XTech Tactical announced the acquisition of Creature Grips, LLC in Q4 2025, rebranding the heat-venting rail cover technology as Thru-Flo™ Rail Covers. The lightweight, tool-free covers are compatible with M-LOK handguards and priced at $14.95 for a 6-pack, expanding XTech Tactical's product portfolio with patented innovation.
MDT Sporting Goods announced the acquisition of Lone Peak Arms and Leading Edge Machine, a Utah-based manufacturer of precision rifle actions. The strategic acquisition combines MDT's chassis systems with Lone Peak's acclaimed Fuzion and Razor action models, creating a more complete precision shooting ecosystem for customers.
Zanders, an all-women-owned distributor based in Sparta, Illinois, received OpticsPlanet's Distributor of the Year award for 2025. The recognition honors Zanders' commitment to outstanding service, reliable fulfillment, and industry-leading product availability across firearms, ammunition, optics, and outdoor gear.
Krieghoff International sponsored the Jack Link's Cup at Quail Creek Sporting Ranch in Okeechobee, Florida, welcoming 1,672 shooters from all 50 states and 15 countries competing for $350,000 in prize money. Team Krieghoff shooters Brandon Powell, Shelby Moon, Mike Wilgus, Kiersten Sales, and Jacob Judson earned podium placements, while Brad Mayberry won a Krieghoff K-80 Parcours-X raffle prize valued at over $22,000.
Firearms Policy Coalition (FPC) filed a motion for summary judgment in FPC v. Platkin, challenging New Jersey's prohibition on short-barreled rifles. FPC is joined by five individual members, High Caliber Ordinance LLC, and Louie G's Outdoors, represented by Chad Flores and Bradley Lehman. A favorable ruling would allow New Jersey residents to lawfully own these constitutionally protected firearms.
The inaugural Grid Iron Defense Symposium will convene March 13 in Ft. Lauderdale as a private forum bringing together NFL athletes, military operators, and defense technology leaders including Darley, Chariot Defense, MVP Robotics, and others. Proceeds benefit the Boulder Crest Foundation, Navy SEAL Foundation, and Green Beret Foundation.
SDS Arms has ended its exclusive agreement with TİSAŞ Trabzon Silah Sanayi and will no longer import, distribute, or service Tisas firearms. Warranty support is now handled by new U.S. importer Tisas Arms Corp. SDS Arms continues offering firearms under brands MAC, Inglis, Tokarev USA, and Spandau Arms.
NSSF praises VA Secretary Doug Collins for eliminating a three-decade-old policy reporting veterans requiring financial fiduciaries to the FBI's NICS system. NSSF Senior Vice President Lawrence G. Keane commended the action, and the organization continues supporting the Veterans 2nd Amendment Protection Act introduced by Representatives Mike Bost and Morgan Luttrell and Senators John Kennedy and Jerry Moran.
Kinetic Development Group announced The Evans Group as its manufacturer representative to accelerate sales and marketing growth in 2026. The Evans Group brings decades of firearms and outdoor industry experience with an established national sales network to strengthen KDG's position with dealers and distributors.
Derya Arms appointed Bill Hicks & Co., Ltd. as a new distributor for its firearms products across the United States. The partnership expands Derya's distribution network and brings its pistols, rifles, and shotguns to independent dealers through Bill Hicks & Co., Ltd.'s established wholesale channels.
Primary Arms Optics announced the promotion of Stephen Morgan to Senior Director of Sales and Marketing. Morgan will oversee global sales strategy, marketing initiatives, and brand development for the company's optics division, building on his contributions since joining in 2021.
Walther Arms, INC. announced David Farrell's appointment as Chief Revenue Officer effective January 12, 2026. Farrell brings extensive sales management experience from Maxim Defense, Christensen Arms, and Sig Sauer, and will oversee sales, marketing, and product strategies to drive growth in commercial and professional markets.
Krieghoff International is seeking an experienced Accessories & Merchandise Manager for its Ottsville, Pennsylvania headquarters. The role oversees branded merchandise and accessory programs, including product development, sourcing, and online store management, supporting the company's competitive shooting and hunting communities.
Federal Ammunition is now shipping its new Federal Fit Pursuit Rifle Case, designed to protect and transport modern rifles with suppressors. The adjustable case features heat-resistant lining, multiple storage pockets, and dual carry options for convenient field transport.
Vortex® introduces the Triumph® HD 10x28 and 12x50 binoculars, expanding its popular binocular line. The new models feature HD optical systems, fully multi-coated lenses, and the Vortex® VIP® Warranty, with pricing from $89.99 to $119.99 MAP.
