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.

TUO introduces the Solent Jacket and Pant, versatile hunting outerwear featuring a proprietary AeroGuard™ Windproof Membrane and three-layer polyester softshell material. According to TUO Marketing Director Steve Allie, the gear functions across midseason through late season with removable hood technology, multiple pockets, and articulated design for enhanced mobility.

Hook & Barrel Magazine announced winners of its Second Annual Top Shelf Awards, honoring best-in-class outdoor industry brands and personalities across 21 categories. Editorial Director Nino Bosaz praised the community response, with awards to be presented at SHOT Show 2026.

Hornady has been named the Top Ammunition Brand by Hook & Barrel's Top Shelf Awards, which honors best-in-class outdoor industry brands. Seth Swerczek, Hornady Communications Manager, emphasized the company's commitment to quality and craftsmanship. Winners will be honored at the 2026 SHOT Show in Las Vegas.

Orchid, a leading FFL technology provider, will exhibit at the 2026 Camfour Dealer Show January 10–11 in Fort Worth, Texas. Specialists Toni Hendrickson and Cami Gemini will demonstrate Orchid's integrated POS, eCommerce, compliance, and inventory solutions. Attendees can enter to win up to $5,000 in software credits at Booth #13.

The DSC Convention & Sporting Expo will be held February 6-8, 2026, at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta. Media members can pre-register for credentials and access a dedicated pressroom with amenities. The event features over 600 exhibitors and raises millions for conservation, education, and advocacy initiatives.

Celerant Technology is sponsoring and exhibiting at ATA 2026, powering the pop-up shop with its Cumulus Retail software for the fifth consecutive year. The system integrates STAR Micronics' mPOP hardware and WorldPay's mobile payment processing to create a seamless checkout experience for archery dealers.

The NSSF-adjusted NICS figure for December 2025 was 1,587,049, representing a 3.4 percent decrease from December 2024. Annual 2025 NSSF-adjusted NICS checks totaled 14,612,314, down 4.1 percent compared to 2024, with Texas, Florida, and California leading in adjusted checks.

Yankee Hill Machine, founded in 1951 by James H. Graham and Wallace Judd, will celebrate its 75th anniversary throughout 2026. The family-owned firearms suppressor leader plans to kick off celebrations at the 2026 SHOT Show in Las Vegas with second and third-generation Graham family members in attendance.

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.

Gearfire, a shooting sports retail technology leader, will showcase archery-focused solutions at the 2026 ATA Show in Indianapolis (January 7-8). The company is expanding capabilities to address long-standing technological gaps for archery retailers, offering turn-key eCommerce, a curated product catalog, and distributor integration services.

Silent Steel USA announced that former U.S. Navy SEAL Justin Sheehan has joined as Vice President of Combat Capabilities & Law Enforcement Programs. Sheehan, who served with SEAL Team 2 and SEAL Team 6, brings extensive special operations and combat medicine expertise. He will lead combat capability initiatives and expand partnerships with military and law enforcement professionals.

The NSSF's Protect Liberty PAC received a $25,000 contribution from the National Association of Sporting Goods Wholesalers (NASGW) to support candidates dedicated to preserving Constitutional rights and Second Amendment protections ahead of the November 2026 election. NASGW President Kenyon Gleason and Protect Liberty PAC Treasurer Lawrence G. Keane urged industry members to support the super PAC's efforts.

RetailBI released its December 2025 Firearm Sales Index showing a -16.4% decline for the month and -12.1% year-over-year decrease. The index, powered by Gearfire, provides retailers, distributors, and manufacturers with accurate new firearm sales data from over 2,000 U.S. retailers to guide production and inventory decisions.

Bryant Ridge's silver coin and bullion collection is featured in a live Premier Event on Collector's Elite Auctions, with lots starting at one penny and bidding closing January 11. The auction attracts metals collectors, outdoor enthusiasts, and preppers recognizing silver's value as a tangible asset and hedge against economic uncertainty.

Traditions Performance Firearms, based in Old Saybrook, CT, is hiring a National Sales Manager to oversee nationwide sales strategy and revenue growth. The role requires firearms industry experience, leadership skills, and knowledge of distributor relationships. Interested candidates should submit resumes to jobs@traditionsfirearms.com.

