Kinetic Development Group (KDG) announced strong Q1 2026 performance with expanded dealer engagement and distribution partnerships. The company's presence at buy group shows drove growth across retail channels, with new two-step distributor partnerships and multiple product launches planned for the remainder of 2026.
Gearfire announced a bi-directional integration between AXIS Point of Sale and AIQ, a CRM and loyalty platform for firearms retailers. The integration enables real-time customer data sync, behavior-driven marketing campaigns, and customizable loyalty programs that reward actual purchase behavior.
WATCHTOWER Defense appointed Jordan Davis as Chief Executive Officer to lead strategic direction and growth initiatives. Davis, formerly Chief Growth Officer at WATCHTOWER Firearms, will focus on consumer products and market expansion from the company's new state-of-the-art facility in Tomball, Texas.
Celerant Technology announces its 22nd annual FFL Client Conference in Frisco, Texas, offering free registration to clients. The event will feature the NSSF, Project Childsafe, and industry partners including NASGW, RSR Group, FFLGuard, FastBound, and Silencer Shop, showcasing new software advancements and networking opportunities.
The Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers' Institute (SAAMI) has opened registration for its 2026 Ballistics Conference scheduled for September 15-17 in Baltimore, Maryland. The sixth biennial conference coincides with SAAMI's 100th Anniversary and features technical seminars, product demonstrations, and facility tours at Element U.S. Space & Defense.
Hornady Manufacturing Company launched a limited-edition "Nebraska Strong" t-shirt fundraiser, with 100% of profits benefiting the Nebraska Cattlemen's Disaster Relief Fund. The initiative supports ranchers affected by wildfires that burned nearly 1 million acres across Nebraska's Sandhills region.
ZEV Technologies, a maker of performance handguns and AR-style rifles, is relocating its headquarters and manufacturing operations from Washington state to Riverton, Utah by May 31. The move to the 2A-friendly Salt Lake City area will expand ZEV's 40,000-square-foot facility and create new jobs in advanced manufacturing and engineering roles.
The NSSF commends Indiana Gov. Mike Braun for signing Senate Enrolled Act 176, which prohibits local governments from using zoning regulations to prevent firearm retailers and shooting ranges from operating in commercially-zoned areas. The law takes effect July 1, 2026.
Night Fision, a premium sight systems and optics-mounting solutions manufacturer, is actively seeking U.S.-based export partners to expand distribution across international commercial, law enforcement, and military channels. Director of Sales Pat Murphy stated the company has seen steady global demand growth for its handgun sight systems and optic mounting solutions.
CCW Safe announced its Certified Partner Program achieved 120 partners in its first year since launching in January 2025, with strong engagement on the East Coast particularly in North Carolina. The company hired James Concilio as Senior Manager of Partner Program Training and Jerome Vinet as Director of Field Sales to support expansion across the United States.
CZ announced that former U.S. Navy SEAL and trainer Jeff Gonzales has joined as Marketing & Communications Specialist and brand ambassador. Gonzales, founder of Trident Concepts and host of AR15.com's Bulletproof Workshop podcast, will contribute to CZ and Dan Wesson's marketing efforts, product development, and customer engagement.
NSSF filed a Federal Election Commission complaint against Giffords PAC, alleging violations of joint fundraising rules. The complaint claims Giffords PAC and allied candidates failed to comply with FEC filing and disclaimer requirements while soliciting funds for both the PAC and preferred gun control candidates.
The Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers' Institute (SAAMI) announced the release of the 2026 update to American National Standard SAAMI Z299.1-2026, providing pressure and velocity performance standards for rimfire ammunition and chambers. The standard ensures safety, reliability, and interchangeability of firearms and ammunition.
The Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers' Institute, Inc. (SAAMI) announced that Supply Energetics, a nitrocellulose manufacturer based in Parsons, Kansas, has joined as an Affiliate Member. Supply Energetics will gain access to SAAMI's firearms and ammunition technical standards and reference ammunition program assessments.
NSSF praised Kansas Governor Laura Kelly for signing HB2501, which removes state criminal prohibitions against firearm suppressors and eliminates state-level tax stamp requirements. The law passed with overwhelming bipartisan support and includes provisions for retailer immunity and enhanced penalties for criminal misuse of suppressors and short-barrel firearms.
RetailBI released its monthly Firearm Sales Index showing an 11.9% year-over-year decline in March 2026 and an 8.2% year-to-date decline. The index, powered by Gearfire and compiled from over 2,000 U.S. firearms retailers, provides data-driven market insights to manufacturers, distributors, and retailers.
Engaged Industries, a 100% American-made suppressor manufacturer, launched its Authorized Dealer Network on its one-year anniversary. The company's patent-pending Vacuum Expansion Technology and Stealth LoK QD system address shooter complaints about gas blowback, finicky mounts, and sound suppression across multiple caliber platforms.
NSSF praises the Trump administration's Office of the Comptroller of the Currency and Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation for publishing a Final Rule eliminating "reputational risk" from supervisory programs, ending banking discrimination against firearm and ammunition businesses. Lawrence G. Keane, NSSF Senior Vice President & General Counsel, stated the rule prevents unlawful denial of banking services to legitimate industries.
Brownells announced the expansion of its VALOR Program, a law enforcement initiative providing reduced-price access to firearms parts, maintenance supplies, and duty gear. The program, led by Bill Hampstead, offers individual officers verified law enforcement pricing and agencies a single reliable source for equipment sustainment across legacy and current platforms.
NSSF has named 2TON as its first official Affinity Partner, providing NSSF members with specialized branding, marketing, and digital development services. 2TON will be listed in the NSSF member portal and collaborate with the association to provide marketing education and resources for firearm industry businesses.