ZeroTech Optics announced the launch of the Thrive 1-10x24 SFP Illuminated LPVO series, featuring true 1x magnification for rapid target acquisition and 10x magnification for mid-range engagement. Available in three illuminated reticle configurations—RAR, PHR4, and G4—the optic is designed for competition, tactical, and hunting applications.
The Council to Advance Hunting and the Shooting Sports (Council) is offering $5,000 student scholarship sponsorships to support emerging Recruitment, Retention, and Reactivation (R3) research and leadership professionals attending the National R3 Symposium. Sponsors receive logo recognition and direct engagement with scholars while helping build the future workforce for hunting, shooting sports, and conservation.
BANISH Suppressors, founded by Brandon Maddox, introduces the BANISH VRMT 223 Ti, a lightweight titanium suppressor designed for .224-caliber cartridges and smaller. The HUB-compatible suppressor achieves over 35 decibels of sound reduction and weighs 9.7 ounces, making it ideal for varmint hunting, predator control, and target shooting.
Henry Repeating Arms has begun shipping its new Explorer Carbine series, featuring a distinctive Burnt Bronze Cerakote finish inspired by American Southwest landscapes. Available in multiple calibers including .30-30 Winchester, .360 Buckhammer, .45-70 Gov't, .357 Magnum, and .44 Magnum, the carbines offer threaded barrels, adjustable sights, and American walnut furniture at an MSRP of $1,430.
Real Avid launches the Smart-Torq & X3 Driver System, featuring precision torque application tools for firearm installation and maintenance. The company is shipping five purpose-built kits, including adjustable and fixed limiter configurations with MSRPs ranging from $39.99 to $164.99.
The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation opened a new shooting range at Copan Wildlife Management Area, 13 miles north of Bartlesville. The facility features 50-yard pistol and 100-yard rifle ranges, archery facilities, and ADA access. Funding came from the Wildlife Restoration Program, National Rifle Association's Public Range Fund, and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks issued a decision notice to remove and rebuild the firing line shelter at Whittecar Rifle & Pistol Range. The project received 17 public comments in support during the comment period. FWP also approved an updated lease agreement with the Club to improve communication and management efficiency.
Liberty Ammunition will exhibit at Enforce Tac in Nuremberg, Germany on February 23-25, showcasing its Pro Series ammunition and new developments to military and law enforcement allies. CEO Gary Ramey stated the company is excited to review the latest ammunition innovation at the event.
Viridian Weapon Technologies will exhibit at Enforce Tac 2026 in Nuremberg, Germany, February 23–25, showcasing weapon-mounted systems including advanced green dot optics, tactical lights, the 4LUX integrated foregrip, and MDS Series optics at Booth 8-123.
Patriot Ordnance Factory Inc. (POF-USA) will exhibit at IWA OutdoorClassics 2026 in Nuremberg, Germany from February 26-March 1, showcasing its AR-type rifles and accessories. Vice President of Sales and Marketing Corey Soriano highlighted the event as an opportunity to connect with global partners and customers while expanding POF-USA's international presence.
Avian-X and Hunters Specialties drew strong crowds at the National Wild Turkey Federation Convention and Sport Show in Nashville, showcasing new 2026 product lineups including Avian-X Ridge Runner turkey vests and Muddy DV8 hunting apparel. Industry legends Mark Drury, Paul Butski, Fred Zink, and Hannah Barron participated in meet-and-greets at the GSM Outdoors brand family booth.
European American Armory Corp. will exhibit at Kinsey's Dealer Show 2026 (February 19-21, Lancaster, PA) showcasing new 1911 double stack models, long-guns from Balikli Firearms, and California-compliant pistols with exclusive dealer pricing and margins.
Die Free Co. (DFCO), a rifle parts and furniture manufacturer, will debut internationally at IWA OutdoorClassics 2026 in Nuremberg, Germany. The company will showcase its product lineup including the Kung Fu AR-15 grip, Tiger Claw forward control accessory, and Plug device, with products available through Brownells.
Viridian Weapon Technologies will showcase its latest optics and illumination systems at the Sports, Inc. February 2026 Outdoor Show, February 18–20 at the Phoenix Convention Center. The company will highlight advanced green dot optics, laser sights, weapon-mounted lights, and innovative systems like the 4LUX integrated foregrip and FACT DUTY gun camera at Booths 1150 & 1152.