BPI Outdoors and Bergara Rifles unveiled the BTi30 suppressor, a USA-manufactured precision tool featuring swappable vented or sealed end caps, HUB-compatible mounting, and external fluting. The suppressor reduces point-of-impact shift by up to 25% and is available in three Cerakote finishes with a $1,099 MSRP.

Ol'Man Outdoors introduces two steel hang-on treestands: the lightweight Eagle Eye (OT-501) at 17 pounds for mobile hunters, and the feature-rich Top Dog Deluxe (OT-504) with padded armrests and oversized platform for all-day comfort. Both stands feature heavy-duty steel frames and quiet construction designed for strategic hunting placement.

Sightron announced the SV 8x42 ED Binoculars designed for hunters, shooters, and observation enthusiasts. The binoculars feature a wide 70° apparent field of view, ED objective lenses for sharp images, fully multi-layer coated lenses, and waterproof construction with a Lifetime Performance Guarantee.

German Precision Optics (GPO USA) launched the PASSION™ HDi riflescope line, featuring HD glass, fiber-optic micro-dot illumination, and third-turret parallax adjustment at price points from $349.99 to $449.99. CEO Mike Jensen emphasized the scope delivers premium optical performance while eliminating unnecessary complexity for hunters and shooters.

The Council to Advance Hunting and the Shooting Sports announced that the R3 License Data Dashboard will not be maintained for 2026 following the completion of its development funding. The public tool provided free visualizations of hunting and fishing license purchase trends to support Recruitment, Retention, and Reactivation efforts.

Regal Products announced that RSI International Business Development will represent its brand throughout Europe. RSI, based in Hallstadt, Germany, will expand access to Regal's secure-storage solutions including cable and trigger locks, protective cases, and SecureMe technology across the European Union and select nearby markets.

Galco has released the Hawkeye IWB holster designed for the Springfield Prodigy with red dot sight. The holster features a protective shroud for optical sights, snap-on belt attachment, premium steerhide construction, and is available in black or tan finish with adjustable belt loops.

KRISS USA announced the release of the KRISS Vector Gen 3 Two-Tone variant featuring a Black upper receiver and Flat Dark Earth lower receiver, available exclusively through Lipsey's. The Two-Tone configuration is offered across Carbine, Pistol, and Short-Barreled Rifle models with MSRPs ranging from $1,499.99 to $1,749.99.

Chattanooga Shooting Supplies, Inc. (CSSI) announced an exclusive partnership with RCBS to offer the Matte Black Rock Chucker Supreme Single Stage Press, available only through CSSI. This limited edition combines RCBS's durability with a distinctive matte black finish, creating a unique sales opportunity for retailers.

TAG Precision announces the FiberLok SG Pro Shotgun Sight, a U.S.-manufactured front sight featuring patented FiberLok technology for secure fiber retention, interchangeable fiber colors, and precision CNC-machined components. Designed for competition, hunting, and tactical use, the sight offers durability and reliable performance across shotgun platforms.

CCI Ammunition announces 2026 product launches including Hunter Series 22 LR loads, High Bar Air Rifle Slugs in multiple configurations, and a Golden Boy Collector's Edition bulk pack developed with Henry Repeating Arms. New products will debut at the 2026 SHOT Show in Las Vegas.

Orion Wholesale announced it is now the exclusive distributor of Atrius Development Group products, including Ambidextrous Upgrade Kits and Forced Reset Selectors. CEO Ryan Spadafore stated the partnership aims to advance small-arms innovation and deliver products empowering Americans.

Zanders, an all-women-owned distributor based in Sparta, Illinois, announced an exclusive partnership with Henry Repeating Arms to distribute the limited First Strike Series rifles—the first guns produced at Henry's Rice Lake, Wisconsin facility. Only 250 guns per model will be available, each featuring a custom Wisconsin emblem and special serial numbers.

Remington Ammunition announces new centerfire rifle and handgun additions for 2026, including three 7mm Backcountry loadings, new Subsonic Rifle and Hard Cast product lines, and expanded Core-Lokt PSP and Core-Lokt Handgun options. Products will debut at the 2026 SHOT Show in Las Vegas.

Iron Valley Supply announced it is now an official provider for Legend Outdoor Gear, offering pistol and rifle cases, cleaning kits, range bags, slings, and accessories. The Birmingham, Alabama-based distributor serves the shooting sports and outdoor community.

