 7,000 active FFLs nationwide.
Watchtower Defense CEO Jordan Davis announced the company's financial restructuring and re-emergence under new ownership and leadership with modern facilities in Tomball, TX. The rebuilt organization commits to higher quality products, reliable timelines, and improved customer service with a focus on the consumer market.
Mike Stock, President and CEO of Hodgdon Powder Company, has been appointed to the NSSF Board of Governors. Stock brings over two decades of firearm industry leadership, including previous roles at Winchester Ammunition and service on the SAAMI Board of Directors.
The Firearms Policy Coalition (FPC) announced filing a motion for summary judgment in Roberts v. ATF, challenging the constitutionality of the National Firearms Act of 1934. Plaintiffs including T.J. Roberts, Zachary Cockrell, Meridian Ordnance LLC, Buckeye Firearms Association, Center for Human Liberty, Jews for the Preservation of Firearm Ownership, and American Suppressor Association Foundation argue the NFA violates the Second Amendment and exceeds Congress' enumerated powers.
Firearms Policy Coalition (FPC) secured a settlement with Pennsylvania State Police permanently revoking their policy on partially manufactured firearm receivers after six years of litigation. The victory, supported by Landmark Firearms LLC, US Rifle LLC, and Polymer80 Inc., ends the threat of the policy that was blocked by preliminary injunction since January 2020.
