Industry Update

FastBound has launched TraceDesk, a compliance tool designed to help Federal Firearms Licensees respond to ATF firearm trace requests through FFL Direct while maintaining audit trails and limiting data collection to legal requirements. The platform modernizes trace management by replacing phone, fax, and email workflows with a centralized system that integrates with FastBound's compliance platform or operates standalone.

The Second Amendment Foundation filed a reply brief with the U.S. Supreme Court in Grant v. Rovella, challenging Connecticut's assault weapons ban. SAF argues that AR-15-style rifles are in common use and protected by the Second Amendment, joined by the Connecticut Citizens Defense League and three private citizens.

SAAMI has accepted two new rifle cartridges for standardization: the 8.6 BLACKOUT introduced by Q, LLC, and the 25 Weatherby Rebated Precision Magnum introduced by Weatherby. These standards ensure safety, reliability, and interchangeability of firearms and ammunition.

Seven governors including Jim Pillen, Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Greg Gianforte, Joe Lombardo, Mark Gordon, Larry Rhoden, and Brad Little pitched their states' pro-Second Amendment policies at the 5th Annual NSSF Governors' Forum at SHOT Show 2026, with Montana's Gianforte highlighting recruitment of firearm manufacturers and South Dakota's Rhoden praising Silencer Central's Brandon Maddox.

The Second Amendment Foundation and partners including the National Rifle Association, Gun Owners' Action League, Commonwealth Second Amendment, Firearms Policy Coalition, and Gun Owners of America filed a reply brief in Escher v. Noble, challenging Massachusetts' ban on handgun purchase and possession for 18-20-year-olds.

The Second Amendment Foundation, California Rifle & Pistol Association, Second Amendment Law Center, Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms, and Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus filed an amicus brief with the Supreme Court in United States v. Hemani, challenging the federal lifetime ban on firearm possession for marijuana users.

Silencer Central supports South Dakota legislature efforts to deregulate suppressors by removing them from the state's controlled weapons definition. The bill, which passed the South Dakota senate unopposed, would eliminate Federal Stamp requirements. Silencer Central and the National Shooting Sports Foundation are working across 17 states with similar suppressor regulations to advance comparable legislation.

Beretta USA kicked off its 500-year anniversary celebration at the 2026 SHOT Show in Las Vegas, featuring an exclusive Range Day with over 200 media members, Team Beretta ambassadors, and partner brands including Sako, Tikka, Burris, and Garmin. The celebration unveiled a limited-edition Beretta x Garmin MARQ® Commander watch and a commemorative medallion designed by the Italian State Mint, with anniversary events continuing throughout 2026.

The federal government filed an amicus brief with the First Circuit Court of Appeals supporting Firearms Policy Coalition's Granata v. Campbell lawsuit challenging Massachusetts's ban on modern handguns. FPC is joined by individual members and The Gun Runner, LLC, represented by attorneys from Cooper & Kirk, PLLC and Chambers Law Office.

RetailBI, powered by Gearfire, released its 2025 Shooting Sports Executive Report showing same-store new firearm unit sales declined 13% year-over-year. The report, built on point-of-sale and eCommerce data from over 2,000 U.S. firearms retailers, reveals continued demand compression and ongoing inventory correction across the shooting sports industry.

Colt CZ Group SE successfully closed its acquisition of 51% stakes in Synthesia Nitrocellulose and Synthesia Power for CZK 10.0 billion, strengthening control over key ammunition production materials. Kaprain Chemical Limited became Colt CZ's third largest shareholder with a 9.86% stake.

FastBound announced full availability of NICS Direct, its integrated background check solution now powering daily transactions for FFLs nationwide. The platform eliminates technical barriers by automating server management and certificate renewal while integrating directly with Electronic A&D and 4473 workflows. FastBound's partnership with FFLGuard provides funded legal defense for administrative actions.

Christensen Arms announced Shane Meisel's appointment as President effective January 1, 2026. Meisel, an industry veteran, will lead the precision firearms manufacturer through its next growth phase, succeeding interim president Matt Fleming.

Kovix  announced a partnership with Silencer Shop, the nation's largest suppressor distributor. Silencer Shop will distribute Kovix's complete product lineup, including the new Badlands series suppressors debuting at the 2026 SHOT Show.

TH Holsters is seeking a sales representative group to expand its national presence. The company emphasizes its value proposition including high-quality holsters at intermediate pricing, space-saving designs for dealers, and simplified SKUs for rep groups. CEO Thomas Heppner states the company is expanding production and seeks partners valuing quality, simplicity, and service.

WOOX, an Italian-made gunstock, axe, and knife manufacturer, announced Brian Matthews as National Sales Manager. Matthews will oversee domestic sales and report to CEO Ben Fleming, bringing extensive outdoor industry experience from Advanced Armament Corporation and BPI Outdoor.

HeadHunters NW completed an executive search resulting in Dr. Todd Adkins' appointment as Executive Director of the Oregon Hunters Association. Dr. Adkins brings 30 years of hunting and conservation experience, including previous roles at Sportsmen's Alliance and the NRA-ILA, and will lead OHA's transformation and growth.

Charter Arms announced a partnership with BCE Marketing for sales representation across Missouri, Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas, North Dakota, and South Dakota. BCE Marketing will handle commercial sales and support for the American-made revolver manufacturer founded in 1964.

Tactical Target Systems is seeking a sales representative group to expand its national presence and strengthen relationships with dealers and ranges. Founder Don Robertson emphasizes the company's commitment to partnering with rep groups that value growth, long-term relationships, and integrity.

Orchid announced its Winter ONEderland Promotion running January 10–February 20, 2026, offering FFLs up to $10,000 in software credits. The company introduced Orchid POS Spark, a cloud-based solution for startup and small retail FFLs at $99 monthly, and will exhibit at Camfour Dealer Show, NSSF SHOT Show, NBS Spring Market, and Sports Inc Outdoor Show.