Real Avid has launched four comprehensive Master Pistol Collections designed for pistol shooters and conceal carry users. The kits include the Master Pistol Maintenance Collection, Master Pistol Cleaning Collection, and platform-specific collections for Glock and 1911 pistols, featuring specialized tools like sight pushers and smart mats.

Primary Arms Optics introduced the SLx Compact 4-16x44mm First Focal Plane Rifle Scope, featuring a compact 10.1-inch profile and three ACSS reticle options. Priced at $349.99, the scope is designed for hunters and marksmen seeking lightweight mid-power precision with a lifetime warranty.

Kinetic Development Group has transitioned its MREX15 rail for the FN SCAR 15P into full-scale production following a successful soft launch. The compact rail, machined from 6061-T6 aluminum and weighing 2.6 ounces, is now available through KDG's distributor partners and authorized dealers, reinforcing the company's commitment to the FN SCAR platform.

BPI Outdoors and Bergara Rifles unveiled the Cima Pro, a Premier Series rifle featuring advanced carbon technology, a TriggerTech trigger, and the ST2 Muzzle Brake. Available in multiple calibers including 22 Creedmoor and 25 Creedmoor, the rifle weighs 5.7 pounds with an MSRP starting at $3,099.

BANISH Suppressors unveiled the BANISH 556, an advanced 5.56 NATO/.223 Rem. suppressor featuring controlled-flow technology for sound and flash suppression. Designed by founder Brandon Maddox and his team, the full-auto-rated suppressor uses metal additive manufacturing and Inconel construction, priced at $999 with lifetime warranty.

Beretta introduces the A300 Ultima semi-automatic shotgun in two Mossy Oak camouflage patterns for waterfowl season. Available in 12-gauge and 20-gauge, the shotgun features Kick-Off recoil reduction, enlarged loading ports, and reliable gas-operated cycling, with an MSRP of $1,079.

TriStar Arms introduces the APOC PRO 9mm pistol featuring a factory-threaded barrel for suppressors, RMS-pattern optics cut, and RMR adapter plate. Priced at $399.00, the compact striker-fired design combines modern capabilities with affordability and is available through TriStar's nationwide dealer network.

Liberty Ammunition will showcase its latest ammunition lineup at the 2026 Camfour event on January 10 & 11 in Fort Worth, Texas. New products include Bear Country, SPIKE, and several new rifle calibers. CEO Gary Ramey highlights Liberty's superiority and dealer support materials at Booth 22.

Franklin Armory will unveil the patent-pending Total Round Control (TRC) bolt action at SHOT Show 2026, featuring its innovative Prevail line of long-range precision hunting rifles. The TRC system combines push feed and controlled round feed design features, offering toolless disassembly, interchangeable bolt heads, and availability in multiple calibers including .308 Winchester and 6.5 Creedmoor.

Silencer Central announced Ammunition Depot as its newest partner in the Delivered by Silencer Central program, enabling customers to purchase suppressors online with a 99.9% first-time approval guarantee and front-door delivery in 42 states. Ammunition Depot, based in Kissimmee, Florida, joins the partnership to enhance convenience for hunters and shooters.

Hawke Optics announces new 2026 products including Vantage Turkey Scopes in Mossy Oak Bottomland, Vantage HD 34 FFP tactical scopes, refined Vantage HD 30 scopes, Vantage HD binoculars, Frontier ED X compact binoculars, and Carbon Fiber Pro Bipods featuring advanced optics technology and precision engineering.

NEXTORCH North America announced the launch of the TA30D Tactical Flashlight, delivering 2200 lumens with a 448-yard beam distance. Featuring an advanced Ultra Thermal Buffer system and patented One-Step-Strobe capability, the compact tactical light is designed for law enforcement, emergency responders, and tactical professionals, priced at $99.99.

Wildlife Research Center announces the 35th Anniversary of Special Golden Estrus, its dated fresh super premium estrus scent for deer hunting. Each bottle features a serial number and "Use By" date with lab-tested estrogen levels, available in three sizes from $14.50 to $49.99.

Derya Arms announced a distribution agreement with Fleet Farm, a Upper Midwest retailer with over 50 stores. The partnership will bring Derya's DY9 9mm pistol and .22LR Rifle Series to Fleet Farm locations starting December, with expanded offerings planned for 2026.