Capstone Precision Group, manufacturer of Berger Bullets and distributor of Lapua, Vihtavuori, and SK, will exhibit at the 2026 Sports Inc Outdoor Show in Phoenix, February 18-20. The company will showcase new products including Berger 22 caliber 69 Grain OTM bullets, 7mm PRC hunting ammunition, and Lapua TRX hunting ammunition at Booth #1125.
Gearfire, a technology solutions provider for shooting sports and outdoor retail, will exhibit at the 2026 Kinsey's Dealer Show in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, February 19-21. The company will showcase its eCommerce software and debut Gearfire POS, a cloud-based point-of-sale platform designed for archery and firearms retailers.
Christensen Arms announces its sponsorship of Man Eats Wild, a global hunting and culinary television series hosted by chef and outdoorsman Mario Kalpou. The series follows Kalpou across remote landscapes as he hunts, harvests, and prepares wild game while emphasizing conservation and ethical hunting practices. Christensen Arms rifles are featured throughout the series airing on the Outdoor Channel.
MyOutdoorTV premieres new episodes of Dropped and Wardens every Friday. Dropped follows brothers Chris and Casey Keefer and cameraman Jason Brown surviving 30 days in remote wilderness locations. Wardens chronicles Conservation Officers protecting wildlife across America's most remote areas.
This February, millions of viewers are tuning into the Winter Olympics. On their screens biathletes glide across snow and into shooting lanes. In seconds, the biathletes still their skis, shoulder their rifles, and aim at the five small steel targets that stand between triumph or a penalty.
For many Americans watching, this biathlon can feel a world away. A snow-packed European venue. Pricey carbon-fiber skis. Precision rifles built for elite competition. Yet the discipline, marksmanship, and participation in shooting sports are anything but foreign. They are deeply rooted here at home, strengthened by a uniquely American commitment to conservation and outdoor pursuits through the Pittman-Robertson Act.
Passed in 1937, the Pittman-Robertson Act directs a federal excise tax on firearms, ammunition, and select archery equipment into conservation and outdoor access. These dollars are invested in wildlife conservation, habitat restoration, hunter and trapper education, and access to safe target shooting opportunities. It is a model built on a successful industry-state-federal partnership.
Across the country, state fish and wildlife agencies use Pittman-Robertson funds to deliver hunter and trapper education courses that reach hundreds of thousands of new participants each year. Through course work students learn hunting ethics, the importance of wildlife management, and the fundamentals of firearm safety. These courses build a lifelong foundation of safe handling, proper firearm storage, and an understanding of the responsibility that comes with participating in hunting, trapping, and shooting sports.
Molly Elmer, Annemarie Roscoe, and Emily Elmer from Richfield pose for a portrait before competing at the annual trap shooting championship. Credit: Sarah Blesener (link to photo Council to Advance Hunting and Shooting Sports Brand Portal)
The same funds support youth shooting sport programs in schools and 4-H shooting sports. In structured, supervised environments, young athletes learn the breathing techniques, focus, trigger control, and mental discipline required for marksmanship. Watch a biathlete settle onto the shooting mat. Years of training compress into a single trigger squeeze. That calm did not appear overnight. It was built through repetition, coaching, and adherence to the same fundamentals taught every day in youth shooting sport programs across America.
Pittman-Robertson dollars also help construct, maintain, and improve target shooting ranges, giving communities safe, well-designed places to target shoot. Proper berms, clear firing lines, and trained personnel create spaces where a beginner can get their first lesson and where experienced shooters can refine their craft. Whether a beginner or pro, practice and access are vital.
When the Olympic biathlon captures the world’s attention, it offers a vivid example of what structured training and access can produce. Biathletes spend years mastering not only cross-country skiing, but also the art of accurately shooting under pressure. Those same principles are echoed in the hunter education classes, youth shooting leagues, and target shooting ranges supported by Pittman-Robertson dollars. The pipeline from a beginner’s safety course to elite marksmanship are built on the foundations of education, access, and practice.
For families inspired by what they see on the Olympic stage, the starting point for shooting sports is probably close to home. State fish and wildlife agencies, local clubs, and community target shooting ranges offer introductory clinics, youth leagues, and hunter education courses tailored for newcomers. The snow-covered stadium may be thousands of miles away, but the path to participation in shooting sports begins just down the road. To find a range supported by Pittman-Robertson funds visit Ranges – Partner with a Payer and learn more about shooting sports from the National Shooting Sports Foundation Shooting • NSSF.