NSSF invites SHOT Show attendees to register for the 3rd Annual Attorneys General Forum featuring state attorneys general including Tim Griffin, James Uthmeier, Brenna Bird, Kris Kobach, Liz Murrill, Catherine Hanaway, Austin Knudsen, and J.B. McCuskey discussing Second Amendment legal battles and courtroom defense strategies.

WATCHTOWER Defense, a veteran-founded American firearms manufacturer, will display the Standard Issue RAIDER15 and Special Duty RAIDER15 rifles at the 2026 SHOT Show in Las Vegas, January 20–23, at booth #7226. Both models are chambered in 5.56 NATO and feature ambidextrous controls with suggested retail prices of $1299 and $1899 respectively.

Derya Arms, a firearms manufacturer with operations in Türkiye and the United States, will exhibit at SHOT Show 2026 at the Venetian Expo, Booth 13822. The company will highlight its dual factory expansion and unveil new product launches alongside its established lineup including the DY9Z, DY9, DY12, and TM22.

Winchester Optics and Winchester Pet announced they will attend the 2026 SHOT Show January 20–23 at the Venetian Expo + Caesars Forum in Las Vegas, joining Winchester Ammunition at booth #11827 to showcase latest products and connect with industry partners.

NSSF is hosting the 5th Annual Governors' Forum at SHOT Show 2026, featuring governors including Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Brad Little, Greg Gianforte, Jim Pillen, Joe Lombardo, and Mark Gordon. The forum, moderated by Shermichael Singleton, will discuss the firearm industry's importance and Second Amendment rights on January 21, 2026.

Armasight, a leader in professional-grade thermal and night vision technology, will exhibit at the 2026 SHOT Show January 20–23 in Las Vegas. The company will showcase its latest thermal and night vision solutions at booth #80707 in the Caesars Forum.

European American Armory will showcase its latest firearms at the Camfour 2026 Dealer Show in Fort Worth, Texas on January 10–11. EAA Corp. will feature new Witness2311 Series products and Balikli Firearms at Booth 18, with Chase Duffey, EAA Director of Sales, available to discuss upcoming initiatives.

Mossy Oak will sponsor the 2026 Archery Trade Association (ATA) Trade Show Industry Celebration on January 7, featuring a live performance by country music star Chase Rice, free food and drinks, and a free event for ATA exhibitors and attendees in Indianapolis.

Shooting USA features the fastest USPSA guns competing in Open and Limited Optics divisions at the newly redesigned Southern Utah Shooting Sports Park. The episode also covers modifications to enhance 10/22 rifle accuracy and family usability.

Pursuit Channel announces the return of Strike Zone Tuesdays, its flagship prime time fishing programming block featuring shows like Jimmy Houston Outdoors, National Walleye Tour, Scott Martin Challenge, and Hank Parker's Outdoor Magazine. The lineup delivers tournament competition and expert angling content every Tuesday night starting at 7:00 p.m. ET.

Sportsman Channel launches "Sunday Sportsman" lineup Sunday nights 8-11 p.m. ET, featuring shows hosted by the Drury's, Steven Rinella, and Brian "Pigman" Quaca. The programming includes Realtree's Monster Bucks, Pigman: The Series, MeatEater, Dropped: Project Origin, The Gamekeepers of Mossy Oak, and Winchester & Drury's Natural Born.

If keeping track of your firearms is a hassle, congratulations—you own enough guns.

OK, whatever the amount, it’s still not enough. But keeping track of your guns—their serial numbers, values, any accessories that have been added—can be a royal pain in the backside.

Traditionally, people have relied on either a written log or a spreadsheet on their computer. They work, but they’re not necessarily ideal.

Recently, Shawn Herrin—of We Like Shooting podcast and Firearms Radio Network fame—launched Pew Locker, a secure, online management system to catalog your firearms. And it’s affordable.

Pew Locker offers secure gun inventory software that keeps your data encrypted, with tools that go well beyond a basic template. For instance, Pew Locker offers specific tools for logging your NFA items, the associated tax stamps, and ballistics data for each firearm.

As someone who now has enough guns to worry about properly managing their information, I was immediately intrigued when I read Shawn’s post on LinkedIn. I reached out to him for some more info and how to get started.

Pricing

Pew Locker offers a free option limited to just three items. This gives you a good look at how it works and I initially signed up at the Basic level. 

To handle more guns, you can sign up at a $7-per-month rate. You can cancel at any time and there are no long-term contracts to worry about. And yes, you get to inventory an unlimited number of items.

The last option, which I think makes the most sense, is the Lifetime level with its one-time payment of $99. If you need to manage the inventory for a short period of time, I’d look at the Monthly option. For anything beyond 14 months, just go ahead with the Lifetime option.

Authenticated Encryption Security

Naturally, the first concern is with security of your information and data. We all know that, and so does Pew Locker. The platform is designed with a “privacy first” architecture, “prioritizing data sovereignty and cryptographic isolation.”

The key to the security is its Authenticated Encryption. Pew Locker does not store your serial numbers, beneficiary information, or firearm values in plain text. Authenticated encryption guarantees two things at once. First, only someone with the key can read the message. Second, the message cannot be altered, forged, or replayed without detection.

Instead of traditional Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) block ciphers, Pew Locker utilizes Sodium Authenticated Encryption, which uses a 256-bit key that cryptographically guarantees data integrity.

Instead of encrypting first and then separately adding a MAC (Message Authentication Code), Sodium’s Authenticated Encryption does both in one safe operation.

I encourage you to review Pew Locker’s entire security statement to address any further concerns you might have.

I get it, though. For some, no amount of encryption will satisfy security concerns. Even writing it down on paper is an issue. Luckily, those people probably already know exactly how many steps, in which direction, from what tree, they buried some gun they don’t recall ever owning, but if they did own said gun it was probably the one lost in that boating accident.

Inventory Features

What interested me the most about Pew Locker was the ability to go deeper than model, caliber and serial number. 

Adding an item to your locker is very simple. When you click on +Add Firearm it asks you for Make, Model, Serial Number, Caliber, Type of Firearm (Pistol, Rifle, Revolver, etc. including SBR, SBS and Suppressor), Color, Year of Manufacture, and Country of Manufacture. 

You can also upload a photo of that specific firearm or NFA item. Something I definitely plan to take advantage of.

From there you can write a description, as detailed as you like. You can then record the Value. If you’ve ever spent time in a gun store and seen someone bring in a gun not knowing its value, you know how important this field is.

Finally, you can enter Widow’s Instructions to either sell, keep for family, or gift to. And there is a Beneficiary field to fill out if you intend to pass it on to a family member or gift it to a friend.

Being able to provide clear, direct instructions on how to dispose of my firearms after my passing is one of the features that interested me the most. It’s a much better system than leaving my sister (the lawyer) a note saying, “Call John Doe. He’ll know what to do with the guns.”

Once you’ve saved the firearm you can add accessories associated with that gun. For instance, I can list a Viridian RFX25 Green Dot and its cost, then click Add to include an Apex Forward Set Trigger Kit and its cost. For AR-style rifles this is a great feature for cataloging all your add-ons.

You can attach the appropriate documents specific to the firearm or NFA item. And you can add entries to the Range Log for the gun, noting date, round count, ammo, and performance. You can even upload your target.

Pew Locker also allows you to load your ammo supply, and through the Range Log feature you can draw from that 2,500 rounds of 9mm 115gr ‘Winchester White Box’ you use for each range day.

The final feature worth noting is called the Burn Notice. It is exactly what you think it is. You hit that button, confirm you want to proceed, and like Hillary Clinton’s server, it gets wiped clean. You go from an entire catalog of guns to “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

This button might also be called ‘Filing for Divorce’…I’m just guessing.

Why You Should Consider Pew Locker

If you own a good number of guns, an inventory catalog and management system makes a world of sense. This could be particularly useful for those in the firearms media and ‘influencer’ sphere.

For us, not every gun goes into our permanent collection, and has to be returned. Noting a firearm as a T&E gun, and it’s associated call-tag, makes managing the return that much easier. Not to mention the ability to keep track of the various ammo options you’ll use for testing guns.

The overall cataloging and ability to note the disposition of each firearm, should the worst happen, is what I like about the platform. It’s intuitive, and easy to use—I like this too.

Knowing a pure gun guy put together what he’d want to use gives me confidence it probably has everything I might want or need. Check out Pew Locker—I think you might like it.

– Paul Erhardt, Managing Editor, the Outdoor Wire Digital Network